2026
1 May
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| Kalbar Sunflower Festival |
We, AFs (awesome foursome), went for a drive to Kalbar. It was Birgitte's suggestion, as she had been to the Sunflower Festival the year before. Kalbar is nestled in the picturesque Scenic Rim, just over an hour from Ipswich.
The idea for
such a stunning Festival was born of necessity. Farmers Jenny and Russell
Jenner had an exceptionally disastrous year after the longest drought on
record. Bringing home a bunch of sunflowers to cheer Jenny gave them the
inspiration to grow these low-maintenance, cheery flowers and to hold a
Festival to celebrate.
Sadly,
Russell was diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer, but his stoic nature did
not stop him from participating in the creation of the 2022 and 2023 Sunflower
Festival. Russell lost his battle in July 2023. Jenny continued the tradition
of holding the Festival, which has, since 2022, raised over $435,000 for cancer
care.
An enormous
team of volunteers is happily involved in ensuring the continuation of this
valuable and joyful event.
Before heading to the site for our 12:30 entry, we explored the township of Kalbar, which includes a police station, cafés, a community hall, and - Empire Revival, a seemingly quirky shop that turned out to be a treasure trove. I won’t go into our purchases, except to say we had a lot of fun. Here is Birgitte, attempting to play a piano that plays by itself!
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| Sounds really professional, Birgitte... |
At the allocated hour, we drove up the road from Kalbar to the well-signposted entrance of the property. I can't help but praise the many volunteers who expertly directed our parking and the sexy four-wheel buggies that took us to the entrance.
Upon arrival, we were embraced by fields of magnificent sunflowers. This sign aptly captures Russell and Jenny’s life and is one to aspire to:
Sunflowers are a Reminder to be Strong,
Stand Tall, and Always Find the Light!
- Anonymous
It's hard not to feel happy in such a setting.
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| You can even hire a helicopter ride over the fields, alas, we prefer to be closer to the ground... |
Di
Sally
me
Birgitte chose the company of a different kind; she would
not disclose who it reminded her of or its appeal…
Sunflower fields forever...
They grow as twins and in different shades
We had a fantastic day and came home feeling
very happy.
I'm still
riding that happy buzz at home with self-picked sunflowers 😊😊
29 April
The Saga of the Lemon Cake
We do have a lemon tree in the garden. The RNM would have planted it some years ago. I am vague because I can't remember how long ago it was. For many years, or so it seems, we have been eagerly waiting for some lemons to form, grow and drop.
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| Our lemon tree |
The tree had flowered, giving us hope that it would produce lemons. After all, RNM's daughter has that particular kind of lemon tree on her property, where it produces juicy lemons in abundance year after year. I believe it even produces twice in some years. It seemed reasonable to hope for the same with our lemon tree. Alas, that was not to be with our little tree, so we nourished and nurtured it year after year. Then, a few months ago, four lemons formed, deciding not to drop prematurely but to stay attached to the tree branch, ripen, and grow on it. Hurrah, we were now living in hope, waiting and watching with trepidation, and indeed we were not disappointed, as one morning a couple of days ago, one lemon flourished into shades of yellow and pale green, had dropped to the ground.
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| Our first home-grown lemon |
Our first grown lemon, we frolicked. There was no deliberation or hesitation, as I knew what I was going to do with this precious harvest: bake a moist lemon cake, and that's what I did!
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| Trusty moist lemon cake recipe |
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| Lemon cake out of the oven |
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| Lemon cake ready to eat... |
It is yummy; neither the lemon nor the trusty recipe let me down. I just had time to take this photo, the cake disappeared too quickly, as some unknown individual must have crept into the house and helped themselves...
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| Left over... |
PS It is nice with cream and/or vanilla ice cream (if one wanted to be decadent). This time there was no time for either, next time, when the next lemon drops, I'll be better prepared ...
😋
Sunday, 26 April, 2 pm
GOMA, Cinémathèque
Nosferatu
A Symphony of Horror
1922
I've really enjoyed
being part of GOMA's screening of this fantastic 1922 F.W. Murnau gem of a film.
I'm not usually a horror fan, but it has been exciting to work with the Gallery
of Modern Art Cinémathèque's great curator and tech team. Contributing to the
subtitles and intertitles has been especially satisfying, though I cannot help
but mention that it can be a tad nerve-wracking at times.
Creeping up the stairs to suck some blood...
