A Wintry Day

Well blow me down !!!! Or was that just the high winds in the mountains once again. Had to slow down on the road on the way back from a housesit on the Bells Line of Road to visit the in-laws and had to stop behind a long line of cars. What now?? Over the last year we've have many stops on this road, with pot holes being filled, tree trimming by the electricity people, whole sections re-tarred, new line painting, electric people again - replacing poles and then this time, cleaning up the remnants of yet another tree which decided to lay it;s life on the line - LOL - and lie across the road to try and trap the unwary motorist. Alas, poor tree - you were reported by a vigilant local ! No laying down on the road and resting when you could be someones firewood. Never fall down here where it's been freezing cold and the locals trying to keep warm - you gave them what they wanted - your fine bark upon their fireplaces :)

The heaters are cranked up high and by the smell in the air and the pervading mist of smoke, many fireplaces must be burning brightly in the hearths, thus keeping their owners warm. I love the clicking sound of my own oil heater as it hums along keeping my toes toasty and my brow sweating. LOL. Sometimes I think his Lordship likes being hot - never mind warm. I sometimes think that too hot equals getting sicker quicker, because when we venture outside the brisk wind and icy air sucks the breath out of us and chills us to the bone.

At least the wintry weather is kind to my lavender plants. Have four different types in this collection of twelve and they look good for much of the year. The deep hues of purple come out during Winter. Nice to look at and even better to smell. And the decline of bees although noticeable in the mountains seems not to be too effected within this patch.

A little break between 'sits' and work and so we are busy mending and erecting new fences for parentals, visiting friends, parents, children and grandchildren and tending to the needs of some of our relos who are not in the best of health at the moment. News of births encourage - a little girl for Shiri & Lloyd, a little boy for Rebecca and another grandson to come for me before the year is ended.

And of course, I have to write and let you join in :))

Life goes on and so do we. Enjoying the moments.

Miles of Smiles - Lady Di

Another Winter's Day in the Life of Aussie Lord Stephen and Lady Di of Glencoe

Well, its a Monday and you know what they say about Mondays. Tis the day that the working week starts and any people love to take a sicky. Well I have been sick for a while so am sitting on the lounge writing whilst my grandson watches the television and plays with the end of the vacuum cleaner.

Laird Mason on his new transport mode :))

Am in the Blue Mountains of NSW today and its wet, misty and freezing cold. I have his littlest Lairdship sitting on the floor of our cabin watching Zigby - a cartoon on the television. He was standing at the glass doors looking out. I had only just finished wiping the windows down of moisture - its warmer inside so the window is streaming with condensation - that;s how cold it is. As the Laird (who is 20 months old) says - whydo pupdogblahblah grr - I think that means Why can;t I go outside with the dogs? LOL

Just looked up from the keyboard to see him kissing he television characters. LOL. He is a funny little man. I don;t usually like the television being on to keep children amused, but we aren't in a house so there isn't room to run about much but have allowed it to remain on to keep him amused while I do a bit of blogging.

From my doorway. Wet, Cold & Misty

I have some new puzzles that have shapes and automobiles for him to work out - it's working too. We have one of those old fashioned sketchographs - now that has been entertaining! He loves scribbling and using the shapes stamps on that.

Newest Blogger

Had to stop doing my sewing cause little fingers want to help me ll the time, and I have to watch he doesn't pull out my wireless internet connection again. Gosh he keeps me busy. His Lordship is busily making some metalwork flowers and animals for a nursery. They're are looking good and apparently sell well. Its freezing in the workshop, his Lordship has a fire going in there but says his right hand is freezing. Has a heap of left hand gloves - cause they don't wear away as quick as the right handed ones. Happens when you're dealing with hot metals.

How could I not love Laird Mason? Blowing a kiss to Nan.

Still waiting on his Lairdships little brother's arrival. He obviously is waiting his full 'cooking' time in Mummies tummy. His Lordship and I are eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of our newest grandson and can't wait to show him off to you all, and of course get in for a cuddle. Hope his temperament is like his brother's. Have told my son and daughter in law, I am happy to have as many grandkids like this one as they wish to have. LOL

 

Climbed through the bottom rails, I thought he would get stuck (saw ready to cut him out it not), stood up and grabbed the other stool off me as I was putting it near the table, so put it on top and got this cheeky grin :))

Going to http://www.highlandtitles.com/ to purchase two new plots for the newest grandsons :)) Laird Mason and Laird ?? Why don't you do the same for your grandchildren and purchase a tree for it as well. Help reforest Glencoe Highlands. A truly unique and wonderful gift for anyone, even yourself.

