In Sydney, it has to be the Opera Bar! Drinks by the water, seeing the most famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Being here is just magical, day or night! It reminds me that I live in Australia, my journey to get here and why I live here, for this amazing beauty and lifestyle. It’s not just for the amazing landmarks, it means so much more. I have umpteen photos of being at this exact spot and have selected a few to show you.
My favourite time was taking my parents here and seeing how much they loved it too.
Today’s Sunday stroll was along a beach that we haven’t seen before until today, absolutely stunning. Can you spot a drummer in the shadows? He was beating away on his drum and providing some very good percussive sounds – posted as part of Becky’s November Shadows Challenge
What’s the first impression you want to give people?
The first impression I want to give people is that I am approachable, someone you can walk up to, talk to, and feel at ease with. In both my roles as a teacher and a nurse, trust is everything. I want people to feel that I am reliable, kind, and genuinely there to help. Whether it is a student needing guidance or a patient needing reassurance, I hope my presence communicates safety, openness, and support from the very first hello.
I actually started Poetic Justice by an Dan Antion and Willow Willers a couple of months ago, but I’m still working my way through it, mostly because I can be a slow reader and only get the chance to read on my daily commute (which isn’t every day). Even so, it is a gripping story that keeps pulling me back in. The book is a mystery about a man re-investigating his father’s death with the help of a retired police officer. Their search takes them back to Pittsburgh, where a mysterious figure known as “the Poet” leaves haunting clues and verses that unravel long-buried secrets. The mix of mystery, poetry, and hidden secrets makes it one I’m genuinely looking forward to finishing! I actually look forward to my commutes so I can see what’s going to happen next and I plan to leave a review when I have finished. Ps. You may even know the authors! 😉
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the jacaranda, signalling spring in Sydney and reminding us that summer is just around the corner.
The blossoms fall like confetti, leaving a carpet of colour beneath your feet, bringing colour and happiness to the streets. Although short lived, they are truly unforgettable and a highlight of spring.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
For me, it would have to be Northern Ireland, close to family and friends, surrounded by stunning scenery, and just a hop away from Europe. More specifically I would say a little town called Hillsborough. We absolutely loved living here in 2023 for almost a year. It has the most beautiful forest park, cosy pubs and close to the capital city of Belfast, however, it is super unaffordable to buy property here, for me at least.
That being said, to live in Northern Ireland, a few things would need to change…higher wages, a lower cost of living, and maybe a little more sunshine wouldn’t go astray!
The most magical place, Hillsborough Forest Park. Also posted as part of Becky’s November Shadows Challenge! Look at those autumnal colours!!!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors! This week I am combining two challenges with the one image, inspired by Brian from Bushboys World. I have a beautiful door that belongs to a house in Paddington (one of my favourite suburbs) that hides in the silent shadows. This door is the most amazing colour of green and has matching green wooden window shutters. I love how the trees surrounding the house cast big shadows over it, protecting it from the sun. The white picket fence is the icing on the cake!
Also posted as part of Becky’s November shadows challenge.
MOOPALOOP – refers to the Magnificent Moopaloops, a type of imaginary creature in the children’s book ‘Uno’s Garden’ by Graeme Base. Posted as part of Becky’s November shadows challenge
If you were a colour, what would you choose to be? Green or blue. I own a lot of these colours in clothing as I think they are happy colours for me. I love a blue sky and I adore greenery like trees, grass, plants, woodlands etc. I feel like they’re warm and uplifting colours. Therefore, you will quite often see me wearing these colour of clothes.
What one piece of advice would you give your younger self? Don’t do a degree because all your friends are doing it. I completed a geography degree as my friends had all enjoyed it and I had heard the field trip to Europe was amazing. However, I didn’t really enjoy it, the field trip really wasn’t that great and I have never used this degree. A complete waste of time.
What was the best piece of advice you were ever given? Your health is your wealth. I really appreciate this one.
If you needed advice on a matter, who would you ask (friend, family, professional etc) It was always my dad and sometimes still is but more often now it is my partner.
