Venues

The Venue was the Stamford Grand. Met a few people who had booked in to the Stamford in Adelaide! but were able to change.

My hotel the Oaks Plaza was advertised as a 6 minute walk That would be a 6 minute walk while stopping very 2nd step. It took about 4 minutes door to door including lifts and stairs  So very handy.  I did not get a sea view though, but the rooms look out over a playing field and palms so still pleasant. 

The Conference was good with mainly Workshops format with the international speakers, and the concurrent sessions not going against any of the big names. So well organised.

I was on first on the first day of Concurrent sessions after morning tea, and I presented Taking The Plunge:Starting an infant mental heath nursing consultation Service. I had a good crowd and interest So can't ask for more!

There was also a poster of the feeding study I am in. Didn't know they were doing that. Not my authorship though just a referrer of participants 

 Conference dinner was at the Museum of SA and was a good evening. Saw signs for a nature photography exhibit so decided to go back and see that on Saturday afternoon

The dinner on R is Sue Wilson from Brisbane (see later entry)

Display cabinets in the room

Staircase up to the gallery

Adelaide

I have just been in Adelaide for 5 days for the Aust Assoc Infant Mental Health National Conference held in Glenelg a beach suburb. Had visions of some walks along the shore, fish and chips on a sunny beach or balcony, that was until I saw the forecast. Luckily I took long sleeve and woolies.

View of a cold 13 degree day from the stairs at the conference Hotel

My Hotel looking deceptively bright but blowing a freezing gale!

An improvement on Saturday 

I flew over early wednesday morning flight at 6am so 41:5 rising!! No later flight except, too late so arrived in Adelaide with time change at 645am; had to be at the venue 20 minutes away at 9am. So after I realised Jet Star do not feed you! I needed sustenance. So I spent some time with coffee and a "egg and bacon muffin" I was excepting a muffin with bacon mixed in. It was actually an english muffin with an egg and bacon. A bit limp but the coffee was good (they have risen to meet the coffee snobs of Melbourne)

I met a fellow participant so we shared a car to the venue on South Terrace and killed some time walking around the garden.

The Pavilion, Venue  in The Veale Gardens 

Strolled through the beautiful Rose garden 

Lots of ducks & ducklings I was trying to take a photo like the one below when they all got up and headed towards me 

The first Workshop was called Getting on the floor: Mother and infant Psychotherapy by Dr Amanda Jones from UK. It was not really about engaging with the baby at all, in fact talking to but not handling the baby. However the cases she deals with are all appalling and I am glad i am not in that field. She is a great presenter though so lots of thoughtful ideas and things to contemplate. Well worth the early rise. Luckily I did not get caught like Megan and Campbell did the next day. Their 7am flight was delayed and hour and a half!! and they arrive din the middle of the first presentation atht Campbell was to chair!

I was back in Glenelg by 445pm and met Jo at the hotel. She was down in Adelaide to do come parental caring and needed a break! She came with me to register and had a few drinks at the Reception then we had dinner.

I realised when she left in the morning (or rather I left for the conference) that I hadn't taken a photo But here is one. She doesn't look much different. I have let my hair go .

We had a great evening of catch up and endless chat, comparing family notes, and she even gave me a professional foot massage for my plantar fasciaitis, my left foot becoming a major problem!

Spring Weather

As all Melbournites know, if you don't like the weather you just wait 5 minutes And nothing could be truer than the last few days.
Early in the week it was lovely and balmy, then Thursday was hot 29 degrees and a taste of spring summer to come.
 Today however it is 9 degrees at 3pm and so cold and rainy, that most of the yacht club stayed indoors under the new heaters! And this was Sailing Open Day.
So instead of the poor weather I am posting my spring flowers on a  more cheerful note!

The lovely mass of Yellow Banksia Rose next to the car port

Duchesse de Brabant at the gate

White Banksia Rose outside living room window

Now this is a new one and I don't know it's name, but is is abundant, while being sketchy last year. I think it came in a pot from Maddy's and has self seeded. Although it looks yellow here it is really green / yellow It is off the decking by the garden path

Species Gladioli coming up everywhere

Nasturtiums self seeded from the hanging basket

More Gladioli

Beautiful Apple Blossom

Diosma