A Regular Garden Visitor ... The Year In Photographs ... January 11, 2013

One of our regular garden visitors.  It's one of the flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos that inhabit the foothills here.

Mosaic Monday ... Bummed Out!

In reference to today's post title, I have to say I was a little 'bummed out' not to get a better shot of this marvellous creature that came visiting last night. 

Our lovely dog, Albert, alerted us to the fact that there was a very interesting visitor trying to get into the shadehouse, but unfortunately all I managed to get were a few rear end shots of this very special mammal called an Echidna.  We haven't seen one of these on our property since we moved in over ten years ago now, so it was a real treat even if we didn't get to see the whole creature.

Yes, I know it looks like a Hedgehog, but we don't have those here in Australia.  We do have the Short-beaked Echidna though, and it's not related to the Hedgehog at all. 

Echidnas are a very special animal.  Both the Echidna and the Platypus share the distinction of being the only remaining surviving 'monotremes' in the world.  What's a 'monotreme', I hear you ask?  Well, monotremes are a primitive link between the reptiles and the more advanced mammals.  Montremes are mammals that lay eggs, instead of giving birth to live young.

Now getting back to the post title ... If the real definition of 'bummed out' is "feeling depressed and sad about an issue", then this little creature fits the bill.

Our dog had a busy day yesterday.  Albert had this lovely little Ring-tailed possum cornered under the end of the verandah roof.  The poor possum was sitting there, looking very morose, for half the day yesterday.  

We tied up the dog, but he kept on barking every now and then, and the possum would be startled into inactivity every time.  It took hours and hours before the little poss eventually risked escape.  It managed to crawl along a stick I had jammed into the corner, and up onto the roof ... I'm sure I heard a little high-pitched scream of "Freedom" as the sun set in the west.

I'm joining Mary for her Mosaic Monday meme.

It's Time For The Dancing Ladies.

Hello, I'm back ... finally!  I was away longer than expected, and it's so terrific to back at home, with my computer and my garden blogging friends.

When I arrived home just the other day, I was greeted by the sight of my Mauve Dancing Ladies ... well that's the common name for these fabulous plants anyway.

Globba winitti is a member of the Ginger or Zingiberaceae family, and my one and only plant is blooming.  I just adore these stunning inflourescences with their mauve bracts and yellow flowers.


I'm joining Today's Flowers

and Weekend Flowers

Christmas Wishes from Downunder

I'm still away from my home and my garden, and apparently my poor garden is suffering without me!  It's been hot, humid and horrible in the north-east corner where my garden is located and the place is dry and parched.  The rains should arrive soon ... fingers crossed!  I'm afraid my darling other half doesn't have green fingers and is finding it difficult keeping the potted plants going. 

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  I hope you have a lovely festive season wherever you may be in the world.