A Visual Record of My Year

Free Press Leader, 04 May 2011. Pages8 - 9

2011-05-09T05:40:00.001-07:00

Free Press Leader
04 May 2011

Day 365 - a whole year and now it's all over

2010-01-18T00:52:00.001-08:00

Drove to the airport AGAIN (to take Penelope and Isaac for their flight to India via Singapore.) All went smoothly and I have just picked up a Facebook message that they arrived in Singapore and were about to have a massage.In 3 hours they will fly to Kolkata (Calcutta) for their first Indian experience.
Other pics show cityscapes we passed to and from Melbourne airport. Lots of rain and hail today - a very atypical summer's day!

Well this is it folks- I have achieved the challenge of posting a pic or 2 or more a day for ONE year. This was mainly an enlightening and expanding experience and it will feel strange to no longer be looking for significant photography subjects each day. Maybe I will start up something else - time will tell. I will let you know if there is something else madly interesting that you might like to have a squiz at. Thank you to all my loyal followers over the year and especially to the select few, special individuals who took the trouble to comment on my pics - you made the whole activity that more special and fun!
Yasas, adio and goodbye.

Day 364 -the penultimate pic

2010-01-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

Her bags are packed, she's ready to go. Our two young people set off on their great adventure tomorrow. I wish them a safe journey.

This is Smudge, my mother's cat. We are minding him for a couple of weeks and he is clearly quite at home here.

Day 363 - Farewell party

2010-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a little gathering to farewell Penelope and Isaac who leave for 2months travelling around India tomorrow.The young people had a bit of a jamming session towards the end of the evening and Penelope danced with her father.

On Cloudehill

2010-01-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Visted the Cloudehill nursery/gardens and restaurant today with Sue and Tania and enjoyed a dreamy experience wandering through the thoughtfully created arrangements of plants, paving, statues, water features etc.Tania and I went a bit crazy snapping delectable shots so what you see here is only a selction of 56 photos! We even snapped a bridal party. It was overall a delightful day and a special opportunity to have a quiet chat and share experiences f2f for a change.

Day 361 - Off to Warby again

2010-01-14T02:13:00.000-08:00

Drove to Warburton today with Penelope who needed to say goodbye to the folks there before she leaves for India on Monday.She won't see her baby nephew for another two months.

Day 360 - Day trip to Canberra

2010-01-13T02:38:00.000-08:00

Today I did the next best thing to travelling to Paris to see some amazing pieces of art - I flew to Canberra for the day to view work by renowned post impressionist artists on loan from the Musee D'Orsay - Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cezanne, Georges Seurat, Pierrre Bonnard, Claude Monet, Maurice Denis and Edouard Vuillard.
Of course I couldn't take any photos of these masterpieces but there was a children's playroom where they had re-created van Gogh's bedroom in 3 dimensions, a wall display of his Starry Night and a Gauguin jigsaw puzzle and I was permitted to take photos in here.Other photos show the features in the Sculpture Garden (including fog sculpture)and the plane journey.

Day 359 - local mural

2010-01-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

These are a series of paintings along the side of the bank's brick wall in our Main St. They depict the story of how the mountain's tall straight trees were used to replace the broken masts of sailing ships in days gone by. The road leading to these forests of tall gums is today called"Mastgully" Road.

Day 358 - the heat is on

2010-01-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Cooling off in our kind neighbours' beautiful pool

A wilting garden in temperatures reaching into the fiery 40's

Day 357 - Warburton Visit

2010-01-10T03:53:00.000-08:00

Mother and babe

Manu in the bath - original pic was the right way up but blogger has upended the baby!

jars of freshly harvested honey

Capturing the filtered honey

Baya by the honey drum

Damien scraping honey from the beeswax

Ishaa working with felt

Day 356 - home via airport and the Burnely Tunnel

2010-01-09T03:33:00.000-08:00

The old car is a permanent fixture in Daylesford, always parked in the same 2 hour parking space in the city centre. There's the plane that took mum safely to Brisbane and the cityscape seen from the Monash Freeway.The Domain Tunnel looks rather interesting from these angles.Home now but a relaxing and delightful holiday.

Day 355 - Last day of our holiday

2010-01-08T04:07:00.000-08:00

A rather hot day so we took it easy. Pics today show our pizza dinner at Koukla's and later at The Boite concert in the townhall.Home tomorrow, via the airport as mum is off to Brisbane.

