Cricket matches, especially Ashes series, do not usually engender goodwill between Australia and England. However, as Christmas approached in 1932, Australia made a remarkable gesture. A giant, Ashes themed cake was sent to London to be distributed to the city’s hospitals and children’s homes . It weighed
Read more →
A magnifying glass provided as much enjoyment to children of the Baby Boomer generation (Yes, I’m one) as expensive toys. The following photo was taken at my birthday party in 1957. It’s hard to spot, but the little boy is holding our large magnifying glass to his
Read more →
I do realize that Katoomba is a long way from Paris, but we Blue Mountains residents adore croissants as much as anyone else around the world. This sulphur crested cockatoo is no different. But which ones to choose? Well don’t look at me mate, it’s entirely your
Read more →
Gardens are places of wonder, especially one like mine that borders the Australian bush. Here in the NSW Blue Mountains a eucalyptus tree was the source of great fun recently, but also a sad tale of pride coming before a fall.
Read more →When WWII began, the Tasmanian government did not consider that air raid shelters and measures such as blackouts would be necessary. However, when Japan bombed Peal Harbour on December 7 1941 and subsequently attacked Darwin, everything changed. ‘Surface shelters in Tasmania should soon be an accomplished fact…….The
Read more →
Recently I have been struck by the similarities in building style between our local male bowerbird and my partner Rob, aka Bob the Builder. The pair are simultaneously constructing ‘decks’ here in the Blue Mountains at Blackheath. It’s all about precision, and never settling for second best.
Read more →Let me introduce The Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera). Tasmania might have been known as the Apple Isle, but I swear there were as many cherry plum trees as apple trees when I was growing up in the 1950s.. The fruit is only the size of a tombowler
Read more →
I live just around the corner from the Blackheath duck pond, in the beautiful Blue Mountains. It recently underwent a complete makeover and re-design. The long-necked turtles were re-homed at The Rhododendron Gardens. Two metres of silt were removed and will be used elsewhere. The last
Read more →
Desmond, aka Editor Des, has been sitting at the woodheap bird watching with his mate Bob Banksia; full name Mr Robert Banksia Serrata. They have been hoping to see the arrival of the blue wrens. No luck so far and I think the tension must have led
Read more →
Letters have virtually disappeared these days, along with postcards, greeting cards, telegrams and, to some extent, telephone calls. Social media rules, and I confess I have adopted the new forms of communication wholeheartedly. However, it also gave me great delight recently to look back at a time
Read more →