The entrance to our villa is marked on the ground by bougainvillea litter, strewn by the breeze. However, the picture does not capture the majestic proportions of the palm trees standing sentinel over the Pink Flamingo resort.
Inspiration
Red hibiscus
It has been three years since we last stayed at the Pink Flamingo, Port Douglas, Australia. In that time we have moved house, married at the British Consulate, Sydney, and my position title, at work, has changed three times.
This trip to Far North Queensland is an opportunity for us to live a simpler life. Relaxing, unwinding and spending time together are the only objectives.
October in Port Douglas is usually dry with occasional showers. It has so far rained every day since Sunday, with more forecasted to come. This has not stopped us from enjoying the pool in the resort and going into town.
This morning, the clouds parted to reveal the deepest blue sky. I was fortunate to be able to take the above picture of a beautiful red hibiscus flower.
Shadows of the past
When memories stir,
Confused feelings occur.
Of a time gone by;
Thoughts of emotions, running high.
Attached to people and things:
Two chairs; a desk; a book of secrets sings;
Remonstrations falling on deaf ears.
The screams inside that nobody hears,
Due to naivety, self delusion and grief.
Nothing seems to bring relief,
A spiralling descent away from light.
No energy to fight nor for flight.
Time and life have healed the blight.
Knowing and accepting myself, day and night,
And my partner’s love and support,
During battles waged and darkness fought.
Regulation and repetition
Artificial flowery, powdery and citrusy fragrances reach nostrils, setting sinuses a flutter. ‘Clean’ smells of soaps, deodorants and perfumes from those, en route.
Early morning sunshine dazzles the reluctant traveller, on their way to work. Hazy buildings line the route, neither in shadow or in light.
Fellow passengers gaze, blankly, silently, caught up in their thoughts and phones.
How strange, this world of written and unwritten regulation and repetition.
Photo: Electrical Engineering Building, UNSW
Creamy white
A large evergreen shrub greets us, when we open the back door, at home. During Spring, clusters of creamy white flowers burst forth.
As the blooms grow in number, so do the bees, as noted in Humming tree.
The Whitehouse, UNSW
So peaceful, first thing in the morning. Taken around 7:30 am. Ripening fruit
The fruit of a Monstera Deliciosa plant, ripening in the street around the corner from our home.
I find it fascinating that these jungle like plants are grown in pots as house plants in England. While in Sydney they happily climb outside.
A flower can be seen in a previous post.
Tyree Energy Technologies Building
Tyree Energy Technologies Building, UNSW
Alighting at a bus stop on Anzac Parade, the Tyree building, on lower campus is the first one I walk past each workday morning. This facade faces the main walkway. Trees and a canopy shield patrons of the Navitas cafe and passersby, on the ground floor.
According to the Engineering website the building has won many architectural awards and
It is home to the Australian Energy Research Institute (AERI), the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy and the School of Petroleum Engineering, providing a space where research, education and industry can collaborate in the development and implementation of sustainable energy technologies. A roof-top area is set up for the testing of photovoltaic arrays, a key component of the research of the facility.
The building was named after Sir William Tyree, a UNSW alumnus, successful innovator, businessman and major philanthropic supporter of Australian engineering and educational research. Sir William generously donated $1 million towards the new center and pledged a further bequest of $10 million.
Red Centre
Red Centre
Rather than the Australian red centre, this is a detail shot of the UNSW (University of New South Wales) version.
I find the green of the yuccas to be a pleasing contrast against the terracotta coloured tiles. Also, that they appear to be standing sentinel in protection of the building.
This was a particularly windy morning with many passersby. It was a case of snap and go to get the photo.
First bottlebrush of Spring
We have spent the last two weeks mostly in doors. For the first time in 24 years we have both been ill at the same time with the most horrendous virus.
How heartening it was today to spot this plump red beauty with yellow tips. The first botttlebrush I have seen in Spring 2017!
