Post 452 Mostly birds and bees

It was a busy week with plenty of joy to be had. In spite of the persistent, unseasonal rain the birds were out in force. Since the birds don't practice daylight saving, the peak feeding time has shifted to 6pm. On Sunday evening the lorikeets were back in the trees behind my bedroom. Apparently it is National Bird Week - appropriate.

                    

I was a little late  hearing the cacophony that signalled they were there and the light wasn't great, but I managed a few decent shots.   

The Art auction that I had mistakenly tried to preview a week early was on Sunday. I managed to view the items on the correct Thursday this week. included a painting I was after. As I arrived to view it there was a flock of noisy cockatoos fighting for prime position on a building opposite. This was the winner!

I attended the auction on Sunday, and managed to secure the painting I was after - an acrylic painted in 1977 of Para Wirra, a National Park North of Adelaide, by Christine Lawrence who was an Art teacher at the time at Craigmore High School, which shared a camp site in the Park with another school. Jim taught there for 8 years and we were frequently at the park. Chris Lawrence, a brilliant, inspiring art teacher, later taught all my grandchildren.  The family will enjoy the painting. My brother was also bidding on a couple of paintings and was successful in one of them. 

I picked up both of them this morning, and Brigid called in after Uni to pick  up theirs and take it to its new home.

The World Embroidery Study Group last Wednesday heard from Maria, whose study was triggered by this heirloom bedspread she has. She has spent a year researching Lagartera embroidery and customs - even managing to visit the village this year on the day of the Corpus Christi procession, when villagers hang their embroidered tablecloths and bedspreads over the fronts of their houses as the procession passes by. It was a great session. 

I've progressed my Rococo  Stitch set by finishing what should have been a pincushion, but has turned into a name tag. The pin on the back of this Guild name tag was only attached with tape and fell off. I burned holes in the corners to attach it to the linen.

I created a pocket inside so I can keep a packet of needles in it. That way It will do double service. Now all I have to do is stitch the pouch in which to keep it!

I also finished and sent off a shawl I've been knitting for a friend, but wanted to keep as a surprise.

I haven't completely neglected my brother's vest. It's coming along nicely - and no steeks to dread!  I should have it finished sometime next month. 

Saturday was a plant and bake sale at St Margaret's Woodville, and I went along to get some plants, which are always good. I took my own box and filled it up. I won't mention the scones and diabetic fruitcake I bought as well. 

The plants soon disappeared into corners or spots on my balconies or shelves. I also acquired a couple of indoor plants in clay beads from my Pilates Studio. 

Leanne, the owner is preparing and selling them. She says they are indestructible  - but I suspect she hasn't tried hard enough!  

      

The new plants make for interesting early morning silhouettes on my blind.   

Last Thursday the scaffold went up along our Western  side ready for repair of the facia below our front balconies. This has to be done before painting can begin in a month or so's time.  Yesterday plasterers were working below my balcony . They seem to do the work in small increments across the building so are only in one place for short periods.  In the meantime, we are warned to keep our balcony doors locked at night - the scaffold is, of course, climbable. 

We've progressed the Maureen Holbrook database. There's some tidying and checking to do, and labelling of the hard copy folders. I haven't as yet resolved what to do about the five extra folders.

I called at the Guild yesterday to pick up a book.  The bottlebrush looked even better than last week.

I couldn't resist photographing some of the bees gathering its nectar and pollen. 

I also love the patterns that emerge in the centre of the flowers. Now how would I embroider that?

Quite an eventful week. While I haven't extended my walking, I have kept up last week's pace. Very satisfied with that.

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