Time Out

Everyone needs time out from their day to day tasks, even those of us lucky enough to be 'retired', but not tired.  A recent invitation to house/dog sit in the Big Smoke was accepted, not only for the change of scenery but also for the chance of a nosey around city shops that do surpass those in our regional northern city.

We left home on a grey morning, the threat of rain following us south.  Living in a farming region we appreciate the need for rain, and to give it its due the landscape is a glorious green so restful for the eyes and soul.  However a small part of our pysche would have liked sunshine, if only for a day.  It was not to be.  Rain fell every day and tried its darndest to dampen our enthusiasm for enjoying the break away.

Shops are fun ... for a couple of days.  Then there is no reason to venture into crowded malls where busy shoppers rush from one shop to another, yet seldom carry many parcels.  Except me!  Not to worry, I now have a couple of rather beautiful new-season's apparel that will see me through at least two summers. 

One day we drove from the outer suburbs south; visiting my daughter.  The day did dawn sunny and we headed south light in spirit.  The further south we went the darker the sky became; huge grey clouds crowded the sky pressing their weight of raindrops against the skyscrapers and the cranes perched precariously on their half-completed tops.  It was difficult to make out the workmen up there!  They looked like ants as they hurried and scurried around the rooftop moving whatever the huge piece of concrete that had been carefully manipulated into place in the sky.

A quick walk with the dog, and it was off to my daughter's for tea.  The threatening sky darkened even more; lightning pierced the sky and the thunder echoed over the Swan River, whose ruffled waters showed a hidden side from the peace and tranquility of a sunny day.  Weather warnings were broadcast over the radio and TV; batten down for a storm!  Not wishing to be caught in the onslaught we made a hurried exit and drove up the motorway in the hope we would out-run the rain.  We did ... almost, but arrived back safe and sound.

Rain and thunder and lightning accompanied by strong winds continued for the next two days ... it did not matter as we had purchased a couple of videos and commonsense being the better part of valour, stayed indoors.

Travelling home I had intended stopping to take photos, but, the weather was unsettled.  Instead I clicked as we drove and did manage to capture quite a good photo of the lime sands that are exceedingly spectacular when the sun shines.