Red Cardinal

Monday, March 3, 2025

OSCARS AND A TURN IN THE WEATHER

March is here, the beginning of our Australian Autumn,
and what do we see?

Our Jacaranda tree is blooming out of season, scattering a few little blue bells on the front lawn.

It is also the season of The Oscars, and I spent several hours today watching the show. Although I did hear the results on the news before I got to the end!

Of course, it is all about the frocks for me, eternally fascinated as I am with the design and construction of high end fashion.

You know I like to feature the Australian ladies, and who did I find but our own Jackie Weaver, a legend in Australia since she was 15.

Her white suit was beautifully tailored, with exquisite detail, and she looked wonderful. For the record, Jackie is now 77 years of age.

Halle Berry was stunning in one of many metallic gowns this year.

Lupita, elegant in white Chanel.

There was a lot of Chanel and Dior, which I love...

Ariana Grande has been very busy on the red carpets this year.

Her final triumph is this unusual peplum gown from Schiaparelli.

Is it practical? I have no idea but I might go and see Wicked to see what all the attention is about...

You know I love a pink gown. Mikey Madison looks pretty in Dior, and she won an Oscar.

I think this is dark blue velvet, and very ladylike.

The days of bright colour seemed to have gone, in a preponderance of black, white and neutrals, but then I found this fabulous cobalt blue number. Well played.

My winner for the day is by Louis Vuitton, elegant simplicity in black with a beautiful lace halter neck.

It is a win for ladylike fashions, after weeks of weird red carpet looks over the 2025 Awards season.

While I was having a quiet day, watching the Oscars and doing the washing, I had taken scant notice of the weather reports.

Late in the day I realised that a tropical cyclone which has been hovering over the Queensland coast for a week, is now due East of Brisbane. It is beginning to whip up cyclonic winds, and may well cross the coast somewhere in our vicinity by the end of the week. A lot of rain is expected. It is possible the creeks will rise and we may be cut off from the shops, and even lose power for a considerable time. It has happened before. So we thought we'd better go to the supermarket for a few extra supplies. The shelves had been stripped bare today!

I got a few things, and the last three apples, but there was no bottled water to be had.

Mr Red Cardinal will go again first thing tomorrow when hopefully the shelves will be restocked.

I am not unduly worried, but it is prudent to be prepared.

Did you watch the Oscars?

I did wonder if the subdued palette reflects the current tensions in the world. What do you think?

I'd love to know...

XXXXX

Friday, February 14, 2025

FEBRUARY THOUGHTS

Summer is drifting along at the Red Cardinal nest...

extremely hot and humid one day or heavy rain and flash flooding the next...

Salads are the usual fare, as it is too hot to cook..

We have increased our exercise and walking routines, getting ready for our trip to Europe before Easter.

What will probably be our last European adventure will feature Easter Music Festivals in three cities in Austria and Germany.

There will be three operas, several symphonies, and other concerts.

During the day we will see historic architecture and the art museums.

I have been looking back at a previous Art and Music tour we enjoyed in 2018. Who knew that a pandemic would stop us in our tracks for quite a few years?

There certainly are a lot of viruses around these days, and we will be taking masks (and wearing them!).

I have added a few items to my wardrobe, particularly for the nine night events. My first purchase was an ankle length sheer coat/dress:

This can be worn over a black dress or top and pants..

It doesn't photograph easily, but the design features old architectue and creamy roses, a bit like an old photograph.

I like its mysterious appearance...

We will be walking from the hotel to the opera and concert halls, so will I take my white sequin sneakers with the satin bows??

Will there be April Showers in Germany? Would black boots be smarter?

Time will tell...

Back into Book Club for 2025, I have just finished 'Migrations' by Charlotte McConaghy. I enjoyed the beautiful, evocative writing of this surreal story about the challenges we face in preserving and world, especially our wildlife. The Arctic tern is followed on its migrations across the globe.

I am now reading 'The Dutch House', a family saga by Ann Patchett. It is the first of her novels I have read, and I love the setting in Philadelphia and New York. It brings back memories of our visits to these two beautiful cities, back in the early 2000s.

Sadly, three women I loved and admired, all around my age, have recently passed away after tragic ill health. It has been a bit confronting to realise how quickly things can change in our later years, and to make the most of what we have.

Grateful for our good health, and working hard on our diets and health checks, we celebrated St. Valentine's Day yesterday with dinner at a local tavern. And an exchange of pretty cards.

Mr. Red Cardinal sent me a little Valentine when we first met at the office, all those years ago. It was an intriguing way to get my attention, and I guess it worked.....

Happy Valentine's Day to each and every one of you.

Stay well and be safe.

XXXXX