Spring Blossom

Spring is happening all about us, even though the maximum temperature is keeping below 17 C at present. Change is happening clearly enough to remind us that warmer days are indeed coming and to take heart and enjoy the exploding colour in our streets. Our apricot tree of about 5 years (blossoms pictured above and below) is looking pretty good, and if the bees are willing to visit we should get a good crop of fruit this summer.

Magnolia flowers are out as well even though they are strictly not blossoms. They are stunning in their proliferation. This is a friend's tree. It makes visiting their place all the more special.

August Memories

Double rainbow over Westgarth, Melbourne

As the end of the month draws near, we thought it might be nice to post a collection of random events that happened during the month. There is a caption under each to give a clue to its function in our lives. When we look back on this post we'll remember the stories concerning each.

The new rail extension to Mernda in full swing, one boulder at a time.

A new desk for barb complete with nice pictures.

A special birthday three course meal complete with wine.

King David studies.

On the spot birthday celebration.

A four year old's birthday complete with a never seen before cake design.

A hospital chapel for chemo outpatients and their families.

Whittlesea Shark Sub Woodcraft

This woodcraft club had two different kits to choose from: sharks or subs (twelve kits of each). Pictures were supplied to help the kids do it without Peter's input (below). There is a balance between making it challenging enough and still be able to be made in the time with minimal help from Peter. Lots of other things were made on the day by those who missed out on the kits or chose to work without a kit.

The situation outside a classroom after woodcraft club.

Vacated and ready for the cleanup.

Laptops at Tallarook

This simple project has been popular in past years. It seems that kids really like playing with "screens", even pretend ones. The day was interrupted by a rain storm but not before most of the kids had made one to their satisfaction.

Bunnings Trucks at Whittlesea

As a thank you gesture to Bunnings Hardware company for their annual donations of materials and glue, Peter prepared "Bunnings truck" kits for the kids to make. There were at least 16 kits on the day and they were snapped up in the first five minutes. Each truck looked a little different to the next as is the way of creative tendency of kids when they make things with wood and glue.

Minecraft Kits at Whittlesea

At least 17 kids got a Minecraft figure to make. After that it was freebuild for the other half there with what was available in the trays. There never seems to be enough to go around and Peter has had to keep it all in perspective. They are a good bunch of kids all working well together, with older students being willing to help younger ones. It is winter in this part of the world and as a result the coolest headgear was worn by one child, making it look like the school has a resident panda.

Whittlesea Freebuild

There have been times lately when Peter could only manage to provide a whole load of off-cuts for the kids. With these they can glue together anything they find, hence 'freebuild' from what is available. Provided there is a reasonably strong flat board to build on they don't really mind. To find out that there is a 'kit' to assemble is a bonus for them. The woodcraft club continues to attract large numbers each week.

Wattle Bird

We have a few flowering gums and these attract Wattle Birds into our yard. Peter got as close as he could without frightening one Wattle Bird away while it fed. The Winter afternoon light helped make clear sharp snaps.

Internet picture confirming

Green Parrots

Where we usually go for a cuppa and a chat at Uni-Hill, Bundoora, we were treated to some close up bird spotting. After a sweep through Australian birds on the internet, Peter was able to identify this pair as Green Parrots. That was a learning achievement.

The internet picture that confirmed it