Friday, August 31, 2012

Decisions, decisions!

Couldn't decide which of these to post this week, so opted for a collage!
These were taken late afternoon/early evening from the local oval where Jessie has her exercise.  Happy weekend to all.

Joining in with others at Skywatch Friday
Visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ for more images

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Bursting buds

I took this shot outside my local library last December and, while I've probably looked at the photo countless times in the process of sourcing images to blog, it is only now - on a more leisurely and closer inspection - that I can see the different stages of these flowers blooming from their pod! In the centre there's a pod hanging down that is barely half open; at bottom right there's another bloom pushing its way out. The fiery hot orange colour is indicative of the Australian Summer's impact on me!!
(Many thanks, Michelle, for inviting my participation and observations of nature)

  

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Colour captures

The following 5 images (each representing a colour - Red, White, Blue, Yellow and Green) are my entries in "Capture the Colour" competition, at the kind invitation of Dianne from "Adelaide & Beyond".

Returning to Hong Kong on the ferry from Lamma Island, these red sails of local boats stood out against the high-rise commercial and residential landscape of Hong Kong. (This trip was at the end of 3 weeks spent volunteering at a not-for-profit international aid organisation that distributes new or near-new goods and furniture to those in need both in Hong Kong and other countries around the world: it was an extraordinary experience and this image seemed to represent the huge gulf that exists world-wide between those living in poverty and those more fortunate. From a positive perspective, it might also depict the technological advances that have occurred over generations).

Here, the waves crash against the rocks of Granite Island, a popular tourist attraction lying just off the township of Victor Harbour, on South Australia's south coast.  Visitors enjoy the novelty of reaching the island by horse-drawn carriages across the timber bridge.  The island boasts penguins and birdlife as well as a great bistro (for that much-needed cappucino by those who've chosen to walk the distance!)  The sea's constant changes provide an endless source of delight for photographers, artists and travellers alike.

The (almost!) ever-present blue skies over the City of Adelaide are reflected here in the River Torrens, on which visitors can travel by boat to the local zoo, or just have fun on the available 2-person paddle boats for hire.

The presence of good surf, good cafes and the thunder of waves crashing onto the beach are popular draw-cards for all manner of holiday-makers to the delightful area of Port Elliot - once again on the south coast of South Australia. Here the yellow of adjacent cliffs is reflected at waters edge.

Ross Bridge in Tasmania, was built from sandstone by convict labour in 1836 and is the 3rd largest bridge in Australia still in use today. The detail of its 186 carvings by the convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon. The 19th Century village of Ross continues to attract visitors from far and wide to enjoy its offerings - including a fabulous bakery!
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I now invite the following 5 other bloggers to participate in the competition ( you'll need to be quick, as entries close tomorrow 29th!) :

Also participating in Our World Tuesday meme - visit http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/ for other views from around the world.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Last Autumn

Now we are in the last week of our Winter and early Spring blossoms surround us, but while searching through images to contribute to Mellow Yellow Monday, I came across this shot taken last Autumn.

Do drop by http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/ for more images.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

A country pond

A pond in the Clare Valley on a Winter's day

Joining in with Weekend Reflections (thanks for hosting, James)
For more images of reflections from around the world, visit

Friday, August 24, 2012

Sunset over Clare

Participating in Skywatch Friday -
visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ for more sky shots
(with thanks to the hosts)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Clare Valley again...

Here, in the Southern Hemisphere, our Winter is drawing to a close and Spring is in the air. This collage comprises more images taken in and around the beautiful Clare Valley in South Australia's mid-North.
Although it seems to have been the coldest Winter I can recall for many years, it's also mild compared with our European counterparts.  Wherever you are in this amazing world, may you find something every day that lifts your spirits and fills your heart with gratitude.
Thank you, fellow bloggers, for your inspirational captures.
Sharing with http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/ and thanks to the hosts.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Clare Valley blossoms




These are just some of the glorious blossoms that filled our senses in and around Auburn, Mintaro and Clare.

Joining in (a little late - or early, depending on your perspective!) with http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Clare Valley

The beautiful Clare Valley in South Australia - about 1.5 hours' drive north of Adelaide.

A region rich in agriculture and viticulture


 If you've not yet visited this delightful part of South Australia with it's welcoming and friendly residents, I can thoroughly recommend it.

Contributing to Scenic Sunday - visit http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/ for more images from around the world


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Further north still


Have just returned from a marvellous 4-day visit to South Australia's beautiful Clare Valley, where we stayed in a stone cottage with open fires and loads of charm. The weather was kind to us and the countryside wonderfully green. It was a refreshing time of "recharging the batteries".

Joining in with James' Weekend Reflections
Visit http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ for more reflective images


Monday, August 13, 2012

Country meanderings

These were taken last week in the Kapunda/Eudunda region, north of Adelaide. (the pic in the top right hand corner brought a smile as I let my imagination go again - that tree on the top of the hill looks like an animal running away! Zoom in on the shot and see if you agree).  Wishing you all a wonderful week.

Contributing to Mellow Yellow Monday and Our World Tuesday - see more at http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/
and http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Amazing Ants

A friend (Wendy) recently showed me this photograph she'd taken and, as she doesn't have her own photoblog site, I sought permission to post it on her behalf - it's too good not to share!

Joining in with other contributors to http://camera-critters.blogspot.com.au/ 

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Decorative cages

These birdcages seen through a shop window appealed to me because they don't house real birds.

Visit James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ to see other reflections from around the world. (thanks for hosting, James!)
Happy weekend to all.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Beauty all around


Despite the biting wind and the threat of rain, the sun did stay out for most of the day on yesterday's photographic foray. The brilliant and fragrant wattle (or Mimosa to those of you in the northern hemisphere), together with various tree blossoms, put on a marvellous display as we drove through the countryside.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Smoke rings?


It wasn't until I began posting this image that I noticed the reflections on the wall above the butterfly lamp - very much resembling smoke rings (there's that sense of the ridiculous coming to the fore again!!) - or halos.

Contributing to James' Weekend Reflections - for more images visit http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/ 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Out of the blue

On another recent trip into rural South Australia, still in Winter - would you believe? - we were treated with glorious blue skies and, although the air was crisp, the sun still made its presence felt (much to our comfort & delight!).

Joining in with Skywatch Friday - visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ to see other sky scenes
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