Wednesday, August 14, 2013

random bits

Hey ho everyone! I trust all of you are doing happy and well. I'm just writing a quick post while my mother is over cuddling Jacob! This post is really Rebecca's work; these are all her pictures (except, of course, the ones I took of her). They were taken on one of our regular walks to the beach (with my little old camera, I might add); I'm always fascinated by the way children perceive and interpret their surroundings. The picture above though is of Rebecca getting ready for ballet class :)

This is a picture of a sunbird, a bird that does bear some resemblance to the hummingbird. Rebecca got some neat pictures of this little fellow, which can be seen on her blog, along with some interesting info.

This mangrove swamp leads to the sea. It used to be substantially wider in area, and teeming with wildlife such as snakes, monitor lizards and mudskippers; sadly, this has been greatly affected by rampant human encroachment and development.

Many of the trees have been here since I was little (which, trust me, was a long time ago). They have the lush quality of the trees which used to surround our home; thankfully, these ones are still surviving.

These offshore structures are called kelongs. They're made largely of wood and are supported by tall wooden beams buried several metres into the sea bed. They're used mainly for fishing, though fishermen do live in the larger ones.

There's Ro scouring the shore with her specimen-collecting bag.

Rebecca had some interesting things to say about crustaceans in her blog post. She found a study that confirmed what I always believed -- that crabs and other crustaceans do feel pain. I've always been very much against the whole boiling them alive thing, and never accepted that crap about them feeling nothing.

The seaside version of that cow skull in desert thing.

Seeing this picture made me think of Blake's Auguries of Innocence, in particular the stanza that reads: "To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour".

Now this thing. We've been seeing it out at sea for days now, bobbing about and looking increasingly weird and gladiatorial. The kids have taken to calling it "the head" and rush down to the shore every time to see if it's still there (it is). Despite looking at it through binoculars -- which Rebecca made a point of bringing for that very purpose -- we still can't tell exactly what it is. I keep saying that since no one's been reported missing, it's ok. The kids keep saying he's the lone survivor of a water-treading competition.

This is a picture I took of Becky looking thoughtful and melancholy. She's been having quite a bad bout of flu, poor thing, but is on the mend now. I look at her here and marvel at how fast she's growing.

And finally -- a quick one of Jake. He's a month now, and becoming increasingly responsive; there's nothing quite like a baby smiling at one in recognition or delight -- well worth the thumb splint lol (from which I'm recovering, praise the Lord). Do drop by Becky's blog for more pictures (bigger, better ones!) and deeper insights :)

Have a blessed, peaceful week everyone!

15 comments:

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Gorgeous images xx

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Good to hear you're getting some help with Jacob. He's so cute!!! It's obvious Becky gets a good deal of creative talent from you and it's really nice how she expresses it.

I'll let you know about the SK-II mask. I haven't used it yet.

Rowena @ rolala loves

Unknown said...

What beautiful pictures! Specially that of the sunbird and the pretty flowers oh and of course that of one month old Jake!! he looks so handsome! Hugs your way ;)

Birdie said...

Great pictures! My favourite one is the starfish. :-)

Jake is adorable!

AntiquityTravelers said...

such beautiful kids Janice! and happy .... you are a great mom :)

Sara said...

Hello! (: I am sorry for the late comments, but sometimes life gets in the way you know?(: I am so glad you and the girls find sometime to go to the beach to have such amazing times. Jake is adorable! Oh and the thing in the sea, to me it looks so much like a seal! Have a great week!

Debbie Nolan said...

Jan - thank you for sharing Rebecca's pictures with me. The sunbird really does look like our hummers. Rebecca is very talented when it comes to taking great pictures and Jake is absolutely the cutest baby. Both Ro and Rebecca look so sweet. Have a wonderful day.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Becky looks like my niece there...looking all thoughtful! Wow Jake is growing fast :0

Audrey said...

Hello hello!!!! So nice to hear from you and I love this post. The bit about the water treading competition made me laugh so hard. That is so adorable. Please tell the girls that I think they're right! Jacob is adorable.....glad to hear he's doing well. Heading over to Becky's blog to check it out! Been away for a bit but trying to get caught up now. (Oh, and I adore that bird picture!)

Magic Love Crow said...

Hello my friend ;o) I was just at Becky's blog ;o) I had to come to yours and say hi too ;o) I love all the pictures ;o) So happy your thumb is doing better ;o) Big Hugs ;)

Miss Val's Creations said...

What a wonderful collections of photos. My favorite is that of the sand. :) I hope Becky is feeling better. I was traumatized as a kid seeing a lobster accidentally put in boiling water feet first. It actually screamed in pain. Needless to say I never ate lobster!!! Jake is so adorable. It must be so fun seeing his personality shine through.

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

All gorgeous images! That young lady is quite the photographer. The kids are beautiful. They certainly grow so fast, don't they? You wonder where all the time goes.

Kristin said...

oh he is beautiful.. beautiful!! Congratulations!! Sorry it took me a bit to get over here.. the last month here has been busier and more hectic than I imagined. We moved, and it has not been easy! But, finally I am starting to see through the dust that is still settling. I hope you are taking in every moment, I am SURE you are, and know that I am thinking of you!! :)

Almost Precious said...

Oh my, Jake is soooo precious. :)

V said...

Beautiful pics! I'd love to be living near the sea. It's great that the kids get to be out like this regularly, instead of being glued to their mindless Xboxes or whatever. Jacob is looking so deliciously good, hug him for me!

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