Day One. Something beginning with 'N'

 

I could have gone with the obvious Norfolk Island pine tree for something beginning with 'N' but you have seen plenty of them in my recent Silhouettes blog post.

Instead I went with 'New Leaves' on my cherry guava tree.

 

 

 Later after seeing this house...I had to add another. 'N' for 'Neglected'.

Day One of the FMS Photo a day Challenge

Joining in a photo challenge. It is a scary prospect.

I am biting the bullet and joining in after resisting this for a long time.
 I actually attempted it one busy December and stopped after 2 weeks...the rest of December from 2010 is still in my drafts.

Encouraged by a group of similar minded and talented photo enthusiasts on the island, I am doing a photo a day for the month of August.

Here is the list as prompted by Fat Mum Slim

Wish me luck!

More Norfolk Island Pine trees

They are on our flag, we see them every day, but do we really see them?
Norfolk Island pine trees (Araucaria heterophylla) 

If we look closely and they are all very different including how many arms on the top of each green star.

I have yet to receive an explanation why... I really don't need one, just enjoy.

I have been fascinated by these green stars for many years now.

Silhouettes

Norfolk Island is famous for its native Norfolk Island Pine tree 'Araucaria heterophylla'.

I have always loved to feature this tree silhouetted by a sunrise or sunset in my island photography but lately have been searching out new silhouettes.

 

 Beautiful and distinct Phillip Island

casts a lovely shadow.

 

the native tree fern of Norfolk Island

Cyathea brownii is one of the largest in the world and also gives a beautiful silhouette.

 One of my cheeky fans on my facebook page Captured by Cristina Rose photography said this cow looked like shrek...I can see it too.

Friday Favourite ~ Granny love

Friday Favourite~ A boy and his dog

Friday Favourite #2~ Little bear blue

Happy 4th of July

Though we have a few American ties here on Norfolk Island such as celebrating Thanksgiving in November due to American whalers being stationed on the Island many moons ago, there are not many other reasons to celebrate the independence of another country, but we do anyway.

As I now run a preschool, we have spent the year going 'around the world' and gaining stamps for our preschool passport. This week, we visited the USA.

Last night a few friends got together, dressed up and ate an American style feast till we popped. (think fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, New York & Hawaiian pizzas, caramel corn, red white and blue pancake stack, cosmopolitans to drink and apple pie)

Tonight after corn fritters, I let my children make S'mores in the fireplace, almost like we did in Hawaii, but it is winter here and I improvised with Aussie Marshmellows and NZ choc dipped biscuits (rather than a square of Hersheys on a Graham cracker)
We were lucky that our Granny was here to share them too.


I think we have a yummy new family tradition.

10!

 

A decade

 

10 years

 

An incredible journey of learning

 

Amazing ups and downs that can't compare to the quick thrill of a rollercoaster

 

Proud moments

 

A special friend told me this before I had even thought of having Children.

She was right!

Friday Favourite ~ A Smile that lights up my life.

My big boy has just flown the coop for the very first time. His first solo flight to go and see his grandparents & family in his beloved city of Sydney for his 10th Birthday.
This excited smile was just before boarding the plane today.
Miss him already.