Christmas Yarn Bombing at No 16

This time last year, the Hungry Hikers explored the yarn bombing of the nearby country town, Beaudesert.

http://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-in-country-town.html

 It enthused me to plan to yarn bomb our curbside tree, this Christmas. Wool was bought in April and the plan was to spend time knitting and crocheting during our visit to PEI in May / June. Alas, I was unable to source patterns. On my return, I was very busy for the next couple of months and was becoming very frustrated in my search, during any spare time. Finally in October, a friend helped me google and suddenly a magic world opened up for me. Life was still busy, but every chance I had was spent clicking the needles. The knitted squares have been slow and a tad tedious but I have had so much fun creating the crochet snowmen, angels, wreaths etc. Thankfully the weather has remained cool. Knitting when you are hot and sweating isn't enjoyable.

The number of squares grows.

I really wanted to dress our tree this weekend. I worked late Friday night until I found I was falling asleep as I worked. I happened to wake up at 4.30 am and couldn't get back to sleep. I gathered the squares that needed finishing off and sat in bed until they were complete at 6am. 

By 7am, I was busy 'bombing' the tree and our mailbox.

Midday and the job done!

[The Telstra frame has been around this manhole for well over 12 months. It is on their job list to rectify the unsafety of this one. Our neighbours had a similar situation. It took 2 years!]

The little snow lady caught my eye at a craft market back in October and I immediately thought she would be happy to be the guardian of the mailbox.

On Sunday, the Christmas lights were added.

The job was completed just in time weather-wise. This week we are not looking forward to temperatures of 35 - 37 C.

I am thrilled with my display and look forward to calmly making more squares to cover more branches, throughout the coming year.

I would love to read your comment.

Paddington Kookaburras

Wednesday 9 November

It was on a chance drive through Paddington, a couple of weeks ago, that I spotted the Paddington Terraces Kooka Trail. It immediately went on my list as a possibility for a Hungry Hiker walk. Research revealed that there were 16 artworks created through an innovative community idea with council support. The Kookas, representing our Australian icon, highlight the unique character and heritage of Paddington.  They were a delight to find along the length of Latrobe and Given Terraces 

We met early at City Hall and took the 365 bus to Trammies Corner, at the top of Paddington,  a charming, hilly, residential suburb. 

Trammies Corner is a tribute to the tram drivers who frequented the area during their 'smoko' breaks. A large tram depot was nearby until it surrendered to fire in 1962, sadly striking the death of trams in Brisbane.

We quickly fell in love with these cute Kookas.             [Jocelyn photos]

My images of the sixteen. Alas, this little brown Kooka was only found on a google search.

And some closer detail of this extraordinarily beautiful artwork.

It was an incredibly beautiful November day to be out walking, and Paddington gave us so much more than the Kookas.

Shady tree-lined streets, panoramic views of the city skyline and ridges of white homes. Heritage buildings, worker's cottages, and murals were all enhanced by a sprinkling of the vibrant mauve of the jacarandas in full bloom.

The size of the canopy and trunk of this Moreton Bay Fig was staggering. 

Cafe Chapter IV, opened at 8am. After an early start, it was definitely time for coffee, especially with this stunning view.

Creative artwork wasn't just limited to the Kookas. 

The Kookas Trail stretched over several kilometres, all downhill, leading us to Suncorp Stadium, the bastion of Queensland's Rugby League Football team. Laurel, a keen supporter of the game, had us pose for photographs!

Actually, Laurel is always looking for photo posing opportunities.

Another kilometre of walking had us enjoying the spring spectacle of the Roma Street Gardens.

Continuing on, we walked across the Kurilpa Pedestrian Bridge to the State Library, to soak up some history and nostalgia, viewing their "Queensland to a T", exhibit.

View back to the city from outside the Gallery of Modern Art. 

"The World Turns" is the name of this massive elephant sculpture. [Google for more info]

The Exhibit - "The humble tea towel [1950 - 2016] can be many things to many people - decorative decor, cherished souvenir, a stylised reminder of a treasured time." 

They certainly stirred many memories of our younger selves!

Our favourite!

Leaving the State Library, we concluded our superb morning with a leisurely walk through Southbank to our luncheon destination, where we enjoyed pizza, pasta and a glass of red wine.

A leisurely 11 kilometres had been completely enjoyed!

I would love to read your comment.