'Counting'

When the poinciana trees are in full bloom they are magnificient.

The flowers are a combination of red & orange hues & very bright. After, the green elongated seed pods decorate the tree. When they are dry & brown they split & tumble their seeds down for germinating & small poincianas come up all over the place in our garden.

'Counting' is my quilt which uses the poinciana as inspiration & it has been selected for the STATE of the ART quilt 10 exhibition to premier at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne, April 29 - May 2. Hope to see you there or in one of the 3 workshops I'm presenting.

Austral cafe

Few things are as good as the food from one's childhood & the Austral cafe in Murwillumbah has been keeping the community fed since 1919. L-R French Vanilla Slice & Jam Donut.

I'm sure the decor has been renovated a number of times, but not perhaps since the 1970's? Of course, when I go back for those rubbings Jan, I'll have to drop in here, for morning tea.

Cattle brands

I always come across great things that would be perfect for a rubbing, when I don't have my oil sticks with me! Such was the case in Uki where the local historic society had erected a fence branded with cattle brands used in the Uki & South Arm district between 1880 & the late 20th century.

Beautiful tree

Diane -5 in Beijing is warm, as Bob is now flying to Mongolia & the capital Ulan Bator where it is -30 to -40. It was so much warmer in Uki & while we were photographing the flying foxes, I noticed this tree had sent out fingers to caress the fence post.

Flying foxes

Today is a National holiday to celebrate Australia Day & Bob will be celebrating with some Aussie colleagues in Beijing, but because the temperature is -5 the lamb isn't thawing out for the BBQ!

Flying foxes or fruit bats are also very much part of the Australian landscape & we came across this colony in Uki on the banks of the river which runs through the small town.

Their black wings were wrapped tightly around their red furry heads & the shape reminded me of a crysalis. At night they fly off to feed on ripe fruit of the season from gardens & native trees.

Marina Cavalieri

In Lismore we had the pleasure of discovering the beautiful, original textile designs of Marina Cavalieri. Her large screen printing table occupied 1 room of her upstairs Keen Street studio & showroom. Luscious rolls of silk had been printed with her sophisticated stylised designs.

Grafton Gallery

Large columns covered with beach items greeted us at the Grafton Art Gallery. These totems were part of the exhibition showcasing photos from the 1960's & 70's of Australian beach culture. Many visitors could be heard reminising about their childhood & we were the same when a photo struck a chord.

I was attracted by the colour & shapes on the totems & the blue one was all thongs.