Even More Bird News

I got swooped by a magpie today. Swooping is a very common practice during breeding season, where a bird will rush at you from behind, as if it is going to attack. Usually they just get close enough to scare you, but the really agro ones will actually attack. The creepiest part is the clicking noise they make by smacking their beak. It sounds like doom. They won't attack if you are looking at them, so people have been known to put sunglasses on the back of their head to fool the birds. This reminds me of that underground world in Mario Brothers where the ghost won't attack you if you are facing him. Da na na na na na.

Can Openers

Can openers in Australia are strange and difficult to function.

Also, you can't get Kraft mac and cheese in spirals, or Dr. Pepper.

More Bird News

I was attacked by a bird yesterday! I was riding my bike, when something hit my helmet from behind. I thought someone had thrown something at me, but then I saw the bird, flying away! Luckily, my helmet protected me. Sometimes people get gashes from bird attacks during mating season. The best part was that guy on another bike saw it, and was trying not to laugh.

Don't Forget

Wednesday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Please access these resources if you need help getting into the spirit:
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day

Fun and Games

Dear Loyal Fans,

So many exciting and non-exciting things have been happening lately, I haven’t had time to blog. My wish is for you to enjoy this assortment of photographs from recent goings-on.

The most exiting news first. The dilligent magpie-lark that regularly attacks our house has recently increased the intensity and frequency of the attacks. This is because him and his mate have built a nest in the backyard. Stay tuned for updates.

Garden Update

In an attempt to increase the productivity of the garden, I relocated the plants to a couple new plots. Unfortunately, last night a sneaky possum decided to take advantage of the new location, and munched on my first (almost) ripe tomato of the season. Such is life down under. Luckily, there are more tomatoes on the way.

They Say It's Your Birthday

We celebrated the 25th year of Ben’s existence on 1 September. This year, his birthday coincided with a city festival called Riverfire. The main attraction of said festival is a super spectacular fireworks display coming off barges in the river, bridges, and buildings. This is the mother of all fireworks displays. The photos don’t do it justice, so you will just have to come next year to see it in person.