Day 354 - 7th January, my sister's birthday

2010-01-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

I have 3 brothers but only one sister and while she is a whole 10 years younger than me, the years have narrowed that gap. We've shared this Daylesford holiday for a few years now and it is a treasured time of the year. I went for an early evening walk today and snapped these shots.

The Convent Gallery

Scenic countryside surrounding the town.

One of the many churches of various denominations to be found around the township

The old Daylesford Courthouse at the top of our street - we've always thought of it as a face.

Day 353 another day of our holiday

2010-01-06T01:58:00.001-08:00

Lunch at Chowder house, Hepburn Springs - a delicious experience surrounded by icons of the 50's and 60's plus a much loved puzzle game. Later on to the Tangled Maze just outside Creswick where my nieces raced through the challenging puzzles and complicated hedge mazes while their bemused aunt and mother trudged along slowly behind. In the cool of the evening we enjoyed an alfresco BBQ prepared by Nick.

Day 352 (Day 5) Chocolate Mill and pub dinner

2010-01-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

Visited the Chocolate Mill about 10 mins outside of Daylesford - bought beautifully crafted chocolates for neighbours who are feeding our chooks. In the evening went to the old Hepburn Pub called Dooleys for a pleasant meal. Colourful wall mural of a jazz band and singer. Surrounding country side was very peaceful.

Day 351 (Day 4) Lavandula

2010-01-03T22:04:00.001-08:00

A trip out to Lavandula today for lunch and a walk around.The lavender was dream like,niece Eva was entranced by a sprinker, (an alien concept in Melbourne)the resident emus and I captured a blue wren.

Day 350 (Day 3) Back to Lulus

2010-01-02T22:32:00.001-08:00

I was here back in May with Sue and Heather and we've come to Lulus for the last 4 summers so I feel very much at home here. The rosemary has taken over in the little front garden.We visited the market this morning which was madly crowded and we only bought soap and vegies. Mum and I walked around to The Secret Garden and are eyeing off some beautiful plants.

Day 349 (Day 2) - Blackwood curioes - and then on to Daylesford

2010-01-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

Our approach to Daylesford took us through a little town called Blackwood where we stopped for some lunch in a quaint little cafe that had these interesting items around the wall.
After dinner at the Royal pub we had delicious coffee in the Koukla cafe of Frangos and Frangos

Day 348 of last year, Day 1 of 2010 - Grass to mow

2010-01-01T02:52:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start the first day of the new year as Day 1 with the option of completing the 365 day challenge AND continuing into 2010. I'll make my final decision in 27 days time!
Half way through the mowing. We have an abundance of grass to mow and I've been mowing sections in a piecemeal fashion to make it more manageable.Our new mower starts easily and has a light mulching attachment that does a very efficient job. Despite these features, I now feel exhausted.

Day 347 - The last day of the old year - but blog continues

2009-12-30T21:35:00.001-08:00

Too hot to do anything but flop in front of the TV with your papou and watch cartoons.

In the evening we had friends and neighbours around for some interesting conversation as we farewelled the old year and welcomed the new. Thank goodness for the drop in temperature and the much needed rain.
My daily blog will continue for a little while longer - 28 days to be exact.

Day 346 - a new name and a visit to the beach

2009-12-30T03:38:00.001-08:00

Let me introduce Manu Gabriel.Manu is a Maori word for "man of the birds" as well as a hindu title for the very first king to rule the earth, who saved mankind from the universal flood. Gabriel acknowledges a good friend as well as the other associations.

Grandchildren having fun at the beach at the end of a hot day

Day 345 - Luncheon and siamese cats

2009-12-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed a charming luncheon atop the Dandenongs with genteel company, feline companions included.

Day 344 - a reading day topped off with burritos

2009-12-28T02:55:00.000-08:00

Been lost in the next bookclub book for much of the afternoon so very pleased when Pen and Isaac offered to make burritos for dinner. Took about 100 pages to really start enjoying the Children's Book by A.S. Byatt - but really into it now!

Day 343 - another family gathering

2009-12-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

We travelled the back route to Nick's aunty's for another family gathering at Endeavour Hills and passed country scenes such as these. The white expanse is netting of some sort protecting fruit trees from birds.

