Cousin Pete's wedding - Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens, Brookfield, Qld.

It was searingly hot day - in some places over 40C.

We (Mum and I) drove out to Chapel Hill and Brookfield to Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens. It was quite a nice surround, but only 2 toilets - for a function centre! The bar was not open when we arrived, and we were sooo hot. No fans, no aircon. The flowers were pretty, and the rainforest looks great in the photos!

We almost melted in the heat, my hair went flop, and were glad when it rained a bit to cool things down. Eventually, the ceremony proceeded (too much on about their dog), and then we had a few drinks before sitting in the marquee for the meal.

I am happy for Pete that he has Ali, and I believe she thinks he's great. Perfect!

Fat stomach, bag too big, hair too short, and all curly in the humidity, and me feeling like crap in the heat!

Isn't this just gorgeous? I'm so happy for Peter that he has someone who obviously adores him, and she's a doctor!

Funniest thing was the sign out in the parking area - life in Australia, hey?!

I was so glad to come home to my girls, and the air con, have a shower and go to bed!

New fake orchids

Finally got this together.

New bit for top of asian pile

I don't think this is quite the fitting, but it will do for now. Found the boy thing at the local cheapo shop for a discount price. I wanted him for somewhere in the garden and as soon as I arrived home, I knew where he should go. I'll have to stick him down there so as to prevent him being stolen.

Outsourcing the lawn

Mike and Loretta doing my lawns. I snuck a photo while I was hiding inside. 

Couldn't be bothered making the effort in this heat (36-38 C), so I asked them to come.

They have a website too http://cleancutservicesqld.com.au/

It only took them an hour between them to whipper-snip and to mow, inside and out. Takes me 3 hours when I do it myself! I have to keep stopping for drinks and small rests.

Took this photo from the car, as I was leaving to go shopping, an hour or so after they were done. It looked fine. I had asked Loretta to cut it a bit shorter this time, so it did look a bit dry but it should be right for the coming week now, when I am at work. I will probably mow again next Saturday. 

The photo does not really show how nice the garden looks, and how colorful. I feel immense satisfaction that it is looking like a garden now, with grown up plants. The colours are lovely.

A better shot - 

Fruit of the vine

Red grapes finally here! They are sweet too.

It was a year ago that this was first documented. This year - fruit!

Tidied up out the back

This really is quite a long and narrow walkway. If I wasn't so dependent on it for storage, I could make it look more attractive.

I even emptied 6 boxes of books finally - have been meaning to do it for months. They were mostly wet and rotting. Most will go in bin. Some to second-hand shop, best ones I will keep. Here they are drying in the sun and heat of midday.

Sun flowers

Small at the moment, but this creeper will go mad. It's such a pretty colour - whitey-lavender, a bit like the 'Today, Tomorrow' bushes. I quite like having a balance of colour in the garden.