Happy Australia Day?

What's wrong with this picture?

I can't believe it! My only excuse is that I made the flag late last night, when I was tired, and it was only when Peter pointed it out that I realised it was a British rather than an Australian one. But by then it was firmly planted in the chocolate cementing the meringues together, so it was irremovable. I'm just wondering who will be the first patriot at our family get-together this afternoon to notice.
But I guess many Indigenous Australians, who refer to today as Invasion Day, recalling the day when the Union Jack was first hoisted aloft to signify British occupation, might see my mistake as particularly apt. While I guess others among us, concerned that Australia is turning into the 51st state of America, will notice that all my meringue mountain needs is a few miniature marines and it could easily pass for a replica of the iconic Iwo Jima. Being Australian is confusing for lots of us at times.
One thing I do enjoy about Australia though is that, with a small population and increasing localisation, it can (sometimes) be easy to make yourself heard.
After the New Year's Eve's rubbish debacle in the nearby Edinburgh Gardens, I'm sure I was only one of many who contacted the local council. I suggested that they radically increase the number of rubbish receptacles when they know a big night is coming up. So I was delighted to see the difference when I dropped by the gardens this morning. Sure they were over-flowing, but trash bins were everywhere. And although the park was packed last night with party goers keen to see the superb fireworks, there was far less mess and it was more contained. Congratulations Yarra Council.

Edinburgh Gardens - not perfect, but much improved

I have a thing for bikes, so arriving at the City Square to check out Yarn Corner's contribution to the Australia Day celebrations, I was delighted to see this beauty.

Aussie Bike

Lindel, the woman whom I'd met a fortnight ago dismantling the beautiful bike stand covers outside the Fitzroy pool, was already at work. This time her granddaughter, LJ, from Newtown in Sydney 'where yarn bombers are everywhere' (according to LJ) was assisting her. It was LJ who first told her grandmother about yarn bombing...and the rest is history.

Lindel and LJ in action

 Helen, a young woman who arrived from Scotland last year, has found belonging to Yarn Corner a great way to meet people. There are her fellow craft enthusiasts of course, but also people on trams, who often ask if she is a yarn bomber when they notice her crocheting. And even though at past events Helen has merely assisted, this time she has her very own site.

Helen, where's your tartan?

It was great fun chatting and mingling with this unassuming but oh so creative bunch. It seems to me that with their sense of the absurd and fun, their community spirit and co-operation, these yarn bombers embody the best that Australia has to offer.