Sunset through a dirty window

We flew to Canberra late this afternoon. The photo was taken as we started the descent. We’re in Canberra until the weekend.

And (see extra), happy Wattle Day to all. From the early days of colonial settlement in Australia, the early springtime flowering of wattle trees (Acacia species) was a cause of celebration - of the end of winter and of admiration for the Australian flora. 

When I was a child in Sydney, Wattle Day was observed on 1 August. Other states did it on different days. In 1982 it was agreed that 1 September, the first day of spring, would be designated as Wattle Day across the nation. 

Because it’s not a public holiday and there is no free beer, most Australians are unaware of the occasion. But many will, subconsciously perhaps, notice and admire the bright golden wattle blooms.