Doors of WordPress V130

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome back to Thursday Doors! Today the weather is abysmal in Sydney, very cold, wet and gloomy. Therefore I thought I would show a few brightly coloured yellow doors that I was delighted to find a couple of weeks ago in Paddington. I love how you meander around different streets here and colourful doors appear to JUMP out at you. I was even more pleased that my yellow jumper matched the doors, as sad as that sounds but as you all know, I am easily pleased. As always, do you have a favourite this week?

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I actually cannot decide this week as I love them all equally but for different reasons. They are all extremely quaint and I cant help but smile when I see a yellow door. Ok actually, number two does stand out for me as the outer security door is also yellow which is pretty cool and I love the yellow shutters on the window of the house. Additionally, the sunflowers are very cheery! (I know they have nothing to do with the door 😜).

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A wee word

What is a word you feel that too many people use?

I have covered this word before on my Wayne’s Word series but it is an ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE in Northern Ireland and one that is extremely overused. Have you heard people using this word?

Wayne’s Word – wee
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Silence

What brings you peace?

There’s something deeply restorative about silence, especially in a world that is constantly buzzing and demanding attention. Turning off the background noise feels like giving my mind permission to breathe and helps me to focus and reset. It could be as simple as turning off the radio or closing a door to block out unwanted noise. Quiet spaces, sunsets, sunrises, ocean walks, immersing in nature all bring me peace also.

Silence is golden.

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The numbers game #2

Thanks for today’s number Judy! I had 4 photos to show case this week. Always nice to look back on some older images.

Welcome to “The Numbers Game #85”.Today’s number is 207. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day.

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Profession or work?

What profession do you admire most and why?

A profession is a type of job or career that usually requires special training, education, or skills, and is often recognized by “society” as important or specialized.

For example:

Teaching is a profession because it requires qualifications and expertise. Medicine, law, engineering, and accounting are all considered professions.

It can also simply mean the kind of work someone does, for example, “His profession is retail”.

I admire any profession that helps others and that isn’t the most glamorous, for example, doctors, nurses, teachers, physiotherapists. However, I admire most jobs out there, especially the people who carry out certain jobs. I admire their passion for their job, their character and making the consumer feel positive.

I admire anyone who is working hard, granted you need to have the ability to work. I will treat a doctor or lawyer the same way I would treat a cleaner or a taxi driver, a shop assistant or a dentist. I admire those who want to work, who try their hardest to find employment and want to make a difference. Those who have to overcome illness or live with a chronic condition, where it takes all their might to work even a few hours a week.

I also believe a person’s character can be revealed by the way they treat people in jobs that are often undervalued or considered “less prestigious”. If you are rude to the waiter, we’re going to have issues!

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Wayne’s Word – waft

If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?

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 WAFT.

Waft (verb/noun) – to drift gently through the air, often carrying a scent, a sound, or even a mood.

If I ever opened a shop, it would be a men’s fragrance boutique called “The Gentlemen’s Waft”. The kind of place where each cologne tells a story, think sleek shelves, warm lighting, and just enough mystery that customers feel like they’ve stepped into an old-world apothecary. Customers would not simply spray a fragrance, they would step into a cloud of carefully crafted aroma, letting it waft over them like an invisible handshake…and I would always smell good after my shift, win win 😉.

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Wayne’s Word – foghorn

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 FOGHORN.

A foghorn is a gigantic loud horn used by ships or lighthouses to warn other vessels when the fog rolls in so thick you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. The blast would fairly make you jump out of your skin!

In Northern Irish lingo –

Aside from a real foghorn, we will call someone a foghorn if they have a voice that could waken the dead.

“Oh here she comes, the human foghorn, you could hear her before you see her.”

It can also mean someone who blurts things out without thinking, especially when they’re supposed to keep it quiet!

“He’s such a foghorn!”

You may even have heard of Foghorn Leghorn – he is that big, loudmouthed rooster from the Looney Tunes cartoons, with white feathers, red comb, deep Southern drawl, and a voice that sounds like he’s been raised on cornbread and megaphones. 

Do you happen to know any foghorns?
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Smile Time

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

If I’m thinking about physical possessions, I could say my phone. However, if I think a little deeper, I would say the most important thing would be my smile. I don’t have the biggest smile in the world, i.e. with showing my teeth but I would say mine is a subtle and gentle smile, not so in your face.

