tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279700832024-03-13T04:27:18.569-07:00the ups and downs of art and lifeJan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-27204087672842822332015-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:002015-12-22T09:39:14.762-08:00Snowflakes for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QsQRkWmdxA/Vnlw7W2BTuI/AAAAAAAAH6s/1KPicY33fns/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QsQRkWmdxA/Vnlw7W2BTuI/AAAAAAAAH6s/1KPicY33fns/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27970083" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27970083" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's almost Christmas and I am not close to being done with everything I need to do. Every year I start a bit earlier on my Christmas list of things to do and every year I still come down to crunch time where I live on coffee and go without sleep to get everything done in time. When my son was small, it was a tradition to make a homemade ornament for the tree each year, and I continued that tradition until 2010. I lived alone, the tree was full and the Great Recession had taken a toll on my Christmas cheer. But this year I wanted to celebrate my new life and renewed focus on art.<br />
<br />
I am a glass and metal artist. It has taken me years to find my focus in art because I love EVERYTHING art. And I still dabble in many medias. But my passion has always returned to glass and metal. I made a decision that when I had the time and opportunity (and rather than be a jack of all trades), I would learn everything I could about these two mediums. <br />
<br />
This year, with a tree full to breaking from the amount of ornaments created from the fusion of two families, I decided it was time to decorate the window and created this simple snowflake from beveled glass, glass pebbles, wire and solder. I loved this pattern because the roundness of the pebbles softened the geometric edges of the beveled glass. Very easy to create, each piece was edged with copper foil tape and fluxed. I arranged the snowflake on a marble tile I use for soldering and tack soldered the flake together before covering all the the copper foil with Silver Gleem solder that polishes up to look like sterling silver. I finished by soldering a wire hanger to the top to hang the flake from (the wire needs to be firmly soldered to the snowflake due to its weight).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27970083" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=27970083" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I am enjoying the flake hanging in my window with the snow falling gently behind it. Since the window is 5' by 12', I should have room for a snowflake a year for a very long time! Merry Christmas, everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-75148432959093280832015-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:002015-07-27T11:35:54.724-07:00FotoChallenge 3 - Leading Lines<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">FotoChallenge is a weekly prompt started between myself and the wonderful photographer/artist </span><a href="http://rustyramblers.com/index.php/photography-challenges/fotochallenge/#comment-39" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Bevlea </a>and <a href="http://glendasgazette.blogspot.com/">Glenda</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> to inspire and challenge ourselves to shoot regularly, and extend our skills. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Our FotoChallenge is to take an image, based on the weekly theme and upload it to our blogs by midnight Sunday of each week. We invite you to play along, take a pic using our weekly theme, add it to your blog and leave a link to your image in the comments section. This week's challenge is "Leading Lines."</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The photo I chose was taken with my iPhone and edited in Instagram and depicts the entrance to the walking path over the Sam Jackson Bridge over the Columbia River from the Vancouver, WA side.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUEwHQmKaxI/VbZ36VmI6DI/AAAAAAAAH1s/iiXrTd_AVww/s1600/IMG_5851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUEwHQmKaxI/VbZ36VmI6DI/AAAAAAAAH1s/iiXrTd_AVww/s320/IMG_5851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-4835146902467266992013-01-18T21:59:00.000-08:002013-01-18T21:59:17.060-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">A JOURNEY FOR TASHA TEATS TUDOR</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px;">
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YToZhpRaoI0/UPo0nHCFHvI/AAAAAAAAFjk/jNq4wDgJ86o/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YToZhpRaoI0/UPo0nHCFHvI/AAAAAAAAFjk/jNq4wDgJ86o/s320/13+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">In October I was delighted to spend a week farm-sitting for Katherine Dunn at </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">her </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Apifera</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> Farm. To experience the beauty of fall in Yamhill County Oregon while caring for a menagerie of characters including sheep, goats, donkeys, cats, dogs, chickens, geese and a horse was for me the opportunity of a lifetime</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">I enjoyed every moment of my time there (despite the peculiar odors the dogs produced after eating pumpkins)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">, while</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> I dispensed hay and grain and a multitude of hugs and kisses to all and hoped to have the opportunity to return and </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">farm-sit</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> again.</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">So, of course, w</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">hen Katherine asked me to </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">sit</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> last weekend, I leapt at the chance. I said hello to all my old friends and greeted with joy Katherine’s two newest additions to the farm, Tasha Teats Tudor and her paramour Rudy, both beautiful senior goats who had found their forever home. But this time, things were to be a bit different. The weather turned cold the first day and dropped to the teens</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> that night</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. I got up early the next morning to pass out feed and make sure everyone had survived the</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">chilling </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">temperatures</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> and initially, e</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">veryone seemed okay…</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Until</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> I reached Tasha and Rudy who I had left snuggled in their stall. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">T</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">o my alarm, Tasha was lying on her side (not good for goats) and gasping. I pulled her small body up close in my arms to warm </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">and revive </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">her, but Tasha had other things on her mind. I pleaded and begged her to come back and told her how much she was loved and how Rudy would miss her, but Tasha simply laid her head down in my arms and let me know she was ready to pass</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. Today was her time to</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> find her place in goat heaven where her pain would disappear and she would kick up her heels in unending green pastures. </span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">With Rudy watching over us, I held her</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> for hours</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">, watching her breathing slow and her eyes </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">slowly </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">lose focus on this world</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. I</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">told her </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">it was okay leave us and </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">find her way over. I asked her to say a hello to my dogs and cats </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">who</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> crossed over before her and to my son’s father, who I know is sitting in the shade of a slow moving river, with a line in the water and a beer in his hand. And with a gasp and a tremor, she passed and was no more. I laid her gently in the hay and said a prayer for her and shed tears for her passing. Her passing </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">was a spiritual experience that </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">touched my soul and I feel </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">privileged to have eased her from this world</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. In helping</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> her find her way, I was able to face my own mortality and will fear it no more. Such are the gifts our animals bring us.</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">As the sun set on that day, the fog cleared </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">and the waning light turned</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> wispy clouds</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> silver</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> in the darkening sky. I could see Tasha waving</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> to us from far above</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. Her angel wings not. yet big enough to support her, she was drifting to heaven on the back of a shining feather</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> one of the chickens had provided for this solemn, but joyous, celebration</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> Farewell, Tasha! Thank you for the love and wisdom you left behind in this world.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Agency FB'; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;">Apifera</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Agency FB'; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"> Farm is the home to many rescued farm animals that are elderly and/or disabled. They live their days free to roam the barnyard and are given daily doses of love by Katherine and all who visit. Please visit her websites at</span><a href="http://apiferafarm.blogspot.com/"><span class="s4" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Agency FB'; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px; text-decoration: underline;">http://apiferafarm.blogspot.com</span></a><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Agency FB'; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"> to learn more and consider a donation to help out with the feed and care of the animals.</span></span>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-64278553002187372852012-01-16T02:54:00.000-08:002012-01-22T23:52:12.162-08:00Australia Conclusion - Warrendyte, Sassafras and Saying Goodbye<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_096dZzAhE/TxQLo_Pnb1I/AAAAAAAAFXc/B2FJdpFsWQU/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698192227330125650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_096dZzAhE/TxQLo_Pnb1I/AAAAAAAAFXc/B2FJdpFsWQU/s400/IMG_1651.JPG" /></a> Before I end my journey in Australia, I want to go back to a short jaunt through a delightful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">junky</span> craft store that Eva took me to in the Melbourne area called Theo's Discount Craft. When we pulled up, it didn't look like much from the outside, but inside I thought I would never get back out with enough money to continue my trip. Every kind of craft you can think of. Some which I haven't seen in years. More than you can really look at in a day without losing your mind in the sheer amount of stuff inside this little warehouse.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCs1QSVIN-A/TxQLoY-62QI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/rb8Fl5xzSUI/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698192217059547394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCs1QSVIN-A/TxQLoY-62QI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/rb8Fl5xzSUI/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" /></a> Fabric, costumes, dolls, sewing, beads, jewelry, party supplies, lace <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">collars</span>, packaging, toys, novelties, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">kewpie</span> dolls, the list went on and on.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGcN1Us_q10/TxQLoBzpJeI/AAAAAAAAFXE/OGuyrWOkXXA/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698192210838234594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGcN1Us_q10/TxQLoBzpJeI/AAAAAAAAFXE/OGuyrWOkXXA/s400/IMG_1649.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YixrgqhewU/TxQLEEkJeiI/AAAAAAAAFW4/nM9zwLnulTc/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698191593103260194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YixrgqhewU/TxQLEEkJeiI/AAAAAAAAFW4/nM9zwLnulTc/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrATUfpuLlM/TxQLDmrh_fI/AAAAAAAAFWs/HYDd48xjEmc/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698191585081163250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrATUfpuLlM/TxQLDmrh_fI/AAAAAAAAFWs/HYDd48xjEmc/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAzPi1N0VyU/TxQLDJQxtWI/AAAAAAAAFWg/8zH1ul29n6w/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698191577184318818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAzPi1N0VyU/TxQLDJQxtWI/AAAAAAAAFWg/8zH1ul29n6w/s400/IMG_1646.JPG" /></a> So much fun. The graveyard cache for out of date crafts coupled with junk crafts, and in between some really good buys on supplies. We have nothing like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">that</span> here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p81fqt1FTMI/TxQLCslLndI/AAAAAAAAFWU/tz60QWNja5Y/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698191569485274578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p81fqt1FTMI/TxQLCslLndI/AAAAAAAAFWU/tz60QWNja5Y/s400/IMG_1762.JPG" /></a> The last few days I had left we stayed local. Twice we went to a very arty town, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Warrendyte</span>, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Here, by the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yarra</span> River, I watched dogs fetch balls from the river for their owners, Loved this pair of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">retrievers</span>. One went in the water to fetch the ball. The other remained on the shore and stole the ball from the other dogs mouth while he was climbing out of the water. I think it was a reluctant partnership of sorts.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnJKjB5nOAw/TxQLCG5fe9I/AAAAAAAAFWI/5LtMQrh95rg/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698191559369915346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnJKjB5nOAw/TxQLCG5fe9I/AAAAAAAAFWI/5LtMQrh95rg/s400/IMG_1757.JPG" /></a> After picking up some chocolate covered licorice, we visited this antique store. Loved the name, but the store had only small aisles through the merchandise and it quickly became <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">claustrophobic</span> inside.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS1g9dVw5zs/TxQKOpeGpGI/AAAAAAAAFVw/CcZmK0iof58/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698190675297084514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS1g9dVw5zs/TxQKOpeGpGI/AAAAAAAAFVw/CcZmK0iof58/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" /></a> We walked by several galleries and stores along the busy main street. Loved these wooden cockatoos.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFo53nqowEU/TxQKOciNqBI/AAAAAAAAFVg/CBtFEr_1690/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698190671824660498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFo53nqowEU/TxQKOciNqBI/AAAAAAAAFVg/CBtFEr_1690/s400/IMG_1744.JPG" /></a> This was my favorite store filled with handmade jewelry and fun eclectic stuff for the home.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698190659641463330" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMO3U-gmIJo/TxQKNvJg0iI/AAAAAAAAFVY/nxwNVIt_YJc/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Inside one store was an Australian flag <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">backlit</span> by lighting and I took this photo with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hipstamatic</span> on my iPhone.</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1a2raSaFIo/TxQEYZDChUI/AAAAAAAAFU8/gh2KGvZVr3k/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698184245617526082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1a2raSaFIo/TxQEYZDChUI/AAAAAAAAFU8/gh2KGvZVr3k/s400/DSC_0187.JPG" /></a> Still hard to wrap my head around the fact that it is spring here. But I am trying to soak all the sun in that I can, knowing that I am returning to icy weather soon.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-tWZrBY_8/TxQEJTkKEGI/AAAAAAAAFUs/p6qzZCSHkF4/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698183986447781986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bU-tWZrBY_8/TxQEJTkKEGI/AAAAAAAAFUs/p6qzZCSHkF4/s400/DSC_0189.JPG" /></a> I found this sanctuary behind an art gallery amid the eucalyptus trees and said a quiet prayer.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un0VmU6IGJ0/TxQEI3Tk2SI/AAAAAAAAFUk/zfDMvn528AA/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698183978862041378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un0VmU6IGJ0/TxQEI3Tk2SI/AAAAAAAAFUk/zfDMvn528AA/s400/DSC_0191.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVyxvYqp9Tk/TxQEIFfmNaI/AAAAAAAAFUY/JEEAQGOyn4A/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698183965490689442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVyxvYqp9Tk/TxQEIFfmNaI/AAAAAAAAFUY/JEEAQGOyn4A/s400/DSC_0193.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVcJe8yR60s/TxQEH8O9OaI/AAAAAAAAFUM/_Sml9ttpKTY/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698183963004975522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVcJe8yR60s/TxQEH8O9OaI/AAAAAAAAFUM/_Sml9ttpKTY/s400/DSC_0194.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKwHsNYsfqo/TxQDGaYUbtI/AAAAAAAAFTo/znQZPerumV4/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698182837225942738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKwHsNYsfqo/TxQDGaYUbtI/AAAAAAAAFTo/znQZPerumV4/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" /></a> And one last trip to my favorite place of all, Sassafras, in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dandenong</span> Range, where we had lunch at Miss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marples</span> again. One last look at Sassafras Wool Shop and Oracle, my favorite stores. Breathing in every site to remember well after I am gone.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sirYtovdn1M/TxQDFBZwwQI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/WJAEHaW-7f8/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698182813341237506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sirYtovdn1M/TxQDFBZwwQI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/WJAEHaW-7f8/s400/DSC_0205.JPG" /></a> A last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">tour</span> of the garden areas and gift stores that we love. Trying to slow time down a bit...to put the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inevitable</span> departure at bay...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpHBiAKGUIk/TxQDE0vBwzI/AAAAAAAAFTA/lEfVx5_FEbQ/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698182809940771634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpHBiAKGUIk/TxQDE0vBwzI/AAAAAAAAFTA/lEfVx5_FEbQ/s400/DSC_0207.JPG" /></a> But in the end, I sadly got in the car with Eva and headed to the airport in Melbourne to board a plane back to the States. Thank you Eva (and family), Kathleen, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marg</span> and Pat, Barb and Dennis, Gail, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bevlea</span> and all the women in my classes for a wonderful time that will live long in my memory. But especially Eva who opened up her heart and home to me and gave so much of herself to make sure I had an opportunity to really see Victoria as few tourists are able. I hear from many of you still and hope to carry you all in my heart for the rest of my days.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-54065353313345843542012-01-15T21:02:00.000-08:002012-01-16T02:41:38.490-08:00Australia Part 10 - Bendigo<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEtL99Ci_lE/TxPCQqoGmnI/AAAAAAAAFSo/YWeMtcIqsnM/s1600/DSC_2214.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698111545129998962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aEtL99Ci_lE/TxPCQqoGmnI/AAAAAAAAFSo/YWeMtcIqsnM/s400/DSC_2214.JPG" /></a> We woke early, excited to explore the city of Bendigo. A wonderful mix of old and new, presided over by Queen Victoria, a multitude of churches and cathedrals and the very visible remnants of the gold mining history that is the reason for the founding of this city. We parked at the top of the hill and wound our way through the streets of downtown Bendigo, exploring stores and churches alike.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YF7AMqaxriE/TxPBal9CsQI/AAAAAAAAFSU/gjm4cOcrASU/s1600/DSC_2216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698110616162709762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YF7AMqaxriE/TxPBal9CsQI/AAAAAAAAFSU/gjm4cOcrASU/s400/DSC_2216.JPG" /></a> The architecture is rich and ornate. The buildings well preserved and beautiful. The people friendly and open. The arts were well represented here, as well.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698110578964153586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwffitPkcGU/TxPBYbYNxPI/AAAAAAAAFR0/n5PiQvVjB0A/s400/DSC_2226.JPG" /> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgoasBRn3dw/TxPBYOMiyYI/AAAAAAAAFRk/n8BjvECsTeQ/s1600/DSC_2227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698110575425538434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgoasBRn3dw/TxPBYOMiyYI/AAAAAAAAFRk/n8BjvECsTeQ/s400/DSC_2227.JPG" /></a> An old mailbox stands on the corner, looking like a lonely sentinel in its bright red coat of paint.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ta-vf0PAfM/TxO_670bB9I/AAAAAAAAFRY/US4svXcW_Mw/s1600/DSC_2234.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698108972764694482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ta-vf0PAfM/TxO_670bB9I/AAAAAAAAFRY/US4svXcW_Mw/s400/DSC_2234.JPG" /></a> The Cathedral stands at the heart of the city. Stunningly beautiful inside and out.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHecCkIW0bY/TxO_6Yj4pZI/AAAAAAAAFRM/TjTPRie-MfI/s1600/DSC_2236.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698108963300091282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHecCkIW0bY/TxO_6Yj4pZI/AAAAAAAAFRM/TjTPRie-MfI/s400/DSC_2236.JPG" /></a> Carved wooden angels trim the arches of the ceiling above high arched windows.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRkLiPJGAoo/TxO_5hbPuRI/AAAAAAAAFRA/0NEzIVn8OCA/s1600/DSC_2239.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698108948499904786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRkLiPJGAoo/TxO_5hbPuRI/AAAAAAAAFRA/0NEzIVn8OCA/s400/DSC_2239.JPG" /></a> A large stained glass window and organ fill the balcony section.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpVZB0VBTyg/TxO_5Jdb8qI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/3OpAd8g38lg/s1600/DSC_2240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698108942066643618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpVZB0VBTyg/TxO_5Jdb8qI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/3OpAd8g38lg/s400/DSC_2240.JPG" /></a> The ceiling is stunningly beautiful with the stark white contrasting with the rich wood construction.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU-f4EI7jbs/TxO_44Ge9XI/AAAAAAAAFQo/Y-HN-w4aE1o/s1600/DSC_2245.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698108937406969202" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cU-f4EI7jbs/TxO_44Ge9XI/AAAAAAAAFQo/Y-HN-w4aE1o/s400/DSC_2245.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TfPoHVwA4/TxO-o2ZuUqI/AAAAAAAAFQc/zfT6lZIUH7M/s1600/DSC_2246.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698107562561262242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6TfPoHVwA4/TxO-o2ZuUqI/AAAAAAAAFQc/zfT6lZIUH7M/s400/DSC_2246.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuvG08dHAlY/TxO-orGf6yI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/UWOM0I9mBoU/s1600/DSC_2250.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698107559527836450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuvG08dHAlY/TxO-orGf6yI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/UWOM0I9mBoU/s400/DSC_2250.JPG" /></a>I could have spent hours in the cathedral, but my time was limited and I was eager to see more of this city. For the next few hours we explored the little shops that lined the streets. A bookbinder, a milliner, and antique stores and more.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT5KkED3vsg/TxO9SsQXzKI/AAAAAAAAFOw/VGRUMjB4EXk/s1600/DSC_2266.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698106082368933026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT5KkED3vsg/TxO9SsQXzKI/AAAAAAAAFOw/VGRUMjB4EXk/s400/DSC_2266.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>We stopped at a gallery and explored a local artists beautiful paintings of Greece.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GroNjquLygo/TxO7dXop_iI/AAAAAAAAFOk/xG_o9HiEaJY/s1600/DSC_2269.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698104066788949538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GroNjquLygo/TxO7dXop_iI/AAAAAAAAFOk/xG_o9HiEaJY/s400/DSC_2269.JPG" /></a>Tired and hungry, we finally stopped at a Thai restaurant where we had red curry for lunch. After lunch, Margaret and I headed for the the White Wedding Dress exhibit at the local art gallery while Eva continued to browse the stores.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DX9I25ougxE/TxO7c3h3L5I/AAAAAAAAFOY/OLTzMGSDMH4/s1600/DSC_2272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698104058170519442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DX9I25ougxE/TxO7c3h3L5I/AAAAAAAAFOY/OLTzMGSDMH4/s400/DSC_2272.JPG" /></a> Unfortunately, no photos were allowed at the show, which had traveled to Bendigo from England, and included dresses and other wedding garb from the early 1800's forward. The dresses were covered with handmade lace and pearls. The oohs and ahhs were audible throughout the exhibit. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuV5qt5LO08/TxO7cpGKHtI/AAAAAAAAFOM/J_KS5BHrRm4/s1600/DSC_2266.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8X8IONCOFw/TxO7b-iOlmI/AAAAAAAAFOE/8pyo2-a94zA/s1600/DSC_2257.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698104042871232098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8X8IONCOFw/TxO7b-iOlmI/AAAAAAAAFOE/8pyo2-a94zA/s400/DSC_2257.JPG" /></a> Many of the stores had related window displays that celebrated the museum show with dresses made in a variety of mediums.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8-529570b0/TxO7bqs_8ZI/AAAAAAAAFN0/6ifEhXuKNsA/s1600/DSC_2258.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698104037547700626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8-529570b0/TxO7bqs_8ZI/AAAAAAAAFN0/6ifEhXuKNsA/s400/DSC_2258.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s98z2bgdk-M/TxO5X6QvZ9I/AAAAAAAAFNo/Ah0N7LB_8J4/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698101773981411282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s98z2bgdk-M/TxO5X6QvZ9I/AAAAAAAAFNo/Ah0N7LB_8J4/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" /></a> A tour of a local park turned up trees full of flying foxes. Used to the small cave bats in the Western U.S., I was amazed these "bats" could fly, so large they were. Chilling to look at too!</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGSdi-0mSsM/TxO5XQUK3nI/AAAAAAAAFNc/5twvPmwmNbo/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698101762721504882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGSdi-0mSsM/TxO5XQUK3nI/AAAAAAAAFNc/5twvPmwmNbo/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2YeOsr55wA/TxO5XJzzpNI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/R5L5v_gwBeE/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698101760975152338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2YeOsr55wA/TxO5XJzzpNI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/R5L5v_gwBeE/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olEiWb1XE0E/TxO5WXm0lkI/AAAAAAAAFNI/oBxbg0zWEIk/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698101747498915394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olEiWb1XE0E/TxO5WXm0lkI/AAAAAAAAFNI/oBxbg0zWEIk/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuGbnvFFcwg/TxO5WH9PhII/AAAAAAAAFM4/G2aYeGX4IxQ/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698101743297987714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuGbnvFFcwg/TxO5WH9PhII/AAAAAAAAFM4/G2aYeGX4IxQ/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" /></a>Then we were off to historic Bendigo pottery, established during the original gold rush days and a working pottery manufacturer to this day. The complex included studios of local artists, as well as the old kilns and working demonstrations of pottery making. You could almost hear the hustle and bustle of the old as you toured the now unused kilns and viewed the pottery of old mixed with new.