Sandwich Generation

Busy times at the moment, so not much time for blogging. Firstly my 92 year old Mum was admitted to hospital and is now waiting to go into a nursing home.

                         

                        

The day after I visited my Mum, I had to fly to Canberra as my daughter is unwell and I am needed to help with the grandchildren. The unexpected trip to Canberra means that I am here for my grandson's first birthday today.

                         

Apparently, we are the 'sandwich generation'.

Traditional - those sandwiched between aging parents who need care and/or help and their own children.

Club Sandwich - those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren, or those in their 30s and 40s, with young children, aging parents and grandparents.

Open Faced - anyone else involved in elder care.

I know that my Mum is being well cared for and for now I am happy to help look after these gorgeous grandchildren.

                          

Sculptures

There is so much happening in Brisbane at the moment as part of the G20 Cultural Celebrations. Today we visited an exhibition called Expressions in Sculpture and I believe all the exhibits are by Brisbane Sculptors. There were 64 pieces of work with some artists exhibiting more than one piece. Some were uniquely Australian like this sandstone koala and these platypuses.

                          

                          

This bronze lady caught my eye, she was called Wrapped in Blue. I could easily have taken her home, I have the perfect place for her......then I saw the price tag! Ummmm, no, not today thank you.

                         

                    

The Dancing Queen was made from an old Moreton Bay Fig tree that fell down in New Farm Park during the drought of 2008. It was estimated that the tree was about 138 years old when it fell down.

                        

Some were quirky, the first photo showing Hybrid Runabout 2 made from bits and pieces. The second photo shows Books, Books And More Books. I love these little guys!

                       

                       

And some were very cute!

                       

                       

On the walk home through the city, we found this sculpture called Dialogue and the second photo is one of the sculptures outside the Queensland Art Gallery.

                       

                        

                       

A most enjoyable day.

 

Brisbane Colour

Brisbane is soon to host the G20 Leaders Summit, a meeting of leaders from all around the world. In the two weeks leading up to the big event, we are being entertained by the G20 Cultural Celebrations with an explosion of colour and sound and free events all around the city. Last night we walked into the city to see what it was all about. First we were entertained by the Opera Queensland Chorus who had lined the balconies of the Treasury Hotel to perform for us. The hotel was beautifully lit up with projected images.

                            

In this photo you can see the singers on the balconies.

                           

Nearby was the old State Library Building (constructed 1879) and it also had projected images.

                            

                            

                            

One of the hotels in the city.

                            

                            

And finally, the Brisbane sign at South Bank Parklands. The next few weeks are going to be a very interesting time in our city.

                            

  

Odd Photos

Just a few odd photos from our holiday. A view of the Auckland Sky Tower from the base. You can go for a skywalk around the top on the glass ledge or if you are more daring, have a skyjump from the top. Maybe next time!

                              

I hope these are secure, spotted at Albert Park Auckland.

                              

Old carved banking desk on view at the Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin. You don't see these in banks anymore.

                              

A little cutie in Tauranga watching me very closely.

                                                 

 

No explanation needed on this photo!