threesixtyfivephotos

My blog has moved

2010-01-10T02:19:00.001-08:00

Well, I decided to continue photoblogging - just not every day. I would love to have visitors on my new blog. Hope to talk to you there.

Bye, and thanks for the conversation.

Day 366 - This one's for Marina

2009-12-31T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm sneaking in an extra post for Marina. This photo was taken at midnight with neighbours. Our host had some flares he kept in his boat and decided to dedicate 3 of them to the new year.

Have a great year, Marina, and I'm hoping to see you share your gorgeous photos with us in some form online. In fact, I'm hoping to read a few more photo blog journeys this year. Thanks for accompanying me on mine.

Day 365 - The conclusion

2009-12-31T02:19:00.000-08:00

The final post. The photos are very similar to my first couple of posts a year ago. It's been worth it, despite all my whingeing along the way. As we're getting ready to go to a new year's celebration, it's bucketing, with dramatic thunder and lightning. My little dog is shivering. I'm thinking about all those who have gathered in the city for the fireworks display which promises to be better than ever. Unless the storm prevents it. Waiting for the rain to subside, we're watching a Seinfeld DVD but someone has pressed the wrong episode and we're seeing stick figure Seinfeld characters which is funny because the voices are just the same.

Happy New Year to everyone, and I hope 2010 is a very good year for you. Thankyou for reading, and thankyou especially for commenting.

xTania

Day 364 - The day before

2009-12-30T03:53:00.000-08:00

On the second last day of the year we drank pink champagne, left over champagne from a few days ago which I thought we should finish before it lost its bubbles. You may recognise that this photo has been taken by Mr 19. An unremarkable day despite the impending conclusion of this blog tomorrow. Since I've never placed much importance on the whole new year thing, it doesn't worry me that this year will end unremarkably. Life isn't remarkable in the every day, but an overview of the whole year is like a bird's eye view of a landscape with some features more outstanding and colourful than the rest.

Day 363 - Sunny brunch

2009-12-28T23:30:00.000-08:00

Beautiful day, just perfect. I spent a good part of it with one of my favourite people over brunch and coffee outdoors in Rathdowne Street, North Carlton. Seems to be a popular spot for pooches too.

I noticed evidence of botanical creativity around all the trees along the strip. Quaint.

I allow myself 2 minutes to dream of being a Rathdowne resident.

Day 362 - Only 3 more days after this! omg!

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

I think I've gone from thinking 'when will this blog come to its timely end?' to 'omg! there are only a few days left; what will I do without my daily dose of making something up at the end of the day?'

Definitely the best thing about writing threesixtyfivephotos has been the connections it's created. Obviously with Susan Van Gelder and Pam Arvanitakis, who have faithfully commented and supported me, and with a few people who have let me know privately that they've enjoyed reading my posts, or that photos of my home town have cheered them up while they were away, or even that they've followed parts of my journey emotionally.

It's been much more than the superficial little experiment it stated out as. And I have the chronological and photographic record of this year.

Day 361 - 60 years of our parish

2009-12-27T02:57:00.000-08:00

Today our parish celebrated 60 years since its founding. Our bishop, also Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, served along with many priests and deacons. The choir was fuller than usual (I think 40 voices according to our conductor) since we are also hosting the annual Youth Convention.

My grandfather was one of the first church wardens of the Melbourne Orthodox church, giving most of his time and supporting the bishop with various issues within Australian parishes. He died of cancer at the age of 45. Some of his close friends, including those who came over on the same ship as he did, still play a valuable part in the life of the parish, giving up much of their time to help things run smoothly. This is a photo of the wife of one of my grandfather's best friends, who is still actively involved in the parish despite illness.

My husband's relatives who live in Russia send photos and write warm, interesting emails. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if my family hadn't been forced to leave their country. This recent photo is from St Petersburg - a contrast to our own weather.

Day 360 - Full circle

2009-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Now I'm really in relaxion mode. I'm beginning to feel the way I did when I started this blog. Spent the day browsing through illustration blogs internally oohing and ahhing (yes it does so have two h's) over wonderful, wonderful book illustations. This blog has a blog list worth investigating if you love illustrations and children's books which combine great design, whimsy and atmosphere. Most of my time has been spent on Le figure dei libri, and I've been posting video links onto Facebook and my art wiki.

Day 359 - The day after - Christmas for most people.

2009-12-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

Today is the absence of cooking and cleaning; just chilling.

The dog does what we do.

The possum has returned.

Meanwhile, we still have a while to go until our Christmas. Now to try and focus a little more and indulge less.

Day 358 - Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T16:25:00.001-08:00

My post is late following a late night. Here are the pictures of the German Lutheran church.

It was difficult driving to the church through the pelting rain which made visibility almost impossible. Some drivers stopped on the side of the road. Safe and dry in the beautiful church built in the nineteenth century, we filled an entire row/pew, and tried our best to sing the German hymns which are always pitched very high. These pictures were taken by Mr 19 and you can see the rest of them in his photostream once they're uploaded.

At home, good food, pink champagne, animated conversations, a flurry of paper ripping and ribbons, excited children, groaning dessert table, happy farewells and well wishes at the door. Groggily collecting the debris and restoring order. Falling into bed happy, relieved and grateful.

Day 357 - Mango dessert

2009-12-23T02:24:00.000-08:00

Preparation for Christmas eve has included a tiramisu-style mango dessert. My grandmother was Lutheran and so our family tradition is to attend the Christmas eve German service at the Lutheran church in the city (across the road from St Patrick's), and then come back to a meal and the exchanging of gifts around the tree. I've always loved the atmosphere inside the little bluestone church. A very tall Christmas tree stands in the altar, decorated tastefully with large red balls, straw stars, silver 'rain' and white lights. Each white-washed, leadlight window ledge has fir branches and a simple white candle. The cathedral ceiling is lined with dark wood.

We sing carols in German. Since my husband and boys don't speak German, I give them a quick lesson on how to pronounce the vowels and consonants on the way to the church.

Early in January we celebrate Christmas again!!

I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas wherever you are.

Day 356 - A little grumpy

2009-12-22T01:25:00.001-08:00

No sleep, sinus headache; grumpy. Well, not the whole day.

Still decorating and wishing my artistic eye was more artistic.

Just now, after hearing rushing of water, we looked out beyond our backyard and saw an enormous gush of water. A water main must have burst. I wonder how long before it is stopped. Wishing I could catch it somehow and water my thirsty garden.

Just listening to a news update (9 pm) and surprised to hear that someone vandalised the Myer Christmas windows. Why?

