Signals in the Mist

We are heading into the misty season - it's tough to see across the oval on morning runs at the moment.

There was a total lunar eclipse, which people gathered outside in the dark and the cold to watch. Such celestial phenomena are indeed awe-inspiring and many people took excellent photos of it. Some didn't, however, as you see below.

And some remain unimpressed by the whole shebang.

An afternoon jog had me stumbling across this familiar spectacle. naturally I broke out in a cold sweat. Later I discovered it was part of the ACT Metro Series: Junior League. Thank goodness I didn't know in advance or I might never have left the house! 

Our Walking Crew walked up One Tree Hill again on another clear and beautiful day.

 

Design Diva and Purple Lady at the top of One Tree Hill

Meanwhile, the kittens are well aware that it is warm and cosy in their bed.

No Drone Zone

Remember that theatre group I mentioned last week? A Slightly Isolated Dog? Well, I went back to see their next show, Jekyll & Hyde, and it was excellent too (same deal with the dodgy photos).

Jekyll & Hyde in a London fog

Evening walks are lit up with fairy lights. I'm not sure whether these are left over from the festive season or whether people just light up their houses all year round.

We're nearly at the end of the football season and there was a lot of pressure riding on Liverpool to finish in the top four so they could qualify for the Champions League next season. Added to the drama, they had to play Burnley in their penultimate game, and they had to win. The tension in our household was palpable, as you can see.

The next day, however, Melantho decided to make things interesting from a kitten perspective, by trying to climb on the range hood. She slid down it and fell off; she's fine with only greasy paws to show for her adventure. Perhaps she was making a comment on my domestic cleaning skills, or lack thereof.

I need sticks for the play I am directing, The Penelopiad, so we collected some on a morning walk. Some people have dogs to carry their sticks for them. I've got Him Outdoors. 

The Eurovision Song Contest has come around again. It is an odd thing, but Australia loves it and even participates in it although they are clearly not in Europe. (Don't ask). We enjoy the kitsch and the camp as much as anyone so we join in with the consumption of edible representatives and wearing of vaguely themed outfits.

Eurovision food

The Lithuanian outfits were all yellow, so...

For this week's stroll with the Walking Crew we visited the National Arboretum on a bright sunny and very cold morning. Canberra is beautiful away from the drones!

Wild Life

I'm as surprised as anyone that it has taken me this long to finish the ginvent calendar. This was delicious. I had it straight and also with soda, as recommended. I preferred the former. It is mellow and fruity with notes of sweet cherries and almonds.

I went for my usual run and came to this obstacle very near the end - there had been no indication that there would be a detour (the only way to get where I wanted was to turn around and retrace my steps). If this were a road and cars were involved, there would definitely have been a notice posted at the start. It is annoying proof that councils care more about drivers than cyclists and pedestrians.

But there was good news when I cracked open a pomegranate and came across a wealth of seeds. The little crunchy red jewels add taste and texture to many a meal, particularly this one that I made.

Roast cabbage steaks with tahini dressing

As winter approaches, the evenings lengthen and so do the shadows, creating interesting photographic opportunities.

The season also brings visitors to the garden. This pair of kookaburras came to say hello and I think they are adorable, as is the fact that the collective noun for kookaburras is apparently a riot.

I went to see a great play performed by A Slightly Isolated Dog. An ensemble of five extremely talented actors interpreted the tale of Don Juan with improvisation skills, audience interaction, humour, music, precision timing and excellent sound and lighting effects. The team encouraged us to take photos to share on their social media (a great idea for marketing purposes), and I wanted to highlight their fresh approach to my networks. Hence I took these photos, which are not very good, but they might help to offer an idea as to the energy and commitment of the cast.

 

Bandits! Bandits! Bandits!

You, you, you oughtta know

Regular readers of this blog will recognise the following images from the weekly walk around Lake Burley Griffin with the Walking Crew. This is a beautiful time of year with blue skies and crisp, still mornings, which lead to viewing wildlife and reflections.

And my other current form of 'relaxation' is also research - exploring different interpretations of The Odyssey and the women therein. This is one of the many stacks of books to read.

Dinner and a Show

The ever-evolving book pile continues to lurk on the bedside table. As usual it is topped by the family book club book for this month.

May bedside book pile

And once again, Melantho proves how helpful she is, both doing a puzzle and raking up the autumn leaves. The three adjacent trees in our back garden shed their leaves consecutively. Tree number one has already gone, and the other two are shaping up.

Even when one is super busy, I find making time for date night can be a real joy. We went to dinner at Wild Thyme Restaurant and Bar, where the food and service were exceptional.

Pan-seared scallops, spiced almond romesco, pear tartare, avruga caviar and polenta

Roast pumpkin and pine nut arancini with scamorza cheese and horseradish creme fraiche

Corn-fed chicken with prosciutto, taleggio, dried tomatoes, peas, lentils and Dutch carrot puree with red wine jus

Pork, veal and beef ragu spaghetti in a Napolitana sauce with Grana Padano

And then I took Him Outdoors to the theatre - as you can see, he was thrilled by the prospect.