Telopea speciossima

This is a native Waratah (Telopea speciossima) that is growing right next to the Billabong and outside the living room. I have photographed it today and intend to take an image every week through October to follow its progress. I did a similar thing last year but in that case it was one flower. This time I'm going to capture the six flowers that are showing on this particular plant.

It's a 15 year celebration for CCN and I today. That's how long it's been since we've been journeying together and how blessed I feel to have had such a wonderful partner over this time. Life of course has thrown us challenges and the heartache of losing our amazing parents in recent years. Having each other's support through the tough times has happened without question. All we long for now is to be treated as equals. We feel we have both contributed to society and paid our dues and it would be nice to know that for the next 15 years and beyond Australian society would grant us our wish. The next few months will be interesting times in Australia and the result of the Plebiscite should be known by the middle of November.

I have added an extra of CCN standing next to an incredible "Bay Tree" in the nursery at the rear of the Petalura Cafe in Mount Victoria. The tree was planted in 1880 and as you can see it absolutely towers over CCN. When we want to celebrate an event like today we often end up at Petalura. We always get a very warm welcome and the food is always delicious. A happy day all round :-)