Day 355 - Decorating

2009-12-21T00:48:00.000-08:00

This is the solution to our two Christmas trees issue. In the last few years we've been bringing in two potted trees to decorate, so that we have one in our dining room and one in the room in which we spend most of our time. The trees have grown too large to just casually carry in and out, and they're not looking too good after the hot summers, so we settled for a modern arrangement instead in one of the rooms.

I think this is the first day I've really felt relaxed since the holidays began. It had a lot to do with very good company.

Day 354 - Wrapped up

2009-12-20T02:49:00.000-08:00

Paper rolls all over the table. Sticky tape, ribbons all-sorts, scissors, gift cards, strings of shiny red beads. Preparation for Christmas. Even though I complain about having two Christmases, I suppose I like having one for the magic and materialism, and the other for more spiritual preparation.

Thanks to Mr 19 for the photo.

Day 353 - Music marathon

2009-12-19T04:24:00.000-08:00

And there was much singing and playing of the piano. And it was loud and they enjoyed it. I was wrapping presents at the time. So glad not to live in a silent house.

Day 352 - Still disjointed

2009-12-18T04:32:00.000-08:00

Still feeling disjointed, running errands here, there and everywhere. Following the Christmas break routine. My poor little dog was transformed from a fat furball to a scrawny, fragile-looking animal with bones.

No photo was taken today, although I considered revealing my Christmas wrap mess which is taking over a table in the kitchen (maybe I need a gift-wrapping room like Niles), but I might do that tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I asked Mr 19 to take a photo for me during a night walk along The Boulevarde (la di da), Ivanhoe, an annual Christmas lights display.

Sorry for the late post.

Day 351 - Rain, humidity, more rain and a cool change

2009-12-17T02:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so soon I'll be having my own weather segment. That's on top of the food segment. Soon I'll be reading your horoscope and giving you gardening tips.

Well, I was happy that we had so much rain - not pouring rain but lovely consistent rain over several hours, drenching everything, as far as I could see. Our dog, our little black and white mop, spent the first half of the day shivering and shaking in a cartoon-like manner, and the second sleeping. I think I'm slowing down; I wasn't very productive today, although I did buy a new letter box. Looking forward to receiving large envelopes and parcels which aren't wet or ripped.

I really should remember to bring in these Moroccan lamps when it's about to rain.

Day 350 - A hot day

2009-12-15T23:25:00.001-08:00

What can you do on a very hot day? Close all the blinds, avail yourself of ice-cold drinks, and find something you like doing.

No heavy duty cooking on hot days either. No baking, that's for sure.

Day 349 - More biscuits, too many containers and not enough space

2009-12-15T03:19:00.000-08:00

I've been quoted as saying 'you can never have enough biscuits', but I think I may have to add to that very true maxim the words 'you can never have enough containers' and following that 'enough space to put the biscuits and containers'. For truly, I have discovered the chagrin which follows when too many biscuits and too many containers lack the corresponding amount of storage space.

After choir practice later in the evening, I snapped the church but the camera has lied; it looks like mid-afternoon.

What it really looked like was this.

I'm following the predictable pattern for me in the first week of holidays - a feeling that I have to fix all those things hanging over my head during school term when my time is limited. This will pass, and then I'll assume a slug-like disposition which will continue until the last five or so days before school resumes, when I'll suddenly realise there are so many wonderful things to do and not enough time to do them all before the start of the school year. I need help.

Day 348 - Christmas baking

2009-12-14T00:50:00.001-08:00

First day of holidays and after a somewhat uninspiring trek through one of those soulless shopping towns (as they're strangely called), in search of adolescent gear, I made a start on the Christmas biscuits. The first batch was white chocolate and macadamia, and I also made dark chocolate and ginger which were slightly disappointing on account of the ginger flavour disappearing, and also they were slightly burnt. Oh well, more tomorrow.

Day 347 - No photo

2009-12-13T03:09:00.000-08:00

No photo today. I tried, I really did, but they were even more blurry than this one. Mr 19 and I just took a photo of each other taking photos. Not sure about the grammar of the last sentence. I'm really looking forward to the end of this blog. My life has probably run its course in terms of novelty. Here's Mr 19's blog post and photo.

Day 346 - First Birthday

2009-12-12T00:43:00.000-08:00

Such a lovely Saturday. In the afternoon we had an enjoyable time at Sophie's first birthday. The table was set by Sophie's almost 3 year old brother; he did a great job. This little boy was busy all day, and finished the afternoon by displaying his conducting skills, complete with podium, music stand and baton.

Earlier a monthly market at the Botanical Gardens enticed us to breakfast and a leisurely stroll.
The Children's Garden is delightful.

Day 345 - Last day of school

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

The layers of the year have peeled away consistently, and we're almost at the end. The last day of school for the year ended with a very enjoyable lunch overlooking a vineyard. Catching up with staff members I barely see throughout the year, I wondered if it would be too hard to organise more frequent social functions which enabled conversations.

Day 344 - No laptop

2009-12-11T02:49:00.000-08:00

No laptop today. It was my turn to swap my old laptop for a newer 2 year old tablet. Hence the absence of a timely post.

I snapped a random card bluetacked to my wall. An old card my sister made.

Day 343 - Holidays for some

2009-12-09T03:09:00.001-08:00

Some of us are already on holidays and others are not. Mr 16 is off and says he doesn't have enough hours in the day. He's so immersed in his compositions, time flies for him. For us at work it's dragging now with 2 more days to go. Still, tomorrow we're having a morning tea in the library for the whole staff, and people will be able to buy books from Dymocks, as well as book-related gifts from Readers' Niche.

Day 342 - Hair appointment

2009-12-08T01:45:00.000-08:00

On my way to the hairdresser today, I stopped at Ikea. This little dinner party caught my eye. The guests seem to be having a great time, especially the hippos.

The graffiti was spied in a side street. Here's the close-up and you can also see the rest of the wall here.

I'm fascinated by the combination of retail and residential in the inner city. This residence is above the shops in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. It would be a nice change not to live in the suburbs.

Day 341 - State of the garden

2009-12-07T01:39:00.000-08:00

Things are blooming or promising to. The stephanotis is bursting with buds.

Look how big it's grown. Sorry about the sun-bleached photo but I couldn't block out the setting sun.

Both buddleia are blooming - the purple and the white. The white one is competing for space with the crab apple.

And that's it from our garden segment this week. How is your garden growing?

Day 340 - Getting closer

2009-12-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Getting closer to the end of the year, isn't it? The closer it gets, the less I can identify with it. By Christmas I'm feeling alienated, looking at things from a distance. Does this happen to anyone else? I think I've failed to be able to live for the moment of significant days. I can look ahead, I can look back, relive and re-experience, but during the day itself, I look around bewildered, feel detached and just go through the motions. Or maybe I'm just exaggerating. We'll see....