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J-xDhrINfE/TxO4V_y_-rI/AAAAAAAAFMw/BjC--I5_kUg/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698100641595914930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J-xDhrINfE/TxO4V_y_-rI/AAAAAAAAFMw/BjC--I5_kUg/s400/DSC_0041.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k2R0WVi1Q8/TxO4VjSYIfI/AAAAAAAAFMg/a8WeyqalgNs/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698100633942893042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k2R0WVi1Q8/TxO4VjSYIfI/AAAAAAAAFMg/a8WeyqalgNs/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJWVlBFJHos/TxO4VD_l_QI/AAAAAAAAFMU/KA0fp1LnPJo/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698100625542610178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJWVlBFJHos/TxO4VD_l_QI/AAAAAAAAFMU/KA0fp1LnPJo/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYf2ZBM_tNk/TxO4UbSlg9I/AAAAAAAAFMM/afpKa8E6pwE/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698100614616417234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYf2ZBM_tNk/TxO4UbSlg9I/AAAAAAAAFMM/afpKa8E6pwE/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" /></a> We took to the road again and stopped at a local park and pond where I took photos of birds standing in the grass by the water. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqWPf2XRr9A/TxO4T83GL9I/AAAAAAAAFL8/bISVj5v1G2w/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698100606448054226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqWPf2XRr9A/TxO4T83GL9I/AAAAAAAAFL8/bISVj5v1G2w/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e_TkXhjZJE/TxO3GN6PYjI/AAAAAAAAFLw/zEMG-AlZ07U/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698099270994846258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e_TkXhjZJE/TxO3GN6PYjI/AAAAAAAAFLw/zEMG-AlZ07U/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" /></a>This purple swamp hen was one of my favorite birds with it's blue purple plumage.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj4MeFhtTWg/TxO3Fp3gCcI/AAAAAAAAFLk/0V9_8qz_VA0/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698099261319678402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj4MeFhtTWg/TxO3Fp3gCcI/AAAAAAAAFLk/0V9_8qz_VA0/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" /></a>A bit further down the road, was an old graveyard filled with ornate graves. I wandered around looking at the ornate iron work and beautifully carved statues and headstones and wondered who these brave people had been that created such a beautiful city from the bare earth with only the barest promise of a rich future ahead...</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPFi_5JbHH4/TxO3E0NL89I/AAAAAAAAFLM/qalHbCGPTzM/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698099246915122130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPFi_5JbHH4/TxO3E0NL89I/AAAAAAAAFLM/qalHbCGPTzM/s400/DSC_0083.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQAiAzrlKZM/TxO1eW5tTTI/AAAAAAAAFK4/_dKW8-CuTIQ/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698097486702136626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQAiAzrlKZM/TxO1eW5tTTI/AAAAAAAAFK4/_dKW8-CuTIQ/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuYZBG0ZGLU/TxO1dyyauiI/AAAAAAAAFKo/AgtYJUqcP-4/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698097477007882786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuYZBG0ZGLU/TxO1dyyauiI/AAAAAAAAFKo/AgtYJUqcP-4/s400/DSC_0095.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jaic8nj08To/TxO1dt4uLqI/AAAAAAAAFKc/DjmgEjYbYsc/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698097475692146338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jaic8nj08To/TxO1dt4uLqI/AAAAAAAAFKc/DjmgEjYbYsc/s400/DSC_0098.JPG" /></a>When we arrived at the house, we sat down to another delicious dinner. The hospitality in this country is impressive and I am filled with gratitude for all that was selflessly offered to me during my time in Australia!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After dinner, we drove back to town to take photos of the old cathedral under the light of a full moon. The gargoyles took on a more menacing light at night and the bushes seemed to whisper of the past. The bare tree branches framed the moon and, although spring here, my thoughts are of All Hallows Eve.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIM5arCOpyg/TxO1dOeR7yI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/NIUtmJwW2nk/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698097467259744034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIM5arCOpyg/TxO1dOeR7yI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/NIUtmJwW2nk/s400/DSC_0115.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA6Imi0bCZ8/TxO1cyGKJmI/AAAAAAAAFKE/fcCuGL-ROZw/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698097459642377826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA6Imi0bCZ8/TxO1cyGKJmI/AAAAAAAAFKE/fcCuGL-ROZw/s400/DSC_0125.JPG" /></a> The next morning is our last here and we start with a tram tour of the city starting at the old gold mine. We see many of the sites we walked the day before, as well as some of the residential area. I loved the wrought iron lace that decorates the eaves of many of the houses. It's clear that the gold rush fueled both the success of the city and its occupants from the opulent architecture of the older buildings.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSepKQmJrJU/TxO0TXV4C4I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/XMIreNdwobk/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096198330092418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSepKQmJrJU/TxO0TXV4C4I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/XMIreNdwobk/s400/DSC_0134.JPG" /></a>After the tram, we traveled to the Joss House, in continuous use since the 1800's. Although the Chinese were also a big part of our gold rush days, I believe this is the first time I have seen a Joss House that dated back to that era. The temple was well preserved and the proprietor very knowledgeable of its history.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecgtdRuigc/TxO0S-HYCbI/AAAAAAAAFJs/8Oxw8z-5V5U/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096191558388146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecgtdRuigc/TxO0S-HYCbI/AAAAAAAAFJs/8Oxw8z-5V5U/s400/DSC_0137.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtUV6j_A4Q/TxO0SfldZfI/AAAAAAAAFJg/c1ilUX_c-dA/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096183363069426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCtUV6j_A4Q/TxO0SfldZfI/AAAAAAAAFJg/c1ilUX_c-dA/s400/DSC_0138.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbHgPEb8cN8/TxO0SN1EQwI/AAAAAAAAFJU/owC3AL8Xe5E/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096178596692738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbHgPEb8cN8/TxO0SN1EQwI/AAAAAAAAFJU/owC3AL8Xe5E/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg0G7H0Ktbg/TxO0RwQE_7I/AAAAAAAAFJI/0_5q27jWtFU/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698096170656923570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg0G7H0Ktbg/TxO0RwQE_7I/AAAAAAAAFJI/0_5q27jWtFU/s400/DSC_0148.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAcp_b5Jfpo/TxOzPKoTlnI/AAAAAAAAFI8/cJTS4S2BFrI/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698095026686629490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAcp_b5Jfpo/TxOzPKoTlnI/AAAAAAAAFI8/cJTS4S2BFrI/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjS1hI3QbLo/TxOzO-yEIGI/AAAAAAAAFIw/NNJdtmOGD_E/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698095023506333794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjS1hI3QbLo/TxOzO-yEIGI/AAAAAAAAFIw/NNJdtmOGD_E/s400/DSC_0158.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWG1TuZ0TPs/TxOzOtVLnuI/AAAAAAAAFIk/BE-S0abL3Hc/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698095018821787362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWG1TuZ0TPs/TxOzOtVLnuI/AAAAAAAAFIk/BE-S0abL3Hc/s400/DSC_0159.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDIYem4y_8/TxOzN_KL7-I/AAAAAAAAFIY/AGHBsBdxGds/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698095006427639778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDIYem4y_8/TxOzN_KL7-I/AAAAAAAAFIY/AGHBsBdxGds/s400/DSC_0160.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NePjrzrc36k/TxOzNkRj31I/AAAAAAAAFIM/87H9mmeG-DM/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698094999210811218" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NePjrzrc36k/TxOzNkRj31I/AAAAAAAAFIM/87H9mmeG-DM/s400/DSC_0164.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYB83sZ66c/TxOyDan6gUI/AAAAAAAAFH8/Wt6rw8OdUP0/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093725309894978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMYB83sZ66c/TxOyDan6gUI/AAAAAAAAFH8/Wt6rw8OdUP0/s400/DSC_0166.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-9FjMPfLbo/TxOyCUHkQWI/AAAAAAAAFHw/o44wV291xPE/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093706383737186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-9FjMPfLbo/TxOyCUHkQWI/AAAAAAAAFHw/o44wV291xPE/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYCsH_SF4Dc/TxOyCNRNZYI/AAAAAAAAFHg/qtPzXwTWm4c/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093704545133954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYCsH_SF4Dc/TxOyCNRNZYI/AAAAAAAAFHg/qtPzXwTWm4c/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bq47FBZBREo/TxOyBsTfj8I/AAAAAAAAFHY/olS8Sx8jXwA/s1600/DSC_2287.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093695696342978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bq47FBZBREo/TxOyBsTfj8I/AAAAAAAAFHY/olS8Sx8jXwA/s400/DSC_2287.JPG" /></a> We return to town and, while Eva and Margaret wait, I climb the tower on top of the hill to get a 360 degree view of this beautiful town. The view was magnificent, as were the decorative mosiacs embedded in the concrete and stone around the tower.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSs5Kf350RI/TxOyBUaVolI/AAAAAAAAFHM/I6UE9pJoggM/s1600/DSC_2274.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698093689282601554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSs5Kf350RI/TxOyBUaVolI/AAAAAAAAFHM/I6UE9pJoggM/s400/DSC_2274.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4hkj_-lS30/TxOwp6251II/AAAAAAAAFHA/nNDPw_PLfiI/s1600/DSC_2281.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698092187774473346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4hkj_-lS30/TxOwp6251II/AAAAAAAAFHA/nNDPw_PLfiI/s400/DSC_2281.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACP9ek54ZFE/TxOwpu3SBXI/AAAAAAAAFG0/R95zjyrA1bU/s1600/DSC_2282.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698092184554833266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACP9ek54ZFE/TxOwpu3SBXI/AAAAAAAAFG0/R95zjyrA1bU/s400/DSC_2282.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYFkvtqZvHA/TxOwotXsJfI/AAAAAAAAFGs/hdv62jMeIUs/s1600/DSC_2286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698092166974023154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYFkvtqZvHA/TxOwotXsJfI/AAAAAAAAFGs/hdv62jMeIUs/s400/DSC_2286.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhT9nH0SvOc/TxOwoT9PGqI/AAAAAAAAFGc/7IW5zp42p24/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG"></a>We reluctantly say our goodbyes as we leave this city that has been my favorite of all and head back to Melbourne. A bittersweet return as I know that I have only a few days left before I must return home. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MIsSomnDS4/TxOwoJkm3qI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/cNs9sR0duI4/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-7428519834242150642011-12-29T22:40:00.000-08:002012-01-07T18:42:05.384-08:00Australia Part 9 - Daylesford and Bendigo<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tt6cFkVrdU/Twjm7D_2RnI/AAAAAAAAFGE/JXmmn02Opd4/s1600/DSC_2044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695055631169767026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tt6cFkVrdU/Twjm7D_2RnI/AAAAAAAAFGE/JXmmn02Opd4/s400/DSC_2044.JPG" /></a> The strangest aspect of my time in Australia was seeing the spring flowers I love so much in bloom when my body was set for fall. Everywhere we went, and Ballarat was no exception, was filled with leaves and flowers budding out and filling the air with the fragrances of spring. How lovely to experience spring twice in one year. Even better to experience spring where it did not rain everyday so that it could be enjoyed!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRetTBQThMc/Twjma8Ne1sI/AAAAAAAAFF4/fZhcpMKyFuU/s1600/DSC_2047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695055079323653826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRetTBQThMc/Twjma8Ne1sI/AAAAAAAAFF4/fZhcpMKyFuU/s400/DSC_2047.JPG" /></a> We left Ballarat in the morning after a breakfast (and not before checking out the scrapbooking store for possible treasures LOL), and headed towards Bendigo where we would spend a couple of days with friends of Eva's. We left plenty of time to explore the small towns along the road full of history, the lovely architecture of old, weathered buildings and amazing antique stores.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXmt84Y1w4/TwjmatgRRZI/AAAAAAAAFFs/QvSmt5L92Hk/s1600/DSC_2051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695055075375924626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXmt84Y1w4/TwjmatgRRZI/AAAAAAAAFFs/QvSmt5L92Hk/s400/DSC_2051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-uboZ2Bjso/Twjhazo_YjI/AAAAAAAAFFk/-mGTouPBS-Q/s1600/DSC_2053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695049579464974898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-uboZ2Bjso/Twjhazo_YjI/AAAAAAAAFFk/-mGTouPBS-Q/s400/DSC_2053.JPG" /></a> Our first stop was in Daylesford, where we stopped at a bakery for a snack and then browsed the small stores along the main street. I loved this store who artfully displayed their huge collection of antiques and vintage pieces.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_1ctk9AjLg/Twjhao8CvuI/AAAAAAAAFFU/j8lCxAzFGho/s1600/DSC_2056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695049576592096994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_1ctk9AjLg/Twjhao8CvuI/AAAAAAAAFFU/j8lCxAzFGho/s400/DSC_2056.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzxILPVOKh8/TwjcZhRwOYI/AAAAAAAAFEk/34vY9ZuRI5s/s1600/DSC_2060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695044059797666178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzxILPVOKh8/TwjcZhRwOYI/AAAAAAAAFEk/34vY9ZuRI5s/s400/DSC_2060.JPG" /></a> Loved this theater mural painted on the wall of one of the stores...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EdrKfGdglg/TwjcZBet9WI/AAAAAAAAFEY/gmLx17wrq08/s1600/DSC_2061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695044051262109026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EdrKfGdglg/TwjcZBet9WI/AAAAAAAAFEY/gmLx17wrq08/s400/DSC_2061.JPG" /></a> And these stairs that advertise the attributes of the merchandise found in the store.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp8ZiTkK6tM/TwjcY_lmjJI/AAAAAAAAFEM/leVpE2KnQE4/s1600/DSC_2069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695044050754112658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp8ZiTkK6tM/TwjcY_lmjJI/AAAAAAAAFEM/leVpE2KnQE4/s400/DSC_2069.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGfZ8KOWYlE/TwjXJ25-C-I/AAAAAAAAFDc/7uTPGQiX_SM/s1600/DSC_2072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695038293167442914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGfZ8KOWYlE/TwjXJ25-C-I/AAAAAAAAFDc/7uTPGQiX_SM/s400/DSC_2072.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFfdL27nHck/TwjXJIAVXVI/AAAAAAAAFDU/_qZb-MZTYJU/s1600/DSC_2073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695038280577670482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFfdL27nHck/TwjXJIAVXVI/AAAAAAAAFDU/_qZb-MZTYJU/s400/DSC_2073.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eun06NtpvU/TwjXI55xMmI/AAAAAAAAFDE/vKb3HGuIdfo/s1600/DSC_2074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695038276792037986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eun06NtpvU/TwjXI55xMmI/AAAAAAAAFDE/vKb3HGuIdfo/s400/DSC_2074.JPG" /></a> Remember the days a scale like this could be found on the streets of small town America?</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCJKWCpQWcQ/TwjWLRoQinI/AAAAAAAAFC4/-sYdVdwLmwE/s1600/DSC_2080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695037218009156210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCJKWCpQWcQ/TwjWLRoQinI/AAAAAAAAFC4/-sYdVdwLmwE/s400/DSC_2080.JPG" /></a> We browsed a bookstore housed in an old bank and full of nooks and corners worth exploring. I could have spent days in this store.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBokpk61Qdw/TwjWLGOF_HI/AAAAAAAAFCs/UrU0AtAV1W4/s1600/DSC_2082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695037214946622578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBokpk61Qdw/TwjWLGOF_HI/AAAAAAAAFCs/UrU0AtAV1W4/s400/DSC_2082.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoOjAsYReJ8/TwjVjGXffYI/AAAAAAAAFCg/1_i-ooa-644/s1600/DSC_2084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695036527791275394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoOjAsYReJ8/TwjVjGXffYI/AAAAAAAAFCg/1_i-ooa-644/s400/DSC_2084.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHhawUfy1O4/TwjVi-ncKsI/AAAAAAAAFCU/by5X9-c4P1s/s1600/DSC_2085.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695036525710682818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oHhawUfy1O4/TwjVi-ncKsI/AAAAAAAAFCU/by5X9-c4P1s/s400/DSC_2085.JPG" /></a> Our lady of Perpetual Cashflow...a handy saint to have around, I say</div><br /><div>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJOuMGXCOUM/TwjUEdRxSMI/AAAAAAAAFCM/QLL6Triq0t4/s1600/DSC_2092.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695034901853718722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJOuMGXCOUM/TwjUEdRxSMI/AAAAAAAAFCM/QLL6Triq0t4/s400/DSC_2092.JPG" /></a> In front of one of the stores, I found an old Morris Minor in an exquisite stage of rust. I filled my camera with different sections of lavender, blue, red orange, gray and black for future use as encaustic backgrounds. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bzhv4YWx5o/TwjUD6hm_WI/AAAAAAAAFB8/zAQ6uwJ8mXM/s1600/DSC_2102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695034892524911970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bzhv4YWx5o/TwjUD6hm_WI/AAAAAAAAFB8/zAQ6uwJ8mXM/s400/DSC_2102.JPG" /></a> We found a plant nursery tucked in between two old buildings full of garden art and birdsong.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5rUsn0mgpM/TwjTgen-LkI/AAAAAAAAFBw/V_w0_SA6h4o/s1600/DSC_2103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695034283739983426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5rUsn0mgpM/TwjTgen-LkI/AAAAAAAAFBw/V_w0_SA6h4o/s400/DSC_2103.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hf7qIXVq64/TwjTgAZnV6I/AAAAAAAAFBk/fvKbTbw7YqQ/s1600/DSC_2105.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695034275626702754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hf7qIXVq64/TwjTgAZnV6I/AAAAAAAAFBk/fvKbTbw7YqQ/s400/DSC_2105.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>How I hated to go on, wanting to explore each and every store filled with art and antiques. Fortunately for my pocketbook, shipping is very expensive here and so while I looked, I could not purchase anything to bring home. With one last look, we headed to Castlemaine.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wmESQDzu90/TwjS_1CScbI/AAAAAAAAFBY/VZqwD10uJAs/s1600/DSC_2115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695033722820260274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wmESQDzu90/TwjS_1CScbI/AAAAAAAAFBY/VZqwD10uJAs/s400/DSC_2115.JPG" /></a> But, when we drove past this sign, we knew we would have to make a tiny detour off the road. Because I AM a serious chocoholic!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN0Muwn5LMY/TwjS_iVjcsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/gNmjyAT5mKI/s1600/DSC_2118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695033717800792770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN0Muwn5LMY/TwjS_iVjcsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/gNmjyAT5mKI/s400/DSC_2118.JPG" /></a> House in a building built with adobe, hay bales and bottles, we immediately began investigating the chocolates...and they had not exaggerated....they had a delicious selection of one of a kind chocolates and truffles made right on the site.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqcQkD4aPg/TwjSUfwn50I/AAAAAAAAFBA/YEdutHQKQRk/s1600/DSC_2119.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695032978374649666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqcQkD4aPg/TwjSUfwn50I/AAAAAAAAFBA/YEdutHQKQRk/s400/DSC_2119.JPG" /></a> I put together a small selection of chocolates, mints, caramels and ginger candy...and a big bag of chocolate covered black licorice that Eva introduced me to. I like chocolate and I like licorice but I would have never put them together...and oh my! What a treat they are together!</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exbZSu-m0JU/TwjSUFXmr5I/AAAAAAAAFA0/4_i5ZSqFyeM/s1600/DSC_2121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695032971290390418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exbZSu-m0JU/TwjSUFXmr5I/AAAAAAAAFA0/4_i5ZSqFyeM/s400/DSC_2121.JPG" /></a> Outside was a collection of metal sculptures including this echidna, a smaller version of our porcupine. Since I never got a good photo of the one I saw near the Twelve Apostles, I took a photo of this one to remember my sighting of this unusual animal.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPqbQ2CvfMc/TwjQsslmkoI/AAAAAAAAFAk/k1TkEnTZ50g/s1600/DSC_2129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695031195111690882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPqbQ2CvfMc/TwjQsslmkoI/AAAAAAAAFAk/k1TkEnTZ50g/s400/DSC_2129.JPG" /></a> In Castlemaine, we stopped at a large antiques store housed in four separate buildings and full of history, including one full building dedicated to automotive history.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jre8XOzICW4/TwjQsYGyfII/AAAAAAAAFAc/K--7-8Vfa4g/s1600/DSC_2132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695031189613739138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jre8XOzICW4/TwjQsYGyfII/AAAAAAAAFAc/K--7-8Vfa4g/s400/DSC_2132.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNlV2vVe8qk/TwjQNcrNjeI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/HkEGi9LHjV8/s1600/DSC_2136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695030658264305122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNlV2vVe8qk/TwjQNcrNjeI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/HkEGi9LHjV8/s400/DSC_2136.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3KOaZf_Yjo/TwjMhbvWp9I/AAAAAAAAE_U/Mm4BlOvjg_4/s1600/DSC_2138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695026603564115922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3KOaZf_Yjo/TwjMhbvWp9I/AAAAAAAAE_U/Mm4BlOvjg_4/s400/DSC_2138.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ba0ydV8Fh0/TwjMSMR_ceI/AAAAAAAAE_I/OFqwxwUBzXw/s1600/DSC_2140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695026341716390370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ba0ydV8Fh0/TwjMSMR_ceI/AAAAAAAAE_I/OFqwxwUBzXw/s400/DSC_2140.JPG" /></a> I immediately found a booklet of old music from the earlier 1900's perfect for collage. A saleswoman took it from me and said she would put it by the register in the main building so I did not have to carry it around. After we finished exploring, I went back to pay for my music and as I entered the door, I overheard a beautiful voice singing the music I'd set aside. I approached her and she told me her father, an Irish tenor, used to sing that song, but she had never seen the sheet music. She had tears in her eyes as she told me about her father and how her family, parents and 13 kids, had toured the countryside as a singing group when they were children. I told her to keep the music for the song and she told me she would pass it on to her brothers and sisters, so they can remember. Serendipity does exist, I think.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3czkd55F96w/TwjKCAKKouI/AAAAAAAAE-k/J2CqRtVkFZs/s1600/DSC_2142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695023864561181410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3czkd55F96w/TwjKCAKKouI/AAAAAAAAE-k/J2CqRtVkFZs/s400/DSC_2142.JPG" /></a> Next stop was another huge barn of a antique, building salvage and fixture store. Another store to spend hours in. Loved the way this collection of old kerosene lanterns were hung.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBnGUVz5ME/TwjKByyQR4I/AAAAAAAAE-Y/mJ95PboOyCs/s1600/DSC_2141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695023860971227010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NBnGUVz5ME/TwjKByyQR4I/AAAAAAAAE-Y/mJ95PboOyCs/s400/DSC_2141.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCgI4keb8tA/TwjHzFUoR9I/AAAAAAAAE9o/CgUk20Z6t5g/s1600/DSC_2150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695021409225951186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCgI4keb8tA/TwjHzFUoR9I/AAAAAAAAE9o/CgUk20Z6t5g/s400/DSC_2150.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYhMg9pUS7A/TwjHypCXXnI/AAAAAAAAE9c/YwY6WHgEpDI/s1600/DSC_2154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695021401633152626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYhMg9pUS7A/TwjHypCXXnI/AAAAAAAAE9c/YwY6WHgEpDI/s400/DSC_2154.JPG" /></a>"Purveyor of All Natural Products". Would have loved to explore this store, but it was closed for the day. And so, we got back on the road, headed for our final destination for the day, Bendigo. We arrived late in the day and I met Eva's wonderful friends, Pat and Margaret, who lived a bit out of town surrounded by eucalyptus trees. As we sat on the deck getting to know each other, I found myself wishing that I could see just ONE kangaroo, before I had to leave. And not a minute or two after that thought, these three wandered into the yard.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWxPZeD0aDk/Tv1gWVp1unI/AAAAAAAAE6U/uzA9CTIiN0w/s1600/DSC_2167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691811440952195698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWxPZeD0aDk/Tv1gWVp1unI/AAAAAAAAE6U/uzA9CTIiN0w/s400/DSC_2167.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTWBfXjWdjU/Tv1gV32wTAI/AAAAAAAAE6I/AlBXxMFGPxQ/s1600/DSC_2177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691811432953302018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTWBfXjWdjU/Tv1gV32wTAI/AAAAAAAAE6I/AlBXxMFGPxQ/s400/DSC_2177.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc9Y935nK7Q/Tv1gU6SSytI/AAAAAAAAE5w/XYwpV2JtEbA/s1600/DSC_2188.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691811416425810642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc9Y935nK7Q/Tv1gU6SSytI/AAAAAAAAE5w/XYwpV2JtEbA/s400/DSC_2188.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiODW6LhNcY/Tv1gUnnOX-I/AAAAAAAAE5k/I154HiP9Fhg/s1600/DSC_2190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691811411413327842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiODW6LhNcY/Tv1gUnnOX-I/AAAAAAAAE5k/I154HiP9Fhg/s400/DSC_2190.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>I stood and watched and photographed them for almost an hour. What a treat to see them in the wild! Can't wait to see more of this area in the next two days but time for dinner and to bed.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-55901386946781257712011-12-26T20:24:00.001-08:002011-12-26T22:38:14.338-08:00Australia Part 8 - Ballarat<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApN8bDI3TXo/TvlUrTzCn0I/AAAAAAAAE5Y/Cb6bTPuvR9k/s1600/DSC_1956.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690672707184795458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApN8bDI3TXo/TvlUrTzCn0I/AAAAAAAAE5Y/Cb6bTPuvR9k/s400/DSC_1956.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>For the very first time, I am headed away from the ocean towards the drier interior of Victoria. I am excited to explore the gold mining area of Victoria that flourished at the same time as that of the California gold rush, one of my favorite periods of US history. Eva and I left early in the morning and headed to Ballarat, a predominant gold mining city, famous for the Eureka Rebellion, the birthplace of democracy in Australia. When we arrive, we climb the steps and walk through the gates into another century. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2ZjEP94ELA/TvlPRNAmX6I/AAAAAAAAE5A/R8mYKdT99uA/s1600/DSC_1996.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666761127878562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2ZjEP94ELA/TvlPRNAmX6I/AAAAAAAAE5A/R8mYKdT99uA/s400/DSC_1996.JPG" /></a> The streets are lined with small shops and businesses you would expect to find in the 1850's, several of which contain artifacts from the period, artisans demonstrating their crafts and character actors that play people of the time.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-6dvWYhLB4/TvlOvpTA6vI/AAAAAAAAE4w/SUH0UxDsCf4/s1600/DSC_1955.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666184605756146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-6dvWYhLB4/TvlOvpTA6vI/AAAAAAAAE4w/SUH0UxDsCf4/s400/DSC_1955.JPG" /></a> There was the blacksmith working in a completely equipped shop turning out wrought iron pieces.