Four talented musicians accompanied this sold-out screening,
heightening the mood as our heroine, Ellen, edges closer to her doom.
Loosely based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula,
the film follows Hutter as he travels to a land of vampires and spectres. Sent
by the unscrupulous estate agent Knock, he is to sell Count Orlok (Nosferatu)
the deserted house opposite Hutter’s own home.
Disease and horror
strike as the plot thickens, and we witness Ellen’s distress. Legend has it
that if Nosferatu becomes so engrossed in blood-sucking a virtuous maiden that he forgets the cocks's first crow, and the first sunrays shining upon him, the world will be free of his peril.
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| Nosferatu's doom |
Of course, there
has to be a sacrifice for Nosferatu’s destruction... Next time you see GOMA advertising this film's screening, make sure you don't miss out on getting an early ticket. It's a classic!
19 April
Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
Wentworth Galleries
100 George Street, Brisbane City
Fundraiser Art Exhibition to Save The Park
VICTORIA PARK
Beauty, Memory, Belonging
Entry is just $10, and every ticket and artwork sold helps support the fight to stop the Olympic destruction of the park. Art will be available for purchase on the day at Wentworth Galleries or online in advance.
Proceeds to go to 'Save Victoria Park' campaign to protect the park and preserve it for future generations.
Sally and I visited this exhibition in the fabulous Wentworth Galleries to view the amazing artworks and to support the hardworking members of the 'Save Victoria Park' campaign.
David Hinchcliffe, The Banksia of Barrambin
artist statement:
'I've had tremendous admiration for the small core of volunteers who have driven the campaign to save Victoria Park and stood up against the powers that be. I think the Banksia are fitting emblems of those hardy souls who are prepared to stand up night and day for what they believe in.'
admiring, pondering and debating the artworks
These are the children's work, the youngest 2, the oldest 15
It is so encouraging to see the younger generation expressing their feelings and thoughts about preserving those beautiful parklands.
Julie Sparks, Wandering Soul
artist statement:
'A sense of calm steers your hand while you paint when the surroundings are so peaceful and embracing. The ensuing painting takes on the gentle whisper of winds telling secrets through the leaves. The water reflects the soft flow of nature unblemished.'
Both Sally and I were drawn to this gem of a painting; alas, during our deliberations, a red dot was placed on it.
Tracie Lennon and David Hinchcliffe, Barrambin-Always Was...
artist statement:
'In approaching this collaborative painting, we wanted to do something different stylistically from what either of us would normally do. Neither of us is what you might call a "gum tree painter", but Victoria Park (Barrambin) certainly brings that out in artists. It will be unbearably sad if these giants are hacked down behind a fence in the name of sport.'
Sally bought these stunning Jacarandas for the newly painted wall in her penthouse.
artist statement:
'There is so much beauty everywhere in Victoria Park. My most satisfying times as a Councillor were introducing Brisbane's first tree protection laws and the bushland acquisition scheme. I've always loved trees - sometimes more than some of my fellow human beings. So I just can't comprehend how anyone in public office could justify or even imagine bulldozing this.'
14 April
A visitor
Looking out of our kitchen window, we spotted this visitor. Perched on a basket holder is this cute tawny frogmouth. S/he's been with us for the last 3 days. Usually s/he sleeps...
or camouflages into a non-existent tree
We now have to tiptoe through the garden so as not to disturb him/her while watering the shrubbery. But we love him, at least we think it's a him.
1 April
The Explainer Series: International Law
The RNM and I attended last night's first Explainer Series: International Law at the State Library of Queensland. The Explainer Series explores questions we are all asking, especially in these uncertain times. Being confronted with global conflict and escalating crises on a now-daily basis, the night's topic of how and whether international law and its effectiveness still work is more relevant than ever.
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| Prof Anthony Cassimatis AM and Madura McCormack |
Professor Anthony
Cassimatis AM, leading expert in international law at the TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, conversed with political journalist and
news editor at The Courier-Mail, Madura McCormack.
Sharing insights about the United Nations Charter and the consequences of breaching laws, dispute-resolution laws, and rules used to balance power, Anthony discussed aspects of his expertise in international law. Before concluding this very interesting discussion, audience members submitted their questions to Anthony.
Prof Cassimatis ended the Series on a positive note by sharing his encouragement, drawn from the compassion he witnessed in today’s young people.