Oh, and the picture is part of our dinner - potato and beetroot salad with garlic chives. The pickled cucumber is missing. Must buy some.

Day 339 - City sights

2009-12-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

The city was overstimulating today. Coming up to Christmas is always like this. More people, more cars, more buskers, cranes obstructing major roads (Collins St), sounds mingling - singing, guitar, flute, drums, trumpet. Still, it's a good feeling. Walking up Bourke St I stopped with others to watch a talented artist make a decent job reproducing well-known paintings.

I like the way he's lined up his money tray with the money in the painting. Witty.

The artist had already completed a few pictures - the Madonna-like woman with the plump children, Vermeer's woman pouring milk from a jug, and a young woman with a basket of berries.

I walked past ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) and saw a group of bright green, Telly Tubby-like video pods, and into the Atrium through to the gallery shop to do some Christmas shopping. The umbrellas were new.

I also took one or two photos of traditional Christmas decorations in a traditional setting for Susan.

Day 338 - Last day

2009-12-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

Today's photo is of Mr 16 with the obligatory signed shirt for the last day of school. As Mr 16 said, funny how it's when you leave or die that people say really nice things about you.

Day 337 - A musical evening

2009-12-03T02:47:00.000-08:00

I know, it's a very blurry photo, but the others weren't much better. This is what you get with my camera at dusk. At least I recorded Mr 16 playing for the last time in his school's string orchestra. In fact, this is his second last day at his current school before he goes to VCASS next year. This little outdoor concert precedes the annual end-of-year middle years chapel service.

Nothing else to report. I took some photos from this position of the school surrounds, including this tree from far away, a little closer and closer still. One of the ovals is being excavated; I'm not sure what for. All the tractors and such have gone to bed. And so should I.

Day 336 - Borrowed photos

2009-12-02T03:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I cursed silently as I walked through the Old Post Office in the city. The interior was the best example of contemporary Christmas decoration I'd seen in a long time. That's why I've borrowed these two photos from Guest Photographer who went there today - with camera.

Just wanted to share these. What do you think?

Guest Photographer is phillipsandwich on Flickr.

Day 335 - Chadstone and the end of Movember (unrelated)

2009-12-01T03:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I walked my feet off at Chadstone - yes, I'm sitting here with stumps where my feet used to be. Chadstone Shopping Centre should come with a warning or at least GPS. I thought I'd just mention that I didn't purchase a single thing for myself (impressed?) apart from a sandwich and coffee. A small dent has been made in the Great Christmas Retail Hunt, so I'm pleased in a small way.

Later this evening, Mr 19 shaved his moustache, having joined the ranks of men raising money for prostate cancer and depression research and awareness, and having come to the end of the month and raised $448. Facebook has been a good way to promote this fundraiser.

Day 334 - Mystery object

2009-11-30T01:04:00.000-08:00

These two photos are parts of the same object. Can you guess what it is? Russians have to keep quiet. All other people please leave your guess in the comment box.

Day 333 - By design

2009-11-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

333 is an odd number. Literally. And it's impressively close to the impending 365, the name and aim of this blog. What do I have to offer to anyone bothering to read this? Very little, as predicted. Recently back from kitchen duty and smelling seriously like fried stuff, before I do some work, I thought I'd kill this post early in the day. I could talk about the enormous amount of yeast-based dough, the cabbage, potato and mushroom and rice fillings, the seemingly endless orders of piroshki and soup, snatches of conversation - but it's not that exciting; you have to be there. Instead, I decided to go with random yet again. Hey, it's an authentic part of life - mine, at least.

Today's photos are examples of objects I've chosen for their design. The first object is Moroccan, the second is - I'm not sure - and the last one I was given by an Iranian (then Persian) acquaintance (on account of my father spending his youth in (then) Persia during the time of the Shah.)

Day 332 - Christmas shopping

2009-11-27T23:52:00.000-08:00

I walked my legs off in the city (after the market) today, finally making a start on my Christmas shopping. I feel a little better having started. Mr 16 had his audition for Melbourne Youth Orchestra (MYO), and then we were supposed to go to a street party. Having been on my feet for about 6 hours, I decided to stay home, do the washing and some housework, and bake a cake for church kitchen duty tomorrow morning. Now that I'm finally sitting down, I don't know how I'm going to get up again.

Day 331 - After the rain

2009-11-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

After the rain, it seems green stuff is sprouting all over the place! Feels more like Sydney now, what with the humidity steaming up the place. I am appreciating all the lush growth, though, considering Summer will cook the place and take out large sections of the garden. I don't remember this kind of severity before with Melbourne weather.

Here's the neighbours' tree that I'm worried about. Yes, the fence neighbour. If this tree collapses into our yard or (God forbid) our house, our neighbours will not be compensating us; this I know.

Day 330 - Stormy weather

2009-11-26T00:48:00.000-08:00

I meant to photograph the bark of this tree last week when it was much redder. After today's memorable storm, I wonder if the trunk is now stripped naked. The volatile weather caused havoc, causing train cancellations (hence Mr 16's very late arrival home after waiting over an hour for his train), and I heard on the news that a girl was hit by lightning - awful.

At work I shelf-read all day. Wouldn't recommend it. Tomorrow is more of the same. Still, I'd rather do that than have my teeth extracted, which is what cut my stocktaking experience short last year.

The photo below is the unremarkable view from my car window as I waited for Mr 16 in the wet carpark.

Day 329 - VITTA conference.

2009-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

The Victorian Information Technology Teachers' Association (VITTA) just finished a 3-day conference. I attended the last day, and was fortunate to hear Steve Hargadon - both keynote and special session. Steve is the founder of Classroom 2.0 and community manager for LearnCentral.org, amongst other things. He said that we are about to go through the biggest change in education in centuries or maybe ever, and it's going to feel like a tidal wave. The wave is there now. Some people have their back to the wave, a few are out surfing the wave, but to most of us the wave looks impossible.

My first time at the Grandstand, Flemington Racecourse. It's massive; a very impersonal, clinical place to have a conference. I imagine that many conferences are at such places. What about we book out a street of cafes for different sessions, eg. Lygon Street, Carlton?

The next photo was taken during my TWO HOUR drive home through the mainly stationary traffic. It's the section around the Zoo, very dry and desolate.

