Meet Silvio

 Meet Silvio

He came to do some rendering today on a wall. We chatted. He has a lovely thick Italian accent and a dodgy knee and it looks like he likes pasta.

He came from Sicily in 1965. He was 18, planning to be a ship's captain but he dropped out of school and decided to take up the offer from his godfather to come to Australia in search of a better life. He had a smattering of English at the time, which was a big help.

He made this first trip with his father. His mother and some of his siblings joined later on.  The formalities were swift and within a month he was on his way. The trip took 22 days and they landed in Fremantle and then made their way round to Sydney where he took the train up to Brisbane. He was travelling with his father and hoping to meet his godfather who was sponsoring him. He did eventually.

They were housed in a boarding house near Fortitude Valley for about four months and in that time he tells me of the Italian community that came to support them in the area but also the lovely things he did for his compatriots. He cooked for them and ironed their shirts and trousers by feeding the electricity meter with 5 cents.  On Friday nights they would go to the valley for a coffee and some food but he also helped out and washed dishes for Italian cafes so he could improve his English. He worked hard and met a girl and settled down here in Brisbane and raised four kids. His parents went back to Sicily but visit as often as they can. They lived in New Farm for many years an area known for its Italian community. It was a pleasure to talk to him and to see him with his "Love Italia" cap on and up the ladder working away at his craft. We are the same age peu pret. Stories of inclusivity and struggle. Stories of diversity and difference. All of us under the warm and welcoming Brisbane sun. 

Thanks everyone and he did it again.

A Monday unlike others, so thank you everyone who sent FB greetings, cards, flowers, voice messages and calls which made the celebration extra special. The day, which rolled out simply, was filled with much cheer with favourite birds, feathered and otherwise, who came to share some of it with me. It could not have been a sweeter and better celebration. Dougall's family came to my door and sung for me and all made cards ( look at the one below). We sipped bubbly on a sun filled deck nibbling cheese sticks while the birds feasted on their sunflower seeds. A joint celebration fit for any self respecting bird-woman.

The first rose in the garden appeared just in time for the day ! 

He did it again - he managed to surprise me on my Birthday and that is no small feat. He took me off to a strange place in Chapel Hill and as we were getting close my curiosity increased. What could it be ? What had he found? Where was he taking me ? 

Well here it is my Birthday present for 2020. My own hive of stingless native bees courtesy of a lovely man called Tony who seemed to live among boxes and bits and pieces all happily co existing within his untidy yard. Sitting in a corner was my very own little beehive complete with roof and a busy colony of bees buzzing inside. The good news is that these are stingless native bees, much smaller than European honey bees but just as wonderful and busy. 

Sunday in the City

Sunday afternoon and off we went to our favourite new little fish restaurant on Kangaroo Point. For those of you who are locals check it out - its lovely and their little menus are delightful.

 http://onefish-twofish.com.au/ We enjoyed"The Toast to the Queensland Coast" today and to walk it off we went towards the Brisbane River and onto the high cliff walk where I took these photos of the city. It was a close run back in the 30s between the bougainvillea and the poinsettia to be the flower of Brisbane and I have a feeling they may have regretted their choice. Look how splendid these bougainvilleas are. 

Then onto Kangaroo Point and the Park and one thing which I love about Brisbane is the public art work all over the city. There are lots of things I love actually - this is just one more. This time to explore "Venus Rising out of the water and into the Light". The title itself engages me with visions of dark and light but also thoughts about my homeland and the connection with the water. Its a stainless steel structure that stands tall at 23 Metres and is illuminated at night. The Artist is Wolfgang Buttress, an English artist who created this spiral with perpendicular lines and circles and patterns within them. The image is different viewed from within or outside. There is a delicateness to it which belies the material in which it is made. 

The inside of it looking up is reminiscent of a shell' s structure. 

The patterns on the upper part allow the light to penetrate whereas the inner colour is that of brandished cooper and warm like the sun. 

Splendid walk, good food and two very happy troopers. Back for a lazy ziz. 

Spinning the magic of everyday.

Today just after lunch it was 23C. I put on my Panama which shields my face and eyes and my sneakers, (who would have thought I would be converted but I have the boys to thank for that) and I headed out. I headed out into the warm sunshine and I could feel its rays radiating up my body as I walked, complimenting the inner warmth I felt. There was a persistent breeze swirling around my neck and face and it was quiet all round except for the occasional raucous calls of the kookaburras. Not having Dougall with me today I diverted a little in the neighbourhood passing this picturesque fence on my way. 

