A Personal Record!

I always enjoy a good cup of tea and for many years I have been accustomed to having an average of four cups per day.

That enjoyable cup of tea no longer became palatable when I was struck by a recent virus. Although I consumed endless glasses of water, I had no desire at all for my good old cup of tea. My family concluded that I really must be sick to go 'cold turkey' without my addictive cup of tea.  It surprised me too and finally after a full five days, my desire for tea returned and I knew I was on the road to recovery.  Five full days without a cup of tea is certainly a personal record for me!

When the Earth Trembles!

This morning the Heavy Earthmoving Equipment and big Roller re-commenced work for the next phase of the construction of the nearby carpark.  Sure enough, Dusty sensed the earth trembling and started to stress.  I quickly got his Thundershirt and put it on firmly to comfort him (actually it is a very firm fit now because he badly needs clipping and it is surprising how much tighter the Thundershirt is now with the longer wool underneath).

Once again I was very satisfied with the results as he quickly calmed down and relaxed back into being his normal self.

The poor little fellow has been so patient over the past four days and has literally spent hours and hours on the bed beside me as I fought off some virus, so now it is my turn to give him whatever comfort I can.  Dogs are such loyal and faithful companions and sense when we are not well, so I am very appreciative of my Dog and his Thundershirt.  

Thundershirt passes Fireworks Test!

Time for an update on the results achieved using a Thundershirt to quell Dusty's anxiety, as mentioned previously in an earlier Post.  Now that the heavy earthmoving equipment has ceased working for the time being, Dusty has been calm and relaxed without having to wear his Thundershirt.  

Dusty wearing his Thundershirt to calm his anxiety

When I read that we were to have three consecutive night's of local Fireworks, I made a mental note to be prepared and put his Thundershirt on in readiness.  Friday night arrived and I forgot!  I was sitting at the computer when the first "Bangs" went off.  Dusty jumped up and was scared and frightened, so I quickly put his Thundershirt on, making sure it was fitted snuggly, and he soon calmed down then got back into his chair and went to sleep.

On the following two nights, I was prepared and got his Thundershirt on before the Fireworks commenced.  He stayed calm and didn't even take any notice of them, so I was pleased with the results and feel that the Thundershirt was a good investment.

Illyarrie or Red-capped Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

The Illyarrie or Red-capped Flowering Gum is one of the prettiest of the flowering trees and is highly worthy of a mention in this blog. This Eucalyptus erythrocorys which is a native of Western Australia is currently in flower, the bright red-capped buds and brilliant yellow blossoms are spectacular, as shown in these photos.

Illyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

The tree is of medium height (3 - 8 metres) with generally smooth cream bark, and grows on sandy soil with limestone ridges or outcrops.  The foliage is dark green with typical eucalyptus shaped leaves. 

General view of Illyarrie Tree (sorry I am unable to rotate it)

The flowers are preceded by large squarish red-capped buds. These caps fall off as the yellow flower emerges.       
(Please keep scrolling down after photos because I am unable to remove the blank spaces).

Red-capped buds of llyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

Red-capped buds of llyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

The flowers are usually in groups of three and each may be 7 cm in diameter with four tufts of golden stamens  at the corners.  Bees are attracted to these flowers.

Flowers and Buds of llyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

Bees love flowers of llyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

After the flowers, come the fruit -- these are very large woody seed capsules and are so heavy that the tree is often boughed down with weight and prone to breakage in windy conditions. 

Large woody Fruits of llyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

Propagation of this stunning tree is from the seed which germinates readily.

Flowers and Buds of Illyarrie (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)