Day 342 - Boxing Day

2009-12-26T03:24:00.001-08:00

The meaning of Boxing Day? -In case you're wondering and according to one source - the distribution of gifts for the poor – kept in a box until the day after Christmas Day – dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.

And here is Aunt Penelope getting to know her new nephew a little better

Day 341 - Christmas Day

2009-12-25T00:53:00.001-08:00

After our very delicious Christmas lunch, Michael accompanied our Christmas carolling on his cello. He also plucked some tunes on the cello strings - pitsacado - our new Italian musical term for the day.

Little neice Selvi is growing beautifully. I haven't see her for about 2 months and she has very noticeably blossomed.

Day 340 - Little new one

2009-12-24T01:28:00.001-08:00

Delighted parents

Draped in blue silk showing a dignified profile

Sleeping peacefully

Proud brother and sister to little new one

Day 339 - Christmas shopping

2009-12-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

Last minute Christmas shopping today at Knox City - it was a bit crazy but manageable. Tomorrow we're going to Warburton to meet dear little as yet un-named - what do you think tomorrow's pic might be?

Day 338 - a new grandchild born at home

2009-12-22T03:51:00.001-08:00

No pictures of him yet but he has arrived at last - a beautiful baby boy born at home at sunset tonight - our third grandchild. It was a straight forward, midwife assisted birth and my daughter and her family are extremely happy - as we all are.

Day 337 - Fruit platter

2009-12-21T01:15:00.000-08:00

Isaac prepared this fruit platter for a gathering he and Pen were attending tonight -isn't it scrumptious looking?

Day 336 - Baby chicks and gig

2009-12-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Drove over to visit the Warburton folk today - no baby yet but plenty of baby chicks. Then over to Healesville to the Bodhi Tree restaurant for the launch of the Beautiful Bohemians CD. This went off really well, the band sounded great and the audience was very receptive and supportive. Michael had fun on his little wurlitzer electric organ - a change from his double bass.

Day 335- roast for dinner

2009-12-19T02:46:00.001-08:00

Mum is staying with us this weekend and we cooked up a storm for dinner. The steamed zuiccini is from the garden. Mum also stewed some plums from her garden and jellied them with raspberries - it was very yum.

Day 334 - Last Day of school, goodbye to Sue

2009-12-18T00:31:00.000-08:00

We had our Christmas lunch today and lots of goodbyes to various staff members - quite a few retirements, people whose contracts weren't renewed or others just seeking a change to greener pastures. This is what my friend Sue is doing - taking 12 months leave to check out another educational environment. She was sad saying goodbye to us as she has been at this school almost all her teaching life and she compared it to saying goodbye to her family. I will miss Sue and she is a significant loss to our school. But she has left a great legacy at Upwey HS and many of her ideas and innovations will continue. I am indebted to her for the many adventures she has persuaded me to embark upon. Her new journey will be invigorating and exciting for her and I wish her every success and happiness.

Day 333 Michael in the local paper

2009-12-16T23:43:00.001-08:00

Three years ago, a young man was senselessly stabbed to death on the train as it pulled in to Box Hill station. His name was Darren and he had just started a music course at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts. He was reading sheet music and completely minding his own business when this unfortunate, drugged crazed, mentally ill young man killed him. Darren was a very good friend of my son's and of course my son was deeply affected by the horrific tragedy. This Sunday Michael has organized the launch of a CD that Darren had been working on at the time of his death - that's what this article is all about.If you click on the second page you will eventually see an enlarged version

Free Press Leader
16 Dec 2009

Day 332 - Parrots strip loquat tree

2009-12-16T03:01:00.001-08:00

I really wanted to show pics from the last training day for tribes but my camera batteries died. I used someone else's camera but obviously did not impress on her my need to receive the photos today. Some people just don't appreciate the daily blog concept. So anyway, I came home to this - the complete denuding of the loquat tree. It had been heavily laden with fruit for sometime and I had been waiting for the colourful parrots to descend on it so I could get a picture of them. Well they came today and completely stripped the tree but had disappeared by the time I replaced the batteries and aimed my camera.

day 331 - Nativity play

2009-12-15T01:05:00.001-08:00

Ishaa was very pleased to be given the role of Mary in the class Christmas play. Unfortunately I couldn't attend the performance but apparently she was quite the natural actress. Just received these pics today so they're hot off the email. Note also the fringe she recently styled herself. I think her mother did something similar when she was about the same age.