New Acquisition
Once I spotted it, I could not get this upliftingly
cheerful painting, its colours and style reminiscent of my adoration of the
1920s expressionists, by our extremely talented painter friend and 2025
Brisbane Portrait Prize finalist, Jakki, out of my head. After a brief
consultation with RNM, who wholeheartedly agreed, we walked away with our latest
painterly treasure. Of course, we did have to find a place on our more-than-overcrowded
wall space. Would you believe? We managed. What is the dictum? Where there’s a
will, there’s a way.
31 March
Walking home after a little shopping, I was delighted to see the beauty of the street fauna around me.
Coryumbia ptychocarpa, commonly known as swamp bloodwood or spring bloodwood
African tulip tree
How could you not arrive home in a happy mood?
28 March
Bribie Island
Family get together at Bribie Island. Always so therapeutic.
24 March
UQ Brisbane City Building and History Tour
RNM and I delved into the history of 308 Queen Street to uncover some of the unique and quirky discoveries from the restoration process with UQ alum Dr Keith Treschman. This is all the more pertinent since RNM (90) and I (70) celebrated our 160th birthday in this venue last year (see This and That 2025). Bringing back such fond memories of study and celebration made this event all the more special.
Keith enlightened us about the history of this formidable building, which is heritage-listed and was purchased by the University in 2016 for $47 Million.
In 1851, the First School of Arts Building was opened on this site. Between 1881 and 1885, a large masonry building was constructed as the new Head Office for the Queensland National Bank.
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| The former National Bank Building |
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| entrance to The Atrium |
part of the original fence
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| 1895 |
the dome
LIFT NOT WORKING.
RING FOR LIFT. AUTOMATIC LIFT.
IF DESIRED AN OFFICER WILL OPERATE.
PLEASE CLOSE DOORS GENTLY.
Take your pick, which instructions to follow...
It does remind me of the lifts in Italy and France.
Private, but you can make Enquiries...
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| The vault |
Keith talked about the prominence of the Maltese Cross in the building's furnishings. This design, 'Argent on a Maltee Cross Azure a Queen's Crown Proper', was approved by the Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty in 1876. It was incorporated into the Queensland Coat of Arms and issued to the State of Queensland in 1893.
The symbol of the eight-pointed cross has been replicated with thought and taste throughout the furnishings:
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| table |
fireplace
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dome lit-up dome in the University's purple colours
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22 March
I never tire of looking over the horizon from our back deck, all the more pertinent in these uncertain times.
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| night sky last night |
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| crest of the moon close up |
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| rainbow from the deck this morning, almost 180 degrees |
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sunset from the deck yesterday 2 April - moon setting at 5:26 am  2 April |
14 March
An evening at the Playhouse
I met my darling daughter at Southbank for an evening of theatre at the Playhouse. See my review column. Brisbane's lit-up sky is very pleasant. On this occasion, the colour scheme happened to be green and blue - what a coincidence, just like my outfit.
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| couldn't wish for a better backdrop |
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| even compliments Ildika's couture |
people enjoying the riverbank
so exciting
Nepal Peace Pagoda
Bringing back such fond memories of Brisbane's World Expo 88, the Pagoda, the site's only remaining international exhibit, has not lost its charm.
7 March
Glasshouse Theatre Community Day
I met three of the AF (awesome foursome) at the opening of Brisbane's latest theatre. I can't remember how many years we strolled around that building site, wondering what it would be once it was finished. We were not disappointed.
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amazing curves |
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| vis-a-vis from the ABC |
opening ceremony
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| three out of four |
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This beautiful timber panelling rivals that of the Elizabeth Murdoch Hall in Melbourne.  |
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| a glimpse behind the stage |
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| foyer's curves |
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| view towards the city Floriate by Brian Robinson is a four-metre-high bronze sculpture suggestive of South Brisbane's key river systems, ending with native flora that sustained First Nations People for thousands of years. |
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These flowering plants grow across Queensland.  Can you spot the featured plants, which are: Kurrajong from the Wet Tropics, Spotted Emu Bush from Lake Eyre and Bulloo, Lemon Aspen from Central Queensland, Cape York Lily from Western Cape and the Gulf, Bat's Wing Coral Tree from South-East Queensland, Sally Wattle from Murray-Darling, and Milkmaids from Wallum.  |
Looking forward to seeing my first performance at the Glasshouse.
28 February
The 2026 UQ Alumni Book Fair
Friday 27 February: 9am–9pm
Saturday 28 February: 9am–7pm
Sunday 1 March: 9am–5pm
Location: UQ Centre, Union Road, UQ St Lucia Campus
Free event
Lured by the Author Talks, RNM, and I spent the day at the UQ Centre, momentarily reliving the exciting moments of graduation fever from years past.
