Back to work

I was hoping to be back to work this week but life has managed to keep me out of the shed although I did take work to an exhibition for Rotary in Samford Valley this weekend.

We were in Sydney last week for our Christmas present to the big boys. Walked ourselves into the ground at the zoo and aquarium mostly. We all had a wonderful time together.

The boys had never been to Sydney before so it was a great surprise. Here I am with my 12 and 11 year old grandsons, Chris and Leo. Gorgeous boys.

Geoff with the boys at Taronga Park Zoo. Wonderful day.

The Aquarium is Leo's particular interest, he knew the names of just about every creature.

Chris had a conversation with a Dugong, or maybe they just smiled at each other.

Their irresponsible grandparents let them jump off the Manly Jetty (which was a highlight), as was swimming in the roof top pool of the hotel at the Rocks overlooking the Opera House and Bridge.

The Sydney Festival was still on and we loved this exhibit at Darling Harbour although it was hard to get our heads around it for a while.

Good boys, good friends.

We celebrated Australia Day weekend with more family at Straddie, Edward didn't miss watching the departure of any barge. The sound of the toot had him out on the deck in an instant.

I have been spending a lot of time out in the bush lately looking at the blackened trees and taking lots of photos. Great inspiration, so I have been working haven't I? Researching clays, making underglaze pencils, crayons, watercolours and inks for drawing on the surface. Next step is to make and test all the above. I am wanting to use a porcelain that will throw well so am going to mortgage the house and buy a couple of imported clays.

Such beautiful landscapes out of all that devastation.