Here in Brisbane, Queensland it is a hot, sunny day with a bright blue sky. It couldn't be more typical weather for Australia Day. It is a long weekend and many people are at the beaches scattered north and south of Brisbane but not us. We stay away from crowds now that we are retired. We can go places during the week when it is not so crowded. It is nice in the aircon today.
So we hung out the flags and cooked a batch of ANZAC biscuits. (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps cookies). See us making them here. They were originally made by volunteers to send to our troops in the wars.
Our flag has the Union Jack in the top corner because we belong to the commonwealth of nations. It is a hang over from when we were a British colony. Many people, including me, believe it should go now. The group of stars on the right is the Southern Cross a constellation only seen in southern skies. The seven pointed star at the bottom represents the 6 states of Australia and one point for all the territories.
Here are some shots that I have taken in each state and two of the mainland territories.(There are eight more territories Jervis Bay, Australian Antarctic and the others are islands)
So we hung out the flags and cooked a batch of ANZAC biscuits. (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps cookies). See us making them here. They were originally made by volunteers to send to our troops in the wars.
Our flag has the Union Jack in the top corner because we belong to the commonwealth of nations. It is a hang over from when we were a British colony. Many people, including me, believe it should go now. The group of stars on the right is the Southern Cross a constellation only seen in southern skies. The seven pointed star at the bottom represents the 6 states of Australia and one point for all the territories.
Here are some shots that I have taken in each state and two of the mainland territories.(There are eight more territories Jervis Bay, Australian Antarctic and the others are islands)
QUEENSLAND -the best state of all because that is where I live.
NEW SOUTH WALES, where I grew up and where our daughter, Carol-Ann lives.
VICTORIA, where our SIL, Bernie's family live.
TASMANIA, (Tahune Forest)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA, Lake Eyre
WESTERN AUSTRALIA, Wave Rock
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY, Floriade festival, Canberra
NORTHERN TERRITORY, Darwin Harbour.
They are all terrific photos and feature the diversity of Australia very well. The one of Lake Eyre is particularly entrancing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots from all the states Diane.. A very happy Australia Day to yourself and Bill.
ReplyDeleteHappy Aussie Day to the Air-coned Bohlens!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you will be able to turn it off soon - rain and a cooling
change.
Good selection of Aussie photos.
Yes - off with that Union Jack - ASAP.
I'd hate to think that those across "the ditch" remove it on
their flag before us. Their proposed flag looks great - that FERN -
just like their sporting emblems.
Cheers
Colin
The ANZAC biscuits are very nice but you couldn't eat too many of the.
ReplyDeleteI will - just post the left-overs to me or leave at a convenient place for collection.
DeleteColin
Love your collection of state shots. I cooked Anzac biscuits today too ... it was a very cool raining day here, perfect of baking up a storm.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post. What fantastic photos you've shared and they show some of the most wonderful spots in their particular state. Queensland IS the best though, I agree.
ReplyDeletehappy australia day to you too Diane. what great photos, reminds me that we are indeed a vast land.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos showing a diverse and beautiful land.
ReplyDeleteNice idea to put up those lovely photos, one for each state. I'm another who believes we need our own flag however I don't see it happening for a while, especially considering that HRH Prince Phillip received the highest of our awards.
ReplyDeleteYes this govt is taking us backwards.
DeleteSuch a nice post of your beautiful country. I agree with you about the commenwealth issue, it is something from the past.
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day, Diane.. The photos are all lovely. So many beautiful places to see. Have a happy day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day Diane, an amazing selection of shots from each state. I would love to see Lake Eyre like that.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Diane. A beautiful gathering of glimpses of each State. It's a beaut place to live.
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day :D)
Nice to see all photos.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good Australia Day and that those biscuits turned out alright.
love your 'quick tour' around australia! just beautiful! happy australia day to you!
ReplyDeletei am so glad you posted this and your flag. i did not know you had states. or about your flag. my favorite photos is the waving rocks. awesome. Happy Australia day, it must be kind of like our 4th of July..
ReplyDeleteA lovely series of photos and Happy Australia Day. I envy you your weather at the moment, Take care t'other Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a great country but Tasmania is the best
ReplyDeleteYou really do live in a beautiful place - but I think you know that!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the tour, Diane, and Happy Australia Day where the weather is in sharp contrast to the winter blizzard that is anticipated and already has hit states here in the northeastern U.S. No need to tell you to stay warm as you already are doing just that!
ReplyDeleteYou have seen so much of this country! I just love each and every shot! A lovely way to celebrate Australia Day.
ReplyDeleteYou do live in a beautiful and varied country. That wave rock is just amazing. Happy Australia Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day! My, you live in a beautiful country. That wave rock is sensational.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good day and did not choke on the ANZACs over the news!!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
What beautiful pictures ! I am so jealous that you have sunshine and warm weather, while I am sitting in the rain and the cold !
ReplyDeleteHi, I read Bill's blog post about those biscuits... Sound GREAT.... Your photos from all around Australia are awesome..... I would love to visit there sometime.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Darn, it seems like today and yesterday I've been reminded several times of some of the simple things I miss about our time in NZ. I LOVE ANZAC BISCUITS! And I remember, I have a recipe for them somewhere. I might just make a batch myself. P.S. Love the photos, they are all beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your explanation about your flag as I was not well acquainted with it. I also liked all your pictures of the different states – it shows what a beautiful country Australia is. Happy belated Australia Day!
ReplyDeleteYes I am late getting here but better late then never I guess, my Australia Day was a wet one spent doing nothing much
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your Australia Day tribute. I was reminded of how times change when I wanted to make Anzac Biscuits with my grand-daughter and she wanted to make Subway Biscuits. Love your photos from all the states, you do Australia proud.
ReplyDeleteThe photos you've taken around Australia are gorgeous Diane. I hope I get to see them one day. Thanks for the explanation of the Australian Flag. We're all so used to seeing the Union Jack on it that I never thought about what people might feel about it, but I can see why you would want your own flag. I hope you get it one day.
ReplyDeleteLake Eyre ROCKS! And not just for being in my home state - your photo is wonderful! I think you've captured the essence of each state & territory perfectly! Belated Happy Australia Day!
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful tour of your country for Australia Day! Loved the explanation of the flag, and the photos are stunning! I know Australia is vast and has many different types of areas, much like the US.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection highlighting your beautiful country! I always plan to remember to get to your blog before the day to wish you a happy one, but I al always late. But no less sincere. We stay away from crowds as much as possible now as well.
ReplyDelete