Tag Archives: flowers California, the third largest state in the USA, covers some remarkable terrain. With almost 900 miles (1450 km) of Pacific coastline and several mountain ranges, the topography ranges from magnificent forests of giant redwoods to the subtropical Mojave desert. The state is also home to two of the US’s top-five most populous cities, with their notorious fogs and smogs, and home to […]  “Let’s dance! Put on your red shoes and dance the blues…” David Bowie died earlier this month (January 10, 2016). There is no denying his influence over the zeitgeist of the era I grew up in, and the news of his death stunned me like a blow to the solar-plexis. All over the world, tributes have […]  Another year draws to a close… I find that the period of “limbo” between Christmas and New Year is a good time to reflect on the past: on the trials and accomplishments of the year that is finishing. This time in 2014, I wrote: “This last year has been a turbulent one: wars, acts of terror and insanity, […]  The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine-growing regions. Pokolbin, less than 200 km north of Sydney, is the centre of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, and a popular destination for weekend getaways and short breaks. With well over 100 vineyards – most with cellar door sales and tastings, and many hosting weddings, musical performances, or conferences – the area boasts restaurants, boutique shops, […]  Ever since reading Heidi as a child, and “studying” Switzerland in Grade 3 Social Studies, I have dreamed of walking in the flower-filled meadows of the Swiss Alps. When my husband and I planned to visit some Swiss friends last year, I thought my chance had come. Alas, being geographically challenged as I am, I didn’t realise […] |
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