Day 328 - A shot of vodka

2009-11-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

Mr 19, his second cousin and I were discussing the issue of underage drinking, the question of legal drinking age and whether lowering this would make any difference. After about 20 minutes, we all decided we felt like a drink, and since we'd also mentioned how 'Standard' had seemingly replaced 'Stolichnaya', it seemed only appropriate to pull a bottle of 'Standard' out of the freezer and give it a shot (so to speak).

Day 327 - Back to the garden

2009-11-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

When there's no photo at the end of the day, and nothing much will happen - you know it - it's back to the garden. Here's one of my recent additions to the Scorched Summer Garden. I think (not absolutely sure) that this succulent will tolerate heat better than the camelia which used to be in this north-facing, open spot.

Otherwise, nothing new. At work I spent most of the day shelf-reading, which to library plebs, means you start at one end of your shelves and put all the books in order. Easy enough, you think, but once you get more than six numbers after the decimal point, not to mention the first three letters of the author's surname, the brain gets a bit fried. If you do it most of the day.

Day 326 - It's all about rain

2009-11-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

It's all about rain today - beautiful, constant, musical, WET rain. We've waited a long time for this, and we don't know how long we'll have to wait until another solid rain, so there isn't anyone complaining about it.

I took a couple of shots after church but they don't capture how saturated it looks. Inside the church, the unusual darkness made the lights stand out.

We have some extremely old icons. This one of the saints, Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen, has a wide crack running up through Empress Helen.

At home, I noticed the rain had brought out the colours of the different types of wood used to make the new fence. Pity that we'll have to get rid of the rosemary bushes but it has to be done if we want to plant something which will provide more shade.

I hope Sydney's cool change comes soon. I wouldn't like to be there today - top of 41 degrees celcius and probably humid.

Day 325 - Myer Christmas windows

2009-11-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

Myer Christmas windows have been a seasonal attraction in the city of Melbourne (a little) longer than I've been around. This year's theme is based on the Olivia picture book series, more specifically, Olivia helps with Christmas. Previous themes have ranged from traditional children's tales, such as Cinderella, Pinocchio and the Snow Queen, to more local stories, such as Graeme Base's Uno's garden and May Gibbs' The gumnut babies. If you're interested, here's a list of themes dating back to 1956.

Sorry about the poor quality shots with window reflections.

Day 324 - Relief after a very hot day

2009-11-20T00:34:00.000-08:00

Sometime during the afternoon of an extremely hot day (lucky us in the library with air conditioning), we heard the rumble of thunder and waited for the welcome sound of rain. Instead the fire siren sounded and we walked, grumbling, into large but sparse drops of rain and - finally - a coolish breeze. Three fire trucks later, pointing to the dust storm as the cause of the alert, we returned to work. Driving home, it was good to wind down the windows and feel the cool air rushing in.

After dinner, I could smell the wet greenness through the open windows, so I decided to go for a walk to check out garden casualties.

Spring growth has added size to trees.

This is the only rose on the bush; the others have already bloomed and dried out. I'm happy to see the kangaroo paws starting to flower (pictured above).

Day 323 - Ducklings to ducks

2009-11-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

Our ducklings have grown into ducks. Surprising, that. I haven't seen them for a while so I had to follow them for a quick pic today. Wonder why they're not cooling off in the pond, considering today's mid-30s temperature.

The next picture has captured the indecision of a couple of the ducks. Which way?

Day 322 - Movember

2009-11-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

Here is Mr 19's Movember progress. He looks pleased with himself. Movember is a good cause, raising money for research into prostate cancer and depression in men. It's also a time when men donning moustaches can get free Grill'd burgers.

Day 321 - Unexpected tenant

2009-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Just outside our back doors above the verandah and easily visible from inside, a small possum has taken up residence in a precarious spot on a beam under the eaves. I'm not sure why he/she's chosen this spot but I'm surprised he/she hasn't taken advantage of the large tree growing over this area. I'm guessing the shelter of the eaves and adjacent vine makes this prime real estate. Or else the little creature is confused.

Initially I thought the branches and leaves on the verandah were failed attempts at a bird nest, so imagine my surprise when I discovered it was no bird.

Day 320 - Last day

2009-11-16T04:38:00.001-08:00

Our last day was sunny and windy. I started mentally preparing myself to leave this timeless place and slow pace. I wanted to miss nothing; to notice the small, insignificant things...

to appreciate the history of the buildings, and hope they will be preserved.

We travelled 20 minutes to Queenscliff in the afternoon. It's a quiet, old-fashioned looking place. Well, it's actually not so quiet during the music festival.

We were sad to leave Barwon Heads. We've booked a year ahead to come again. It's a very popular place.

Day 319 - Second day

2009-11-16T04:31:00.001-08:00

Fresh air, sun, relaxation and good company. We spent many hours reading, chatting, eating and drinking on the front verandah.

Blue is one of the most beautiful colours - expansive, transparent and calming.

Day 318 - Back to Barwon Heads

2009-11-16T04:16:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a lovely, lovely long weekend at Barwon Heads. The first picture shows the restaurant on the pier where we had lunch almost as soon as we arrived. It's walking distance from our cabin. The second picture shows work on the new bridge that nobody wanted. Last time we were here - some time in July - there was significant protest about this development, and we were sad to see it had made no difference. What a shame the small, unobtrusive bridge will be replaced by a large, modern one (as well as an adjacent footbridge).

Later in the day, Mr 16 and his aunt played Bocce.

The picture below shows how close to the sea we were staying.

It really is heaven on earth here. I hope it always stays this way.

Day 317 - SLAV conference and night photos

2009-11-13T03:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I blew it , didn't I? I planned to take lots of photo of the National Gallery of Victoria and the city sights, since I was there for a PD day. BUT - I forgot to take the memory card out of the laptop, so the camera was useless. Great day though, fabulous venue, excellent get-together with teacher librarians, and a few pleasant surprises (first-time meeting with online friends).

The theme for the conference was 'Seeing differently', and it was a brilliant line-up of education officers from the National Gallery, educators, curators and painting conservators, and experts in different fields (eg. graphic novels, Shakespeare, etc.). By far the best and most entertaining talk, in my opinion, was the keynote address by Dr Mark Norman, author, marine biologist and Senior Curator of Molluscs from Museum Victoria. Very informative and entertaining talk, even for non-science people like me (particularly). Mark also writes fantastic children's books to make children aware of our natural world. These are far from dry; I think I'll buy some. The titles will give you an indication of his style: The penguin book: birds in suits; The Antarctica Book: Living in the freezer; The shark book: fish with attitude.

Then there was the small matter of a photo for the day. It was already darkish when I arrived home, so I took some night shots outside.

This one was commissioned by me from Guest Photographer.