I have so many points to say about having a pet and you can probably tell that I am a huge advocate for having one. Having grown up with dogs all my life, I feel I am warranted to say these points. My dream is to have a couple of dogs in the next couple of years for all these reasons!
1 – Companionship – they’re simply there
2 – Comfort in emotional times
3 – Great for exercise and getting you outdoors.
4 – Builds confidence for children
5 – Good for mental health
6 – They release feel-good hormones
7 – Pets (more-so dogs) love you unconditionally
8 – They bring pure joy
9 – Provide people with a purpose in life
10 – They become your confidante
11 – They help create routine
12 – They can lower stress and blood pressure
13 – They can make you laugh
14 – They can help relieve loneliness, especially for people who live alone
15 – They create community (dog parks, pet cafés, online pet groups) and can bring strangers together
In the end, people think we rescue pets but I think they rescue us more…plus they become an integral part of our families!!! Jeez I need a dog!!
This is my parent’s dog that they have had for fourteen years, a definite part of the family.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is MASQUERADE.
Masquerade is a word wrapped in intrigue. At its simplest, it means to pretend to be someone or something else, often with a mask, a costume, or a false impression.
Last night was our hospital masquerade ball, a night of celebration for a hard year of work and a chance to let your hair down with your work colleagues. We wore our best dress and each had to wear a mask, fun indeed and my first time to attend such an event.
Happy Friday everyone! I love that Dan and Marsha have created a special challenge today to post a flower in remembrance of Cee, the lady who started the flower of the day challenge. I remember always wanting to find new flowers and post about them, so when I spotted Cee’s challenge I was delighted. Cee was extremely welcoming, friendly and really played a big part in my blogging journey with her encouragement and positive energy. I am delighted her memory lives on through other bloggers and their flower posts, or other challenges that she had inspired. Today I am showing a very beautiful ornamental onion, part of the allium family, which also includes garlic, chives, and leeks. Known for their tall stems and globe-shaped blooms, I thought this singular flower would be perfect for today.
Discovered at Hillsborough Forest Castle & Gardens, Northern Ireland.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing more doors that I have left over from our trip to Perth. As always, please do let me know if you have a favourite this week.
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I’m really torn between doors 2, 4 and 5 but I think I will pick 4 as my favourite simply because of how inviting it looks and I love the curtain on the inside of the door, it feels very Italian 🇮🇹.
Thanks Di for this week’s questions. I love eggs so I felt the desire to answer your chosen questions this week again.
1. If you were offered “The Full English” what would you expect?
I do love a full English breakfast or an Ulster Fry (the difference is in the breads used). I would hope for sausage, bacon, fried eggs, tomatoes, black or white pudding, toast or fried bread and baked beans. I know not everywhere offers beans but may have mushrooms or a hash brown. It’s not the healthiest of breakfasts but boy is it tasty!! Maybe some HP brown sauce too! The Ulster Fry found in Northern Ireland will have soda bread and potato bread, lovely!! I used to eat these all the time but now extremely rarely, especially since moving to Australia, it’s just not the same and I am more health conscious these days, boring!
2. How do you like your toast (with butter, jam, marmalade etc) ?
I do love toast with jam or marmalade but I try to be healthy and have avocado on my toast these days.
3. How do you prefer you eggs?
Scrambled or poached. Fried if I have a hangover (not often these days thankfully).
4. If you have a boiled egg, do you like to dunk ‘soldiers’?
Oh I do love dunking soldiers. It reminds me of my childhood, where the yolk has to be runny and you cut your toast into strips to be able to dunk into your egg, sitting in its egg cup. Good times!
This was in Edinburgh, Scotland. As you can see it’s missing the beans and brown sauce for me.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is MUNDANE.
Monday can often feel mundane…the glitter of the weekend fades, and suddenly we are thrown back into routine, structure and the ordinary. It feels even heavier today because I am genuinely tired after a busy weekend, but I know once I’ve had my morning coffee and siting at my desk, I will be right as rain.
