The Australian poet CJ Dennis said… ” spring is near, then suddenly it seems, one golden morn..
the bush awakes, a living thing
Flowers bloom…
birds sing..
and the entire world puts on its brightest dress to greet the laughing spring”
Canberra, unlike many parts of Australia, has four distinct seasons, and spring is welcomed here the way it would be in the Northern Hemisphere.
Canberrans hear many different bird calls in spring, but none so earth shattering at 5.30 in the morning as the Kookaburra’s cackle….
However, who can blame them for waking us up early? No one should miss a minute of a spring morning…
Every spring one or two young Kookaburras arrive in our garden.
I like to think they come because we have plenty of water, and they are relatively safe for flying lessons between the garden arches and the overhead electrical wires.
We call this young Kookaburra the Minister for Transport… he looks so important doesn’t he?
…..and he’s in the right city!
Meanwhile… the ”Town Crier”‘ is marching up to the top of the neighbour’s roof..
So………
Where is this Grandbaby anyway? …
….and does she know about me yet?
Our first grandchild has arrived safe and sound, and….. she is absolutely lovely in every way..
The very best description of being a grandparent is surely the words written by Australian writer, Thomas Keneally
“‘Being a parent is like being a slightly bewildered NGO in the trenches, with fear of consequences all around..
…..to be a grandparent is a little like being a General back in the chateau, writing dispatches on the bravery of the troops, besotted with admiration for them, but with the warm knowledge there’ll be time for wine with dinner.”
I hope that you are enjoying your garden and green spaces, where ever you are in the world…
Copyright: Geraldine Mackey: All Rights Reserved.
I love the description of being a grandparent, it made me laugh. So glad Spring has come despite the 5:30 wake up call. the tree in blossom looked fantastic.
I’m glad you like the grandparent description .. It really says it all! The Machurian pear trees look lovely in Spring & Paul took that photo with his phone.
Congratulations on birth of your granddaughter, Gerrie. Hope new parents are ok. Our grandson is now one month old and our daughter is just getting the hang of it all, breastfeeding, reduced sleep. He is such a joy though. We’ve been lucky to have 2 visits so far but FaceTime is excellent substitute. The quote really does sum it up, I may share that on my blog. Best wishes to you all on this wonderful journey.
Thanks Ruth … Yes grandparenting is a wonderful journey that is for sure!
Just saying the word, grandparent, makes one smile. Congrats and may you have a wonderful journey in your new role. 🙂 You have just beautiful countryside and such amazing birds that I always read with a smile as I go through your post. Beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Judy … Yes it is lovely to have a baby in the family again. The birds seem to take over most of my posts!
Oh, congratulations, what lovely news! I will look forward to the first pictures. A lovely, mellow, poetical post. I am melting at the sight of the young Kookaburra.xxx
Thanks Dina… Yes the baby and the kookaburra are equally cute! Hope your hip op. is all over.
I love seeing your glorious spring photos of blossoms and singing birds as our summer flowers fade and the birds are gathering for migration. It’s a little disorienting, but a nice reminder that as our summer wanes, yours hasn’t even gotten underway.
I’ve never heard that Keneally quote before. Hilarious and spot on. Enjoy your general-hood! And savor holding that baby for me. There’s nothing like the sweet heft of newborn snuggled in your arms.
Yes, that is a lovely way to express how it feels to hold a newborn baby. I’m glad you liked the spring photos, and I agree, it is strange thinking that you are embarking on autumn….I often envy your spring time as we do the reverse!
Congratulations on your first grandchild, Gerrie. Such a happy event. Loved looking at your beautiful birds and spring flowers. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia, nice to have spring at last, it has been a long winter (by our standards) Hope all your resident birds and lizards are settling down after the Hurricane.
Looks like you are having a glorious spring! Love the birds and the blossoms on the fruit trees!
The blossoms of our fruit trees really attract the birds, which is lovely..
Congratulations to you all on the birth of your grand daughter. I hope Mother and baby are doing well. It’s lovely to have a baby in Spring too. Those trees full of blossom look amazing. Sarah x
Thanks Sarah, spring is a wonderful time to have a baby, and she is thriving, and a delight.
As we do not get the 4 distinct seasons here in Queensland it was one of the things I loved about Canberra. Oh the joy of seeing the beautiful spring blossom around Lake Burley Griffin. I took so many photos. Congrats on the new grandchild and what appropriate quotes you have found.
Thank you .. Yes Canberra’s Spring blossoms are always welcome.