I never tire of the view from my balcony at all times of the day, but especially as and after the sun goes down. As I write the sky is pale apricot and bats are wheeling, too swiftly for me to capture in image.
This was the view of the Square and St Francis Xavier tower on Thursday evening. I love the play of light.
Thursday was Australia Day. I have never celebrated the day. It was not part of my youth (aside from marking the end of the school holidays). Even my mother, whose local knowledge of Botany included all the details of both Cook's arrival at Botany Bay, the First Fleet, and the connection to local landmarks, was more likely to celebrate Wattle Day on 1st August, than Australia Day on 26th January.
I spent the day in the apartment, reading and working on my apron for the Guild Exhibition.
The sunflowers have continued to open slowly and bring joy and cheer. I continue to play with the removal of backgrounds. On Friday I called in to the Camera Shop in the Central Markets to buy a new card reader and card for my DSLR as the old reader had a bent pin, which likely damaged the card. Over the weekend I discovered a chip in the cover of the lens on my phone camera - so managed to buy a new cover today. Can't do without my cameras!
The regular routines are resuming. Saturday was the first Certificate Course Workshop of the year - a look at metal threads, taken by Jennifer Beale. There was a good turn-out and lots of catching up conversations. We were given a table of threads, with a blank space for a sample and a plastic bag of some 15 threads to match to them. It was an excellent exercise, taking a couple of hours to complete. I also handed over the baby cardigan - and bowed out at lunch time.
School resumed yesterday and the girls' adjusted uniforms were a success. Whew! Monday dinners are back on and the first went well. It's good to be back into a routine after the messiness of January. This week I will also get back to Pilates. I should now be able to remember which day of the week it is!
Today I finished the apron I was making for the Guild Exhibition. It's useful, but not very striking. I have moved on to a bag for a 90th birthday in 10 days time. I wanted to make something appropriate, so when Ink and Spindle send out a message about a sale on their Shells linen I had an idea, and ordered enough for a bag.
It arrived yesterday. I have now cut out a tote bag, about 45cm square. I plan to embroider 90 starfish - 40 on each of the front and back, and five up each side. I think I can get it done in time for the Birthday Lunch on 10 February.
Better get on with it.
