Spring splendour

Posted on November 4, 2015 by kathy

Spring is marching on and the bulbs are just a memory. Despite the driest and warmest October on record, there are many new faces in the garden. The crocuses (or croci) pop up in surprising places

The California poppies and Oriental poppies feel free to wander

The fairy irises are scattered around the garden and flower though spring and summer

The rhododendron orbs add splashes of colour

The Geraldton Wax and Banksia do a great job of disguising the rainwater tank

I’m pleased to say the snowball tree has survived a severe pruning

After much searching, I managed to identify the Pieris (lily of the valley shrub)

The yellow Waratah is a late bloomer

as is the port wine Magnolia

A cosy nest has served it’s purpose

There are a few annuals I haven’t been able to identify

We are hoping for a fine crop of berries this year – the Sylvanberry blossoms are promising

Our very handsome North Wind Man keeps a protective eye on his domain

stunning Stanley

Posted on November 2, 2015 by kathy

One of our favourite places in Tasmania is the small fishing village of Stanley on the northwest coast. Only an hours drive away, it is a must to show off to visitors. The iconic landmark, The Nut, becomes visible from the highway

and as you get nearer, you can see the township snuggled in at the base. The Nut is an old volcanic plug, first named Circular Head when discovered in 1826.

Highfield House is a fine example of a home from the Regency period. Built over three years from 1832 to 1835 it is set on a hillside with magnificent views across Stanley and Bass Strait. Visit historic-highfield.com.au

The house has been beautifully restored and maintained.

A wander through the house and grounds connects you with the fascinating history of the area.

Convict labour was used at the estate and the remnants of the convict barracks can be found close by.

The old post and rail fencing has so much character.

A stroll along Godfrey’s Beach rewards with impressive scenery and a different perspective of The Nut.

A walk around the flat top of The Nut is the best way to view Stanley and surrounds.

There is a zig-zag walking path to the top but with a 143 metre climb, the chairlift ride up and walk down is an appealing option.

The town is very quaint, the terraced streets and heritage buildings have changed little since the first Europeans arrived in 1826.

Most of the buildings are now home to interesting shops, accommodation and cafés.

Spoilt for choice when it comes to meals, I don’t think you can do better than the Stanley Hotel.

If you are lucky, you will catch a rainbow at East Inlet on the way home.

Last year, Hollywood came to Stanley for the filming of “The Light Between the Oceans”. The streets were filled with gravel and the town was transformed to 1926. The movie will be released next year…..and maybe Stanley will become famous.

spectacular skies

Posted on October 30, 2015 by kathy

Our diverse weather patterns here in northwest Tassie bring some amazing cloud formations. Storm clouds on the horizon hold the promise of rain (much needed at the moment).

Early sunset still reflects the blue of the day.

Other sunsets are more dramatic

and a striking sunrise heralds a new day.

renovation ruminations: part 1

Posted on October 29, 2015 by kathy

The house we have now is quite different from the one we bought six and a half years ago. The transformation has been gradual and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. The first thing to go was the lino (why cover polished Tasmanian Oak flooring with lino?) and the pink walls

followed closely by light fittings, curtains and pelmets.

The eastern end of the house had a large decked area that we would never use as we had plenty of other outdoor areas.

We thought an office and second bathroom would be a much better option. The framework soon went up

and it wasn’t long before the plumbing was in.

Next came the sisalation

and the sliding door was relocated to the front of the house.

Everyday was a surprise as the inside began to take shape.

The decking had to be cunningly re-laid.

While the cedar cladding was fixed to the outside

the tiling was underway in the bathroom

followed closely by the shower installation.

Once the builders had finished, the painters added the finishing touches.

The end result was exactly as we had envisaged.

grapes, gourmet & guitar

Posted on October 23, 2015 by kathy

Ghost Rock is an award winning vineyard on the central north coast of Tasmania. Established in 1989, the vineyard was one of the first to be planted in this region and in 2001, the Ghost Rock label was launched. Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, they promote live music. The star attraction in July was my husband, Michael, a very talented singer, songwriter and musician. We arrived early before the lunch crowd