Those people

March 14, 2021March 14, 2021 / Robert / 8 Comments

My earliest memory of dining out was in a cafe in West Bromwich, UK. The treat ended with my younger brother by three years having a tantrum; screaming and kicking on the floor surrounded by chips.

My addiction to going out to eat formed while undertaking hospitality studies in Worcester and Blackpool, 1980 to 1984. Overseas travel broadened my appreciation of fabulously foreign cuisines.

As a food service employee, I would groan internally about the guests who refused to leave, so that I could clear up and head home to bed.

My husband and I have become those people who literally spend hours chatting and supping over meals in eateries. The latest trend is starting with late lunch and continuing on to dinner. All the better when Stan is able to accompany us. He enjoys the attention from the staff, greeting them like old friends.

Our current favourites for double dining are Marinara Ristorante Cafe, Hawthorne and Patina at Customs House, Brisbane. Starting earlier ensures our departure well before the end of the evening.

Glass House Mountains

March 6, 2021March 6, 2021 / Robert / 2 Comments

Horizonal Glass House Mountains seen across north Moreton Bay from Jamieson Park, Scarborough, Queensland.

Excepts from Wikipedia, below.

‘The Glass House Mountains are a cluster of thirteen hills that rise abruptly from the coastal plain on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. They are located near Beerburrum State Forest and Steve Irwin Way. The trip is about one hour from Brisbane.’

‘The Volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains were formed by intrusive plugs, remnants of volcanic activity that occurred 26-27 million years ago. Molten rock filled small vents or intruded as bodies beneath the surface and solidified into land rocks. Millions of years of erosion have removed the surrounding exteriors of volcanic cores and softer sandstone rock.’

‘The term ‘Glasshouse Mountains’ was given by explorer Lieutenant James Cook on 17 May 1770. The peaks reminded him of the glass furnaces in his home county of Yorkshire, UK.’

Orange

February 27, 2021 / Robert / 4 Comments

I am fascinated by colour.

As a child the primaries satisfied my palette choices. Since then I prefer the blended results, being drawn towards, orange, green, and the naturally occurring browns in timber, cane, etc.

Throwing into the mix, lighting, shade, and texture; my senses are abuzz.

2067

February 20, 2021February 20, 2021 / Robert / 4 Comments

Sitting in the garden, gazing at the seemingly erratic flight of a black- white splodged butterfly, I thought, self indulgently, I don’t spend enough time creating!

A glance at the pictures on my phone presented a shot of last night’s Netflix movie on pause. Taken through a gold banded champagne flute.

2067, an Australian dystopian tale of synthetic oxygen sickness and time travel, delivered perfectly.

Much digital wizardry; manipulating perspective, colour and tone, yielded a satisfactory image, herewith posted.

Time for hearts to beat as one

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021 / Robert / 9 Comments

Eyes tenderly engage
Sparks of joy stir
A toast, raise your glass, clink
Marvel in this destination
One onwards moment
Time for hearts to beat as one

The commercialisation of this day draws jaded responses. This year, I’m not minding the ‘bah humbugs’.

Valentine blessings for those who wish for them ❤️.

Quelle horreur

February 6, 2021February 6, 2021 / Robert / 4 Comments

The thought of being deprived of Google in Australia is monstrous! Fingers crossed we will not succumb to have to Bing things.

On a local level the winds of change grew to hurricane proportions. We signed up with a realtor, booked times for staging, photographs, and the first viewing.

Then the realty of the market dowsed our spirits. Everything is on hold until we can find somewhere suitable to live.

Deciding we will rent for a while, we are well beyond dirty, pest infested, rundown garrets. Is it unreasonable to expect air conditioning, dishwasher, covered outdoor area, space from the neighbours and undercover parking?

There are suitable rental properties however, as in stories of unrequited love, our advances are spurned. Why? We have an ‘inside’ Stan.

Imagine

December 31, 2020 / Robert / 15 Comments

Imagine the sweetest smelling honey.
The fragrance tantalises.
A memory of blossom from childhood; abuzz with innumerable bees.

Now imagine a multitude of waxy cream loops, erupting around spikes.
Together, forming a cascade of frothy spears, swaying in the Summer breeze.
A scent of heavenly honey with an indeterminable flower aroma engulfs.

Wishing my readers a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2021.

Chain stars doodle

December 24, 2020December 24, 2020 / Robert / 10 Comments

The above is a cropped version. I created it with ArtStudio for iPad while playing with colours, effects, and filters, overlaid with star shaped chain doodles. You can see them by zooming in.