Trees and coffee

I had lunch out and about one day during the week and I noticed this mural on the wall of the café, which I assume has something to do with the parts of a coffee machine.  

In the evening I went out to see a play and then to a bar to debrief with Design Diva and The Luminosity.

Interspersing arts and culture with exercise, I went for a run around The Pinnacle Nature Reserve, with its brand new shiny sign, and tree stumps blown over in the wind and rain. 

Friday night drinks and then a trip out to Gold Creek on Saturday for the wedding of a colleague - requested no photos as they had their own friend and professional photographer doing official images. Although it was raining, it was still a beautiful ceremony, and the bride and groom looked radiant as they exchanged their vows. We went home and toasted them with a Manhattan. 

Outside Aarwun Gallery in Gold Creek looms a litany of tinpot politicians - a rogues gallery of metal sculptures by Cowra artist Paul Woods, who has created larger-than-life facial impressions of Australia's Prime Ministers, beginning with Sire Robert Menzies and continuing right up to the current Anthony Albanese. 

Aarwun Gallery

It was with a mixture of emotions that I said a fond farewell to these two characters, Andy Ladd and Melissa Gardner, as performed for the last time by Michael Sparks and Andrea Close. Goodbye to the Canberra Rep production of Love Letters - may you be wrapped in ribbon and laid in a drawer.

Year's End, and Beginning

A trip out to Gold Creek on New Year's Eve plunged me into the world of heritage nostalgia. There's the miniature village, the dinosaur museum, the walk-in aviary and the reptile zoo, none of which I visited. 

More in my line are the galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also boutiques selling fashion, home-wares, old-fashioned sweets, toys, and health and well-being products for those who prefer that sort of thing. 

I don't know whom to credit for this fantastic sculpture of emaciated horses and riders, but I love their recycled pioneering spirit.

 

 

 

It was a very hot day, so I felt the need for an ice-cream. Fortunately, Stripey Sundae was there to assist. I combined the flavours of Christmas Pudding with Mojito Sorbet; surely that's the perfect combination for the end and the start of the year?

Inside the Stripey Sundae

We had a New Year's Eve party with cocktails. It was actually surprisingly civilised considering the sheer amount of booze on offer.

Fluffy Duck

Mojito

Mind bender

Calamity Sue with Pimms

Purple Lady with Fluffy Duck

  

Him Outdoors taking a break from bar-tending duties with a Manhattan

Serious discussions in the drawing room interrupted by a photo-bombing blanket boy.

 

 

And sensible cups of tea in a Winnie-the-Pooh mug.

Morning after clean-up not too bad...

An hour-long jog with Him Outdoors in Woodstock Nature Reserve.

Followed by a lovely afternoon at Four Winds Vineyard, Murrumbateman with friends.