Day 316 - The drug

2009-11-12T03:10:00.000-08:00

Coffee's my drug. What's yours? We're serious coffee drinkers, in fact, three out of four people in our household drink coffee. That's strong, freshly brewed, REAL coffee. None of that instant rubbish. Sorry.

We've been buying coffee from Quists for about 20 or more years. I try to want to drink tea but it just doesn't happen.

Day 315 - School grounds

2009-11-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

Our school is situated in beautiful surroundings. I think I've mentioned this before. I noticed young new trees in a dry area. They will have to survive without too much water, especially the way our temperatures are soaring so early in the season.

Day 314 - Thankful for shade

2009-11-10T01:01:00.001-08:00

We're so thankful for the thick vine which provide shade for our back room. We pretty much live in this room. The last few days have been in the 30s and there's more to come, so I'm happy to have few western-facing windows, good insulation, verandah in the front, and this lush vine. Meanwhile, I don't really know what to do with the fast-growing vine branches - thread them back up the top or leave them in the natural Tarzan fashion.

My dog doesn't seem to mind the heat as much as we do.

Day 313 - Anticlimax stirfry

2009-11-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

After the excitement of the weekend activities, the most colourful thing about today was our stir-fry. I could really do without the heat...

Day 312 - Anna and Pat's wedding

2009-11-09T01:49:00.000-08:00

It was too late to upload photos and write a post when I returned from the wedding of my husband's niece (and my god-daughter), Anna and her husband, Pat, so today is yesterday (so to speak). The church service was followed by an extremely warm reception at the historic Montsalvat which is not unlike Hogwarts on a smaller scale. The groom's vocation inspired the antique firetruck transport but I wish that it hadn't inspired the scorching hot temperatures. Weddings always collect an interesting array of family and friends, resplendent in their best. A lovely day which will be remembered by all who attended, and especially the happy couple.

Photos courtesy of phillipsandwich aka Mr19.

Day 311 - Mediterranean Night

2009-11-07T04:53:00.000-08:00

We were invited to an evening with a Mediterranean theme. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable time with family, friends and neighbours. With the heat of the day losing its edge, we sat outside, covered in insect repellent, and full of too many foods to mention (okay, maybe just the tiramisu then). The photos are of my boys' second cousins. Yes, the boys in the photo are twins, but you can't see both of them because the right part of the photo is always cut off. It's very annoying. Have a look at the photo on Flickr.

Day 310 - Ballet

2009-11-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

For some reason I ended up demonstrating the ballet positions for feet to my two sons. From distant memories of my ballet days (very distant), these are the positions I remembered (correct me if I'm wrong). It was amusing to see Mr 16 and Mr 18 seriously attempt all five positions, but why do people twist their arms out while trying? The top one is first position and the following are second, third, fourth and fifth in that order.

Day 309 - Camomile

2009-11-05T04:01:00.000-08:00

Home late from an end of year dinner (premature, yes) with a heavy teacher librarian demographic. Altogether quite lovely, although the chocolate mousse is still making its presence felt. Dying to get to bed but daily photo has reared its ugly head. This is a picture of camomile flowers drying out to be used as tea. My sister kindly picked these from her garden and painstakingly snipped the stems off each one. I don't really like camomile tea but she insists that it tastes better fresh.

Day 308 - The day after Melbourne Cup Day

2009-11-04T00:14:00.000-08:00

The day after Melbourne Cup Day had nothing to do with Melbourne Cup. I had the day off because I had to make the mammoth trek to my homeopath. Some people may know what this kind of day is like. Firstly, it takes me about an hour to get there, then I sit for an indeterminate length of time in the waiting room looking at framed illustrations of botanical specimens used in homeopathic remedies. And stripey chairs. Finally it's my turn, and this part usually takes about 45 minutes, but often longer. My homeopath has a nifty machine which checks me thoroughly without any invasive or painful procedures. And we have a lovely conversation. And lastly, I wait until his wife goes behind the curtain to make up the brown bottles with stoppers which make my breath smell as if I've been drinking. Oh, and then I wait a little longer until she makes up the remedies for the people who haven't wanted to make the trip but need repeats.

And then I bought some shoes.

Today's photo has nothing to do with the day and my activities, but I've got 4 or 5 of these old signs - anybody want them?

Day 307 - Melbourne Cup Day

2009-11-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

Strange as it may seem to the rest of the world, Melbourne enjoys a public holiday so that it can watch a horse race. Now, I'm no particular fan of horses, racing or betting, but I sure appreciate a day off. Hang on, I already have Tuesdays off! Oh well, this way I get to enjoy it with my family. Which we did by having a barbecue, and we even managed to eat outside without getting eaten by mozzies thanks to the many sandalwood sticks we burned.

It was also a good day for a free haircut.

Day 306 - Too tired to write

2009-11-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

Too tired to write. Sitting on the couch, trying to untangle my cross-eyes in an attempt to follow the 11th Star Trek film. How do you like the colours of this Forest Pansy? These are not Autumn colours, but Spring.

Day 305 - Can't believe it's day 305

2009-11-01T01:18:00.000-07:00

And what have I done on day 305? Kitchen duty first, so early start, joining an interesting group of women (yes, no men in Russian kitchens - at least here). I love the sticky dough enveloping the filling and forming a seamless parcel. I also enjoy the conversation with women who have arrived relatively recently from Russia, and who have a slightly different way of looking at things than I have. And the little tidbits, eg. which herb is the best for your health (apparently dill), and how sorrel should be eaten in moderation because it may increase your chances of suffering from arthritis. And generally, the warmth and passion expressed when speaking of these things.

Meanwhile, I didn't bring my camera, but I've already taken several photos of piroshki. Later that day, I took too many photos of Mr 16 with dog, mainly because he was either moving and creating a massive blur or his eyes were half shut. Here are some anyway. The one above shows Mr 16 and his dog watching TV.

And lastly, I made pavlova for Tuesday, so here are a few more photos.

Earlier in the afternoon, I took yet another shot of the vine, growing very nicely thankyou very much.

Day 304 - The Paragon

2009-10-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

Skipped the market today and had breakfast at The Paragon in Rathdowne Street, North Carlton. The predicted top temperature is 30 degrees, and it was already a little too hot to sit outside.

I've always liked the handpainted illustration on one of the walls; this is a small section of it.

Later, I went on a hunt for a wedding present for next Sunday, but we didn't hang around for long because it was too hot.

Day 303 - Jujyfruits

2009-10-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the episode in Seinfeld where Elaine finds out that her boyfriend is in hospital after being hit by a car and she stops to buy Jujyfruit before going to visit him.

