Mountains and Shrubs

There are two mountains we can see from inside and outside of our house when looking to the east. The first photo is of Ben Lomond which is 1527 meters (5157 feet) at its highest peak. There is not much snow on Ben Lomond in our winter which is now, occasionally there is a decent amount.  There is a snow making machine up there as well and it's used when a decent snowfall has fallen because some people do like to ski.  

This first three photo were taken through the window, zoomed well in of course as it's about 1 hours' drive from home to begin the journey up the mountain. The first one is early in the morning, well it is for me, then the second photo shows the snow a bit later on in the morning. A link to part of the road up the mountain and the village [ here ]

Another day and more snow on Ben Lomond, taken from inside my home on the same day as the first photo.

The next two photos are of Mt. Barrow 1413 meters (4636 feet) and about 22 km from home. The first photo was taken from a different location and the second was taken from home later towards evening. Mt. Barrow doesn't have snow on it every year, but you know it's cold when the snow comes.  It will probably be all gone when we wake up the next morning.

These two photos are of a Dwarf Nandina Domestica which are growing in the front garden as a hedge and were planted last year.  The kangaroos had a good time eating some of them last year, this year they haven't attempted to at this point in time.  These plants are beautiful in winter as they have a vibrant red foliage, sometimes it takes a few years for them to develop their colour.

I was surprised to see the Dwarf Lavender also known as Spanish Lavender and a few other names, in flower.  The plant below is a grass and escapes my mind to be named.  There are 3 of these in the front garden bed.

The Heuchera below is a nice plant and only recently has become available for commercial use to grow in the gardens.  The Heuchera comes in a few colours and we have 3 of them, they are a Native of North America. 

The first Camellia in bloom this year.  There are just three at this stage. We have a hedge of different ones growing up the west side of the house, they are sheltered.

Oak Tree in the Park.

 Autumn tree in City Park, Launceston, Tasmania.  It's an Oak tree and all the trees in the park have been planted and some are native to Australia.

Play area and water fountain.  I used to bring my children here to play years ago and not much has changed just renovations. 

The City Park has several entrances which are locked at sunset, open sunrise I believe, this is one entrance.

A Drive on Sunday

Beautiful winters day last Sunday with the temperature being 15 deg C.  We went for a drive to Legana a growing suburb 12 km from Launceston.  There were several orchards in the area but of course some of the land was sold.   There are still apple and cherry orchids plus other fruit trees.  I took photos of the older area including an apple orchid. There is Tavern, Supermarket, Post Office, and a few other shops there so you don't have to come into the city to buy food.

The dotted area is Legana.  

City Park, Rotunda

 City Park, Launceston, Tasmania. 

It's always lovely to stroll in our City Park and that's what I did the other day whilst my husband stayed in the car.  

The Rotunda in the park was built in 1908 and is dedicated to Chester Edwards, the Launceston City Band conductor.  It was built with funds raised in part through local donations.  The rotunda has a band play there mostly in the summer time on a Sunday. (Not a pop band).

Sunset

On the way to the Casino for dinner (previous post) this is what we saw as we drove there.

Then photos of inside mostly part of the gambling area.

The downstairs entrance and if look to the left (not shown) is a cafe area a wall then the gambling area, the main one.

We took the lift which is outside this gambling area (a smaller one.) The lift is along and around the corner.

Dinner

We went out to dinner again last Thursday evening at The County Club Casino but no gambling as we don't do that.  This was our second visit for dinner this month at the Links Restaurant at the Casino.  This time I took photos of the restaurant.  It's larger than shown.

The sweet bar above and the cold and hot buffet bar at the back.

My meal and it's a buffet.  I have roast pork at the back of the plate, it's rather a mixture but it was beautiful.

A snap of myself at home before we left to go to the Casino.  This is another celebration for my 80th birthday, think I've finished celebrating.  We went to eldest sister in laws after dinner and arrived home at 1.30am, was in bed by 1.45am, up late the next morning so didn't feel tired.

Out Westwood Way, Tasmania

A lovely drive was taken the other day to a country area called Westwood.  My husband's G Grandfather had property out that way, but his house burnt down apparently, and I have no idea where he went after that.  It's rather a dead-end story really!

The Church of England at Hagley in the distance and a photo zoomed in.

Facing into the sun doesn't always made for a good photo, the one below to me has interesting colour.

A farm house.

You can see the Westwood area with dotted red marks.