Last day of 2018

Its been quite a bumper year and a lot has happened in our lives and our children's lives. On an individual basis mostly good but the world, oh dear, oh dear, the world seems to be getting more polarised, more uncaring, and battered by wild weather. Many Xmas presents this year were presents allowing us all to make small meaningful changes in the way we live. From Beeswax covers instead of cling film to installing a Beehive in the garden. My wish for 2019 is for change small or large which brings people together and unites all in the care of the planet. Happy New Year everyone. 

Aussies DO IT differently

The celebrations of Christmas are just that little bit different in the Southern Hemisphere. The heat comes from the sun, not the fireside, the lights come from the blaring sun, not the xmas lights, though god knows there are enough of those in the neighbourhood, and the oven mainly gives way to the BBQ on Xmas Day.
So to put you into the picture and perhaps into the mood here are some of the moments I have captured which make Aussie Xmases the funnest EVA.

The Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper announcing the weather for Xmas day!

The Red Hat Society ladies at the bus stop off to their festivities - Women of all ages who wear read and purple usually, but this time just red for Xmas.

My Bus today complete with Charlie the cuddly bear, sitting in the window with his name badge and his sunnies. 

My thong Tree without which you could not have an Aussie Xmas.

And the Xmas shirts complete with surfing Santas and dancing Kangas. 

So a very Merry Xmas to one and all - North or South it is part of this lovely planet which we all share, so lets look after it in 2019 and forever more. 

Gals in Australia

I organised an early Xmas present for the hubby in time for the Xmas party this weekend. Turfing of the lower garden. I found a great outfit called Desire landscaping, http://desirelandscapes.com.au and organised a quote.Quite like the name.  The weather has been wet so it was touch and go whether they could do it but Ivan called and said it could all go ahead. They arrived super early- Ivan - big and strong, and two young women. Momentarily surprised as the job was a big one. Hot day - well into the 30s and humid. The lower back garden can only be accessed by a long walk down. Each bucket of earth was shovelled into buckets and walked down, then spread over the area and then the turf arrived to be laid and rolled.The worked all day with a couple of breaks in between. I was busy tackling the ironing so with an open door I could hear their banter, happy, respectful, giggly and fun with not a swear word escaping their lips. They worked solidly and when Ivan offered to take over a harder task they  politely refused and carried on. By the end of the day this is what they looked like - gorgeous gals, fun loving, hard working, nothing prissy or precious about them. Hats off to the parents who raised them and to these young women above all. Australia, you put your money where your mouth is, and gender equality is alive and well. 

Meeanjin Markets

This weekend I had the pleasure of coming across Meeanjin Markets in the city. I sat crossed legged on the lovely little cushions they provided, with many other onlookers, to watch the beautiful traditional dances of the Aboriginal and Torres Islander Groups. So much to note, Brisbane City Council facilitating and staging this in the heart of the city. The pride of the dancers and the stories connected to the various dances which are always related to the audience. A didgeridoo competition.The inclusion of the young ones who learn to feel connected to their roots and to carry on traditions handed down through the elders over the years. The stalls selling beautiful arts and crafts and the opportunity to try some Bush Tucker, indigenous food. A lovely celebration of Indigenous and Islander culture in Brisbane. 

Little Steps go a Long Way.

Today I want to talk about initiatives I see and experience which are worth sharing with my few but dedicated followers. Why ? Because they give us hope that city councils and people in authority but also ordinary people are actually looking at things the right way round. Let me explain:

Busy Mall in the City. One of the shops was recently vacated.Where high rents can be charged. The next time I went through it this is what I found :

A little haven in the city where anyone can walk in and pick up a book, sit down, read, listen to a podcast and have some down time.

My Library just sent me this notice :

"Do you, or any of your family and friends have outstanding library fees?

Council's libraries are getting into the spirit of Christmas by offering to
waive outstanding library fees and fines between 1-31 December 2018.

Customers who return their overdue books to a library during December 2018 or
have existing overdue fines, processing fees and/or holds fees will have these
fees waived in exchange for a can of food. Please note that perishable food
items cannot be accepted.

This year, Council's library amnesty will donate all food to Foodbank Queensland
 an organisation that distributes food to charities and community organisations
 who assist those in need."

SO next time I am in town I will take canned food to the Library to help those in need. 

And today on my walk along Ithaca Creek this Notice appeared : 

This is the open end of someones back yard, created for everyone to share if they want, along Ithaka Creek. For those perhaps who haven't got a garden or just want somewhere nice to sit. Here it is provided and shared by people in the Community. 

So what examples do you have to share here of how you are pleasantly surprised by collective or individual initiatives ? 

Nature is1st in Xmas decorations

I have been counting down the days. To blog before the 1st would be a bit of a sacrilege and lets face it, we have plenty of time to get into the spirit and enjoy the season.The first of December is the official start of summer. You may think it had shifted to November this year, as the temperatures have been up and the rain has stayed away. But the warmth has also meant that the city is ready for its own very special Xmas decorations, without the need of a single socket, solar panel, plastic bauble or wiring. Here it is all unfolding fabulously before our very eyes. Xmas colours in abundance, trees with their own silver xmas lights up top, candelabras in hues of purple and green, buds so prolific you forget there is a drought, pom-poms of such delicacy, red streamers and coral connections, and a chance to turn our attention to it everywhere we look.   

 I am thrilled also that the State Library decided to forego the usual Xmas decorations and instead put up Christmas beetles all over their wall, to remind people of the fact that these beetles which range from golden, green and purple and are so colourful and bright, were once prolific here. They are associated with Christmas because the larvae hatch and they emerge in early December and stay around for Christmas. It is thought that their numbers are decreasing as the environment is getting drier. So the Sate Library has directed our attention to something entirely natural in the hope that we will spot one ourselves over the season. 

 And perhaps to cap it off or start it up good neighbours who come with delightful and delicious  offerings in Xmas colours to start the Xmas Cheer.

So come on everyone, take a Xmas stroll in your neighbourhood and find your Xmas colours.