Mitchell Library and Art Gallery: food for the mind

The Mitchell Library -- located in the main street, in a central position -- used to be the Mitchell Picture Theatre. At the present time, books and art sit side-by-side, giving the people of Mitchell and surrounds a rich selection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books-- as well as an art gallery that hosts an exciting schedule of local artists and touring exhibitions.

A bank of a historical records, an attractive children's corner, computers and magazines add to the many things on offer to those wishing to extend their minds. Our librarians and volunteer helpers give excellent friendly service and are respected members of this remote outback community.

A unique atmosphere exists within the walls of this building, an atmosphere created by the books and art on offer. From these walls, the social panorama of Mitchell spreads out across the arid landscape. The community is, however, secure within a loop of the Maranoa River.

The Mitchell Library (that includes the Mitchell on Maranoa Gallery) is the heart of town, a place that feeds the mind and opens up the creativity that exists within each and every one of us.

Choosing a companion for life

When I chose Major -- at six weeks of age -- I was fortunate to have the opportunity to select one from fifteen. The pups were from two pedigree German shepherd litters born within one week of each other, in Mitchell outback Queensland. And I had first pick!

I wanted a male, so that narrowed the field. I wanted intelligence, eagerness to please and relaxed confidence. A series of tests reduced the numbers back to three. Any pup who wouldn't lie on his back on my lap, without struggle, was put back with 'the mob'.

Sitting on the grass -- with the chosen three -- I played, cuddled and watched. When Major crawled up my lap and then gazed intently into my eyes, I knew he was the chosen one. Scooping him up I placed him on his back and stroked his tummy. Once again, his dark eyes met mine.

Now, whenever I see a Major lying on his back, which is often, I'm reminded of how I chose him. Major is the master of relaxed confidence.

Del, on the other hand, never lies on her back. She would feel too vulnerable. The photos show Del and Major asleep in our bedroom here in Mitchell. With Katie Siamese asleep between Doug and me, with her head on my pillow, and Del and Major close by, our family is snug and secure.

365 days of blogging-- a celebration!

When I began this blog, 365 days ago, I wondered if I'd run out of things to say. On the contrary, there always seems plenty to write about.

Admittedly, there are days when I wish I didn't have to do it, when I find myself thinking, I haven't anything to write about. But then something jumps into my mind and off I go.

What I love about blogging is that it forces me to focus -- every day -- on something positive.

Encouraged by friends to include photos (which I considered too difficult, at first) I began using my digital camera. Now I take it everywhere and I have developed a true love of photography. Blogging means my photos have purpose.

My grandfather was a keen photographer and took lots of photos of me and my four brothers growing up in Melbourne, and then sent them to my father's parents who lived in Brisbane. Now, as I observe unusual light and colour effects, and attempt to capture them on my camera, I think of my grandfather and realise I have much in common with him. Grandpa adored dogs, frogs, the moon and Nature in all her infinite beauty.

Sharing my thoughts and photographic images with friends all over the world is a privilege, and so I celebrate this 365 day milestone with you, my loyal readers.

PS

Of course, I need to include my friend Major who shares most of my adventures.

Growing vegetables in Mitchell, outback Queensland

Our vegetable garden (actually, I should say Doug's vegetable garden) is coming into full production with our first cabbage and broccoli picked today. Lettuce, silver beet, spinach and rocket are still going strong, with sugar peas, leeks, carrots and beetroot well on the way towards maturity.

Our 40 plus stored pumpkins are beginning to show rot in places, so we're giving them away at an even faster rate than before, to avoid waste. Pumpkin soup is still one of my favourite lunches.

Our neighbour Marg has been giving us sweet potatoes grown over the summer months, as well as turnips and eggs. The sweet potato in this photo is amazingly heavy.

With warm sunny days, river loam soil, horse and chook manure, compost and plentiful water, vegetables grow exceedingly well in Mitchell. Greens are the most important vegetables to grow, as far as I'm concerned. Greens freshly picked from the garden taste much better and have superior nutrients to those that are frozen and grown in China.

PS

I couldn't resist including two more photos in this blog that have rounded off my day. First is a view up the Maranoa River from the old crossing. The second was taken from our front verandah, looking over the river to the full moon.

Mitchell identity: John the Horse Whisperer

Today -- August 13, 2011 -- John Murray celebrated his 82nd birthday by walking around the shopping centre of Mitchell with his horse Honey. Under almost perfect voice control Honey behaves better than most dogs, scarcely ever needing the light rope looped around her neck.

The bond between man and horse is built on absolute trust. John and Honey crossed the busy Warrego Highway, socialised on the pavement, strolled along the river -- as one. Honey is always on the lookout for tasty tufts of grass and never wastes an opportunity for a mouthful.

Yesterday I met John and Honey while on my river walk. Naturally we stopped to chat and for Major to give Honey a lick on the nose. Major met Honey when he was 12 weeks old and smaller than Honey's head. Honey was kind to Major and from that day till this, whenever we meet, it's clear that horse and dog recognize and like one another. Friendships between different species are special.

John is a well-respected colourful Mitchellite and it's always a pleasure to meet up with him and Honey.

August is spring in Mitchell, outback Australia

We are a jump ahead of southern states when it comes to warmer weather, and so August is spring here in Mitchell, outback Queensland.

The branches of 'my' mulberry tree by the Maranoa River are laden with swollen buds and pale green shoots reaching out into heart-shaped leaves.

The peach tree (also by the river), which has hung on to its blossom for four weeks, is now bursting into leaf. It won't be long before birds are nesting, and the treetops come alive with butterflies, flying foxes and nectar-loving birds.

Spring is full of excitement: a season of renewal and regrowth. We're fortunate to get spring a month earlier than those living in the south of the continent.

His feet on the roof of the car

We have always actively discouraged our dogs from jumping on people, and putting their feet up on gates and fences. Occasionally though, there slip-ups and today was one of those days.

A gate was left open -- accidentally -- and when Doug drove into our yard with Del in the back of the car, I'd just returned from taking Major for a walk along Maranoa River. Major ran towards the car, so Doug stopped. Whereupon, Major put his front feet up onto the roof of our Ford station wagon and then lowered his head to look in through the window at Doug.

Everyone comments about Major's large size, however, today demonstrated just how very large he is. He looked enormous with his feet on the roof: as enormous as the two Great Danes we used to have.

As I don't want Major to make a habit of this behaviour, I can't include a photo of him with his feet up on the roof of the car. A general shot of him relaxing in dappled sunshine will have to suffice.