Australia:quadrat in focus

2010-12-07T19:09:00.006+11:00

Full view of the Ministry of Finance Building, Luneta Park, Manila 1984

Cooling off from Sweltering Summer - Moved

2010-01-13T01:14:00.097+11:00

We are having some incredible mercurial rise of a sweltering summer that could almost melt this continent in the south hemisphere. So for three Wednesday Memes, it's about Water, Water and Water from the window views to the outdoor.

Cheers!

My World in Contrast - Moved

2010-01-12T03:43:00.009+11:00

My World Tuesday #17

A big Thank You to our very innovative Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Louise, Wren, The Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

In somewhere, I heard some raucous sound. Please see more of My World Tuesday.

*Bird Quotes are sourced from Natural Mindset

Cheers!

Mid Spring Weekender - Moved

2010-01-10T18:06:00.015+11:00

For Our Weekend Memoirs

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My Scenic Sunday #9

A view within. What about giving other Scenic Sunday sites a visit and leaving a line of your appreciative comment?

Straight Out of the Camera #1

And Murrieta 365 SOOC. Wouldn't that be fun?

My Very First in Shadow Meme:

Now I can make use of those pictures lurking in my files. Guess, with all my nebbishy craze over photographic hobby, now I know where they go!

"Harriet's art themed musings & random off-track incidentals...and Shadow Shot Sunday. Every Sunday."~The Pride of Australia.

Cheers!

Sydney Central Railway Station - Moved

2010-01-08T18:37:00.006+11:00

Part of the series of my walkabout photography taken in the city, this time giving focus to our old Central Railway Station in Sydney which is approximately 40 minutes away from our railway station. In benefit to our Weekend Reflections Founder, James, and the participants. Enjoy!

Weekend Reflections as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Daily Photo Blog.

Cheers!

Love in the Air - Moved

2010-01-08T12:48:00.009+11:00

Check out here too!

Cheers!

Views and doors too - Moved

2010-01-07T15:31:00.010+11:00

My first post New Year outing after spending time with my daughter in her own home where she took pride in showing me the newly-painted baby room with brand new furnishings and some baby stuff she and her hubby already have prepared for the arrival of their first stork.

Having misplaced or lost my new camera, I was delighted when the couple offered me to use theirs knowing my crazy passion in photography. Guess that was part of their appreciation for cooking them a nice meal each time I go to visit them.

Soon as my son-in-law dropped me off at the station, I decided I would go to the city and did a walk-about. I did not go too far ... and managed to get some good shots for this week.

Watery Wednesday Link HERE.

Outdoor Wednesday HERE.

Old Railway Station

Modern Millenium Train was first operated during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

Wednesday Window Views and doors too link HERE.

Cheers!

OWM - First Entry to 2010 - Moved

2010-01-02T22:23:00.014+11:00

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and

Weekend Reflections as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Daily Photo Blog.

Watery Solitude

To unpathed waters, undreamed shores. -The Winter's Tale. Act iv. Sc. 4.~William Shakespeare~

This picture was sent by my sister from Switzerland. The scenery alone is perfect enough to make you drop all the cares in the world and reflect what beauty could there be in such a watery quietude above the hill. The majestic clouds did not fail to show itself on that liquid mirror where they stood in awe.

Cheers!

Memories on Weekends - Moved

2009-12-25T16:23:00.031+11:00

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Weekend Reflections as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Daily Photo Blog.

The season is lighting up in the lambent glow of its glitterati mood.

Pause for a moment: Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating. ~O. Henry, The Gifts of the Magi

Beverly has a physical disability. She survived a third degree burn, drowned and dreadfully abused when she was a child. Deaf and mute, she is an orphan too. For all the adversities she went through, she never stops smiling and helping others. And I love her.

Cheers!

Photo Journal - Moved

2009-12-25T10:33:00.027+11:00

My Skywatch Friday #22

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Sylvia, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just Above You!.

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheers!

My World Tuesday - Moved

2009-12-22T12:22:00.018+11:00

A big Thank You to our very smart Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Louise, Wren, The Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

Somewhere inis a colourful place. Please see more of My World Tuesday.

"Share our similarities, celebrate our differences." ~Anwar Sadat

Cheers!

Stamps - Moved

2009-12-20T23:23:00.015+11:00

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and

Weekend Reflections as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Daily Photo Blog.

Cheers!

One Moment - Moved

2009-12-18T00:53:00.018+11:00

My Skywatch Friday #21

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Sylvia, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just Above You!.

Cheers!

Universal Celebration

2009-12-17T20:16:00.013+11:00

I went to the shop early this morning. Life had just started to creep in this small village shopping center. Aisle stall owners were busy putting out wares on display and people were coming in flocks. There were long queues at the Post Office and banks waiting for these establishments to open.

It was nice and cool inside this shopping centre as opposed to the raging heat outside feeling like inferno.

Life is This Way - This Thursday for me. How is yours?

Have a safe season everyone!

Cheers!

Watery Wednesday: Lonely Pelican

2009-12-16T04:59:00.005+11:00

Watery Wednesday #14

There's more water in our WATERY WEDNESDAY to fill our drying tanks. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

Yes, I guess you could say I am a loner, but I feel more lonely in a crowd ...Brainy Quote

There's one thing the Pelican and I have in common: being a loner.

Cheers!

Wednesday: Exploring Windows

2009-12-16T03:30:00.010+11:00

MARYT/THETEACH conceptualized that All Doors and Windows must be opened to Everyone but only on WEDNESDAY. Enjoy good VIEWING!

Computer Window

Pot Window

Kitchen Window

Bathroom Window

Cheers!

Their World is Mine - Moved

2009-12-14T22:55:00.018+11:00

My World Tuesday #16

A big Thank You to our very innovative Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Louise, Wren, The Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

In somewhere is a quiet place. Please see more of My World Tuesday.

Cheers!

Heatwave Feast - Moved

2009-12-06T12:39:00.016+11:00

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Cheers!

Weekend Reflections - BMW- Moved

2009-12-04T02:03:00.017+11:00

Weekend Reflections is hosted by our friend James of Newtown Daily Photo Blog.

Cheers!

Clouds of Heat and Hate - Moved

2009-12-04T00:33:00.019+11:00

My Skywatch Friday #20

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Sylvia, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheers!

Central Tableland - Moved

2009-11-23T00:34:00.014+11:00

Created by Ebie and Company.
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My weekend memoirs of our travel to Orange today. It's about three and a half hours drive by car from the city. And early morning trip was okay and when we got home, boy! it was sizzling hot!

Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, home to Rhododendrons

Cheers!

Train Window

2009-11-18T16:14:00.011+11:00

MARYT/THETEACH conceptualized that All Doors and Windows must be opened to Everyone but only on WEDNESDAY. Enjoy good VIEWING!

Here's some of the trains that we run for our daily lives to work, home, city, mountains, other suburbs and remote places...anywhere we go for as long as it is accessible by train. Something different for my window menu this time.

Daily train cutting through the Circular Quay Railway line

XPT Train to Grafton (North of New South Wales)

Cheers!

Scenic Sunday: Sea View - The Entrance

2009-11-14T02:00:00.004+11:00

Let me rest...

Show Me the Way to go Home at TWTW

2009-11-12T14:19:00.011+11:00

A route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing. ~Ambrose Bierce

Yet, I ended here. I mean I am tired living everywhere though it helps enriched my experience. Today, I can't complain for I am now peacefully and blissfully settled here. Welcome to my nest home.

A very quiet footpath that takes us to where ever we go.

The entrance gate to the visitor's carpark

This tree is the most popular habitat of our local birds. Morning, noon and night time, birds choose to frolic here. The old man has built a bird house for them to come and visit as frequently as they could. We love listening to their music, their twittering and chirping noises that condensed into a symphonic bird concert until twilight.

Cheers!

Aotearoa: The Land of Long White Clouds

2009-11-05T23:40:00.026+11:00

My Skywatch Friday #19

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kia Ora, a Maori (Native New Zealander) word of greetings which means Welcome. Its Australian equivalent is G'day Mate. Now let's see what's their sky is up to.

