Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 31 January 2016

Sunday Selections #261

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  I am continuing with my Tommy Tourist theme this week.  The uncle has gone home again, and I think he enjoyed his stay.  


The weather continued its mostly grey path while he was visiting.  Some sunshine, but not enough for some of us.  Some rain, but not enough for others of us.

We headed off on a cruise on the lake one morning, to show off the city's features from a different perspective.  



Although it was very grey when we started off, the sun was shining at the Nara Peace Park.




Apartments adjacent to the city centre.  Many of them have lovely views, and a matching price tag.

The Carillion


The National Library.


The High Court - which looks much better from the inside.


Commonwealth Park.


The War Memorial.  


There is a flag here for every nation which has an embassy or a consulate in my city. There are ninety or so of them at the moment I think.   A day or two later at the uncle's request we drove round far too many of them.  They weren't open, but we did a drive by just the same.





This Paddle-boat is owned by the National Museum, and is rarely taken from its wharf.  We got lucky.


A closer look at some of those expensive apartments.  



Part of the National Museum - a controversial looking building.

 Dragon boat racers practising.  I think there were races on Australia Day.

Since the sun came out while we were on the lake we detoured to enjoy the kangaroos in Yarralumla when the cruise finished.  As always they were totally relaxed.  I have often said I would like to be able to relax as well as a cat, but being a roo has some charm too.






A miniature steam train for children which runs in loops not far away from the kangaroos.

The next day we went to Parliament House.  No politicians to be seen fortunately.  The uncle and I come from very different political viewpoints...
Regardless of the people who work there, lots of the building is very beautiful.




The pillars in the entrance hall are strongly reminiscent of the colours of our gum trees.


The wood work represents native species, and is all done in a range of woods native to our land as well.




I enjoyed this tapestry.  Prepared as a gift for one of our politicians, who donated it.

The saddle was a gift to Malcolm Fraser - a Prime Minister who I remember well.  I liked him a great deal more after he left politics. 




 Poor Julia.  Gifts (over a certain value) made to our politicians can be paid for by the person and kept, or are retained by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.  The portrait above was executed in coffee beans of Julia Gillard while she was Prime Minister.  I am not surprised that she wasn't itching to have it on her own walls.




Not only is the building on the posh side the politicians' private gardens have charm too.







The next few shots are taken from the roof.  







The House of Representatives (our lower house).


 The Senate.



 Jigsaws from the gift shop.  The gum trees look like they would be 'challenging'.  I took the photos thinking of LL Cool Joe who is a jigsaw afficionardo. 


Jazz n Jewel have come out of the wardrobe now, leaving me the delightful job of washing everything they moulted up a storm on.  They are happy chappies though.  And one of them celebrated getting out of their (self-imposed) prison by throwing up copiously on the spare bed.  Visitors are NOT welcomed by them.  Ever.

I am tired to the bone and the PC has an issue or six so I will be in and out a bit.  Someone who shall remain nameless decided to update to Windows 10.  It failed, so he started tinkering.  Now the previous system is suspect.  Sgih.

153 comments:

  1. I happen to love architecture and the structure of things you cat is cute, love the building with the interesting tile roof and odd shaped window

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    1. Linda Starr: The museum is a joy inside too. Eclectic, crowded and wonderful. It attracts a lot of criticism though - inside and out.

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  2. Laura's computer needed some work, so we went with Windows 10, too. She is the family guinea pig. She seems to be succeeding at getting her music back.
    Angry/disapproving/really pissed off cats can blow hair like a flocking factory. I see your two were the triumvirate of bad cat displays.
    I am impressed by your war memorial and its dome set squarely below the dome of that hill. A wonderful visual.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Windows 10 was to update last night. It didn't happen. Sigh.
      I could certainly knit another cat with what these charmers have deposited throughout the house.
      The War Memorial is also in a direct line from Parliament House. Which is entirely appropriate.

      Delete
  3. To see things from the lake gives such a different perspective. You took all the same classic shots at Parliament House as I did. It is very photogenic. Don't Mal and Lucy have one of the those modern apartments?

