FSO Space

One of the things on my bucket list was to visit St Francis of Assisi church in Pumpulha.  I was delighted with my first view of it, across the open space of the lake with the high rise buildings of the city filling the space behind it.

If any of the Friday My Town Shoot out participants stop by, I'd appreciate it if you could do a link for me.

Trying again - FSO

Damn, I didn't read the prompt for this weeks FSO until after I'd posted.  So here's a shot of a Conceicao de Ibitipoca, a beautiful little village hanging off the side of a mountain, a few hours drive from my son's hometown in Brazil.

FSO - Rustic

I'm claiming Belo Horizonte, my son's home town in Brazil, as mine this week.  This is a city with 5 million people, quite a change for someone who lives within sight of one other house, to look out at skyscraper apartments.  But you leave the city very sudenly, one minute surrounded by high rises, the next out in the countryside.   On Wednesday we ventured to Inhotim, 60 kms from the city and a world apart.  There are 5, 000 acres of lush, tropical botanical gardens containing over 20 art museums and exhibitions.

As you can imagine, I took dozens of photos but seem to be able to upload only one at a time to Blogger.  This is one of the sculptures in the park.

If any of the FSO team is passing by, could you please link my post to Friday My Town Shoot Out.  I can't figure out how to do that on this little gizmo.

FSO - Winter in my town

There's nowhere else I'd rather be than Rio de Janeiro right now.  But there's nothing very winterish going on, that's for certain.

But I have seen snow  in the past few days!  Honest!  There was still a little on the tops of the highest peaks of the Andes.

FSO - The New Year

I like it when the prompt says "interpret as you wish." This week it is: From celebrations to reflections to resolutions; what does the New Year mean to you? 

I don't do resolutions, got sick of breaking them so gave them up.  

I've reflected on the year gone by.  A pretty good one all round, I'd say.  I did a bit of slowing down in preparation for retirement, so I'm now totally prepared.  Bring it on!

Georgia and I ventured into chook ownership which has provided us with hours of entertainment.  Yeah, I know, easily entertained we are!

Chris and I were late in taking our usual mid-winter break this year.  It was spring before we decided where we wanted to go.  I'm so glad we settled on the East Cape, it was a wonderful trip.  So many beautiful beaches, I can't decide on just one to feature so I've chosen this handiwork of local children at Raukokore (I think).  To me it signifies the simple delights of the company of children which I've been fortunate enough to share. 

 The year hasn't been an easy one for all my family and there are tough times ahead for Leone who will have back surgery early in the new year.   But we all know that, no matter what the year may throw at us, we will still enjoy getting together and having fun together.  

I am blessed to have these beautiful grandchildren and the joy of watching them grow.  In Michael's case it's grow ... and grow ... and grow, he's a tall lad.  Thankfully, that is the only way he's changed, he still has the lovely nature he's always had - and he's still the clown.

This time next week I will be in Brazil with my younger son.  How's that for a way to start the new year?

I'll be checking on New Year posts from the rest of the Friday My Town Shoot Out team here and post the Spotlights before I fly out on Monday.

Happy New Year to you all!

Creek weather

It's definitely creek weather.  And thanks to a bit of rain lately, the creek is flowing nicely.  It is such a great place for children of all ages to have fun.

Mother has to make sure all parts of the little body are covered in sunscreen.

I was a kind granny before Christmas and bought Georgia a little fish net, it's turned out to be a real hit.  Georgia caught lots of tiny fish yesterday.

Anyone got any idea what this is?

Home from the creek, the little bloke is a bit worn out.

A few hours later, when he and I were home alone to see in the New Year, those tired eyes were slow to close.

They will close soon, won't they?  (please......)

And now he's gone.  Miss him already.  My New Year's wish is that I see lots of him during the year.

Happy New Year to all.