My early morning rise viewing the lake from the courtyard of the Karaka Tree Motel, then looked up at the sky. This long cloud certainly caught my fanciful interest and made me think of the word Aotearoa - The Land of Long White Cloud which name simply means New Zealand.

As I further turned around sideways to the right, I could vividly see the length of this cloud extending further from the north to the east in rather a pretty smooth stream.

I ventured walking to town from our accommodation trying to keep myself fit for an exercise. It was a nice morning to walk having a cool fresh air and relaxing breeze coming from the lake for a company. My eyes were always focused in the sky observing the behaviour of the long white clouds glacing in the sky.

As the morning progressed so were my steps and strides. And the long cloud well, it changed into something like a pleasant pout nestling down ...err I don't know where?

The word Aotearoa is a Maori word broken up into two components: aotea for cloud and roa which means long. Wikipedia further states that in translation the word "'white' was added as it is the most common colour of cloud and it is accordingly glossed as "The land of the long white cloud". The origin or Etymology of which is found in New Zealand Wikipedia.

Cheers!

Old Post Office near Central Railway Station

2009-11-04T00:25:00.016+11:00

MARYT/THETEACH conceptualized that All Doors and Windows must be opened to Everyone but only on WEDNESDAY. Enjoy good VIEWING!

As I stood one morning at Lee Street Bus Bay to go to the Northern Shore, this building across the street had caught my attention due to its distinct heritage characteristic. Then I noticed the embossed Seal or Coat of Arms above the archway door and subsequently read the name of the building Post Office.

The seal was produced by the General Post Office, Sydney New South Wales in 1838.

To the stamp enthusiasts, clicking on the link of the Seal might lead you to something interesting about the history of Australian Stamp Making.

This is the full view of this heritage building now renamed Medina Executive Sydney Central Hotel.

Cheers!

Watering a Deserted Parched Planet

2009-11-03T19:52:00.015+11:00

Watery Wednesday #12

There's more water in our WATERY WEDNESDAY to fill our drying tanks. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

It's basically Summer now here though Spring is still the name of the game of our season. The feel of the drought is pretty much unwavering; unrelenting. Moonson rainfall in the past days did not help a bit.

The intensity of the heat dehydrates every fibre of human tissues unimaginable ... so I thought I would bring some with me back home the bluish lake of New Zealand: its silent and almost uninhabited pond, the tempting coolness of the harbour and the refreshing gushes of Huka Falls to cool off some southern tempers of the down underners.

The Swan Lake, not Tchaikovsky's masterpiece but Lake Taupo due to the presence of these elegant black swimmers.

The Marina: Cruising and Fishing Harbour

The Pond I spied below the country road outside the town.

The rustling waves lapping ashore. This portion of the lake is about 20 minutes drive from the main town of Taupo.

Huka Falls, a short fall having fast rapids and forceful current. See Video. It's worth the trouble.

Cheers!

A Rubic Post in memory of Mr Rob Barnett

2009-11-03T10:14:00.017+11:00

I'm joining a new Meme: Ruby Tuesday#2

Sorry for being slack. I don't think my faculty is in its active functional mode. But I am posting this in honour of one very deserving beloved Friends in our lives whose gargantuan achievements as I found out are incomprehensible let alone incredible. To Rob and Trish

I took this photo in Bright, VICTORIA last 2003.

is conceptualized by MARY/THETEACH
see more of Ruby Gems

My children are very much involved with this very caring and loving couple since they were little. They witnessed how they grow up physically and spiritually from childhood to adult human beings. Having been equipped with discernment and compassion as an Elder, Deacon and Minister and Parents without their own children, they saw how my kids endured the tribulations under grace of growing up children at home, at school and inside and outside the church.

Mr and Mrs Barnett are only known to everybody as Rob and Trish. Aussies are not particular with any distinctions or title be the subject is Prime Minister, President, Chanchellor, Commodore, lawyer, engineer, a doctor whatever; he or she is usually addressed by its own name. Gee, that would make you feel on equal footing with them, don't you?

I addressed my GP once by his title Dr Mc and straightaway, he fixed me "call me Joe". That simple and how down to earth people are here down under.

The long dining hall of the Barnett's Residence. My little girls helped Mr Barnett set up the table with china and cutleries. He taught them how to properly placed them on each side of the plate. Boy, how they enjoyed learning Home Economics from him. Taken in Aprill 2000. Occasion: Night to be much observed.

Some church friends on their tour to the Movie World in Queensland. The gentleman in red is Uncle Rob or Mr Barnett. By his side is Auntie Trish, his darling wife. They tagged the girls along so I could be free.

The little old woman in red standing on the porch of a mobile home at Ashmore Palm Village in Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The couple provided us the accommodation much to our surprise. A gift from heaven I should say.

The young girls in red posing for my camera right in their own bedroom enjoying the liberty of a Tourist Life.

Their last plunge in this swimming pool, facility of the village. The dolphin could not do anything but put up with the heaviness of this girl in red swimsuit.

Ahhh...taken in Zigzag Railway over at Lithgow. One of the tourist attraction of that place. Here's the couple enjoying the company of their borrowed girls. Pretty cold spring time at this time in 2001.

The Zig Zag is a full size, narrow gauge tourist railway located at Clarence, ten km east of Lithgow in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Built in the 1860s, the line was constructed to transport people and produce from the western plains of NSW to Sydney. It was replaced in 1910 by a 10 tunnel deviation.

These are among the best of the memories we have with them.

Cheers!

On a Hill Far Away in My World

2009-11-03T06:28:00.018+11:00

My World Tuesday #15

A big Thank You to our very innovative Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Louise, Wren, The Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

In somewhere is a quiet place. Please see more of My World Tuesday..

Silence is a fence around wisdom. ~German Proverb

We follow this hill on a long semi winding road

passing through this valley where green trees make friends with spring

down to this lonely plain

subdued by the slumbering dwellers. They too live in a beautiful city called Gungahlin in Canberra. Cleaner and neater. Well kept. No mess. No cares.

Cheers!

Reflecting on a Memory of a Person

2009-11-01T09:49:00.018+11:00

Weekend Reflections Entry #2 as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Area Photos blog. Please join us HERE!

NOTE: May I leave this with you and will appreciate your generous time. Let me take my rest and I'll get back to each of you. Thank you so much for the consideration.

There is but one philosophy and its name is fortitude! To bear is to conquer our fate. ~ Edward G. Bulwer-lytton

It was still dark when we left Sydney to travel to Canberra for the funeral of our former Church Minister. This was the look of the sky with daylight gaining momentum to peep through the somber clouds.

On the way, from clear soft morning, suddenly there appeared from nowhere a thin brume thickened to fog to hide the countryside pulchritude from view. I took this inside a running vehicle on the highway.

This man-made lake is an ideal attribute to this huge Resting Place where those that sleep will be left in due peace. I purposely took this picture for the Weekend Reflections. This tranquil setting in an island of solitude connotes a calm reflection of life as it is while on this temporary dwelling of ours on the face of this clear water surface. The shadow of the trees mirrored itself on such a quiet undisturbed watery graveyard.

God himself took a day to rest in, and a good man's grave is his Sabbath. ~John Donne

The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Oh, may I join the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again.
~George Eliot, The Choir Invisible

I choose this moment to meditate and reflect on my own life.

Cheers!

A Weekend Note with Sadness and Happiness

2009-11-01T09:16:00.036+11:00

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I was in Canberra last Friday along with my family and church friends to send off our beloved former Church Minister to his final resting place. He is now asleep waiting for the Resurrection of hope for eternal life when Judgment Day will come. There will be no more sorrow and all tears will be wiped away.

"the day slipped fast ...you helped a single person of the many that you passed; You closed your eyes in slumber, Our Creator quietly said; "You have earned one more tomorrow by what you have done today"?!an excerpt from the poem Its Day's End ~By John Hall

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~Albert Pike

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.~1 Timothy 6:7~

I look at life as a gift of God. Now that he wants it back
I have no right to complain.~Joyce Cary

With old friends. We finally met after 11 years!