The conversations were expertly conducted by Sally Wilson and UQP Director Madonna Duffy.
Sally with:
Martine Kropkowski on finding inspiration and overcoming writer's block, and Ian Kemish AM about Fiction vs Non-Fiction and his book Two Islands.
Madonna with:
Andrew Stafford on Music and Memory in Pig City, and Nikki Mottram about her book Crow's Nest.
Feeling inspired by the imparted pearls of wisdom, such as 'treat people as equals, and they might treat you the same', and 'put your heart into your book and hope it resonates', we were ready to rush home. However, we could not attend this annual event without browsing the book selection, and despite vague promises not to overload our already overloaded bookcases, we did arrive at home with a bookload. But then, isn't that what it is all about?
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| Looking for bargains |
27 February
Maritime Museum presents Twilight Jazz on the river
My dear friend Sally introduced the rest of our AF (awesome foursome) to the periodical Twilight Jazz evening at the Maritime Museum.
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| The band is warming up... |
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| AFs are warming up... |
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| The singers are swinging... |
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| Forcing Birgitte and me onto the edge of the river |
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| But it was so much fun |
Thanks, Sally, for organising another wonderful night of great, like-minded company, funky jazz, bubbles, pizza, and the most spectacular setting on the Brisbane River.
23 February
It's amazing what you find, thanks to the RNM, while strolling through your garden - a Black Bat flower, or Tacca chantrieri, if you are into botanicals.
Not far from this pot was another interesting specimen that I had to touch again and again to convince myself that it was not made out of plastic:
Hoya carnosa
Nodding Violet...
otherwise known as, what sounds almost like a disease, Streptocarpus caulescens.
so beautiful in its simplicity
The Blue Flower reminds me of the Romantic school, standing for desire, love and the metaphysical striving for the infinite and unreachable, symbolising hope and the beauty of things.
Good start to the week.
17 February
Went shopping today to Stafford City, and what did I see in the display case?
My outfit!
31 January
We can save Vic Park!
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I support the Save Victoria Park campaign to protect this beautiful park, a place of contemplation and regeneration from destruction and to prevent the erection of a 63,000-seat stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on this sacred site.
Eminent advocates and speakers addressed the peaceful rally in the park under its historic trees.
Former Permier Qld, Lord Mayor Brisbane
Ms Deborah Sandy
Yuggera Elder
Auntie Gaja Kerry Charlton
Prof Marcus Foth
Prof Urban Informatics, QUT
YMAC spokesperson and Yagaarabul elder Elder
Quoting Councillor Seal Chong Wah from the Paddington Ward:
- Brisbane City Council recently changed our City Plan to allow a reduction in greenspace by 290 hectares of Brisbane's projected population in 11 years.
- We cannot afford to lose 64 hectares of the largest inner-city greenspace. Once lost, lost forever.
- Losing much of Barrambin and its 4,000 mature trees would be an environmental disaster, eroding our city's greenspace, increasing the urban heat island effect and worsening flooding.
Gaja Kerry Charlton states: 'Barrambin is a living Country, possessing sacred, ancient and significant relationships within our cultural heritage systems.'
Building and patronising a massive stadium next door to the major Queensland hospital would cause significant traffic disruptions to the emergency flow of patients seeking urgent medical treatment in life-threatening situations.
Support Victoria Park Action Group in the fight to stop this irreparable absurdity:
29 January
Catch up lunch for the new year with the wonderful FOBOGs (Faculty of Business Old Girls) at the Emporium's Rooftop Bar Restaurant. One of the clever girls calculated that it is 36 years since we all worked together at QUT. Just as well she did the math, because according to my calculations on 28 January, I would have had my daughter while being gainfully employed at the university ...
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left: Kate, Veronica, Trina
right: Rosie, Colleen, moi
It was so great catching up again. Time seems to march on with ever-increasing haste. We vowed to meet sooner rather than later next time. Possibly a winter-get-together in Stanthorpe?
28 January
Breakfast with my (BBGD) beautiful birthday girl daughter in Kenmore. It seemed only 26 years ago that she came into this world. She grew up, and I shrank away. I guess that's what happens with birthdays: they affect us in different ways in different stages of our lives. We had a good time anyway. Here's to more of the good times. 😍
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