Well it's almost sleep time for his Lairdship, he is starting to be a little naughty - something he does when tired - touch stuff he knows he isn't to touch and doing sleepy boy things - so it's bye from me for now.

:))) Lady Di

Another Laird of Glencoe is almost BORN !!!

How lucky am I? Lord Steve and I  have two beautiful grandsons and a third is on his way. No secrets here - my family (brothers included) are destined to be male dominated. My eldest brother and his wife have one son - probably thought that was enough and stopped. My own family consists of two boys and then lucky me, I had me a girl. My youngest brother has six - yes that's right - 6 boys!!! And now my own children look destined to follow suite. My father was one of three boys and Mum one of two girls, so you would think there would be some fairness and sharing of sexes. That is, at least some girls would come about - alas - like myself, there is one female per generation. My youngest son Lord B, has two boys - both pictured, and suprise, suprise, there is another little boy is about to be born - scan pic below.  He is coming to us next month! Hopefully in the future Lady K and her Navy Hubby ( he promises me all Naval men have girls !!!) and Lord N and his partner will also fill our hearts and our homes with children, though I am quite happy to have three gorgeous Granddogs to love :)))

This is Laird Jordan or JB - my eldest grandchild, who at 6 - almost 7 (not till December 10th) Nanna. He loves everything his Daddy likes. That is cars and motorbikes. He also loves hats - again like his Dad, and has amassed an amazing collection of them and little cars. The picture below shows him in his bedroom at Dad's. I started him off with some pirate things, and he seems to have got carried away with those too....or more probably his Dad. LOL.  He loves coming to see his Daddy and I think his favourite food is Mcdonalds and other fastfoods though he does adore chocolate milk and icecream.

This cheeky little chap is MJ, who will be two on November 1st. His smile lights up any room, and his enormous blue eyes which are exactly like Mummies, are gorgeous. Not sure why the car is in his mouth, probably cause his Mum calls him motormouth :)) Always welcomes his Nan and Pa will a cuddle and kiss. Runs to the door and swoops on us - just lovely !! The photo above shows him in his element, he also loves cars and is always mucking around with Daddy while he paints and fixes up mini-trucks. Dad is like his own father - they both love motorcycles - seems to be a thing with all the males in my family! Think little MJ may talk his Dad into getting him a motorbike, quicker rather than later. This little man loves his food - anything at all - and everything is his favourite. The kind of kid everyone loves to have around too. If they can make more like him, I'll take six - LOL. .



This is the latest little man on the right in his latest scan. Due in August and we can't wait to meet him! We may not be able to wait, but mother nature says we have to, so we will wait till Mummy obliges. In this image he is waving to his Daddy LOL. Now I will have to get busy and design another quilt for this little fellow. Have pretty well decided on wild animals - what no tartan!!! I will have to get some Glencoe Tartan for my boyz, so if anyone knows where I can get some in Australia - can you let me know please?

I will have to purchase a little more land and makes these youngest two little Lairds of Glencoe too :) Must get onto one of my favourite websites below, again soon as this latest little fellow gets here - need his full name - I know part of it - but the middle name is a secret !!!

http://lairdoflocaber.com

http://lochaberhighlandestates.com

http://highlandtitles.com

Chat again soon - Smiles - Lady Di :))

Another Milestone - Around my Neck -- Happy Birthday Lady Di

Who said birthdays are fun? Some certain hubby rubbing extra year in face at every occasion - wait buddy cause you've only got a few more years till your next large milestone birthday - OKAY !!! Hear me buddy!! And I WILL write about it on my blog in October - hear me? Anyway at least he remembered and left my birthday presie I selected and laybyed for him to go get so he could say he bought it, only to have to go and pay and collect - then he leaves it in a drawer at my Mum;s home !!! So I did a little retail therapy of my own, some nice new sheets - in a lovely purple shade of course, chocys, oil burner, neck pillow and a yummy mega chocolate birthday cake later - I came home :))

