Some pics from the garden ...

... So first, look at yesterday's tomato haul - we've entered the glut season and I'm bringing in loads every other day. Not that I'm complaining. We're eating a lot of eggplants at the moment too. Next year I think we'll try the big ones. And lookie at the dragonflies, 2 of them resting on the washing line, a red and a gold. We're getting quite a few this year and I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the fact we have a permanent water source in the garden now. The red of this fellow is so rich and almost velvety.There's a wonderful crop of St Andrew's Cross spiders this year too. I love their round stripey bellies, and that yellow is gorgeous.And, finally, some Blue Banded Bee pics, in flight and buzz pollinating the tomato flowers.I've not found the stalk they sleep on this year, but I will.
Not being able to take proper close-ups is making me grumpy, and since my old camera is not Vista compatible, Mr Brown (unprompted) suggested getting a new one! He's no idea what he's let himself in for.

A serious question ...

... does anyone out there, in the Sydney region, know of a really good plant nursery. I'm looking for something like all the lovely ones in Pialligo , Canberra. Large ones you can wander through, chock full of interesting plants and plant-related things NOT just your generic pansies in a pot. This one is an example of what Pialligo has about 10 of, I exaggerate NOT.
I've yet to find anything even halfway as good. The ones attached to hardware shops are tatty, badly looked after and frankly, full of wilted, damaged, browning plants. All the wee suburban ones are too small to allow a good wander or to have a big or a really interesting selection. You know, where you spot something you've never seen before and are overcome with plant desire.
This lack of satisfactory nurseries means we do a good deal of our plant shopping in Canberra, not ideal as the climate is very different, but what else is a girl to do? During the xmas-time visit we stopped in at the Heritage Nursery at Yarralumla about brought home a bebe Red Centre Lime. I'd been craving a cumquat but was seduced by this spiky little bugger. A few holes in the hands in the planting but I'm sure the pretty red fruit will be worth it.
And now for a sample of photos - because Mr Brown finally downloaded them for me.Persephone in her new pot.The first dragonfly of the season, I've spotted a few blue-banded bees too but not sitting still.The obscenely huge bath in the marble bathroom at the Hyatt.Bones having been melted by the heat, Ping slowly oozes out of her sleepy spot.

Spotted ...

... the first dragonfly of the season this afternoon, no camera though.

Does this cancel out any atrocious deeds on my part?

rescued dragonfly
Originally uploaded by dancingmorganmouse.

Karma-wise.
I hope so ... in my favour I am kind to small animals (except those tiny dogs - but I'm not actually actively cruel to them) and even the odd person. I do, however, think the most dreadful uncharitable thoughts and sometimes speak them out loud!
It’s a good thing there’s no hell (or heaven for that matter) because if there was I’d be burning in the fiery pits of it for all eternity.

Summer brings ...

Red dragonfly
Originally uploaded by dancingmorganmouse.

Sunburned plants, panting cats and dragonflies.