I wasn't expecting to get my life inspiration from a hospitality billionaire, but Justin Hemmes stopped me in my tracks on Friday night. I read an interview with him about the revitalisation of Oxford Street in Sydney. There are big plans for WorldPride 2023 to restore the strip to its glory days. When I was... Continue Reading →

My boss gave me tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour last night as a thank you, but it wasn't to be. I've been writing about the production for work and it sounds like quite the spectacle. As the Opera Australia website glowingly notes: "This is The Phantom of the Opera as you’ve never... Continue Reading →

DD and I are both slammed by work this week, so we were feeling a bit weary as we walked through Hyde Park to the Australian launch of Westward Whiskey Cask Strength last night. When we said yes to the event in early March we hadn't anticipated the workload that mid March would bring. There... Continue Reading →

The youngest turned 16 yesterday. It was both momentous and incredibly low key. There was supposed to be a family dinner on Monday night, but she wasn't well enough due to an allergic reaction. She rallied for breakfast with her dad at a cafe in Hunter's Hill yesterday, then headed to Burwood to get her... Continue Reading →

Things I did not feel like doing last night after working a 10-hour shift: Spending an hour delivering the youngest's passport to her dad's house because she forgot it and needed it to get her Learner's permit today. Actually, that covers it. What I did feel like doing last night was having a therapeutic walk... Continue Reading →

DD's work wife got married on Saturday. It was the most lovely event, held on the waterfront at Narrabeen. Technically, Jules isn't actually DD's work wife any more, but she was for 10 years and they're still great mates. It was a second marriage for both the bride and groom. DD cheerfully describes such scenarios... Continue Reading →

Turning 54 wasn't too shabby. The day kicked off with the youngest asking me if I'd enjoyed my birthday breakfast - the snail pastry she'd brought home from Baker's Delight. I stared at her blankly and we both realised we'd forgotten to tell the eldest - who tends to scavenge in the kitchen in the... Continue Reading →

“Congratulations!Today is your dayYou're off to great placesYou're off and away You've got brains in your headYou've got feet in your shoesYou can steer yourself anyDirection you choose You're on your ownAnd you know what you knowAnd you are the guyWho'll decide where you go Out there things can happenAnd frequently doTo people as brainyAnd... Continue Reading →

I had birthday drinks with my workmates last night at a pub in The Rocks called The Glenmore. It's right next to my office and it has a rooftop bar with the most AMAZING view of the harbour. Seriously, I must win the lottery and buy a city pad in The Rocks, I am in... Continue Reading →

I made a quick side trip into Newcastle during my flying visit north over the weekend and felt a surge of love for the city. I dropped my sister at my parents' place in Lake Macquarie and hooned into town to make a surprise delivery of Drinks Digest goodies to my beer loving friend Katherine.... Continue Reading →