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vJ32Yw2tkM/TvlOu3lzfQI/AAAAAAAAE4o/YV2hPSKVWJE/s1600/DSC_1958.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666171262795010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7vJ32Yw2tkM/TvlOu3lzfQI/AAAAAAAAE4o/YV2hPSKVWJE/s400/DSC_1958.JPG" /></a> An apothecary shop filled with herbs, tinctures, medicines and minerals to tend to one's health.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVqrmoXr7as/TvlOugh6ZRI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/VuVVuhpmxVw/s1600/DSC_1959.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666165072454930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVqrmoXr7as/TvlOugh6ZRI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/VuVVuhpmxVw/s400/DSC_1959.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGGHnvVXot0/TvlOt1FJkCI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/Eyxn2clmtUY/s1600/DSC_1970.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666153409089570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGGHnvVXot0/TvlOt1FJkCI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/Eyxn2clmtUY/s400/DSC_1970.JPG" /></a> This gentleman was a delight to speak to. Obviously Victorian as he proceeded to tell Eva and I that we were not proper ladies due to our outspokenness. But an interesting conversation ensued regarding women's rights and we parted with laughter, agreeing to disagree.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdVSdpOqbTs/TvlOtkVz8kI/AAAAAAAAE4A/MiHj2AMWIcA/s1600/DSC_1977.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690666148915573314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdVSdpOqbTs/TvlOtkVz8kI/AAAAAAAAE4A/MiHj2AMWIcA/s400/DSC_1977.JPG" /></a> Several animals were to be found in pens along the main street. I would imagine that cattle would have replaced the sheep in California, if meat was to be found at all.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38A1l2-JyVM/TvlNldcKQxI/AAAAAAAAE30/Ru0xmkYIZrI/s1600/DSC_1986.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690664910112572178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38A1l2-JyVM/TvlNldcKQxI/AAAAAAAAE30/Ru0xmkYIZrI/s400/DSC_1986.JPG" /></a> Lucky turkey here. If he were in the U.S., he might have been counting the hours until Thanksgiving! Isn't he gorgeous?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rfjRlXbjuc/TvlNkq0F1OI/AAAAAAAAE3s/uHpQoJdhr4Y/s1600/DSC_1992.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690664896522736866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rfjRlXbjuc/TvlNkq0F1OI/AAAAAAAAE3s/uHpQoJdhr4Y/s400/DSC_1992.JPG" /></a> We watched the creation of tapered candles here. Each vat filled with hot wax where the candles are dipped every few minutes until they are large enough and then coated with colored waxes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-5t1g3oHFQ/TvlNkY-v8GI/AAAAAAAAE3c/vtEtVxHnid0/s1600/DSC_1999.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690664891735601250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-5t1g3oHFQ/TvlNkY-v8GI/AAAAAAAAE3c/vtEtVxHnid0/s400/DSC_1999.JPG" /></a> An old bowling alley were the pins have to be set up by hand. We rolled a few bowling balls down the lane, although I am no better at these than at the modern bowling lanes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y9TXw_-mbA/TvlNjQSLogI/AAAAAAAAE3U/xyi3XUPjREQ/s1600/DSC_2002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690664872221319682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y9TXw_-mbA/TvlNjQSLogI/AAAAAAAAE3U/xyi3XUPjREQ/s400/DSC_2002.JPG" /></a> A cozy old church. Although not as ornate as the lovely cathedrals I explored in other towns, the interior had a simple and appealing charm.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHrDsjbHMBU/TvlNjFEiZyI/AAAAAAAAE3E/S6NVH6JEtno/s1600/DSC_2004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690664869211301666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHrDsjbHMBU/TvlNjFEiZyI/AAAAAAAAE3E/S6NVH6JEtno/s400/DSC_2004.JPG" /></a> Nature has created her own art here in the weathering of the paint, wood and metal.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO4q-F8k8Bg/TvlLss4W0FI/AAAAAAAAE24/ICMGS5eP20U/s1600/DSC_2008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690662835493195858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VO4q-F8k8Bg/TvlLss4W0FI/AAAAAAAAE24/ICMGS5eP20U/s400/DSC_2008.JPG" /></a> A wood working shop with amazing hand tools, both big and small.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6h_fNqxYjU/TvlLsSQA10I/AAAAAAAAE2s/R5PLxwsjwwA/s1600/DSC_2013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690662828344661826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6h_fNqxYjU/TvlLsSQA10I/AAAAAAAAE2s/R5PLxwsjwwA/s400/DSC_2013.JPG" /></a> Old-fashioned billboards advertising a wide range of services. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua_NNfso1os/TvlLr3KCKTI/AAAAAAAAE2g/DFoWJH17SbA/s1600/DSC_2015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690662821071825202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua_NNfso1os/TvlLr3KCKTI/AAAAAAAAE2g/DFoWJH17SbA/s400/DSC_2015.JPG" /></a> A dressmaking and milliners shop filled with period dresses and accessories.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7A9XJhPBq8/TvlLrY9y92I/AAAAAAAAE2U/TE2446gDofc/s1600/DSC_2017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690662812967434082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7A9XJhPBq8/TvlLrY9y92I/AAAAAAAAE2U/TE2446gDofc/s400/DSC_2017.JPG" /></a> The letterpress shop filled with printing materials and a demonstration of book repair using old paste glue and a book press I would love to own.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSf_g606Gb8/TvlLrIx_0aI/AAAAAAAAE2I/wJh_m5G8OS4/s1600/DSC_2020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690662808622977442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSf_g606Gb8/TvlLrIx_0aI/AAAAAAAAE2I/wJh_m5G8OS4/s400/DSC_2020.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTDa4iA18L0/TvlKgORz7ZI/AAAAAAAAE18/zcnFVVYCHyY/s1600/DSC_2021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690661521608404370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTDa4iA18L0/TvlKgORz7ZI/AAAAAAAAE18/zcnFVVYCHyY/s400/DSC_2021.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NguE-2MVOC0/TvlKfXWADaI/AAAAAAAAE1s/lNRUA1fpfq4/s1600/DSC_2029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690661506862026146" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NguE-2MVOC0/TvlKfXWADaI/AAAAAAAAE1s/lNRUA1fpfq4/s400/DSC_2029.JPG" /></a> Teams of draft horses pulled sight-seeing wagons through town; hard work with the steep hills they must climb.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hprmM8BJdpY/TvlKekjhRKI/AAAAAAAAE1g/N2Wx0flpwOA/s1600/DSC_2030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690661493228520610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hprmM8BJdpY/TvlKekjhRKI/AAAAAAAAE1g/N2Wx0flpwOA/s400/DSC_2030.JPG" /></a> A reenactment of of the days of the Eureka Rebellion with the Queen's army dressed up in red and marching through town to make proclamations.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWp4a1AeVt4/TvlKeWAC4rI/AAAAAAAAE1U/vkINcwfk84I/s1600/DSC_2033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690661489321632434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWp4a1AeVt4/TvlKeWAC4rI/AAAAAAAAE1U/vkINcwfk84I/s400/DSC_2033.JPG" /></a> Finally, we walked back down the hill to the company store. The day was cold and brisk and I had to buy a hat to manage my freezing cold ears and be able to take advantage of the opportunity to pan a bit of gold.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqHoUoDArLw/TvlKd51fU0I/AAAAAAAAE1I/BkcA6hWKeOw/s1600/DSC_2037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690661481761166146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqHoUoDArLw/TvlKd51fU0I/AAAAAAAAE1I/BkcA6hWKeOw/s400/DSC_2037.JPG" /></a> And on my first panning, I FOUND GOLD!!! It was such a rush that I didn't stop panning until about two hours later, when we had to return to the motel to get ready to attend the nighttime show. What a rush, even if all I found was a few flakes with little worth. That's more than I've found before and I could see how folks get bit by the gold bug!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That evening we attended "Blood on the Cross", an amazing live production reenacting the Eureka Rebellion. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. But we began in a theater with a video presentation of conversations between involved parties in the rebellion. The miners were required to pay unfair licensing fees and denied the right to vote. They eventually barricaded themselves and the local police and Redcoats were called in to disperse them. At this point we were taken outside where fog swirled and a series of speakers made us feel as if the events were taking place all around us.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We were then bused up the hill to another theater open to the air and watched as a reenactment of the rebellion took place in front of us. Action swirled all around with fire, gunshots, sound effects and narrative. When it was all over, the miner's lost the battle, but won the public sentiment and eventually won their hard won rights to vote and mine fairly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In the end we traveled by tram down the hill where we listened to a speech by Peter Lalor, who organized the miners and went on to serve in the Parliament. A very stirring show. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>At last, we head back to our motel to sleep before we continue our journey on to Bendigo.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-957459081669773212011-12-17T15:22:00.001-08:002011-12-17T16:47:24.640-08:00Australia Part 7 - Brighton Beach Boxes and Mornington Peninsula<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSj6XqRCKO4/Tu0qfqjtgpI/AAAAAAAAE04/9KZh3h6rPNA/s1600/DSC_1874.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687248627927188114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSj6XqRCKO4/Tu0qfqjtgpI/AAAAAAAAE04/9KZh3h6rPNA/s400/DSC_1874.JPG" /></a>I look across the street as we get in the car to see a bit of graffiti on the fence across the street. "Joy" it says. I don't think I have ever seen uplifting graffiti here in the states. Only gang names and profanity. Each time I looked at the word "joy" I had to smile. What if we engaged in uplifting words and beautiful art on our public walls? I saw so much here and loved it all.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ghDVjFujUQ/Tu0qfCwcjoI/AAAAAAAAE0s/TaQkR9TZjak/s1600/DSC_1875.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687248617243184770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ghDVjFujUQ/Tu0qfCwcjoI/AAAAAAAAE0s/TaQkR9TZjak/s400/DSC_1875.JPG" /></a> On this day, we headed out to pick up Eva's friend Pam, who was our tour guide to explore Brighton Beach and the Mornington Peninsula, located south of Melbourne. I can't get over the color of the sea here. Depending on how close you are to shore, it ranges between exquisite shades of aquamarine, sapphire and lavender. The wind was strong this day and the waves were tipped with white. We parked on the street and walked through the beach access gateway and at first, could only see beach and sand. But as we walked around a point, we were greeted with the site of colorful beach boxes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2CWEoDUfSc/Tu0qetehDlI/AAAAAAAAE0g/r-Fx94w53_Y/s1600/DSC_1880.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687248611530837586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2CWEoDUfSc/Tu0qetehDlI/AAAAAAAAE0g/r-Fx94w53_Y/s400/DSC_1880.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>The boxes originated in the Victorian era when modesty had great value and allowed for dressing in private. The boxes are primarily passed down through the family, but occasionally are up for sale and can fetch as much as $200,000 for this small (appx 8' by 12") shed. The owner maintains the paint job, but the designs have to be approved by the beach box associations. But they are striking in appearance. They are found all over Mornington Peninsula, but the most famous are here at Brighton Beach.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueQCpT_zfiY/Tu0qeJRVboI/AAAAAAAAE0U/fYIjetsZzzE/s1600/DSC_1882.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687248601811873410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueQCpT_zfiY/Tu0qeJRVboI/AAAAAAAAE0U/fYIjetsZzzE/s400/DSC_1882.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEwPtN7O5bI/Tu0qd7WqRwI/AAAAAAAAE0I/HtRceIKZ6uk/s1600/DSC_1884.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687248598076114690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEwPtN7O5bI/Tu0qd7WqRwI/AAAAAAAAE0I/HtRceIKZ6uk/s400/DSC_1884.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4n70ZlhBe8/Tu0pNQE7-rI/AAAAAAAAEz8/qX8zORlST0w/s1600/DSC_1891.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687247212069518002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4n70ZlhBe8/Tu0pNQE7-rI/AAAAAAAAEz8/qX8zORlST0w/s400/DSC_1891.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_q5F6gRjKPw/Tu0pM74dUtI/AAAAAAAAEz0/m7KJURaWh_c/s1600/DSC_1894.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687247206648468178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_q5F6gRjKPw/Tu0pM74dUtI/AAAAAAAAEz0/m7KJURaWh_c/s400/DSC_1894.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4V9lCI7x4Zg/Tu0pLkjsx7I/AAAAAAAAEzc/-_Xl_aqTHbA/s1600/DSC_1898.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687247183207516082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4V9lCI7x4Zg/Tu0pLkjsx7I/AAAAAAAAEzc/-_Xl_aqTHbA/s400/DSC_1898.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foLfZ_bwqcg/Tu0pLSSOeWI/AAAAAAAAEzM/zbQNJSOXw-s/s1600/DSC_1899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687247178302388578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foLfZ_bwqcg/Tu0pLSSOeWI/AAAAAAAAEzM/zbQNJSOXw-s/s400/DSC_1899.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pzMdUZ5nNk/Tu0n42bs0HI/AAAAAAAAEzA/oPS1NDQL2z8/s1600/DSC_1901.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687245762076659826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pzMdUZ5nNk/Tu0n42bs0HI/AAAAAAAAEzA/oPS1NDQL2z8/s400/DSC_1901.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hO4SpfUZQZU/Tu0n4pliFxI/AAAAAAAAEy0/kbeQjCsmEfg/s1600/DSC_1903.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687245758628239122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hO4SpfUZQZU/Tu0n4pliFxI/AAAAAAAAEy0/kbeQjCsmEfg/s400/DSC_1903.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3IDMZ-y50/Tu0n4OahNkI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mbXtyapyOec/s1600/DSC_1904.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687245751334286914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd3IDMZ-y50/Tu0n4OahNkI/AAAAAAAAEyo/mbXtyapyOec/s400/DSC_1904.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ngI0hVbNU/Tu0n3WrP9cI/AAAAAAAAEyg/t3bD-LOdudk/s1600/DSC_1906.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687245736372073922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ngI0hVbNU/Tu0n3WrP9cI/AAAAAAAAEyg/t3bD-LOdudk/s400/DSC_1906.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f6EeyDKx3c/Tu0n3CatRxI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/lkqqm8KIBbM/s1600/DSC_1910.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687245730933982994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4f6EeyDKx3c/Tu0n3CatRxI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/lkqqm8KIBbM/s400/DSC_1910.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3WkyvVkQUM/Tu0mvewx30I/AAAAAAAAEyI/o1vUuSPrkjw/s1600/DSC_1912.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687244501592170306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3WkyvVkQUM/Tu0mvewx30I/AAAAAAAAEyI/o1vUuSPrkjw/s400/DSC_1912.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjcQ9WuxGO8/Tu0muq6gmgI/AAAAAAAAExs/KLGhsAoI7Xw/s1600/DSC_1917.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687244487674337794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjcQ9WuxGO8/Tu0muq6gmgI/AAAAAAAAExs/KLGhsAoI7Xw/s400/DSC_1917.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AH7pA6vfVNo/Tu0mt5ijhSI/AAAAAAAAExg/VZLyR0hKRZ0/s1600/DSC_1920.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687244474420528418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AH7pA6vfVNo/Tu0mt5ijhSI/AAAAAAAAExg/VZLyR0hKRZ0/s400/DSC_1920.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIC15P1j3OU/Tu0mtrBJ9VI/AAAAAAAAExU/PmF9EifGdLk/s1600/DSC_1931.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687244470522344786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIC15P1j3OU/Tu0mtrBJ9VI/AAAAAAAAExU/PmF9EifGdLk/s400/DSC_1931.JPG" /></a>After exploring the long line of beach boxes, we drove into Mornington and explored the small stores that lined the streets. We shared !!a delicious lunch at a local hotel pub. There is always lamb on the menus here and I took advantage of this throughout my visit to have lamb whenever possible. Today, lamb shanks in a rosemary sauce...ummmummm!!</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgxv3XOyaLQ/Tu0lZaR2ADI/AAAAAAAAExE/ICgxUXwGAek/s1600/DSC_1933.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687243022919925810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgxv3XOyaLQ/Tu0lZaR2ADI/AAAAAAAAExE/ICgxUXwGAek/s400/DSC_1933.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-valazJ-aU30/Tu0lY4ZswZI/AAAAAAAAEw4/EHQ438IsD60/s1600/DSC_1934.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687243013826068882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-valazJ-aU30/Tu0lY4ZswZI/AAAAAAAAEw4/EHQ438IsD60/s400/DSC_1934.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4whlR6f1cX8/Tu0lYpwJ7pI/AAAAAAAAEws/jrja3zOdTm8/s1600/DSC_1935.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687243009893723794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4whlR6f1cX8/Tu0lYpwJ7pI/AAAAAAAAEws/jrja3zOdTm8/s400/DSC_1935.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP7xtbL7hPk/Tu0lXrgbmaI/AAAAAAAAEwk/iu3E5ZA-jY0/s1600/DSC_1938.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687242993184774562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP7xtbL7hPk/Tu0lXrgbmaI/AAAAAAAAEwk/iu3E5ZA-jY0/s400/DSC_1938.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3KYfmcHogQ/Tu0lXVkIpVI/AAAAAAAAEwU/fb33Mrj3XbE/s1600/DSC_1939.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687242987294729554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3KYfmcHogQ/Tu0lXVkIpVI/AAAAAAAAEwU/fb33Mrj3XbE/s400/DSC_1939.JPG" /></a> After a full day of exploring, we headed back to Melbourne and home. As we left, I saw this very old church with a very young take on sending out a message. I love this country!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-77394822530805709182011-12-08T20:35:00.000-08:002011-12-09T02:04:33.308-08:00Australia Part 6 - Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Tower Hill<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRFg6DE6XBc/TuHG1bsIyFI/AAAAAAAAEwI/eNqEKmw5_uk/s1600/DSC_1542.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684042825986525266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRFg6DE6XBc/TuHG1bsIyFI/AAAAAAAAEwI/eNqEKmw5_uk/s400/DSC_1542.JPG" /></a> So sorry for the lapse of time between posts. I've been working hard to make art for the show I was in with the Portland Art Collective last weekend and burning the midnight oil and then some to get ready. The show was a great success and it is a treat to be surrounded by such talented artists and such gracious customers for two days of art heaven on earth!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">After leaving the Great Ocean Road, Eva and I stopped in Warnambool to grab a bite to eat, where I saw this wonderful old cathedral. Built of gray stone that blended well with this old whaling port town, the church appears to be made of the gray fog that haunts the ocean shores . The windows are trimmed in white and doors in Quaker gray with weathered statues and wise old pigeons that shelter here. The only color is the rust and green of the wrought iron fence. I would imagine on a foggy day, the church might emerge from the clouds as a mirage </div><br /><div align="center">appears from the desert sand.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se45Jl5k5GA/TuHGWmlF89I/AAAAAAAAEwA/0vRfl2ZGq_4/s1600/DSC_1568.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684042296333824978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se45Jl5k5GA/TuHGWmlF89I/AAAAAAAAEwA/0vRfl2ZGq_4/s400/DSC_1568.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhDuhkyY_3E/TuHGWQh2_5I/AAAAAAAAEvw/xjoum3CiUOk/s1600/DSC_1545.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684042290414682002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhDuhkyY_3E/TuHGWQh2_5I/AAAAAAAAEvw/xjoum3CiUOk/s400/DSC_1545.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qURN0hSxAJg/TuHCqmM5tdI/AAAAAAAAEvA/6A8pIylUojc/s1600/DSC_1547.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684038241783231954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qURN0hSxAJg/TuHCqmM5tdI/AAAAAAAAEvA/6A8pIylUojc/s400/DSC_1547.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL556YUymHE/TuHCqbl6qvI/AAAAAAAAEu0/wtkJ6ocxzOs/s1600/DSC_1554.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684038238935362290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lL556YUymHE/TuHCqbl6qvI/AAAAAAAAEu0/wtkJ6ocxzOs/s400/DSC_1554.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>We left Warrnambool to settle in for the night with Eva's generous friends who acted as our tour guides as we explored this beautiful area of Victoria.</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfX8BiZPM68/TuHBrzZKjzI/AAAAAAAAEuo/dvC_zOn_5Io/s1600/DSC_1572.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684037162992570162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfX8BiZPM68/TuHBrzZKjzI/AAAAAAAAEuo/dvC_zOn_5Io/s400/DSC_1572.JPG" /></a>We headed to Port Fairy the next morning, a delightful old fishing village where we walked the boardwalk along the river. This sea lion was having a great time throwing a bag of food through the air and back into the river, where he would retrieve it and throw it again. What a bad boy to be playing with his food, but having a grand time doing it! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvWIqjI_EgE/TuHBB9AaCKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/ULSMIAqDU2k/s1600/DSC_1575.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684036444018575522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvWIqjI_EgE/TuHBB9AaCKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/ULSMIAqDU2k/s400/DSC_1575.JPG" /></a>Isn't this Welcome Swallow sweet as he takes a moment of rest before hunting for his breakfast? They look much like the barn swallows in the U.S. but with orange on their face, as well. <br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbOtWBEd-gA/TuHAuCxi2jI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/mgo2x_GR8oo/s1600/DSC_1578.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684036101969467954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbOtWBEd-gA/TuHAuCxi2jI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/mgo2x_GR8oo/s400/DSC_1578.JPG" /></a>A white-faced heron striding through the grass. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h2Be-EJtuM/TuG0Cwrvb2I/AAAAAAAAErI/WB8LEvGJglw/s1600/DSC_1583.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684022164239380322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h2Be-EJtuM/TuG0Cwrvb2I/AAAAAAAAErI/WB8LEvGJglw/s400/DSC_1583.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1LM_trRdps/TuG0CVQTsGI/AAAAAAAAErA/tp4zLoJQ3Ss/s1600/DSC_1592.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684022156876558434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1LM_trRdps/TuG0CVQTsGI/AAAAAAAAErA/tp4zLoJQ3Ss/s400/DSC_1592.JPG" /></a>I loved the "lace" wrought iron that trimmed many of the older houses, as well as this purple spiked flower. I never did find out what this plant was, but would love to have it in my yard... <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS2imTveQcU/TuG0CIclNuI/AAAAAAAAEqw/TrpYkmZHf_g/s1600/DSC_1597.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684022153438377698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS2imTveQcU/TuG0CIclNuI/AAAAAAAAEqw/TrpYkmZHf_g/s400/DSC_1597.JPG" /></a>We left the boardwalk and walked through the downtown area of Port Fairy, with its quaint stores. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkBnO2XwsCU/TuG0Bajd15I/AAAAAAAAEqo/MWM9iKKABGQ/s1600/DSC_1600.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684022141119223698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HkBnO2XwsCU/TuG0Bajd15I/AAAAAAAAEqo/MWM9iKKABGQ/s400/DSC_1600.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHwAuttXFqY/TuG0BDyznOI/AAAAAAAAEqY/-I7kwtAMyRM/s1600/DSC_1602.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684022135009549538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHwAuttXFqY/TuG0BDyznOI/AAAAAAAAEqY/-I7kwtAMyRM/s400/DSC_1602.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I514Tn1z7Z8/TuGyqfcYmBI/AAAAAAAAEqM/w_eg_7Eorl8/s1600/DSC_1615.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684020647783077906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I514Tn1z7Z8/TuGyqfcYmBI/AAAAAAAAEqM/w_eg_7Eorl8/s400/DSC_1615.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCG1UtEo0Aw/TuGyqNRZTKI/AAAAAAAAEqA/MPms_EVDOz4/s1600/DSC_1619.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684020642905148578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCG1UtEo0Aw/TuGyqNRZTKI/AAAAAAAAEqA/MPms_EVDOz4/s400/DSC_1619.JPG" /></a>We next headed to Tower Hill, a preserve created by a collapsed steam volcano which created a lake that mostly surrounds the sunken neck of the volcano. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEnu5Ap8rRo/TuGypsHitkI/AAAAAAAAEp0/EGXT9zcdEno/s1600/DSC_1765.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684020634005452354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rEnu5Ap8rRo/TuGypsHitkI/AAAAAAAAEp0/EGXT9zcdEno/s400/DSC_1765.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTBcfXkdy8M/TuGypUKUkoI/AAAAAAAAEpo/xQFkLvIilZw/s1600/DSC_1627.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684020627574657666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTBcfXkdy8M/TuGypUKUkoI/AAAAAAAAEpo/xQFkLvIilZw/s400/DSC_1627.JPG" /></a>The area was beautiful and full of waterfowl of all shapes and sizes. Corella parrots lined the cliffs and Superb Fairy Wrens flitted through through the brush, the males dazzling the eyes with their brilliant blue plumage. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_Nm98gZCvI/TuGypGP7fYI/AAAAAAAAEpc/yHjXHkU84Q4/s1600/DSC_1628.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684020623840083330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_Nm98gZCvI/TuGypGP7fYI/AAAAAAAAEpc/yHjXHkU84Q4/s400/DSC_1628.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXGG1LFDlI/TuGuya7CI7I/AAAAAAAAEoU/YknHAKQxVhk/s1600/DSC_1632.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684016385961894834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIXGG1LFDlI/TuGuya7CI7I/AAAAAAAAEoU/YknHAKQxVhk/s400/DSC_1632.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Oa6Z8gG4k/TuGuxzD6lYI/AAAAAAAAEoI/9fy9driwRs8/s1600/DSC_1639.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684016375261730178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3Oa6Z8gG4k/TuGuxzD6lYI/AAAAAAAAEoI/9fy9driwRs8/s400/DSC_1639.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ML3s2rLZODI/TuGuxRTycLI/AAAAAAAAEn8/OT7ulb7G4lo/s1600/DSC_1645.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684016366201499826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ML3s2rLZODI/TuGuxRTycLI/AAAAAAAAEn8/OT7ulb7G4lo/s400/DSC_1645.JPG" /></a>A carpet of forget-me-nots turns the forest floor a misty blue, an ocean of small blue flowers. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4iWr519v3s/TuGuwTBLKSI/AAAAAAAAEn0/N8TQFUvrPJQ/s1600/DSC_1773.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684016349480429858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4iWr519v3s/TuGuwTBLKSI/AAAAAAAAEn0/N8TQFUvrPJQ/s400/DSC_1773.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxY0PTyaB_4/TuGuwPG2scI/AAAAAAAAEnk/RWLXSrCJiYI/s1600/DSC_1683.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684016348430512578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxY0PTyaB_4/TuGuwPG2scI/AAAAAAAAEnk/RWLXSrCJiYI/s400/DSC_1683.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aI8DN_GYaas/TuGoY-dKXWI/AAAAAAAAEmY/i0XaQeZ9aPg/s1600/DSC_1690.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684009351753915746" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aI8DN_GYaas/TuGoY-dKXWI/AAAAAAAAEmY/i0XaQeZ9aPg/s400/DSC_1690.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61IqClePYys/TuGoYbr8NjI/AAAAAAAAEmM/SqUWq3NOMnM/s1600/DSC_1724.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684009342420661810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61IqClePYys/TuGoYbr8NjI/AAAAAAAAEmM/SqUWq3NOMnM/s400/DSC_1724.JPG" /></a>We came to a picnic area and I saw to my delight an entire flock of emus wandering around the grounds looking for food. Obviously well used to human beings, I was ignored as I set about getting closeups of these beautiful birds. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYxLv4ztCkU/TuGoXQqND8I/AAAAAAAAEmA/MNCHaRUCcaY/s1600/DSC_1730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684009322280718274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYxLv4ztCkU/TuGoXQqND8I/AAAAAAAAEmA/MNCHaRUCcaY/s400/DSC_1730.JPG" /></a>They have long luscious eyelashes. