Winter has really set in here in South East Queensland – and yes, I’m aware that ugg boot weather here on the Sunshine Coast is probably very different from winter where you are.
I think I’m finally on the mend in regards to the head cold from hell – it’s amazing the difference that being at home and taking it a tad easier on the socialising front can do.
Anyways, without further ado, here’s the stuff that made me smile last week.
Morning walks
With views like these how could they fail to inspire me?
This word
Now you have a name for it…you’re welcome.
This quote
As a young man Winston Churchill was asked about a dinner he’d had the previous nice. “Well,” he replied, “It would have been splendid…if the wine had been as cold as the soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and the main as willing as the duchess.”
Just brilliant.
This day in history
For the Useless Book of Knowledge, last Thursday, the 6th of June, was the 160th anniversary of Queensland’s separation from NSW.
And in case you didn’t know
New Zealand was also once a part of NSW and was proclaimed a separate colony on May 3, 1841. So there.
What I’m working on
I got the notes back from my editor during the week for the novel formerly known as Christmas at Curlew Cottage. It will, henceforth, be known as Escape to Curlew Cottage – at least until I decide that title doesn’t fit either.
Seriously though, I’ve started the rewrite and am really enjoying the slightly different direction I’ve decided to take my characters in.
Donkeys on walls
I love the mural on the wall of the Columbian Coffee Club in Brisbane Rd. Every cafe should have a donkey on the wall.
Numbers
At some point during last week, the 2 millionth visitor since midway through 2014 clicked in and had a wander around my astro site. I still can’t believe those numbers. As an aside, I suspect something is going on though as my numbers on that site over the last couple of months are down by about a third what they were in January and February. Whatevs.
Noticing things
I reckon last Sunday night’s episode of Harrow on the ABC was filmed partly at Sealife in Mooloolaba – the jellyfish tank scenes, at least. Something else for the Useless Book of Knowledge?
Cooking
I’m putting in a real effort to eat more healthily during the week so made this pho on Wednesday night. It’s the ultimate treat your body like a temple soup. You can find the recipe here.
I also prepared a braised pork in kecap manis, star anise and ginger that I was trialling for the Clancy’s Campfire Cook-Off at Eucumbene in a couple of months. I’ll post that recipe in another couple of weeks.
Finally, I baked (but didn’t eat) this lemon drizzle cake to take along when we called in to see some friends who have just moved into the fab new home they’ve been building in the Hinterland.
Keep an eye out for the recipe – it’s scheduled for the next week or so.
Okay, that was my week…how was yours?
And Anyways... 
I always enjoy your 5 things Jo, you cover a great range and let us see into your life! I’m enjoying the change in temperature up here!
The days have been gorgeous haven’t they? Enjoy your stay up here. If you get as far as the Sunny Coast give me a yell.
Yes it’s been so nice and warm Jo! We are heading up to Kingaroy next week.
That donkey mural made me smile. The colour and promise of exotic places. Just what I need as we get into the thick of winter.
SSG xxx
Just how cool was that donkey??? Have a great week.
I’m always impressed that you find 5 things each week Jo – I’m lucky to come up with one or two when I look back! Loved the diet quote – it’s the story of my life and I’ve always liked the “I don’t always diet and exercise but when I do, I expect the results to be instant, dramatic & spectacular” meme 🙂 Glad you’re feeling better and I look forward to your next 5 things x
Thanks Leanne, some weeks it’s a struggle to get started but as soon as I find one thing, I find another and then…you know how it is…
Pleased you’re feeling better – you won’t be sorry that you missed the cold snap we’ve had in Sydney. It’s been baltic! That cake looks delish! I’m thrilled to discover the word, ‘tartle.’ I love to match a word to a behaviour! Very exciting about the book – you’re unstoppable!
awww shucks. Have a great week 🙂
Hi Jo I was thinking of you this morning and how much I look forward to your Instagram photos of the sunrise each morning. What a gorgeous way to start the day and how could you not feel good. I’m pleased you are on the mend and thanks for the word of the week ‘tartle’ which I am so often guilty of lately. I’m very much looking forward to your new book! Enjoy your week my friend. #lifethisweek
Thanks, Sue…you have a great week too…
Lemon drizzle cake isn the best. I made mini cupcakes of that for when I was recovering from surgery and it gave me texture and taste that was so good!
Your photos are always a treat Jo!
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is: 24/51 Thank You to Me. 17/6/19 Denyse
Isn’t it just the best?
Is not isn
Besides the fact each “office” had an amazing “view”, I noticed both your computer photos had coffee along side them. I like that! And that quote…. yup. Unfortunately mine right now is “3 weeks of 3 days a week yoga and 10,000 steps a day and still look the same.” I guess this is how I’m supposed to look!
Wait until you see this morning’s “office” lol…and usually it’s tea rather than coffee, but last week I was feeling a tad on the droopy side.