My family and I with Trish, the sweetest, kind, loving and caring person we ever met along with her late husband.

Cheers!

Maiden Entry to Ruby Tuesday

2009-10-27T18:08:00.012+11:00

I'm joining a new Meme: Ruby Tuesday#1

is conceptualized by MARY/THETEACH
see more of Ruby Gems

In dedication to my little children, who no longer are. I miss their childhood. My nest is empty and void.

Children in Red. First cousins reunion. Taken in Tulau,Germany, 1991
Noemi, Lily, Sarah and Richie

Take a moment to hear today
What your children are trying to say
Listen today whatever you do
Or they won't come back to listen to you
Listen to problems and their needs
Praise their triumps and good deeds
Tell them you love them every night
Read a story, then turn out the light
Don't worry about happened today
Tomorrow is going to be OK.
~Anon~

Cheers!

Cleanest and Top Town in My World

2009-10-27T10:13:00.014+11:00

My World Tuesday #14

A big Thank You to our very innovative Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Louise, Wren, The Fishing Guy and Sylvia for promoting

a place to see! Let's help keep our world clean and green like New Zealand!
Please see more of My World Tuesday...

God loveth the clean. ~Koran, Ch. 9

We see beautiful green and pristine nature. Now, let's see the human civilization's laid back side of prosperity. Would you agree with me that this is the cleanest town? The world of discipline is right here. Good, helpful, warm and friendly people and a great host to visitors. Of course, they have their own share of domestic blues - but when it comes to housekeeping and hospitality, it seems nothing can beat this beautiful place called Taupo, New Zealand.

Our recent trip to this Green Country was worth every penny, heart and soul we put forth in going there inspite few discomfort of the climate change menu to which we had have no control. All else, we're very happy and pleased!

Cheers!

Sand, Pebbles, Stones and Rocks in my OWM

2009-10-25T10:34:00.013+11:00

My Number 8 to

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My first weekend morning stroll along Lake Taupo, the history of which is now posted in my main blog Parched Paper and the Quill.

I let the quotes speak on my behalf. They are as truthful as nature contains.

I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets. It has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day. It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful. Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I am happy. ~Hamlin Garland, McClure's, February 1899

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
An eternity in an hour.
~William Blake

The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.~Blaise Pascal

Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral.~John Burroughs

Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.~William Wordsworth

It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility.~Rachel Carson

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.
~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage

A wholesome contemplative weekend for me to feel the refreshing beauty of a place far from home.

Cheers!

Sharp and Blinding Reflection of Lake Taupo

2009-10-24T22:49:00.010+11:00

My First Weekend Reflections Entry as hosted by our friend James of Newtown Area Photos blog. Please join the GANG! They're all HERE!

The glorious lamp of heaven, the radiant sun, Is Nature's eye.~John Dryden, The Story of Acis, Polyphemus, and Galatea (l. 165), from Ovid "Metamorphoses", bk. xiii

Lake Taupo is Australasia's largest fresh water lake.

Cheers!

Taupo Town Beyond Waikato River

2009-10-24T20:35:00.008+11:00

My Scenic Sunday #9

A view within. What about giving other Scenic Sunday a visit and leave a line of your appreciative comment?

One of those awesome view taken in Taupo Bungy Jumping site. That river down below is called Waikato River.

The wooden railing is actually a part of a cantilever bungy platform which projects out from the spectacular pink and white cliffs of "Hell's Gate". Hell's Gate is 46 meters above the deep crystal clear waters of the Waikato River.

Cheers!

The Mood of Climate Change

2009-10-23T06:55:00.028+11:00

Skywatch Friday #18

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The winds grow high; Impending tempests charge the sky;...And big waves lash the frightened shores. ~Matthew Prior

Even The FASCINATING NEW ZEALAND skies were affected by a chain reaction of the Tsunami in Samoa, Earthquake in Indonesia and Noah's Greatest Deluge in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, Please enjoy!

Sydney International Airport: taken before departure time at 8am.

The clouds dusting off its feathers as the plane taxied on the runway ready for a take off.

Auckland International Airport how it looked at past 3pm right after we finished off at the customs. I took this from the window as we were walking inside the airport premise to claim our luggages..

The sticky beak of me spied what's going on inside the airport compound. As you can see, this part is the hub of the airline laborious activities. But my eyes was more focused to the sky.

Now, you see what I mean? I was bit ... bit ... just bit ... as we still had another flight to tackle....with this clouds looming to doom? Heavens forbid!

Crossing towards Auckland Domestic Airport at 4pm

After a long wait, we were called for boarding our flight to Taupo. And this what had greeted us outside: strong dusty wind so freezing cold! Time:5:30pm

Auckland to Taupo Sky in the early stage few minutes after take off

Stage 2 of a milky journey away from the scary bad storm during lift off.

Stage 3 dreaming this heavenly creamy sight

That I call the "Iceberg in the Sky" at the elevation of 16,00 feet above the sea due to the stormy weather condition

We're getting there in few minutes.

Here we come! Safe landing at 6:15pm

Welcome to Taupo!

This is how the sky looks in the landing area soon after we took off from the plane.

A different look outside the premise while waiting for the shuttle bus to take us to Karaka Tree Motel in Taupo. Time:6:50pm

This is where we stayed on our arrival. The sky was looking beautiful and a promising adventure.

Until the sky changed its mind faster as any human minds change.

Storm ingathering. It thickens like faults of men.

The wrath is consumed up in heavens.

Unleashed tears, the sky cannot withhold no more.

Snow-capped mountains of Tongariro National Park visible from the Lake Taupo on a Monday, October 5, 2009.

The last sky seen in town before heading to the airport back home.

Cheers!

Taupo Bungy Jumping this TWTW

2009-10-22T11:55:00.008+11:00

My Entry #4 to

On the road This Way Thursday Way! My Own Road to spare...taken from my recent trip. Please give the above logo a tickle of a mouse to join!

Bored in running away from the icy weather of rain and sleets up in Turangi, we decided to go back to Taupo and sneaked out to see places nearby. So round the bend we went and the road took us here.

I jokingly call this area a death chamber.
That's the hanging rope there that is tied up to the legs to support a daredevil as he jumps down to the river. I think a pulley is used to hoist him back to the top. As he jumps, his head goes down first. Wanna dare?

No, I never said I would go bungy jumping. The thought of it makes me feel dizzy already. I will never dare and I don't care if I will not win.

Cheers!

Flowing Deep and Wide

2009-10-21T23:14:00.008+11:00

Bit slack with my posting. Here's a triple treat from Taupo, New Zealand. Haven't seen a wide river in a long long time. The visit to this site proved exciting!

Watery Wednesday #11

It's peaceful, it's flowing and it's beautiful. And why not? More sweet flow can be seen here at WATERY WEDNESDAY posted by others who live on the other side of the fence. Only a mouse away. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

"And see the rivers how they run
Through woods and meads, in shade and sun,
Sometimes swift, sometimes slow,--
Wave succeeding wave, they go
A various journey to the deep,
Like human life to endless sleep!" ~John Dyer

Rivers are roads that move and carry us whither we wish to go. [Les rivieres sont des chemins qui marchant et qui portent ou l'on veut aller.] ~Blaise Pascal

Cheers!

Aerial View in My World

2009-10-20T07:26:00.017+11:00

My World Tuesday #13

A big Thank You to our very innovative Host Klaus and his dynamic team: Sandy, Ivar, Louise, Wren and the Fishing Guy for making

looking like these pictures below from the air this Tuesday.

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a little thing.~Isaiah 40:15

As Air New Zealand plane took off, I requested a lady by the window to take these aerial shots for me with my new camera: Olympus FE-4000, a blessed belated birthday present from a friend. I was truly gobsmacked when she handed me a bag of goodies before my departure. Boy, I could cry in a bucket for joy like a little child. Oh yes, I endlessly thanked the lady who did this wonderful job for me. She was all smiles when I explained to her that I was going to blog these photos.