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlTJceJ4kwM/TuGoWgFC_6I/AAAAAAAAEl0/coDp942Rz3I/s1600/DSC_1735.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684009309239967650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlTJceJ4kwM/TuGoWgFC_6I/AAAAAAAAEl0/coDp942Rz3I/s400/DSC_1735.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcRoLXlIh-I/TuGoWZfqkBI/AAAAAAAAElo/N6aywLTJ7LE/s1600/DSC_1738.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684009307472564242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcRoLXlIh-I/TuGoWZfqkBI/AAAAAAAAElo/N6aywLTJ7LE/s400/DSC_1738.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684007664312170290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZHQgCf5Ans/TuGm2wPstzI/AAAAAAAAElE/nVFlNhOdMqE/s400/DSC_1777.JPG" /></div><br /><div>As we left the park, I saw this swan herding its goslings across the water. </div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkYDByJllOY/TuGm3JlhzUI/AAAAAAAAElQ/FxctDqzuQXg/s1600/DSC_1756.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684007671114616130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkYDByJllOY/TuGm3JlhzUI/AAAAAAAAElQ/FxctDqzuQXg/s400/DSC_1756.JPG" /></a> And when we returned to Eva's friends home, I found this mother magpie giving flying lessons to her chick.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eboozzhwd0o/TuGm2Ni20mI/AAAAAAAAEk4/zTS8Oix-Z7M/s1600/DSC_1761.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684007654997283426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eboozzhwd0o/TuGm2Ni20mI/AAAAAAAAEk4/zTS8Oix-Z7M/s400/DSC_1761.JPG" /></a>And off he flies! <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xkKWuuLZUY/TuGm19bLkjI/AAAAAAAAEks/slk7N0uzkIk/s1600/DSC_1764.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684007650670121522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xkKWuuLZUY/TuGm19bLkjI/AAAAAAAAEks/slk7N0uzkIk/s400/DSC_1764.JPG" /></a>And that night I was presented with the best birthday cake ever, a pavlova cake consisting of a meringue base, covered with cream and covered with fresh fruit. Delicious!!! I also learned a bit about drinking out of a proper wine glass while sampling some of the excellent Australian wines. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VV3Z9x3FRug/TuGg64eqlvI/AAAAAAAAEjg/LShcnRCdODg/s1600/DSC_1817.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684001138172139250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VV3Z9x3FRug/TuGg64eqlvI/AAAAAAAAEjg/LShcnRCdODg/s400/DSC_1817.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>The next morning, Eva and I said our goodbyes. We headed back to Tower Hill for a last look around. We stopped at this lavender farm nearby and explored the beautiful gardens.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnxw5EI8aeE/TuGg5qVIs5I/AAAAAAAAEjI/04KRHnRSRAg/s1600/DSC_1807.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684001117194204050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnxw5EI8aeE/TuGg5qVIs5I/AAAAAAAAEjI/04KRHnRSRAg/s400/DSC_1807.JPG" /></a>It was still strange to me to see the flowers blooming since when I left Portland, the weather was cold and rainy and the leaves were turning fall colors. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6afTsoSkrwQ/TuGg5Jp5vCI/AAAAAAAAEi8/UPw0q4t4ZiM/s1600/DSC_1814.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684001108422933538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6afTsoSkrwQ/TuGg5Jp5vCI/AAAAAAAAEi8/UPw0q4t4ZiM/s400/DSC_1814.JPG" /></a>On our way back to Melbourne, we stopped in Tarong, Carok and Winchelsea to explore the antiques stores and op shops. I visited a great art store in Carok and oogled the many art supplies I would like to take home, but already I am worried how I will fit everything in my suitcases. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9GJwmz3VEg/TuGg4w7JtwI/AAAAAAAAEiw/O5cM-ZNsPSQ/s1600/DSC_1829.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684001101784397570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9GJwmz3VEg/TuGg4w7JtwI/AAAAAAAAEiw/O5cM-ZNsPSQ/s400/DSC_1829.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwm7QXjeXE/TuGfkMblIEI/AAAAAAAAEig/Hh95A9_mifQ/s1600/DSC_1840.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683999648879288386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDwm7QXjeXE/TuGfkMblIEI/AAAAAAAAEig/Hh95A9_mifQ/s400/DSC_1840.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5oAQF_oRZ4/TuGfjgKfSBI/AAAAAAAAEiU/P2WA5zypAjk/s1600/DSC_1841.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683999636996442130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5oAQF_oRZ4/TuGfjgKfSBI/AAAAAAAAEiU/P2WA5zypAjk/s400/DSC_1841.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZIdCRLEL_s/TuGfjBAEJjI/AAAAAAAAEiI/2C1hadSoQjY/s1600/DSC_1854.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683999628631221810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZIdCRLEL_s/TuGfjBAEJjI/AAAAAAAAEiI/2C1hadSoQjY/s400/DSC_1854.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMnIJhqlE9E/TuGfh_SvqFI/AAAAAAAAEiA/xi3DQsi3XG0/s1600/DSC_1858.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683999610992830546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMnIJhqlE9E/TuGfh_SvqFI/AAAAAAAAEiA/xi3DQsi3XG0/s400/DSC_1858.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtnIDdtcWJc/TuGfhv24H8I/AAAAAAAAEhw/rSXUkEbgnsI/s1600/DSC_1867.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683999606849413058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtnIDdtcWJc/TuGfhv24H8I/AAAAAAAAEhw/rSXUkEbgnsI/s400/DSC_1867.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center">Before we knew it, we were back home and our journey completed for the time being.</p>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-47731771639749277382011-11-18T18:56:00.001-08:002011-11-18T22:29:17.066-08:00Australia: Part 5<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTjr5tyqMtk/TscrN-U4iGI/AAAAAAAAEfg/mIJ65dK1aOE/s1600/DSC_1238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676553374392682594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTjr5tyqMtk/TscrN-U4iGI/AAAAAAAAEfg/mIJ65dK1aOE/s400/DSC_1238.JPG" /></a> After a day of relative rest including bargain shopping (score! beautiful flannel pajamas for bargain price of $5 - woohoo!!), eating non-traditional pancake lunch served with fish instead of syrup, more scrumptious handmade chocolate and visiting friends, we headed off to see the southern coast of Victoria. We began by heading off to Geelong.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tF0TwDfIe5s/TscrNec1KoI/AAAAAAAAEfU/l-LPQrThwZY/s1600/sleep%2Bsigns.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 363px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676553365836081794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tF0TwDfIe5s/TscrNec1KoI/AAAAAAAAEfU/l-LPQrThwZY/s400/sleep%2Bsigns.jpg" /></a> Along the way, I began to see these signs. Here in the states we are only beginning to focus on the risk that lack of sleep causes on our roads. You are encouraged to take a moment and sleep at the rest stops provided. Now if I could just introduce that idea at work.....I imagine an afternoon powernap after lunch would certainly enhance my performance on the job, don't you think?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwiJoJSoREE/TscrMxH78pI/AAAAAAAAEfI/vjZ6c46-LYo/s1600/DSC_1243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676553353668850322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwiJoJSoREE/TscrMxH78pI/AAAAAAAAEfI/vjZ6c46-LYo/s400/DSC_1243.JPG" /></a> The drive to Geelong was lined with gum trees and grass. Already here you feel summer coming. I'm still having problems adjusting my mind to the left hand driving and am so grateful Eva is graciously willing to do the driving. We had a pleasant drive, stopping at what we would call a truck stop for lunch, where I found a roadside fruit stand with freshly picked strawberries to munch on. We first drove along the main street of Geelong and along the waterfront.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676553342508852402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XVZCH_SVRE/TscrMHjL5LI/AAAAAAAAEew/y5DYTEaEVYA/s400/DSC_1257.JPG" /></div><br /><div>And of course we stopped at the factory store for Kaiser Crafts. Those of you into beautiful paper and laser chipboard and wood cuts for scrapbooking are familiar with the brands, even in the states. And this was when I realized how difficulty it was going to be to limit my purchases to fit in my return luggage....bummer.....I picked up a basket of things, only to have to put them back. But how fun to see where the things I buy in my local craft store come from.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7wVCP8jvI/TscrMtZ6rzI/AAAAAAAAEe8/Olixt7EtgMM/s1600/DSC_1240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676553352670523186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ7wVCP8jvI/TscrMtZ6rzI/AAAAAAAAEe8/Olixt7EtgMM/s400/DSC_1240.JPG" /></a>As we left, we saw several of these wooden posts painted to resemble historical figures. They are recycled posts from piers, sanded, carved and painted. Australia is very much into being green.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaCCc5eUyv0/TscoFxw-CMI/AAAAAAAAEek/guWHfGXkRIM/s1600/DSC_1261.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676549935046985922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaCCc5eUyv0/TscoFxw-CMI/AAAAAAAAEek/guWHfGXkRIM/s400/DSC_1261.JPG" /></a> We begin the Great Ocean Road at Torquay. The 151 mile road was built as a memorial to World War I casualties. The road winds along the southern coast of Australia between Torquay and Warnambool, our destination, with short stretches going inland through the Great Otway National Park. </div><br /><div>Everywhere you look is beauty. The ocean is a sapphire blue that I have not seen before. The coastal hills are full of gum trees and scrub, filled with singing birds. I saw wren's, honeyeaters, gulls, magpies, butcher birds, crows and more. On this path near the surfer area, Bell's Beach, I was stopped by a man who cautioned me that he had seen a poisonous snake just a bit further down the path. Hadn't really considered something like that and the fact that I would not recognize one here....and their snakes don't greet you with a rattle so you know they are there! The snake must have headed for a less populated path as I never saw him...but I can tell you I did watch where I put my feet after that! And near the Wye River we stopped at an unnamed beach where I danced with the incoming waves and gathered shells and rocks to use in my artwork.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpEdIS0dc80/TscoFfWvddI/AAAAAAAAEec/4QnsZPldrHk/s1600/DSC_1271.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676549930105140690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpEdIS0dc80/TscoFfWvddI/AAAAAAAAEec/4QnsZPldrHk/s400/DSC_1271.JPG" /></a> At Split Head Lighthouse, we stopped to have coffee at this teahouse. We sat in the beautiful sun and enjoyed a bakery treat and admired the gift store filled with imports from India.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jlubo7pZIbY/TscoE4tTrdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/v6bheKtqIa8/s1600/DSC_1277.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676549919730806226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jlubo7pZIbY/TscoE4tTrdI/AAAAAAAAEeM/v6bheKtqIa8/s400/DSC_1277.JPG" /></a> The lighthouse has been lovingly restored. The white was striking against the blue sky...though no longer in operations, it still stands tall and visible to those at sea.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ls_RbbaaE/TscoEXZ-KFI/AAAAAAAAEeE/aM24DveTo1E/s1600/DSC_1313.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676549910791333970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ls_RbbaaE/TscoEXZ-KFI/AAAAAAAAEeE/aM24DveTo1E/s400/DSC_1313.JPG" /></a> Soon we were approaching out destination for the day, Apollo Bay, a beautiful city on a bay.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-tBUjiBIrc/TscoD-a-j7I/AAAAAAAAEd0/lQ7UquCpekc/s1600/DSC_1326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676549904084668338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-tBUjiBIrc/TscoD-a-j7I/AAAAAAAAEd0/lQ7UquCpekc/s400/DSC_1326.JPG" /></a> Before we stopped for the night, we drove to the waterfront and walked along the jetty as the sun set for the day. After a long day of driving, the beauty of the skies and waters, the lacy sun-kissed searocks, and the soothing sound of the waves soon filled us with the peace of nature for a beautiful ending to the day. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ESoSExwPsI/TscmrmciV5I/AAAAAAAAEdo/6RuvpaHUMbQ/s1600/DSC_1335.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676548385820268434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ESoSExwPsI/TscmrmciV5I/AAAAAAAAEdo/6RuvpaHUMbQ/s400/DSC_1335.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFg1kQmrsqM/Tscmre6NoMI/AAAAAAAAEdc/5e9lQRNM-i0/s1600/DSC_1340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676548383797256386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EFg1kQmrsqM/Tscmre6NoMI/AAAAAAAAEdc/5e9lQRNM-i0/s400/DSC_1340.JPG" /></a> We woke up refreshed the next morning and ready to continue our journey. Today we have grey clouds overhead and in the muted light, the beautiful flowers, blooming everywhere, really stand out.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h10lNfsSkC8/TscmqmtErgI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/MIVdduCXfWI/s1600/DSC_1375.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676548368709758466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h10lNfsSkC8/TscmqmtErgI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/MIVdduCXfWI/s400/DSC_1375.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnirS6DmDuY/TscmqcklX2I/AAAAAAAAEdE/Ate-seMutaE/s1600/DSC_1385.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676548365989797730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnirS6DmDuY/TscmqcklX2I/AAAAAAAAEdE/Ate-seMutaE/s400/DSC_1385.JPG" /></a> We stop in Apollo Bay and browse the quaint stores along the waterfront area. My eyes are filled with beautiful things, my brain overwhelmed by the jewelry, art, clothing and lotions, soaps and cremes. Delicate lacy tops, earthy incense, natural oils, jewelry of wood, resin, silver and stone. I wanted to bring home one of everything. We stopped for a quick breakfast where I was treated to this delicious Muesli, covered with apple, rhubarb and Greek style yogurt...yum!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppiLWZWttyU/TscmqJSzmxI/AAAAAAAAEc4/ZGU_m0iTt1o/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676548360814959378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppiLWZWttyU/TscmqJSzmxI/AAAAAAAAEc4/ZGU_m0iTt1o/s400/DSC_1389.JPG" /></a> We browsed an op shop just past this sign that had us on the lookout for the now familiar to me black and white birds with the haunting morning songs...they protect their nests by dive-bombing any living thing that dares to come near their nest. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676543756852997378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkX2g-IHjbY/TscieKMvLQI/AAAAAAAAEcs/nCihgmmHs_c/s400/DSC_1390.JPG" />Soon we are off down the Great Ocean Road, destination Warnambool. Not long after leaving Apollo Bay, we entered the Great Otway National Park and began winding or way through the coastal hills filled with forests of gum trees. And where there are gum trees, there are koalas. We pulled over on the road when we saw a group of people pointing their cameras at the trees.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49ph-ypG2ro/Tscid8_7cEI/AAAAAAAAEcg/xUA0dE9E3gA/s1600/DSC_1395.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676543753309614146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49ph-ypG2ro/Tscid8_7cEI/AAAAAAAAEcg/xUA0dE9E3gA/s400/DSC_1395.JPG" /></a> And sure enough, there is a small tribe of koalas in the trees. And they are awake this time.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2RPfQWlmCw/TscidSikM9I/AAAAAAAAEcU/QoI-X9iVy1E/s1600/DSC_1399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676543741912167378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2RPfQWlmCw/TscidSikM9I/AAAAAAAAEcU/QoI-X9iVy1E/s400/DSC_1399.JPG" /></a> If you look closely, you will see a tiny baby peering down at you from her safe perch on mama's back.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytsaI38tri4/Tscic-LMc7I/AAAAAAAAEcI/h8feT_eL20Q/s1600/DSC_1407.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676543736445432754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytsaI38tri4/Tscic-LMc7I/AAAAAAAAEcI/h8feT_eL20Q/s400/DSC_1407.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBrhh-X6xbk/Tscicl8xOsI/AAAAAAAAEb8/REAKq-s8bUo/s1600/DSC_1419.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676543729942477506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBrhh-X6xbk/Tscicl8xOsI/AAAAAAAAEb8/REAKq-s8bUo/s400/DSC_1419.JPG" /></a> Mama and baby again - they have stripped the branches of their leaves for food.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Gs6PWoLrI/TschOBNmk2I/AAAAAAAAEbw/DPO8wVa61Zk/s1600/DSC_1430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676542380051174242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Gs6PWoLrI/TschOBNmk2I/AAAAAAAAEbw/DPO8wVa61Zk/s400/DSC_1430.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HPEvvsyLyY/TschNjS8i1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/uqDdLstIAqY/s1600/DSC_1435.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676542372020521810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9HPEvvsyLyY/TschNjS8i1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/uqDdLstIAqY/s400/DSC_1435.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adtY6FoeyPQ/TschNQ9FqjI/AAAAAAAAEbY/FdOLXHWH_2M/s1600/DSC_1437.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676542367097006642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adtY6FoeyPQ/TschNQ9FqjI/AAAAAAAAEbY/FdOLXHWH_2M/s400/DSC_1437.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRT2rRoz738/TschM1pprdI/AAAAAAAAEbM/VDS5LE54PiE/s1600/DSC_1440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676542359767723474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRT2rRoz738/TschM1pprdI/AAAAAAAAEbM/VDS5LE54PiE/s400/DSC_1440.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95wi45ElIZw/TschMsltVMI/AAAAAAAAEbA/CdyjE0WjFUM/s1600/DSC_1452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676542357335266498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95wi45ElIZw/TschMsltVMI/AAAAAAAAEbA/CdyjE0WjFUM/s400/DSC_1452.JPG" /></a> When we reach the 12 Apostles, we hike a short path to the ocean. As I live in the Pacific Northwest, I thought I had already seen the most beautiful and rugged coasts that line the West Coast of the US from Washington to Northern California. But these sandstone cliffs and sea stacks were stunning.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzy250pKWrI/TscenFzHpiI/AAAAAAAAEa0/G4lVLIpotFU/s1600/DSC_1463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676539512244119074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzy250pKWrI/TscenFzHpiI/AAAAAAAAEa0/G4lVLIpotFU/s400/DSC_1463.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hwaeq4Y7Jk/Tscem8u1ZpI/AAAAAAAAEao/Ye8tgbkadlQ/s1600/DSC_1478.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676539509810226834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hwaeq4Y7Jk/Tscem8u1ZpI/AAAAAAAAEao/Ye8tgbkadlQ/s400/DSC_1478.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4_fuKOfeTk/TscemYVIW9I/AAAAAAAAEac/KrOQlYrdjdE/s1600/DSC_1484.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676539500038740946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4_fuKOfeTk/TscemYVIW9I/AAAAAAAAEac/KrOQlYrdjdE/s400/DSC_1484.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlIpmBQUeCw/Tscel2wQVEI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/ZaLVNHQrvkk/s1600/DSC_1485.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676539491025704002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlIpmBQUeCw/Tscel2wQVEI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/ZaLVNHQrvkk/s400/DSC_1485.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBq8dIrAb_8/TscelpKqahI/AAAAAAAAEaE/R4wJ1jM6exE/s1600/DSC_1491.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676539487378369042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBq8dIrAb_8/TscelpKqahI/AAAAAAAAEaE/R4wJ1jM6exE/s400/DSC_1491.JPG" /></a>We explored the viewpoints of the Apostles and other amazing formations such as Loch Ard, London Bridge and the Blow Hole. This is the Shipwreck Coast where many ships have sunk into the stormy ocean. I marveled at the fact that if I sailed due south from here, I would find myself in the cold seas of Antarctica. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj1Vm5McaGw/TscdFTrQjLI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/Lh8Q44zXqPU/s1600/DSC_1492.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676537832342064306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj1Vm5McaGw/TscdFTrQjLI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/Lh8Q44zXqPU/s400/DSC_1492.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGLDx1ZqbCE/TscdEyJaXvI/AAAAAAAAEZs/d8PEuKffZsI/s1600/DSC_1506.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676537823341731570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGLDx1ZqbCE/TscdEyJaXvI/AAAAAAAAEZs/d8PEuKffZsI/s400/DSC_1506.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Rmh5Dhzqw/TscdEtY9zZI/AAAAAAAAEZg/zlP14vWRvvY/s1600/DSC_1502.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676537822064790930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Rmh5Dhzqw/TscdEtY9zZI/AAAAAAAAEZg/zlP14vWRvvY/s400/DSC_1502.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W0Pfa1Iak4/TscdD2JXqiI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0MXkeE74qo8/s1600/DSC_1523.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676537807235426850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W0Pfa1Iak4/TscdD2JXqiI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0MXkeE74qo8/s400/DSC_1523.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaK2-WiLSRA/TscdDTwFx5I/AAAAAAAAEZI/_02pgadOtyM/s1600/DSC_1533.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676537798002591634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaK2-WiLSRA/TscdDTwFx5I/AAAAAAAAEZI/_02pgadOtyM/s400/DSC_1533.JPG" /></a>This is a day that will live long in my memory. Such wild beauty fills the soul and my heart yearned to be on a ship sailing this wild sea, feeling the salty air on my face and following the spouting whales to parts unknown. Seas so clear that you can see through the waves and watch the kelp in its endless ocean dance. Sadly, we have no more time and we turn towards Warnumbool, our home for the next two days.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-45359987561150289102011-11-08T22:40:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:43:11.633-08:00Australia: Part 4 (Time to Teach)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCoIByjCvGo/Trztc3Vqp2I/AAAAAAAAEY8/viYhHUKCtOM/s1600/Australia%2Bclass.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670710726928226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCoIByjCvGo/Trztc3Vqp2I/AAAAAAAAEY8/viYhHUKCtOM/s400/Australia%2Bclass.jpg" /></a> On a sunny Saturday, Eva and I arrived at our classroom and met with the best lot of students I could have asked for. Joan, Eva, Christine, Maidi, Melissa, Deb, Lucy, Glenda and Bevelea. For the next two days we would explore the world of metal repousse, coptic journals and encaustic wax interrupted only by the fabulous lunches provided by Bevlea.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJz9Z93GrlU/Trztc8X6buI/AAAAAAAAEYs/DhWlaosEmUs/s1600/australia%2Bclass2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670712078528226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJz9Z93GrlU/Trztc8X6buI/AAAAAAAAEYs/DhWlaosEmUs/s400/australia%2Bclass2.jpg" /></a> As we all began to settle into our classroom, we chatted and got to know each other. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Ur9D0LFHQ/TrztckUCL8I/AAAAAAAAEYk/qPvR6oJZWZ8/s1600/australia%2Bclass4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670705619808194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2Ur9D0LFHQ/TrztckUCL8I/AAAAAAAAEYk/qPvR6oJZWZ8/s400/australia%2Bclass4.jpg" /></a> Day one was a bookbinding class using a coptic stitch and adding a metal repousse inset complete using simple tools and pewter.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEYFrHP9NoE/TrztFiFBN5I/AAAAAAAAEYU/s8PxHW5F8uM/s1600/australia%2Bclass6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670309882967954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEYFrHP9NoE/TrztFiFBN5I/AAAAAAAAEYU/s8PxHW5F8uM/s400/australia%2Bclass6.jpg" /></a> We drew the pattern on the pewter an began outlining our pattern.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsM5vOgYhCw/TrztFec9gII/AAAAAAAAEYM/NIncjwaCv08/s1600/australia%2Bclass%2B8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670308909645954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsM5vOgYhCw/TrztFec9gII/AAAAAAAAEYM/NIncjwaCv08/s400/australia%2Bclass%2B8.jpg" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ms6gk57uAB8/TrztElKBAQI/AAAAAAAAEYA/YWl_CEMYpLI/s1600/australia%2Bclass%2B9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673670293529362690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ms6gk57uAB8/TrztElKBAQI/AAAAAAAAEYA/YWl_CEMYpLI/s400/australia%2Bclass%2B9.jpg" /></a> Then we covered ourbookboard with decorative papers with a contrasting frame for the metal.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ydzrgYxoTY/TrznwEkg_gI/AAAAAAAAEXg/cegUacyddNo/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673664443626618370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ydzrgYxoTY/TrznwEkg_gI/AAAAAAAAEXg/cegUacyddNo/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9mJiq9rcwo/Trznv33M1JI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/nnALsCc4tHU/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673664440215327890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9mJiq9rcwo/Trznv33M1JI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/nnALsCc4tHU/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzCiOVfVl-Y/TrznRo6TEWI/AAAAAAAAEW4/Jr4f_UwtGMM/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"></a>And when we were done, we all were in possessesion of a beautiful journal ready to be filled with art and musings. Aren't they gorgeous! Such a talented group of ladies!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk3SXXm9Ems/TrznQ_FhRqI/AAAAAAAAEWw/ExwIZIm1HXY/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673663909578491554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk3SXXm9Ems/TrznQ_FhRqI/AAAAAAAAEWw/ExwIZIm1HXY/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ln5uME2_BA/TrznQoUBW-I/AAAAAAAAEWg/dXE5bSuaLWo/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673663903465298914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ln5uME2_BA/TrznQoUBW-I/AAAAAAAAEWg/dXE5bSuaLWo/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEAYhuS0UmE/TrznQWIpmFI/AAAAAAAAEWU/kVP46H1GGSA/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673663898585765970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEAYhuS0UmE/TrznQWIpmFI/AAAAAAAAEWU/kVP46H1GGSA/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VUSlY5cRKA/TrzluhKkqGI/AAAAAAAAEWI/y3474h2o6o4/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673662217919440994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VUSlY5cRKA/TrzluhKkqGI/AAAAAAAAEWI/y3474h2o6o4/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeWWprKquB0/TrzlsiKuzeI/AAAAAAAAEV8/Ii1D8ojBKkk/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 326px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673662183828803042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeWWprKquB0/TrzlsiKuzeI/AAAAAAAAEV8/Ii1D8ojBKkk/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" /></a> <br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbIOJV_AthU/TrzlsRnd5jI/AAAAAAAAEVw/b5ARbNsDkaU/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673662179385927218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbIOJV_AthU/TrzlsRnd5jI/AAAAAAAAEVw/b5ARbNsDkaU/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" /></a> Sweet Lucy looks happy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hnFLovRiT4/TrzlqmWN8GI/AAAAAAAAEVk/CD1ltQ1GO-o/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673662150590984290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hnFLovRiT4/TrzlqmWN8GI/AAAAAAAAEVk/CD1ltQ1GO-o/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" /></a>Eva working on her project.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Q-309Li7Q/TrzlqTL2Q7I/AAAAAAAAEVY/qSlYQfPHvMg/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673662145447216050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Q-309Li7Q/TrzlqTL2Q7I/AAAAAAAAEVY/qSlYQfPHvMg/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" /></a> Loved Christine's apron.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTdGlHkfMwM/Trzfv58O18I/AAAAAAAAEVM/vxFK4u9-kaQ/s1600/DSC_0011a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673655644680280002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTdGlHkfMwM/Trzfv58O18I/AAAAAAAAEVM/vxFK4u9-kaQ/s400/DSC_0011a.jpg" /></a> Our second day was spent exploring encaustic wax and all it's possibilities.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XrR1Mg6Fdg/TrzcfCee7OI/AAAAAAAAEVA/hG3KQCoI_m0/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673652056378764514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XrR1Mg6Fdg/TrzcfCee7OI/AAAAAAAAEVA/hG3KQCoI_m0/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" /></a> Color, foil and gold leaf, transferes,casting, etching, stencils, stamps, collage and many more techniques were explored.