We are extremely lucky where we are. We get great pleasure out of living here.

Know what you mean about Jervis Bay. We went camping there a few years back and a little wallaby climbed into our tent and snuggled up with us. I couldn’t believe how tame he was. I was too afraid to move in case I disturbed him.

Oh, the dear little tawny frogmouth. They are so hard to catch sight of. You are surrounded by birdly beauty. Fantastic!

We do have a kookaburra who visits us and takes a piece of bacon from our hands, but he doesn’t stay long enough to coax him onto a hand. Those pictures were all taken on holiday – the kookaburra and King Parrot and the roos were at Jervis Bay (closer to your corner of the world).

Oh, and now I have to tell you this – we spotted a tawny frogmouth between our garden and our neighbours last night! I bought Peter a high-powered torch for his birthday just for such occasions. And our littlest visitors are back for the winter: a gorgeous rose robin and his “harem” and a pair of Eastern Spinebills.

When I first started work I used to catch the train into the city every morning with a group of girls I socialised with. Monday morning would come and we’d all converge on our usual carriage. It was hilarious because we would start seeing people put their newspapers down ready for our Monday morning gossip session. They knew we knew they were listening but hey, if it brightened up their world what’s the harm. Good thing there weren’t blogs around then or I’m quite sure we would have featured in a few posts

DAVID – I would like to join you but will probably be stuck at work. The next few months involve lots of deadlines. Keep me posted.

DAOINE – that parrot is adorable. Don’t tell me you can paint as well? You are so talented. I cannot believe how tame that kookaburra is that Peter had sitting on his hand. Is he a regular visitor to your place?

All those cockatoos must have been a magical sight indeed. They are true characters, aren’t they? How fortunate you are to be surrounded by all that wildlife. Thanks so much for letting me see the photos.

Speaking of sociable birds, we had about fifty sulphur-crested cockatoos patiently watching us putting our new plants in the garden yesterday. They were fascinated by our hard work. Every time I glanced up at them, I could just imagine that the little chatters and squawks meant a friendly little: “Whatcha doin’?”

So now, I’m green all the way. And my new bathroom rug proves it!