I actually really like Mondays, they usually feel like a fresh page but today is just a bit meh. Hopefully once I ease into it, the mundane lifts. Have a great Monday everyone!
Last night we went to see Back to the Future: The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and it was an absolute blast. If you love the original movie, then you will really appreciate this musical version! The actors playing Marty and George McFly completely nailed their roles, the mannerisms, the voices, the attitude and it felt so close to the original movie characters. It was hilarious and mesmerising to watch.
The music was brilliant too. You still get the iconic film moments, but the musical numbers really surprised me. There are brand new songs we had never heard before, and they slot so seamlessly into the story that you could be convinced that they’d always been part of Back to the Future.
Furthermore, the effects!!! From the lighting to the sound to the way they bring the DeLorean to life on stage, it’s full of WOW moments. It feels like a proper cinematic spectacle, just happening right in front of you.
If you’re a fan of the original movie, or you just want a fun theatre experience with energy and nostalgia, this one delivers.
Great Scott! A fun fact for you all, the DeLorean car itself, the iconic time machine was actually manufactured in Belfast back in the 1980s.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is MINGING.
This word follows on nicely from brutal, our last word used. If you’re from Northern Ireland, you’ll know exactly what minging means. It’s one of those wonderfully expressive words we use to describe anything truly unpleasant, something grotesque, dirty, or downright disgusting. Food can be minging, clothes can be minging, and yes, even people can be minging!
It’s also a go-to word for describing the weather, when it’s wet, cold, and damp, you’ll often hear someone sigh, “It’s absolutely minging out there.” A perfect Northern Irish way to sum up a miserable day, which is exactly what we have again today in Sydney! What is up with this weather?!
On a positive note, we’re heading to see another musical tonight at the theatre, this time it’s Back to the Future! I will let you know how it goes. Have a lovely Saturday everyone.
Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the African daisy, spotted not in Africa but in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. They are sure to brighten even the darkest day!
Bright, bold and beautiful. Posted as Part of Cee’s flower of the day challenge
There are so many moments in history that fascinate me, some because of their scale, others because of what they reveal about human nature. An obvious one for me is The Troubles, growing up in Northern Ireland and seeing how conflict can divide communities so deeply. I’ve always been intrigued by World War II, and how ordinary people could turn on others and somehow convince themselves that genocide was acceptable.
Other events stand out too, the AIDS pandemic, COVID-19, Brexit, Trump gaining power (not once, but twice), and of course September 11. Each of these moments changed the world in ways we’re still processing.
However, the one that has occupied most of my thoughts in recent years is Palestine. It’s devastating to see history repeating itself, another genocide unfolding before our eyes while the world watches. It makes me wonder how we, as humans, never seem to learn. Greed, power, and fear drive the same cycles of suffering again and again.
One day, we will look back on this time and ask ourselves, what on earth were we doing?
What’s something you believe everyone should know.
I believe everyone should know how to read an analog clock. In an age where digital devices tell us everything instantly, many young people have never learned to read a traditional clock face and that’s a shame. I always assumed everyone could read a clock, but I have since realised that many young people cannot. It’s such a simple skill, yet it connects us to the rhythm of time in a way that screens never can. There’s something satisfying about watching the hands move, a quiet reminder that time is always ticking on, even when we’re too busy scrolling to notice.
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week, seeing as it is Halloween tomorrow, I thought I would focus on one building, Fremantle Prison. I want to give you a little history whilst also showcasing a couple of doors that I spotted.
High on the limestone ridge above Fremantle stands one of Western Australia’s most striking reminders of its convict past, this striking prison. Built in the 1850s by the very men it was meant to contain, the prison’s pale stone walls still echo with the stories of those who carved them from the earth.
The convicts who built Fremantle Prison were transported from Britain and Ireland, often for minor crimes (such as stealing a loaf of bread) or acts of defiance. Under the burning Western Australian sun, they quarried local limestone by hand, shaping it into the massive cell blocks, watchtowers, and walls that would soon imprison them. Every stone they laid was both their punishment and their legacy.
