Smoky Currumbin Sunset

With lack of clouds and smoke from bush fires, I was unsure what kind of sunset we would get, if any this particular evening. This happens a lot when we drive down to the Gold Coast! The sky usually looks very promising, but by the afternoon the clouds have often disappeared. When you drive an hour for a beach sunset, you have to just enjoy the moment and capture what you can.

Here's what I captured...

I'm glad I've got LOADS of unposted images to edit & share during my recovery and rehab from surgery, otherwise I'd be even more bored than I already am!


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Happy 3rd Birthday Bella!!

Yesterday I had the joy of celebrating one of my grandchildren's birthdays. Those who have been my blogging friends since I started this blog back in 2011 will know how wonderful and meaningful this is!!

The last month has involved a miraculous reconciliation with my daughter-in-law, Angie, and getting to know my 3 gorgeous grandchildren.

Yesterday was Annabelle's (affectionately known as "Bella") 3rd birthday. We celebrated in a local park with my daughter-in-law Angie, my son Daniel (Dad to my grandchildren), my youngest son Ben, youngest daughter Bec and, of course, Bella's brother Matty and baby sister Sophia. My oldest daughter Sarah was unable to get time off work.

Here are a few shots I took yesterday. I'm not the best at portrait photography... that is something I need to change!

Birthday girl, Bella (3)

Sophia (13 months) with mummy

Matty (4) with Auntie Bec

Matty: "We have to sing Happy Birthday to Bella!"

Birthday cake made by my talented daughter-in-law

Bella

Bella with Uncle Ben

Sophia... cute as a button, even with a muddy face!!

Matty & Bella... best of friends

To those wondering about the progress of my knee and foot surgery; I am now 3.5 weeks post op, I had a few complications and an over night stay in hospital became a 5 day stay. I have been light weight bearing on my right leg with crutches over the last week, still unable to walk, but hopefully by mid January that will change. I can't drive yet, of course, so I haven't been out capturing landscapes (or wildlife) which, as you know, is my passion. I'm hoping to hobble to a local beach on our trip to the Mornington Peninsula & Melb from Dec 26.


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Let Hope Rise

"Let hope rise and darkness tremble...."

This week, terror has personally touched Australians with the Sydney seige, and the loss of innocent lives as a result. It was extremely worrying as I had friends and family who were in very close proximity to the situation, but thankfully safe.

And then yesterday, I heard the tragic news of the "massacre of the innocents" in Pakistan. These are worrying times, with so much hatred and unnecessary loss in the world.

I am so grateful that in such difficult times, we have faith and hope in God. I feel incredibly blessed to have all my children, their partners and my 3 grandchildren safe and well (although one of my children need your prayers if you are the praying kind).

Remember to keep your family close, spend time with them, remind them how much they are loved... you never know which day will be your last!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by these tragic events. This post is dedicated to those people and their families. May they know peace at this time.

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Autumn at The Briars, Mount Martha, VIC

The following images were taken while I was staying on the Mornington Peninsula for my Mum's 80th birthday, back in May.  This beautiful rural property, only a short walk from my parents house, is steeped in local history, flora and fauna.

The Briars, a beautiful old homestead, is situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula on 230 hectares.There are many things to see and do at The Briars including the 1800’s historic homestead & gardens, historic farm buildings, wildlife sanctuary and wetlands.

Last time I was at The Briars (Dec 2011), it was a stormy Summer day and the grass was brown & dry. Since then I have had visions of photographing this historical old tractor on a gorgeous Winter blue sky day when the grass was green & lush. This time I got what I was after.

An old timber cart in the picnic area.

The Briars Homestead was constructed from 1848 to 1851 and was used by Alexander Balcombe until 1876 as he farmed the land surrounding it and tended to 100 acres of vineyards. The homestead houses a world renowned collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, established by Dame Mabel Brooke.

Grape vines.

I'm looking forward to going back "home" to see my family on Boxing Day (Dec 26) for 2 weeks. I may not get many photography opportunities as I probably won't be walking very well by then. I am going into hospital today for knee and foot surgery. I am hoping and praying the outcome of the foot surgery is really positive as I have been in extreme pain walking for the last 3 years.

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As The River Turns Red

From Blue Hour to darkness on the Brisbane River.

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