Category Archives: Lifestyle

Driving: More Fun in the Philippines!

Posted on 10 March 2013 by sheg4184

Recently we have started teaching our older son to drive. In Manila. I haven’t actively dissuaded him from learning to drive, but nor have I actively encouraged him. There are so few safe places to get him used to driving a … Continue reading →

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Departure Lounge

Posted on 2 February 2013 by sheg4184

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion is starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see … Continue reading →

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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Posted on 9 January 2013 by sheg4184

A deckchair on the lawn overlooking a calm, clear sea; a mug of tea squatting in the grass by my feet; a light breeze whisking through the palm trees; local kids playing among the fishing boats ; a couple of old men perched on an upturned boat, smoking, staring … Continue reading →

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Hibiscus and a Piece of Heaven…

Posted on 14 December 2012 by sheg4184

Have you ever had a massage on a raft, two hundred metres off shore, while gentle waves lapped and slapped against the bamboo and a light breeze skipped through the calico curtains, fluttering and flirting against your bare skin, while … Continue reading →

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War Games!

Posted on 11 December 2012 by sheg4184

Do you, like me, often find yourself wondering what to do with your teenagers over weekends and holidays? Are you forever trying to find a reason to drag them away from computers and X-Boxes? Here is one way to keep … Continue reading →

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Sunday Markets: a new religion

Posted on 18 November 2012 by sheg4184

Weekend markets have long been popular sources of quality produce and family entertainment. In South Australia, the Sunday Farmer’s Market has become an almost religious experience, as pilgrims flock to meet the farmers, orchardists, fishermen, cheese-makers, bakers, and cooks who … Continue reading →

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Lazy Susan

Posted on 5 November 2012 by sheg4184

‘One may often find round a single table all the modifications which extreme sociability has introduced into our midst: love, friendship, business, speculation, influence, solicitation, patronage, ambition, intrigue; that is why conviviality affects every aspect of human life, and bears … Continue reading →

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The Burnt Offering

Posted on 29 October 2012 by sheg4184

“The smell of gas was there, and of burning chops when he opened the door. He said, “I’ve got some chops going.” ~ Patrick White, The Eye of the Storm. What do I miss most in Manila? From our 32 … Continue reading →

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Planting Your Own Garden

Posted on 21 October 2012 by sheg4184

At Toastmasters recently, I was given an interesting table topic about forging your own destiny. It provided inspiration for my final speech: Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone else to bring you … Continue reading →

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Jacaranda

Posted on 14 August 2012 by sheg4184

My husband has been in Australia this week, visiting family. Daily texts and emails about walks in the parklands and along the beach were making me nostalgic and ever so slightly homesick. So when I had to do a writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Lifestyle | Tagged , , | 4 Comments