Eat me

 
While growing up in the UK I would make multiple Christmas cakes, puddings and chocolate logs for friends and family. Since living in Australia, whenever moving house we have tried to reduce the volume of chattels. The various sized round and square cake tins went to the charity shop some time ago.

To celebrate the visit of our niece from England for New Year, I have come out of retirement, so to speak. The above is the result of a trusted Harrods Cookery Book recipe after I burnt Delia’s; it wasn’t her fault, I had the oven too hot. Most of my cookery books predate modern fan forced ovens. I was amazed to find the decorations in the biscuit tin where we keep birthday cake candles, piping nozzles and cutters.

As I enjoy a second mince pie for breakfast this morning, the pudding and cake are silently calling “eat me, eat me”.

Celebrate

  
At this time of year

My heartfelt greetings to all.

Celebrate with cheer.

In hope of peace, I call,
“Happiness is everyone’s right;

Live in love, in light”.
Warm wishes, Robert

Labyrinth

 
In the six or so years since leaving UTS (University of Technology, Sydney) progress in line with the University’s tag line, think, change, do and the Campus Masterplan is impressive. The above is taken from the top floor of the Engineering and IT Building looking down towards the ground floor. This description is taken from the UTS website:

It accommodates the Faculty of Engineering and IT, along with the majority of its specialist facilities, for the first time in the faculty’s history. Rising 13 storeys above the ground, the building, designed by Melbourne-based architects Denton Corker Marshall, is encased in a dramatic ‘binary screen’ and features state-of-the-art teaching, learning and research spaces throughout.

Related:

UTS Engineering and IT Building

Big brother

  
Early morning shadows in a picture perfect street in Leichhardt. This fine example of Federation domestic architecture appears at risk of being engulfed by it’s younger sibling. Passers by receive a blank stare from a grey cuboidal blockhead and shoulders as they rise from behind the terracotta roof. 

Related posts:

Why grey?
Exploring our new neighbourhood

Agaves

  
This apartment block is one of many in a tree lined road with planted verges. Off street parking and providing access to the buildings limits the space available for gardens. Clever planting provides colour and life to this otherwise austere facade. Agaves are one of our favourites, we will include some in our tropical garden. 

Related posts

Simplicity
Tropicanna Gold
More precious than diamonds

Simplicity 

 
We love our holidays in Port Douglas so much that we have talked about creating a tropical garden. 

This is a medium to long term plan when we find a home in Newcastle. 

This picture, taken at work, shows plant possibilities; simple and effective.