Well, when I saw this packet, I had to have it. We don't have Jujyfruit in Australia. I have to say, they're not as good as they look when Elaine eats them. Just like, when I was young, I used to think it would be great to have someone throw a cream pie in your face. Again, not something we did in Australia. Sigh.

Meanwhile, we're chilling in anticipation of a long weekend because of the Melbourne Cup. I never watch the race, but I love the holiday.

Day 302 - Fencing

2009-10-29T02:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally resolved our months-long fence issue with our neighbours. Apparently, our 'excessive and inappropriate vegetation' had wrecked a fence which in 1981, when the previous owners of our house had moved in, was already looking old. After being threatened to erect and pay for a new fence or face court, we followed fence dispute procedures and ended up facing court. Even though we thought it would be a simple resolution, we were advised not to go any further to avoid hefty court costs. We swallowed our indignation and dumped the principle of the matter, and paid for most of the fence. And here it is. As high as council would permit.

Some plants survived the building.

Others did not.

And I threw a rose in for good measure.

Day 301 - Dog in a bucket

2009-10-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

What you can do when you're bored. Put the dog in a bucket. If you think she looks less than pleased, you're right. She wasn't impressed.

Meanwhile, food preparation can also be a diversion. You can even create art during the process. Here's one I prepared earlier. In case you can't guess, it's marinade.

Day 300 - Around the house

2009-10-27T03:39:00.000-07:00

Day off at home. Lovely and quiet, sunny enough to fill the washing line. Peace.

Day 299 - Talk about reading

2009-10-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

We had a whole staff welfare day today - without the students! That's the welfare part, I think. After our epic information session about Grieving, where we were showered with powerpoint bullets (one teacher actually ended up lying on the floor, sleeping, while others just braved it in a sitting position), I joined a lively discussion about Christos Tsiolkas' The slap, a provocative story about someone slapping somebody else's child at a barbecue. As you probably know, it's not actually about the slap, but a brutally revealing depiction of egotistical, greedy, selfish and petty characters. The book elicits passionate reactions, mainly negative ones. A similarly heated discussion arose after Mr 19's status on Facebook announced he was reading Twilight (ironically, he insists). Have a look at first tuesday book club for information about The slap. Or check out my post.

Today's photo captures a snapshot of some of my old uni reading material. It seems so long ago now. One day I'll re-read all my old stuff. (I have a vague feeling I've taken this photo before. Oh well...)

Day 298 - Open for business

2009-10-25T04:26:00.000-07:00

Open Day at school today. No photos.
Moving on...
Mr 16's end of year Melbourne Youth Music concert was a joy. Firstly, we enjoyed the choirs. The human voice is a powerful instrument and even moreso in a choir. We could see the rapport between the singers and conductors. So much passion in the delivery.

Percy Grainger Orchestra farewelled their conductor (going overseas) with a selection of Dvorak Symphony No. 8, Concerto for trumpet by Arutjunian, Wein, Weib und Gesang (wine, women and song) by Johann Strauss II (the conductor, Malcolm Yuen, spent some time in Vienna and always included waltzes), and Sibelius' Finlandia.

Finally, dinner at The Den in Northcote. Very nice.

Day 297 - There's something in the air

2009-10-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'll start with the end of the day first. We've just come back from Dave and Larissa's engagement party. Larissa is my husband's niece. They look appropriately happy.

The title of the post is a song which reminds me of George Constanza. Today was a fresh, sunny day, the day you (cliche coming) feel lucky to be alive.

I took a few of the market sights. Haven't seen this model around for a while.

Driving into the city (as a passenger) along Elizabeth Street, it's not always scenic. This is a mess of buildings and styles.

I took some pictures out of the car window. The Post Office.

A building I've taken before but not from this angle. I think I'd like to live there.

There's a cupcake shop in Melbourne Central. The icing is obviously too thick. Don't think I'd like to eat one of these.

Nor these.

If you want to see the chocolate ones, click here. If you don't want to, don't. If you think these will make you sick, you should have seen this big one.

Here's another giant one. And one more.

The shops are helping people get into the mood for Melbourne Cup Day next Tuesday.

Day 296 - Jesus Christ Superstar

2009-10-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Love Fridays - who doesn't? Sunny afternoon and piano music filling the house. Mr 19 is repetiteur for his former school's production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The rest of the evening was devoted to the editing of a Romeo and Juliet essay with Mr 16 (who is to blame for their tragic deaths), as well as the construction of his new bed.

Day 295 - Pattern

2009-10-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Thinking back, I've always loved pattern. Remembering the happy days creating colourful, linear drawings in primary school, the unconscious thereness of our Persian carpets, gravitating towards little things with intricate design, it's no wonder our house is scattered with patterned rugs.

Day 294 - Tired

2009-10-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

Still feeling unwell, and barely able to keep my eyes open, I think I'll just make dinner and collapse.

Day 293 - The slap

2009-10-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to read The slap today, this day being my day off. If it weren't for all the distractions, I would have finished it. Apart from the addictive allure of Twitter and other online delicacies, and the little domestic duties which crop up all the more because I'm actually sitting in the house and am therefore very aware of what needs to be done, I actually think my brain is unsuited to reading quickly. For example, reading about something somebody did in the book, and being distracted by thoughts like 'I know how she feels' or 'I've thought that but I would never admit it' or 'is it true that men think about sex all the time?' - and then, a short icecream interval. Resuming the read, 'Hmmm.... no wonder I don't like barbecues' or even 'No wonder I don't like people all that much', followed by 'I can't believe I didn't realise what a misanthrope I am', 'Was Scrooge born that way or did he have an unhappy childhood?' and also, 'Are we really responsible for who we are?', and so on. So that's why I've only read 82 of 483 pages. The vacant stare is also understandable.

Oh, and in the morning, I took the predictable outdoor shots of whatever's flowering, knowing that I wouldn't see anything else. I'm not sure if I'll last until the end of the year with the daily photo challenge!

Hmmm.... this photo makes me think of icecream...

Day 292 - Slow

2009-10-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

Feeling unwell and slowing down to almost a halt. I think it took me 45 minutes to fold and put the washing away. Dragged myself outside just to take a few shots. So happy to feel sun all day; even smelled warm grass. Proustian experience. So, the roses are blooming now. As they do.

Here's more evidence of the sun.

Day 291 - A little bit of sunshine

2009-10-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

Happy to feel a little sun this afternoon. We had the opportunity to use our new outdoor furniture for the first time when good friends/family came over. Our little MaltesexShih-Tzu also had a 'friend' over, although the two dogs kept a safe distance between them after the initial sniffing formalities. We had an impressive variety of icecream so everyone could choose their favourite flavour.