Life inside was harsh and silent. Prisoners slept in tiny cells, just large enough for a hammock, a desk, and a bucket. Discipline was strict, and the worst punishment of all was solitary confinement, known as the Separate Division. Here, men were locked alone for 23 hours a day, forbidden from speaking or seeing another soul. For some, the silence proved more unbearable than chains – can you imagine how this would affect your mental health!?
Steel iron doors that once locked away lives,Solitary confinement
When their sentences ended, few found true freedom. Many were granted a ticket of leave or a conditional pardon, allowing them to live and work in the colony, but NEVER to return home. They had served their time, yet remained prisoners of Australia, forever separated from the lives and families they once knew.
Today, Fremantle Prison stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a powerful monument to endurance, punishment, and the beginnings of a new nation built by those who had no choice but to stay.
A tragic chapter in Australia’s past, yet one that tells a fascinating story of endurance, punishment, and the making of a new colony.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is BRUTAL.
In Northern Ireland, when someone says “it’s brutal out there,” they don’t mean violent, they mean the weather. Cold, wet, windy, or just plain miserable, brutal perfectly sums up those days when you instantly regret stepping outside.
Also, in case you weren’t aware, people from Northern Ireland LOVE talking about the weather, it’s practically part of our DNA. Whether it’s raining, freezing, or just a bit grey, there’s always time for a quick weather update and a shake of the head, because if you can’t change it, you might as well talk about it until the cows come home.
I’m using this word today as the weather has been absolutely brutal for the past couple of days here in Sydney. Bring on summer!!!
For me, it’s about being carefree, innocent, and full of joy. It’s about holding onto that spark of wonder, the belief that good things can still happen, even when life can be very serious. I remember my parents always saying I was like Peter Pan, not wanting to grow up. Who knows, but I think I have always been a bit of a kid at heart, the eternal optimist, clinging to hope when others might give up. Maybe it’s because I don’t have children of my own and still see the world through a youthful lens, or maybe it’s just who I am, my age in numbers, but not in spirit.
Happy Tuesday everyone. I don’t normally post a flower of the day on a Tuesday but I just had to showcase this flower today!
I bought a plant a couple of months ago at the local markets, without even realising what it was and woke up this morning to find my very own walking iris in full bloom! For someone with notoriously brown thumbs, this little miracle made my day.
The walking iris gets its name from the way it “walks” across the garden, after flowering, new baby plants form on the stems, which eventually bend down and root themselves in the soil. A plant that practically grows itself?! Amazing for someone like me.
Thanks Di for this week’s questions. I haven’t participated in some time but these questions really resonated with me this week.
1. Can you remember your first wage packet?
I remember I was so excited to receive my first payslip when I was 16. I cannot remember the total but I remember the hourly rate being £3.30 an hour. I thought this was great at the time and I’m sure it was as I had nothing to pay for, no bills, rent etc.
2. Was it cash, a cheque or paid directly into your bank account?
It was paid directly into my bank account.
3.Do you prefer to shop with cash or card?
I much prefer to pay with card, it’s so much easier and much cleaner than having to touch money. In fact, I don’t even carry a bank card as I have it on my phone. I literally just carry my phone for everything, which is slightly worrying, if I lose my phone or it runs out of battery. That being said, I am going to actively try to use cash for small things like coffees, getting my hair cut etc as I have noticed that banks are charging a fee to use your phone / card and the shop assistant etc never tell you this. For example, a coffee here is about $4.50 but if I use my phone / card they charge an extra 30 cents. That soon adds up if you’re using your phone / card all the time. Plus I hate to think I am giving my hard earned cash to the banks!
4. Do you know the price of half a dozen eggs?
I don’t buy eggs very often as they had been very hard to get here in Australia for some time and they’re very expensive. I think half a dozen would be about $5 but I could be wrong. If I was to buy eggs, I would always buy a dozen which is normally about $8 or $9.
5. Have you ever kept chickens?
No but I would absolutely love to in the future!!! They are such quirky birds with lots of character and imagine having all those free eggs!!
