Mountains

Whilst staying at The Cousin's house I am appreciating waking up each morning to a view of the Dandenong Mountains.  Even though it is suburbia out here, it is still a beautiful country setting, and I am woken by the sounds of sqauwking birds and sun filtering through the gum trees.

Out of the city I feel I am really in Australia as I remember it. Lots of trees and bush and views of mountains.

The difference between England and Australia can be explained by the wildlife.  Whilst the birds in the mother country twitter, Australian birds squawk loudly. They are also very brightly coloured. And occasionally dangerous. As Spring approaches I am remembering that it will soon be Magpie Season, which means that unsuspecting walkers will be swooped and possibly pecked by angry males (birds that is, not your man on the street) and will be screaming and running for cover.

The children do not know about this yet, but next week I will have to prepare them as we head up to Canberra to visit The Grandparents.  Canberra is the King of Magpie Season.  People can be seen on the streets of Canberra going for innocent walks equipped with tennis rackets, ice cream containers for hats, bicycle helmets and big sticks.  An afternoon jaunt will never be the same.