TUESDAY continued: There is bird song coming from the garden next door, a real song like an English thrush. He sits on a post in the sun, his throat swelling to send liquid notes into the air. He's about the size of a thrush too, drab brown with yellowish fawn throat and chest. I search in my bird book but can't identify him.
WEDNESDAY: In Bairnsdale again to pick up our car from service, but I've really come to see another Exhibition, this time at the Library. The East Gippsland Photographic Soc. and Wow! what an exhibition. So many varied, and beautiful photographs (nothing like my snaps). There are lots of subjects and lots of techniques on view here. We are invited to nominate a favourite one but how do you chose? They are all amazing: a lighthouse against the night sky, alpine daisies, snow gums, an aged chinese lady, a dog sleeping but tweaked to give it the look of an etching. A good use of fifteen minutes if you are in Bairnsdale. I run a few errands and then head home. The side streets of Bairnsdale, and Paynesville, are pink and fragrant with Prunus, spring is definitely here.
THURSDAY; I wake to bird song and the bedroom filling with a golden glow as the sun rises. 6 deg. Brrrr! The Choir has a gig today and at 10am we all muster at Clifton Waters. The residents are seated and ready, we have a well thought out program of songs, recitation, and piano solos to entertain them. I love to watch faces as we sing to see if we are doing well. It seems we are. People are smiling and applauding. It is a great feeling, a real high. Afterwards no one remembers the small mistakes - thank heavens. Several of us have decided to have lunch afterwards. Such a nice idea, and such a nice venue. The shop at the front is an interesting mix of Antiques and Gift Wear, the dinning area at the back is inviting and tasteful. The tomatoe and capsicum soup served with a herb scone was delicious and very welcome, I was hungry after all that singing. Before I headed home I stopped by Dahlsons and bought a potted Fuscia, and Sutera Cordata, which is a pretty white flowering ground cover or tub plant. I've grown this elsewhere and it flowers and flowers. Clearly I have spring fever.
Saturday, a breath of Spring, warm and sunny, the lake like glass and all in the garden starting to grow. We had a Koala visiting our tree so, as well as pulling weeds and admiring my flowering jonquils and freesias, I spent a happy day showing him off to passing walkers. There was was a lady from Sale with her Alaskan friends who now live in Tasmania; two mums with young children in tow; a family, originally from Sri Lanka, who now live in Sale; and a lovely couple out taking photographs. They are members of the Bairnsdale Photographic Club and we had a lovely discussion about gardens and vegetables growing.
Just a happy day in "Paradise" K
