spring

modicum of hope

/ Robert / 10 Comments
local spring sunrise

i feel different
perhaps it is losing weight
being comfortable
in thirty eight inch waist chinos
from a different pre-covid state
surviving the sacrificed shirts
faded frayed familiar
from Brooks Brothers
operations in North America
sadly no more stores in Australia
there is a lightening of mind
of spirit of outlook of something
maybe it is the pink blushed clouds
against a brightening sky
rather than nowhere in sight
there is a modicum of hope
glimmering
against backdrop of self doubt
easier to rest on my laurels
thoughts vacillate between
can can’t worth worthless
i will finish the application(s)
submit ahead of the deadline
i will win the new role(s)
i will make the pertinent decision
it will be interesting fulfilling
enjoyable motivating work
after all Spring has sprung

Backyard bounty

/ Robert / 4 Comments

The El Niño weather pattern is making itself felt in Queensland, Australia’s self proclaimed sunshine state. Long periods of dry weather have resulted in a crisp brown lawn juxtaposed with our backyard jacaranda tree in full Spring bloom.

We are experiencing the seasons of this first year in our new home through a garden lens. We are thrilled to see clumps of amaryllis.

One of the frangipanis is flowering before the leaves have emerged.

The Winter planted tomatoes are fruiting.

Cloud self portrait sketch

/ Robert / 9 Comments

It is less than a month until family members arrive from the UK for a five weeks holiday. I’m taking a month off from work to coincide with our relatives’ arrival. Both were postponed due to COVID.

My husband has repainted most of the interior of the house and is busy reinventing the covered patio. Fingers crossed, the insulated ceiling panels will have been installed to help shield us from the heat of the Queensland sun in Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Spring officially sprang in Australia on 1 September.

Winter is tax time. Usually a time of extreme procrastination, we knocked off one lot last weekend, it’s now with the accountant. Just the personal returns to complete next weekend.

My enthusiasm for things, like the phases of the moon waxes and wanes. The poet authoring part of my brain has already downed tools. It may make a grab for them again soon, one never knows. With this in mind, I’m taking a break from podcasting and creating audio files.

I aim to continue weekly blogging with the odd picture thrown in for good measure. This week’s is a cloud self portrait sketch.

Spring 2021

/ Robert / 6 Comments

Spring has so far been a joy to experience. The suburban streetscape is budding with the promise of growth, encouraged by warmer daytime temperatures. Today’s blue sky and sunshine is forecasted to achieve 29oC.

While southeast Queensland’s Winter temperatures could not be described as harsh, we have limited our time sitting rugged up in the courtyard.

Our modest tropical resort themed outdoor area is slowly evolving. It now boasts a three person spa heated to 35oC. To the left golden cane palms, mother-in-law tongues, and agaves provide a focal point to rest our eyes. Behind stands a stylised skateboarder panel, supporting variegated jasmine. The almost daily post workday dip was well worth braving the cooler temperatures, over the last few weeks.

This moment’s easy Sunday feeling is enhanced by a powder puff aroma from lemongrass and lavender incense sticks. Pale grey smoke lazily floats around our feet and ankles before wafting up; nostril tickling.

Jacarandas

/ Robert / 1 Comment

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.

Day three of our new life

/ Robert / 7 Comments

Day three of living in Queensland, coincidentally the first day of Spring in Australia.

Wednesday

The day was taken up with cleaning the house in Sydney, as Bob and Daz from Mullumbimby Removals did a sterling job of packing our household and garden into the truck. After eight hours, we were pleased to see it begin it’s ten hour journey, north.

We wasted time waiting around for the real estate agent to take back the rental property in Leichhardt. He didn’t show as he “had a lot going on”; tell us about it!

Brisbane boys, Wade and Ben made our Virgin Australia flight enjoyable, delivering us to Brisbane at 8:30 pm; exhausted. The Colmslie Hotel, Morningside provided respite from the day’s trials.

Thursday

10:00 am, the unloading began. Thankfully, Bob and Eddie (Daz’s replacement) had a couple of helpers. Only six hours from arrival to payment.

In addition to moving boxes and furniture we ticked off the day’s goals of assembling the bed, sofa bed, and daybed.

Friday

We spent the day:

  • Installing the fridge’s innards;
  • Assembling racking in the garage;
  • Getting the espresso maker working;
  • Unpacking boxes; and
  • Arranging plants, so that they could be watered. The picture, above is the result.

Saturday

Today, a sore lower back is limiting my ability to do very much.

Regulation and repetition

/ Robert / 2 Comments


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

First bottlebrush of Spring

/ Robert / 10 Comments

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!