darwinian theory 8

so, we found a beautiful little souvenir in a darwin gallery.  a small utility basket woven from dyed pandanus reed.  we were able to see the way in which the reed was dyed with natural root extracts, some colours of which are very hard to find and extract, and woven into a variety of beautiful practical and symbolic artifacts

the local museum has a section dedicated  to this craft and we were very happy to bring home a small example as a reminder.

these photos, lifted from  the Arnhem Weavers website gives some insight into the story and the link provides a real time look at the processes involved (see here).

the last photo shows how all of this is put to use in suburban civilisation.

happy food

good for the soul!

more shamu

at her photographic best!

garden update

a few images of the garden at black rock. winter is here so everything is settling down. we lost a few plants over summer, which have now been replaced and the rabbits seem to like a bit of a munch, so that will have to be controlled before spring. the electric fence is doing a good job of deterring the roos.

cutout in courtyard stone paving to make way for a deciduous tree

darwinian theory 7

btw best pic, me thinks

darwinian theory 6

some more random photos of sunsets, etc

darwinian theory 5

this could have gone under a 'stop it or you'll go blind' heading , but seeing as the little critter are actually blind, i defer.

wouldn't look out of place in dubai