Up

Up
and
Away!

The above view is part of Eastern Suburb and the city. The oval as you can see is the famous Sydney Cricket Ground insofar I can familiarize myself with.

Facts:

Sydney Airport (also known as Kingsford Smith Airport)is located in the Sydney suburb of Mascot. It is the major airport serving Sydney, and is a major hub for Qantas.

Sydney Airport is one of the oldest continually operated airports in the world, and the busiest airport in Australia, handling 31.9 million passengers and 290,346 aircraft movements in 2007. It was the 28th busiest airport in the world in 2003. The airport is managed by Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (SACL) and the current CEO is Russell Balding.

Situated next to Botany Bay, the airport has three runways, colloquially known as the "East-West", "North-South" and "Third" runways. It has the smallest land area of any capital city airport in Australia.

It is a dream, sweet child! a waking dream,
A blissful certainty, a vision bright,
Of that rare happiness, which even on earth
Heaven gives to those it loves.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

You might find the History of this famous south hemispherean airport interesting. It's in this source below.

Source: Wikipedia

Please view today's My World Tuesday and see some fascinating world only in your dream exists.

Cheers!

Pooh Bear Lives Here, a Weekend Memoirs

2009-10-18T18:48:00.013+11:00

My Number 7 to

Created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above and join us in our fun.

Okay guys, here's one of the places we visited up in Taupo, New Zealand. Very interesting buzzing beesness. I somewhat ended up going home sneezing after that day.

No, we did not buy any honey at all. Too expensive!

Now let the pictures do the talking. I'll just add the conclusion later.

It sure was a profitable weekend memoirs making the most of our restricted time. Gladly, the sun was up after some gloomy and weary days. Perhaps, Mother Sky thought she's tired looking glum opening her eyes to let her teardrops fell from heaven. Enough, she said, "I'm exhausted!" She yelled on us, Sinners here on earth. Amen.

Cheers!

Brighter Skies before I went away

2009-10-16T11:01:00.010+11:00

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My first SKYWATCH ACTIVITY after a short stow away to New Zealand. Today are just one of those bright days in the sky I took two months ago during a trip to the southwestern part of New South Wales where I accompanied a friend to a pilgrimage.

Next post will be about the FASCINATING NEW ZEALAND skies! Please Skywatch it!

These three shots were aimed above the cave when the clouds kept rolling while the people were praying.

Cheers!

To All Avid Skywatchers

2009-09-29T20:23:00.007+10:00

Morning Glory? I took this yesterday on the Day of Atonement.
While surfing over the internet I have come across this monumental atmospheric experience and achievement of one young Australian Sky Glider who surfed a "'tsunami in the sky'".

Here, am flocking this interesting ARTICLE about the young daredevil. Dare doing it?

Or would you just rather Skywatch?

Hasta la vista!

Cheers!

Red Sand from Port Augusta, South Australia

2009-09-28T23:41:00.005+10:00

My friend Simone, a New Zealander and a Dietitian by profession, had once worked for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) based at Port Augusta, South Australia. They flew to the outback to serve the people who live far out of reach from the mainstream government health services.

She sent me this sample of the red fine sand from the place where she worked. Simone is currently going on a world tour.

With this in mind, I wonder if the dust storm we had sustained that recently turned the city red could have been originated from there, judging from this grain of red sand? Just guessing

City in Red as dust shrouded the sky

2009-09-23T17:04:00.026+10:00

Skywatch Friday #17

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

Today's story is HERE, a full story of the event that catapulted me out of bed. Thanks to my lovely daughter.

This could be my early and last SKYWATCH ACTIVITY before heading off to New Zealand. What a memory as today is another day of reckoning this country has to confront again: Summer Bushfires, Hail Storms, Floods, Drought, Crimes and other calamities and catastrophes that Mother Nature so direly expresses her fury towards humand kind? ... is it a wonder why things can go so WRONG?

“Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors warning”~Proverb

Red haze as sifted by my bedroom window screen

outside gloom from my kitchen window

from my kitchen window about 10 am

from my front glass door

backyard Northeast direction

from my backyard Northeastern direction

backyard Southeast

by midday from my bedroom window trying to capture the dust of the car

the last blast

storm forced by strong winds

clouds gathering momentum

haze dissipating

clearing at 2:56pm

it's cleared by 2:58pm

the glory of my home-sky restored

the sky is back to normal by 3pm so far in my home-sky

My head and my neck are in pain trying to make adjustments in the placement according to the sequence of the day I took these pictures.

Cheers!

My Sincere Apology

2009-09-17T21:12:00.004+10:00

To everyone who left comments in all my Memes. I am sincerely offering my Apology as I have not been in my element in blogging and commenting the past week or so. With so many things on my plate, I have been busy doing things in preparation to my forthcoming trip to New Zealand.

I just want you to know that I am deeply indebted and grateful for all your kindness. I shall return when time warrants in between as the pressure is ON. For now, I have to go for another big day tomorrow and the next day!

I will RETURN!

Hugs to you all.

Cheers!

Litratong Pinoy - Fashionista ka ba?

2009-09-17T20:30:00.013+10:00

Nuong nakaraang linggo, nagkaroon kami ako ng ka-date. Anak ko 'tsaka yong asawa niya. Sakay ako ng train papuntang city (ano ba ang city sa Tagalog?) Kasi ang siyudad bisaya di ba?

Punta kaming Broadway. Isa sa mga shopping centers sa Sydney. Para ano? Para mag-order lang ng pansit. Gutom ako eh! Tapos nag-ikot kami sa lahat ng sahig. Habang nagpalit ng location ang manugang ko (ginagawa ito kada ora para maka-libre sa parking fee), kayo naman. Kahit ibang bansa ito, kailangan palistohan din ng utak no? Kami naman ng baby damulag ko ay pumasok sa KMart.

Napagod ako sa kalalakad (tanda na eh) kaya umupo na lang ako sa isle. May mga complimentary upuan doon sa loob parang plaza na rin. Nadiskartihan kong magclick ng cell phone cam ko, kaya ito. Di naman ako bumili ng damit kasi wala akong hilig sa damit nila. Ang lalaki eh! Pag ako'y bibili ng damit ko, duon ako pumapasok sa children's department. Ganyan ako kamaba. hahaha. Ibig sabihin cute!

Sige na, pakipasyalan nyo na lang po ang Litratong Pinoy ano po? Siyanga pala, nakita ko po ang Litratong Pinoy sa blog ni Aling Ebie. Ang babait ng Ale na ito. kayo rin.

Lost in Translation?

Last week, I had a date with my daughter and her hubby. I boarded a train to the city. They met me at Central Station and we walked to Broadway, one of the city's shopping centers.

What for? To order a plate of noodles! I was famished. (I left home with an empty tummy). After that we rounded all floors just for window shopping. While my son-in-law shifted the car in another location, he does this every hour to avoid paying parking fee, my baby and I went inside KMart.

I was tired walking, so I sat down in one of those park bench inside the shop's aisle. I took some photos using my cell phone camera and aimed at the dresses as shown above. I am not a shopaholic person besides the sizes are much too big for me. If there's any way I buy my clothes, I normally go to the children's department. That's how petite I am. Very cute!

Cheers!

It's a Small World in My World

2009-09-08T10:45:00.012+10:00

My World #12

So, am late! Knock, knock, are you there?

is getting smaller every Tuesday. Thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Louise, Wren and the Fishing Guy.

A treat but not a trick from my daughter. Nice to get refreshed with a nice romantic cuppa once in a while out there in an elegant atmosphere within Qeen Victoria Building.

I posted this one time in Scenic Sunday with not much luck of getting visitors, so here I reposted this in review. There's few interesting information link in the aforementioned meme.

Haven't I told you that my world is getting smaller? Look at this guy here! The shop owner imported him from Buckingham Palace to guard QVB.

