Sorrento Building Company

Not often do you see a builder with a shop.
This one is in the small shopping strip at Portsea opposite the Portsea Hotel.
The unusual advertising banner with embossed motifs of chickens, pineapples, an onion and a flower (plus the creeper over some of it) attracted my attention.
Suggesting a down-to-earth, homely builder?
(Strange - The only internet listing for this builder is at Rosebud West, further north on the peninsula!)

A homely shopfront
Quells any anxieties
Of buy and sell times

For more participants in Weekend in Black and White click HERE!

Watery Skies

The skies were blue on Christmas Day.
This is a view through the skylight at the Portsea Hotel.
The skylight is covered with a running water feature.
That is why the cloud shapes look as if they are melting and why there are shadowy etchings on the walls.
The walls seem to be alive with dancing light and shadow!

Re-shaping the clouds
A running water blessing
Skylight character


You can just see a little of the rippling, running water at the top of the third glass panel from the left.

Click HERE for other SkyWatch Friday participants
Click HERE for other Himmelsk participants

Stardust Circus

Stardust Circus has arrived on the Rosebud Village Green ready for the Christmas summer holiday season before moving on to Hastings on Westernport Bay later in January 2012.
The circus family, with its 22 motor vehicles, travels major cities as well as outback towns.


One monkey didn't mind posing for a photo!


The horses ignored me!




The lions enjoy playing with their keepers each day!
They play ball and love hiding in a huge truck tyre.


Obviously some enjoy sunbathing in the balmy sea air at Rosebud.


The lions eat about 150kg of food a day.



Flights of fantasy
Incredible feats of skill
A family dream


Thank you so much Adam for taking time to show us around your world yesterday morning!

Click HERE for more participants in Signs, Signs meme

Is it Summer Yet?

On Christmas Day, some decided to test the Port Phillip Bay waters at Portsea pier.
Photo taken from the gardens of Portsea Hotel.

The sun shines warmly
The waters are bright and blue
Is it summer yet

Click HERE to view other Watery Wednesday participants

Australian Christmas 2011

Imagine this view from the gardens of Portsea Hotel, overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
The day is warm and sunny.
It is Sunday - Christmas Day 2011.
The storms of Christmas Eve have passed and the day shines!
(No more storms are predicted till late afternoon!)
NOTE: All photos were taken before the crowds inundated!


Imagine this is one of several verandah areas waiting for people to drift in for a Christmas lunch.
To the left are screens which will be opened for sea breezes.
The verandahs are desirable areas to be.
There will be 600 people attending - including the upstairs dining area.


All age groups attend.
Large/small family groups, large/small friendship groups and couples are represented.


The food is buffet style, but looks more like a grand banquet.
This is my favourite display in the fish section with two huge ice sculptures of dolphins.


And down the steps outside are a host of tables with umbrellas.


People like to sit here and chat after lunch.


And the children love to play!


Christmas is all about...
A little magic essence for
The soul

Click HERE for other Our World Tuesday participants

Little Girl Dancing

Little girl dancing in the gardens at Portsea Hotel on Christmas Day 2011.
Her hat is the palest yellow!
At her feet is the tiniest pool of shadow.
(More photos of this Australian Christmas tomorrow!)

Little girl dancing
Like a sweet Christmas fairy
Joy of just being



Click HERE for more Mellow Yellow Monday participants
Click HERE for more participants in Shadow Shot Sunday 2!

Fork to Fork

A wonderful dining experience at the beautiful old property of Heronswood, Dromana
This is known as the Fork to Fork restaurant

Straight from the garden
Fresh veggies and tasty fruits
Fork to Fork delight



Click HERE for more participants in Shadow Shot Sunday 2!
Click HERE for more participants in I Saw Sunday

Reflection in the Mist

A creatively designed shop in Dromana sells incense, crystals, buddhas, jewellery and clothes.
This section of the window created an unusual reflection because the small fall of light inside cast a mist beyond the tree's reflection.

Mystifying view
Like distorted dimensions
Like a secret light

To view more Weekend Reflections participants click HERE!

Skies Over Wetlands

A view of the wetlands at Boneo Maze and Wetlands on the southern end of the peninsula.
It is set on 27 acres.

Sweet wetland dreaming
Wild cycles through the seasons
Changing wonderland

Click HERE for other SkyWatch Friday participants
Click HERE for other Himmelsk participants

Red Hill Gourmet Meats

A very popular place at this time of year.
Red Hill is set high in the Arthurs Seat mountain area in vineyard country.

A boutique butcher
Winner of many awards
And a sausage king

Click HERE for more participants in Signs, Signs meme