Day 330 - New desk and broody chicken

2009-12-14T01:43:00.001-08:00

Moved into my new staffroom and desk today amid much to-ing and fro-ing. I am now in an upstairs staffroom - a light and airy room with rounded walls.I share this space with members of the year 8 team and am feeling very positive about this new environment.
Other pics show our hen, Silky, who has become very broody. When she is approached her tail feathers fan out in protective posture against predators.There is no rooster in the chicken pen but she obviously has not made this connection. We plan to procure some fertilised eggs for this clucky chick.

Day 329 - a busy but energised Sunday

2009-12-13T02:03:00.000-08:00

I snapped these pics during some spare moments during a productive day catching up on chores. With no pressing school work to worry about I feel energized to tackle those jobs around the house that have been waiting around for some time. However, I also took some time out to take these pics - Butcherbird up a tree,washing on line, beautiful but scary gum tree of neighbour's that looms over our house - taken straight on and from in front of our house

Day 328 - a quiet Saturday

2009-12-12T02:56:00.001-08:00

I had to show off freshly weeded and swept brick patio.Plus a rather lush garden outlook and some healthy potplants - all grown from cuttings.

Day 327 - Yay it's Friday!

2009-12-11T03:39:00.000-08:00

Such a relief to reach Friday at last. The cut off day for burning off is fast approaching - so we were pleased to burn down this big pile this afternoon. In the evening Penelope had another gig in the Blue Stone room and Isaac accompanied her on a couple of her songs. They sound great together and Pen was inspirational with her compositions and performance.

Day 326 - activity in the vegetable patch

2009-12-09T23:12:00.001-08:00

Maybe it's all the chicken manure compost we added to the soil, or the heat and the rain we've had lately, but the vegies are growing quickly. The Italian silverbeet is prolific and I cut off the first zuicini tonight.

Day 325 - Tribes training

2009-12-09T05:11:00.001-08:00

Spent a very enjoyable and satisfying first day of a 4 day training course - Tribes. This is an American based course designed to teach teachers how to use various strategies in the classroom to create a more student centred and energised atmosphere. We were taken through a variety of activities as if we were the students - getting to know each other, being innovative and assertive in a supportive and non threatening environment. There were 18 of us - most from my own school and it was a great opportunity to develop a closer relationship with these folk. I am looking forward to tomorrow's session.

Day 324 - Morning tea

2009-12-08T01:26:00.000-08:00

At school today we had to pack the entire contents of our desks into cartons in readiness for a total reconfiguration of the workspace. Here we are having a break with out traditional Tuesday morning tea. I'll miss all this next year as I'm moving up into "The Year 8 Centre". I'm looking forward to this move but I will miss all the folk here as well. I really needed a new challenge and work environment as I have been in this workspace for 21 years and need some rejuvinating.

Day 223 The waltz of the buses

2009-12-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to take these shots all year - now 1 week from the end, finally remembered to take my camera to bus duty. We have 6 buses which ferry students to and from school and they have a limited area to turn but they do it beautifully with amazing synchronization. The stills can't do it justice but their revolutions are strongly waltz like and I hear a definite waltz time in my head as they exit the school grounds

Day 322 - St Nicholas' Day - 6th December

2009-12-06T02:16:00.000-08:00

Today my husband Nick celebrates his Name Day, St Nicholas's Day - Άγιος Νικόλαος. In Orthodox Christianity, your Saints Day is made more of a fuss of than your birthday. Photos show our Nick talking to his relations in Greece this morning - he was away in the northern hemisphere deep in conversation with his Athenian rellies - didn't even notice me take these pics! We spoke on Skype to his cousin later in the day.
Here is a bit of background on the original St Nick -(270-6 December 346) The historical St Nicholas was a very kind bishop from what is now the western coast of Turkey who anonymously left out money gifts for the poor. This tradition was continued after his death and the modern idea of Santa Claus was modelled on this gentleman.(Lucky Nick's dressing gown isn't red)

Day 321 - singing gig

2009-12-05T03:18:00.001-08:00

The Bluestone Room, behind the main restaurant building at Earthly Pleasures, Belgrave, was the venue for a gig Penelope had tonight performing a collection of recently composed originals. She sounded and looked great and had lots of fun. The other pic is the beginning of the stair case in the main restaurant which was actually the residence of Dr Jorgenson whose brother built Montsalvat in Eltham and the architecture is very grand and old worldy.

