Memories of Childhood

 The Enid Blyton book "The Magic Faraway Tree" was a feature of both Claire's and my own childhood.  So when it was released as a film we were both intrigued to see how it would translate into a movie.  The answer was "not very well" from our perspective.

James' Family Birthday Gathering

 On Sunday the Reid and Altis families gathered to celebrate James' 24th birthday.  It is always a great opportunity to catch up with the Altis families and snatch a few photos with the grandchildren.

Mitchell Turns 24

 Mitchell had his Birthday so of course, Granny's Gallery needed an update.  He called across to face the camera.

Cooper's Deb Ball

 Cooper and his Deb Partner Caitlin and about 35 other couples had been practicing for the Mullauna Deb Ball for a couple of months.  It all came together last Friday at a huge Reception venue in a very well presented evening.  We were privileged to attend.

The participants were presented, there were a number of formal dances before a break and then a number of progressive dances.

Ebony's Birthday

 We called in to see Ebony on her birthday.  Holly had made her a cake so we were able to sample it.

My New Toy

 For a couple of months I have been looking forward to the arrival of my new toy, a "smart telescope" that collects starlight by tracking deep sky objects and stacking the images together.  It is small and powerful.

The challenge is now to learn how to use it effectively and process the images.  I used some simple settings to photograph Nebulae C103 and C 92.

Historic Maryborough

 Maryborough is a town crammed with history.  We saw one of the earliest commercial buildings in the area (early1800s),

The Grand Stand at the Oval was clearly from a different era.  The old Fire Station was at a high point overlooking the Town.  It is now an Art Gallery.

Many of the old buildings around the town have been repurposed.  The original water supply for the Fire Brigade is now a lake in their Botanic Garden.

One of Victoria's original Log Gaols still stands a few kilometres down the road.

The main historic showpiece in the area is the massive Railway Station that was built by an early Victorian Premier to bolster his re-election prospects.  He failed.

Maryborough

 For some time now we had intended to visit Maryborough, one of many historic Victorian gold mining towns.  The architecture of the area certainly indicated a confident and affluent past.  We stayed at the Bull and Mouth Hotel in the middle of town that had comfortable rooms and excellent food.

Close by were the historic Post Office, Law Courts and Town Hall and a much more recent Hospital.

Cooper Ends the Season

 Cooper played his final match for the season last week.  They missed a win but it was a competitive game.  Cooper took out the "Most Improved Player" trophy.

Cradle Mountain

 Adam, Kate Brett, Cathy and their friends Paul and Jen had been planning a trip to Cradle Mountain for some time.  The weather at the mountain is notoriously fickle so they were very lucky to strike benign conditions for their visit.