The came the grevilleas buzzing with bees, perhaps even from our own hive. 

I lingered by the stream he usually takes a dip in and today's occupant was a dive- happy- duck who kept popping up. Then as I turned the corner, a corner I had gone past many times I suddenly saw a pair of very attractive breasts, albeit lopsided on the tree. 

The ripening fruit of this tree suddenly in evidence and someone's simple message to us all. 

Todays treasure though was on the ground, wrapped in the gentle folds of a leaf and shining bright - a cocoon of sorts, perhaps a spider or a silkworm, shielding life within as it prepares to venture forth. 

Dougall on sick leave.

Some of you who follow this blog (and there aren't many, so thank you) may have noticed that it has been a while since I posted a "Discoveries with Dougall". Our exuberant neighbourhood Boxer was taken ill with paralysis tick and last week he was in emergency care.

These ticks emit a toxin into the animal which begins to affect their nervous system and his owner noticed he fell down the stairs and was not himself. The serum or antitoxin which is administered may cause a severe reaction and that is what happened to Dougall. It was touch and go at one point.

We were all devastated by the news and waited patiently to see how he would respond to treatment. He was put on oxygen and sedated as he was not reacting well. Mercifully he has pulled through and has returned home, weaker, thinner and with half a bark. He is on sick leave and no walks allowed, but he is eating well and I am hopeful that soon he will be back to his bouncy self. 

I went over to give him a cuddle today. Here he is. 

Redcliffe

Glorious sunshine and open skies - and off we go to our closest ocean getaway. Redcliffe, named after its red cliffs, originally called Humpybong, and inhabited by Aboriginal people. It's Queensland first penal colony. Famous for being home to the BeeGees and one of the first places to be settled in 1824 when the ship Amity sailed into its safe harbour, it is a place steeped in history but also giving its residents plenty else. 

Let's start with the frivolous and fancy - loved this! A Pompom Tree. Native or Exotic I wonder? 

Then moving on to the busy markets held there on a Sunday afternoon selling the most delicious food and quirky artefacts, from precious and semi precious stones to silver teapots and repurposed EPNS silverware which were as amusing as they were musical. Sadly I was so busy looking at them I forgot to take a photo. However if you want your Silver repurposed call Robyn's Reborn Relics 0401369024. What a great idea.

The history was everywhere and we stopped to read and take in all the events that had taken place here on this spot all those years ago, not least the people, convicts and settlers who are commemorated on this memorial perhaps signifying the sails of the ship. 

I love the fact that this plaque commemorates not only the men but their wives and children.

The convicts are also listed, all men with interesting jobs. I wonder what their misdemeanour was to get them in jail and transported all these miles away from their family and friends. Some unusual professions- a dry cooper, a sawyer and a shingler. Any familiar to you? 

And not forgetting the amazing geology that seems to be richly in evidence here with rocks as red and green and cream as you will ever see. 

Finally the boardwalk by the ocean, free and available to all to enjoy, as it should be and the vistas of water, wind and air which recharged us wholly and completely. 

 

Doing the right thing

 Following the Biden- Harris advice and the increasing numbers of infections we have donned our face masks - made by the amazing Robyn Jacques with all proceeds going to a Cambodian Charity. Notice the bespoke nature of the masks - football for the Arsenal supporter and birds for the birdwoman. 

Keperra

This walk was in the suburb of Keperra. Quiet streets and tended gardens. Cul de sacs and parks - we were on a hunt for the Native Nursery which was shut but to which we will return. And in line with the thought, better to travel well then to arrive, here are some of the moments in the walk which we loved.

This is the red powder puff plant -which always captivates me with its intense colour and daintiness. Strangely named Calliandra Haematocephala - and I can tell you without too much investigating this comes from the Greek and means of all things Good and Man and Blood and Head. Put it all together and you have a Hot headed Good looking man - which defies our perceptions when we look at this fine flower. 

This is the Pink Bottle Brush which is also known as Callistemon Taree Pink. Note common Kali from the Greek again and stemon from stamen. 

A Ned Kelly look a like to guard this particular post box was our Australiana for the day. May he look over all of us and keep us safe but specially a new baby which we welcome to the family this week. For those of you not familiar with this iconic Australian image here is a https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ned-Kelly-Australian-bandit

Happy Sunday

Waking up to this is heavenly even if I had to spend half hour extricating the thorns from my fingers today. Off to Bunnings (Weekends would not be the same without a visit) for rooting compound for the cuttings. Happy Sunday everyone.