105

The mother of one of my old school friends has turned 105. Norma Howard's children organised a party for her and even the Mayor turned up and presented her with a message from the King and Queen.

She also has the 100-year message from Queen Elizabeth as well as a commemorative tree in a nearby park. She is the oldest resident in the area. 

When I meet her she always wants to have a hug. Every day she walks to the local shop with a carer to make sure all is well. Lots of well-wishers turned up and she appeared to enjoy herself.

I reckon there is something about the local water that encourages old age.

Open gardens in Maryborough

 It's that time of year when spring has well and truly sprung so we toured three gardens this year.

The greeters who issued us with our wristbands. The organisers are charging $5 each for entry which is very reasonable. You also get a map showing where to find the various gardens.

A tree house in the neighbour's mango tree. We had two mango trees when I was a kid and I loved to climb them.

The first thing you notice is how much shade cools the property.  Maryborough is supposed to hit 30 C (86 F) today which is unseasonably high.

Quilts in the background that are sent off to Africa.

The vegetation is so lush here.

We did not need it.

Some of this would be very old local hardwood.

Apparently, the foliage tickles the back of your legs.

These are made of shells.

Read more about shell bricks here.

This house would be so much cooler in summer than it's neighbours.

The second garden.

Dinner table in summer.

Garden beds galore. They never have to buy vegies or herbs.

Chook is slang for chicken.

Interesting fence.

More welcome shade since it was already starting to get warm.

Another shady spot.

This was interesting. You walk on the path in your bare feet and the different textures help you to relax.

Another path with the owner wearing her bare feet.

Mango trees flower in Spring and this one looks like it is going to have a good crop.

A path to our last garden through a small park.

It's a community garden looked after by about 30 people.

It's a great idea for gardeners who can't have a garden.

Interesting pizza oven. You would have no trouble finding it.

More shade.

Two stages of compost.

We both really enjoy coming to view the gardens. It was getting hot by now and my legs were getting tired so we thought that would be enough this year.