It costs nothing, weighs nothing, and yet it has the power to change everything. A smile opens doors, softens hearts, and reminds others (and myself) that kindness still exists.

So no matter where I go, I carry it with me. Not just on my face, but in my attitude, my words, and my actions 🙂

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Lifting the Mood 💭

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

The world is heavy enough. If my blog can lift someone’s mood, make them smile, or just feel seen for a moment, then I have done my job.

Wayne

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FOTD – Aloe Vera

Happy Friday everyone! Today I am showing the Aloe Vera flower, spotted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney. This flower is pretty special as it only appears once a year, in late winter to early spring, right about now in the southern hemisphere.

Aloe Vera –
Flowering is a sign your aloe is happy and well cared for 🙂
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Peaceful equality (wishful thinking)

Describe your life in an alternate universe.

In this world, suffering is a forgotten concept. Every being is valued, every voice heard, and every day is a celebration of existence. It reminds me of the John Lennon song “Imagine”.

“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky

Imagine all the people
Livin’ for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one”.

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Wayne’s Word – guzzle

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 GUZZLE.

To guzzle is to drink greedily, no sips, no savouring, just straight-up drinking like you’ve been lost in the desert. The word has a wonderfully untidy sound to it, and that is very fitting as guzzling is not a refined act.

Originating from 16th-century English, guzzle was once used to describe excessive drinking, especially alcohol. I love this word and in Northern Ireland we use it a lot, more so in an over exaggerated way to make fun of loved ones in a friendly manner.

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The Numbers Game #1

Thank you Judy for this prompt! I love the idea of retrieving old photos, you never know what you might find and the memories they can evoke.

“To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day”.

Not surprising that this week’s number 206 has given me a couple of DOORS from my collection. This could be a common theme but I remember how much I loved the houses shown below.

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Happiness is…

List 30 things that make you happy.

1 – Fresh air

2 – Hugs

3 – Being cosy

4 – Hot cup of tea

5 – Freshly cut grass

6 – Food

7 – Good craic

8 – Meaningful conversations

9 – Time with family

10 – Coffee

11 – The evening before a day off work

12 – The day off work

13 – Sunshine

14 – Blue skies

15 – Photographs

16 – A good shift at work

17 – A scruffy dog

18 – Puppies

19 – Trees

20 – Outdoor swimming pool

21 – Smell of the ocean

22 – Exercise

23 – A roaring fire

24 – A cosy Irish pub

25 – Travelling

26 – Meeting new people

27 – Kindness

28 – My partner being happy

29 – Spending time with friends

30 – Walking

I feel like this list could go on and on and on 🤣 ps. these are in no particular order!

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Exercise!

Describe one habit that brings you joy.

It is 0628 here on A Sunday morning, I am having a coffee and about to go to the gym for a workout with some gym friends. Sometimes I think, “am I mad?” But I really love it and if I can’t do my exercise, I feel like something is missing and I feel sad about it (as strange as that sounds). I know I will feel good for the rest of the day!!!

I wish he was my spotter
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Uninterested

What are you curious about?

Absolutely nothing! Have you not heard…being curious is dangerous, it killed the cat!

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Wayne’s Word – Aardvark

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 AARDVARK.

An aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to Africa, known for its long snout and love of ants and termites. Why am I writing about this animal? I have a friend from school that I used to think had similar qualities to an aardvark, such as a long face and a slow moving attitude. Probably not the best animal to resemble but we did find them very cute and endearing. I think my animal lookalike was a giraffe due to my long neck, equally not as flattering I would say. I think aardvarks are pretty cool as you don’t really hear people talking about them much, they appear at the start of the alphabet and they have a really unusual body type :

– Pig-like body (its name means earth pig in Afrikaans)

– Long ears like a rabbit

– A thick tail like a kangaroo

– Strong claws for digging

– Long, sticky tongue for slurping up insects.

You may also know some famous Aardvarks such as Arthur Read or Cedric / Cyril Sneer from the Racoons.

Aardvark image taken from http://www.istockphoto.com

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FOTD – Chinese hibiscus

Happy Friday y’all. I am delighted to say I have that Friday feeling today as I am off tomorrow. It’s not often I can say that as I usually work Saturdays. Today I am showcasing the Chinese hibiscus as my flower of the day, spotted on our trip to Adelaide in the botanical gardens.