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    1. Andrew: Mal and Lucy's apartment is in the newer (and more expensive) Kingston Foreshores area. I wonder whether it is being rented to other politicians now they have vacated it for the Prime Minister's Lodge?

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  4. Hey thanks for the shout out. So many great photos it's hard to know what to comment on! Actually I think the second of the two jigsaws would be the harder one to do. Look at all the sky in the same colour that's always a tough thing to do.

    Looking at those posh apartments, if it wasn't for the setting, they could look very depressing. If they were in a slightly dodgy area in London, they would have a very different feel and price tag!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I don't have the jigsaw bug, so bow to your superior knowledge and experience.
      I find all apartments a tad depressing. I need green space. The setting for these is lovely but...

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  5. Those roos look as if they don't have a care in the world, They'd better hop to it!

    Julia should've taken that portrait...she could've used the beans for her coffee machine!

    A very interesting tour of your home city, EC...the insights and the out-sights. I agree with LL Cool Joe re those apartment blocks...the architects sure weren't very adventuress when designing them.

    Thanks for the tour around.

    I hope you have a great - rest up if you can and try not to overdo things. Cuddles to Jazz and Jewel. :)

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    1. Lee: I don't know what the price tag for Julia's portrait was - but suspect it would have made an expensive cup of coffee.

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  6. Thank you for a really interesting tour. I agree with Cool Joe about the apartments. They would be terrifying places to live in a different context.
    The cats' prison looks an excellent choice for self-imposed exile.

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    1. Relatively Retiring: I agree with you and LL Cool Joe. But am not an apartment fan at the best of times.
      The cats' prison is warm and cosy. They retreat there from visitors and for alone time. And Jazz is strong enough to open the doors so I cannot keep them out of it.

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  7. Great tour. Especially enjoyable since the likelihood of me ever getting to Australia is pretty dim. (sad face) And how remarkable the kangaroos are. I don't think I've ever seen one lying down before - surprising if they're as laid back as you say.

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    1. Marty Damon: Like cats kangaroos can go from total indolence to action in seconds flat. And, like cats, given their druthers they spend a lot of time doing as little as possible.

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  8. What a wonderful tour of Canberra I just got reading and seeing your post. Loved it!!

    I have resisted updating to Windows 10 fearing it might have some clichés, you re-affirmed my belief.

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    1. CountryMum: Some people have had no problems. We are not among them. It was to update automatically last night. Which didn't happen.
      I am glad you enjoyed my tour.

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  9. Oh dear... tinkering with the PC is usually detrimental to its health. Windows 10 works fine for me (crossing my fingers).
    Love the attitude of the roos! They must be related to cats in some way.
    That was a beautiful tour you presented. And a cruise makes it even better! Thanks for sharing it with those of us who will probably never make it down there.
    I'm glad Jazz n Jewel are out of purgatory now. Maybe they should have thrown up on the guest bed while the visitor was still there...

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    1. River Fairchild: I am actually a little suprised that they didn't. And didn't piddle in his suitcase either - a treat which other visitors have enjoyed.
      Kangas and cats do have a lot in common. Not least their unpredictability.

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  10. when i think of having to wash everything in that wardrobe it makes me want to retreat to bed!

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    1. kylie: Yes. Mind you, everything in the house has a patina of fur already. They go into the wardrobe anyway, but don't usually hunker down for twelve hours plus at a time in it.

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  11. I had to immbiggen but did see the Canadian flag. :-)

    Jazz and Jewel need extra love and pats for putting up with a house guest.

    Window's 10 messed up my husband's computer. He lost hundred's of e mails, some from his birth family that he just got in contact with last year.

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    1. Birdie: Jazz n Jewel are getting their love. And know it is always theirs.
      Lost emails? That is not good to hear. At all. Your embassy was one of the first in our drive by.

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  12. Dear EC
    Some very interesting architecture in your photos. I do like the interiors of Parliament House. I think you deserve to have some time to yourself now - I hope you can do that and enjoy it!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. In between rain storms (more than welcome) I am going out into the garden. Which is me time. And needed. Both by the garden and by me.

