The Flame Tree

 This tree is called the Illawarra flame tree, or flame kurrajong.
It is a member of the Jacaranda family. 

And a native to the forests of eastern Australia, it grows to about 15 metres (45 feet) tall.

At present  trees are blooming all over our town.

Some are saplings while others  flower on only part of the tree.

The one in this photo sits on council land at the side of the cemetery on the way to Ray's golf club.

I have never seen one as happy or healthy....

The first of December heralded summer in Australia.
And  with the trees flowering everywhere I am beginning to feel a hot bush Christmas in the air.


Last year was a solemn time for all due to the floods.
This year it seems will be very different.

Only..

My son Peter will be working away, hundreds of miles from home.   
He is a coach captain to the mines in far North Queensland. 
The rest of us we will be thinking and praying for Peter not to be by himself on Christmas Day. 

The holidays are a joy for many,  yet a sad time for the lonely....

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, 

for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Hebrews 13:16