Please take at peek in My World and join the fun. I know this is late advertisement,nonetheless, it's FREE!

Cheers!

That's My Weekend Memoirs, what about yours?

2009-09-06T12:39:00.013+10:00

My Number 6 to

Created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above and join us in our fun.

It's been a very long time that I've never been to a party. There were invitations in the past that would always end up being turned down. Probably because I'm not much of a party goer, let alone a social person of that kind. But there's a saying that goes, "for every rule, there's an exception." So this particular weekend (last weekend actually) was one of the exceptions.

It's a 60th birthday celebration by one of our brethren in our former association. It was a gathering to reunite friends besides the family. There were fun guessing games where our group won first prize

for the most contributed answers to the trivia. The group let me took the prize home. What a bonus as I nearly missed that one out anyway!

Then a lady in our group also won a special individual prize for her ability in remembering all the songs that were being played.

These were the prizes for all the games that night.

The theme of the celebration was 1960's, apparently when the celebrant was in his teenage years like me. Some came wearing that era's customs like headband, mini skirt, bell bottom, fishnets, twiggy and God knows what else. All the music played were those being popularized during my High School Days like the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

I shunned to sing. I love singing but I don't like singing in public solo. In the choir, yes, but not on my own. Goodness, I ran like chicken. The other two previous weekend memoirs issue, Al told my chicken to get undressed so they could be fried! There you go! Instead of me getting fried, I just ran figuratively speaking.

But I did enjoy listening to the songs sang by my friends. It was a wonderful night hampered by the strong wind that almost blew the marquee out of its place. But the people weren't deterred. They just continued singing until early in the morning. So I was naturally flatout when I got home.

Well, as you can see, a party is not a party without food! So let the pictures speak for themselves.

Bon appetit!

Cheers!

What a Beautiful Day for Skywatch Friday

2009-09-03T15:11:00.005+10:00

Skywatch Friday #16

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The sky, a perfect empty canvas, offers clouds nonetheless. They shift and drift and beg interpretation... such is the nature of art. ~Jeb Dickerson, www.howtomatter.com

We had a beautiful day last Friday week but bit windy. I was seriously washing clothes by hands in my kitchen sink and when I looked up the window I saw these beautiful clouds swiftly rolling by. It was such a compelling view and not one to miss that I grabbed my Eric and ran outside the backyard to chase them.

I even went to the extent of pulling a heavy chair outside so I could stand a little bit higher to catch the sight behind the tree that obstructed the sky view. I also aimed Eric in another angle as I was really fascinated by the shape. The clouds down below looks like an alien spacecraft with ET riding on it. I don't know. Sometimes I have funny optical disillusion. lol. Getting cross-eyed perhaps!

Cheers!

Railed Window by Mary/theTeach

2009-09-02T20:39:00.009+10:00

It's Number 2 For Me

“If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade.” ~Tom Peters

The window is late in coming. It has been left closed by me. lol. Sorry for waiting. Maryt/theteach has now opened it for me. Maybe you should join the fun like me. Here's more Windows to click. I'll serenade to you. Just light the candle. Guitar please!!!

A typical Australian Federation Home with windows being railed for safety purposes.

“Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.” ~John Perry Barlow

Cheers!

The Lake Flows to the Sea and Vice Versa

2009-09-01T22:58:00.011+10:00

Watery Wednesday #10

It's peaceful, it's flowing and it's beautiful. And why not? Let's give a positive enhancement to more WATERY WEDNESDAY posted by others who live on the other side of the fence. It's only a mouse away. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

A Brief Info:

The Entrance is named after its location at the Tasman Sea entrance of the Tuggerah Lakes. The area is a popular holiday and fishing spot. You can swim at the beaches or fish in the Lake.

Pelicans are regularly fed at the Waterfront at approximately 3:30pm daily. The Pelican Feeding Officers present an educational talk while feeding the pelicans. Observers can also get the opportunity to ask questions too.

There are numerous long jetties to walk out onto the lake at Long Jetty. The place sure lives by its name.

At The Entrance, we stayed in a holiday unit called Sundowner. It is located in Marine Parade which is just across this lake. I took this picture one stormy morning while everyone else was still asleep.

The following day, the weather was clear and the tide was also very low. My daughter and I sneaked out of the unit and went for a walk on yet another early morning. While she walked in one direction, I aimed my digicam to this particular angle of the lake that connects to the open sea.

Cheers!

Twisted Freaks in My World

2009-09-01T08:34:00.007+10:00

My World #11

There are freaks in MY WORLD and they're twisted. Go and get them right HERE!

Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

These freak trees are lining up the avenue towards Taronga Zoo. They caught my fancy one day I was standing across waiting for the bus to the city from work. As I looked at them, "hmmmm, that's something unusual, so I thought". I mean their form. Apparently they were purposely trimmed that way to give more room for branches to spread out so more leaves will grow healthy and true to form, they provide a canopy of shade in the summer to repel the scorching heat. The gardeners who did this unique job must have twisted creative minds.

They are very old trees and it's no question they have been there for 'ears and ears'. Meanwhile, my apology for the quality of the pictures. Just think, they are Monet's paintings. Was it my eyes turned blurry? Or the lens of my mini digicam?

I was feeling freaky with these twisted trees when I took them these pictures.

Cheers!

Mini Water Falls for Watery Wednesday

2009-08-25T23:37:00.011+10:00

Watery Wednesday #10

It's peaceful, it trickles and it's beautiful. And why not? Let's give a positive enhancement to more WATERY WEDNESDAY posted by others who live on the other side of the fence. It's only a mouse away. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

This is a sequel to Cockington Green Gardens as published in Scenic Sunday and Today's Flowers as they were all taken on the same day.

These mini watery features are part of the International Display Area where miniature architectural buildings were carefully crafted by family artists per design donated by each respective Embassy all over the world.

Cheers!

Koala is the Word in My World

2009-08-25T20:06:00.009+10:00

My World #10

There's always something new in MY WORLD view.
Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

Postcard from Australia

Nothing scopey today. I'm still feeling groggy with dental anesthesia. So please Koala (bear) with me. Until all work is completely done, and when? I don't know. That will be the time I will be able to keep up all the memes I am joining in. The others that I am not able to participate are called my Sacrificial Lambs. Poor thing. Not my intention, dears.

Meanwhile, here's the huggy Koala. As clingy as the glue. Okay Willa, come and grab them! Anyone with kids are welcome to grab my Koala.

I have another koala but I don't think anyone will be interested to grab this kind.

Anyhow Enjoy! Be careful in handling them. They are too heavy except the one below the real one.

Cheers!

Scenic Sunday in Cockington Green Gardens Canberra

2009-08-23T17:16:00.015+10:00

My Scenic Sunday #8

A view within. What about giving other Scenic Sunday sites a visit and leaving a line of your appreciative comment?

Welcome to Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra, the Capital City of Australia!

11 Gold Creek Rd
Nicholls ACT 2913, Australia

A very impressive place to be and to see. Just click the link of the garden and it will take you to the most elaborate website where it says a lot about the place without me having to repeat their words.

I'd been to Canberra a few times, but the last visit was the ultimate when my friend Lucy took me there. I was still lucky my Canon minidigicam was still at work.

Yes, Denise, this miniature village was designed after a certain Devonshire County in England.

Enjoy!

Cheers!

Contrasting Chooky Weekend Memoirs in Canberra

2009-08-23T15:11:00.009+10:00

My Fifth Entry to

Created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above and join us in our fun.

Yeah, please meet Kangaroo and Emu, Australian Federal Coat of Arms guarding at Cockington Green Gardens.

Now, what are these? You bet, they call them here, Chooks! Not sure if they have laid golden eggs yet. But I loved feeding them greens fresh from the backyard garden while my hosts were still snoring in bed. I was kind of 'early to bed, early to rise' that's why.

Cheers!

