Monthly Archives: September 2016

Midnight at the beach

29 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by in one with nature

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The Aurora Australis forecast was favourable.
The clouds cleared before the expected storms.
We drove ten minutes to a south facing beach.
We weren’t alone.
Others were on the beach at midnight.
With cameras on tripods.
Looking south.
Was that green glow a hint of Aurora?
Home to bed, as there’s work tomorrow.
Better luck another time.

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Trams at the Town Hall

25 Sunday Sep 2016

Posted by in days out

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Hobart Town Hall held an open day today, to celebrate 150 years since it’s opening.

This is the Great Hall.img_2320

The Mayor’s Office. An intriguing mix of history and modern technology.img_2307

There are a number of impressive chandeliers within the building.

Outside, there were old trams from one hundred years ago. The double decker Tram No. 17 dates back to the First World War, but commission was delayed because the ship carrying the motors was sunk on route from Britain. The tram was in service until 1947 and has now been renovated with original parts sourced from other vehicles.img_2283img_2291

The single decker Tram No. 39 was also in service during the same period. Then spent forty years in someone’s back yard before being restored.img_2301

Here is another old tram, but this one awaiting restoration.img_2330

It was a fun day out, with food stalls, live music, other historic vehicles.img_2329img_8665

A note

23 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by in creativity, remembering / musing

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A new five pound note has recently been issued in England and Wales. It is Britain’s first polymer bank note, replacing the historical paper notes.

Australia issued the world’s first polymer bank note in January 1988, a commemorative $10 bill. All note denominations were converted to the cleaner, more durable, more secure plastic notes by 1996.

Here are some macro shots of the latest $5 bill.

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Here is the note, front and back.

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Occasionally

21 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by in remembering / musing

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Most days it’s fine that family are spread across the globe
I’m happy that I’m here
Living this life
In this place
But occasionally
I wish I was somewhere else
Or that I could split myself in two

Most days it’s fine that I chat to family online
Via Facetime or Skype
Phone calls
Text messages
But occasionally
I wish I could have a real hug
And be there in person

Most days it’s fine that we value our independence
To know that we have
Both roots
And wings
But occasionally
I wish I could stand next to you
As we look up at the sky

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