Day 320 - end of term visual literacy

2009-12-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

This was the last Friday double I will have to do for the year - so we treated ourselves to a bit of an end of term indulgence. Year 7 seemed to enjoy the Philosopher's Stone -nearly as fun as spelling exercises and word studies. The new "short throw" projector works well except for too much light coming into the classroom.

Day 319 - Showreel

2009-12-03T03:35:00.000-08:00

My younger daughter majored in performing arts and is determinedly pursuing a career in this area. She has been experiencing some successes recently in the short/student/low budget film production category and put together a showreel that she will distribute amongst any likely agents. Here are some stills from the showreel.

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Day 318 - Received today - more Baby shower pics

2009-12-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

I know this is a bit cheaty but I received these pics today from my sister-in-law so they are kind of from today. They were so good - I had to include them. This is the first photo I've got of Michael and Shelly together - not that I'm assuming anything.

Day 317 - Fire awareness talk

2009-12-01T21:59:00.001-08:00

We went to a fire awareness meeting at the high school last night. Various members of the CFA, DSE and police force spoke to us about the threat of bushfires in our area (high) and whether we should stay and fight or leave EARLY. Basically the message was - it's our personal responsibility. We can't rely on anyone coming and rescuing us and in the case of a "catastrophic" warning, we should leave the night before. Fortunately we have relations down in the suburbs with whom we can stay - but people who don't are feeling rather bewildered and angry - but there just aren't any assured safe places in the Dandenongs.

Day 316 - last day of November

2009-11-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Came home from school today feeling ordinary and it was just downhill from there - must have picked up a kiddie tummy bug. Really laid me low for 24 hours.The pic shows the view from my bedroom window which is all I had energy to take. Am on the mend now but feeling delicate so am having a sickie today!

Day 315 - Fairy's Fishing Rods or Fairy's Wand.

2009-11-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

I bought this plant at nursery in Dalesford a couple of years ago. This is the best flowering it has ever had.

Day 314 - Baby Shower

2009-11-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

Stef had a gathering today to prepare a welcome for the new baby due in a few weeks. She invited close friends and relatives including the two great grandmothers. Carla presented Stef with a breastfeeding shawl that her mother crochetted for her 37 years ago. We were asked to bring an item to add to a mobile hung from a branch.Various items were contributed ranging from hand made craft to shells and beads.

Day 313 - new mural

2009-11-27T02:04:00.000-08:00

The art department, artistic students and a very talented art teacher have just finished putting this new mural together - young people and city scapes - it looks great.

Day 312 - Damien's moment of fame

2009-11-26T03:57:00.000-08:00

Damien works for anglicare, a social welfare agency and had been doing some great things with boys and young men. This pic was in the local rag with an article of the good work he is doing.See http://www.senews.com.au/story/82695

Day 311 - Summer lunch and other things

2009-11-25T01:59:00.000-08:00

Sophie organized a luncheon today at school with a summer theme - plus we had a pinyata full of sweets to bash.This was a lovely idea and gave us all a lift. Received this photo of neice Selvi today - so cute. There is also a photo of Sue collecting her Outstanding Secondary Teacher award at the VITTA (The Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association )dinner last night. She was totally surprised - didn't even know she had been nominated. However this award is richly deserved - Sue has been a wonderfully innovative, inspired and inspiring teacher - not just in regard to technology in education - but in a variety of areas throughout the school for many years.We will miss her next year as she is leaving us for a new school - lucky them!

Day 310 - Year 10 dance performance - The Wiz

2009-11-24T02:09:00.000-08:00

I was very impressed with this dance act I saw today as part of a Yr 10 dance class performance - from The Wiz - these kids were great. It was also Nick's birthday but I didn't get any pics of that.

Day 309 - Monday, 23rd November

2009-11-23T02:48:00.000-08:00

After a very social weekend, I returned to school for a rest! I had some energy left at the end of the day so did some mowing as you can see in one of the pics. Other photo shows a lovely lily type flower that comes out in early summer.