A Sky on Fire at SWF

2009-08-20T23:57:00.010+10:00

No Road Sign in the middle of the Pacific Highway

2009-08-20T10:19:00.016+10:00

My Entry #3 to

is a new feeder Way to the Meme world in blogsville hosted today by Ebie

Please click the above logo and it will take you to Mr Linky's page. Kindly join the fun, leave comments and link to us. Meanwhile, Watch out for the hole on the road!

A Trip to Gosford for a Weekend Barbecue. You're right, we are Right Steering Wheel drivers down under.

One
Summer
twilight zone
a car trip
to Gosford via Pacific Highway
was enjoyed by all with singing and story

telling
about
family life
growing up kids
and pains in the neck
what parents complain in putting up with children

this
modern
techno era
made values change
family traditions are long gone
for us, a barbecue fellowship will always stay.

One
Summer
twilight zone
the sunset embers
slowly faded out of horizon
into the night we came home to slumber.

One
Summer
twilight zone
in Pacific Highway
all the way from Gosford
homeward bound trailing memory of an evening rest.

Copyright@2009, lcd, all rights reserved.
this Way Thurs-way Meme
August 20, 2009

Cheers!

Peaceful, Radiant and Beaming

2009-08-19T00:23:00.010+10:00

Watery Wednesday #10

It's peaceful, it's radiant and it's beaming. And why not? Let's give a positive enhancement to more WATERY WEDNESDAY posted by others who live in the other side of the fence. It's only a mouse away. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

"Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."~ Albert Einstein ~

A watery feature of the Japanese Garden, as one integral attraction of Auburn Botanical Garden. The recent event in the family is still very much fresh in my memory and there are still many pictures to be shared.

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

-- William Arthur Ward

By the way, Picture above is compliment from the Stapleton's Family. Thanks Doug, Cary and Astley.

Cheers!

Weekend Memoirs: Somewhere in Time

2009-08-16T09:16:00.015+10:00

My Fifth Entry to

Created by Ebie and Arlene.
Please click the picture above and join us in our fun.

Somewhere in Time

Once a year, our church will choose a place for us to go to commemorate the Feast of Tabernacles. In 2003, we went to Bright, Victoria.

Bright is situated on the Great Alpine Road (B 500) about 75 kms from the Hume Highway (M31) which is the main road connecting Melbourne to Sydney (see map above charted by Google).

Bright is just over five hours drive from Canberra by car.

Yes, our journey had to commence from Canberra though we lived in Sydney because a couple by the name Mr and Mrs Rob-Trish Barnett offered us a lift to get there; thus, saving us the hassle of traveling on our own by train and bus which could take ages. So after the service, we were set to bound to Canberra where we had an overnight stay with the couple and sojourned the following day to the above destination.

While driving through Canberra, we experienced the stunning drive via the Snowy Mountains through Thredbo, Corryong to the Great Alpine Road and on to Bright.

The picture above let me step back Somewhere in Time to reminisce that weekend memoir where my girls and I walked about to one particular hidden park behind the roadside and down the old bridge we saw a bubbling creek. The place looked so dramatic that we decided to slowly descend a not so steep trail with care and explored ourselves the stunning woodland view as if we were inside a fairyland whatever that concept means.

A Postcard from Bright, Victoria

Meanwhile, thank you Ebie for my birthday announcement. So very kind of you. Each year, we just keep going forward. No turning back. So I rather cherish some good memories right here in Ebie's Weekend Memoirs.

Cheers!

Happy First Anniversary to Today's Flowers

2009-08-09T21:39:00.009+10:00

It's My Number 8 (this time)

Kudos to the Blog Creator, Luis Santilli Jr and his Team! Thank You Very Much!!!

Today's Flowers is on offer as florally created by Luis Santilli Jr. It's time to visit Today's Flowers and smell those sweet scented delights. TF Team on Board:Santilli - Denise - Pupo - Valkyrien

First Prize Winning Entry: Central Coast Orchids Show Exhibition

Special Entry to Today's Flowers. The last in my photo file taken last year's Central Coast Orchids Show by permission at The Entrance, NSW.

Also, a belated birthday greetings to Betsy of Joyful Reflections.

Cheers!

A New Day: Post Aurora

2009-08-09T07:32:00.007+10:00

Skywatch Friday #15

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

Too late for Skywatch. But it's okay.

I got up early today and the beauty of the sky as usual has this mesmerizing effect on me. Without sounding too pious, I always have that feeling of God's divine presence behind the heavenly pulchritude.

These ambrosial attractions were taken way past Aurora. The sky is soft and somewhat gliding. It's our last month of Winter, yet, it already augurs Spring by the look of the sky.

I'm taking part of inserting a Skywatch Word for Today

Au⋅ro⋅ra
/ɔˈrɔrə, ɔˈroʊrə, əˈrɔrə, əˈroʊrə/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [aw-rawr-uh, aw-rohr-uh, uh-rawr-uh, uh-rohr-uh] Show IPA

–noun, plural Au⋅ro⋅ras, Au⋅ro⋅rae /ɔˈrɔri, əˈroʊri/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [uh-rawr-ee, uh-rohr-ee] Show IPA for 2, 3.

1. the ancient Roman goddess of the dawn. Compare Eos.
2. (lowercase) dawn.
3. (lowercase) Meteorology. a radiant emission from the upper atmosphere that occurs sporadically over the middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres in the form of luminous bands, streamers, or the like, caused by the bombardment of the atmosphere with charged solar particles that are being guided along the earth's magnetic lines of force.

Cheers!

Weekend Memoirs

2009-08-07T21:26:00.007+10:00

My Fourth Entry to

Created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above and join us in our fun.

The weekend Cyclists we witnessed every quiet Sunday morning passing by at Richmond Road, Quakers Hill where we used to live. It's pretty handy being an early bird on Winter day. The cyclists came in a large crowd, mob or group and they created a spectacular view to ward off freezing chills.

Cheers!

Sail Away at the Circular Quay

2009-08-05T13:14:00.008+10:00

Watery Wednesday #9

Let's sail away this Watery Wednesday in Sydney's Circular Quay. Let's Do It! Give this a click WATERY WEDNESDAY. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

Just pictures in review. These were obviously antiquated having been taken in 2005 one sultry Autumn Day down under in November. It was my free day. I grabbed my little girl and her best friend Shenali to come with me. I took them to a harbourside restaurant and gave them a Shout. Not that I yelled at them, I mean a blow out. I did not blow them out either. Meaning, I paid for their menu fare.

Cheers!

Our Weekend Memoirs - Moro Dwelling

2009-08-02T15:12:00.007+10:00

My Third Entry to

Created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above and join with us in our fun.

My friend Lucy who lives and works in Canberra took me to this beautiful place called Cockington Green Gardens that specializes in miniature gardens. Click HERE for more interesting insights.

I had never been there before. Thanks to her generosity. So many beautiful places around Canberra, Australia's Capital Territory within New South Wales.

This is a replica of the southern local Moro dwelling in Mindanao, auspices by the Philippine Embassy. Staff of Cockington Green Garden mold this one in its finest detail.

Cheers!

Orchids Show from The Entrance

2009-08-01T20:10:00.009+10:00

It's My Number 7 (this time)

Today's Flowers is on offer as florally created by Luis Santilli Jr. It's time to visit Today's Flowers and smell those sweet scented delights. TF Team on Board:Santilli - Denise - Pupo - Valkyrien

These orchids photos were taken with permission from Central Coast Orchids Society. Please enjoy!

It was at the Feast of Tabernacles when we went to this beautiful coastline. As I entered the town's little shopping mall, I was greeted by the beautiful display of orchids. I asked the guy at the Info desk if I was allowed to take pictures. He said Yes straightaway. Country people are not hard to talk to. Very friendly and warm.

Cheers!

A View Within The City's Famous Landmark

2009-08-01T19:34:00.013+10:00

My Scenic Sunday #7

A view within. What about giving other Scenic Sunday sites a visit and leaving a line of your appreciative comment?

Introducing: Royal Tableaux here in QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING. See the EVOLUTION of this famous International Building per link.

