Things that go bump in the night!

So there we were in a deep sleep, ceiling fans whirring gently in both rooms, front and back doors open to catch any breeze and bug screen doors securely locked.  Peace and sweet dreams prevailed then suddenly we were rudely awoken or rather I was and as it sounded like something very large and heavy rattling the front door I woke up Rick too.  Well he is more used to dealing with the beasties on this side of the planet.

After laying very still and listening intently for a while we heard a 'sliding down the awnings sound.  It turned out to be a Possum having some fun.  They are very sweet looking nocturnal mammals, big eyes and a dense grey coat.  They're about the size of a very small cat but are very much a pest here.  They like to try and get into roof cavities where they breed and party, making more possums and a hell of a mess.  So after we'd worked out what it was it disappeared into the night to wake some other unsuspecting sleeper.

Quite often when we we are on our early morning walks we can here the Possums bouncing around in the trees which line the streets.

It is much cooler in the mornings now and rain keeps being threatened but as yet hasn't happened.  I'm not complaining... honest.  Here the changes which Autumn bring are more to do with the beautiful gum trees coming into flower than the leaves changing colour and falling off.  They really are stunning

   

You can hopefully see from the close up of the flowers how the gum nut pops it's end to release the flower.  The bees and nectar feeding birds just love it. Amazing isn't it.... the flowers range from white to deep red and all the combinations in between.  All different sizes to depending on which gum they are growing on.

And then there is the plight of the Hairy Nosed Wombat

Sorry I don't know who this lady is but though it would give you an idea of the size of this wombat.  It is native to South and Western Australia and the largest burrowing mammal in the world.  Sadly it's numbers are in decline from rabbits and stock grazing the land and drought.  This is one of many beautiful native animals under threat.

On a completely different note we went to the Farmers Market held every Sunday at the Adelaide Show Ground.  We hadn't realised there was also a Comic Convention going on in one of the exhibition halls, saw these characters and wondered what sort of market it was....

What are they supposed to be? Anyone? Answers on a postcard please.......

We did find the market an oh what joy... I almost gave myself whiplash trying to see all the stalls.  There were so many wonderful Gluten and Dairy Free things to try....  Rick treated me to a delicious dairy free hot chocolate... happiness is...

And then we discovered a dairy free ice cream stall... the company is called Bush Tucker Icecream www.bushtuckericecream.com.au I had the plum one... delicious is an under statement.  There were sooooo many wonderful products to try... fresh pistachio nuts are amazing.... I've no doubt we will be visiting it again.

After a bit of a drive around we ventured to Hahndorf, a very pretty German village in the Adelaide Hills. It is very touristy but so pretty if you can handle the crowds it is worth a visit.  

Just on the outskirts is where one of Australia's most famous artists lived and painted.   

Our new home!

Hans Heysen had an incredible natural talent and was lucky enough to be sponsored to study techniques in Europe.  He returned to Adelaide and adapted all he learnt to the amazing light here.  He did well and became famous for the amazing gum trees and landscapes here.  There is of course a lot more to his story... they really are amazing paintings.

Droving into the light

On the home front, we are still sorting out the drawings. It's probably a good thing we haven't rushed as it has given us time to work out exactly what we 'need' in a home and to see what building materials are available.  Learning all the time....

Till next time... Ooroo!