Had just spent a couple of nights with my daughter as her navy hubby was away and had a little girl time with her and hubby just had to go to his sports club on Saturday - my birthday - so I said, go - stuff around and I will go visit my nephew and nieces (adopted by me by choice) and have a cuppa with their Dad as well, Mum was at work :(( shame that - we always have a great chinwag. Then the shopping where I bought an enormous amount of fruit and veg :)) Except when I got home and opened the apples - there was mega soft bits on them - shame veggie shop - shame !!

I had a presie from my bro and sisinlaw - gorgeous stuff she made me - decorated a bag, a triangular doorstop and a hand made wood and glass display for my wall :)) Thanks Nique & Baz. Funniest thing is - we are decorating the same bags :))) So much of our craft at the moment is exactly the same and we live hundreds of kilometres away from each other - amazing again that soe of the items are so close in making its scary lol

This pic is sooooo true LOL

My kids rememberd me this year too - thanx for the sms's - I am soooo worthy of them. Hubby came home and rushed off to have a shower - let's go out and have dinner and go to the movies - so I checked the movies - went through them and stated them out loud - nup not that one - his Lordship says - nope that;s a kids prgram - funny that since it's school holidays again - nup, nup, nope, oh yeah that one - Snow White and the Huntsman. Soooo grown up. So dinner we had - lovely steak and a beer at the pub - yep - the pub and then went to check in at the cinema - WT????? A two hour wait, so we headed back to the pub, which is closest to the cinema and waited for a bit before deciding that 9.25pm was another 1..25 hours away and journeyed home. Have tried again to see it - another two hour wait - must be my old bones - can't walk quick enough to get there so miss out LOL



I particularly like this one - thanx a lot!!

A great quote I like is - The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to remember it once !!

One I made up is - Your birthday lasts 366 days a year - as you never age a day till the next birthday !! Who goes around saying I am 50 years, 8 months, and three weeks and 4 days ???? So 50 for all that time is very good huh? And once you reacdh 50 you are legally allowed to go backwards My choice and I am sticking to it !!!



Am so lucky to have friends, personally, on Facebook and via my Blog. have have heaps of well wishes - it's been awesome - so thank you all very very much -  mwah !!!! Life isn;t so serious when you can chat to a friend. I wrote to a lady only a month or so ago - and feel we have a lot in common already. I know when I am writing I can share funny anedotes, stories and read what you say and hope I respond with care, lightheartedness, fun, concern and all the emotions I feel from your notes.





Well it's time to be off and enjoy another round of cr** on the television and then off to bed.. Am doing some craft whilst I 'watch; - can cope well that way. That's a noisy square shape with pictures flashing on and off in it - at the moment there is a cougar that just caught a large bird and is crunching on it - lovely - :( glad I have already eaten my dinner.......



Dee

Blue Mountains of NSW - The Land of the Mist and Rain.

ooooops. Had a bit of a migraine yesterday - waiting for the rain to come - and today it did. Very sorry for no news about the Lord & Lady of Glencoe here in the Blue Mountains of NSW.

This is the view from Kurrajong Heights towards Sydney

Today we are awaiting the arrival of the dinosaurs. The weather is mainly thick with mist and its drizzling all the time. Birds are in and about the trees taking in their good fortune as when it rains the worms are easier to snatch from the ground where they come up when the ground is sodden. 

My hens however, are very naughty today as I only managed to find one very soft shelled egg!! Thats it said Lord Steve, they'll stay in tomorrow - too busy gadding about to be concentrating on the job at hand!!

SO - it was off the mountain today for my Lord Stephen and I to go looking - at houses land and the like.

Lord Steve and Lady Di are up and moving in a month or so - well hopefully just the month and are moving up to the North Coast of Australia. So there will be more to share about what we are up to and what we will be seeing.

