Leaving home

 21 October 2021

Today I left home for the first time since we went into lockdown. I am not rushing back into society so our destination was our daughter's home in an adjoining LGA that we have been prohibited from visiting during lockdown. I felt quite safe there as all of  our family who are eligible for vaccination are double dosed.

Driving out of our CovidSafe Sanctuary

We enjoyed our gathering and our takeaway meal from our fave Newcastle Chinese restaurant Chinois. 

Eye Candy

Looked out the window and what did I see? The Wednesday sailing races have returned to the Lake. I've missed all the sailing action in the backyard during lockdown. The races were another Covid casualty.

Whodunnits in Scotland

I came across a new female detective whose antics kept me amused last night.

I'm always on the lookout for some light reading with a mystery attached so I was pleased to meet Marion Todd's creation, Detective Inspector Clare Mackay, as she chased a serial killer in the area near St Andrews in Scotland. The plot was simple, the characters well drawn and I didn't work out who the likely culprit was until a couple of pages before it was revealed. I liked Clare who had been unlucky in love and lived alone with  her dog. The relationship Clare had with her dog and co-workers added some touches of humour to the story. The book's descriptions of the dismal Scottish winter made me realise that my one experience of that season in Scotland was enough, all other visits have been between May and September.

Unfortunately the title I read,  What they knew, was the fourth book in this series, I prefer to read series in order. I chose this as it was the only one by the author immediately available for loan as an eBook from a local library and I didn't realise that it was part of a series. I presume that this series is popular as the other titles had to be placed on hold. I have now placed a hold on the first book, See them run, and will proceed with reading the series in order. I look forward to solving more mysteries and meeting some of Clare's former love interests. 

Still

13 October 2021

The water in our backyard is mostly on the move but today it was mega calm with the result that my photos showed some breathtaking reflections.

The Rain Cometh

We woke to clear skies this morning so thought the weather man must have been wrong in his prediction of rain. 

Over the past hour the outside temperature has dropped and the wind has been whistling. The rain is now pelting down. Ten minutes I could see it coming across the Lake. The weather man got it right today!

The wind is whipping up the water

20 Something Snaps - A Refreshing Drop

We come out of our Covid lockdown next Monday so, as summer is on our doorsteps, I am thinking of refreshing beverages and social occasions. 

While I don't regularly drink beer, on some occasions I really enjoy an nice ice cold one. 

I don't like a heavy or wheaty beer but find light beer very refreshing on a hot humid Australian summer's day. It takes me longer to drink a glass of beer than a glass of wine so, in company, I find by drinking beer it is easier to limit my intake of alcohol. 

My Scottish genes come to the fore when travelling,  I often have a beer rather than wine with my meal because it is cheaper than wine by the glass and I get more liquid for my money. When travelling in third world countries beer is often a safer option than water, milk drinks or fruit juices that may not have been prepared in the cleanest of conditions.

Looking at each of the images here brings back memories of some of the wonderful places where I have enjoyed a cool ale. I have labelled the photos with the places where I drank them, these may not be their country of origin.

Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Scotland

Xian, China

I didn't drink this one in Munich, Germany

This one was much better in Munich

Bucharest, Romania

Lonkot, Iceland

Sydney, Australia

Somewhere in Turkey

New York, USA

Colombia Icefield,Canada

Baltimore, USA

Monaco

Kotor, Montenegro

Copenhagen, Denmark

On Board, Costa Luminosa

Anchorage, Alaska

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Fort Worth, Texas

Adelaide, South Australia

Grand Cayman

Los Angeles, California

Mumbai, India

You may also be interested in my post from last year - Hello, is it beer you're looking for?

Al Fresco

 4 October 2021

The mercury at our home on the Lake hit 30c today so it was best to stay indoors during the heat of the day. The conditions at dusk, however, were perfect to have an al fresco dinner out on our deck/balcony/verandah with its stunning views of Lake Macquarie. 

As Mr GeniAus had cooked a lovely Crispy Pork with Noodles dish that was served in a bowl we were able to sit in our comfy chairs outside and enjoy our meal which we complemented with a nice but Risky Australian Pinot Gris. 

Crispy Pork with Noodles

Risky Business

It isn't a party without Paddy who joined us for our repast

I'd still be out there enjoying the atmosphere but I was driven inside by some pesky bities who were feasting on my wrists and ankles. We'll plug our bug zapper in before our next sortie for an al fresco meal.