Pteropus poliocephalus

The fruit bat, or Grey Headed Flying Fox, is a marvelous Australian. They have a wingspan of one metre and weigh about a kilogram. One of my favourite things about living where I do is being under the flight-path of the colony that lives in the Botanic Gardens. At dusk, huge flocks of them set out for their feeding place in Rushcutters Bay. They pass overhead in wave after wave.


As Anaglyph will tell you, if you or your car are under a Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) while the bats are feeding, beware the luminescent violet shit.

Another way we interact with the bats is to string the city with power lines. The bats grasp a line in each claw and zappo. These two have done just that.



I'm an urban girl. I'm glad we have power lines because I want electricity when I flick a switch. And I like fauna in the city. I marvel at the parallel lives wild animals & birds lead and how they adapt to the man-made environment. But it does make me sad to see these unfortunate creatures, and I look up and say sorry as I pass them each day.

Passiflora caerulea

I have been languishing in the Land of Dial-Up (and will continue that sojourn until Monday). In the meantime, let me post this passionflower to celebrate all the May birthday buddies, including me. (I had a very nice time, thanks so much for asking). Happy Birthday also to - Nickemu, Big K, the Gucci Mama, Fynn7, Barbie, Rug Cuz, Tintarella, Schatzi, Nuala Fury, Linz, Kat & Feef-so-far-away.

under current

Look before you Leap. However, He who hesitates is Lost.

Solanum lycopersicum

This is a member of the nightshade family. Members of my found family gathered last night at my party and we proceeded to have fun. Oh, all the stars were there - Anaglyph, Violet Towne, Pil & Her Fella (who gave me the Keating! cd), A-Cup, Doris, Mary of Springfield, Tintarella, Stan Orbit, the Carbyrator, Big K & the Gucci Mama. I could go on. I won't cause making up names is making me tired. It was my first party in seven years, and, kids, it went off.

Altea lighthouse

Shatzi is on his way to Altea La Vella today. So we say "Bon Voyage". I am staying in Sydney. I'm having a big party on Saturday night. Then I'm going to Adelaide. Okay, it's not the Costa Blanca, but it's close.

Helianthus annuus

It continues to be a blazing hot Summer here in Autumn-deficient Sydney. Our Prime Minister, the desiccated coconut, thinks the economy is the most pressing issue of our time. His concession to alternate power producing is to build nuclear reactors. I guess I might still get my Winter, after all. Pookie & I bought these flowers at a market in Nurnberg last year.

Leucanthemum vulgare

I'm back in Sydney today & it is hot summer weather here. Where are my beloved grey Melbourne skies? (Not so beloved is the fact that Marlowe only has dial-up). These are oxeye daisies in Shatzi's mother's garden in Bubenreuth, taken in July last year.

coloured building

Try this Top Tip: If you live in a concrete building, brighten it up with some funky painted shapes. Superb.