The House(s) of Fran_mart

 Our morning walk goes through the site of Floriade (and sundry garbage concerts by pop bands).  Unlike the latter appalling events (except the offering by the Oils) thus far Floriade has not led to the entire area being closed off by the goons.  There is still evidence that the Barr Government is aiming for a fence-hire led economic recovery. It was a bit cool as a load of topsoil was delivered.  (That must also be a nice little earner for someone's brother-in-law.) On 22nd we were astonished at the workforce involved.  The ACT must be approaching a negative unemployment rate! A couple more workers and note the instructions about colour.  (Given the ACT Government's predilection for inclusiveness I am surprised that the colours aren't also labelled in languages other than English,) I've filled in a few blanks and returned to traditional values in suggesting how some Alyssum could be used.  (The origin of this idea came about on a run through the area ...

This weekend there have been at least 4 events going on in Canberra: Lifeline Bookfair; Floriade Police Remembrance Ride ;  Canberra 100 foot race . In addition to those there has been some interest in looking off our deck, so I'll start there. This bulldozer is working on a Geocon site across Glebe Park.  It was interesting watching it go up this steep bank. When I looked at how close the tracks came to the edge I decided that the driver was: an expert; and devoid of imagination! The sun made a pretty pattern with the leafless branches of an oak in Glebe Park. The tall elm trees in the Park are beginning to show a tinge of green. Over in Reid some ornamental trees have a nice blast of blossom. Blossom brings us to Floriade.   On my way to watch the 'bikes the most direct route was through the site so I gritted my teeth and went in. Compared to the early years there were very few people around.  Notice the big marquees in the ...

Our morning walks still go past the tent city in Commonwealth Park (aka Floriade).  The steel fences around the site make it extremely unattractive at first glance.  It makes me think of a detention centre. Looking across Nerang Pool - before the camp gates are opened - all that is initially apparent is a tent and some plastic artifacts.  Finally a flower bed emerges. We had to leave by a tunnel under Parkes Way.  This is probably one of the main entrances to the event so having to get through more prison camp fencing surrounding a building site is another unpleasant experience.  Coming in from Allara St is also ugly as the bridge over Parkes Way looks into a dump site for old construction material. Fortunately Nature still produces a good look at sunset.  The following images were taken off our deck.  The first one was 1730. Some colour begins to arrive by 1756.  And develops to spiffiness 4 minutes later. Then afte...

No, not really back at Carwoola but back in Canberra. We needed to come back to register the Pajero and came up on the Saturday to see balloons lift off on Sunday morning.  This also meant we'd be around for the Skyfire display which finishes off the Enlighten Festival. The first evidence of the Festival was the caring ACT Government having closed off Parkes Way, so that it took 15 minutes, rather than 1, to get from Kings Avenue to Bunda St.  Why they don't just close the road completely is a mystery.  (Actually it isn't a mystery: its the only East West route in North Canberra.  The real mystery is why they allow so many events that require it to be closed.) Just before 7 PM and right on schedule, a Globemaster did a fly past.  I thought this a nice shot of it coming past Bugs. Then it did a level flight over the Lake. As darkness approached - 1930 - we headed off down to the Lake.  We took Tammy as she's pretty deaf and doesn't seem to worry ...