Bayside Today

We labelled today "Grandfather's Day" in our family and spent the day with my parents-in-love down at their bayside home, about an hour's drive from our town. The beginning of spring means our local wattles are in full bloom, even in the sandy soil.

I found this lovely specimen of grevillea in flower, it's the same variety which I have shared before from our own garden.

While fishing the children spotted a couple of stingrays venturing close to the water's edge at high tide. It was wonderful to see then up so close, searching for their food in the sand.

A more routine day tomorrow (with some visitors coming for lunch) after our extended Father's Day weekend.

Sharing at The Creative Exchange, Our World Tuesday, Communal Global, Good Life Wednesday, Watery Wednesday,
And Then She Snapped.

Weekend Scenes

Today is Father's Day in Australia - presents in bed, bacon and eggs for breakfast for all.

Girls regional cricket training weekend.

You know summer's coming when you see sailing club boats out on the river again.

Footpath/sidewalk flower, so bright and cheery. 

Bud of the flower type above.

Beautiful outdoor weather.

Another footpath/sidewalk flower, May bush I believe.

Baked cheesecake cupcakes (some of them), made by two of our daughters, for a special treat tonight.

I hope you found some lovely scenes on your weekend too.

Sharing at The Simple Things, Macro Monday, SkyWatch Friday.

"Tree & Leaf"

Late yesterday I had the pleasure of attending (most of) the opening of an exhibition at out local art gallery. I had never attending an exhibition opening before and this one was rather special as the artists, who are sisters, are cousins of mine. Patrycia is giving details of one of her paintings here while Jenny watches from the corner. Some of the pieces, like the ones above, were collaborative works.

 

It was a thrill to be there and hear them speak of places and people familiar to me as family, then take time afterwards to have a chat and a closer look. Two of my daughters came also.

Their exhibition is titled "Tree & Leaf" and will be on view for several weeks. Both cousins were excited to see the addition of some red dots after their artist's talks.

A wonderful display of local landscape paintings by Peter Lane was also opening yesterday in another section of the gallery, well worth a look for those who may have opportunity to enjoy a visit.

Caught You!

6:30 am Wednesday, dewy gorgeousness.

Almost tulip-like, I was delighted to capture this beautiful delicate poppy as it was opening. Poppy buds spring into bloom so quickly! All Monday and Tuesday the bud below was pointed skyward, waiting to "pop".

7:30 am Tuesday.
 Notice the next bud on the left-hand side.

6:25 am Wednesday, still very dewy before the sun reaches it.

6:30 am Wednesday

7:30 am Wednesday in the early morning light.

7:40 am Wednesday, opening beautifully.

8:30 am Wednesday, still some dew drops.

10 am Wednesday, a saucer-shaped delicacy.

12:30 Wednesday, head held high.
You can see the next bud, promising of more delights in a few days time.

4:30 pm Wednesday

Thursday the flower was almost as beautiful, remaining fully open all night and through the day. This morning, Friday, after some rain and wind it's looking a little bruised. Another day or two and it will drop its petals and concentrate on maturing it's seed pod......and the next bud! What an amazing flower the "humble" poppy is. It has given me much pleasure to watch these poppies grow and bloom.


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Spring!

Today is the first of Spring in Australia and we can see and feel the changes happening around us.

"As long as the earth continues,

planting and harvest,

cold and hot,

summer and winter,

day and night

will not stop."

                   Genesis 8:22

Yesterday we enjoyed our first family walk since the flu brought these to a temporary halt. The river was beautiful, the children were spotting eels and fish in the shallows below.

Above is the scene we saw at one of the trees along the way - some type of magnolia I think. I was amazed at the green leaves! Below is a photo of the same tree which I took on our previous walk, just 15 days ago.

A very pleasant walk and the beginnings of a beautiful spring.


Sharing at Simple Pleasures, And Then She {Snapped}, Texture Thursday, Skywatch Friday, Macro Friday,
Weekend Reflections, Your Sunday Best, I Heart Macro, Sweet Shot Tuesday.