Gone Green

Its been a while since blogging so now an update. We have officially gone green by installing a solar hot water system and solar panels on the roof. We thought if we live in the sunshine state then we should make use of the free energy. Our roof is ideally situated to take full advantage of the sun as it faces north. It was really great once the solar power system was installed to see our meter going backwards(!). In a few weeks time we will have a smart meter installed so we can export our excess energy to the grid and earn some money back

Visit to Winery & Lavendar Farm for a lunchtime meal

On Sunday we went out for a lunchtime treat. A meal at a winery near Boonah. The day was a bit overcast but we had a nice meal, glass of wine and a chat with the owner who told us of how he built the winery going $1 million overbudget ($3 million total!). It was his wife's dream to have a winery and restaraunt but she is ill and now he is left to run it.

Centenary Rocks!

On Saturday Inge and I went to the local festival in the park, lots of alternative stuff including solar power, electric bicycles, yoga demos, food and bands playing.
We had a great time.

Poco and Droelie getting on fine

So after a week Droelie has accepted Poco. Its nice to see them together. Here's a few photos of them and us. Its been quite cold the last week with night temps down to 8C so we've had our wood burning fire on every night.

New Kitten - Poco

He is 9 weeks old. We got him two days ago. A saimese cross. He is quite vocal, likes cuddles and attention and is quite bold. Droelie is gradually warming to him, at first hissing and growling but it will get better we are sure..

Ron Mueck Sculpture Exhibition

Today we visited the Gallery of Modern Art in the city to see the scultures of Ron Meuck. See below. Pretty lifelike even though some of the statutes are 4m tall. It was really interesting to see the video of how the artist makes them, so labour intensive!
check out the video here :
http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/ron_mueck/video

The write up on the exhibition is below..







This exhibition surveys a group of major works by Australian-born, London-based sculptor Ron Mueck. Mueck’s sculptures are some of the most widely acclaimed and identifiable works in the international contemporary art arena. Often naked and suspended in states of self-consciousness, introspection or deep contemplation, his figures present both emotional and physical states of exposure. Astounding in their realism, Mueck’s works have earned him a singular place as the creator of some of the most evocative sculptures of our time. Featuring celebrated works from Australian and international collections, in addition to new sculptures, it will be one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of Mueck’s work ever presented.

Queen's Day comes early to Queensland

There is a small retirement village here in Brisbane called the Prins Alexander Village which is for elderly dutch residents who emigrated to Australia in the 1950's. Its aim is to create a happy, homely environment in pleasant surroundings promoting and incorporating the Dutch culture, whilst maintaining the Australian culture to enhance and maintain links with extended family, friends and the general community. At least that's what their website says.

In mid April they hold their own "Konninnedag" celebrations with goodies and food imported from Holland and dress up in traditional clothing so it looks like Volendam, Marken. So a chance to taste worst, poffertjes, cheese, etc and well as a 2nd hand market, so just like Holland on Queens Day. The houses are a bit like the Volendam sort and it all feels very surreal...more like Holland than Holland itself!
So is this where Inge and I will end up when we retire in 2035....I hope not!