Magnetic Island continued

The highest point of the island still has old WW2 fortifications.
Lookouts, gun turrets, remnants of other practical habitation,
like mess buildings, workshops etc.

It would have been arduous hard work to build in the heat and
humidity, and the steep site, the concrete structures.

 Marvellous views from the peak.

 A sleeping resident, Koalas were relocated to the island a long time ago.

 A gun mount.

 We climbed on top of both forts.

 Looking out of the gun turret.

Figs grow prolifically here even attach to rocks.

Magnetic Island

A week was spent on Magnetic Island, northern Queensland.
My friend Helen of many years has a home there, so a trip was
planned to have a great catch up.

I'd had a fall that morning so didn't do a lot of the more energetic
pursuits, however there was still so much to do, as these photos
will illustrate.

 Townsville, where you catch the ocean going ferry to go to Magnetic Island. 

The city wraps around this mighty mount. 

 Just before you set off at the wharf.

 Approaching the large island. 

 The view from the balcony of the apartment to the beach, 

and daily fine sunsets over the same beach. 

Mother's Day

I was lucky to see all my children on Mother's Day weekend. First Ben,
and then the girls and I went to brunch at The Buddha Belly restaurant.

We finished our meals, luckily just in time, to be out of our outdoor
setting before a major storm hit and flash flooding.

Sam went off to join her fiance's family, and Bec and I perused the nursery
adjoining, lots of luscious rainforesty plants.

We left soon as the torrential rain meant the trip to a nearby salvage and
recycling yard had to be held off.

 Always happiest if I can find wildlife to play with!

Sunday, after a busy Saturday

I had a play with some Gelli printing, out on our deck.
Quietly experimenting on the next phase of prints.

 What a funny jumble, daughter's climbing gear, wet sneakers, and my art equipment. 

 Inking up feathers for printing.

 I have a stash box of feathers, appropriately entitled. 

 Lots of yummy paints.

 Prints dry amongst the harness. 

 These sneakers have been canyoning in the Blue Mountains. 

 Tried out these silicon moulds. 

 A lovely colourful jumble. The deck, and dining table will have to serve as studios for now. 

 Pop art pear, finished now from yesterday's workshop. 

 I quite like the chicken wire shadow on the feather box, apt. 

This almost looks like an abstract painting, it's just the workings of the printing. 

Manly, gallery and Clontarf day out.

I had a lovely day out with an artist buddy, Linda. We went down to Manly
after a short coastal walk from Fairlight. Then the Gallery.

Afterwards a short drive to Clontarf Beach and lunch. Around the corner,
we strolled and sat watching the dogs happily frolicking on the beach and
in the water. Lovely weather.

Bec's Graduation day.

What a wonderful day. Bursting with pride, off to Macquarie University,
for the ceremony to see Bec graduate.

Her boyfriend Mike also graduated, and their friend Ben.

 Some private moments before the ceremony, opportunity for photos. 

 Inside the hall, complete with organ and trumpet player accompanying, 

and  Opera singer Alison Brewer. 

 Getting snapped ourselves (far right second row) a big screen showing the audience.  

 Rebecca gets her reward for all the hard work. 

 The lovely young couple. After the ceremony, inside a stylish marquee.

 Photos next to the lake, Mike's parents Deidre and Victor. 

 Bec stands in with Mike's faculty. Below - the classic shot.

 Our family. (Ben was working nearby in Ryde)

 Our gorgeous girls. 

 A large gathering, and the marquee. 

 The gown returned, and the mortarboard retained. Off to lunch and relax.