Back in Melbourne but just for a quick stop.

Returning from KL  and I had a couple of days to get up to speed with my lecture program. I always feel like I am chasing my tail. I have had a break from minding Ziggy which was helpful but I did miss him.  I am relived to know there are only a few more lectures in this subject to go before the end of term.  I feel like I have actually got my head working or rather in work mode. It has taken a good six months to get back to that state. Is that good? I don't know but is easier to actually work when you are in that state of thinking. I am enrolled in art classes again and feel a little frustrated that I am not actually getting the time to practice my watercolours but will just go with what I am doing and not fret. 

The time will come. 

Coming back to Melbourne I have really noticed the change in colour of the trees. I went away while they were green and now they are shades of orange and red. It is glorious to see the colours. Autumn in Melbourne is really quite spectacular. The sunsets are beautiful too. 

 My view at sunset

I am happy to be here for awhile now except for a brief weekend planned in Far North Queensland on Magnetic Island. There are things to be done and going away just postpones everything. 

Also I feel like I have been spending money like water so I am very glad of the work. 

I had a voucher for a cruise two for one which was running out. I had to book something or lose it. I am not entirely sure it really was a bargain but they assured me that I had to be able to save a minimum of $500 before it could be used.  Anyway I had promised to take my Mum on another cruise so I booked one sailing around New Zealand for 13 days. I am sure it will be very pleasant and this one is supposed to be a little more up-market than our last to Noumea. I am still not convinced about cruising but it suits Mum at 91. I should be lucky to be so well at the same age! Anyway it is a treat for her and a chance to spend time together, no cooking and cleaning.  It takes Mum away on a holiday which she really doesn't get to do very often.

I feel like my life has got somewhat frantic again though I don't feel stretched like I used to.

The flowering gums near the station are alive with Loikeets.  Hard to catch the agile birds. Can you see a green face? It gave me such a feeling of joy to see these cheeky birds so close to home. We are fortunate to have so many fabulous birds in Australia and even within our urban landscape.