A little bit of info – Native to East Asia but now grown all over the world, this flower is more than a pretty face. In some cultures, it symbolizes delicate beauty, while in others it represents fame, glory, and even hospitality. It’s also the national flower of Malaysia, where it’s called the Bunga Raya.

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Doors of WordPress V129

Happy Thursday everyone from a wet and wild Sydney today. I’m staying dry in work but it is miserable out there. There is no Thursday Doors this week but I wanted to showcase this beauty as it’s a red door and fits in with Becky’s simply red challenge for the month of July. This door is from one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney called Darlinghurst, as I am sure you have heard, as I have mentioned it too many times before haha.


Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July. I love the colour of red with the green surroundings from the brickwork and plants. It’s almost a shame to have the door and windows covered by railings but as mentioned before, it is to enable opening the door and window with the ability to lock the railings. It provides both security and fresh air to flow in.
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Wayne’s Word – vintage

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 VINTAGE.

There is something extremely magical about the word vintage. It whispers of the past, of stories aged like fine wine, and treasures that get better with time. Whether it is a classic car, a record player or that perfect op shop find, vintage isn’t just old, it is timeless and classic.

Vintage carries character. It reminds you that style doesn’t have an expiry date, and some things were made to last. In a world that often chases the next big thing, vintage invites us to slow down and appreciate craftsmanship, history, and the charm of things with a bit of soul. The Volkswagen camper van showcased below SCREAMS vintage to me and absolutely oozes a timeless elegance and a very cool retro charm.


Also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🚍
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Wayne’s Word – compact

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 COMPACT.

As per the Cambridge dictionary – compact is consisting of parts that are positioned together, closely or in a tidy way, using very little space. The car displayed below is one of my favourites and I was fortunate to drive one of these when I was last home in Ireland. It’s such an easy car to drive and park, plus it receives A LOT of attention!

A smart car spotted during the week
and is posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🚘

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1000 subscribers!

Today I hit a HUGE milestone (for me) with achieving one thousand subscribers.

That’s a thousand humans (and possibly a few bots) who clicked follow, subscribe or ‘I’m kind of curious with what Wayne is rambling about today’.

From Wayne’s Word to tray bakes, travel highlights to colourful doors, you have stuck around and I am incredibly grateful for that. Whether you have read, may it be one post or a hundred, I want to say, THANK YOU!

This is my 21st day posting in a row and I have to say this has been the key for me, posting often. With creating Wayne’s Word and joining in different blogging prompts, it has kept the fire burning within me to keep blogging. The community here is fantastic for encouraging you and making you feel extremely welcome when the world around us can seem hard and sad at times.

Here is to the next thousand followers, the next word, travel adventure or whatever wonders lie in between.

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Sunday Soul

“Let Sunday be the pause that renews your soul, so you can begin again with quiet strength” – author unknown.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🌹

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Wayne’s Word – chinwag

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 CHINWAG.

This is a great wee word that is used when having a chat about something or someone, it could be similar to having a gossip but nothing bad is being said. It’s known as a chinwag!

To have a chinwag is to enjoy a good natter or a long-overdue catch-up over a cup of tea or it could be when you meet a colleague at the photocopier in work. It is light-hearted, informal and wonderfully social. If you can picture two old friends bumping into each other at the shops – “We ended up having a right chinwag!”

The word blends chin (the part that wobbles when you talk) and wag (like a tail or in this case, the mouth going nonstop). It has a charmingly British flavour but you can hear it also in Aussie and Irish circles too.

Have you ever used this word to describe having a chat about something?

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Home

If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?

Back to Northern Ireland and England to see my family.

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Aboriginal Artwork

Aboriginal artwork is deeply significant as it serves as a powerful form of storytelling, cultural preservation, and spiritual connection. Each symbol, pattern, and colour carries meaning, often representing aspects of the Dreamtime, Aboriginal creation stories and the land, animals, and ancestral spirits. Passed down through generations, this art is not just decorative but a vital way of sharing knowledge, laws, and traditions. It reflects a profound relationship with Country and offers insight into the world’s oldest continuous culture.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 
🖤💛❤️
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Wrookieschu who?

What’s the story behind your nickname?

