driving

Things have been so hectic around here lately that there has not been much opportunity for escape as a family.

When there’s snow about we go to Mt Donna Buang just for a day trip but as there was no snow there and rain was on the cards we decided to go a little further and head to Lake Mountain, where last year the snow was plentiful.

Only it’s a bit of a drive.

It started raining.

We drove through Healesville, and the black spur, marvelling at the regeneration of the forests so soon after the horrific bushfires of last summer and feeling a bit tense as we drew closer to Marysville.

Marysville was shocking, and I was totally unprepared for the flood of emotion at the sight of fences without houses, letterboxes without homes, glass in shops heat-damaged and cracked – the sign inside ‘for lease’ all the more poignant.

A fence with photos of the lost pinned to it.

Lost. here. So awful.

We have fond memories of Marysville.  It’s a beautiful town, the locals are friendly and there was a magnificent fudge shop where they made it themselves and the drive was worth it for that alone.  I’m pretty sure it’s gone, we couldn’t see it.  I wonder if those people were among the lost.  It’s not the kind of question you ask.

This is a town that needs help and healing.

We drove through and started the climb up the mountain.  As the rain continued, the fog rolled in.  It was about 2pm.

And one of the scariest drives I have ever had  in my life.  Fog so thick visibility was about 1 metre and no opportunity to turn around and go back.

So beautiful to look at.  Impossible to enjoy.

We got to the top.  No snow.  Lots of rain (we need the rain).  Huddled in the wet-dog smelling public shelter we questioned charging an entry fee on a day like this – though to their credit they showed us a photo of what there was in the way of snow and suggested it might be wise to turn around. And I guess there are funds needed there too.

It was wet and freezing.  We headed back.

To home and  hearth and happy.

Still thinking of Marysville.

and the lost, and how lucky we are to be here.

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Surreality

Cast light on the bedroom wall in the afternoon at Queenscliff

Back to reality today after an almost-week of bliss, peace and carefree wanderings in Queenscliff.

Deliriously spontaneous moments.

A gathering of memories and setting free of worries.

Point Lonsdale.

Exploration of our wild coastline and immersion in its wonders.

Suburban foliage – I swear this photo has not been through a filter.  wow. 🙂

The time to walk slowly and see things as they actually are.

Car trips to shopping adventures (to be blogged another day).

And time to paint and listen to Podcasts ( a recent and fab discovery).

Blissed out.  Happy, and getting back to reality….

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Cross Roads

Found at Louittit Bay, Lorne

Beachcombing last week I found 2 amazing strands of seaweed – curled into long ovals and dried by the sun and salt they are perfect amazing creations in themselves.

Delicate tendrils curl off long strands with leaves and feathers (to my untrained eye) forming exquisite shapes impossible to recreate in any way that wouldn’t seem contrived.

I photographed them, pressed them, brought them home.  In a frame they look much less lovely but I want to keep them to remind me of the magical moment on the beach when they were discovered and examined.

They may need a more considered shadow-box frame.  Any suggestions?

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The wardrobe project continues

This weekend went by in a blur.  Poor Zara was sick, and I think it was a mix of motherly feelings of helplessness and the resolve to not paint for a few days mixed with warmer weather that made it all happen.

I spent Saturday (plus a few nights) sewing for Zara for summer.

Spurred on by advice from Kirsten, resulting in the purchase of a stretch sewing needle (who’d of thunk such a think existed), I made 1 pair of stripy leggings (inspired – ok – copied from K), 1 pirate t shirt, 2 nighties from a stashed very thick calico (1 short-sleeved, 1 long), and appliqued 4 t-shirts (from target, but their girls t-shirts wear so well I reckon it’s worth breaking a bit of anti-china resolve for).

Still a few more items on the to-do-list, including a fabulous party dress for myself for a big party this weekend (so out of practice on the party front…).

Yesterday was a stunner!

We went to Williamstown (Melbourne) for a ride on the Little Gem – a sweet little boat that does a 30 minute cruise to see the city skyline, container ships, and sailing boats out on the bay.  Lots of fun for all of us, and an ideal amount of time for a cruise with little ones.

There was also exploring to be done on the HMAS Castlemaine –  a decomissioned minesweeper.  This was fascinating.  We went to the top, and the bottom, peered in cabins, looked at weird old stuff.  Matteo was thrilled to see ‘missiles’ (oh to be so innocent) and I had a heap of fun photographing textures, old signs, bits of rope……. my marriage may well be ruined by the camera.  My husband’s jealousy knows no bounds.  Hee hee. 😉

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