Shoalhaven Poultry Group, Berry Auction

Last weekend I travelled to Berry to work as Auctioneer's Scribe at the Shoalhaven Poultry Group Auction.  On the way I crossed the picturesque Lachlan River at Narrawa. 

Not the least important part of the Auction is the 'night before dinner' held at the Berry Pub.  I can recommended the soft shelled crab and asian salad :)  Prior to the dinner I dropped my car off at Shayne and Brad's and had a quick play with Minto's puppies.... or more correctly Minto's puppies had a play with me!!

This is Taylor - the one Shayne and Brad are keeping - she is the smallest (and smartest) puppy and has learnt to get into the house through the cat flap.... this trick has a definite use by date!!

2 lots were donated for our charity, they were the most amazing rainbow coloured silkies!!

Out in the car park, this little dog (who looks to be part mountain goat) waited more or less patiently for its owners.

Scarlett - Rose, the Garden, Llamas at Nowra and Minto the Wonder Dog

Not so much colour in the garden at present, so I am pleased to have these little perennials that pop up and perform every year:

And even though if you asked me I'd say I'm not a fan of geraniums, these guys are adding a welcome splash of colour:

Even the leaves are looking good:

In the veggie patch we are preparing to havest the Marina de Chioggio pumpkins :)

A trip to Nowra on the weekend, Minto's time is nearly up.  Here is getting comfy on the couch with her huge baby bulge!!

Xena, the one winged rescue goose, continues to care for and very robustly protect her adopted family of Call ducklings

Equally vigilant and protective is this tag team of Muscovey mums with 'their' ducklings:

Another stay with Shayne and Brad meant that I also got to catch up with Tikal and Tarquinn.  Tikal is doing so well,and filling out nicely, he was first to front up at the fence in the hope of 'treats'.

Tarquinn is ever the handsome lad:

Cambewarra Mountain road was closed for roadworks, so I headed off for Canberra via Nerriga.  The Oallen Ford crossing was following swiftly and looking very picturesque.

In Canberra I was greeted by Rocky, Dan's dog, he looks quite fierce, but is very friendly and obedient.

Got to spend time with Freya and Scarlett-Rose who is much more animated and smiling like crazy - except when I get the camera out!!

A full on photo sesh is very tiring... going going ....

Gone.....

But earlier:

Not a Rat, and Another Trip to Nowra

Pretty sure this is not a common or garden rat, also pretty sure its not long for this world, not a well 'not a rat'.  Not sure why it climbed the ramp and presented itself at the back door…. perhaps to draw attention to the fact that the 'under house' baiting program is not reaching its target audience :(

Another trip to Nowra on Sunday, quilts to deliver and another nice stay with Shayne and Brad in Cambewarra, always enjoy myself on these trips :)

Lily and Minto - the wonder dogs - were as happy and as welcoming as ever, they do a sterling job of keeping the chooks and ducks safe day and night!

Some of Shayne's Calls for this season, I brought home a lovely little trio, blue silver drake, apricot silver duck and an apricot dusky duck - now settling in, in the main pen :)

Does not show up in this photo, but this duckling is most amazing pale blue violet and yellow in colour, think it might be a 'true' silver :)

Tarquinn is his delightful self, and as enthusiastic as ever about human contact.  He's been shorn recently and I think they've had a bit of fun with that!!  LOL!!

Nowra Road Trip and the Garden

On Wednesday I was off delivering ducks and quilts to Nowra and surrounds.  I stayed overnight with Shayne and Brad which was lovely - as always.

Got to play with Minto and Lily - who is a gorgeous puppy :)

Lily and Minto play a LOT!!

Minto - best kelpie - bar none!

Brad was busy with chores when I arrived, and is a man after my own heart - why wait till you've finished mowing to enjoy a cold beer, if you can combine the two!!  Way to go!!

More of Brad's handywork - he has been busy erecting fences to enclose Tarquinn and Freddie when they come to live at Cambewarra next month.

Also got to catch up with my friend Gayle and check out her almost complete new house!!  Very modern and very chic.

Here at Mt Tanga the garden keeps throwing up these amazing little finds, like this truly fantastic apricot iris - love it!!

And this almost sulphur yellow one - a perfect foil for the baby blue :)

The baby blue iris - several of these, very nice :)

And not far from the daphne there is this 'wanna-be' bush, clumps of tightly clustered flowers, no back petal colour and no scent, but very flashy :)