Remains of the Day 2

We knew that there was a small mouse population in our house after seeing mice and trapping them in the garage, the kitchen and the living room. So we hoped that we'd find the holes where they were entering the house when the cladding was stripped off and then we could block them up. We didn't quite expect to find ancient nests inside the walls.



We know that this nest must pre-date us as we don't recognise the fabric that they've used for a carpet.



We found this little mouse graveyard in one of the kitchen walls.



The skulls are fascinating - check out the front fangs and the tiny molars.



And you can see each plate in the skull too.



No wonder mice can get through such small spaces.

Remains of the Day 1

When we were clearing out the house, we found heaps of dead spiders and even a live white-tailed spider which sent the removal men packing. But this was one of the prettier insect parts that we found.

Heaven Scent

Whilst our evergreen magnolia has produced strange fruit, our deciduous magnolia has been in bud since January. Only one flower appeared out of season so I'm hoping for a splendid display come spring.

Strange Fruit

The unusual fruit of the magnolia grandiflora, an evergreen magnolia with white flowers.

Natural Pest Control

A spider sorting out a pest on our lemon tree. Thank you!

Our First Lemon

This is our first lemon - and hopefully the start of next year's lemons. It was very useful for sharpening up a dish of chilli fish.

Reclaiming the Roost

When we moved out, we left the chickens at the bottom of the garden with their chookateria and automatic watering system keeping them happy between visits.

They soon moved into the spot previously occupied by the rabbits' hutch and gobbled up the seeds from the hay or dropped pellets.



And once the puppy (bunny) pen was removed from the entrance to the deck, they even extended their territory by stepping onto the patio for the first time. We later found them in a row pecking at the doorstep on the deck. No doubt, they'll move into the house if the builders turn their back for a minute.