Ok I thought this would be the perfect prompt to actually explain how I came about my blogging name Wrookieschu. You have to bear with me as it’s not a simple explanation.

I wanted my socials and blog to be open to the public but I didn’t want everyone able to find me, for example, my patients, my students or even certain extended family members. Therefore, I had to create an alias.

Firstly I swapped the first letters of my forename and surname with each other, so my first name became Wooke. Then I thought that was still pretty easy and I wanted to add a play to my German side of the family and always loved certain German words, such as Schuh for example. So my name became Wookieschu, however, I cannot remember where the R came from. I also was a huge fan of Star Wars so I loved that Wookie was included.

Chewbacca the Wookiee

I’m guessing I thought the name would look better with a WR at the beginning…and there you have it, Wrookieschu. It has been in existence for about eight years and although nobody has any idea what it means, I really like it so one reason or another.

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Wayne’s Word – wishy-washy

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 WISHY-WASHY.

Wishy-washy is one of those wonderfully old-school words that just sounds like what it means, vague, indecisive, half-hearted. It could be like someone agreeing to plans they clearly do not want to attend

“Yes maybe, we’ll see…” that is peak wishy-washy.

It is also a great way to describe ideas that don’t quite commit. A wishy-washy opinion is like soggy toast, it is technically there, but it is not doing much for anyone.

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Chinese Garden of Friendship

Tucked away in the bustle of Darling Harbour, Sydney, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is like stepping into another world, one filled with winding paths, koi-filled ponds and beautiful bamboo. Built in 1988 as a gesture of goodwill between Sydney and Guangzhou, China, it is a rare slice of calm in the city. You can walk past waterfalls, under willow trees, and into quiet pavilions that feel a million miles from the skyscrapers just beyond the walls. It’s not just a garden but also a reminder that peace can grow right in the middle of chaos.


This is an image of a Chinese pavilion, used for a place to rest and reflect within the garden. This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July ☮️
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Doors of WordPress V128

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I had the pleasure of walking around one of my old stomping grounds in Sydney. It’s the suburb of Paddington and I have shown you many, many doors from here before but I knew there were more to see. This area is a real treasure trove for door lovers and I was absolutely in my element. Let me know if you have a favourite this week.

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Although, I love all these doors, I am going to pick my favourite this week as number one, simply because of how inviting it looks. I also love the little stained glass windows in place.

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Wayne’s Word – aesthetic

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 AESTHETIC.

Aesthetic describes something that is visually pleasing or thoughtfully designed. Yesterday I spotted this fantastic building with a unique aesthetic exterior that really popped against the other buildings in the central business district.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July.
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Alarms!

What do you listen to while you work?

Being a nurse, I listen to a lot of alarms ringing while I work, more specifically, dialysis machines alarming. I’m surprised I don’t hear them in my sleep 😜

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Wayne’s Word – flex

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 FLEX.

To flex is to show strength, confidence, or skill. When you originally think of this word, it’s all about muscles, however, it has evolved into a fantastic little verb that means you are not afraid to show what you’ve got. Whether it’s flexing your biceps, your style, your kindness, or even your playlist, it’s all about owning your power.


Flex your joy, life is too short to frown!

This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July.

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Symbio Wildlife Park

Nestled in 16 acres of lush gardens on the edge of the Illawarra escarpment, Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh offers a uniquely immersive wildlife experience for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike. Just a 30 minute drive from our home in the Shire, this is a fantastic place to take visitors who want to see some of the famous Australian wildlife.

Reasons to visit Symbio:

– Get up close and personal with wildlife. Here you can meet and great with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas.

– Interactive Experiences . You can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, alpacas and goats, engage in lively keeper talks, and dive into immersive behind-the-scenes encounters. This is such a novelty that not many other zoos can offer.

– Exotics Meet the Natives. Say hello to cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats, lemurs, small monkeys, crocodiles, alligators, and more. However, as much as I love to see different animals, I can’t help but feel sad that they are here in a foreign country against their will presumably.

– Great facilities including a fantastic playground for kids, a pretty decent outdoor cafeteria, ample toilets and a gift shop.

Some of the animals on show. I love the fact that this zoo is also an animal sanctuary, caring for animals that have been injured and cannot return to the wild. Can you name all of these animals??
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Wayne’s Word – cockerel

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 COCKEREL.

It’s not just a fancy name for a rooster but it’s actually a young one.

In British English, a cockerel is a male chicken under a year old. Once he matures and starts ruling the roost (literally), he graduates to being called a rooster, the term more commonly used in American English.

So while all cockerels are roosters, not all roosters are still cockerels. This was something I just learned today! We spotted this amazing cockerel this afternoon at our local zoo / animal sanctuary.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🐓

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Wayne’s word – donor

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 DONOR.

The word donor comes from the Latin donare, meaning “to give” and that’s all it is, giving a little of what you have, so someone else gets a better shot. No fanfare, no fuss.

Last night I had some free time so I decided to donate some plasma. It’s fairly easy to do, takes about an hour, you relax on the chair and even enjoy a free milkshake. It’s something small but can mean the world of difference to someone that needs it.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🩸
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FOTD – New Guinea impatiens

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the New Guinea impatiens. These flowers are vibrant, tropical flowers known for their bold colors and glossy foliage, originating from Papa New Guinea. These really caught my eye as they look so luscious and if you look closely you can see the raindrops on them as it was a very wet day. Can you also spot two famous landmarks in the background?


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July.

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Wayne’s Word – luscious

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 LUSCIOUS.

This word is one of my favourites!!! It’s not just for describing chocolate cake or juicy apples, luscious is a word that oozes with richness. It means something that is delightfully appealing to the senses, often taste or touch, but it can also describe a voice, a garden, or even a vibe. A bed of New Guinea impatiens in full bloom? Absolutely luscious.

In the UK and Australia you may also be familiar with its shortened version. People often shorten luscious to lush, especially when describing something rich, full, or fabulous. That garden? Oh it’s lush. Those velvet cushions, they are lush. To me it just doesn’t have the same finesse as luscious so I would rarely say lush to be honest.

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Doors of WordPress V127

Happy Thursday everyone! That can only mean one thing…it’s Thursday doors!!! Haha I only have one door today but it’s a beautiful red door from an area, aptly named Strawberry Hills in the suburb of Surry Hills. Not only is the door red, but so is the light shade and the flower pots. I love it.


This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July 🍓

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Wayne’s Word – lugubrious

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 LUGUBRIOUS (thanks for the word suggestion, Arlene) – meaning to look or sound dismal in an exaggerated way.

As you know I attempted a batch of chocolate flapjacks today but the oven had other plans. What emerged was a lugubrious slab of charcoal, dark, sunken, and sorrowful, as if it knew it had let me down. Ok maybe not that bad. Although they appeared slightly burnt, they did taste ok, considering it was my first ever batch. In my defence, our oven is extremely hot, hotter than most so I will adjust to a lower temperature next time. I still had one with a cup of tea and it was quite enjoyable.

Made with chocolate protein powder, oats, flax seeds and Greek yogurt (attempting to be healthy).

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Wayne’s Word – flapjack

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 FLAPJACK.

Have you ever heard of a flapjack or even eaten one? These used to be one of my absolute most favourite treats and I would really love to try and make them but with a “healthier” twist.

Firstly what is a flapjack?

Not to be confused with the American pancake, the flapjack in the UK and Ireland is a chewy, golden traybake made from oats, butter, sugar, and syrup. It is simple and extremely satisfying.

You can think of it as the sweet, sticky cousin of granola bars, packed with oats, sometimes jazzed up with dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips. It used to be a comfort classic for lunchboxes, tea breaks, or just when you need a bit of “something nice.”

I have found a recipe to include protein powder, flax seeds and Greek yogurt and I will try to make them tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes, and if it is successful, I will share the recipe. Wish me luck!

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Wayne’s Word – fibber

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 FIBBER.

Meaning:

Someone who tells a fib – a small lie, usually harmless or playful. A fibber isn’t necessarily deceitful or malicious, just someone who is bending the truth a little.

Examples you could hear in Northern Ireland:

“You’re such a fibber!”

“Don’t be listening to him, he’s a total wee fibber.”

In Northern Ireland, fibber is more commonly heard than in many other parts of the UK. It is used affectionately among friends, family, and especially with kids –

“Are you tellin’ me porkies? You wee fibber!”