Rent has always been one of our favourite musicals even though, up until now, we had only seen the movie and listened (on repeat!) to the soundtrack. We have been obsessed with its songs, the raw emotion, the humour, and the unforgettable characters ever since we first heard of this musical over a decade or more. Every track hits differently, from the heartbreak of One Song Glory to the infectious joy of La Vie Bohème.
Rent tells the story of a group of young artists and friends living in New York City’s East Village during the late 1980s. Struggling to make ends meet, they face love, loss, and the harsh realities of life with courage and creativity. Set against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the musical celebrates community, acceptance, and living authentically in the face of uncertainty. The recurring line “No day but today” captures the heart of Rent, a reminder to embrace the present moment, to love deeply, and to live fully despite whatever challenges life brings. It’s a message that feels just as powerful and relevant now as it did when the show first debuted.
The story itself is a modern reimagining of Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Where the original was set in 19th-century Paris and centred around bohemian artists battling poverty and illness, Rent moves the story to New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s. The characters face different struggles; addiction, ambition, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but the themes remain the same – love, art, friendship, and the fleeting beauty of life. Jonathan Larson transformed a classic tale into something raw, real, and profoundly human.
So when Rent came to the Sydney Opera House, I knew we couldn’t miss it. Surprisingly, despite living in Sydney for many years now and taking countless photos outside the Opera House, we had never actually been inside until now…and what a first experience it was!
The show was everything we hoped for and more, powerful performances, vocal powerhouses, and a production that captured the grit, energy, and heart of the original story. It is one of those musicals that reminds you why you love theatre in the first place, the music, the message, and the magic of live performance.
For me, Rent is more than just a musical, it is a stark reminder to live life with passion, to make time for the people and moments that matter, and to not let life pass by unnoticed because truly, there is “no day but today” (one of their famous lines).
Gin & tonics at the interval. It was lovely to step outside and see the Opera House from another angle.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is CRIKEY.
Crikey! Now there’s a word that just makes you smile. It has that perfect mix of surprise and good humour, the kind of thing you can almost hear in an Aussie accent before it’s even been said. Most famously, of course, it was Steve Irwin’s trademark exclamation, the Crocodile Hunter himself, bounding across the outback with infectious enthusiasm.
Crikey is an old-fashioned expression of astonishment or disbelief, much like blimey or goodness me. Apparently it started out as a polite way to avoid saying “Christ,” which would have been considered too strong or blasphemous in the 19th century. So people softened it and crikey was born.
It is still very much used in Australia and the UK, though maybe a bit tongue-in-cheek these days. It is cheerful, harmless, and just a bit theatrical, perfect for today as we are heading to the theatre today to watch one of our all time favourite musicals, RENT! Will let you know how it goes. Enjoy your Sunday everyone!
Personally, I wouldn’t pay anything. I don’t really have any desire to see the moon up close. There is something about being in space that completely terrifies me, the same kind of fear I get thinking about being at the bottom of the ocean. I think it’s the idea of being so far from everything familiar, so utterly alone.
I also can’t help but feel like a trip like that would be a bit over the top, especially with everything happening in the world right now. I remember when Katy Perry and a few other celebrities went into orbit, I wasn’t sure what I felt watching it unfold. Maybe embarrassment, maybe shame. The backlash was huge, and I understood why. The sheer amount of money spent on a few minutes in space could have done so much good back here on Earth.
So no, I’m happy right where I am, firmly grounded. The moon can stay exactly where it is, beautiful, mysterious, and very, very far away.
The moon is beautiful to look at. Image from the free WordPress library.
Happy Friday everyone. Below is my flower of the day and you can see why it is known as a treasure flower.
Spotted outside our accommodation in Margaret River. Really beautiful flowers, thrive best in direct sunlight. It is often called “treasure flower” because of its bright, jewel-like blossoms and is a member of the daisy family.
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?