This is a long over-due posting taken during the pre-wedding date with my daughter alone in the city spending time together; enjoying an Aussie Traditional Roast Beef Lunch with vegies and having a nice coffee afterward on the third floor.

Cheers!

Window Views # 15 Created by MARYT/THETEACH

2009-07-31T21:00:00.007+10:00

It's Number 1 For Me

The window is late in coming. It has been left closed by me. lol. Sorry for waiting. Maryt/theteach has now opened it for me. Maybe you should join the fun like me. Here's more Windows to click. I'll serenade to you. Just light the candle. Guitar please!!!

Our friend Anna and Frank. Courtesy by my sister. I don't know whether this was taken in France or in Switzerland. I just fall in love with the colourful European windows. Environmentally friendly. Australians should colour their windows to make us happy window viewers. What you reckon Mate?

Cheers!

Transformations

2009-07-30T18:40:00.012+10:00

Skywatch Friday #14

From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!
Let the sky speaks for itself. Photos compliment by Stapleton's Family. Thanks Guys! Enjoy the cold night. Champagne Toast Everyone!

Cheers!

Organic-Inorganic Miscible Compositions - This Way This Thursday #2

2009-07-29T21:31:00.013+10:00

Thurs-Way is still coming in some quarters of the world. So I won't deem myself late.

Please give the badge a Tickle and it will take you there. Come and join the FUN. Tell us about your Road. Show some of your Signs. And Lead us to the Pathways of your haven.

Yah, that's the Great Western Highway - the sole link between Sydney and the West. The place where this sign is located is called Little Hartley, which is part of the Blue Mountains about hour and a half drive from the city and 30 minutes to Lithgow.

This is the Woodfired Pizza I was talking about in my previous Meme: My World. It was done in You Tube video clip so if you are having trouble downloading then please don't open the link unless you feel the temptation of doing so. Actually it will just appear automatically and it does take sometime to play because I set it to slow play and zoom motion.

It was raining that day, hence, the wet road. It did not deter me from taking pictures here and there with the owner's approval of course. His name is Ron and he is running a photographic competitions that he will post here.

The woodfired pizza is truly scrumptious. It is housed in a roadside cottage where a through door will take you to a metallic art work gallery manned and owned by Ron himself. By the way, the pizza cafe is being run by his wife, Catherine.

Hungry and famish travellers do stop here for their famous pizza and friendly service. The old-fashioned countrytown friendly, quick and efficient service. I'll post more photos in another blog.

No, this is not a commercial plug. Just kind of travelogue out of boredom. I just happened to speak to Ron as I was fascinated by his metallic art work. Very impressive skills he has.

Heavenly Sprinkle

2009-07-28T20:27:00.008+10:00

Watery Wednesday #8

Shall we sprinkle some nice comments to other Watery Wednesday's splashes? Let's Do It! Give this a click WATERY WEDNESDAY. Great concept of 2Sweetandsaxy.

Woodford Railway Station

This is an old roadside hotel called The Alex Hotel, parallel to Katoomba Railway Station
In my previous meme My World, I mentioned about the Train Ride from Lithgow to the City and that it was raining through from there until we reached Penrith. I was by the window, so I managed to keep Eric dry from the sky spray. Very cold!

Way Out in The Valley

2009-07-27T03:47:00.020+10:00

My World #9

There's always something new in MY WORLD view.
Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

Today's MY WORLD is only a small dot in the horizon. It is way out in a small country town of Little Hartley which is over an hour drive from Sydney. This is one rare occasion where I am able to get out of my burrow to see the mountain valley to catch some icy wind of winter.

It was actually drizzling sleets when we arrived there. Thanks to my lovely daughter Lily who asked me to come for a drive with them. We stopped at this Woodfired Pizza Cafe and Art Gallery Shop called Talisman for a late lunch.

Her boyfriend and friends from Orange were there already. While waiting to be served, I stood up with my Eric and took some pictures to the point of talking to the owner.

That story will come in another blog.

I had a nice trip home aboard a countrylink train. It was raining all the way through until we reached Penrith. Then, then, I thought I would create a video to break away from the mold. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Floral Slide for Today's Flowers

2009-07-26T21:41:00.012+10:00

It's My Number 6 (this time)

Flowers Number 1, 2, 6 and 7 were from my own garden.
Flowers Number 3, 4 and 9 were from our little village garden.
Number 5 is Bougainvillea (I call Tangerine) taken when per chance I passed by a fence while walking somewhere in Whale Beach.
Number 8 is a simple composite of Bird of Paradise taken from the street where I live.
Number 10 is a single petalled pink Hibiscus taken in Mosman.

That goes to show, am almost everywhere around Sydney. :)

Cheers!

Auburn and The Rocks

2009-07-25T23:34:00.005+10:00

My Scenic Sunday #6

A bit of a city view this time. What about giving other Scenic Sunday sites a visit and leaving a line of your appreciative comment?

Chiswick Road, Auburn, where the Scenic Sunday Wedding was held. That's my girl waving to the Newlyweds in the Hummer for their own exclusive Wedding Tour.

I think this place is part of The Rocks. I'm not really sure. This street faces the Harbour where the Opera House is visible from this point of view.

Both pictures are compliments from a church family friend.

Enjoy this Scenic Sunday!

Cheers!

The Look of Love

2009-07-25T22:29:00.017+10:00

My Second Entry to

as created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above to join us.

Much has been said about the Wedding. I guess, this is one of the most Memorable Weekend Memoirs for us when these two lovebirds exchanged I Do's last month that fell on a Sunday in Auburn Botanical Garden.

The Auburn Botanic and Japanese Gardens consists of nine separate gardens: Japanese hill and lake, sunken rose gardens, woodland theatre and billabong area, Australian rainforest, Australian woodlands, picnic and BBQ area, Bonsai garden, aviary and fauna reserve.

Cheers!

Stormy Face of a Cold Zone

2009-07-24T00:28:00.012+10:00

Skywatch Friday #13

Oh oh... take note of my skywatch number above. No am not paranoid about numbers. lol
From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

Taken on a ground level
Eric was pointed higher to Western direction
Then I aimed towards the North

When you look at the sky on a day like this, there is a tendency that the face of a cold zone can be threatening. On this particular Friday late afternoon, even in the most arid suburb of Sydney, particularly Liverpool, a winter barometric Celsius scale reading is unpredictable.

This day, I took these photos, was atypically extremely cold. I stood alone on this Bus Bay waiting for a bus transport, freezing. I undermined the weather that I did not cloak myself with a proper winter coat. Imagine a ghostly little me standing there with a pallid countenance.

Cheers!

Dis-Figured Lane

2009-07-23T14:19:00.010+10:00

Thurs-Way is still coming in some quarters of the world. So I won't deem myself late.

Please give the badge a Tickle and it will take you there. Come and join the FUN. Tell us about your Road. Show some of your Signs. And Lead us to the Pathways of your haven.

City workers do park their cars on the street where I live.

Don't ask. I really don't know what happen. And why this photo became disfigured. I thought, oh well, there's something fun for something odd. Maybe Eric was myopic at the time I touched his button.Wink!

Cheers!

Traipsing Around Darling Harbour

2009-07-21T14:15:00.016+10:00

Watery Wednesday #7

I'm back! Please come with me to the most beautiful harbour in the world and be swept off your feet to the symphonic view of Darling Harbour. Great viewing here and photo taking as well. Now let's surf the watery blogworld here. Great concept by 2Sweetandsaxy.

Four months into a complete Solitary Confinement called Empty Nest, I went out to traipse around the city and ended my feet entering the gateway to the famous Darling Harbour. You would know it is Darling Harbour if you will see this Sign:

The Sydney Olympic 2000 Logo.

Sparkling Fountain

Lazing for a free green grass bed under the shade.

Foot Spa Anyone?

Pyrmont Bridge and the Story behind.

Cockle Bay and elsewhere

Sydney’s early settlers knew Darling Harbour as Cockle Bay, due to the abundance of shellfish, long before this previously tranquil inlet became the city’s main industrial region, with docks, a railway yard and an international shipping terminal. The area later fell into a decline, but was revamped by the State Government and opened in 1988 in time for the bicentenary celebrations.