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  13. I loved, loved, loved this post. It has so much in it: architecture, history, culture, great shots. Thanks, that was a feast.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Thank you. I am still thinking about your post of today. No easy answers at all.

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  14. Enjoyed this thank you for sharing

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  15. Great collection of pictures.
    To have your face in coffee beans up on the wall I would love it where's her sense of adventure.
    You are right Roos do relax like cats.
    Merle..............

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    1. Merlesworld: They do don't they. Perhaps Julia is a tea drinker.

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  16. Dear God! I'd hate to be rolling home after a night out to that "crooked" house!

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    1. dinahmow: And in some lights the windows shimmer. Eeeuw. Though at least from the inside you wouldn't (I hope) see that.

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  17. The High Court looks like pieces left over from other buildings have been glued together to make this one.
    Love all the flags. Nice to see the inside of Parliament House, they don't show those bits on TV, all we ever see is the room with all the chairs and those overgrown children shouting at each other.
    I like the photos from the lake cruise and the very relaxed kangaroos.

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    1. River: I suspect the politician's bits of parliament house are, like their gardens, very posh indeed. I do like the building though.

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  18. You've shown us some beautiful buildings here...and the area is so polished and pristine! Love the roos too!

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    1. Bookie: It is a new city, and is usually fairly clean. No heavy industry helps. And the tourist trail is something that most cities keep as spruce as they can.

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  19. Thanks for a great tour, EC! I would still love to see the real thing - and these lovely shots make me even more determined to do so. What would be the best time of year to visit, in your opinion?

    Enjoy your me time - and the washing!

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    1. Alexia: Spring or Autumn. Early autumn has the added bonus of Enlighten and the balloon festival. Just the same, there is always something. I have a weakness for the pared back elegance of winter too, but I am aware that many people don't like the cold.

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  20. Thank you for the tour! I don't know what to think about that leaning building...surely that's just for show! So much to see- I imagine you were worn out by the end of this trip. Love seeing the roos!

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: The building is weird isn't it? Some of the 'bent' look is the angle of the photo, but not all of it.
      I was completely knackered. So much so that when we got home from one of our outings I burst into tears when we pulled into the drive. I am still knackered. And we didn't see (because he wasn't interested) the parts of my city I like best.

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  21. Well, I loved the trip around the city, and sincerely hope you know who was suitably grateful for all your efforts. Hm, yes, coffee beans, for drinking only, in my opinion.

    Gosh, just seen your response to Terri, please say you are resting and taking care, EC, sending a hug.

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    1. Gillie: These days I no longer drink coffee, but nor do I decorate with it.
      I am glad you loved playing Tommy tourist with us. And yes, rest is on the agenda.

      Delete
  22. Hugs to you for all the work of being a trusty tour guide...I see your point about the coffee bean portrait, and at least your cats didn't urinate, that's always harder to deal with, imo...I hope you get some good rest. Cheers!

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    1. e: There is some inappropriate piddling too. Less dramatic and yes, harder to remove. Sigh. Rest is nearly happening.

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  23. Now that was a huge batch of pictures, all of which I enjoyed because they are coming from my favorite Down Under blogger. And I'm always glad you are still hanging in there, in spite of it all. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. I am more stubborn than stains. I have every intention of hanging in for a long time to come. Hugs.

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  24. A reason to be on Blogger is to see and read about where others live. You always show us pretty and interesting scenes, EC.

    I am sure that the uncle had a wonderful time and will share those stories with others. You, no doubt, made him very happy.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I hope so. If all that effort didn't give him a wonderful time I would be seriously peeved.

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  25. So many wonderful photos. The War Memorial is striking with the hill behind it.

    You certainly showed the uncle a good time. That is a LOT of walking and driving around. No wonder you're beat. Give yourself a huge pat on the back and a large drink. Or two.

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    1. jenny_o: It was indeed a lot of walking, driving and shouting (uncle is deaf and rejects hearing aids). A large drink or two sounds nice, but I think I would fall into a coma. I am just taking it quietly for a few days/weeks.