I have considered a few different career paths throughout the years. At one point, I wanted to be a marine biologist because I’ve always loved animals and the ocean. I also thought about becoming an interpreter, since I had a real passion for languages, or a tour guide, as travelling and sharing new experiences with others really appealed to me. For a while, I even fancied being a weatherman, I loved geography and was fascinated by how the world works. Furthermore, later down the path, I thought I might be a teacher, though I was probably a bit too young then to know what that really meant. I had worked as a teacher in Newark, NJ and absolutely loved it but it was full on and I thought then that it wasn’t for me.
Funny enough, nursing was never on my original agenda. However, looking back, I can see how all those interests are connected, curiosity about people, places, and the planet all led me, in some way, to caring for others. Funnily enough, here I am now, a teacher of nursing, living on the other side of the world. So maybe I got the best of both worlds: teaching, caring, and still exploring!
Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. This week I am showcasing some very special doors that are attached to some very special motor vehicles. You may remember I mentioned that we attended an event in Perth known as the Celebration of Motorsport at Langley Park just last month.
It is a free event that brings together car lovers and racing fans for a fun day out. It showcases everything from classic cars and hot rods to modern race vehicles, with live displays and plenty to see and do along the Swan River. It is a great day for families, enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys the excitement of motorsport or like us if you simply appreciate looking at old cars.
We absolutely loved this event and couldn’t believe our luck to stumble across it. I want to show you all the majority of cars that we managed to see. Let me know of you have a favourite and maybe why because as much as I love the aesthetic of classic cars, I am in no way knowledgeable about them, other than if I like its appearance or not. These cars reminded me of the kind of toy cars I would have played with as a kid.
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There are so, so many to choose from and these were just my favourites on the day! I absolutely love numbers 3, 13, 19, 22 and 23. How cool would it be to drive one of these???
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is BLIMEY.
Moving on from my previous post on “flabbergasted”, today’s word continues that same sense of surprise and disbelief – BLIMEY!
Blimey is a wonderfully British exclamation used to express shock, amazement, or even mild frustration. It’s a softer, more good-natured way of saying “Wow!” or “I can’t believe it!” The word actually comes from an old phrase, God blind me, which over time was shortened and softened into the more playful blimey.
What makes blimey such a great word is its character. It’s expressive without being harsh, old-fashioned yet still charming, and it rolls off the tongue with that unmistakable dash of British flair. You can almost hear it said with raised eyebrows or a chuckle, “Blimey, that was unexpected!”
It reminds me of good old slapstick British humour, like Fawlty Towers (if you have ever seen it), full of exaggerated expressions and moments of delightful chaos. You can easily imagine Basil Fawlty shouting it in disbelief as everything goes wrong around him.
Interestingly, blimey is not a word you will often hear in Northern Ireland but we are aware of it. It’s more commonly used in England, particularly down south. While people in Northern Ireland would know what it means, they are more likely to say things like “boys-a-dear,” “catch yourself on,” “dead on,” or “that’s mad!” to express surprise or disbelief.
Blimey is one of Ron Weasley’s signature exclamations throughout the Harry Potter films (and occasionally in the books, too).
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?
Sometimes the biggest risks aren’t about thrill-seeking, they’re about change. For me, one risk I have thought about a couple of times is packing up and moving to Perth. After my recent trip, I can really see the appeal. The lifestyle, the beaches, the slower pace, it all just felt right.
However, big moves come with big unknowns, new routines, new jobs, new friends. Maybe that’s what makes it feel risky. Still, part of me wonders, what if that risk is actually the reward waiting to happen? Who knows?!
I don’t mean to sound corny but if I had to choose one thing I am most proud of, it would be my get up and go attitude. Like everyone one in this world, I have had my fair share of knocks in life, times when I have had to step back, take cover, and reflect. However, what truly matters is picking yourself up and moving forward.
You can’t always do it alone. Friends and family make a world of difference, and finding things that help you escape the everyday, whether it’s exercise, music, or something else you love, can really lift you up.
It is that resilience, that quiet strength to keep going, that I am most proud of.
For me, the answer is simple – my blog. I’ve been showing up every day, writing, reflecting, and sharing and today marks my 105th day in a row. I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could show up every day here and I’ve done it! It has honestly not been that difficult and actually very enjoyable. It’s hard to believe how quickly the days have added up, but it’s become part of my daily rhythm now.
