Magnificent Magnolia

I am still feeling out of sorts after my recent eye surgery. (that's another story and another blog - Claire Heaney Cornea Transplant Diary) so I am gingerly just making my way outside.
At the moment I have limited vision in my right eye so judging where I am walking and crossing roads is tricky business. I have had to limit my time in front of the computer to an hour or so at a time.
But today I made myself get up, shower and catch up with a colleague for a coffee.
The weather in Melbourne is gorgeous today and I can't begin to tell you how my spirits lifted thanks to the combination of a caffeine hit and the emerging Spring blooms.
On the way back, when time wasn't so much an issue, I strolled down a lovely tree lined street, peering at the new blossoms.
Then, around a little laneway, I came across the tulip-like blooms on a friend's magnolia tree.
The port wine flowers are divine.
These friends have long talked about renovating and I always say "please do something around that magnolia, don't chop it down". To me, it has long since been a sign that Spring is here.
Further down the street, some vivid Camellia japonicas are equally as gorgeous. It is a great time of the year.

Father's Day

I am putting last minute touches to the school Father's Day stall. It is one of my things. I love seeing their excitement as they choose a gift. Unfortunately, it is hard to source goodies for dads and granddads. Undies, socks and the like don't really cut it. For a long time now, choc-filled mugs and stubby holders have been the mainstay. But some of the mums are grumbling they've got too many cups and glasses and so on. I feel like telling them that perhaps if they  contributed to the stalll they might be able to come up with something better. But most times I hold my tongue and take the criticism quite personally.
This year I have been thinking of how I can incorporate gardening into the stall. Kids love to buy plants but I haven't the room outside or time to cultivate plants. I have done it in the past but timing the plants so they are at their best is very hard.
Instead, I am opting to making little gardening packs, Terracotta labels with "parsley" and "basil" on them, little trowels, forks, pots, seeds, gardening gloves, novelties and spray bottles.
I have been collecting old orange net bags and have been putting bits and pieces in them and tying up the ends with a knot. I think they look good. They are a healthy, sustainable option and hopefully the kids will plant their seeds with Dad or Grandpa. Having said that, I have no doubt my two kids will be heading straight for the mug, glass or stubby holder bearing "their" favourite sweet. No worries what Dad might want.