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    2. It's amazing how much energy it takes to talk to a person who is hard of hearing. Said the wife of such a person. Some days if I am not feeling well or very tired, I end up not talking at all because of the extra energy it requires.

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    3. jenny_o: It is takes an incredible amount of effort doesn't it? And it seems my voice is just the wrong pitch for the deaf persons in the family. The skinny one's father hung up on me a couple of times when I rang saying 'there is no-one there' and the uncle couldn't hear no matter how I shouted. And shouting feels so rude.

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  26. Oh the cats are sweet.
    Those Roos are big ones.
    Lovely tour, I recognize several of the buildings.
    Did you get to have a coffee inside Parliament House at the Restaurant?
    I did.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: No coffee stops. The skinny one and his uncle both resent paying for a cuppa away from home. Drat them.

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  27. Thank you, it was nice to be a tourist in your tour. You showed beautiful and spectacular places and also some nice event. And I really love the kangaroos. Have a lovely new week.

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    1. orvokki: I am glad you enjoyed the tour. A wonderful week to you too.

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  28. Hi EC - those were wonderful shots of your city. Lovely Parliament building .. and I'm glad they brought some wonderful designs into it. Wonderful photos - thank you ...

    Oh I can understand you wanting to chill out after spending time with your uncle - wearing, tiring and one's voice disappears into a sore rasp ... and your ears will ring for a while!

    Cheers and I'm glad you'll have some time to yourself ... Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: You are right about the ringing ears. Television turned to mega decibels will do that. New Parliament House is a lovely building. The old one had been outgrown and was a much less attractive building.

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  29. The pictures won't embiggen! That was a very enjoyable journey around your home town dearie, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my face created with coffee beans either. Loving the roos and I particularly like the shot of the sky with the flag *nods* x

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    1. All Consuming: So that the sun never sets on the flag, it has lights trained on it so it doesn't have to be furled at the end of each day. I don't think they last long in the wind and the weather. I am sorry that the embiggening became an embuggerance for you.

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  30. A coffee bean portrait, I would never have even thought of such a thing! :)

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  31. Wonderful series of photos. I particularly enjoyed the last shot of Jazz and Jewel. Priceless!

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    1. DeniseinVA: They have claimed the wardrobe as their 'safe' spot. Sigh.

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  32. Cats found a comfortable place.
    So much greenery. Like everything in view of the river had the perfect setting.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I am glad that my city retains a lot of 'green space'. I don't think anywhere in the city is more than half an hour away from it.

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  33. I love all the boats, (paddle, canoe and houseboat), and the blue gazebo. Keep me near the water. Want you to know that I watched THE MAN FROM SNOW RIVER in honor of Aussie Day:-) Love that movie, especially the last 15 minutes.

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    1. Grannie Annie: If I were suddenly to become very rich I would love a house on the water. Moving or still. Salt or fresh.
      Do you know I have never seen The Man from Snowy River? Someday...

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  34. How lucky you are to live in such an interesting, Beautiful place!
    Side note: I'd really like someone to do a coffee bean portrait of me!

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    1. Dawn@Lighten Up!: I would hate anyone to do a portrait of me. Whatever the medium.
      I do like my city. And like other parts of it even more than the traditional tourist trail.

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  35. thanks for the tour and the heads up not to upgrade to windows 10

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Some people have had no dramas at all. Others have lost music and/or emails. We cannot upgrade though I read somewhere that Microsoft is going to push the issue.

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  36. what an array of shots.

    Your court building reminds me of a federal building in El Paso, TX I photographed in 2008. Got to find that shot and send it to you :)

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I hope you do find it. It is a very ugly building from the outside. It looks like a badly constructed meccano house...

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  37. Oh my gosh, where to begin, all such incredible shots, and from the boat surely a treat as well. Nara Peace park is inviting, of course I'd be forced to go inside the National Library (for a good stay) and from our view of the High Court (?) that's a delicious view from here. Of course the kangaroo and paddle boat stole my heart! Now I must get my post together for this too! Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Karen S.: The lake cruises are a treat. We try and do a couple each year. The one in autumn to revel in autumnal colour is lovely. And it is cheap too. Less than $15 for an hour. Coffee or tea thrown in.

