WET AND COOL

It has been unseasonally cool and wet this weekend - and I love it!

The lorikeets were less than impressed, and sat miserably on our

verandah railing.

They might feel bad, but they look adorable,

especially when they preen one another.

The plants are loving the rain, too ...

Michelle has been a bit quiet lately, but emerged this week in a very cute cardi and red dress combination...

and Kate and William were out and about too.

Love this dress, with turquoise beading, and an interesting back:

Happy Anniversary to you!

In my previous post about Anzac Day, I mentioned visiting a museum in Flanders where we saw battle trenches, preserved after World War I.

It is called Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62), near Ypres, Belgium.

Here is a link for anyone who is interested in visiting:

http://www.greatwar.co.uk/ypres-salient/museum-sanctuary-wood.htm

Hope the new week is Excellent for you!

TODAY IS ANZAC DAY

Today, 25th April, is Anzac Day in Australia,

the day we commemorate those who lost their lives in war,

in defence of freedom and democracy.

Usually on this day I join with my choir to sing at an early morning church service, during which the Last Post is played.

It is always very moving, and I am sorry I missed out this time; 

but I am still in Recovery Mode.

This photo shows my grandfather and two of his brothers.

They joined the Australian Imperial Forces in World War I,

travelled to Europe and served on the Western Front.

My grandfather became a medic in the fields of Flanders,

transporting the wounded in an ambulance wagon drawn by mules.

Thankfully, all three returned to Australia after the war.

Mr Cardinal's family was not so lucky.

Two of his great-uncles lost their lives in Flanders.

A few years ago we travelled to Belgium and located the grave of one of them in this War Cemetery.

It was a very special moment for Mr C.

We visited a museum where some of the original trenches are preserved ...

It is very shocking to see where men fought, lived and died,

 in such primitive surroundings.

At the Menin Gate memorial in Ypres, we found the name of the other uncle, whose grave is unknown.

Near the gate was a frozen canal, behind the dead tree in this pic.

It was the first time I had seen such a large body of water all frozen over,

with people skating along it.

Today I made traditional Anzac Biscuits with our grandson, Little Aussie ...

Lest We Forget

THE COLOUR OF MONET

The Terrace at Saint-Adresse, 1867, by Claude Monet

This is my favourite painting by Monet, leader and most famous of the French Impressionists.

It is a little unusual, and shows the influence of Japanese colour wood-block prints which were all the rage in Paris at the time.

Having loved it for years, I was absolutely bowled over when I saw the original at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

It was one of those heart-thumping, dizzy-headed moments, experienced when in the presence of great artistry.

One of the many aspects which excite me in this image is the lucious red-orange on the flowers, which was just absolutely gorgeous.

Monet knew a thing or two about colour.

He knew Blue and Orange are complementary,
and each intensifies the impact of the other.

All these images are paintings by Monet.

Here is the one which gave Impressionism its name:

Impression: Sunrise -

Self-confessed Monet-fancier, my friend J sent me this bouquet of Iris, with orange Roses & Lilies.

 Monet-esque!!

In the spirit of the moment, I made an orange cake, and went overboard with the floral decorations for my visiting sisters ...

 Looking forward to the day I can wear my blue linen shift once again ...

with the orange scarf, perhaps? 

Enjoy the weekend ...

RAINDROPS ON ROSES

Raindrops on Roses today.

Can't give you Whiskers on Kittens,

but we do have Very Wet Lorikeets:

and Raindrops on Petunias ...

Cooking a meal is a bit beyond me right now.

We were thrilled when our mother and daughter friends arrived with this

girly decorated fruit/chocolate assortment, apple shortcake,

and a chicken pie under the red-checked towel.

So grateful :))))

The dining room table is covered with photos, coloured pages,

and stickers.

If I can't do housework, drive or cook, I can catch up scrapbooking the family albums...

Blue Birds of Happiness!

I hope your week is a good one ..

GIRLFRIEND JOY

A cheer-up squad of girlfriends came to help me today ...

being as the doctor has forbidden housework for 6 weeks and all

(yes, tragic, I know)

How good is a girlfriend who does your vacuuming for you?

and changes the sheets, and fixes the flower vases ....

Naturally, cake was involved, a fantastic rhubarb cake made by J,

who also brought me this absolutely adorable bluebird cup and saucer.

I know, Spoilt!!!

V and L brought me a little red felt sparrow make-it kit,

(legs still not finished)

and a sweet pincushion with birdhouse.  Perfection.

L brought a big tub of fresh pumpkin soup.

That's the weekend sorted!

We found time to discuss a set of quilt blocks I made back in the 90s...

when Grown Women reverted to childhood and made teddy bears, painted teddy bears, made quilts featuring teddy bears ...

I was too slow and before the quilt was made up, I was Over It.

The blocks were put away "until I became a grandma",

and forgotten for years.

They turned up in a recent declutter, and, with the Petite Garcon coming to visit in a few months,

the time is right to finish this Unfinished Sewing Project.

Note featured grandparent teddies.

It is never too early to brainwash the child.

The layout of the blocks is sorted, now just have to buy a toning fabric to bring it into the 21st century.

I have been dreadfully spoilt over the past month, and have loved and appreciated every minute of it.

It has made it so much easier to cope with my illness and multiple surgeries;

I seem to have largely floated through this experience on a wave of love and good wishes,

and hope I will be a better person for having made this journey.

You can never underestimate the value of family and friends in your life.

I hope your weekend is Autumnly Gorgeous!

 

AUTUMN MUSINGS

Hints of Autumn are coming on the wind -

slightly crisp mornings, and fresh south-easterly breezes.

The skies are brilliant blue, but our trees remain green.

You have to search for the subtle signs of Autumn in Brisbane.

And make do with a fake arrangement of russet colours.

Here are a few pictures of the magnificent Fall season in Ottawa,

Canada where our daughter lives with her family:

My wardrobe is severely restricted right now, while recovering from my surgery.

Shift dresses are out, as is anything fitted while I still have a surgical drain from my wounds.

Today I decided another loose shirt would be useful.

Once again pulled out this fabric and pattern ..

Sadly, I discovered my arm is too stiff and sore to spread and cut out the fabric.

One handed is just too difficult.

I decided to throw a big sulk and eat a large piece of chocolate easter egg, while pouting!

This was entirely wasted because noone was here to see it...

My surgery was done on only a few days notice and I was pretty uninformed.

I had no idea that my arm was going to be affected,

and to some extent will have permanent issues.

It is so good to be alive, though!

Would have cut the shirt out ahead of time had I known.

I will find some handy girlfriend to cut it for me.

Flowers and cards are still popping in ...

aren't people just so kind and encouraging!

Mr Cardinal's office is moving and something was surplus to requirements:

Small white marble topped table has come to live with us.

Goody.

I hope your week is a good one ..