Hot New Year by the Lake

Canberra has been unseasonably cool until Christmas; so a hot day early in the New Year, after a suitably late but musical NYE celebration a day or so earlier, was ideal to laze by the lake with friends. The wind was quite light, always a consideration for one who is torn between the twin but warring delights of sailing, on the one hand, and rowing on the other. So rowing and paddling were the go for the day. 

Younger intrepid explorers in particular took every opportunity to paddle into the reeds and bushes around Lake Burley Griffin, finding birds' nests and other less wholesome items, spurred on by recent news stories of someone who supposedly came across a family of six platypus playing around in the lake. Hmm.

A benefit of the cooler and rainy days late in 2008 has been prolific and glorious gardens, flowers and berries to be enjoyed at every turn. This prompted us to drive out to some open gardens at Bungendore and Braidwood, an hour or so away in the open country

, to see some historic and beautiful country properties.

2009 is already shaping up to be hot and dry so within a few weeks the verdant lawns and gardens will be looking distinctly tired and dry. That's life in a hot dry land - so we enjoy tales from family overseas of snow, skiing and skating and such pursuits all the more!