Spring arrives here on September 1st – some say that’s a odd date but it’s always been that way. For many years after we came to Australia in 1972 I would wonder why then and not on the equinox like many other countries, I learnt we have the troops from the time of early settlement in NSW to thank – seemingly they used that easily remembered date to change from their heavy winter uniforms to lighter weight ones to cope with the hot days as well as using March 1st to re-issue the heavy weight ones for the colder season.
However it’s also linked to Meteorological seasons as opposed to Astronomical seasons
http://www.calendar-365.com/seasons.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_(season)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Like lots of ABC viewers I’ve been watching Anzac Girls on a Sunday evening – following the stories of Australian and New Zealand nurses during WW1.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/anzac-girls/
My maternal grandfather was a career soldier in the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corp) and spent time in Gallipoli (he was mentioned in dispatches for bravery during the evacuation)
He and Gt Uncle Phillip (above left and right) never spoke of what they saw and had to do during that time but I often wonder about it. Seeing these things dramatised on tv (as opposed to film) never actually brings the events to life to me , it all seems too gung ho, too rosy and cheerful – I realise that’s how fear was covered up but maybe we should just wonder.
Also after watching the very snooty British nurses and their matron and seeing their ‘things must be just so’ attitude I wondered if Grandad drilled that into my mother and why she always said ‘the opening at the end of the pillow slip must face away from the door’. Obviously my mother must have done a good job on me as well because even now I always turn them so the opening is not visible 🙂
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
While others are telling of the beautiful display of daffodils they are having in their gardens this spring I’m wondering what happened to mine. Some of the neighbours have been doing the same thing and wondering as well – lots of long green healthy looking leaves and very few flowers. Maybe the really wet winter is to blame. Think we’ll find out in a years time.
Having moved on loads of unnecessary stuff that had been hanging around for a while I did wonder if any of the family could have used it – too late I cried. It turned out the other day there was something I do still have they could use – my gumboots lol A call from one of the grandaughters saw me lending them to her for a rafting trip on the Murray River later in the month. Just bring them home I told her – no way I want them to end up floating all the way downstream to Adelaide!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now I’m wondering if it’s too early for my ‘Try before you Fly’ Day. That’s the day I take out the clothes I might take away and try them on. That’s the day I make up little outfits that look great in the bedroom but not quite so in real life. That’s the day I try on all the shoes that will good with the outfits and then realise theres no way I can get all those pairs in my case as well as the clothes I need. Thats the day I realise that my efforts at the gym may not have produced the end result I envisaged.
Well I’d best be off – I thought I might go for a quick walk but even though there are blue skies I am wondering if the build up of clouds out the back is a sign that I should find something else to do instead.
Still Waters 
When spring comes is dependent on nature, I think. Sometimes spring comes and two weeks later it’s summer, it’s the same for autumn, a cool down and then time or the winter jacket in a wink.
Think 3 pr. of shoes, one to show off, one to muck about in and one to feel at comfortable. My take on it, I don’t worry much about what I wear, I am not out to impress, never have been, maybe I should have… 🙂
LikeLike
Make that ‘comfortable’, not ‘at’ comfortable, sigh, I hate when someone talks to me when I’m trying to write something…
LikeLike
I take it the man isn’t back at work yet Sharon lol
LikeLike
A walk, even a short one is always a gift.
I never have done a try before I fly run – and should have. There have been some disasters in my travelling life. Clothes packed and never worn, clothes which SHOULD have never been worn.
Your excitement should be building now.
Spring has receded again here. Windy and chilly today. And while our daffodils are blazing some other things have disappeared without trace.
LikeLike
PS: My father could never talk about his experiences in the war either. I am certain that what we see is sanitised and wonder whether a glimpse of reality might stop future engagements. Probably not. We are slow learners about many things.
LikeLike
Oh EC you should have seen some of my TBYF disasters. Even doing that exercise doesn’t mean the choices will prove to be right. Excitement is low key at the moment – list writing is going full bore.
LikeLike
Apparently it is the first day of autumn here but I know what you mean, meteorological. There is definitely a little bite in the air since Monday.
My dad was too young to be in the war but my grandad was in WW1 and I am certain he had PTSD but back then of course no-one knew these things. I cant imagine what they went through in the trenches but he also never spoke of it and he threw his medals away
LikeLike
Lizzie , I remember older people talking about servicemen being ‘shell shocked’ in those days. Whatever term they use for it obviously the effects of battle haven’t eased at all over the years
LikeLike
The daffodils will come, patience!
LikeLike
I’m waiting Christine I’m waiting very patiently!
LikeLike
Ron told many funny stories of his life in the military but never any stories of the actual war in Southeast Asia.
You and Elephant’s Child are both talking of daffodils while we are awaiting the return of dreaded winter soon. Perhaps I should visit you:)
LikeLike
Come on down Annie – maybe you’ll meet winter on your way. It’s still hanging around reluctant to move on.
My father was another who didn’t speak of things he was involved with in WW2 – he did talk about fun and games in Hawaii (called R&R these days lol)
LikeLike
Enjoy your walk. My girls just came home so I have much to do with them.
LikeLike
Only 2 seasons here: wet and dry. It is still very hot and dry here in Hawaii.
I always pack muumuus when I travel. Works for me.
LikeLike
I have a couple of caftans I take if we are travelling in humid places – like your muumuus they just hang loose around the body. Comfort with no constriction!
LikeLike
So glad that somebody else in the world other than me does the ‘try before you fly’ day. I am due one very soon, as we’re off to Greece at the end of the month. Last year the weather was very changeable, so I shall need a good variety of clothing options, I think!
LikeLike
We’ll be in Athens in a couple of weeks time – sightseeing without looking like a tourist is always tricky
LikeLike
Ha Ha, your daffs are waiting for the Solstice. Depending on the type you plant they come out early, mid-season or late. Gallipoli…I assume you’ve seen the film with Mel Gibson?
LikeLike
Actually it is one film I haven’t seen – same as I’ve always intended to watch Zulu to see the role the colour sergeant plays in a battalion. Great grandfather was a career soldier rising to that rank in 1890.
LikeLike
I had a Try On day before my current trip. It saved me a lot of trouble but I still took too much. Luckily the reason is that it’s been much warmer here in the UK than I expected, so don’t need all the layers!
LikeLike
Well that was a turn up for the books – having to wear less in the UK as opposed to more!
LikeLike
It’s nearing fall here and I am resisting trying on my better clothes in the heat of a hurricane. Love this entry. 🙂
LikeLike