Monday, March 09, 2009

Bathurst's Beautiful Begonias

Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland city with many beautiful old buildings, parks and gardens, sporting complexes, including the world famous Mt Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, as well as cultural and educational institutions.
In one of the city's lovely parks is this Begonia House, with every plant more breathtaking than the last.
This first photo was especially for the benefit of my dear blog friend, Kerri, who has a magnificent garden of her own in USA, but even she may be just a little envious of some of these gorgeous blooms.



















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Sunday, March 01, 2009

Show Scenes

Like many agricultural shows these days, the Royal Canberra Show is only a fraction of the size that it was up until a few years ago.

However, on a Friday morning it's still good for a few animal photos....lol.

Belted Galloways

Mixed breeds waiting to be judged.

Charolais resting in the shade.

Murray Greys fronting up to the judges.

Getting a trim.....

....... and a shower.

Holsteins waiting for their turn ......

...... in the milking demonstration.

In the farmyard nursery -

Alpacas

Piglet 'milkbar'

Swimming lessons for ducklings.

Black kids.

Donkeys

Geese

"Baa, baa, black sheep"

The horses have returned after missing last year's show due to an outbreak of Equine Influenza.

Could this be our newest grand-daughter in a few years?

Up and over.

Sideshow alley - almost deserted on a Friday ....

..... but it will come alive at the weekend.

Keeping control......

...... with a little help.

"Aren't I beautiful?"

"Perhaps this is my better side?"

"I had my hair done especially for today......"

"...... but I seemed to have got my horns in a bit of a twist."

Champions.

'Ships of the desert'

Highland cattle sporting 'handlebar horns'.

Stilleto sharp!

More Charolais at rest.