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  38. I will never make it that far south so I especially enjoyed the tour. I always think of OZ as red dust or the ocean so that was quite different. And, I haven't heard one good thing about Windows 10 as of yet. I shudder to think about doing anything different with the computer.

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    1. donna baker: I have heard some good things about Windows 10. And rather a lot of bad things.
      Oz is big, and varied. There are parts of it I haven't seen and probably never will.

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  39. There are a lot of beautiful photos. I love your carillion, since you first described it. The 2nd roo photo is great, like posed as high society resting nobly on a royal sofa. That might be trying and tiring, driving by every embassy. I like that museum paddle boat, cute and the dragon boat too. There are dragon boat races in the summer, in Portland, on the Willamette. I've never seen them race, but have seen them on the river training. I would not want a coffee bean portrait of anybody hung on a wall.

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    1. Strayer: We have several dragon boat teams - mostly made up of breast cancer survivors. And it would be a lovely thing to do. Being out on the water is always a treat. That second kanga was totally at his ease. And yes, high society sums it up well.

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  40. Those are really some great views! I love the 2nd picture of the roo. It made me laugh. Looks like he had an attitude of what are you looking at, I am comfortable.

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    1. Teresa Hennes: He was a little way away from the other roos, and obviously totally comfortable. Which is as it should be.

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  41. Yikes! That's the second horror story I've heard of Windows 10. I'm staying far, far away from it.
    Thanks for taking us on the lovely cruise with you. I had no idea there were so many embassies close to you.

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    1. Sandra Cox: As the nation's capital we do have a lot of embassies. And the numbers are growing all the time. They have a couple of 'open days' each year. My selfish self hopes that the uncle doesn't find out about them. I suspect he would be back down in a heart beat, and it would be a totally exhausting day trying to cram as many in as possible.

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    2. Sounds like your uncle has all kinds of energy:) Hope you get some R and R time.

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  42. I also updated to Windows 10--BIG mistake!! Thanks for the lovely tour.

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    1. fishducky: What went wrong with Windows 10 for you?

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  43. Magnificent photos! The city is beautiful! And I really like the artwork - esp. The wood I lay designs. Wow! The Roos are splendid... And an unusual paddle boat! ive heard other people say awful things about Windows.... *cringe*

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    1. Nicky HW: The inlay work was lovely. There were small pieces for sale in the gift shop - at very big prices.

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  44. Your side of the world is beautiful!!!
    I was trying to decide if I should upgrade to Windows 10. I think I'll just skip it. Thank you for letting me know and sorry you had to find out the hard way.

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    1. Sonya Ann: I like my city, but lots of people don't. Dull and boring is the cry.

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  45. oh no don't wash everything - just chuck it in the tumble dryer on Cold and blow all the cathairs off it.
    Thanks for the tour of Canberra. I saw it briefly once and recall the cafe has a great sign about keep the door closed lease so the magpies don't get in.
    Your High Court "looks better from inside" had me thinking - not if you are in the dock testifying.

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    1. Ann ODyne: You are right. Perspective is all. I don't want to testify in any court - and particularly not the High Court. The magpies rule the roost in a lot of places. There are now signs up in the city asking people not to feed them, and each Spring 'Swooping Magpie' signs go up. The magpie warble spells home to me.
      Jazz n Jewel's fur is particularly 'sticky'. On one of his o/s trips the smaller portion was still picking bits off on the plane on the way home. After six weeks away and having his clothes laundered by beating it will rocks in the Ganges.

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  46. Love the inlaid wood with the leaves - that's so beautiful. I know you are glad to be home and glad that relative is gone, too. Your kitties missed you - so sweet.

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    1. Lynn: They came out at night when they were sure the coast was clear and made it very obvious that they had been shamefully neglected.

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  47. OMGOSH,
    you had me on that adorable Kangaroo( I love those guys ) & Jazz n Jewel!! Goooooorgeous animals, my dear S. xxxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: I love the roos too. And the cats. Hugs.

