Pauline Conolly

WONGA PARENTS – CHANGE OF SHIFT
So our resident Wongas are raising yet another set of twins. They were sitting on eggs all through the March ‘big wet’ here in the Blue Mountains. The chicks need constant care and it’s time for Mr Wonga to take over the afternoon shift. His partner has...
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A DESIRE FOR DESKS
Perhaps because I’m a writer, I’ve always had a passion for desks, especially roll top models, and those with secret compartments. Unfortunately I have never owned either type. My passion for history led to me discovering portable desks, also known as campaign desks. Some even had fittings...
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THE LITTLE BLACKHEATH LIBRARY THAT GREW
I was charmed to come across this little street library outside the old Presbyterian Church Hall in Wentworth Street. The first time I saw it there were even little prayer books inside. I was touched, because the church itself (next door) is struggling with a dwindling congregation....
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JARDINS….LITTLE TREASURES OF THE LOT
It is mid winter here at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, cold and very wet. I have been watching Monty Don’s TV series on French gardens. Oh dear, the longing it evokes is almost physically painful. How long will it be before we can enjoy that beautiful...
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BREAKFAST AT SYDNEY’S INDUSTRY BEANS
Industry Beans is a great little breakfast spot on Sydney’s York Street…..at number 40. If you are on the way to work you can grab a coffee and a bakery snack (or even a bag of their specialty coffee beans to take home). When there is time...
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THE WHIP BIRD…WHAT A LITTLE CRACKER!
The penetrating call of the Australian native Eastern Whipbird is actually made by a pair of birds. The male gives the long ‘crack’ of the whip, to which the female responds with a funny little choo-choo noise. It’s a wonderful thing to hear. In the old days...
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WENDY – ON WHEELS FROM DAY ONE!
This is a guest post from my friend Wendy Moline. Wendy came across some old family photos of various motor vehicles, and I was enchanted by them. However, the first image is a very special drawing. In bygone days My first trip in motorised transport was in...
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SILVER THEFTS FROM A SYDNEY MUSEUM
The forerunner of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum was The Technological Museum, located in Harris Street Ultimo. Its purpose built home, completed in 1893, is now incorporated within the vast University of Technology campus. In 1921 there was a robbery at the museum, which went un-noticed for several weeks....
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