The Band's Visit

We visit David and Betty Scrine

David and Betty have moved house since we last visited Brisbane in February. We were delighted to find them in such a beautiful setting at Victoria Point, very close to the water. We enjoyed spending a very happy morning with them.

Picasso & his Collection in Brisbane

Today we visited the current temporary exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art: Picasso and his collection. We spent several hours at this excellent exhibition. There was so much to see and an incredible amount of information about the life and times of Picasso and his artist friends. We had a coffee break as well as a lunch break.

We were also delighted to find some art works by a Baha'i artist, Mark Toby featured in the exhibition.

We meet Helene McPharlin at the supermarket

This afternoon we had to make a quick trip to one of our local supermarkets, mainly to stock up on some food for Albert the cat. We were surprised to meet up with Helene, who attended the alternative primary school (The New Community School) that Noel and I established in Launceston in the mid 70s. It is always a delight to reconnect with the young people who were part of our lives over an eleven year period in the 70s and early 80s. Helene is now married and a mother of two beautiful children.

Where on earth is Matt?

We visit the Phenomena Factory with Hespa

We spent an hour with Hespa exploring the various learning centres that make up the Phenomena Factory at the Launceston Museum. We enjoyed trying out the various science based activities as much as Hespa.

Hespa and Albert the cat play with 'Felicity Wishes' dolls

This morning, Hespa had fun playing with her Felicity Wishes Dolls. She spent time dressing her dolls in special outfits for me to photograph. Albert enjoys being at the centre of interesting activities too.

Hespa having a pony ride at the market

While we were at the Evandale Market, Hespa enjoyed a ride on a pony.

We have a tour of the Tasmanian Baha'i Centre of Learning in Hobart

We were in Hobart for a meeting and we were invited to have a tour of the Tasmanian Baha'i Centre of Learning which is being constructed on land adjacent to the ABC studios in downtown Hobart.

We had not been in the site for more than a year so we were very impressed to see the great developments that have taken place over that time.

None of the trees, that were on the site that was previously used as a car park by the ABC, were removed - instead they were incorporated into the design of the Centre.

Tasmanian dolerite has been used to clad some of the buildings which adds to the visual beauty of the Centre.

Hespa with frost and ice

Hespa has not previously experienced frost and ice, so this morning she hopped out of bed quite early and investigated 2 of our bird baths which were quite frozen.

It is snow time!

Caleb, Edward and Hespa

Noel and Caleb giving Hespa a slide.

Hespa building the snow bird.

The amazing snow bird creature!

Caleb, Noel and Hespa

More snow fun for Hespa!

All rugged up for the snow games!

Hespa and Caleb.

As it is school holiday time in Victoria, Caleb and Hespa are visiting us for a few days.
Hespa had not experienced snow or frost and ice until this morning. Although it is winter time here, until the last few days, our weather has been very mild. This morning, we started the day with a frost, so Hespa enjoyed investigating the chunks of ice that had formed in each of our three bird baths. (ice skating rather than bathing for our birds this morning!)

After breakfast we set off towards the Central Plateau - south of Launceston - to locate some snow. It was a very sunny and clear day with very little wind - even on the elevated area that we visited - so it was a perfect day for having fun in the snow. The snow was very fresh and very powdery. Because the snow was so powdery, it was not easy to make a snowperson - so the outcome of the snow modelling project was a snow bird!

There was also a great deal of snow thrown around at each other. A large piece of plastic was found buried in the snow which made an excellent snow board for sliding Hespa around a few times.