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  48. Thanks for the trip EC, it looks a pleasing way to travel.

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    1. Bob Bushell: The cruise is always lovely. So peaceful. And beautiful.

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  49. Thank you for the tour! Ugh, windows 10. My computer at work keeps wanting to update and I keep saying NO!

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    1. mshatch: Himself had another try last night. Another failure. Unless as rumoured Microsoft are going to insist on it I think we will let it be now.

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  50. Oh no technical difficulties are the worse....but oh my what a tour...so much to see and I love the interiors of the Parliament House....gorgeous!

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: That interior is far too good for the politicians. As are the gardens.

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  51. Magnificent structures! The carillion is my favorite.

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    1. Susan Kane: I have a soft spot for the carillion too. And, at intervals, the bells are broadcast in the nearby city on the hour. Lovely.

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  52. All so wonderful
    but couldn't believe how powerful
    the kangaroos look! Muscle-y!
    Who'd have thunk:)
    Thanks for giving me a clue.
    Love to you and your looking,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Oh they are powerful beasts. Leaping small fences with a single bound. And beautiful with it.

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  53. Ditto to all who enjoyed the "tour" of the city. I, too, fell victim to Windows 10. Paid dearly to have it removed. My cats head to the attic (one can paw open a slightly-ajar door) when anyone visits or when any noise erupts on the place.
    A balmy end to January in Arkansas. Cheers.

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    1. Patricia A. Laster: Some people do like it I believe. I am interested that you had to pay to have it removed. One of the selling points I saw was that you could just revert to your old system. A fib it seems.
      Nice to hear that someone else has antisocial moggies in their world (and heart).

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  54. I loved your photos of Canberra, EC! And I'm very pleased that your visitor has moved on. There are great visitors and then there's the other kind... Though it seems your cats put them all in the same bracket!

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    1. Carol: The cats do indeed class every visitor as poison. Tradies are the worst though (which I probably wouldn't argue about).

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  55. I so enjoyed the tour. Your photos always so beautiful. Hope you get your PC problems worked out. That can be so stressful.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. For the moment we are going to ignore Windows 10, and keep working on the other instabilities.

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  56. Is my comment here!!!!!!?????????

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    1. I had written about the Kangaroos and Kitties!!!

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    2. My Inner Chick: You did comment and I replied. And both are still here. Hugs.

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  57. Ahhh Canberra, I spent a week there, enjoyed it immensely. I went to so many of those places you have photographed, and I have a long story to tell about meeting a previously unmet cousin unexpectedly while on a tour of the old Parliament buildings. And I sat in on Question Period in the new Parliament. I loved the Art Gallery, went there twice. Julia in coffee beans... well, that's a first.

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    1. And I got to sit in the former Prime Minister's chair in his office!!! Unfortunately now I can't remember which PM it was, will have to go back to my photo album to find out.

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    2. Shammickite: An unmet cousin? How did you recognise them? I would love to hear that story. Did you sit in the PM's chair in old or new Parliament House?

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  58. It's amazing how you can take so many photos to share. I'm glad you do. This may be the only way I get a real feel of Australia. Glad uncle had a good time. I've hosted many a relative and know the extra pressure that brings. Hope you didn't tire yourself too much. I've also had to clean up after naughty critters. They're so darn cute though.
    Take care and have a good week.

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    1. Myrna R.: I am nearly as anti-social as the cats. Fish and visitors smell after three days. It is tiring isn't it?

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  59. It can really be fun to go sightseeing like a tourist in your own town. Whatever the weather, it looks like you had a fabulous time.

    A portrait made of coffee beans? The poor dear. And you're a poor dear, too, for that upgrade to Windows 10. I'm in no hurry to go in that direction.

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    1. Susan: Some people have no troubles with the upgrade. And I believe (there are rumours) that it will soon be compulsory. Sigh.
      It is always nice to look around with new eyes though.

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  60. So many beautiful views and photos. And the kangaroo, awww.

