Brennan Park across from my house

How lucky am I to live across from a park like this!  These photos were taken early in the morning.

 

Sitting and Being at the park with Mackie

 

Glass panel

 Thanks for the idea, Jo!!

 

 

Mackie

 

Whiskers!

I finally managed to capture the rat that has been living in our kitchen for several weeks. After finally discovering where it was hiding (in a space under the kitchen cupboards), I bought a trap from Bunnings and laid it out covering the entrance to its lair.  It took several days to venture out, probably because it got hungry.

I was a bit repelled by it at first but then it gave a little squeak of trepidation and my heart melted with compassion.  I fed it some nuts and then let it go in a local Waverton nature reserve, not far from some houses.  I wish it well.

Building a cover for my air conditioning unit

Before

During

After

Mackie

Doing my bathroom ceiling

Next door going up

Building a trellis for my balcony

Now I can sunbathe naked again!

And the final result...

Plans for the flat going up next door

The building next door is going up at a rapid rate.  I've mostly made peace with it now that I know it won't create much shading on my balcony. It will effect privacy (no more nude sunbathing!) but nothing that a screen can't fix.  Here are some photos of how it will look and the construction going on.

Building process

Sunset from my balcony

Beautiful flowers

My oldest pot plant suddenly sprouted the most amazing flowers for the first time in the 8 years I have had it.

Picnic at Brennan Park with my Eckhart Group

Srini moves in

Sunset from my balcony

Home rennovations - a taste

My room and balcony

Bed off the frame for Mackie who's getting old.  I may reconsider if I get a girlfriend :)

Notice my wonderful ergonomic chair. I love it.

Floor with the rug taken up.

I replaced superfluous hanging space in one half of my cupboard with box cubicles. At last, my storage issues are solved:)

I'm very proud of the white steps - built from scratch. I also made the wooden railing on the balcony wall to cover ugly metal. My favourite motto when doing woodwork: Measure twice, cut once.  

The balcony has made such a difference to me. I lie on my deckchair every day and meditate, amongst the plants.  And I gaze onto it from my desk.

I'm in love with plants.  They have a massive impact on my mood and creativity. A lot of very hardy succulents, especially on the balcony.

The Buddha statue had a flashing light in his lap. I soon demolished that!  Now he's got a succulent there which I'm sure he prefers.

Back courtyard

It's been great to transform this space.  All woodwork (raised beds and hanging gardens) made from scratch. 

The herb and veggie garden (bottom right) is doing well; great for cooking.  

Front courtyard

Some whimsical metal statues which I love.

Courtyards Before