Nature in a rush: new novel begun: woody pear

After a day of softly falling rain and a burst of heat (around 35°C most days) spring is progressing at a galloping pace.  You get the impression that Nature thinks there's not a moment to lose with flowers turning into seeds, grasses coming to a head and every night, hundreds of flying foxes arriving in Mitchell to feast on the last of the cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) blossoms.

My regular evening walk along the river with Major is one of the highlights of my day.  Time out to plan the novel I've just begun -- set on King Island where we used to live and own a sheep property -- time out to dream.

Meanwhile our showy tipuana (Pride of Bolivia, Tipu Tree) is in full golden flower.  The slightest breeze causes a shower of brilliant orange yellow blossoms to fall from the tree to the ground.  Raining gold. Large winged seeds follow the flowers. This deciduous tree grows fast, gives excellent shade and provides a pleasant outlook from our kitchen window.

My next botanical art challenge is to use watercolour to paint woody pear seed pods.  My transition from using watercolour pencils to watercolour paint and brushes is progressing slowly but surely. From circles, to apples, to woody pear seed pods -- that's the plan.