January saw the end of the fires, we travelled through Norway chasing the Northern Lights and being chased by a polar bear. I managed to catch the fabulous Lizzo and Max Frost and bring in the New Year at my last Festival, Field Day (feels an eternity ago) for Disclosure.
Wednesday, 9 December 2020
My year in review - 2020
Bones
Last post for the year for #WeekendReflection and #WeekendinBlackandWhite, but it's a beauty, if I don't say so myself. I was at the doctor and taken by the cheeky smile from the guy watching me from the corner...
Stay safe and here's to a much improved 2021 for us all!
See you in Feb.
Linking with #PictorialTuesday #KeithsRamblings #WordlessWednesday #WWOAT #TheRandom #SundayBest
A Christmas Story
Stay safe, both on the roads and in the air, don't forget to wash your hands regularly and all the other COVID jazz.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and here's to a better 2021 for us all!
A little Christmas tale I wrote many years ago - 100 words exactly:
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“Friendship," said Christopher Robin, "is a very comforting thing to have.” ― A.A. Milne
Lucky
We are so lucky to have got our community transmission down to zero. We all slowly breathe a sigh of relief. Masks disappear though we still madly sanitise and check in everywhere....I am relieved my tickets to STC still require spacing (though that has now changed for any new tickets - bit mistake in my opinion) and I've fingers crossed my Pippin tickets will be isolated by chance. I'm not ready to sit crammed in with strangers. Crammed in with anyone really.
As we have seen, however, it's only a matter of time if we don't take care. How we still haven't sorted out International Quarantine is beyond me. And as for when we stop hotel quarantine, that will be a HUGE mistake.
I look at countries in Europe who got it under control and are now facing lockdown again. I hope we learn from them, but I don't think our powers are even paying attention, which worries me.
So for now, I am making the most of it - theatre, concerts, possibly even DANCING this week! A xmas party with up to 50 friends outside (need the weather to hold for me!!) and all the other end of year festivities. I am 'on the clock' as I like to say, regarding making the most of eased restrictions. I still wear a mask and have sanitiser with me at all times.
I'm trying not to hug people (though I'm finding I have to recoil as they approach me, which is causing all sorts of embarrassment).
I am happy, and feeling very lucky. I did give a number of family their Xmas presents on the weekend 'to put under the tree', partly to avoid getting stuck with it in case we go into lockdown. So while I am revelling and congratulating Australia at our good fortune, I know the minute we open the internal borders, we risk our contact tracers becoming too slow to contain spread (due to too many people moving around, not their competence. They get 'over run' too).
We still need to do our part. Don't assume it's over. Over the next few weeks we need to keep vigilant and as Clint Eastwood said "You've got to ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?" And for now, the answer is thankfully YES!
Linking with #Lifethisweek
Crazy pink sky the other night. |
Wednesday, 2 December 2020
More Gift Ideas for the hard to buy for...(the ISO selection) #XmasLinky
It's been a strange year. For some, they're still keeping a low profile. Here's some out of the ordinary gift ideas for them!
1. Bottle Rocket is doing 2 drinks and a movie for $35 (each cocktail comes with a complimentary pass to rent a film on Movie Night, their curated streaming platform featuring the best new releases, cult gems and classics) the perfect way to make the holiday season special (delivery costs apply). As an aside, they are also showing a Christmas season at the Golden Age Cinema for those needing some help getting into the spirit this year.
2. Give them a night off - you will need to take the surprise out of this by sorting out delivery, but The Grounds have great meals, desserts and sides so you don't have to lift a finger to feed up to 6.
3. Dinner ladies can go in the freezer, so give a few nights off kitchen duties!
4. If they're in the war against waste, and really have anything, save them some bucks and hook them into Zero Co - a fantastic way to reduce plastic consumption with great cleaning products to boot!
5. Give an Audible subscription - 1 month, 3 months or a year. You can even just give a title!
6. Two Good has some luxe items, and for everyone you buy, a second one is donated to a woman in a shelter. A double win in giving!
Don't give clutter this Christmas, give something a little different!
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Antidote
Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Gifts for the hard to buy for - #XmasLinky
1. F*#% AUSTRALIA! - THE GAME
From the makers of 1st World Problems, a brilliant game on Australian politics. You can play as simply a card game and attempt to win the election but for older players, reading about the political shenanigans is hilarious. For overseas players, it is 100% all true* - you won't believe it! Buy here $40 - bonus is you'll have a mirth inducing game for lockdown should that happen again!
2. Mr Consistent Margarita Mix
Bar quality margarita without the effort. You need to add the tequila and pour over ice if you can't be bothered doing the shaker thing. Buy here $30 + postage.
3. Pocket Change CollectiveThese little books are great essays written by activists to get people of all ages thinking. Prices vary but you should be able to get them from your bookseller from between $13-$15, depending on sales.
The chocolate is a taste of Australia that also gives back to Indigenous communities. While shopping online, look at the lovely balms and lotions too....$12.99.
The wonderful singer Grace Petrie has some great merch at Bandcamp. The Pin is very cheap but there's also tees and cups...but in UK so get on it quickly.
These bracelets are $15 and simply gorgeous. They come in a range of colours. The other cute little gift are the wooden Snowmen - Small for $5.50, Medium for $10 or large for $13.
Hopefully there's a few ideas there to get you started!
Add your Xmas themed posts below for #XmasLinky
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I don't know if our air pollution is right down due to COVID, but last night the moon was spotlighting the Opera House in a way I've never seen before.
Our moon is glorious in so many ways.
It can usually make me smile.
It feels good to be back....
Those of you who follow my Insta will know I used to spend a lot of time at the Opera House. I did, until February 13th, my last visit there before the world changed completely.
Until last night.
I went back for an hour long show. Spaced and in a mask.
I was elated.
I went early for my usual treat, a negroni at Portside (followers of Insta will recognise that as my usual photo op with the Harbour Bridge as the backdrop) but alas as they're only open for dinner, I had to settle for a cocktail at Opera Kitchen instead (if I have to make do, that's still a good way to 'settle').
It's not exactly the same. It's a little strange but it feels so good to be back. And it feels good to be looking forward to going back again.
What are you loving this week?
Linking with #MCoW #TravelTuesday #WednesdayAroundTheWorld #WordlessWednesday #WWOT #OurWolrdTuesday #ThruMyLens #WonderfulWednesday and #SundayBest
Friday, 20 November 2020
Pandemic