Okay, March. It was a month of travel, birthdays and plenty of day-job work in between. Without further ado here’s the wrap-up.
Where I travelled for work…
Sydney.
Where I travelled for play…
The north island of New Zealand. We did a 10-day mini road-trip of sorts beginning in the Coromandel…
heading down to Rotorua…
and Taupo…
onto Martinborough to celebrate my friend’s 60th birthday and 30th wedding anniversary in the vineyards…
and finally into Wellington before heading home. If you want to see the posts (so far) check out this link.
While I was away… I also celebrated my 52nd birthday. This is me being 52 and sunburned without make-up. A glamour shot it sure isn’t, but it is real. It was also the most popular Instagram post on my main account for March.
When we got back it was time for another celebration…our daughter’s 21st birthday. This is her in the pic below…she doesn’t like having her photo taken…but I’m sure you can see the family resemblance.
What I watched…
I saw Bohemian Rhapsody on the plane – and loved it to pieces.
I’ve also been watching:
- Delicious – with the always fabulous Dawn French on ABCTV
- Victoria (Foxtel)
- Great Kiwi Bake-off (Foxtel)
- Michael Mosely’s Reset (SBS)
What I’m listening to…
- Claire Hooper’s Pineapple Project Pt 2. The tagline is “make work great again” and the pineapple pledge this series is to take things that are prickly and make them sweeter.
- Margie Nomura’s Desert Island Dishes. If you’re a foodie, this is a must listen to podcast.
This month’s most liked Instagram photo…
This one was taken at our fabulous Airbnb in Coroglen, in the Coromandel on our first night in NZ.
What I read…
Quite a lot. 12 books in total – well, I was on planes, buses and holidays.
Some stand-outs in here – The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew was also, I think, Milly Johnson’s best yet, and I also loved Debbie Johnson’s A Wedding At Comfort Food Cafe.
What saddened me…
Last but absolutely not least, we lost the patriarch of our family last Friday – with the passing of my uncle, my father’s oldest brother, at the grand age of 91.
He lived every single one of those 91 years in my Dad’s hometown, Tumbarumba – as had both of my grandparents before him. The pics below are some old ones of Tumba I used in Dad’s 80th birthday album late last year.
I started trying to count just how many direct descendants my paternal grandparents were responsible for and stopped at around 76 – I’m sure there are some great-greats I’ve missed.
RIP Uncle Ivan. Sadly I can’t be in Tumba with others from the family to say goodbye on Wednesday, but Friday night’s whisky was for you – as will be Wednesday night’s.
What I’m looking forward to…
Another holiday! We’re off to Penang and Singapore at the end of the month to celebrate 30 years together and 25 years married…more on that as we get closer!
Okay, that was my month…how was yours?
And Anyways... 
Hi, Jo – I’m sad to hear about your Uncle Ivan. Sending warm thoughts your way.
On a happy note, your birthday shot is stunning! I definitely need to get on to Instagram more often! 🙂
Thanks Donna. It’s sad, but a life well lived. And yes, you should get onto Instagram more often :).
Hi Jo, I thought of you as soon as I heard the news about Ivan and I pass on my condolences to you and the whole family. He was a wonderful man who leaves a huge legacy to this community.
I enjoyed sharing your NZ trip with you through your blog and instagram.
Take care, Tumbarumba shares your sadness xx
Thanks Debbie. I couldn’t get down so my brother has taken Mum down.
It was a big turn out Jo, he was well loved in our community.
How wonderful but sad to lose a family member who connects you to Tumbarumba. I am sorry to read of his passing. Love your updates..and your travel. I think I travel vicariously with you.
Happy 21st to the ‘hand’ right! Kids, ha!
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is Share Your Snaps. 15/51. Hope to see you there! Denyse.