Ya, the year I arrived this blessed country sweeping in green and gold.

Beyond The Town

2009-07-21T03:25:00.005+10:00

My World #8

There's always something new in MY WORLD view.
Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

More About our Blacktown. Okay Guys, Let's Rock with Keith Urban. Enjoy!!!

Under the Harbour Bridge

2009-07-19T23:49:00.009+10:00

My First Entry to

as created by Ebie and Company.
Please click the picture above to join us.

Wedding Tour Second Stop

Yes, this scenic picture is part of the Wedding Tour and our second stop on that weekend my girl got married. I haven't been on this part of the harbour and we did enjoy walking to exercise our legs from sitting down inside The Hummer.

The waterway is part of Circular Quay. I cruise this water many times to go to Manly, Milsons Point, Mosman, The Spit and anywhere else around the coves and bays of Sydney suburbs accessible by water transport.

Brief Info about the Bridge:

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, also affectionately known as the 'Coathanger', was opened on March 19th 1932 by Premier Jack Lang, after six years of construction. Made of steel the bridge contains 6 million hand driven rivets. The surface area that requires painting is equal to about the surface area of 60 sports fields. The Bridge has huge hinges to absorb the expansion caused by the hot Sydney sun. You will see them on either side of the bridge at the footings of the Pylons.

Okay. I'm Trying (Hard)

2009-07-19T20:43:00.007+10:00

It's My Number 5 (this time)

Today's Flowers is on offer as florally created by Luis Santilli Jr. It's time to visit Today's Flowers and smell those sweet scented delights. TF Team on Board:Santilli - Denise - Pupo - Valkyrien

A Mosaic View

Sneaking pictures of the church flowers and took them in different angles. Ebie suggested the Mosaic frame. So I did! I discovered that the Photoshop is only available for the USA. So I'll patiently wait for our turn. :)

Will this do? Enjoy, relax and take time to smell the flowers Today!

Springwood in the Blue Mountains

2009-07-19T10:28:00.007+10:00

My Scenic Sunday #5 so far

Rounding the countryside this time, I thought if I can show you a countyhome somewhere in the Blue Mountains which is just 72 km from Sydney by train, bus and car. What about giving other Scenic Sunday sites a visit and leaving a line of your appreciative comment?

Sometime in 2005, my girls and I visited a family friend who lived in Springwood. We were taken to this beautiful country home with beautifully laid Terrace Garden both front and back. Spacious in the inside in all areas of the house including the four bedrooms. It is an open plan with huge space of lounge, rumpus, kitchen and dining combine; you can even dance with so much to roam for such a place.

Link that might interest you:

Springwood

One fine Fluffy Day

2009-07-16T23:17:00.005+10:00

Skywatch Friday #12
From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

Taken from the top (overpass)

Down the platform
.

July 10, 2009

Up the railway down the platform to wait for a train to Blacktown, I was met by these gargantuan Mount Everest of our antipodean sky. I was constrained to empty Eric with pictures of the cats I had just taken to accommodate these once in a lifetime unusual heavenly show. It happened all at once, an opportunity to watch such busy activity in our smoky winter sky.

Blacktown is My World

2009-07-14T09:46:00.005+10:00

My World #7

There's always something new in MY WORLD view.
Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

Well, I am exploring outside my comfort zone. I hope this will work out fine with you folks.

I took these photos yesterday in Blacktown after the choir practice of the Senior Choir "Simply Voices".

It was very cold as we are now in the middle of Winter. I was opting for the collage and I came up with a slideshow instead.

Enjoy folks!!!

Orchids Show for Today's Flowers #48

2009-07-10T22:04:00.029+10:00

It's My Number 4 (so far)

Today's Flowers is on offer as florally created by Luis Santilli Jr. It's time to visit Today's Flowers and smell those sweet scented delights. TF Team on Board:Santilli - Denise - Pupo - Valkyrien

Hi, You can name them all. I just gather them from the recent Orchids Exhibition ran by Hawkesbury District Orchids Society in Blacktown. I gave donation after they permitted me in taking all these photos. Each of them belong to this family:

Cymbidiums

Cattleya

Phalaenopis

Oncidiums

Odontoglossum

Dendrobiums

Zygopetalums

The people manning the show were very kind. They allowed me without hesitation, so naturally poor Eric was working very hard! They even invited me to join the club. Trouble is, the place is very far for me. But I did offer them my free service to set up a Website for them Free of Charge! What is blogspot dot com been doing ? Enjoy my show! Cheers!!!

The Day Before ....the wedding

2009-07-09T13:31:00.010+10:00

Skywatch Friday #11
From Dot to Tom over to Host Klaus with Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and ...Louise. SkyWatch Friday continues to create a huge sensational Phenomenon in the Meme World. Please keep Skywatching every Friday....the Sky is just above you. Look UP!

First, My Window Impediment

A bonus: Window invader, unusual visitor of all things made under the sun. Her name is Sunny. Sadly, she is no longer with me.

Then My Skywatch Habit

A Morning Before

Indigo Sky

Blueing My Day. Thanks Louise.

Morning After

Story So Far

It was a quiet Sabbath morning, the soon Mother-of-the-Bride had to get up early. All things were packed though for a beautiful long week-end to spend with a daughter, the bride-to-be.

As usual, my ritual is to embrace light from my kitchen window where the sink is facing the north-eastern sky partly covered by a high brick wall at the back and the skyview partly impeded by few bare trees.

I took these pictures under the obliging obedience from Eric in sequence of time of the day. You will work it out yourself when they were taken.

Happy SWF to all! Gee, how time flies!

Which Way Now? No. 1

2009-07-08T00:50:00.010+10:00

My Number 1 Entry to
is a new feeder Way to the Meme world in blogsville hosted today by:
Pacey

Please click the picture above to visit the main link so we can all keep going. Watch out for the hole!

"Now, I am really lost. I am confused why they are going the other way when the bread are just here? Not sure if they need my help or are they scared of my long crooked beak? What you reckon Mate?", that strange bird groans.

My next door neighbour scattered these pieces of bread in her front yard. I quickly took Eric and fortunately, the picture came out not too bad at all!

Watery Harbour and the Quay on Wedding Day

2009-07-07T16:34:00.011+10:00

Watery Wednesday #6

Sorry Folks. After a very long absence, here I come! Please come with me under this famous bridge and be swept off your feet to the symphonic view of our equally famous Opera House. Great viewing here and photo taking as well. Now let's surf the watery blogworld here. Great concept by 2Sweetandsaxy.

Under our famous Sydney Harbour Bridge

This rings familiar? Yes, Sydney Opera House is as famous as the Harbour Bridge

Both places above are part of the Post Wedding Tour as posted in my Main Blog.

The World of a Beautiful Wedding

2009-07-07T09:42:00.034+10:00

My World #6

There's always something new in MY WORLD view.
Please see them. It's just one mouse click away. My World is hosted by: Klaus- Sandy-Ivar-Wren-Fish Guy and Louise

"It's simple, beautiful and elegant", says Ayoma. She is my daughter's best friend Shenalie's mother. My daughter regarded Shenalie's parents as her second parents.

A partial story here. As promised. Enjoy.

The Newlywed

Nikki: Bridal Hair Work

Sarah: Make-Up Lady at work

Bridal Dressed Up

The Bride is coming down.

Mother's Corsage

Blissful Bouquet from Mother-in-Law

The Girls and I

The Bride and her Flower Girl/Ring Bearer

The Hummer

It's My Day!

Farewell to my Youth and my Single Bliss Life

With Emma in The Hummer, the Ring Bearer

The Groom

The Groom and Marriage Celebrant

The Vow

The Bands That Tie them in a Circle

It's Sealed

Now, I can't get away from you

Thee, We Witness

The Dove, Symbol of Love and Peace

The Wedded Bliss in Auburn Botanical (Japanese) Garden

With all my love and blessing