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUXiWsdY2g/TrzcdpSNknI/AAAAAAAAEU0/_sbsj2NE5zc/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673652032436540018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUXiWsdY2g/TrzcdpSNknI/AAAAAAAAEU0/_sbsj2NE5zc/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" /></a> Maidi's masterpiece!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOzadkowv4c/TrzcdPtZdcI/AAAAAAAAEUo/2L_Nqq7Zbh8/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673652025571243458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOzadkowv4c/TrzcdPtZdcI/AAAAAAAAEUo/2L_Nqq7Zbh8/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" /></a> Melissa<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW5mn3OnpnY/TrzccJ1jUNI/AAAAAAAAEUg/N9ysNpv6QrQ/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673652006814961874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW5mn3OnpnY/TrzccJ1jUNI/AAAAAAAAEUg/N9ysNpv6QrQ/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" /></a> Talking about wax<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA05rr5tzQM/TrzcbyahmuI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/zS_bSsTuouA/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673652000527588066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA05rr5tzQM/TrzcbyahmuI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/zS_bSsTuouA/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" /></a> Maidi and Glenda working on their pieces.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JoikWtFlY/TrzYAPyFXnI/AAAAAAAAEUA/Hft9C_MN7P4/s1600/australia%2Bclass%2B18.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673647129328180850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JoikWtFlY/TrzYAPyFXnI/AAAAAAAAEUA/Hft9C_MN7P4/s400/australia%2Bclass%2B18.jpg" /></a> I love the palette when covered with color...and of course there is the added bonus of making monoprints from the leftovers.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twhg5jBBCUM/TrzX_xyfhqI/AAAAAAAAET4/tYErUuVE0QM/s1600/australia%2Bclass%2B19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673647121276831394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twhg5jBBCUM/TrzX_xyfhqI/AAAAAAAAET4/tYErUuVE0QM/s400/australia%2Bclass%2B19.jpg" /></a> Maidi and Melissa comparing notes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cURqCiTIrWE/TrzXSYUPtdI/AAAAAAAAETU/GeKniFZfy_k/s1600/australia%2Bclass%2B17.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673646341344966098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cURqCiTIrWE/TrzXSYUPtdI/AAAAAAAAETU/GeKniFZfy_k/s400/australia%2Bclass%2B17.jpg" /></a> Joan and her lovely piece</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BfHNjSI7eI/TrzXSGfoNEI/AAAAAAAAETI/9ryTbWI5q90/s1600/australia%2Bclass17.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673646336560870466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BfHNjSI7eI/TrzXSGfoNEI/AAAAAAAAETI/9ryTbWI5q90/s400/australia%2Bclass17.jpg" /></a> and everyone's favorite technique....the burning of shellac on the surface of a completed piece.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In just the blink of an eye, two days of creating art and making new friends was over. Thank you, everyone, for all the laughter and shared art and especially, the vocabulary lessons...I will never say soldering again without thinking of all of you :0)!! Thanks Bevlea for organising us and for allowing me to use some your photos in this post. And now on to Geelong, Apollo Bay, Warnambool and Port Fairy...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-26987240642892762922011-11-05T23:14:00.000-07:002011-11-08T22:39:39.823-08:00Australia: Part 3<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56eJ673Mi8Q/Trd5GQtwiMI/AAAAAAAAES8/jhIjVh3AWPw/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672135404169496770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56eJ673Mi8Q/Trd5GQtwiMI/AAAAAAAAES8/jhIjVh3AWPw/s400/DSC_0316.JPG" /></a> Early in the morning, Eva woke me up to say she had a surprise for me and to hurry to get ready to go. No amount of questioning would budge the secret from her as we wound our way up into the hills. As we pulled into a driveway, I saw a little piece of paradise surrounding a rambling home. This was the home of artist Ro Bruhn. This was a treat indeed as I so admire her art<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbF3XPmuMGE/TrY7CdSm7iI/AAAAAAAAESA/YCz23hrfxJw/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671785694128172578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JbF3XPmuMGE/TrY7CdSm7iI/AAAAAAAAESA/YCz23hrfxJw/s400/DSC_0326.JPG" /></a> Her studio was a cacaphony of color. Everywhere around me was inspiration, both in art and in organising a studio. We chatted over Ro's delicious ginger cake while we watched kookaburra's gathered in the trees outside the window. Ro is a gracious hostess and a kind soul. She took time to show us her mosaics, her fabric books and her paintings. I was excited to buy some of her beautiful hand-dyed laces and fabrics. Can't wait to incorporate them in my art.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEDLkyHKskA/TrY7CJ_XupI/AAAAAAAAERw/xaCukeCAe8M/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671785688947210898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEDLkyHKskA/TrY7CJ_XupI/AAAAAAAAERw/xaCukeCAe8M/s400/DSC_0335.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5BKYhuv3n8/TrY7A_Yf1mI/AAAAAAAAERo/_A3vu_BzQ0k/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671785668919940706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5BKYhuv3n8/TrY7A_Yf1mI/AAAAAAAAERo/_A3vu_BzQ0k/s400/DSC_0343.JPG" /></a> All too soon it was time to say our goodbyes. But I know that the time with Ro will be one of the most memorable of this trip.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjwSdngq_hA/TrY7Apa4BXI/AAAAAAAAERU/Jhwg8skkEbY/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671785663024334194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjwSdngq_hA/TrY7Apa4BXI/AAAAAAAAERU/Jhwg8skkEbY/s400/DSC_0346.JPG" /></a>As we left, I found this Buddha peaking out of the ferns. Such peace in this spot. I wish I could bottle it and take it home with me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iBoAU4RNJY/TrY7AdOR4RI/AAAAAAAAERM/NSnV73VOzs4/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671785659750277394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iBoAU4RNJY/TrY7AdOR4RI/AAAAAAAAERM/NSnV73VOzs4/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" /></a> Our next stop was Grant's Picnic Grounds in the Dandenong Range. Birds come from far and wide to this picnic area where they sell bird seed to feed the birds. Gullahs, Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots and Corellas all vie for a little bit of seed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95_nACccpdM/TrY5zWeA2BI/AAAAAAAAERA/PTTVWfMCsT0/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671784335087294482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95_nACccpdM/TrY5zWeA2BI/AAAAAAAAERA/PTTVWfMCsT0/s400/DSC_0358.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFbfPYaw-kI/TrY5yvlZaTI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/EHwMH-OSmbw/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671784324649281842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFbfPYaw-kI/TrY5yvlZaTI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/EHwMH-OSmbw/s400/DSC_0361.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G84PC_ONUeI/TrY5yPl8pbI/AAAAAAAAEQo/SCr8ur7udNo/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671784316061656498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G84PC_ONUeI/TrY5yPl8pbI/AAAAAAAAEQo/SCr8ur7udNo/s400/DSC_0365.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSkOK_Ps_V4/TrY5x02il2I/AAAAAAAAEQY/ybHn5pHAoQs/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671784308883494754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSkOK_Ps_V4/TrY5x02il2I/AAAAAAAAEQY/ybHn5pHAoQs/s400/DSC_0373.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLu0vpM7VwM/TrY5xhBt4RI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/skFZ6RCtAb0/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671784303561662738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLu0vpM7VwM/TrY5xhBt4RI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/skFZ6RCtAb0/s400/DSC_0383.JPG" /></a> This Rosella came to see if Eva had any food to offer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOk-c4imCM/TrYyTu0hCVI/AAAAAAAAEQE/JNGt_PLwdBo/s1600/PICT1024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671776095286921554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDOk-c4imCM/TrYyTu0hCVI/AAAAAAAAEQE/JNGt_PLwdBo/s400/PICT1024.JPG" /></a> I walked out of the store with a bag of seed in my hand. Before I could break it open, a Cockatoo landed on my arm and tore the bag open with one swipe of his beak and in moments, was joined by two more birds tearing seeds from the bag.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypXYoJZvT9w-mSOBUD3fbWjQI3FpgY7a1ug4vCO8e-ELfiO6wJ2RUMoZono6pMqNYGBKS1Qzxs8qw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The video shows it all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ajzlpEwhlE/TrYx9PwcmUI/AAAAAAAAEP4/_IXtH99OYb0/s1600/PICT1030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671775708991232322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ajzlpEwhlE/TrYx9PwcmUI/AAAAAAAAEP4/_IXtH99OYb0/s400/PICT1030.JPG" /></a>What a beautiful day. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671775693695834850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkqn1xdc1bc/TrYx8WxvWuI/AAAAAAAAEPs/Wy1HlrEU_NA/s400/DSC_0395.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>The next day we were off for Phillip Island so I could finally see the penguins come to shore, something I wanted to do on my first trip here. Phillip Island is at the tip of land south of Melbourne, facing the Bass Strait. The island is home to the Penguin Parade, a heritage farm and a Koala Preserve and a lovely town called Cowes.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HNMdVhdDMY/TrYx8ByJBGI/AAAAAAAAEPg/luOcAbxKgtg/s1600/DSC_0479.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671775688060372066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HNMdVhdDMY/TrYx8ByJBGI/AAAAAAAAEPg/luOcAbxKgtg/s400/DSC_0479.JPG" /></a> We traveled to the heritage farm first. It's a working farm with a restored farmhouse showing how things were more than a century ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ODYIHj8WdE/TrYx7LOyDvI/AAAAAAAAEPU/kkRd8JBatNM/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671775673416552178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ODYIHj8WdE/TrYx7LOyDvI/AAAAAAAAEPU/kkRd8JBatNM/s400/DSC_0404.JPG" /></a> Wildlife mingled with livestock in the fields.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF5uFTxz9f8/TrYx61FodAI/AAAAAAAAEPI/SyrRUg63l9o/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671775667472593922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF5uFTxz9f8/TrYx61FodAI/AAAAAAAAEPI/SyrRUg63l9o/s400/DSC_0419.JPG" /></a> The home looked like the original residents would be home for dinner at any moment.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8uBMwu-V1o/TrYv6xt4ecI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wD4nG0dcxL4/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671773467544418754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8uBMwu-V1o/TrYv6xt4ecI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wD4nG0dcxL4/s400/DSC_0435.JPG" /></a> Rambling climbing roses decorated the garden shed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6C1ykIEfntQ/TrYv6oyCGlI/AAAAAAAAEOw/pJxtDeWtbC4/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671773465145907794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6C1ykIEfntQ/TrYv6oyCGlI/AAAAAAAAEOw/pJxtDeWtbC4/s400/DSC_0441.JPG" /></a> Beautiful draft horses<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZJNe8BysUs/TrYv6S2xC7I/AAAAAAAAEOk/FM8NcOV04qc/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671773459260181426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZJNe8BysUs/TrYv6S2xC7I/AAAAAAAAEOk/FM8NcOV04qc/s400/DSC_0443.JPG" /></a>Old turkeys<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8SuoKNa8mQ/TrYv5fFy8sI/AAAAAAAAEOc/PzqgWqjMTBM/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671773445364576962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8SuoKNa8mQ/TrYv5fFy8sI/AAAAAAAAEOc/PzqgWqjMTBM/s400/DSC_0445.JPG" /></a> Regal peacocks<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAz8Qk9wyBI/TrYv5DUDHGI/AAAAAAAAEOM/mTOe4X0b9Sg/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671773437908163682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAz8Qk9wyBI/TrYv5DUDHGI/AAAAAAAAEOM/mTOe4X0b9Sg/s400/DSC_0452.JPG" /></a> Sheep and goats populate the farm now.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrcJyAwsPIE/TrYuqcuenfI/AAAAAAAAEOE/6WNf2zN3jq4/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671772087520239090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrcJyAwsPIE/TrYuqcuenfI/AAAAAAAAEOE/6WNf2zN3jq4/s400/DSC_0457.JPG" /></a> A warning to be heeded.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hsdOPGM21s/TrYup-UVxiI/AAAAAAAAEN0/dWzKWSuTe4Y/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671772079357543970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hsdOPGM21s/TrYup-UVxiI/AAAAAAAAEN0/dWzKWSuTe4Y/s400/DSC_0460.JPG" /></a> Beautiful gardens<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_Cx4wopgxI/TrYupaFMo8I/AAAAAAAAENo/zE1qf48ILzU/s1600/DSC_0466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671772069630354370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_Cx4wopgxI/TrYupaFMo8I/AAAAAAAAENo/zE1qf48ILzU/s400/DSC_0466.JPG" /></a> Lacy wrought iron decorates the porch eaves. The sea breeze blew across the land and sunshine filled the skies. A truly beautiful place to come home to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHr_5vkjSqs/TrYuo3VoGSI/AAAAAAAAENc/u8z2o3B5oXE/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671772060304021794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHr_5vkjSqs/TrYuo3VoGSI/AAAAAAAAENc/u8z2o3B5oXE/s400/DSC_0483.JPG" /></a> Our second stop was to the Koala preserve. This was a boardwalk through a natural setting with up front view of these beautiful animals. Koalas sleep almost 20 hours a day and it didn't take long to spot them napping in the trees. No fences here to keep you separated from the animals. Folks use common sense and don't try to pet them. Check out the size of those nails.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tmjSd-iqw/TrYuokbEOlI/AAAAAAAAENQ/6wlOLeK91x8/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671772055226563154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tmjSd-iqw/TrYuokbEOlI/AAAAAAAAENQ/6wlOLeK91x8/s400/DSC_0490.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qmCcoAc6DY/TrYr8KBr83I/AAAAAAAAENE/6jpYSPSl8hM/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671769093203293042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qmCcoAc6DY/TrYr8KBr83I/AAAAAAAAENE/6jpYSPSl8hM/s400/DSC_0501.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG2emS2veQI/TrYr7jNxGiI/AAAAAAAAEM4/zRCRSbErWTY/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671769082784979490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG2emS2veQI/TrYr7jNxGiI/AAAAAAAAEM4/zRCRSbErWTY/s400/DSC_0507.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8dplmnT9JU/TrYr648ETNI/AAAAAAAAEMw/AzdpWjjiVAs/s1600/DSC_0508.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671769071436451026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8dplmnT9JU/TrYr648ETNI/AAAAAAAAEMw/AzdpWjjiVAs/s400/DSC_0508.JPG" /></a> A mother sleeps with her baby in her arms.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktNbHYira-4/TrYr6IBPmxI/AAAAAAAAEMg/RCpCBKnaBhE/s1600/DSC_0522.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671769058304826130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktNbHYira-4/TrYr6IBPmxI/AAAAAAAAEMg/RCpCBKnaBhE/s400/DSC_0522.JPG" /></a> You can see their opposing paws in this photo. Their food is the leaves of the eucalyptus or "gum" trees, the predominant tree in the area.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwsoD8TfQ1Q/TrYr5yk3cSI/AAAAAAAAEMU/jIfWhX5dUjY/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671769052548657442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwsoD8TfQ1Q/TrYr5yk3cSI/AAAAAAAAEMU/jIfWhX5dUjY/s400/DSC_0539.JPG" /></a> A little blue wren that was flitting in the bushes. The dramatic coloring made this one of my favorite birds.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWf9j2ApDKw/TrYqSpwBEBI/AAAAAAAAEMI/aYdg-INPk0o/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671767280652980242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWf9j2ApDKw/TrYqSpwBEBI/AAAAAAAAEMI/aYdg-INPk0o/s400/DSC_0543.JPG" /></a><br />The everpresent Australian magpie who had the most beautiful song. I so miss waking up to his warbling, hollow tones.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnHLIoEArRQ/TrYqSOZy-fI/AAAAAAAAEMA/lHeIyvgwF1s/s1600/DSC_0548.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671767273312025074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnHLIoEArRQ/TrYqSOZy-fI/AAAAAAAAEMA/lHeIyvgwF1s/s400/DSC_0548.JPG" /></a> The dancing Willie Wagtail.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAwlaaNwDb0/TrYqRvK_ksI/AAAAAAAAELw/dqeGuZTG_9s/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671767264928436930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAwlaaNwDb0/TrYqRvK_ksI/AAAAAAAAELw/dqeGuZTG_9s/s400/DSC_0560.JPG" /></a> And, of course, the laughing Kookaburra, whose cackling insane laughter fills the air where ever they go. A member of the Kingfisher family, they are easy to spot with their blunt looking head, big beak and stricking blue sides.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiyCf2a5GYQ/TrYqRCeAKUI/AAAAAAAAELY/Uh8iJMjAhvA/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671767252928571714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiyCf2a5GYQ/TrYqRCeAKUI/AAAAAAAAELY/Uh8iJMjAhvA/s400/DSC_0570.JPG" /></a> We headed for the beach after leaving the Koala preserve, first stopping in Cowes to browse the "op" (opportunity) shops, such as the Salvation Army, called "Salvos"</div><br /><br /><div>here. We sample the pastries in a local bakery and shopped the quaint stores before walking down to the water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36ZX4zQ5CPA/TrYok12OxnI/AAAAAAAAELM/XjsLeKW661U/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671765394114659954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36ZX4zQ5CPA/TrYok12OxnI/AAAAAAAAELM/XjsLeKW661U/s400/DSC_0575.JPG" /></a> I waded in the waves and sunk my feet into the sand of a sea I'd not been in before, and let my lungs fill with the clean ocean air. A beautiful day. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We headed for the Penguin Parade as evening approached. Unfortunately, there were strict rules that forbade photography of any kind. We settled into the bleachers on the beach and waited as the sun set and the fairy penguins began coming in from the sea. So small and yet looking like a penguin in every other way, they came in groups of 5 to 8 and made their way across the beach to their burrows, where they spend the night. Beset by sea gulls and wary of the hundreds of folks waiting to see them leave the ocean, many turned tail and ran back to the ocean, to wait for support from the other birds coming to shore. Finally we rise and make our way back and, to my surprise, the penguins are milling under and next to the boardwalks, allowing a close view of this beautiful bird. They call to each other as they settle into their burrows for the night and soon their song fills the air as we say our goodbyes to this beautiful island and head for home.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLRsLxMHIM/TrYokJwr2hI/AAAAAAAAEK0/C5bnY8mgzx4/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671765382280239634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLRsLxMHIM/TrYokJwr2hI/AAAAAAAAEK0/C5bnY8mgzx4/s400/DSC_0581.JPG" /></a> The next day we took a short trip to Healesville, a small town full of great "op" shops that I visited on my first trip and never forgot. We shopped the stores, finding several treasures we could not live without.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDmT96CKtRY/TrYojZDdAuI/AAAAAAAAEKs/SVY20BRp1eM/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671765369205621474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDmT96CKtRY/TrYojZDdAuI/AAAAAAAAEKs/SVY20BRp1eM/s400/DSC_0584.JPG" /></a> Loved this sign and had to check it out. An art supply store with a coffee shop and art for sale inside. Does it get any better than that? Bought some beautiful Indian watercolor paper here to use in handmade journals and wished that one of these stores would open in my home town.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raR4Q5OF6sE/TrYojNFVv7I/AAAAAAAAEKc/fKtF4z982iI/s1600/DSC_0585.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671765365992308658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raR4Q5OF6sE/TrYojNFVv7I/AAAAAAAAEKc/fKtF4z982iI/s400/DSC_0585.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--O8skQvEyJ8/TrYnMv83gfI/AAAAAAAAEKU/pVax9pyhYZ8/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671763880703394290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--O8skQvEyJ8/TrYnMv83gfI/AAAAAAAAEKU/pVax9pyhYZ8/s400/DSC_0588.JPG" /></a> We browse the antiques stores, as well. So hard not to buy the treasures I saw, but knew my luggage space was limited. But oh, how I wish luggage was still free...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZGIol1BeU/TrYnMXbQcrI/AAAAAAAAEKE/J18vS1LO_I8/s1600/DSC_0589.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671763874119971506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kZGIol1BeU/TrYnMXbQcrI/AAAAAAAAEKE/J18vS1LO_I8/s400/DSC_0589.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWOTqTD-dOU/TrYnLv5xDhI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/EwTbWJ18iDA/s1600/DSC_0594.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671763863510519314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWOTqTD-dOU/TrYnLv5xDhI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/EwTbWJ18iDA/s400/DSC_0594.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xY2qL_6TI4/TrYnLP_LgnI/AAAAAAAAEJs/J30pA54oM7M/s1600/DSC_0598.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671763854943289970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--xY2qL_6TI4/TrYnLP_LgnI/AAAAAAAAEJs/J30pA54oM7M/s400/DSC_0598.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrjT-fPPIWM/TrYnKwlVolI/AAAAAAAAEJg/HJpTRu05VnY/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671763846513402450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrjT-fPPIWM/TrYnKwlVolI/AAAAAAAAEJg/HJpTRu05VnY/s400/DSC_0597.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>We left early because I have only a day to be ready to teach and it's time to organize my material and already, I can feel the butterflies in my stomach...<br /><br /></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-74983410955721601142011-11-01T22:07:00.001-07:002011-11-03T01:04:12.195-07:00Australia Part 2<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4FeAMouF2I/TrDe6Amw9gI/AAAAAAAAEJU/1oGzXGliciA/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670277019035825666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4FeAMouF2I/TrDe6Amw9gI/AAAAAAAAEJU/1oGzXGliciA/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" /></a> I marveled at the various road signs I saw along the roads. Rather than the ubiquitous red circle with a line through it, the Australians have a way of cutting to the chase. Why yield if you can just give way...maybe a few of those merging cars that seem to feel yield applies to the other car might understand give way better...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4VL_BEtFas/TrDe5jXZA9I/AAAAAAAAEJI/IngpnaRlYOo/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670277011186713554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4VL_BEtFas/TrDe5jXZA9I/AAAAAAAAEJI/IngpnaRlYOo/s400/DSC_0119.JPG" /></a> and what says crosswalk better than a pair of walking legs...Eva was ever vigilant for my safety. Coming from Portland where pedestrians are king, I was unprepared for the cars that whizzed by me while walking in the crosswalk. And did I mention they drive (and walk) on the opposite side that we do? So I looked left, when I should have looked right and ran into numerous folks on the sidewalk when trying to stay right. Even the escalators are opposite!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USQlnFNElVc/TrDeRh7wGuI/AAAAAAAAEI0/g_Emx1_-SEM/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670276323607583458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USQlnFNElVc/TrDeRh7wGuI/AAAAAAAAEI0/g_Emx1_-SEM/s400/DSC_0120.JPG" /></a> One look at the prices on the pop machines and I was well on my way to getting over my Diet Coke habit. So many differences here and I delighted in each one.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JRXsM9On6w/TrDeP42aiNI/AAAAAAAAEIo/DMVoVRXezwE/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670276295399475410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JRXsM9On6w/TrDeP42aiNI/AAAAAAAAEIo/DMVoVRXezwE/s400/DSC_0124.JPG" /></a>On Sundays, you can ride the train and trams all day for just $3. So, Eva and I boarded the train to Melbourne for our next adventure, the Victoria Market. When we got downtown, she first took me to the "laneways"...stores and restaurants lining alleyways, crowded with people. Oh how I wish I had hours to explore each and every nook and cranny.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q--xfU-h1wY/TrDePMLqqDI/AAAAAAAAEIc/BsP5Y58h6Fw/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670276283409016882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q--xfU-h1wY/TrDePMLqqDI/AAAAAAAAEIc/BsP5Y58h6Fw/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZB6YV6l8Q/TrDeOBBUpnI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/JO9wjWDYWR0/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670276263232972402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZB6YV6l8Q/TrDeOBBUpnI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/JO9wjWDYWR0/s400/DSC_0133.JPG" /></a> We walked inside another group of stores with ornate arches and skylights. We window shopped for a bit and stopped for a taste of handcrafted chocolates, the best I'd tasted to that point (I was to find this a land filled with chocolate shoppes and chocolaterias, each seemingly better than the last.)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lC0pOetlGvM/TrDeNowOOtI/AAAAAAAAEIE/boYnVQfsKRU/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670276256718797522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lC0pOetlGvM/TrDeNowOOtI/AAAAAAAAEIE/boYnVQfsKRU/s400/DSC_0139.JPG" /></a>We said goodbye to the laneways and hopped a tram to Victoria Market. Row after row after row of food, discounted goods, jewelry, souvenirs and art. And some very charming vendors. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJTDRvIHsM8/TrDc_bnVDCI/AAAAAAAAEHw/kmMc6Ik140c/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670274913162038306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJTDRvIHsM8/TrDc_bnVDCI/AAAAAAAAEHw/kmMc6Ik140c/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zh_JwUmuKo/TrDc-SaQWwI/AAAAAAAAEHk/8wR5Oy_5b6w/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670274893511416578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zh_JwUmuKo/TrDc-SaQWwI/AAAAAAAAEHk/8wR5Oy_5b6w/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" /></a> We watched this man create the most beautiful calligraphy, making it look easy and effortless. Amazing how he would mix two or more colors on one pen nub and the colors magically applied them self without bleeding or running on the paper.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgRl2bXgoM0/TrDc9T44LzI/AAAAAAAAEHY/f5dmYSzqM8E/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670274876728422194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgRl2bXgoM0/TrDc9T44LzI/AAAAAAAAEHY/f5dmYSzqM8E/s400/DSC_0145.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_bsXHiVCrk/TrDc8Vpac4I/AAAAAAAAEHM/5pbfSjImuqA/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670274860020560770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_bsXHiVCrk/TrDc8Vpac4I/AAAAAAAAEHM/5pbfSjImuqA/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" /></a> There was live music to be listened to while we walked the rows of merchandise. I stopped in one stall to try on a pair of shoes. The vendor smiled and told me in heavily accented English that those shoes were the best and many customers loved them. He kept a steady spiel of rhetoric going while I tried first one size and then another, and realizing my foot needed something in between. So I sadly handed the shoes back to him, saying they did not fit. I wasn't ready for the reaction I received. He begin yelling, "you leave now, leave right now - you no like my shoes" and he chased me from the booth!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkZfDKDVALc/TrDc7-4NnII/AAAAAAAAEHA/8lIDt82KJ88/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670274853908618370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkZfDKDVALc/TrDc7-4NnII/AAAAAAAAEHA/8lIDt82KJ88/s400/DSC_0148.JPG" /></a> The colors were eye catching, especially the candy. We felt like we had walked miles before we finally reached the end. And were we done? Oh no, more stores beckoned from down the street.