Harley Visit

It was great seeing Harley on his trip to the "really big smoke". We all met up in Southbank by the Yarra and found a restaurant there called Asado which provided an Argentian quisine. We had some good fortune ordering just the right amount from the menu - meat cooked to perfection with very tasty sides. The red, Yaquen Malbec, was a sensational drop. We even fitted in a Facetime call with Phil and Shel. Nice memories.

The Yarra looking towards the Swanston Street Bridge

Patrol Boat Kits

A number of students had requested "army boats" and Peter finally relented and produced such a kit for the club. He does not like to promote any warmongering stuff. The kids always like hammering so one nail to hold the revolving gun turret was included in the design. There was a fair bit of flexibility, including flag choices (below), all of which are 'speculation' designs on what a future Australian flag might look like. Peter designed on of them and found the rest on the internet.

Menergy 2018

Imagin 190 men at a four day Men's gathering comprising of edgy workshops and small groups that bring men into an emotionally safe place where they may be able to experience deeper feelings and transform in positive ways. This Men's Wellbeing event in Victoria is called 'Menergy' and is an annual highlight for Peter to both be immersed in and be of service to men of all ages. Enough said. The opening ceremony illustrated above (no photos allowed to be taken) was just before sunrise on day 2. The image is dark in an attempt to catch the memory of being 'welcomed to country' by a local Aboriginal Elder. A later highlight: a cold water swim just before sunrise on day 3. Much learned. Looking to Menergy 2019.

Gift Boxes

Based on one students request for a box to put a ring (gift) in for his mother, Peter was motivated to make a least 25 such kits for the next wookcraft club. He drew up the steps on the whiteboard and the students did very well without calling for much help. Peter had some very positive feedback later on from parents who received them from their children as gifts. The materials mostly came from a recycled supply centre.

Whittlesea Rafts

For the first week back in the new term, Peter decided to provide raft kits. He had found 100 corks at a recycle store and knew immediately that he could make 25 raft kits that could even float well. The kids caught on and warmed quickly to the challenge. The furniture tacks were just right for fixing the corks to the sheets of ply (with holes pre-drilled). There were a variety of sail designs.

October Birthdays

Dan first, then Barb. Dan's was memorable because it rained. After so much dry weather it had to rain on our outside barbecue event. We moved to under a tree to 'weather' it, but the rain increased and we retired to the house. At least Peter got to barbecue the sausages properly before the shower came.

Barb's was a cosy inside affair with close friends. Additional celebrations that did happen were not photographed. The camera is not always remembered. Padington Bear was one gift that has pride of place on our bed.

Shock Wave Zip

While we were in Lorne, friends showed us a new fun park called Live Wire Park. The place had various high wire adventure challenges including one called the 'Shock Wave Zip Coaster' which was booked for us to try. It was a fast trip with only gravity doing the pulling. Trees went wizzing by and we seemed to almost crash into them before taking yet another sharp swinging bend in the continuous track. We will have to come again to try the other courses.

Archibald Paintings Geelong

On our way through Geelong recently we stopped at the city Gallery to take a look at the latest Archibald Prize just concluded in NSW. Peter found he was allowed to take pictures of the artwork. He actually missed taking the portrait that won the prize for this year. Opps, and it was a worthy winner. There were certain paintings that grabbed his eye and these are the images that we show. Some of these are only a part of the whole composition. It's a bit randon.

Jonathan Dalton - 'Adbul' (detail of his feet and glassware)

Noel Thurgate - 'Elizabeth Cummings in her studio at Wedderburn 1974 and 2018' (a remarkable multimedia, including 3D parts sticking out in relief)

Ann Middleton - 'Guy' (in the centre of the wall)

Paul Jackson - 'Alison Whyte' (detial of the painted lace)

Kathrin Longhurst - 'Self: Past Present and Future (a haunting image of youth burderned by what might happen and what has)

Amber Boardman - 'Self-care Exhaustion'

David Darcy - Charlotte (cropped in a way that might have impressed the judges to win this year's prize)

Del Kathryn Barton - 'Self-portrait' (detail)

Julian Meagher - 'Herb and Flan'