Hopefully after the scars in the landscape from the bushfires in Victoria, the bush is starting to look a little like this painting which I did earlier this year and before the devistation.

Today is my card playing day and sorry to say I did not win at 500 this morning but had better luck this afternoon playing Hand and Foot Canasta and my parter and I could not do anything wrong and ultimately won. After the rain during the past couple of days I was surprised that none of the roads in our area were blocked. My great Dane is out in the kitchen cooking up something delicious including some of his produce from his garden. I did my bit - I processed the beans.

Not quite finished Townsville park painting and not quite happy. I feel it's a bit too "chocolate boxy" and lacks life. I've hit a bit of a stalemate with it. Actually though it looks better in the photograph than in reality. I'll have to do something with that branch on the left too as it leads your eye out of the painting. Might leave this one for a while and start something new.

The light is not much good for painting today as it's raining cats and dogs in the part of the country with reports of flooding and roads cut. Our pool has been running over for the last 24 hours into the drains and out onto the street. "Couch" the dog and "Puschka" the cat are not happy as they both like the outdoors and laying in the sun.

One of my favourite photographs taken on a holiday in Samoa a couple of years ago.

I've probably felt safer in Samoa than in any other country I have visited. They would have to be the most honest, friendliest people I have met in any places I have travelled to. I feel there is a book waiting to be published there of photographs of the many churches on the islands. Each villiage has its own church, each quite substantial and some rather elaberate. McDonalds opened in the main town when we were there - the wheels of change it could do without. Hope it doesn't change too much and loose it's unique character. M

"Rhythm & Blues"

While I'm spending time getting used to these bloggy things, the ironing is not getting done, only part of my garden was watered and my studio is a mess as is my desk. But never mind, it looks like it's about to rain soon. That takes care of the garden. I finished a very small (20 x 25 cm)attempt at an abstract painting. I think I'll stick to landscapes. The ironing and tidying can wait can't it? M

My Grand-niece's first Birthday cake below, loveingly made by her Mum. The day started like any other Saturday. Knew we had an hour and a half to drive to the party so left about 10.30. Traffic was slow in the city and the car started to make clicking noises from the front wheel. No where to pull over till we turned a corner and pulled up in a bus stop with a flat tyre. An hour or so later we were on our way again. It is so nice to experience the kindness of other people. After finding that the jack wasn't quite what we were used to we rang road assist. A lady pulled up with two kids and probably her Mum in the car and offered to change the tyre. We declined her kind offer as we had already called for assistance. A few minutes later she returned with two bottle of cold water as it was a warm day and we were using a lamp post for shade while waiting. Then to top it off a nice man on a Honda motor bike pulled up and also offered to change it. He obviously had no problem find where and how the jack worked so we accepted his kind offer. Road assist arrived as he was changing the tyre. God bless them both.

The picnic party was delightful. We also caught up with other family and friends. Left about 3.30 and had a good run home to feed our dog and cat. Feeling a little weary and time for dinner. M

Photography - My other hobby

This is a photograph taken on the western side of Bribie Island looking towards the Glass House Mountains last year.

Our Dog (an American Fox Hound Cross), a pound puppy being hugged by one of the grandchildren.

Left: The old cat having one of his many naps. When he sleeps like this I sometime watch for a while to make sure he is breathing.

Right: Himself, wide awake. He's a Devon Rex. They have little hair and supposedly one of the best breeds to have if you have allergies.