Cyclone Helen tries to come to town

Today has been filled with lots of rain and continual checking on the weather site to see the progress of the former cyclone called Helen. The mine went into Code Blue which means filling the trucks with bauxite and tidying up then homeward bound for the workers to do the same. I am so glad I didn't start to move my pottery as the low pressure system decided it would turn as it came closer to the coast and now is lower in the gulf leaving us on the outer rim but its still windy and the sea crashing on the shoreline is filling the air with its incredible sounds. The wind has picked up tonight so an early morning visit to the shoreline might reveal the results of nature's forces at work .This is Evans Landing, normally a road but now awash - children enjoying the waves and on the wharf lots of people fishing for grunter - one of the nicest eating fish.


These temporary dongas felt the force of nature and apparently yesterday the water washed in even higher so lots of cleaning will be needed when the men return from their Xmas break!
Now for all of you familiar with my beach scenery this will bring home the might of nature - the usual dry flat is now awash with waves.
This is the top of the beach and the entrance - to the right my mum and dad always stow their shoes to pick up on the return but now the ocean is carving the ridge in its forceful way.

Remember my clever little bower bird - here's his collection of bits in his range of pinks, purple and red - he decided to build his nest away from the shore and I wondered if he had some premonition of things to come. I feel his choice has proven his innate ability to predict the coming weather.

His bower is at the bottom left of the picture under the bush and the water is not too far away. He is safe for now so hopefully he will not have to relocate again.

Nicholas and I decided we needed to have another present wrapping session with Nicholas as the present. He was completely cooperative and stayed still while I covered him in paper telling him he was the present. He is so clever this little grandson of mine and then took to the walking present bit as well. He walked straight ahead without peeking acting the part with me in absolute stiches behind.
Don't you just love the comical look of determination - meanwhile mum is literally running trying to keep the camera clicking to capture these wonderful moments.

Now this looks like something out of a Japanese movie - the paper transformed with that wonderful swirl into an incredible kimono fit for a little king! We had so much fun with that wrapping paper, later using it to slide and write on. Nicholas loved every minute in the hallway. Life provides us with some unforgettable intimate moments and how I love the digital camera allowing endless clicking to capture all these moments converting them in an instant.