Almost Christmas

Thursday evening, time to rest from the struggles and strains of the day. A position of relaxation or exhaustion? You can never really tell from his facial expression.

Faithfully, annually, midway through the second week of December, he emerges from his glittery hibernation. To be dusted off, plumped up and positioned on a shelf.

A gift from Angela, dinner-lady-cook, over two decades ago, I wonder how she fares. In the land of Brexiteers and discontent, I often wonder how many former colleagues fare.

Saturday reflection

There are so many harsh ‘modern’ buildings around. We are softening our bleak suburban views with plants.

This rather bizarre picture is a reflection in an orange glass topped table of next door neighbour’s townhouse backdrop, and burgeoning philodendron xanadu green wall, in front.

Birdseye view

Even though this kookaburra occasionally slid backwards, it had determination. It’s chosen perch, the edge of the 21st floor glass balustrade, facing north.

He, like the patrons of the Terrace, Emporium Hotel, Brisbane was there for the view.

Albert Street Uniting Church, Brisbane

Designed by Australian architect and artist, George Henry Male Addison (1857-1922), Albert Street Uniting Church was completed in 1889.

The warmth of the terracotta bricks of this Victorian Gothic Revival church contrasts beautifully against the blue sky, reflected in the glazed building behind.

Situated near a busy intersection where Roma Street meets Ann Street. It shares a link to the past under City Hall’s watchful eye, located diagonally across King George’s Square.

Jacarandas

Late afternoon in Morningside.

Yellow and purple-blue jacarandas

Stand, in contest on Kates Street.

Puffed up in show of flower bells,

Attracting bees to plunder, and

Springtime passers by, to wonder

At the temporary beauty beheld.

Layered landscape

ANZAC Square, Brisbane.

Looking north-west from the Adelaide Street side of Post Office Square towards Central Station, facing Ann Street. The Sofitel Hotel on Turbot Street provides a backdrop.

The statue in the centre of the photo is a memorial to Queenslanders who fought during the Second Boer War, 1899–1902.

The memorial features a life-size Queensland Mounted Infantryman. It was sculpted by James Laurence Watts from 1912 to 1919. It is also known as Boer War Memorial and The Scout.