Later in the evening, we chilled with accordian music, disjointed conversation and cheese.

Day 290 - Saturdays in October

2009-10-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

I never tire of Saturdays. The violin shop was the last of our series of Saturday destinations. I'll come back to that.

The doughnut van is the first thing I see most Saturday mornings when I arrive at Victoria Market. As long as I remember it's been in the same spot. Note the old-fashioned spelling.

My first stop is at the egg stall. I remember when white eggs were commonly sold, but now you have to look for them. I always get these at Easter time when we colour them.

The outdoor flower stall adds colour to the visual delights of the market.

Bread's good here, and I hope they never get rid of the old signage.

Back to the violin shop, we got a shock when we went to have Mr 16's violin bow rehaired and were told it wasn't worth repairing. The cost of a new bow for his level starts at $1,000. Starts!! A good bow can be $10,000 and up to $20,000. I will now attempt to lift my jaw from the ground.

Day 289 - In the light of day

2009-10-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

As I said, I wanted to photograph the carved archway in daylight so that the colours weren't distorted by the flash.

Here are a few pictures of the work Sergei and Olya did in our church.

It's interesting that the pictures selected each day do not always explain everything that happened, and in fact sometimes conceal things which are either too painful or inappropriate to reveal in a public blog.

Yesterday, for example, was a day of mixed feelings. We had our hearing at the Heidelberg's Magistrate's Court for the fence dispute between our neighbour and us. Without going into detail, although our neighbour has unfairly threatened us to pay full costs for a several decades old fence, and made strange, irrelevant and untrue accusations, we've decided to forego further court proceedings. Considering how angry we are, and the bad feelings we have developed towards our neighbour, I think it may be wise to let go of what's fair and right in order to avoid further animosity building as well as financial debts.

In contrast to this infuriating saga, it was all joy when the carving arrived. Funny how things often turn out complex, with conflicting emotions playing out simultaneously. I remember 20 years ago, when we found a beautiful old dresser. The day it was delivered was also the day (or thereabouts) my father had unexpectedly passed away, and the joy of owning the dresser turned sour; I resented how much the dresser had meant to me, thinking that I'd give away all my possessions to have my father back. The meaninglessness of such loves was revealed in the face of the most tragic loss. I thought I'd never be able to look at that dresser without feeling resentful, but the years have taken those feelings away. I've been able to focus on meaningless things again and many times. Life.

Yesterday's joy in having the archway installed was joined by feelings of sympathy for my colleague's loss of her father - which sparked my own memories.

Day 288 - Russian carving

2009-10-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Finally, after almost 2 years, my birthday present has arrived. The picture shows a Russian-style carved archway in my entrance hall. It was designed and carved by Sergei who studied Russian church carving in Russia. His wife, Olya, did her part with the painting. A talented couple, don't you think. Sergei was one of the carvers of our church's icon screen (iconostasis). A massive job.

I'm going to take more pictures tomorrow in daylight since the background colours are not as bright as they appear here because of the flash.

I'm so excited!

Day 287 - Natural surroundings

2009-10-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

I'm fortunate to work in a school set in a beautiful natural setting. During the course of the day, focused on immediate tasks and concerns, everything outside the library fades, but as I walk to the carpark after work, I reconnect with the surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the place.

Day 286 - Fairy tale

2009-10-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

This is a Palech box which someone brought back for me from Russia. There is some similarity between the Palech technique and traditional icon painting using egg-tempera. When we were robbed a few years ago, this box was tossed across the room and the hinge was broken. Still, the picture on the lid is intact.

Day 285 - Late-night blogging

2009-10-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's late - it's actually tomorrow - and I haven't written this post yet. Almost tempted to leave it but no. Mr 19 is blogging too, and so we push ourselves to commemorate this day somehow.

We came back from an information day at VCASS which convinced us that it was the learning environment for Mr 16. We saw a close-knit school where principal and teachers really liked the students and respected them, and where students loved the school. What more could you want.

Day 284 - Just another Sunday

2009-10-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Just another Sunday. After church we joined extended family for lunch. Early this evening my laptop slowed down to an all-time low, freezing for 10 minutes at a time, unfreezing for one, then freezing again, and so on. I would really, really love to have a working laptop. Heavy sigh, expelling frustrated air.

I'm thinking about extending the back decking. As it is, it's just enough for 6 or 8 people but in way of the door opening, and the people seating near the edge can't really push their chairs back for fear of falling off. We'd have to get rid of the sleepers and garden beds in front of the decking, but I think it's worth it. What do you think.

Why is my white lavender so short and malformed?

I should have trimmed the English lavender; it's a monster.

The Japanese maple is looking leafy.

More leaves on the vine. Spring is manifesting itself in nature, but not in the weather which is still wintry.

Day 283 - It's not Christmas yet!

2009-10-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's not Christmas yet! I don't want to see Christmas decorations in early October. Call me a purist, but there's nothing more likely to ruin Christmas spirit than seeing baubles and reindeer for so long that by the time Christmas comes it makes you nauseous. Saw this display through the window of a Bed, Bath & Table shop in the city this morning.

My usual routine was thwarted when I realised Little Collins Street was blocked because of a crane, and I couldn't get into my usual flat rate carpark.

Still, the sun restored my cheerful mood, and I took a few more shots as I walked to my breakfast destination.

A man walked around dressed in his flag.

Peeking into the alley ways is sometimes surprising.

I like the old stuff.

Some trees are yet to grow their leaves.

The florist was just setting up his wares.

I always come back to the Manchester Unity Building. Finally gave up trying to find white plastic jewellery on account of needing to wear something white to an engagement party. Don't make a habit of wearing white.

Day 282 - Friday Bow-tie Day

2009-10-09T02:47:00.000-07:00

Exhausted for some reason, so happy I'm staying home. Guest photographer has gone to the fund-raising Masquerade Cocktail party in the hall next to our church.

We delivered ice and discovered you shouldn't try to free up your hands by carrying the ice under your arm.

Before leaving for home I caught a glimpse of the balloon chandelier. Hope they have a good evening. As for me - couch.

Day 281 - Don't eat

2009-10-08T02:03:00.000-07:00

I must not eat this!

Day 280 - Unstable

2009-10-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Warning - I'm about to talk about the weather again. Very unstable. Apparently it snowed in Woodend today (did it really, Kolya?) What else can I say? I went outside after work, I took a few desperate pictures. I like the maple's red branches.

The welcome thingy under the barbecue shelter.

I made homemade crumbs from Ciabatta for the fried fish. Thick slices of potato also pan-fried. Snow peas and mushrooms. Laughed and groaned watching 'Arrested development'. Wondered how it could only be the middle of the first week back at school. C'est la vie.