This is a very popular bar in Belfast that I used to drink in often when working across the road in the Grand Opera House Belfast. Featured for obvious reasons 😉

This image is also posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July ♥️

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Weekend activated

Happy Saturday everyone. I happened to be wearing a red jumper and red sunglasses so why not add to the challenge.


Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July ♥️

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FOTD – Mexican Lily

Happy Friday everyone. I spotted this stunning Mexican Lily here in Miranda and had to share as my flower of the day. What a beautiful flower to discover on the side of the road, the red colour is POPPING!


Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed challenge for the month of July and thinking of Cee as this was where I discovered the flower of the day challenge.

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Doors of WordPress V126

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week I have only one door to show but it’s a real pearl. This was spotted last weekend in a little bar on the main street of Bundeena and I instantly fell in love with its aesthetic. I’m not sure what the theme is, maybe you can help. I feel like it could be a nautical theme due to the porthole with a compass in the middle that they must have added. Also the couple of bottles on the door which I assume could be the idea of messages in a bottle, found at sea.

I love the wooden style and the fact that it looks weather beaten, maybe from the sea. The boat on the top left corner also adds to its nautical appearance. I happen to know that this bar is called The Salty Pearl, which also resonates with something nautical.

I even had a Salty Pearl cocktail that was delicious. This is such a great bar to check out, one of our faves.

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Wayne’s Word – chortle

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 CHORTLE.

A word that sounds as funny as it feels. Chortle means to laugh in a breathy, gleeful way and it is a combination of a chuckle and a snort.

Created by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass, it is a perfect word for those moments when a laugh bubbles up and escapes before you can stop it. It is joy, surprise, and silliness all tangled up in one noise and it is one of my favourite words, although not one I tend to use very often.

I do love when you cannot stop laughing at something silly and no matter how hard you try, you just cannot stop. Sometimes it’s at something very inappropriate too and you laugh that hard that your stomach actually starts to hurt.

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Wayne’s Word – accomplished

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 ACCOMPLISHED.

The word comes from the verb accomplish, which means to carry out or achieve something successfully.

There’s something quietly powerful about the word accomplished. It is not flashy. It does not shout. It just stands there, finished, earned, done.

To feel accomplished doesn’t always mean climbing Everest or hitting a massive milestone. Sometimes, it’s ticking a goal off your list. Sometimes, it’s just getting through the day and still showing up for yourself.

In fitness, we chase progress but accomplishment isn’t always about size or speed. It’s about effort and consistency, as well as the little wins that build up over time. I was writing about competing in HYROX last week and yesterday came the official photos. It was so good to see some photos of the event and look back at what I have accomplished. I didn’t enter the competition to try and win, I just wanted to experience it, see if I could actually do it and to my absolute delight, I completed it and it wasn’t too bad at all. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable experience that I would love to do again one day.

Men’s doubles at HYROX Sydney

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Wayne’s Word – milestone

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 MILESTONE.

This can described as a significant stage or event in your life, a journey, or a story worth remembering.

Milestones are not always the big flashy things. Sometimes they are the small wins, for example, getting through a tough year, starting something new, or still showing up after all this time. That’s me today as I celebrate 8 years with WordPress on my blogging journey. I cannot believe it’s been that long since I started my blog and although it’s not life changing, I am proud to still be here and contributing in even a small way. Thank you all for making it such an enjoyable experience 🙂.

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Wayne’s Word – knackered

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 KNACKERED.

Do you ever get home, flop on the sofa and think, “I am absolutely knackered”? If so, you are in good company. In Northern Ireland, knackered is the go-to word when you are completely exhausted, physically, mentally or even both. It is one of those brilliant words that sounds exactly like what it means. For me, it can be shorthand for needing a sit down and a cup of tea. This is how I feel after competing in Hyrox on Friday. I felt fine yesterday and even worked a full shift but today my legs are tired and I am mentally drained.

However, it was a beautiful winter’s day here in the Shire and we wanted to make the most of it. We took the ferry to a favourite place of ours near the National Park, known as Bundeena. I have a previous post on this place here but it was just lovely to visit for a few hours this time. After walking from the ferry terminal, around the village, checking out the local markets, I am definitely ready now to sit down with a cup of tea. I hope you all have a lovely Sunday too. I can hear the thunder roaring here and a big storm is on its way so I won’t be leaving the house for the rest of the evening.

Tom Thumb 3rd
Loved this friendly passenger
Checking out the local art
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