    I've heard that Windows 10 is a monster, so be kind to your honey, if that is the nameless "he". :)

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    1. T.Powell Coltrin: Thank you. Perhaps you are right and it was the failed attempt(s) to upgrade which put stress on the existing system.

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  61. Now that daylight is returning I need to get out with my camera a little more.

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  62. The kangaroos have the right idea, don't sweat the small stuff.

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    1. Spacerguy: They are good at that - as most animals other than our species are.

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  63. The pictures from the cruise are wonderful. A trip that had to be enjoyed by all because the scenery is just lovely. So many interesting things to look at!

    The kangaroos do look like they know how to relax. Thanks for sharing your outing with us. :)
    ~Jess

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  64. I too wouldn't be inclined to keep a coffee bean picture of myself. Cocoa beans? Certainly, but it wouldn't stay intact.

    Hope you're catching your breath now that the company is gone.
    Take care, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Breath is being caught. And the blue hue to my face is slowly receding.

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  65. WHat a lovely park! Hope you all get a lovely rest.

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  66. I love parks and what views you captured!

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    1. Tammy Theriault: I do live in a very pretty city. For which I am grateful.

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  67. Another reason for me not to upgrade to Windows 10....

    I loved all the pictures and I'm glad that you took us on this tour. The National Museum looks very interesting, I would definitely visit it should I ever have the luck to come to your country and visit Canberra. I love the roos - animals just got it down to a T when it comes to resting and "life balance". Why are we humans not able to do that?

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    1. Carola Bartz: The National Museum IS interesting. Not only the exterior, but the displays within. It doesn't always focus on the 'pretty' history either. Which I applaud.

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  68. Just too many things to comment on but I can see my mum liked Canberra so much.
    Malcolm Fraser I've never been sure about but found in later years he became a bit of a pain in the butt.
    Hope you can relax now and rest and the SP's issues will soon resolve themselves.
    Our Precious was never to be found when visitors came to our house but she spent most of the time under my beg. We never had anyone stay in the 13 years we had her so not sure how she would have reacted to that, probably not well at all.

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    1. Mimsie: Some cats are social, some are not. When the skinny one's sister stayed with us for more than a month the cats were just starting to adapt to her presence.

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  69. Hi Elephant's Child, thank you for the pics of Canberra and the Parliament House. Parts of it have a Japanese look, but who decided on the pink velour for the Senate?! If I was a senator, I wouldn't be able to come to a sound decision in a room like this.
    And I've yet to hear anyone say a good thing about Windows 10. I get a popup every now and then tempting me to change; I say "not on your Nellie" and close the popup box. All the best.

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    1. lynners: I have heard sad rumours that they are going to push the issue and insist we all use it. Time will tell. The Senate isn't to my style either - but neither are our senators.

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  70. How odd that the museum is controversial and those like the court house are accepted. I quite like the museum. But the square, concrete ones, eek.

    I've heard that we will all have to download windows 10 eventually. I will wait.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): The court house is ugly. And I too like the museum. Lots of colour, interesting shapes. It is wonderful inside too.

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  71. Pretty pictures. Interesting buildings and I love the picture of the memorial. One of my dogs loves visitors, while the other hides. But I think the loving visitors is strictly a dog thing :)

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    1. Madilyn Quinn: We have had cats who didn't mind (but didn't love) visitors. This pair are convinced that they are poison. They are sometimes right.

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  72. Canberra and surrounds has some very beautiful natural and man made attractions.

    Jazz and Jewel certainly made their furry feelings known... in no uncertain terms :)

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    1. Vicki: I don't think any animal conceals their feelings. And Jazz n Jewel made (and make) theirs clear. Often.

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  73. Hmm, I've done it again, written a long comment and re-visited to read your reply only to realise I must have done something wrong. One of the problems with staying up after midnight I guess. Anyways, I'd commented on the Carillion and the PH artwork and how I will take much more notice of it all next time I visit. I also mentioned how your post often lead me on little research journeys (and sometimes long research journeys). Thank you

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    1. Kim: What a lovely thing to say. Mind you, if you need to research, perhaps I need to put more in...

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    2. You put in a perfect amount!

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