The Poppy

"Through the dancing poppies stole A breeze most softly lulling to my soul.”

John Keats

Blue Dress, Yellow Socks

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is more than gardens and beautiful blooms. As the name suggests there is a great carnival atmosphere with amusements and rides, food, music and dancing. 

But there was no getting away from the floral theme with cheerful flower prints on the dresses.

Reflection

The waning blooms of the azaleas in the Japanese Gardens in Toowoomba oozing peace and calm. Hope your week is calm and peaceful.

Carnival of Flowers (2)

I really wish that there was such a thing as a 'smell-o-blog', because the scent of the flowers was amazing, especially this magnificent tunnel of wisteria. As you can see it was the perfect place to sit a while to enjoy it and to escape the searing heat.

Carnival of Flowers (1)

If you take a 90 min drive west from Brisbane, you come to Toowoomba, nicknamed the 'Garden City'. At this time of year it's not hard to see why it has that accolade. Every September, the city has the Carnival of Flowers, the longest running floral event of its kind in Australia. Sunday turned out to be an absolutely perfect day with wall-to-wall sunshine and temps of 29c. 

Love-a-Duck!

So, what is it with this duck I hear you asking? In a few weeks it will be the Great Brisbane Duck Race, when about 40,000 small rubber ducks will be let loose on the river in a 100m race, with one lucky person winning a car. It's all in aid of cancer research and has become an annual event. 

I'm Going Quackers!

Well, I've seen some things, but never a 5 metre high rubber duck, and not sitting on the Brisbane River. All I can say is thank goodness that it's not in my bath!

Earth Tones

These Aboriginal shields are displayed in the departure area of the Brisbane International Airport. I really like the tones which are so much a part of the Australian landscape.

Citizenship

The above image is a fraction of the number of people lining up for registration at the Brisbane Convention centre last night. Registration for what? Well, last night was a citizenship ceremony for new Australians, and I was included in the 1,102 people who pledged loyalty to Australia and its people. The Brisbane citizenship ceremony is one of the largest in the country and last nights numbers were a record.

Above, the stage is set for the ceremony...unfortunately I have limited photos to share. Needless to say it was a very proud moment for me, and my fellow new Aussies!

Lothlorien

Anyone familiar with 'The Lord of The Rings' will know that Lothlorien is the fairest forest realm of the Elves. Mallorn trees grew there, and their leaves turned golden in the autumn. The golden leaves remained on the trees until spring, when they fell to cover the ground. As I wondered through the quiet paths in the Botanical Gardens I came across a series of small art pieces, notably these beautiful mirrored leaves set on stones under the trees, and I was certainly put in mind of this magical fictitious place.

"Ah! Like gold fall the leaves in the wind"

Lady Galadriel's Farewell song, Lord of The Rings

Restaurant In The Sky

This time of year seems to be one massive feeding frenzy for the birds as they feast on fresh blossom and the emergence of insects and various bugs that seem to multiply before your eyes. Personally if the birds can keep the bugs down to an acceptable level I'll be happy!

Friends or Enemies?

Both of them look as if they really haven't noticed each other, or is it just that they are being nonchalant? Just after I took this, the water dragon had to make a dash for the water when the duck appeared not to have noticed his fellow rock-dweller and almost stood on him! Stay safe this Monday and don't let people walk over you!

Turn Up The Heat!

As the day came to a close yesterday, I captured this shot of the sun setting behind the gum tree, leaving us with the promise of another scorcher today. However, the gusty warm winds bring the danger of bush fires ever closer. It has been over 7 weeks since we had any rain and today we should see 29c. Have a great Friday and keep cool.

Web of Deceit

Today, another web that has been  strategically placed at the Botanical Gardens. I noticed that there were some toy spiders dotted around some of the other webs which would have appealed to any children visiting. Unfortunately I was the only person there, so I hope that there are more people able to visit and appreciate the fun art.

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Whilst wandering around the Botanical gardens at Mt Coot-tha last week I came across a display of webs strung throughout the trees. All I can say is that I'm pleased there aren't life-size spiders to go with them.

Spring is Sprung!

September the first and Spring is here. There is a certain feeling, subconsciously filling our hearts and souls with new things to come, the prospect of warmer weather and those lazy, hazy days at the beach, holidays and days that stretch out with what seem to be added hours. This is the Japanese Garden at Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. 

Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters