There's nothing like a weekend away to recharge the batteries. My folks live in a lovely rural area in the Upper Murray and it is one of my favourite places. For me it is a place rich with inspiration on many levels, the wonderful location and surrounding countryside, the garden which is full of native plants and the house which is full of bits of history.

The Home.

The Homestead, built in the early 2000's is Mud brick, built with mud from the site, recycled building materials, including all the doors and windows, even the staircase. A place full of rich colours and textures which only age can procure, it has all the wonder of a museum without the 'Do not Touch' signs.

The Garden.

For me the garden is a wonderful resource for painting and drawing. Every time I visit there is something different in flower. The bird life is prolific including Eastern spinebills, Blue Wrens, several varieties of Honeyeaters and Parots. On this visit it was a joy to watch the Rainbow Bee Eaters at dusk cruising around but I may have to improve my bird photography skills to capture some good images.