Day 279 - Vine

2009-10-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

Another stage of Spring - early signs of the ornamental vine coming back to life. This is our only shade in the backyard on hot Summer days. I love it. By the end of Summer we have long Tarzan-like vines which we end up wrapping around the posts. Just looking at it now makes me visualise the warm evenings around the table outside, glowing lights, clinking of glasses, relaxed conversation.... and the mosquitoes!

Day 278 - Lilac

2009-10-05T00:59:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore lilacs. Today I picked them for the first time and couldn't get enough of their fragrance. They always remind me of my first year of marriage in Jordanville, Upstate New York, where we lived on a road lined with lilacs. After the longest and most severe Winter I'd ever experienced, the lilac avenue was just magic.

Day 277 - Possum trail

2009-10-04T02:50:00.000-07:00

I've put odd tiles on the fence and they get knocked off by possums (and possibly rats) walking along the rail. I keep putting the tiles back up and sometimes they crack, which is a shame.

I've only just noticed how many tiles are broken during the holidays - I've noticed a lot of things. Areas of the house that need to be tidied, weeds, dirty windows. It's back to school for the final term of the year, and I won't be noticing any of these things once I'm back in the running routine. No time to look around, no time to notice details.

Day 276 - Treasures

2009-10-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

Mr 16 is sorting through stuff in drawers in preparation for the move to a new desk. Some treasures you never throw out - even if they are useless. I still have a red Santa tin which I used to use to surprise myself when I was very young. Life was sometimes unspectacular, so I would hide something in the tin, then put it away and not open it for a year. The idea was that I would forget what was in the tin, so it was exciting to open it up and see what was inside. Sad? Maybe. But I prefer to think that I was resourceful. I invented delayed gratification for myself.

Day 275 - I have an Ikea

2009-10-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Second trip to Ikea for the week following the reorganisation around the house. Mr 16 needs a new bed and since his small room will not comfortably fit a larger bed, we went hunting for a smaller, more efficient unit to replace an old desk and chest of drawers. The chest of drawers may as well be called Officeworks; I'll never have to buy folders and foolscap again.

The picture above is what we found when we moved the chest of drawers away from the wall - squashed Simpsons characters stuck to the wall. Since the photo is blurry I thought I may as well tweak it a little to make it look animated.

Funny how resistant some people are to change when others like frequent change. I don't react well to change on the whole, but I love reorganising a room, creating a different space. Mr 16 has been reluctant to change anything at all in his room. He's left pictures on the wall from when he was 3 years old and doesn't seem to care, whereas I would imagine some boys would try to get rid of any evidence of the babyhood. Could be wrong.

Day 274 - Spring cleaning

2009-10-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

More than just Spring cleaning! Cleansing, purging, restructuring, redesigning. We all know that this is the external manifestation of an inner need for reformation. I feel much lighter now.

Day 273 - Dali

2009-09-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Finally went to the Dali exhibition in its last week in Melbourne. We arrived at about 7.30 pm and stood snaking for an hour before getting in. My enthusiasm had waned and I tried to be patient as Mr 16 spent 10 minutes in front of each picture in the first two rooms only. There were over 200 pictures!! Planted myself on a couch and watched people. Soon Dali's infectious surrealism spread like fungus and I found myself agitated about the crowd. Everything seemed so ridiculous and pointless. Everyone else was getting into it. I was wallowing in some kind of existentialist drama.

I wanted to go back to this (earlier today in the front yard)

Or even this - the gypsy band that was playing in the gallery while people were drinking and dancing (strange contrast to the library-like hushed quiet of the gallery normally).

Waiting in line for so long, I stared at the ceiling

Finally we left. Somehow managed to walk back to the car without melting.

Day 272 - Sun for a change

2009-09-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

The sun was very welcome today after such a grey and wet term holiday so far. I ventured out for afternoon tea with friends, followed by dinner with a good friend I don't see very often except online.

Here's what I made to take for afternoon tea.

First of all, the melted chocolate stage.

The brownies (not as blurry in real life)

I arrived at Southbank just as it was beginning to get dark and took this photo.

Oh, and my tree peony opened up.

Day 271 - Box

2009-09-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

Simple engineering is remarkable. I love this box which I inherited from my husband's grandmother. I think it came with a sewing machine. See how it opens up.

This series of photos have absolutely nothing to do with my day which unfolded without a camera and in the coldest, most miserable day we've experienced for a while (or at least since yesterday). Seriously, it's been colder than all winter.

We drove to a cafe by the sea in Albert Park to have a celebratory birthday breakfast for my sister. Pity I couldn't share pics of us battling to cross the road, umbrellas flipping in and out, faces intent, present getting soaked. The greyness swallowed the difference between sea and sky. Once inside we were warmed by good company, hot breakfast (and a heater - obviously). Laurent cakes followed too soon, and I was left with some regret.

Day 270 - Honey cake

2009-09-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kitchen duty today, and it's a lenten day (Elevation of the Cross) so I didn't have a clue what I was going to bake since I couldn't use eggs or dairy. Finally I settled for honey, cinnamon and nutmeg cake which is the easiest cake in the world to make, and quick too.

We made piroshki as always. Today's selection was rice and mushroom, cabbage and onion, and potato - both fried and baked, as well as the sweet ones with apple and dusted with sugar. These are the baked ones, a slightly healthier choice (although they all usually give me heartburn). You definitely couldn't live on these for very long, but they're quite good hot once in a while.

I took a picture of my son's god-daughter because I love her intensely focussed expression.

Day 269 - Rain rain

2009-09-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Rain, so much rain lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful. It's just funny that the forecast predicted sunny, warmer days for the first week of the holidays, but nothing could be further from the truth. Grand final today, and somehow the football players survived. Not that I'm vaguely interested, but Geelong won against St Kilda. I feel as if I'm on another planet; football means nothing to me, although sometimes I think - wouldn't it be good to feel the solidarity that comes from that passionate team loyalty. I've seen families base their whole Winter socialising around football. Then get depressed when the season is over ('What will we do now?') Very foreign to me. Oh well, each to his own.

Day 268 - War hoarding

2009-09-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

Do you think, for coffee addicts, we have a few too many coffee filter packets? You can never have too many - surely. Some aspects of my life are definitely influenced by my parents' War Hoarding Syndrome. Buying up in case they run out, in case of bad times... The types of things that fall into this category? Let me see.... Well, toilet paper, of course. Pasta, tinned tomatoes, tissues, toothpaste - that kind of thing. What do you hoard?