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woAyqRYkFxU/TrDbvbQHbUI/AAAAAAAAEGs/Fdi_G2w1TGQ/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670273538675141954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woAyqRYkFxU/TrDbvbQHbUI/AAAAAAAAEGs/Fdi_G2w1TGQ/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" /></a> Especially the Christmas store around the corner with it's lovely decorations organized by color.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSdXWP0IABA/TrDbumE9VoI/AAAAAAAAEGg/ELNLw70XCeo/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670273524401264258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSdXWP0IABA/TrDbumE9VoI/AAAAAAAAEGg/ELNLw70XCeo/s400/DSC_0155.JPG" /></a> Everywhere in Melbourne, I found oddly colored buildings and abstract architecture. It was a feast for the eyes and the camera.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bS0Equ30uo/TrDbtEi_WHI/AAAAAAAAEGY/zje0dSFjjpk/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670273498220550258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bS0Equ30uo/TrDbtEi_WHI/AAAAAAAAEGY/zje0dSFjjpk/s400/DSC_0167.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs5CymvhRLs/TrDbsFi-3QI/AAAAAAAAEGI/onp76SITVKU/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670273481309084930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs5CymvhRLs/TrDbsFi-3QI/AAAAAAAAEGI/onp76SITVKU/s400/DSC_0168.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoO1auyHRj8/TrDbrgoT98I/AAAAAAAAEF8/FLg7WLYNSeY/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670273471399327682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoO1auyHRj8/TrDbrgoT98I/AAAAAAAAEF8/FLg7WLYNSeY/s400/DSC_0170.JPG" /></a> I wish we could have seen this festival. I loved the idea of a celebration of the fringe community.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeoTinfoh2g/TrDaoLXhF9I/AAAAAAAAEFw/1MwTDktyLqw/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670272314640504786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeoTinfoh2g/TrDaoLXhF9I/AAAAAAAAEFw/1MwTDktyLqw/s400/DSC_0231.JPG" /></a> We traveled by tram to the Victoria State Library, an imposing structure surrounded by a small park full of people, pigeons and seagulls. Inside reveals a domed structure several stories tall.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hICRhrB9Crg/TrDanCW-KfI/AAAAAAAAEFc/rstLCpJpSoY/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670272295042427378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hICRhrB9Crg/TrDanCW-KfI/AAAAAAAAEFc/rstLCpJpSoY/s400/DSC_0195.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDHKWhz-JrU/TrDamMxkMNI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/PdMCXk6tLFY/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670272280658456786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDHKWhz-JrU/TrDamMxkMNI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/PdMCXk6tLFY/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aDoOXN2sGY/TrDalDXcKeI/AAAAAAAAEFE/2cu1nrjCiko/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670272260953090530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aDoOXN2sGY/TrDalDXcKeI/AAAAAAAAEFE/2cu1nrjCiko/s400/DSC_0181.JPG" /></a> There was a show of books on one level that began with books created in 1200 AD, including a Gutenberg Bible and an original Audubon book of bird prints. Such exquisite work, many of them hand printed and decorated with gold leaf and brilliant colors, all hand bound.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jwYZCa9rNM/TrDakrerblI/AAAAAAAAEE4/3ZCJPiuDqjQ/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670272254541000274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jwYZCa9rNM/TrDakrerblI/AAAAAAAAEE4/3ZCJPiuDqjQ/s400/DSC_0189.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cP6HpVksJ0s/TrDWoK--8FI/AAAAAAAAEEg/5n8h3xvtDcA/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670267916491092050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cP6HpVksJ0s/TrDWoK--8FI/AAAAAAAAEEg/5n8h3xvtDcA/s400/DSC_0187.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEjPi8dMPEc/TrDWmgHMQnI/AAAAAAAAEEY/shbJeH8sg-U/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670267887802925682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEjPi8dMPEc/TrDWmgHMQnI/AAAAAAAAEEY/shbJeH8sg-U/s400/DSC_0184.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0llff8S03g/TrDWljxD8YI/AAAAAAAAEEI/E1E7JR_Bqr4/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670267871603978626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0llff8S03g/TrDWljxD8YI/AAAAAAAAEEI/E1E7JR_Bqr4/s400/DSC_0183.JPG" /></a> I was awed by the work that went into creating each volume. How the book's creator must have loved written word in order to invest so much labor and care into each page!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Etol73ZqdNI/TrDWk7uszhI/AAAAAAAAED8/vVeuATmiR78/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670267860856655378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Etol73ZqdNI/TrDWk7uszhI/AAAAAAAAED8/vVeuATmiR78/s400/DSC_0232.JPG" /></a> Reluctantly we left the library and began to walk back downtown, window shopping and stopping at a "cheap" shop or two (our equivalent to a dollar store, except prices had a range of value rather than just $1. I was excited to find a little mini art department in each store and even more excited when I found true bargains like an entire tablet of copper leaf for only $3.50. Here I was in my first week and already I was wondering how I would get these things home with me!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xcYaMwA9b0/TrDWkUqFL7I/AAAAAAAAEDw/Lim1DtUmFSM/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670267850368298930" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xcYaMwA9b0/TrDWkUqFL7I/AAAAAAAAEDw/Lim1DtUmFSM/s400/DSC_0238.JPG" /></a> How I loved these silly bronze statues Eva pointed out to me, hidden in the hustle and bustle of the sidewalk and looking such a part of the other pedestrians hurrying by...we headed for the train station to find our way back home, next</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZzcezXucQg/TrDVVZYS0bI/AAAAAAAAEDc/n9P63yYuYY8/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670266494426206642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZzcezXucQg/TrDVVZYS0bI/AAAAAAAAEDc/n9P63yYuYY8/s400/DSC_0243.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNOKWNE4zrA/TrDVUf5VUAI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/nNCQnwVKM6k/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670266478995525634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KNOKWNE4zrA/TrDVUf5VUAI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/nNCQnwVKM6k/s400/DSC_0245.JPG" /></a> and stopped to relax near the Yarra River, both of us worn out by miles of walking...</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OT_mRIpoFjQ/TrDVTgKm-ZI/AAAAAAAAEDE/bOxOZFImksQ/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670266461888117138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OT_mRIpoFjQ/TrDVTgKm-ZI/AAAAAAAAEDE/bOxOZFImksQ/s400/DSC_0248.JPG" /></a> when I remembered we were near the alley full of fabulous graffiti I visited on my trip last year. Eva graciously agreed to take me there and explained since my last trip, the graffiti had been painted over and re-created and so would be new to me again. And I was not disappointed...</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yPhZ1NMz-0/TrDVSUH1vGI/AAAAAAAAEC4/58rWaaQ-P_8/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670266441475406946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yPhZ1NMz-0/TrDVSUH1vGI/AAAAAAAAEC4/58rWaaQ-P_8/s400/DSC_0256.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR77W2GGeC4/TrDVR55OZMI/AAAAAAAAECs/pbk4VZLsfTQ/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670266434434786498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR77W2GGeC4/TrDVR55OZMI/AAAAAAAAECs/pbk4VZLsfTQ/s400/DSC_0260.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkSHlpBqQQo/TrDUCCiyEII/AAAAAAAAECQ/pSkqkDCSG3w/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670265062367039618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkSHlpBqQQo/TrDUCCiyEII/AAAAAAAAECQ/pSkqkDCSG3w/s400/DSC_0275.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-172hh6DdsIo/TrDUBEKiAUI/AAAAAAAAECE/dcu8fDywzt8/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670265045622325570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-172hh6DdsIo/TrDUBEKiAUI/AAAAAAAAECE/dcu8fDywzt8/s400/DSC_0272.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGJCRdz90Ds/TrDUAEwBpnI/AAAAAAAAEB4/0brhAiX8i-s/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670265028599719538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGJCRdz90Ds/TrDUAEwBpnI/AAAAAAAAEB4/0brhAiX8i-s/s400/DSC_0269.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mpXw9fVk1I/TrDT_GaLz_I/AAAAAAAAEBs/P50DBXIwoYk/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670265011865112562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mpXw9fVk1I/TrDT_GaLz_I/AAAAAAAAEBs/P50DBXIwoYk/s400/DSC_0266.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLe0tYfoB18/TrDT-uQaCHI/AAAAAAAAEBg/tATXw3HEmvY/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670265005381650546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLe0tYfoB18/TrDT-uQaCHI/AAAAAAAAEBg/tATXw3HEmvY/s400/DSC_0264.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tl64TtTnw/TrDSjwrKpjI/AAAAAAAAEBE/eMkwmjNnsck/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670263442662663730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tl64TtTnw/TrDSjwrKpjI/AAAAAAAAEBE/eMkwmjNnsck/s400/DSC_0296.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwCTlvOT2LE/TrDSi_sK6ZI/AAAAAAAAEA4/UH8Scaoi-7I/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670263429513537938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwCTlvOT2LE/TrDSi_sK6ZI/AAAAAAAAEA4/UH8Scaoi-7I/s400/DSC_0288.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czw1KnDD89Y/TrDShgH2qwI/AAAAAAAAEAs/rU5id_u1sJE/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670263403859847938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czw1KnDD89Y/TrDShgH2qwI/AAAAAAAAEAs/rU5id_u1sJE/s400/DSC_0285.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zasXYxzlcjs/TrDSgpu-b1I/AAAAAAAAEAg/gWdxad_hkZ8/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670263389259984722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zasXYxzlcjs/TrDSgpu-b1I/AAAAAAAAEAg/gWdxad_hkZ8/s400/DSC_0280.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRxv2Caj-0I/TrDSgOaUWkI/AAAAAAAAEAU/jy9EnuRn8t0/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670263381925583426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRxv2Caj-0I/TrDSgOaUWkI/AAAAAAAAEAU/jy9EnuRn8t0/s400/DSC_0277.JPG" /></a>From graffiti to the beautify architecture of the Anglican Cathedral nearby. The interior of this church took my breath away with its innate beauty. I was filled with peace and serenity as I took in the high arched ceilings, gilded alter and rich stained glass windows.</div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670262046706303234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-db-asl-KnEw/TrDRSgVPAQI/AAAAAAAAD_M/_MeBu6_5WYQ/s400/DSC_0300.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670262077599063922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuZOhwu4aTg/TrDRUTapH3I/AAAAAAAAD_k/tDIcfv6n8uM/s400/DSC_0304.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670262062050282642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ny5894ylkPo/TrDRTZfhjJI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/lyk636fASsc/s400/DSC_0303.JPG" /></div><br /><div>As the light began to fade in the sky, we climbed aboard the train and headed home. My head filled with so many sights and sounds, I spent the ride trying to commit them all to memory so I can take a bit of Oz with me wherever I go.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXjTwGMC2I/TrDRWeSkLDI/AAAAAAAAD_8/cKfw6fTtnpc/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670262114877713458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXjTwGMC2I/TrDRWeSkLDI/AAAAAAAAD_8/cKfw6fTtnpc/s400/DSC_0309.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-80912340386994066082011-10-28T23:47:00.000-07:002011-10-29T01:43:47.012-07:00Australia: Post 1<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qXPg93aTks/TqutrptzbzI/AAAAAAAAD_A/yorDpOsm2Mw/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668815521419849522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qXPg93aTks/TqutrptzbzI/AAAAAAAAD_A/yorDpOsm2Mw/s400/IMG_1518.JPG" /></a>It's taken me awhile to post of my epic trip to Australia. The trip was the best of my life. I made new friends and reunited with friends I met when I taught there in 2010. I taught two art classes and was blessed with amazing students. I saw animals in the wild that I had never seen before outside the zoo. And the food...and the wine...world class. But the reason it's been so hard to post is that I am missing Victoria and all her folks who I came to know and admire...I had such a hard time leaving, and if I could, I would go back and stay.<br /><br />I left in the evening on September 16 and arrived in Melbourne two days later, even though the flight from the west coast was only 1500 in duration. I flew Qantas Air this trip at the recommendation of my seat mates on my last flight. They said Qantas had good food and good customer service. And they do. Great food. Free wine. Flight attendents with smiles on their faces. When you get to your seat, there is a blanket, headphones, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pillow waiting for you. Touchscreen TV/movies/games in the seat in front of you. And even though I was in the aisle seat, the food cart didn't even hit me once.<br /><br />I arrived in the morning and began my slow trek through customs. Smiles all around. No worries. No stress. The biggest stress I had was how to manage my four bags by myself until I could get out of customs. And when I did, dear Eva was waiting for me, just as she was there the first time. We loaded everything in the car, shopped for groceries and headed to her house in the foothills of the Dandenong Range. I managed to stay up for awhile to settle in, but after almost 24 hours of being awake, I eventually collapsed into deep sleep.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jog02sv_glw/TqupkWIPMuI/AAAAAAAAD-w/rgtR4FWYNYo/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668810997856416482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jog02sv_glw/TqupkWIPMuI/AAAAAAAAD-w/rgtR4FWYNYo/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" /></a> In the morning, Eva had a treat for me. We drove up into the hills to visit Cloudhill Nursery. A garden center with an attached formal garden, it was a delight to behold. We walked the grounds for hours, before touring the amazing garden shop full of art.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CejtOMZZLBA/TqupjzHQj3I/AAAAAAAAD-k/jTmb6KbYdjs/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668810988457070450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CejtOMZZLBA/TqupjzHQj3I/AAAAAAAAD-k/jTmb6KbYdjs/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" /></a> There was beautiful art through the grounds, all of which was for sale, such as this mosaic pond.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfkyoBY4IHM/TqupjgxWtXI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/FiIp0HdilUk/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668810983533360498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wfkyoBY4IHM/TqupjgxWtXI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/FiIp0HdilUk/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" /></a> A reflection pool filled with koi. So peaceful and serene.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNGMgySuiN8/Tqupipf-smI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/5HDfDdDg0Eg/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668810968696533602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNGMgySuiN8/Tqupipf-smI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/5HDfDdDg0Eg/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" /></a> A stone in the path stated, " It is solved by walking."<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrC0e3VgBPM/TqupiYrUvCI/AAAAAAAAD-A/VaLD33CHO_Q/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668810964180712482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrC0e3VgBPM/TqupiYrUvCI/AAAAAAAAD-A/VaLD33CHO_Q/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQHepuPRdrs/TquojyuhOmI/AAAAAAAAD90/7Pbm0bkhJeM/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668809888841677410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQHepuPRdrs/TquojyuhOmI/AAAAAAAAD90/7Pbm0bkhJeM/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN7dXV9d0QA/TquojGoQ2RI/AAAAAAAAD9s/XtAimFnGU8I/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668809877004278034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN7dXV9d0QA/TquojGoQ2RI/AAAAAAAAD9s/XtAimFnGU8I/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" /></a> Eva resting in one of the colorful benches throughout the garden.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldPMoGKuKSk/Tquoiw5WtQI/AAAAAAAAD9c/fkEY2jWe7dU/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668809871170385154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldPMoGKuKSk/Tquoiw5WtQI/AAAAAAAAD9c/fkEY2jWe7dU/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CAQ2fg2cQI/TquoiHrJEvI/AAAAAAAAD9U/T6XCeW0Yp5w/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668809860104917746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CAQ2fg2cQI/TquoiHrJEvI/AAAAAAAAD9U/T6XCeW0Yp5w/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDjKuzbP-po/TquohxM-ADI/AAAAAAAAD9E/avVvpB-q8yY/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668809854072782898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDjKuzbP-po/TquohxM-ADI/AAAAAAAAD9E/avVvpB-q8yY/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zDyyE4tAAA/TqunmppIBDI/AAAAAAAAD84/7GWV9mdWW1w/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668808838431114290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zDyyE4tAAA/TqunmppIBDI/AAAAAAAAD84/7GWV9mdWW1w/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55gpD-Z2Crk/TqunmDzLHAI/AAAAAAAAD8s/OluLCTtUVmk/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668808828272712706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55gpD-Z2Crk/TqunmDzLHAI/AAAAAAAAD8s/OluLCTtUVmk/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkVY1uwmQhw/TqunlbddLcI/AAAAAAAAD8g/CRz1jktOEok/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668808817444203970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkVY1uwmQhw/TqunlbddLcI/AAAAAAAAD8g/CRz1jktOEok/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2h2kBwZSns/TqunlHhNN-I/AAAAAAAAD8U/UV9s9UV0qVw/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668808812091226082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2h2kBwZSns/TqunlHhNN-I/AAAAAAAAD8U/UV9s9UV0qVw/s400/DSC_0061.JPG" /></a> It is spring in Australia and so lovely to see spring bulbs in full bloom and lilac bushes blooming.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668807508917146994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkAN4j-5lz4/TqumZQ0S1XI/AAAAAAAAD78/44JMLtF4-b0/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668807505765464834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXoQ1VE160g/TqumZFE3-wI/AAAAAAAAD7w/TiRI3a93vHo/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" />We left the nursery and stopped at Pie in the Sky for a delicious meat pie. I could not wait to have one again. They are SOOOO delicious.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwDWrewzcM/TqumYnSTbvI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Tdpy5uu0JMg/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668807497768726258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQwDWrewzcM/TqumYnSTbvI/AAAAAAAAD7k/Tdpy5uu0JMg/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0J8traa69Ok/TqumYBGTS_I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/JQTJo1MUJHc/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668807487517838322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0J8traa69Ok/TqumYBGTS_I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/JQTJo1MUJHc/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>And so many flavors to pick from...my favorite was lamb seasoned with rosemary and a curry pie. And sausage in a biscuit. We shopped the quaint stores of Olinda and Sassafras. I want to live in Sassafras someday...and have tea at Miss Marples, explore the colorful yarns of Sassafras Wool and relax in the ambience of the Oracle. Had a lovely conversation with a young man just starting down the path of becoming a professional photographer and a political discussion with an expatriot from Minnesota, who has lived there many years but never lost his American accent.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We slowly headed home, stopping to meet Eva's friends that live nearby and watched a bit of Aussie football. Now that's an exciting game. Don't think I'll be as enthusiastic about our football after seeing that. Eventually it was home and to sleep, to get ready for day two, Victoria Market and the city of Melbourne.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkSJ6UgXSD0/TqumX7XJD3I/AAAAAAAAD7M/xD811ZlpVKw/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668807485977857906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkSJ6UgXSD0/TqumX7XJD3I/AAAAAAAAD7M/xD811ZlpVKw/s400/DSC_0086.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-54258185974128927222011-10-02T17:14:00.000-07:002011-10-02T17:17:56.305-07:00Melbourne Morning<div><div>Today I woke to the laugh of a kookaburra, perched in the tree outside my bedroom window. Every note of his lunatic laugh sending shivers of delight down my spine. Each morning, I am greeted by the haunting, hollow tones of the Australian magpie, whistling and warbling words in a language known only to him. The trees here, green and lush with the promise of summer coming, are filled with the exotic symphony of birds strange to my ear, but who fill my heart with happy song. Although I am on foreign shores, I feel as if I've found home.</div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-88607746012516817132011-08-24T00:32:00.000-07:002011-08-24T01:11:12.070-07:00Getting waxy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru9CLkPP5rU/TlSsaPPeqcI/AAAAAAAAD6I/fVG2p7qdzos/s1600/encaustic_class12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644325799770106306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru9CLkPP5rU/TlSsaPPeqcI/AAAAAAAAD6I/fVG2p7qdzos/s400/encaustic_class12.jpg" border="0" /></a> Taught a wonderful encaustic class on Saturday to a group of talented ladies from all parts of the Pacific Northwest. On the hottest day of the year so far, we fired up the griddles, skillets and heat guns and began playing with lucious-smelling beeswax.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0bXEs5la_4/TlSsZwYx99I/AAAAAAAAD6A/gkx5X8WxQBY/s1600/encaustic_class11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644325791487621074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0bXEs5la_4/TlSsZwYx99I/AAAAAAAAD6A/gkx5X8WxQBY/s400/encaustic_class11.jpg" border="0" /></a> We worked diligently, despite the heat, inspired by the creative studio at Collage. Nine of us gathered together in this cozy space to make art and getting to know one another. The synergy of shared ideas is always amazing.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnxN-TY1XY4/TlSsZ2W4LhI/AAAAAAAAD54/DBRLsuhzSok/s1600/encaustic_class13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644325793090252306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnxN-TY1XY4/TlSsZ2W4LhI/AAAAAAAAD54/DBRLsuhzSok/s400/encaustic_class13.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IgiVQZL5U8/TlSsZlf9QTI/AAAAAAAAD5w/c2YQ0u6L5cM/s1600/encaustic_class_15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644325788564930866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IgiVQZL5U8/TlSsZlf9QTI/AAAAAAAAD5w/c2YQ0u6L5cM/s400/encaustic_class_15.jpg" border="0" /></a> And such beautiful art we created!! The finished works belied the simple ingredients...a bit of collage and found objects, a little bit of oil stick and colored wax...and of course, the beautiful surfaces created with foil, gold leaf and transfers...I just can't get enough of this wax! I was so impressed with the finished works. Thank you all for coming!
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bC1kih4Wl1w/TlSsZaV9elI/AAAAAAAAD5o/QAEPrAMOSrU/s1600/encaustic_class14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644325785570212434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bC1kih4Wl1w/TlSsZaV9elI/AAAAAAAAD5o/QAEPrAMOSrU/s400/encaustic_class14.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VwvyHh_J_g/TlSrkIC--uI/AAAAAAAAD5g/dlgP9EwbpTQ/s1600/encaustic_class10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644324870125714146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VwvyHh_J_g/TlSrkIC--uI/AAAAAAAAD5g/dlgP9EwbpTQ/s400/encaustic_class10.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXlGFs52wlw/TlSrj-dNd5I/AAAAAAAAD5Y/mWWM2u1HQ0c/s1600/encaustic_class9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644324867551360914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EXlGFs52wlw/TlSrj-dNd5I/AAAAAAAAD5Y/mWWM2u1HQ0c/s400/encaustic_class9.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9LTQOMWIHA/TlSrjwTNLqI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/XWYZ3afb0rw/s1600/encaustic_class8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644324863751302818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9LTQOMWIHA/TlSrjwTNLqI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/XWYZ3afb0rw/s400/encaustic_class8.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06lBuPdKeDA/TlSrjhno6UI/AAAAAAAAD5I/RVjiTg2GLcY/s1600/encaustic_class7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644324859810474306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06lBuPdKeDA/TlSrjhno6UI/AAAAAAAAD5I/RVjiTg2GLcY/s400/encaustic_class7.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQr1lK46ov4/TlSrjqH4i_I/AAAAAAAAD5A/FS4BDI5ESPc/s1600/encaustic_class6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644324862093200370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQr1lK46ov4/TlSrjqH4i_I/AAAAAAAAD5A/FS4BDI5ESPc/s400/encaustic_class6.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZA0NwyWBZQ/TlSqHP1tEzI/AAAAAAAAD44/S2YnSVf_bwk/s1600/encaustic_class5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644323274489664306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZA0NwyWBZQ/TlSqHP1tEzI/AAAAAAAAD44/S2YnSVf_bwk/s400/encaustic_class5.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PT9flawuuu4/TlSqHOdYZJI/AAAAAAAAD4w/819EniH4AGw/s1600/encaustic_class4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644323274119210130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PT9flawuuu4/TlSqHOdYZJI/AAAAAAAAD4w/819EniH4AGw/s400/encaustic_class4.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzB3aEuq-E8/TlSqG5tJi2I/AAAAAAAAD4o/QWg9GoHvD_I/s1600/encaustic_class3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644323268548201314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzB3aEuq-E8/TlSqG5tJi2I/AAAAAAAAD4o/QWg9GoHvD_I/s400/encaustic_class3.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay4kaOkr3fY/TlSqGuylNqI/AAAAAAAAD4g/3XMzN1bajDk/s1600/encaustic_class2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644323265618196130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay4kaOkr3fY/TlSqGuylNqI/AAAAAAAAD4g/3XMzN1bajDk/s400/encaustic_class2.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgBo42VVV4Q/TlSqGSGAHMI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/R95DePgPsGg/s1600/encaustic_class1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644323257915022530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgBo42VVV4Q/TlSqGSGAHMI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/R95DePgPsGg/s400/encaustic_class1.jpg" border="0" /></a> At the end of the day we go our separate ways and I reluctantly gather up the tools and supplies. Time to pack it all carefully in a suitcase or two...next stop, Australia!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
<br />Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-213000249588560552011-08-19T23:48:00.000-07:002011-08-20T00:29:20.651-07:00Plucky Maidens<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0SOXIPANHs/Tk9a49fu-zI/AAAAAAAAD4I/E0PsydV52pg/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828792745360178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0SOXIPANHs/Tk9a49fu-zI/AAAAAAAAD4I/E0PsydV52pg/s400/IMG_4137.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.collagepdx.blogspot.com/">Maria Raliegh of Collage </a>and her friend, <a href="http://www.onegalstrash.blogspot.com/">Pam Fromuth of One Gal's Trash</a>, got together this weekend to put on <a href="http://pluckymaidens.blogspot.com/">Plucky Maidens Junk Fest</a>. Who could resist checking out an event with a name as enticing as this? Visions of vintage finds danced through my head as I rushed to get from work to their event at <a href="http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home">McMenamin's Edgefield </a>in Troutdale, OR. And the event did not disappoint my anticipation.
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwMWbupwp14/Tk9a4nEdqVI/AAAAAAAAD4A/166QeqKIocI/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828786725398866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwMWbupwp14/Tk9a4nEdqVI/AAAAAAAAD4A/166QeqKIocI/s400/IMG_4127.JPG" border="0" /></a>Dozens of booths filled with vintage goodies were scattered beneath the trees. No matter what direction you looked, there were treasures to be found and my brain filled with ideas of how each item could be used in my art or simply brought home as a sort of trophy to look at lovingly while it gathers dust (as many of my finds do while I decide what kind of art I can make with them).
