random rambling

There are times when I feel compelled to take a photograph, whether it is something particularly beautiful or unusual, or both. I then wonder what I am going to do with that photo, so here are some of my random snaps to share with you. In spring, we had a pair of welcome swallows determined to nest close to our front door. Each time they started a nest, we devised cunning ways to deter their efforts. We eventually ended up with a 30cm strip of black plastic stapled to the top of our walls to prevent them attaching their mud to the cedar cladding. They finally got the message they weren’t welcome.

1.angry swallow

Michael came across this gorgeous mum keeping her eggs warm, while walking with Poppy in the forest.

2.forest bird

I love kookaburras, I spied this handsome fella in the garden before leaving for work one morning, keeping an eye out for a tasty breakfast morsel.

After a brief rain shower one summer morning, behind the stream of sunlight, the plants were letting off steam.

10.morning sunlight11.morning steam

The strelitzia looked magnificent after the rain.

12.strelitzia

When we first moved to our house, there was an impressive stand of oriental poppies outside the lounge window, the same ones you can see on the header image of this blog. They then disappeared, my husband suspects I inadvertently poisoned them along with the weeds (he could be right). This year, just one bloomed and hopefully there will be more in the future.

The Japanese black pine seemed to be at impossible angles, reflected against the clear sky in the waters of our pond.

17.reflections18.reflections

I don’t know what these enormous moths had been up to but it looked like they were enjoying a well deserved rest.

The Tiger Lilies fell victim to our nocturnal furry critters last year and we had no blooms. For some reason, they left them alone this time around and they were stunning. Apparently, they are named because of their spots. Shouldn’t they be called Leopard Lilies?

Walking in the forest, I saw these cute fungi emerging from the damp humus.

26.fungi

On my way to bed one night, I sensed I wasn’t alone. It’s nice to get a friendly wave, just not from five hands at the same time!

28.spider

No spiders were harmed, he was gently relocated out of doors. Finally, after a hard day working in the garden, there is nothing better than a draught of home brewed stout.

29.stout

Cheers!

30.stout

kaleidoscope skies

We have experienced some spectacular sunsets from out hilltop home and this one recently was a doozy. I noticed a red glow outside and, glancing out of the lounge window, this is what I saw.

1.sunset

I grabbed my camera and raced outside to watch as nature set fire to the western sky.

2.sunset3.sunset

Whichever direction I looked, different patterns and colours were emerging,

4.sunset5.sunset

as though looking through a huge kaleidoscope.

6.sunset

The sun sank below the horizon,

7.sunset8.sunset9.sunset

the show over for another day.

Tiger Dreaming

The Tramp Wayfarer Header Image2

After many hours of blood, sweat and, yes, tears, I am able to announce Tiger Dreaming, the website has been born. Not only will you find everything you need to know about The Tramp, there is a whole world of music, art and words to explore.

I hope you’ll visit, leave a comment or ‘like’ and maybe even get in touch.

https://tigerdreaming.com.au

The Tramp launch

The long awaited launch of ‘The Tramp’ took place on Sunday, 12th February at Burnie Regional Art Gallery. An enthusiastic crowd gathered to enjoy an afternoon of music and literary delights. The band assembled

1.tuning up

as Roger Jaensch, MP, became MC

2.Roger Jaensch

and, reading an excerpt from the novel, introduced the song, ‘Cottage By The Sea’.

3.Cottage By The Sea

Three more tracks from the CD were preceded with a reading by guests, each shared passage and song a tantalising tidbit of what lay within the pages of the novel.

4.Kathy reading

Michael related the story of how ‘The Tramp’ evolved from a dream he had and the journey of the last two years to the culmination on this afternoon.

Michael was supported by some amazing musicians who also appear on the CD. Julie Swain played the baby grand piano;

Neil Gray, lead guitar;

18.Neil Gray

Phil Tibbits, bass guitar; Nick Turner, lead guitar;

19.Phil, Gary, Nick

Gary Pine, harmonica

and Kane Wylie, drums.

22.Kane Wylie

Husband and wife team, Tony & Judi Swain, expertly synchronised backing vocals and harmonies.

23.Tony & Judi Swain

I nearly forgot to mention, Michael Cannon, acoustic guitar.

The final number, featuring the fabulous voice of Natasha Bakker, had the audience clapping, singing and dancing.

29.Natasha Bakker

The excited crowd called for encore and Michael obliged with a thought provoking ballad. The entertainment was over, the bar was still open and many were compelled to take home a copy of the book and CD. Our friend, Jude, came all the way from W.A., her help was invaluable.

30.merchandise

A big ‘Thank You’ to all who have believed in Michael, we really appreciate your support. Looking forward to the next project……

31.the end

Photography courtesy of Chris Swain and David Harvey. Thanks guys.

32.CD & novel

The paperback and Kindle are available online at Amazon.com, Kindle at Amazon.com.au and the CD at Bandcamp.com

https://michaelcannon.bandcamp.com

Both CD and paperback are in stock at Burnie Regional Art Gallery and ‘Not Just Books’, Burnie, Soon to be on shelves of bookshops around Tasmania and at tigerdreaming.com.au. Alternatively, you can use the contact form on this site for more information or to purchase a copy.

Prickly Mo

Last Sunday, we took Cooper for a drive off the beaten track to while away the afternoon at Prickly Mo.

1-prickly-mo

The vineyard was established twenty two years ago at Eugenana but the cellar door is a more recent evolution.

2-vineyard

The old shearing shed offers a unique tasting room experience and the comfy seating arrangements are irresistible.

5-deck

Wet weather and storms had been forecast so the main deck was enclosed, gas heaters poised for Tasmania’s unpredictable elements (no, I don’t mean the customers).

7-deck

We felt at home straight away, our philosophy obviously in tune with that of the establishment.

I’m sure there are a few stories to be told about this rustic ornament.

10-bike

The highlight of the afternoon was the live music Sunday Session, on this occasion starring the very talented Neil Gray.

11-neil-gray

We savoured a lavish platter

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and a bottle of rosé

13-rose

while Neil entertained with masterful guitar work and smooth vocals, not to mention some nifty pedal shifting.

14-neil-gray

The microphone stand accessory is now on Michael’s wish list.

15-wine-holder

The storm clouds moved on, leaving nothing more than a few showers

16-view

and by the time we departed

17-prickly-mo

the blue sky had broken through.

18-vines19-view

We enjoyed a leisurely drive home with the top down, reflecting on our wonderful day, four bottles of Prickly Mo in the back seat.

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