What started as a small creative habit has turned into something bigger, a space to think, grow, and connect.
It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.
If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord
Today’s word is FLABBERGASTED.
Flabbergasted…what a fantastic word! It means to be completely astonished or amazed, often to the point of being lost for words. It’s one of those expressive words that sounds exactly how it feels, full of surprise and disbelief.
For the UK and Australian bloggers, I was recently watching The Celebrity Traitors on TV where Tom Daley playfully mocked Kate Garraway for her over-use of this over-the-top word and found the whole exchange HILARIOUS. It reminded me how much I love the word FLABBERGASTED.
Sometimes we are flabbergasted by big life events, but other times it’s the little, funny moments that catch us off guard. Either way, it’s a word that perfectly captures that feeling of delightful surprise.
Our final destination on our Western Australia adventure, nestled in the southwest corner of WA, you have Margaret River, a small but world-renowned region famous for its premium wines, pristine beaches and laid-back charm. Once a quiet surf town, it has grown into one of Australia’s leading wine regions, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.
The highlight of our trip to Margret River was a wine tour with Wine for Dudes (not that I’m saying I’m a dude!), a relaxed and entertaining day that showcased some of the region’s best vineyards, cellar doors and local producers. Basically you have a driver who takes you around the vineyards, providing information and history of the region. We had wanted to attend a wine tour here and this company ensured we had the best experience possible and it always helps when the other attendees are good fun.
Our first stop was Walsh and Sons, a boutique family-run winery where creativity and character shine through in every bottle. The wines are vibrant and expressive, perfectly reflecting the region’s coastal influence. This wasn’t a favourite of ours but not bad for our first pit stop.
Next, we visited Peacetree, a charming and welcoming spot surrounded by rolling vineyards. The wines here were beautifully balanced and elegant, a real taste of Margaret River craftsmanship.
After that came Gabriel Chocolate, where we discovered that wine and chocolate truly are the perfect match. The rich, handcrafted chocolate is made directly from cacao beans, and it was hard to leave without a little bag (or two) to take home.
Lunch was at Swings and Roundabouts, a rustic winery known for its relaxed atmosphere and incredible woodfired pizzas. We also got to try our hand at wine blending, which was both fun and surprisingly competitive, creating our own blend to have with lunch.
Blending wines was funThe best pizzas Bubbles outside with some new friends
The next stop was Windance Estate, a family-owned, organic vineyard with a strong focus on sustainability. The wines were fresh and full of character, and the hospitality was warm and genuine.
Trying the stickys aka desert wines The best group of people (all Irish / English and one Aussie who once lived in Northern Ireland! Love having a wine at the vineyards
We finished the day at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., swapping wine glasses for craft beers with a view over the lake. It was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of tasting and touring.
In town, The River Hotel and Bar was a favourite spot for good food, great drinks and a lively atmosphere. For dinner, The Grande Escape offered an excellent locals’ night menu, relaxed, friendly and full of flavour. The $5 glasses of house wine were the ticket and we were literally a five minute walk to our air b’n’b, winner winner, chicken dinner!
Loved this pub for a couple drinks and a bite to eatThis place was lovely and handy for us. Our quaint little stay
Another highlight of our trip was Cape Mentelle, one of the pioneering wineries of the region. The setting is stunning, surrounded by vineyards and native bushland, and the wines, especially their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2022 Zinfandel were outstanding. It is very easy to see why Margaret River has become such a celebrated destination for wine lovers, we absolutely loved it!
On a side note, Margaret River town was very charming with its stunning cafes, restaurants and boutique stores. We also found a very cheap launderette which was great for washing our clothes (I’m easily pleased) as we were coming to the end of our trip.
I always love finding the local art
That rounds up the end of our WA trip. We drove back to Perth for a final night with our friends and were able to share our experiences from our unforgettable trip. Perth you have a piece of our heart, the most amazing place, we can’t wait to return.
WrookieSchU 