Wagga Wagga to Worcestershire & back again
February flew by. It felt like the year started properly this month – back to routines and finding a rhythm to the weeks again. I got so caught up in it all that I completely forgot to post last week (!) but I think it was serendipitous, because it means I get to share an impromptu weekend away with you…
Continue reading “February”
If I could sum up the last month in two words, they would be ‘rain’ and ‘gardening’. October has proven to be a very soggy month in Wagga Wagga – the river’s been in flood twice in the last few weeks, and it feels like every other day rain, showers or thunderstorms are forecast. The timing of the exceptionally wet weather has come at a time when Adam and myself are working hard to try and landscape our new garden. So in between the rain, we’ve been spending virtually all of our spare time outside digging, mulching and planting…
Continue reading “October”
It’s hard to believe the last time I wrote here was nearly two months ago, on the eve of our little family’s departure to the United Kingdom. We had the most wonderful five weeks away and it’s only really been these last few days that it’s felt like life has returned to normal. It was one of the warmest and driest summers in England on record, which was incredibly evident in the countryside around us. The long, long sunny days though felt like a treat after a very rainy winter in Australia (it’s turning into a very rainy spring too) and certainly made sightseeing and catch-ups with friends and family easy to plan.
Whilst the trip was technically holiday, it almost didn’t feel like one. As we were returning to an area where Adam and I had lived previously it really felt like we were just living back in England again. We knew the region, the roads, shops and eateries. We picked up groceries every few days, saw loved ones on multiple occasions and returned to places we love.
These were some of the highlights…
Continue reading “August/September”
All going to plan, Adam, Paul and myself will depart for the U.K. tomorrow. It’s been almost four years since Adam and my last visit. A pregnancy and a global pandemic thwarted previously planned trips, so to say we’re a little excited is probably an understating it. We’ll have nearly six weeks with Adam’s family in Worcestershire to reconnect and enjoy the last month or so of what’s proven so far to be exceptional English summer…
Continue reading “July”
Often, when you move to a new town you spend the first little while visiting local attractions. Then if you end up settling in that community, those trips to landmarks get fewer and farther in between. Eventually it turns into years, and you start to forget why these places were top of your list.
I found myself in that exact situation earlier this month, and when I revisited one famous local spot I was pleasantly surprised at how it had grown and changed…
Continue reading “March”
Hello! Here we are, at the end of the first month of the year. January’s a funny one isn’t it? At times, it feels like both the longest and shortest month of year. A mix of long, languid summer days and the chaos that is getting back into the work/school/daycare routine once again.
In 2022 I’ll be doing things a little differently on the blog. I’ve used my break to have a really long think about how I want this space to look, feel and sound, so there’ll be a few changes moving forward…
Continue reading “January”
Well, here we are – Christmas is nigh and another year is rapidly drawing to a close. When I first started writing this blog, a little over five (!) years ago I wasn’t really sure what to expect. It started as a way to document life in a new country. Since then a lot of life has happened – marriage, a baby, a global pandemic. It’s been quite the ride and it’s been both cathartic and challenging at times to share that with you…
Continue reading “Summer salutations”
Midwinter is upon us and it certainly feels like it. This month has been damp, cold and over the last few weeks the COVID situation in New South Wales feels like it’s gone from bad to worse. Deepest, darkest winter is certainly living up to expectations. On the flipside, the rain’s been good for the garden and local farmers; there’s been ample time for snuggly stories with Paul; and I’ve been able to wear my favourite jumpers on repeat. So there’s that – and a few other things too.
This is what’s been making me smile this month…
Continue reading “What’s been making me happy: July”
A few weeks ago Adam and I decided to set aside a few days in July for a little mini-break. We wanted somewhere not too far home, where we could switch off for a few days but still take advantage of amenities. We settled on Tumbarumba, a small town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, about an hour or so drive from Wagga Wagga. Initially we thought we might check out the town’s new rail trail and perhaps visit a few picnic grounds surrounded by bush, but as the days to our departure date inched closer it became apparent our visit was going to coincide with some wet, wintry weather and outdoor activities would be difficult, especially with a toddler.
Despite the lack of blue skies we had a really lovely time away and even managed to give Paul his first experience with snow…
Continue reading “Tea, toast and Tumbarumba”
We got our first proper taste of winter this weekend past – clear cold days with gusty, chilly winds. It had the entire family reaching for thick jumpers and woolen hats and there were ample golden leaves to crunchily walk through, with the breeze almost stripping some trees bare.
The way the weather was, it’s hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago we were in Queensland on our first proper beach holiday, where our days were spent, trying to a catch a breeze, swimming in the ocean and eating outside as often as we could. While daydreaming of that lazy week by the seaside, I realised I never shared with you what we did, so today I thought we’d skip back in time briefly and reminisce…
Continue reading “A seaside holiday”
Wattle and Ash 