Day 308 - Sunday, 21st November - Isaac's Event

2009-11-21T23:10:00.001-08:00

Isaac organized a musical and environment awareness day today - a mixture of musical interludes and rousing and informed presentations on the perils of logging old growth forests in catchment areas. Penelope was the MC. It was a very moving and entertaining day - congratulations to Isaac.

Day 307 Engagement

2009-11-21T23:02:00.000-08:00

We went to the engagement party of an old and dear friend of Penelope's. They've known each other since they were babies and were the best of friends all through kindergarten and primary school. They don't see each other much now but for special occasions. Nick's mother is recovering from bowel cancer and the prognosis looks good for her. She was a bundle of energy last night . Pictured is one of her pavlovas for which she is famous.

Day 307 - Selvi in Singapore Friday, 20th November

2009-11-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

My neice, Selvi, is in Singapore at the moment with her parents. We are really missing her but my brother sent these photos today to shut us up.

Day 306 - Yr 12 Graduation Dinner

2009-11-19T04:22:00.000-08:00

I attended the Year 12 Graduation dinner tonight which proved to be an enjoyable evening - great to see the graduating students so pleased with themselves for finishing their schooling. My most annoying student this year thanked me for putting up with him so I suppose it was worth going just for that.

Day 305 - exams and reports

2009-11-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

A busy time at the moment marking yr11 exams and writing reports for my classes.They all have to be finished over the next 2 weeks. Fortunately I do not have to write yr12 reports this time round - one of the few perks enjoyed by yr12 teachers.

Day 304 - Outside in the garden (again)

2009-11-17T00:41:00.000-08:00

The loquat tree has an abundant harvest this year. we've been waiting for the rosellas to come and clean them all up but there's no sign of them as yet.

Day 303 Old photo found - Monday

2009-11-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

Here's an old photo I found of Nick and his dad taken about 47 years ago. It's a little tiny photo, rather crumpled, so I have saved it for cyber space prosperity. Nick's dad, Tolly (Apostolos) was a highly acclaimed soccer player in his day - played for Alexandria, Egypt.They are posing in front of Tolly's medals.

Day 302 - Sunday - fun at the pool

2009-11-14T23:50:00.000-08:00

We took the kids for a swim this morning - at least got Baya away from his ipod - and they had lots of fun.

Day 301 Warburton

2009-11-14T02:49:00.001-08:00

We drove down to Warburton early this morning to pick up the grandchildren to give their parents a break. New baby coming next month and the expectant couple needed some time to themselves - preparing baby room, painting the house and just relaxing. Pics show the view from Warburton Main Street and from their backyard, and Baya having a smile break from his daily practice.We had a nice day back home - just hanging out. Baya has an Apple Ipod Touch he bought on eBay - keeps him very entertained. Ishaa is into sewing.

Day 300 - last class with yr11

2009-11-13T03:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some members of my yr11 English class eating the icypoles I gave them as a last lesson treat. I really enjoyed this class - they are a really friendly group of young people with a generally strong work ethic running through the class. I hope I can teach some of them next year in my yr12 class

Day 299 - Kalimbas

2009-11-12T01:17:00.000-08:00

Isaac has made some beautiful kalimbas (African thumb pianos) which he will try to sell on consignment. He put many hours of work into each one and they make a wonderful rhythmic sound that would add an earthy texture to a music performance. They remind me a little of the Balinese gamalan.

Day 298 - Remembrance Day,11th November

2009-11-11T03:41:00.000-08:00

Just returned from mum's to deposit her cat, she showed me these strange plants growing, unsolicited in her garden. They are so weird and intriguing she's left them there but does anybody know what they are?
PS It's okay all you hortoculturalists - I don't need your helpful comments- it's the opium poppy from Afghanistan! (or Tasmania) My mother will be bemused.

