Alrighty, here we go …
Let’s talk about the weather …
According to my temperature blanket, the days are still warm—mainly in the mid-to-high 20s—but the nights are getting cooler—mostly in the mid-to-high teens. Autumn—or what passes as autumn here on the Sunshine Coast—is almost here.
The Aussies – Australian Surf Live Saving Championships – took place up here during April and our beaches certainly turned on the weather for them.
… and going places …
Sarah and I had a mini break in the big smoke—okay, it was just Brisbane, but we went to the theatre to see Beauty and the Beast and stayed over, so it’s a mini break.
Before the theatre we went for a wander through the art gallery and had high tea.
and afterward we toasted the release of One For Sorrow with drinks at a rooftop bar.
I spent most of last week in Sydney visiting my parents. I also managed a quick trip to the Central Coast to see my brother and his family.
While on the Central Coast, I caught up with a good friend who recently bought a cafe on the beach at Lakes Beach. I’ve been helping him out with things like logos and his social media, so spent half a day photographing some of the burgers coming out of the kitchen.
What I’ve been watching …
Not a whole lot to be honest …
There’s a new series of Vera on ABCTV and Masterchef is back.
Other than that, I’ve been watching reruns of Antiques Roadtrip (for research purposes) and revisiting Midsomer Murders (the Tom Barnaby years) to help me get in the mood to write cosy crime. Which brings me to …
What I’ve been writing …
While Christmas at Fountains Hall is off with my editor I’ve been writing the third Philly Barker mystery. I’ve set myself the target of having this draft done by the end of May and, after a little getting back to know yous, am tracking well. As usual, I have no idea how this one will pan out, but I’m enjoying the process.
Over to you …
Alrighty, that’s enough from me … what’s been on your calendar this month? Perhaps you’d like to update us on your word of the year or intentions? We’d love to hear about what you’ve been up to…
The linky is below and it’s open for a week…
My co-hosts are:
Deb at Deb’s World
Sue at Women Living Well Over 50
Donna at Retirement Reflections
And Anyways... 
Looks like a great month and I am looking forward to the next Philly Barker already.
I’d better write faster then …
Hi Jo, lovely to catch up on your news and well done on getting stuck into the new Philly!! I see that the Vera star is finishing up on the series, she’s brilliant in the role so not sure what will happen now. Lovely photos and glad you enjoyed some time with your parents and Sarah, not that long until you’ll be down our way 🙂
Hi, Jo – Great weather, mini break, mother-daughter time, galleries, high tea, visiting family and being called upon for your food photography talents all add up to a wonderful April. I was especially delighted to read about your author updates. I greatly look forward to reading Christmas at Fountains Hall and your new Philly Barker Mystery soon! ❤
You’ll be getting Christmas at Fountains Hall once it’s back from editing … man, I struggled with that one!
Hoorah! I was hoping that you would say that (the first line that is, not the second)! ❤
Beautiful, beautiful pictures! the 4th photo with the blue sky is spectacular! The “monoliths” at the art show look interesting…
Thanks Marina. I walk on the beach most mornings at 5am and that pre sunrise light is always lovely.
The weather is glorious after all the rain, Jo and I can safely say that Autumn has arrived! It was lovely for you to have time with your parents and brother. It’s not like you can just pop in and see them anytime so visits are extra special. Enjoy your time and away and congratulations on publishing One for Sorrow, I loved it! I also love our co-hosting team for #WBOYC? what a stunning team we make x
After the border closures I’ll never take it for granted again.
Your beach pictures are also so serene and wonderful looking! It’s been a long time since I was on a beach! Your month seems to have been very family focused, which is nice, but still, I always find it exhausting to be away. Do you? Looking forward to Philly!!!
I find it very exhausting to be away – I think because I’m “on” all the time – and there was quite a bit of transit between which is is also tiring.
Seeing those images from Lakes Beach was so good. It was such a great place of healing and refuge from 2016 until 2022. It was not a great surfing beach but a wonderful walking and paddling beach.
I am so pleased to read about your writing success and wish you well.
Thanks for the link up,
Denyse x
Thanks Denyse, I hadn’t been there in years. My husband actually proposed at Norah Head lighthouse so it was cool to see that in the distance.
wow! If you ever want a photo or video as a memory I have around 5 thousand! Loved visiting there & around it! Magical spot! Onya Grant! And to you for saying YES
It sounds like you had a lot of fun this month, Jo. Your photos are beautiful and make me wish I had been there!
Awww thanks Christie.
What a lovely month and it sounds like your writing is going really well!! Those burgers look yummy; I’d sure order one based off those photos.
I’m loving how this story is shaping up…
What lovely pics. A mini break is anywhere away from home in my book…stay in the same city counts! I didn’t realise your family was down here (NSW). Nice to get time with them all. And on the beach no less! (I guess that’s not as exciting for you….but still!) #WBOYC
Yeah, my parents and one of my siblings are in the Hills, I have another sibling over in Epping and my brother’s on the Central Coast. I try to get down to at least see Mum and Dad every few months.
A nice mix of family time, relaxation and creativity by the look of things.
Absolutely – a good mix.
OMG – your foody photos look amazing! Another hidden talent.
Your mini break to Brisbane looks like it was great fun. How lovely to have time with your daughter.
really looking forward to the next Philly book but currently enjoying One for Sorrow. Congratulations on this new release.
Sarah is one of my favourite people to travel with – I’m fortunate she feels the same.
Looking forward to reading the new book Jo. You sure do pack in a lot of action into a small visit.
Hi Jo – I bet you’re loving having Sarah back closer to home again – and the mother/daughter outings that will be back on the agenda on a regular basis. Glad the book writing and editing is going at a steady pace – I expect to see your name on Oprah’s bookclub list soon (does she still have that?) Next into May we go….
Oh wow you have been a busy bee! Love the cocktails and high tea and I bet B and B was fabulous. Your getting colder temps are our getting higher temps although the mercury is barely out of the teens here! Love the food photos too and yay for the writing going great guns. You’re on a roll!