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5PMxU1qxsQ/Tk9amsDhRaI/AAAAAAAAD34/qEHewbDR0aw/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828478825973154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5PMxU1qxsQ/Tk9amsDhRaI/AAAAAAAAD34/qEHewbDR0aw/s400/IMG_4128.JPG" border="0" /></a> Live music drifted through the air while I shopped each booth, making for a relaxed atmosphere.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAvdAMmdzUk/Tk9ambgQdKI/AAAAAAAAD3w/rFJbl3WfbHo/s1600/IMG_4129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828474383103138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rAvdAMmdzUk/Tk9ambgQdKI/AAAAAAAAD3w/rFJbl3WfbHo/s400/IMG_4129.JPG" border="0" /></a> The wares were displayed in groupings that begged to be photographed and preserved.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMz9jKMc090/Tk9amU7EOzI/AAAAAAAAD3o/lVXhmM_p0XI/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828472616500018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMz9jKMc090/Tk9amU7EOzI/AAAAAAAAD3o/lVXhmM_p0XI/s400/IMG_4131.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acjbku5vR9Q/Tk9amIZl8TI/AAAAAAAAD3g/POqctrs1kLU/s1600/IMG_4133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828469254877490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acjbku5vR9Q/Tk9amIZl8TI/AAAAAAAAD3g/POqctrs1kLU/s400/IMG_4133.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3zwqyzbHos/Tk9alyJaDOI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/0_05FitSPMY/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642828463281409250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b3zwqyzbHos/Tk9alyJaDOI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/0_05FitSPMY/s400/IMG_4135.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmrBzXOoooI/Tk9aIBtTiuI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/Xy4pE2rJxK8/s1600/IMG_4136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827952062434018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmrBzXOoooI/Tk9aIBtTiuI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/Xy4pE2rJxK8/s400/IMG_4136.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIxPae5-ccc/Tk9aHxV5_jI/AAAAAAAAD3I/yfbvUbrNtoI/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827947669323314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIxPae5-ccc/Tk9aHxV5_jI/AAAAAAAAD3I/yfbvUbrNtoI/s400/IMG_4138.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unSubYmVkrs/Tk9aHtIT0jI/AAAAAAAAD3A/jnUCfkZ6h5k/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827946538553906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unSubYmVkrs/Tk9aHtIT0jI/AAAAAAAAD3A/jnUCfkZ6h5k/s400/IMG_4141.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKxgc1zagk0/Tk9aHdcg62I/AAAAAAAAD24/UmPOFWI-gO0/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827942328331106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKxgc1zagk0/Tk9aHdcg62I/AAAAAAAAD24/UmPOFWI-gO0/s400/IMG_4142.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idRIuD8v8Ho/Tk9aHEVr2CI/AAAAAAAAD2w/LdM-Zq79oGU/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827935588800546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idRIuD8v8Ho/Tk9aHEVr2CI/AAAAAAAAD2w/LdM-Zq79oGU/s400/IMG_4144.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJFSDoT5iTU/Tk9Zf3C98-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/NkFQYJizZ8w/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827262005736418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJFSDoT5iTU/Tk9Zf3C98-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/NkFQYJizZ8w/s400/IMG_4145.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lY4y5WfXjU8/Tk9ZfowdOPI/AAAAAAAAD2g/hA5mommf7eM/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827258169997554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lY4y5WfXjU8/Tk9ZfowdOPI/AAAAAAAAD2g/hA5mommf7eM/s400/IMG_4146.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFSvJMj9-zA/Tk9ZfaoiMPI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/qPqKCBCzsQU/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827254378672370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFSvJMj9-zA/Tk9ZfaoiMPI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/qPqKCBCzsQU/s400/IMG_4149.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sonja and Diane from Collage!
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XYtpv43p7w/Tk9ZfKOgg_I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/JUNvktWF_g8/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827249974543346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XYtpv43p7w/Tk9ZfKOgg_I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/JUNvktWF_g8/s400/IMG_4152.JPG" border="0" /></a> The entrance to <a href="http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home">McMenamims Edgefield</a>. Created in 1911, as a "poor farm" in Multnomah County, and now preserved as an eclectic hotel with art on each door, restuarants, a movie theater, golf course, brewery and winery and so much more! I stayed here once several years ago and fell in love with the place. What a perfect venue for vintage event!
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjvfzWDLlL4/Tk9Ze9El4hI/AAAAAAAAD2I/vGQtzexeq7o/s1600/IMG_4155a.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642827246443291154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjvfzWDLlL4/Tk9Ze9El4hI/AAAAAAAAD2I/vGQtzexeq7o/s400/IMG_4155a.JPG" border="0" /></a> I held on to my money...Australia is just around the corner and that's my priority for now. But never fear...The Plucky Maidens have two more events planned for November and April!! I will definitely be there!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
<br />Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-81073633238377005122011-08-15T23:59:00.000-07:002011-08-16T00:17:25.803-07:00A New Old House
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq0abpjvqac/TkoV3h2jw_I/AAAAAAAAD14/3q8b6RGx6PI/s1600/paint3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641345526959162354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq0abpjvqac/TkoV3h2jw_I/AAAAAAAAD14/3q8b6RGx6PI/s400/paint3.jpg" border="0" /></a> For ten years I have come home to a tired green house and felt tired just looking at it. I tried a dozen different color combinations, but nothing worked with the dark green shingles on the roof until I brought home this warm olive green. And twelve trim color samples later, I had this dark purple that was perfect. Then there was getting the paint on the house. A few weeks of prep work, cleaning and repairs. And finally the paint went on. This weekend and last, my son Tim, his girlfriend Sarah and I worked from dawn to dusk and while not completely done, we are almost there.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQnZyvqfAeo/TkoV3TZEhyI/AAAAAAAAD1w/LgKGL33x2Tk/s1600/paint2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641345523077383970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQnZyvqfAeo/TkoV3TZEhyI/AAAAAAAAD1w/LgKGL33x2Tk/s400/paint2.jpg" border="0" /></a> I could never have done this without their help. This was a joint enterprise that brings home to my heart the value of family and friends to see you through the tough times and celebrate the successes in your life with laughter and a shoulder to lean on. Thanks to you both!!! Here is Sarah putting on some finishing touches.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLZ3-b1PbQg/TkoV3ITOnhI/AAAAAAAAD1g/VWiOc1vRSVM/s1600/paint.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641345520100089362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLZ3-b1PbQg/TkoV3ITOnhI/AAAAAAAAD1g/VWiOc1vRSVM/s400/paint.jpg" border="0" /></a> And Tim high up on the ladder painting the eaves while Sarah holds the ladder.
<br />
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641345532439321666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwwX-BRFkkI/TkoV32RIXEI/AAAAAAAAD2A/TWSCJpIfRV4/s400/paint4.jpg" border="0" />Oh, and the lamps....I bought these lamps to install last year. When we took the old lamps off, we realized the electrical boxes were not installed correctly and the lamps did not fit. Tim managed to invent an alternative way to install the lamps and up they went.</div>
<br /><div>
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641345524621522162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH2F17tEX4s/TkoV3ZJONPI/AAAAAAAAD1o/u_n6-yd4cp8/s400/paint1.jpg" border="0" />And of course there has to be a site foreman. She carefully supervised us from the livingroom window to make sure we did the job right and stayed on task. I came home today and it was like coming home to a brand new house. Now for the interior paint...</div></div></div></div>
<br />Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-28077864915463773962011-08-12T00:11:00.001-07:002011-08-12T02:39:46.785-07:00A Change in Pace<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cclepB6ZET8/TkTSOfWnWXI/AAAAAAAAD1U/qpw7Ab968zQ/s1600/lacamaslakeevening.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639863779751057778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cclepB6ZET8/TkTSOfWnWXI/AAAAAAAAD1U/qpw7Ab968zQ/s400/lacamaslakeevening.jpg" /></a> There comes a time in everyone's life where the focus and pace begins to move in a different direction and speed. One day you wake up and the world has changed, the air carries the fragrance of change and the pallette you've used to paint your hope and dreams suddenly contains very different colors. No matter how hard you try to hold on to the life you loved, change will prevail.
<br />
<br />And as much as I long for my old life, I am also drawn to the challenge of change. When your life is irrevokably changed, how do you close the door behind you and find a new path? How do you successfully balance the passions of your life with the more mundane needs to work and keep a roof over your head, and still have time to sleep? On some days it's incredibly hard...and on other days impossible. And yet the challenge draws me forward.
<br />
<br />Tonight, as I walked by the beautiful Lacamas Lake, I was filled with gratitude for the evening that unfolded before me. The lake was calm and full of yellow blooming lily pads that supported a chorus of frogs. The full moon smiled through a tangerine blue sky while a rowboat gently rocked in the water. My soul was filled with peace... and I realized how many times I've been blessed by these moments that vanquish worry and sorrow and make me glad to be alive. It is in moments such as these that I have faith that no matter the circumstances, my feet will find the right path to journey into my tomorrows.
<br />Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-89089018743020754892011-07-24T16:15:00.000-07:002011-07-25T01:30:36.737-07:00Boston, Mass!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzBYdhAHlt0/Ti0D78uK-oI/AAAAAAAAD04/yRqd15Fi-sE/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633163037357308546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzBYdhAHlt0/Ti0D78uK-oI/AAAAAAAAD04/yRqd15Fi-sE/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" /></a> It started with a free rewards air ticket on Southwest Air that I had to use by July19...but where to go? I called my favorite traveling companion, my sister Jill, for ideas. She had just tracked a branch of our family to the Boston area, a part of the country neither one of us had ever traveled to and off we went. Neither of us had the time for a lengthy trip, but managed five days away. It took a full day to travel there and another to travel back, so we were determined to do as much as possible in our three full days in the city...and what a city it is!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT3dHQI2xoU/Ti0D7vHg62I/AAAAAAAAD0w/XC7QJ4Cqjdw/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633163033705507682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT3dHQI2xoU/Ti0D7vHg62I/AAAAAAAAD0w/XC7QJ4Cqjdw/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" /></a> We started with the subway. In fact, in this city, there is really no need for a car. When boarding the subway in the Kendall Station, we noticed this lever that stated if pushed and pulled, it would operate a chime.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtm6EN4ZK_s/Ti0D7Q11KWI/AAAAAAAAD0o/iQm-edU88Ss/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633163025578273122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtm6EN4ZK_s/Ti0D7Q11KWI/AAAAAAAAD0o/iQm-edU88Ss/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" /></a> The chime was beautiful, hanging between the incoming and outgoing trains and it was obviously familiar to the children who caught the train here as they headed straight for the lever to operate the chime, as did their moms.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jC7lkBtY0/Ti0D7Lj7lLI/AAAAAAAAD0g/ycH6FNNiWHE/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633163024161019058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9jC7lkBtY0/Ti0D7Lj7lLI/AAAAAAAAD0g/ycH6FNNiWHE/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prDcL3Oe1Ag/Ti0CtIYmbMI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/VwUD_8CWNlo/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633161683278392514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-prDcL3Oe1Ag/Ti0CtIYmbMI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/VwUD_8CWNlo/s400/DSC_0271.JPG" /></a> We exited the subway at the Boston Commons and started with the Freedom Trail, that followed the major landmarks in the city along a 3 mile path through the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the 1600's.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySTqZisQRBU/Ti0Cs6_q_nI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/B2Ru-zLkqIc/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633161679684173426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySTqZisQRBU/Ti0Cs6_q_nI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/B2Ru-zLkqIc/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" /></a> Simple to follow, the path follows either a red painted line, or more frequently, this brick patterned line through the sidewalks and cobblestoned streets.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIQGFgD0Gf8/Ti0CsfLH_lI/AAAAAAAAD0I/2h2EMlqZy1c/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633161672216018514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIQGFgD0Gf8/Ti0CsfLH_lI/AAAAAAAAD0I/2h2EMlqZy1c/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" /></a> We started with the state house with its beautiful gold dome, completed in 1798 located across from the commons.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AHI-42-hj8/Ti0CsJEmojI/AAAAAAAAD0A/AhltYDX31zI/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633161666283086386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AHI-42-hj8/Ti0CsJEmojI/AAAAAAAAD0A/AhltYDX31zI/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" /></a> Next was the Park Street Church, build in 1809, built adjacen to the Granary Burying Grounds.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2_LHzPJaAk/Ti0CrwLSnCI/AAAAAAAADz4/CShr_M8F06s/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633161659600247842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2_LHzPJaAk/Ti0CrwLSnCI/AAAAAAAADz4/CShr_M8F06s/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDlAifWN62w/Ti0AO3ANioI/AAAAAAAADzw/FGfcqqyEofE/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633158964193364610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDlAifWN62w/Ti0AO3ANioI/AAAAAAAADzw/FGfcqqyEofE/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" /></a> Dating back to the 1600's, many famous folks are buried here, including Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin's parents, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. The headstones are all elaborately carved and easily read. At that time, most stones included cherubs and skull and crossbones as the colonists accepted the reality of death. Although there are several hundred people buried here, there are fewer stones. In the days of the depression, the WPA was told to line the old gravestones up in rows so they no longer correspond to the bodies below. In addition, the grounds were permanently wet with underground springs and in wet times, the bodies would float and move around so its no longer known exactly where the owners of the stones are actually buried.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ww41ORRL5yc/Ti0AOYVWIAI/AAAAAAAADzo/4W7ddNNsWMo/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633158955960508418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ww41ORRL5yc/Ti0AOYVWIAI/AAAAAAAADzo/4W7ddNNsWMo/s400/DSC_0107.JPG" /></a> This is the grave of Mary Goose, who folks mistake for Mother Goose. Her grave was covered with pennies.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH7v9RUciXY/Ti0AOAyMUMI/AAAAAAAADzg/DavZ3IFUscs/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633158949639049410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wH7v9RUciXY/Ti0AOAyMUMI/AAAAAAAADzg/DavZ3IFUscs/s400/DSC_0125.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZKv7DQoPB0/Ti0AN3tKq5I/AAAAAAAADzY/E3r4lfAFZlU/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633158947202050962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZKv7DQoPB0/Ti0AN3tKq5I/AAAAAAAADzY/E3r4lfAFZlU/s400/DSC_0117.JPG" /></a> As was Paul Revere's grave. Someone had added an American flag to his site, as well.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceu4OH7SQQA/Ti0ANtQDFMI/AAAAAAAADzQ/5hXz7fHhVSc/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633158944395564226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceu4OH7SQQA/Ti0ANtQDFMI/AAAAAAAADzQ/5hXz7fHhVSc/s400/DSC_0155.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APmjKd68Gu4/Tiz9AyiDQGI/AAAAAAAADzI/2IWdA63MvQs/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633155423940067426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APmjKd68Gu4/Tiz9AyiDQGI/AAAAAAAADzI/2IWdA63MvQs/s400/DSC_0124.JPG" /></a> I'm wondering if the hand pointing upward was a reminder to the deceased as to which direction their soul should take...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwAN5T7duE/Tiz9AW2FU4I/AAAAAAAADzA/FlFwwKR1AZE/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633155416507896706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hwAN5T7duE/Tiz9AW2FU4I/AAAAAAAADzA/FlFwwKR1AZE/s400/DSC_0129.JPG" /></a> Even an artist was recognized with a bronze plate. Art must have been valued even in a primitive community such as the colonies were in those years. Smibert emigrated from Scotland and painted in the style of the old masters.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bWsjqLEqKM/Tiz9ANfvSSI/AAAAAAAADy4/7wCSY1peCZk/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633155413998258466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bWsjqLEqKM/Tiz9ANfvSSI/AAAAAAAADy4/7wCSY1peCZk/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" /></a> Box seats in the old church...the boxes were held by individual families that brought their own hear into the box and the walls held the heat inside. Otherwise the church would have been unbearably cold in the winter.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHBkfxZByas/Tiz8_0pLveI/AAAAAAAADyw/UBwkhH0DF5Q/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633155407326985698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHBkfxZByas/Tiz8_0pLveI/AAAAAAAADyw/UBwkhH0DF5Q/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" /></a> The pulpit was elevated so that everyone could clearly see the minister and hear the sermon.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSY48hmaVR8/Tiz8_5iREDI/AAAAAAAADyo/PnIkF260u-A/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633155408640151602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSY48hmaVR8/Tiz8_5iREDI/AAAAAAAADyo/PnIkF260u-A/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" /></a> And this beautiful building was Boston's first skyscraper. Stunningly beautiful, it is dwarfed by the modern day skycrapers all around it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHy9delEt6g/Tiz7XHvrA4I/AAAAAAAADyg/oW5JQLUAVyc/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633153608568210306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHy9delEt6g/Tiz7XHvrA4I/AAAAAAAADyg/oW5JQLUAVyc/s400/DSC_0158.JPG" /></a> This was the site of the first public school in the US and is commerated by this beautiful mosaic in the sidewalk.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MX1SuoAh1cA/Tiz7W0wY06I/AAAAAAAADyY/dPMZ911T8cs/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633153603470939042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MX1SuoAh1cA/Tiz7W0wY06I/AAAAAAAADyY/dPMZ911T8cs/s400/DSC_0168.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jae97n-naw0/Tiz7WikJuUI/AAAAAAAADyQ/KM2yYYMAlgQ/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633153598587779394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jae97n-naw0/Tiz7WikJuUI/AAAAAAAADyQ/KM2yYYMAlgQ/s400/DSC_0182.JPG" /></a> This is the beautiful Old South Meeting House, again, dwarfed by nearby skyscrapers. This is where the Boston Tea Party originated from the oration of Sam Adams and Josiah Quincy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxIpGIbTPtw/Tiz7WY8YWAI/AAAAAAAADyI/RrBRKdFFtd4/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633153596005046274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxIpGIbTPtw/Tiz7WY8YWAI/AAAAAAAADyI/RrBRKdFFtd4/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" /></a> Hidden in a nearby alley was this gem of an old bookstore. I could have spent an entire day in this store. As I entered, a man was closing a sale on a book for more than a thousand dollars, but most of the books were under $20. But it was amazing to hold books printed more than 100 years ago, when books were handcrafted works of art.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxC1s_hQ_Xk/Tiz7WHo2NJI/AAAAAAAADyA/oYdc5ca06-c/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633153591359714450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxC1s_hQ_Xk/Tiz7WHo2NJI/AAAAAAAADyA/oYdc5ca06-c/s400/DSC_0190.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md6C4l6mjLM/Tiz5wfgqDPI/AAAAAAAADx4/RHpOs1iPclU/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633151845421157618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md6C4l6mjLM/Tiz5wfgqDPI/AAAAAAAADx4/RHpOs1iPclU/s400/DSC_0197.JPG" /></a> This was the resident cat in the store, appropriately solemn and quiet and only somewhat tolerating of the affectionate petting that came his way.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2aIH3b0Rw8/Tiz5wOKcIzI/AAAAAAAADxw/Eok-IrdLXR8/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633151840764568370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E2aIH3b0Rw8/Tiz5wOKcIzI/AAAAAAAADxw/Eok-IrdLXR8/s400/DSC_0195.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKa3QuuyA8k/Tiz5v0uQVFI/AAAAAAAADxo/l_zu23IroUI/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633151833935467602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKa3QuuyA8k/Tiz5v0uQVFI/AAAAAAAADxo/l_zu23IroUI/s400/DSC_0205.JPG" /></a> This is the old state house built in 1713. I meant to cross back across the street to get a better photo, but was distracted and was sorry not to get a better photo as the spire on this building is beautiful and framed with the gold leafed statues of a unicorn and a lion.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG_WlsskvnM/Tiz5vgHLabI/AAAAAAAADxg/UqTI5iif9LE/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633151828402858418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG_WlsskvnM/Tiz5vgHLabI/AAAAAAAADxg/UqTI5iif9LE/s400/DSC_0216.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEByk77dwjk/Tiz5vfw_5KI/AAAAAAAADxY/4vFD7pT2K2s/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633151828309828770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEByk77dwjk/Tiz5vfw_5KI/AAAAAAAADxY/4vFD7pT2K2s/s400/DSC_0235.JPG" /></a> Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 and was the meeting place for American Revolutionaries where they debated the Acts and Laws imposed by England. Rebuilt in 1805, the hall is full of historic paintings from that era. However, the narrator of the tour program pointed out that only 1 to 3 people out of 10 qualified to be at the meetings. Property owners that were male and attended church every Sunday were the only citizens qualified to decide the course of history here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5kU1ntD2rk/Tiz3FD0HilI/AAAAAAAADxQ/nlpMTL0V1oU/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633148900228958802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L5kU1ntD2rk/Tiz3FD0HilI/AAAAAAAADxQ/nlpMTL0V1oU/s400/DSC_0353.JPG" /></a> Boston has a beautiful skyline and was one of the cleanest large cities I have traveled in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj50-VZtSzY/Tiz3E71lmRI/AAAAAAAADxI/O-cogEr7_Zc/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633148898087639314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj50-VZtSzY/Tiz3E71lmRI/AAAAAAAADxI/O-cogEr7_Zc/s400/DSC_0369.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chsadFHN22c/Tiz3Etr74yI/AAAAAAAADxA/716GwLLbY9Y/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633148894289060642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chsadFHN22c/Tiz3Etr74yI/AAAAAAAADxA/716GwLLbY9Y/s400/DSC_0390.JPG" /></a> Some of the tour buses conducted their tours on both land and water. They looked like floating boxcars in the water and this one tilted to one side. Not a ride I would opt for.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5XU4PrdAcM/Tiz3EQoW4oI/AAAAAAAADw4/g6_fJ-7rnZY/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633148886489424514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5XU4PrdAcM/Tiz3EQoW4oI/AAAAAAAADw4/g6_fJ-7rnZY/s400/DSC_0395.JPG" /></a> Old Ironsides, the USS Constitution is still commissioned in the U.S. Navy. The English thought it was plated with metal when their cannonballs bounced off the side.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddJe5yjP6fg/Tiz3EDCWpsI/AAAAAAAADww/_3fU2zMr7-o/s1600/DSC_0413.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633148882840364738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddJe5yjP6fg/Tiz3EDCWpsI/AAAAAAAADww/_3fU2zMr7-o/s400/DSC_0413.JPG" /></a> Love the name of this boat. Someday I'd like to be sailing my own boat like this...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIp2eAu6vg/Tiz0W0B2-gI/AAAAAAAADwo/WyBb_-W10jI/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145906694388226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIp2eAu6vg/Tiz0W0B2-gI/AAAAAAAADwo/WyBb_-W10jI/s400/DSC_0233.JPG" /></a> Quincy Market is across from Fanuiel Hall. The bottom floor is filled with restuarants on both sides of its long hall. It was pointless to choose where to eat. I wanted a bit of everything. The middle of the market contained a beautiful dome.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAvmoDMw1Q/Tiz0WjyyOqI/AAAAAAAADwg/ewsHDj9KX0A/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145902336195234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAvmoDMw1Q/Tiz0WjyyOqI/AAAAAAAADwg/ewsHDj9KX0A/s400/DSC_0241.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVNuOHVEZMw/Tiz0WWoTTOI/AAAAAAAADwY/44uuVaTlSPk/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145898802564322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVNuOHVEZMw/Tiz0WWoTTOI/AAAAAAAADwY/44uuVaTlSPk/s400/DSC_0242.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ReySMHxtGE/Tiz0WAuXgkI/AAAAAAAADwQ/beU-Pc8BzQw/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145892922425922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ReySMHxtGE/Tiz0WAuXgkI/AAAAAAAADwQ/beU-Pc8BzQw/s400/DSC_0443.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqineHLbQuA/Tiz0V8v3r_I/AAAAAAAADwI/20AAAgEtFrk/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145891854987250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqineHLbQuA/Tiz0V8v3r_I/AAAAAAAADwI/20AAAgEtFrk/s400/DSC_0444.JPG" /></a> Not too far away was bronze sculpture planted in the street of smashed baskets, fruits and vegetables as if someone had dropped their groceries and had them run over before they could pick them up.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5ojkmBgqug/TizxrTRMXNI/AAAAAAAADwA/EDIN-wxUBwk/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633142960142703826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5ojkmBgqug/TizxrTRMXNI/AAAAAAAADwA/EDIN-wxUBwk/s400/DSC_0460.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg_OUhcAPH8/Tizxq8_YASI/AAAAAAAADv4/64Ev4ov8iO8/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633142954162389282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg_OUhcAPH8/Tizxq8_YASI/AAAAAAAADv4/64Ev4ov8iO8/s400/DSC_0495.JPG" /></a> The North End's Italian neighborhood was celebrating saints and these crowns were strung across the streets.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa2OINtl9SY/TizxqgvDPPI/AAAAAAAADvw/N6UJW-fvaCg/s1600/DSC_0508.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633142946577726706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa2OINtl9SY/TizxqgvDPPI/AAAAAAAADvw/N6UJW-fvaCg/s400/DSC_0508.JPG" /></a> The above photo is out of place and my laptop won't let me move it, but this is the ceiling of the Italian Catholic Church...stunningly beautiful...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfvM5lWFCDY/TizxqRvoTHI/AAAAAAAADvo/rlwpaKpRbk0/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633142942553623666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfvM5lWFCDY/TizxqRvoTHI/AAAAAAAADvo/rlwpaKpRbk0/s400/DSC_0469.JPG" /></a>A handmade pasta shop filled with all the things necessary to make an unforgettable pasta dish.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iO4BY1UNlJM/TizxqW5w9wI/AAAAAAAADvg/SrY_aNSfzn4/s1600/DSC_0475.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633142943938311938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iO4BY1UNlJM/TizxqW5w9wI/AAAAAAAADvg/SrY_aNSfzn4/s400/DSC_0475.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb8ccESXDcQ/TizvZrPNpXI/AAAAAAAADvY/I7nHBb5uuMg/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633140458315949426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb8ccESXDcQ/TizvZrPNpXI/AAAAAAAADvY/I7nHBb5uuMg/s400/DSC_0493.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxcF8tSrt6k/TizvZSCaxcI/AAAAAAAADvQ/cktTURRaj3U/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633140451551397314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxcF8tSrt6k/TizvZSCaxcI/AAAAAAAADvQ/cktTURRaj3U/s400/DSC_0517.JPG" /></a> The rest of the church mentioned above. The church was filled with stained glass and everything inside was incredibly ornate.