Day 297 - Feline visitor

2009-11-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

My mother's cat, Smudge, is still with us. He came up on the weekend with mum but then when it came time for her to return home, Smudge could not be found.He turned up later that evening - had been hiding out under a bed. He rather likes it here but I will be taking him home to his real mother tomorrow night

Day 296 - back from Guernsey

2009-11-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Clearly I did not take this photo of the port of Guernsey, one of the British Channel Isles.(taken from beccaandbella.typepad.com/.../2009/02/index.html) However, I have been there in spirit, having just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.Inspite of the title, I found this novel, a series of letters, thoroughly entrancing. Set in 1946, the story encompasses the Nazi occupation of Guernsey and the life and loves of a young female writer.The story is fun and the characters convincingly drawn for the most part - a very pleasant but informative read. It was Mary Ann Shaffer's first novel at 70 years of age and sadly she died before the book was published and because of her illness, her niece helped her finish it off

Day 295 - Yert progress and Selvi visit

2009-11-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Neil had a long working day doing fiddly jobs on the yert. This pic shows the front door frame. Selvi and her nan are having fun on the floor and Selvi was doing some serious rolling practice

Day 294 - Up the back

2009-11-07T03:20:00.001-08:00

Going up the back to lock the chickens away - I'm overwhelmed by the colours of the evening sky, caught in the panoramic drama from the high side of our property. Living on this same spot for over 30 years, I'm still taken by surprise at its changing beauty and am reminded why we stay here - inspite of the bushfire risk.I am very fond of our chickens, they are very sweet and friendly and love to be petted. Their feathers are silky soft and they like having their necks scratched.

Day 293 - Concert and snails on the menu

2009-11-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

My grandchildren attend a Steiner school (where my son also teaches music) and last night they had their end of year music concert. As always, it was amazing with some beautiful solo acts as well as massed choirs and orchestras. Children have a staggered lead up to music but by class 4 are learning violin / cello or double bass. My grandson is slowly mastering the double bass although he needed his uncle to help him keep the time last night. Afterwards we had some wonderful French cuisine at a winery across the road and Ishaa posed for some photos for her great grandmother who wants to do her portrait. The escargot were a talking point.

Day 292 - Beautiful mountain garden

2009-11-05T01:50:00.000-08:00

Sue had a little social gathering back at her place this afternoon. Among her many talents is this amazingly picturesque garden she has created out of the mountainous chaos that was her backyard.

Day 291 - sprouting conifers and inedible plums

2009-11-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

After our Christmas trees become too big for the pot we plant them out in the garden and this time of the year there is lots of new growth activity. Plus there are plums on the prunus trees - inedible ones unfortunately.

Day 290 -Art Exhibition

2009-11-03T03:38:00.001-08:00

Mum's art society's annual exhibition always opens on this night. My mother has been a member for 24 years and has always managed to exhibit about 6 pieces of work. This year, due to illness and injury, she was only able to finish 2 pastels- pictured here - the white house, "Catching the Light" and "Lonely Beach".

Day 289 - the extinct long weekend

2009-11-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

As a government school we used to be able to take the day off before Cup Day as long as we could demonstrate we had completed 8 hours PD. Last year we were granted a long over due pay rise but we had to lose some of our student free days as punishment. So here we are at school today - more teachers than students. I've just finished my bus duty waving off about 12 students in 5 huge buses that are still obliged to do their runs.
At least we had a pleasant luncheon (that we provided ourselves) and some fun and games so our spirits have been boosted....I think.

Day 288 -Magpie comments

2009-11-01T03:11:00.001-08:00

Magpie perched on the apex of the yert roof frame asks when in the sam hill is this thing gonna be finished?
Slightly mystical effect achieved by shooting pic through windscreen.

Day 287 - Vegies planted!

2009-10-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

Phew! Vegies planted just before Melbourne Cup Day, we made it - but it was HARD WORK! That's because I had to do most of it because the farmer still has his leg in a splint.

Day 286 - a luscious rose and a fiery sunset

2009-10-30T02:46:00.001-07:00

A most luscious rose growing in our garden at the moment.Later in the evening I captured the last moments of a fiery sunset - a fitting end to my week.

Day 285 - Peaceful evening

2009-10-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

My day off -again! We bought the vegie plants that we'll plant on the weekend. I went to an eMug (Apple Mac) meeting. Back home and after dinner, we were sitting on the balcony from where I shot these photos.

Day 284 spider activity

2009-10-28T02:23:00.001-07:00

I was pleased how clearly the web came out - it was a bit of a shot in the dark! You'll see it better if you click on the pic though. No sign of the owner, just her prey.Can you see the sunbeam shining through it?

Day 283 - icecream sky

2009-10-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

A beautifully dreamy early evening sky offered some solace after a day to be forgotten. These pink clouds always make me think of icecream.

