The rain

never stops. My house is full of slugs.

Way cool

On my walk home today, there was a man standing under the massive (and now very soggy) fig trees in Wentworth Park playing the bagpipes.

Latest sculpture class product

This is after "The Complaint" by Kathe Kollwitz. Sadly, the photographs don't really show that the piece is BLUE. I have been dreaming in blue for this one for ages and while the result wasn't what was in my dreams, I am very happy with its blueness....

NOTE: The book I used titled the piece "The Complaint" (maybe "Die Complaint"? Is complaint German as well?) but I see here that it is titled (in English, at least) "Lamentation." I wish I had found this earlier, since it is a much better picture than the one I was using. Oh well!

Damn it's cold

There was supposed to be frost in parts of Sydney last night! My foot feels like it is about to fall off, it is so cold. I wish there were heat. And yes, my space heater is on high and right next to me as I type, but it doesn't make much of a dent...

Love note from the IRS, stink bomb from the landlord

In my mailbox today were two letters: from the IRS a letter informing me that due to an error in calculating my tax return I am now due a refund of $300; from my landlord a letter informing me that my rent will be going up by $20 a week. The Lord giveth and he taketh away.

I am considering more seriously now than my idle fantasies of a few days ago of looking for a different place. After all, 2 years is an awfully long time to go without moving boxes....

Kangaroos scratch their bellies too

There is something shockingly human-like about kangaroo mannerisms sometimes. This is from the Gold Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sigh

The seasons are indeed changing, and I am once again shivering in my chair with a blanket over my head. At least this year there was no hesitation or learning needed--the guest room's down comforter has been added to my own for a good 6 inches of down to keep out the drafts.