We quite like the look of this land

But today I have also been sorting out all the paperwork we get in the mail and made some interesting discoveries. In Australia we pay into our Superannuation funds usually with the employers we work for. Sometimes we can remember or are allowed to use the same Super people and sometimes not. So WOW - Lord Steve has 6 and I have five !! Now just to get them altogether for when we get old. LOL. Think we are almost there now :))))

Am happy to be writing bits and bobs tp share with my Glencoeans and those looking to join us, by buying a little piece of land to help save the heritage of it. Just take a peek for more information on the following link :-

http://www.highlandtitles.com/

Here Be Dragons...... Lords, Lairds and Ladies

The Three Sisters

Here in the Colonies of New South Wales we have the faith of the Scots, in knowing that there be dragons all over the world. For the believer that is. In the Blue Mountains of NSW and almost at my doorstop lies some of Australia's finest National Parks and dragons lie therein.

Maybe I should re-name the National Park behind our property - to Australias Glencoe Woodlands heehee - but I reckon I would get myself into so much strife, so I'll leave it alone. I don't have that power anyway. Luckily most of the land in our National Parks haven't been violated by man's destruction. As these photos show, its a beautiful vista of how Mother Nature intended for all of us to see her in her glory.

Mountain Ash

A Few pics of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains for you to drool over :)))

Now, here is a little info about three such 'Dragons' -  these 'beasts' that 'scour' our native parklands.

 Eastern Water Dragon
(Physignathus lesueurii )  This is the Eastern Water Dragon who lives on the Eastern Coast of Australia and its hinterland - From the top of Australia at Cape York Queensland, NSW and Victoria.  

This picture shows the dragon approximately 20" long (50cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Mature Water Dragons can grow up to 3 foot long (90cm). The picture is of a male - shown by his red neck which will get a little darker as he ages.


Water Dragons hibernate from late Autumn to early Spring which is now in Australia. Mostly these animals lie in wait for an insect to land nearby. Then they'll jump on their victim and grab it on their tongue...


               Mountain Dragon (Rankinia diemensis)

Then we have the Mountain Dragon which is probably the smallest of lizards that bears the name dragon. LOL. They grow to around 20cm in length.You would have to imagine a massively big lizard but alas it is but a wee one. They can be found in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Victoria as well as in Tasmania where it is the only native agamid. Mountain dragons are found in dry woodlands and heaths with access to open areas for sunning themselves giving them energy. They are oviparous and feed on ants and other small invertebrates.They are not quick footed relying instead on camouflage to evade predators.

Overall colour is grey to reddish brown, with two rows of lighter coloured paravertebral stripes or blotches running down their back. These stripes are deeply scalloped, so that they appear like two series of blotches. They have a cream coloured belly. Individuals can grow up to 20 cm in length, although the average length is somewhat smaller, with females typically growing larger than males. They have a row of enlarged spinose (spikey) scales on each side of the tail-base.  (Thanks Wikipedia for the info!)

Lying in wait in the leaf litter for tasty ants

      



Sitting on the leaves of the Isopogon
commonly known as Little Drumsticks




Isopogon anemonifolius



                         Southern Leaf Tailed Gecko

                                 (Saltaurius wyberba)

The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko is a master of camouflage. Instead of scurrying away, it will lie perfectly still to either catch its prey or prevent it from become something else's. This Gecko grows to approximately 15cm in length. Kinda ugly little fellow but we love all our Native Fauna. There is a second Southern Leaf Tail - Saltaurius swaini - known to live in rainforests

They are found in the Greater Sydney area up to wher I live in the North side of the Blue Mountains., and live in dark sandstone crevices and even our shed and garages, They have three defence mechanisms too - their colouring, a noise like a squeal or bark and the dropping off of their tail which is a last resort. The squeal is amazing when you first hear it - such a loud sound from such a little creature.








The tail keeps wriggling letting the Gecko get away though the regowing tail is somewhat smoother for a while. I found these two photos on the internet to show    what the tails look like.
There are many more species of Lizards with a few more being called Dragons, but these are the ones more likely to be seen here in the Blue Mountains. I must check the woodlands on http://www.lochaberhighlandestates.com/ and see what sort of 'Dragons' still remain in Laird's Wood. Only 1% of the forest remains, but, regeneration may entice back some of the wild and native fauna of the Scottish Highlands :)) One tree has been planted in our name to assist though I think quite a few more will be needed to help along the way.