Day 282 - vegie garden in the making

2009-10-26T04:07:00.001-07:00

Michael weeded the old vegetable plots today (as his father is still incapacitated)in readiness to planting tomatoes, lettuces, zuccini - before Cup Day! The potatoes were hiding under the dirt. The lemon balm grows just outside the laundry.

Day 281 - Selvi and Sevim

2009-10-25T01:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of lovely girls! Selvi is 5 months now and is very cute and plump.

Day 280- Korean restaurant

2009-10-25T01:24:00.001-07:00

this was fun - cooking our own thinly sliced pieces of marinated meat at a Korean restaurant in Glen Iris last night

Day 279 - SAC Day

2009-10-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

I snuck in this photo with my webcam as my yr11 class were working on their language analysis SAC. They're a good class and hopefully they have mastered the art of identifying persuasive language devices using the correct "metalanguage" and are able to describe how the language positions the audience.

Day 278 - My Day Off

2009-10-21T23:35:00.001-07:00

Perfectly lovely. didn't have any school work to do for a change although that will all change tomorrow. Our property is looking unusually manicured since Adrian got to it with his brush cutter. Slatted shadows from the pergola looked interesting on the bricks in the afternoon sun.

Day 277 - Year 12's Last Day

2009-10-21T19:55:00.001-07:00

Our Year 12's last day - they were very well behaved. Much writing of messages on t-shirts and a celebratory assembly which was surprisingly thoughtful and entertaining with a number of different films the students had made.

Day 276 - Ancestors

2009-10-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

This lovely lady was unearthed the other day from a box buried in Nick's study. She is Emilie, Nick's grandmother's older sister. This studio photo was taken in Egypt when Emilie was probably in her late 30's - many members of this family had white hair before they turned 40. Originally from Smyrna (now Izmir), Emilie and her husband left for Egypt long before her sister Anna (Nick's Yiayia)arrived there as a refugee in the 1920's.It was in response to her older sister's urgings that the widowed Anna and her 3 young children left the inhospitable refugee camp in Athens and arrived in Alexandria, 1 year after their forced departure from their mountain village of Kouklouja overlooking the beautiful and once predominantly Greek port city of Smyrna.
Emile's eyes and eyebrows remind me a little of Stefanie's.

Rosellas

2009-10-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

These rosellas were playing on the grass outside my bedroom window this afternoon

Day 274 - some lovely boys

2009-10-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

My nephew and his two sons came up to see us today. They had picked up their nan / great nan (my mother), took her to their childcare fete and then returned to the hills after a fun packed afternoon! Mum had a really enjoyable time and it was great to see my little great-nephews who are growing up very quickly.

A trip to Mine

2009-10-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

Penelope has a little job working in a baby shop in Olinda at the moment. It's called Mine and stocks beautifully handcrafted toys and items of clothing - all fabulously expensive.Pen says it's a very pleasant and unpressurized environment catering mainly to tourists. Mum and I visited her there today.

Day 272 - Funeral

2009-10-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the funeral of the daughter of an old friend and colleague. Erica was just 35 years old and died from an aggressive and rare form of cancer.She and her husband had recently bought a house close to Erica's mother who suffers from Parkinson's Disease. She was planning to start a family when she first became ill. Erica was Celia's only child and much adored. I had fallen out of contact with Celia and her husband and had no idea Erica was ill until I heard of her passing. Her young husband spoke courageously of his beautiful wife and her zest for life and Celia too bravely paid tribute to her daughter's love and achievements in her short lifetime.A reminder indeed to treasure our loved ones whom we should never take for granted.

Michael's birthday dinner

2009-10-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday celebration for Michael tonight.

Day 270 Roast

2009-10-14T04:31:00.000-07:00

Nick had an old school friend drop in for tea tonight and we had the King Island lamb I bought yesterday. It was very tender and tasty. Nick's sister had called in today and prepared this meal for us so I can't take credit for it but I certainly appreciated it.

Day 269 --Belgrave shopping strip

2009-10-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

Belgrave shopping centre straddles the dying curves of Burwood Highway before it transforms into Monbulk Rd. It's about 10 minutes from where I live and I often go there for some speciality shops - today a butcher's that sells King Island meat.

Garden Action

2009-10-12T02:55:00.000-07:00

Lots of activity in the garden this time of year.