Category Archives: Australia

You are still in the city, but not quite! There is a ringing of birdsong – and the roar of sirens. The rustling of skinks in the leaf-litter contrasts with the clanging of distant machinery. Wind whistles in the branches while a helicopter whirrs overhead. There is something magical about city parks: oases of fresh, […]

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I love an excuse to explore my own backyard! I had driven up to Brisbane to participate in a friend’s birthday party, and decided to stay an extra day to visit nearby North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). This had been on my “list” for a while. To keep life simple and take advantage of local knowledge, […]

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Blues musicians rock! The entertainers at the Thredbo Blues Festival last month had me smiling from ear to ear. This little event takes place in the charming alpine village for which it is named, high in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. For two and a half days, the restaurants, bars, and public spaces are bouncing with joyful […]

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Is there anything as joyful as being in a room with live music that is being performed by musicians who love what they are doing? I had the pleasure of attending the 31st Thredbo Blues Festival last month. It started on a Friday evening in January, and continued through to late Sunday night. I’ve attended […]

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Like the changing of the year, the transition of the seasons makes for a good time to reflect: to sweep out the old and make way for new growth. That thought led me to dig out some old autumn photos from the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah , in NSW Australia. One of the sites […]

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