Lost Aussie on the loose

A Few Perth Pics

Finally in Perth and enjoying being back with my "small men"!

Last night D and I headed to the foreshore to see what the sunset had to offer in the way of picture fodder.  Sadly not much so we played with catching the early night lights across the City.

Today I have been walking on my beloved Mulallo Beach just before a big rain shower arrived.

 ......and then checking out the lovely creatures at Pinnaroo.  There's a whole slew of mother kangaroos with nicely sized joeys, who are quite obliging when it comes to posing for the camera!!

I'm heading off to watch some Indoor Cricket tonight which should be fun!

21 Years Ago

... My how time flies....

This is a pic snapped of me almost 21 years ago to the day, close to 9 months pregnant and waiting for the arrival of #1 son.

Pertinent since I am about to hop on (yet another plane) to head down to Australia to celebrate said son's 21st Birthday on the 1st of June.

I've spent this evening going through photo albums and collecting the pre-digital assortment of fun, cute and embarassing photos that will be used for a slideshow on the night of his party.  It's been a trip down memory lane and definitely brought lots of smiles, and the odd tear to my face.

Although I am not looking forward to more long plane rides, I am looking forward to seeing my tall "small" men again and I'm going to break my journey in Thailand on the way, so stay tuned for some pics of a different flavour!

Cruising The Mosel River

DH has joined me for a few days here in Germany prior to heading off on a business trip.  To make the most of them we hopped on a tour boat that cruised the Mosel River today, giving us ample time to enjoy the view and see more than we could if just walking or driving the car.

At the height of the Summer I imagine these river boats to be packed to the gills, but this week is just the beginning of "tourist" season and so the adventure ride was relaxing to the max...

... feet up, camera out and a beer not too far away ....

Either side of the river.... the view was pretty amazing!

Evening Delight

Getting accustomed to going out and about with wheelchairs, walkers and sundry other balance items today proved to be somewhat of a challenge.  However my Mother's husband rose gallantly to the ocassion and coped really well.  Getting these various items in and out of the trunk/boot (whatever your language) is not for the faint hearted and will take some getting used to for the folk I leave behind, but hopefully having seen it done will prove to be confirmation that it CAN be done!!

It's not really a visit to Germany with my camera in mind and taking pictures is definitely a back-seat to everything else that is going on......

.... however, one can't resist..... looking for the light and those special moments....

Little Birds on the Mosel

Yesterday I took Mum out and about and we visited several villages up and down the Mosel River, including Bernkastel Kues where we stopped for lunch and did a bit of shopping.

There were dozens of these little birds hopping about in the bushes by the river when we went back to the carpark, obviously used to the tourists ..... as they let me get quite close to take their picture!!

Spring In Germany

I've hopped across to spend a few days with my Mother in Germany.  Her husband has been unwell and various members of Family have been tripping from here there and everywhere to check in and help.

One of the tasks I relish when I come to visit is to take the dog for a long walk.  There's a lovely laneway that progresses through a farmer's land, up to a hill where you get a fantastic view of the village and fields.

Yesterday I only had my iPhone with me to snap pix and Spring is nowhere near as far along here as it is in North Carolina, but it's getting there ......

Just Joking

Normally I revel in the oh so cute and candid pix of my kids but whilst #1 son was here over Christmas with his girlfriend, who happens to be a make-up artist, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to let loose and play for a bit.

James was a great subject for a bit of plaster and paint....

Now I just need to find a good Batman!

A Little Blast From The Past

Fossicking  through old photo albums, as one is wont to do when family are about, for a little show and tell (and embarassment!)... and came across one filled with pix of me when I was VERY much younger.  I must have been 7 or 8 when this photo was taken and my sister about 4.  We were living in Bunbury, Western Australia at the time and as far as I can recall, the first and last time I sat on Santa's knee.

Not sure what I wished for way back then, I think it might have been a second hand bicycle, but this year it's all about Fish's Eyes....and not the wet smelly sort!

Stealing Photoshp Moments While I May....

These days are busy, filled with (visiting) family expeditions and exponential cooking and cleaning that comes with the added bodies in the house.

Tomorrow #1 son arrives from his "European Tour" - along with his girlfriend, and our numbers will swell to six.  Quite a departure from 2 humans and 3 cats which is our usual score.

Not too many moments to "do my own thing".... however there's a Member's Gallery Show at the Art League next week for which I had to prepare and frame some work so I have spent the evening locked away in the Studio getting that sorted out and since everyone else was busy doing their own thing, I took the opportunity to "play" a little.....

Ergo this  "Fractured Thought" piece...

....rather apropos at the moment....

Retouching a Vintage Portrait in Photoshop ...and A Story

Scroll back almost a day or so ago and I am talking to my Dad in Perth (13hrs ahead of me) in what amounts to my wee small hours..... and we are chatting about this that and the next thing.... and amongst other things, he was bemoaning the fact that he had no luck digitally "fixing" an old photograph of his father, and I like the good daughter offered to 'fix' it for him! Ha!

No small feat as this photograph was taken probably late 1913 or early 1914 just at the beginning of World War One!! ...well before the thought of film ratings and ISO settings and almost every image that was shot was a long exposure!  Ergo lots of noise.  Add the destruction of time to the fragile prints and I sort of wondered at what I had bitten off to chew....

Well challenge accepted and with some judicious cloning at 500%, pixel by pixel, painting in contrast with luminosity layers and the help of Silver Efex Pro2 to get an even B&W color I am almost happy with the retouch and I hope Dad will be too.

And as for the story part...... My Grandfather (on my Dad's side) was an interesting character (you can read about my other Grandfather here) .
This one was a Major in the British Royal Artillery and if you ever saw the movie War Horse then you might have some idea of what I'm talking about as he was responsible for the  Cavalry at his post and the care and welfare of the many horses and guns that were sent into battle during WW1 from where he was stationed.
Miraculously he survived the Battle of the Somme but returned home suffering from severe shell shock and took a long time to recuperate.

Sadly as a child I did not get to see him often and by the time I would have been able to have a sensible conversation with him he had passed away.  I do wonder though at the stories he might have had to have told.....

So a little toast to "Grandpa S" ...I hope you like your spiffy makeover and yes, I see a chip off the old block here and there....visited in the faces of my sons....