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7EuYM_eaVI/TizvZKgSY0I/AAAAAAAADvI/0-sn-D7fnRo/s1600/DSC_0515.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633140449529193282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7EuYM_eaVI/TizvZKgSY0I/AAAAAAAADvI/0-sn-D7fnRo/s400/DSC_0515.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVWbUDFXZYY/TizvY6Rl1_I/AAAAAAAADvA/Z3jCQES9m1c/s1600/DSC_0511.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633140445172586482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVWbUDFXZYY/TizvY6Rl1_I/AAAAAAAADvA/Z3jCQES9m1c/s400/DSC_0511.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgw8QDwnAuU/TizvYtXuXhI/AAAAAAAADu4/JSKW002sK-g/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633140441708650002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgw8QDwnAuU/TizvYtXuXhI/AAAAAAAADu4/JSKW002sK-g/s400/DSC_0538.JPG" /></a> St. Francis stands in a courtyard near Paul Revere's home.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjvF2Bp7wk8/TiztqW0AICI/AAAAAAAADuw/lQPy4-NmrsE/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633138545867628578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjvF2Bp7wk8/TiztqW0AICI/AAAAAAAADuw/lQPy4-NmrsE/s400/DSC_0560.JPG" /></a> Pews in the Old North Church, again partitioned for families.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isDFMJLnuFQ/TiztqCf1ANI/AAAAAAAADuo/Zxz_oq2aVtU/s1600/DSC_0592.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633138540414304466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isDFMJLnuFQ/TiztqCf1ANI/AAAAAAAADuo/Zxz_oq2aVtU/s400/DSC_0592.JPG" /></a> Jane Stimpson may possibly be a very distant relative. The different names are for people buried in layers to conserve cemetary space.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdJAk2Tfi1A/Tiztp35qfDI/AAAAAAAADug/QnFOfQCbpAI/s1600/DSC_0604.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633138537569877042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdJAk2Tfi1A/Tiztp35qfDI/AAAAAAAADug/QnFOfQCbpAI/s400/DSC_0604.JPG" /></a> This teapot has been steaming for more than a hundred years according to our trolley driver.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHbjB2g4jLY/Tiztpl1mj-I/AAAAAAAADuY/Cwn2MX4MQyg/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633138532721004514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHbjB2g4jLY/Tiztpl1mj-I/AAAAAAAADuY/Cwn2MX4MQyg/s400/DSC_0340.JPG" /></a> Our hotel room overlooked the Massachusetts Institute of Technology bookstore.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HeqOrZ_SPI/TiztpTZFfzI/AAAAAAAADuQ/DvjjjRbCJto/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633138527769558834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HeqOrZ_SPI/TiztpTZFfzI/AAAAAAAADuQ/DvjjjRbCJto/s400/DSC_0288.JPG" /></a> We spent an evening exploring Harvard and Harvard Square. The campus is beautiful and full of history. This is the library building.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMIYcIONpu8/TizrpagQFWI/AAAAAAAADuI/bjkCBJaKDqY/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633136330655405410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMIYcIONpu8/TizrpagQFWI/AAAAAAAADuI/bjkCBJaKDqY/s400/DSC_0286.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUKsaWKFuJw/TizrpNwi2FI/AAAAAAAADuA/YIqqrVMGKnQ/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633136327234082898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUKsaWKFuJw/TizrpNwi2FI/AAAAAAAADuA/YIqqrVMGKnQ/s400/DSC_0297.JPG" /></a> The exit to Harvard Square filled with small restuarants and unique shops.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9J3hBxmKJM/Tizro6V0INI/AAAAAAAADt4/QzpeOBQzWmM/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633136322021695698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9J3hBxmKJM/Tizro6V0INI/AAAAAAAADt4/QzpeOBQzWmM/s400/DSC_0310.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxBezOk1q88/TizrovQjeDI/AAAAAAAADtw/VjDWIZ3s14E/s1600/DSC_0317.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633136319046842418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxBezOk1q88/TizrovQjeDI/AAAAAAAADtw/VjDWIZ3s14E/s400/DSC_0317.JPG" /></a> And the most amazing cupcake shop filled with the best tasting cupcakes I've ever had. Fo 50 cents, you could get a "shot" of their delicious icings!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtHuA-yz1yg/TizroTaNHrI/AAAAAAAADto/LHsEUmd1Bu8/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633136311571127986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtHuA-yz1yg/TizroTaNHrI/AAAAAAAADto/LHsEUmd1Bu8/s400/DSC_0321.JPG" /></a> There was such a variety of people and languages. I felt like I was visiting several countries at once. People were so friendly.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv5_IovP-3w/Tizp20DzcDI/AAAAAAAADtg/SFn-5eukrI0/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633134361830453298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv5_IovP-3w/Tizp20DzcDI/AAAAAAAADtg/SFn-5eukrI0/s400/DSC_0304.JPG" /></a> Music was being played everywhere we went and the variety of instruments were endless.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtK2sq3bMps/Tizp2kEOYeI/AAAAAAAADtY/iGr0_4tT4LQ/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633134357537251810" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtK2sq3bMps/Tizp2kEOYeI/AAAAAAAADtY/iGr0_4tT4LQ/s400/DSC_0608.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdaEQz1zEOI/Tizp2NzIrOI/AAAAAAAADtQ/EaXRuHHO4Ow/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633134351559994594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cdaEQz1zEOI/Tizp2NzIrOI/AAAAAAAADtQ/EaXRuHHO4Ow/s400/DSC_0615.JPG" /></a> This guy looked like he was playing a mallet with a string but created beautiful sounds with his instrument.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z4j7TWFVXE/Tizp19a53CI/AAAAAAAADtI/NR-WneVhfYs/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633134347163393058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z4j7TWFVXE/Tizp19a53CI/AAAAAAAADtI/NR-WneVhfYs/s400/DSC_0324.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld2ZvSzOBqQ/Tizp1rlgqaI/AAAAAAAADtA/ZyGsf6bYYIY/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633134342376040866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld2ZvSzOBqQ/Tizp1rlgqaI/AAAAAAAADtA/ZyGsf6bYYIY/s400/DSC_0327.JPG" /></a> On our last day, we rented a car and drove to Salem, Lexington, Concord and Walden Pond.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TagM0VmmD0g/TiznPIfzUKI/AAAAAAAADs4/7j3rXt3qzy8/s1600/DSC_0678.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633131481098571938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TagM0VmmD0g/TiznPIfzUKI/AAAAAAAADs4/7j3rXt3qzy8/s400/DSC_0678.JPG" /></a> We didn't have much time to spend in the museums, which was a disappointment, but did visit the maritime museum which had an overview on the witch trials.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XmrUovDO-Y/TiznOzg5Y1I/AAAAAAAADsw/ceaQzJp03dM/s1600/DSC_0679.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633131475466019666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XmrUovDO-Y/TiznOzg5Y1I/AAAAAAAADsw/ceaQzJp03dM/s400/DSC_0679.JPG" /></a> We ate at this amazing deli, apparently well known as Barbara Bush had eaten there. The food was good, but the service and the atmosphere was priceless as it immediately transported me to the 1940's era.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvGk5Hos2UI/TiznOrYlhfI/AAAAAAAADso/XjDDsTSN8zw/s1600/DSC_0701.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633131473283679730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvGk5Hos2UI/TiznOrYlhfI/AAAAAAAADso/XjDDsTSN8zw/s400/DSC_0701.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbnwUTS2_-k/TiznOUkmV7I/AAAAAAAADsg/wV30UufBgqQ/s1600/DSC_0696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633131467160049586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbnwUTS2_-k/TiznOUkmV7I/AAAAAAAADsg/wV30UufBgqQ/s400/DSC_0696.JPG" /></a> The deli had personable waitresses who joked and waited on customers they called by their first name. The cooking area was fully visible and the orders were shouted about like in a old movie.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScM_rGqPGqU/TiznOKZyjGI/AAAAAAAADsY/f-FaeuIaqW8/s1600/DSC_0705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633131464430357602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ScM_rGqPGqU/TiznOKZyjGI/AAAAAAAADsY/f-FaeuIaqW8/s400/DSC_0705.JPG" /></a> An old fashioned scent store where you can mix your own "potions".<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNMNaGQQKAA/Tizlz4EVp3I/AAAAAAAADsQ/WqGfephNz3Q/s1600/DSC_0710.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633129913320318834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNMNaGQQKAA/Tizlz4EVp3I/AAAAAAAADsQ/WqGfephNz3Q/s400/DSC_0710.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc-npyPTsCc/Tizlzgw7yjI/AAAAAAAADsI/_6VbY2WRJ0Q/s1600/DSC_0712.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633129907064916530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc-npyPTsCc/Tizlzgw7yjI/AAAAAAAADsI/_6VbY2WRJ0Q/s400/DSC_0712.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idKGjwuQiKI/TizlzIbJxbI/AAAAAAAADsA/LsVlEweq7KI/s1600/DSC_0731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633129900531107250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idKGjwuQiKI/TizlzIbJxbI/AAAAAAAADsA/LsVlEweq7KI/s400/DSC_0731.JPG" /></a> Salem was a charming town and I hope to have more time when I come back to explore the stores and museums.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMYCs2iX9yY/Tizly_LiGQI/AAAAAAAADr4/jVW9Okz_Xbc/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633129898049673474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMYCs2iX9yY/Tizly_LiGQI/AAAAAAAADr4/jVW9Okz_Xbc/s400/DSC_0737.JPG" /></a> Small stores in Concord were equally inviting in color and merchandise. Not a town to see in the few minutes we had. We were amazed how quickly you are in the country once you leave Boston.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qXBemb0co/TizlypeFcQI/AAAAAAAADrw/p6SNQCK3DPg/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633129892221907202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3qXBemb0co/TizlypeFcQI/AAAAAAAADrw/p6SNQCK3DPg/s400/DSC_0738.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jW8-rY4osw/TizkTtl6g-I/AAAAAAAADro/cbFVKsF8lYM/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633128261240914914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jW8-rY4osw/TizkTtl6g-I/AAAAAAAADro/cbFVKsF8lYM/s400/DSC_0741.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uorVs6-5ARA/TizkTemUvcI/AAAAAAAADrg/ltVwFreaoj0/s1600/DSC_0742.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633128257216101826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uorVs6-5ARA/TizkTemUvcI/AAAAAAAADrg/ltVwFreaoj0/s400/DSC_0742.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbRXk22Sq90/TizkTKCVCiI/AAAAAAAADrY/6cggqmXsUWE/s1600/DSC_0762.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633128251696417314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbRXk22Sq90/TizkTKCVCiI/AAAAAAAADrY/6cggqmXsUWE/s400/DSC_0762.JPG" /></a> Our last stop was Walden Pond made famous by Thoreau. An idllylic spot still popular with local folks to swim and soak in the sun. I saw Blue Jays and Cardinals flit through the branches and wished I had my long lens with me as these are the birds I miss from my childhood that do not normally live on my side of the Rockies<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PSCaNYN5NaU/TizkS0gOK7I/AAAAAAAADrQ/uPFCH0jWOwk/s1600/DSC_0758.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633128245916216242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PSCaNYN5NaU/TizkS0gOK7I/AAAAAAAADrQ/uPFCH0jWOwk/s400/DSC_0758.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URnM8AKt5fA/TizkSsGYqqI/AAAAAAAADrI/irU6lcGDSb4/s1600/DSC_0753.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633128243660368546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URnM8AKt5fA/TizkSsGYqqI/AAAAAAAADrI/irU6lcGDSb4/s400/DSC_0753.JPG" /></a> The next morning we were in the sky again and going home, already planning another trip back when time and money allow.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-12879459300613376692011-07-12T23:56:00.000-07:002011-07-13T00:57:17.152-07:00Photocrawl II<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOdqcy5Z-TI/Th1EzlGGNJI/AAAAAAAADrA/DfqU2fPBbB4/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628730762204689554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 373px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOdqcy5Z-TI/Th1EzlGGNJI/AAAAAAAADrA/DfqU2fPBbB4/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" /></a> My friend <a href="http://dreamciclejourneys.blogspot.com/">Paula</a> and I returned to Seattle this past weekend for our second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Photocrawl</span> experience! Joining other local members of our Yahoo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Photojournaling</span> group, <a href="http://redpaintandblueskies.blogspot.com/">Gwen</a> (our intrepid organizer), Lynne, <a href="http://louie27.blogspot.com/">Louie</a> and <a href="http://motherrubber.blogspot.com/">Dawn</a>, we met up in the International District and spent three hours photographing Kobe Park and the Community Gardens, the circa early 1900's vintage buildings, the International District Festival, the famous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Iwajimaya</span> and more.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9oZawOW7jA/Th1Ey-ONeLI/AAAAAAAADq4/D2jkrd5drmI/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628730751769737394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9oZawOW7jA/Th1Ey-ONeLI/AAAAAAAADq4/D2jkrd5drmI/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" /></a> So much color everywhere. Table umbrellas that resemble the cocktail versions that poke shyly out of a fancy drink. Children running and laughing and playing with bubbles. Dancers and musicians performing. It was hard to focus on any one thing with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cacaphony</span> of sound and light all around you.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFQWrvBOZQY/Th1Eym8tnDI/AAAAAAAADqw/G9HhjhmVZis/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628730745522330674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hFQWrvBOZQY/Th1Eym8tnDI/AAAAAAAADqw/G9HhjhmVZis/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a> By contrast, the gardens were serene and filled with small plots of vegetables and occasional flowers being tended carefully by older women whose countenance were weathered, but radiated peace and contentment to be working in the rich dirt. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Interspersed</span> throughout the garden were stone lanterns and everything was located on a steep terrace that wound its way up the hill. The entrance was marked with a cornerstone dated 1911. There were benches that flowed down the hill like a waterfall, gracefully inviting you to sit for awhile and look out at distant Elliot Bay. Prayer flags flapped in the breeze...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">solar prints</span> of children's pensive faces keeping watch over the nearby garden shed. Robins and wren flitted across the paths and everywhere you were met with the music of the birds in the trees. As if to underline the quiet contentment of this garden, someone had written "not worried" on a nearby wall.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu4LhjnMFwg/Th1EydPKbrI/AAAAAAAADqo/JZ_ge25MyiA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628730742915362482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu4LhjnMFwg/Th1EydPKbrI/AAAAAAAADqo/JZ_ge25MyiA/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWg4cwGK1eU/Th1D_HdmdtI/AAAAAAAADqg/Rtgx_ntwwQE/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628729860897011410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWg4cwGK1eU/Th1D_HdmdtI/AAAAAAAADqg/Rtgx_ntwwQE/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" /></a> While drifting through the booths at the festival with Paula, we passed a booth of Buddhist priests passing out incense and asking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">passersby</span> to make a wish. I didn't hesitate to accept that offer and took an incense stick to make a wish. The priests spoke little English and so I did not initially understand that I would also have to kneel down on a small bench to make that wish. My knees were not so eager to make the wish as I was, but I made it into a kneeling position and fervently wished for the world to regain it's stability again so all our lives can once again go forward!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMDk0VK03k/Th1D-vuMQZI/AAAAAAAADqY/Rs8b0ic9D2w/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628729854524146066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMDk0VK03k/Th1D-vuMQZI/AAAAAAAADqY/Rs8b0ic9D2w/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" /></a>Three hours after starting our photographic trek, we all met at the Tea House in the Panama Hotel. Built in 1910 to house visitors and Japanese bachelors, the motel thrived until World War II, when the Japanese were sadly driven from their homes. They brought to the hotel, their prized belongings, which were hidden under the floors and in the basement in hopes they could be recovered after the war. When the hotel was reopened many years later, much of the belongings were still there waiting for their owners. The well worn wood floors and brick walls held history that you could sense in the air around us. <br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbKlfOliDPE/Th1D-b7K1uI/AAAAAAAADqQ/pxEynhHHJNk/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628729849209870050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbKlfOliDPE/Th1D-b7K1uI/AAAAAAAADqQ/pxEynhHHJNk/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a> The six of us sat down at a long table where Gwen gave us each a journal she had created from newspaper and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">gesso</span>, just right for us to journal our day. I added a few pages to mine to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">accommodate</span> all the photos I printed out on my POGO printer. We all shared a lunch of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">paninis</span>, fresh lemonade, ice tea and ginger molasses cookies while we chatted and laughed and created our journals. Time went by so quickly and too soon it was time to say our goodbyes.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyx0wdMmgvA/Th1D96050NI/AAAAAAAADqI/2CkjVyRHA2k/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628729840325218514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyx0wdMmgvA/Th1D96050NI/AAAAAAAADqI/2CkjVyRHA2k/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Paula and I walked to the nearby hostel where we were staying, the American Hotel. I slept on the top of a bunk bed, something I had not done since I was a child and had a blast. We woke up to a delicious breakfast of whole grain rolls and cream cheese, oranges, bananas, oatmeal and tea and listened to the music of a dozen voices from every part of the world you can imagine except for the poles. We loaded up the car and took one final trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Uwajimaya</span> and bought a sweet roll stuffed with pulled pork (these were absolutely amazing!) and headed to Daniel Smith's to gather a few more art supplies and headed home. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqrqPWJOc48/Th1D9oHxpJI/AAAAAAAADqA/u_OBFBQ5sgo/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628729835304101010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqrqPWJOc48/Th1D9oHxpJI/AAAAAAAADqA/u_OBFBQ5sgo/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a> Can't wait for our next adventure!!! Next time it's Portland!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-75084589450665961092011-07-08T11:51:00.001-07:002011-07-08T12:05:09.630-07:00We All Need Family<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73OwIlBfv1c/ThdR__PdREI/AAAAAAAADp4/nT_2B2rUmwE/s1600/swan1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627056419172598850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73OwIlBfv1c/ThdR__PdREI/AAAAAAAADp4/nT_2B2rUmwE/s400/swan1.jpg" border="0" /></a> While walking along the flooded shores of the Columbia River, I was amazed to recognize a black swan floating in the backwaters, herding a group of Mallard ducklings along the shore. Not indigenous to this part of the world and a long way from Australia, where they are native, I can only guess she is an escapee from the zoo or a private home. Alone, with no other swan around, she seems to have adopted this brood and watched over them very carefully, as any proud mother would do. She made quite the hiss if you got to close to the ducklings, but willingly came out of the water with them to snack on the veggies I offered them. It seems we all need our family. Whether related to us or just gathered together in our hearts, family makes life worth living.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXYexEAmcM8/ThdR_hYSY-I/AAAAAAAADpw/Q4-rO-cwA4Q/s1600/swan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627056411156571106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXYexEAmcM8/ThdR_hYSY-I/AAAAAAAADpw/Q4-rO-cwA4Q/s400/swan.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-6760159243473674252011-06-27T01:27:00.000-07:002011-06-27T01:41:20.736-07:00A Gift from the Heart<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AD_iOJD9AWY/Tgg_QrBgcqI/AAAAAAAADpo/74vQ74aMaCs/s1600/mug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622813690431566498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AD_iOJD9AWY/Tgg_QrBgcqI/AAAAAAAADpo/74vQ74aMaCs/s400/mug.jpg" border="0" /></a> Awhile back I posted about breaking the beautiful mug I'd brought back from Australia and how it broke my heart to lose it. Imagine my surprise, when a box arrived for me on Friday, containing a duplicate mug from my friend Lucy in Oz. She had remembered my post and shopped until she found the mug and sent it on to me. I had tears in my eyes when I opened that box. Your gift touched the deepest reaches of my heart, Lucy. Thank you so much!! <br /><br />We always think that we need so much to be happy, and talk about how winning the lottery or a jackpot or two so that we may live the good life. But I say you are rich enough indeed when you blessed with friends who care about you and keep you in their hearts. In that respect, I am blessed many times over and I thank you all for being a part of my life!<br /><br /><div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-11916975499180121002011-06-27T01:18:00.000-07:002011-06-27T01:27:17.516-07:00New Encaustic Pieces<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ1lGGkFYc4/Tgg9LiOyelI/AAAAAAAADpg/nLsaA6qKDj8/s1600/tanager.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622811403148753490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ1lGGkFYc4/Tgg9LiOyelI/AAAAAAAADpg/nLsaA6qKDj8/s400/tanager.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've been playing with Daniel Smith's new Watercolor Grounds. It's much like a gesso that you can paint on any surface, but unlike gesso, it allows you to play with watercolor on almost any surface, acting as a sort of "paint-on" watercolor paper. You can use it to paint over a spot in your watercolor where you've made a mistake and try again (although I could tell where the original paper was and where the ground was). But even better, you can paint it on ANY surface (read metal, stone, wood, canvas, etc...) and then complete a watercolor over the top.<br /><br />I've been using Golden's Absorbant Grounds with some success to complete watercolor on board so that it can be used under wax, but it never quite looked like a watercolor and I had to plump up the color with watersoluble crayons. But this LOOKS like watercolor when done. The above is just a simple demo piece of a summer tanager that I did not spend a lot of time on because I wanted to play with it in my encaustic class I taught last week.<br /><br />And sure enough, the wax went right over the top of the painting without any problem. Oh boy, gotta think of the possibilities here!!...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lVbLnigdec/Tgg9LYJWg5I/AAAAAAAADpY/9mF5yDPZ8fw/s1600/poppysong.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622811400441594770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lVbLnigdec/Tgg9LYJWg5I/AAAAAAAADpY/9mF5yDPZ8fw/s400/poppysong.jpg" border="0" /></a> The second piece is a small 4" by 4" encaustic over birch plywood using oil sticks and collage. Just a bit of fun to see what I could do with the oil sticks... <br /><div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27970083.post-13620412652492298132011-06-25T22:29:00.000-07:002011-06-27T01:15:09.518-07:00A Day for the Birds<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622430854630796882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 340px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HsoPWnZGyU/TgbjEsh27lI/AAAAAAAADoc/yr8mLDODa68/s400/DSC_0083.JPG" border="0" />I spent the day Saturday wandering in the area of Vancouver Lake, enjoying the beautiful sunny weather and watching the river, still at flood stage from all the snow melt. Where beaches once stood, there is about three feet of water and trees stand in several feet of water. But most of all, I was looking for birds. Any birds really, but the one I wanted to see most was the little Lazuli Bunting. I've been looking for this elusive bird for two years, hoping to get close enough for a photograph or two, but never any luck. And this day was no exception, at first. I found robins, goldfinches, osprey, crows, sparrows and others too far away to photograph, but as it grew late I gave up and turned towards home.<br /><br />Then I heard the familiar sound of a text message and thinking it was my son asking me to bring something home from the grocery, I pulled off the road to read the message. And when I finished, I looked up and there on the fence, not 8 feet away was a Lazuli....and my camera was on the seat and at the ready. I manage three shots before he flew away. I didn't believe it until I got home and downloaded the photos. Isn't he beautiful? The color is almost turquoise in the sun. And here's a few more shots I took...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FacXFhVVYoo/TgbjE7HcN6I/AAAAAAAADok/xt195hlMZLI/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622430858546526114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FacXFhVVYoo/TgbjE7HcN6I/AAAAAAAADok/xt195hlMZLI/s400/DSC_0069.JPG" border="0" /></a> Goldfinches</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622429540570299122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 349px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1td4j092UkQ/Tgbh4NRa-vI/AAAAAAAADoE/x_JZVUaR-4A/s400/DSC_0038.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Blue Heron</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622427817185851170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-driEBpbzahw/TgbgT5KjNyI/AAAAAAAADnk/gwIBnmW36Us/s400/DSC_0079.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Osprey</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622427812820606338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUWndtQvk0M/TgbgTo5y3YI/AAAAAAAADnc/TPXbmXGxqa8/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Crow</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622427807130874722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4AcAIxJELM/TgbgTTtQc2I/AAAAAAAADnU/83CJWOqIfNM/s400/geese.jpg" border="0" /> Canadian Geese and gosslings</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622431631081836290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F20EcF9ILUU/Tgbjx5CNjwI/AAAAAAAADpM/Y-so45RVcsg/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622431628419714994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvdlu33QZ9U/TgbjxvHgz7I/AAAAAAAADpE/qiuom7MWja0/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" border="0" />The vegetation was beautiful, just newly grown due to our late spring. See the small spider web on the grass?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622430888128773762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hks81G1xY_0/TgbjGpUZfoI/AAAAAAAADo8/OVZ68xPdmJk/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" border="0" />And of course, the cottonwood down, that plays such havoc with my sinuses but looks so beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622429530767113634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rRqVGK8gaA/Tgbh3owKPaI/AAAAAAAADn0/vFtM-jmF-Cc/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" border="0" />Look at the beautiful pattern the reeds and grasses make in the still water standing at the roadside.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622430883967546674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPdh1f2VvTE/TgbjGZ0SNTI/AAAAAAAADo0/_nb89fDZcWo/s400/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" /> Beautiful Mt. Hood - sleeping volcano...<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622429564102213666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDijunww0rY/Tgbh5k73gCI/AAAAAAAADoU/o0Nn_gXDWiE/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" border="0" />And two shots of Mt. St. Helens that blew her top off 30 years ago and turned the sky as dark as midnight at noon in the east half of the state.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiHWY6t2JZ4/Tgbh4ywRloI/AAAAAAAADoM/i-JvclEBB8I/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622429550631818882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiHWY6t2JZ4/Tgbh4ywRloI/AAAAAAAADoM/i-JvclEBB8I/s400/DSC_0049.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGuc5MNqdsI/Tgbh318SSPI/AAAAAAAADn8/rYPug8FWaVc/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622429534307633394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGuc5MNqdsI/Tgbh318SSPI/AAAAAAAADn8/rYPug8FWaVc/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" border="0" /></a> And I had to throw in this photo of a house along the trail I was walking. This kitten, undettered by her mother hiding on the porch railing trying to get a bit of peace and quiet, desided to climb the post to get lunch. The cat to the right was hissing at her for invading his space. Just another Sunday family day...<br /></div></div>Jan Harris Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10364569420637177575noreply@blogger.com2