inspiringmax, Author at INSPIRING MAX

O – Oceans

April 19, 2016April 20, 2016 inspiringmax

I love spending time staring at the ocean. It relaxes me and reminds me how vast the world really is. Over my life I am excited to have seen the top 4 of the 5 oceans of the world which in ranked order are:

Pacific
Atlantic
Indian
Southern
Arctic

Growing up I lived 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia and loved going to the beach. Whether it was for a swim, to build a sandcastle or go for a walk give me the opportunity and I would be there. When I was 16 I traveled across Australia and got to lookout and swim in the Indian Ocean. I remember this experience began to give me a sense of how big the world’s oceans were. Then in 2000, just as it was officially recognised as an ocean, I was able to look out across the Great Australian Bight onto the Southern Ocean. I remember thinking that at this point that there was nothing between me and Antarctica, which felt very special.

Then in November 2014, the next stage of my ocean journey was revealed, as from the coast of Newfoundland I saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. She was beautiful even in winter and the thing that disappointed me the most was that although it wasn’t far from St Johns, we couldn’t get to the most easterly point of Canada because it was winter. Personally, I would have loved to have stated that I had been to and possibly even dipped my toe in, the most easterly point of Canada as well as Australia.

One of these days I plan on completing the last two goals of my world ocean journey list — to lookout over the Arctic and to cruise across the Atlantic following a similar journey to the Titanic. I don’t know about you but for me the following Jacques Cousteau quote is definitely true. What do you think?

N – Niagara Falls

April 19, 2016April 18, 2016 inspiringmax

December 2104 saw me tick a major milestone off my bucket list, a visit to Niagara Falls. We visited from the Canadian side which I loved as we got to go under the falls. The power of the water rushing past was deafening and awe-inspiring all at the same time. The bus trip from Toronto dropped us further up the Niagara River and we walked down to the falls taking in some amazing scenery as we went until we reached the spectacular Niagara Falls.

The journey under the falls and the view looking out into the wall of water.

American Falls and Bridal Falls on the American side of the Niagara River walking towards Niagara Falls.

Maids of the Mist take the winter off and are stored on the side of the river.

M – Mexican Food

April 18, 2016 inspiringmax

I love Mexican food. It started back in the 1980’s when I began going out to restaurants, Mexican quickly became my favourite as it was so different to our usual food — full of colour, slow-cooked with unusual ingredients. We had many family celebration in our local Mexican restaurant Taco Bill’s including my hen’s night and I was very disappointed when it closed. Today, although you can buy many Mexican ingredients in the local supermarkets nothing beats a good Mexican restaurant experience.

Last year my husband and I spent a week in Port Macquarie arriving on my birthday. My husband was excited because they had not one, but two Mexican restaurants for us to try. He booked us into both — one on my birthday and the other when the kids joined us later in the week. The first was very disappointing and their service didn’t exist. The second restaurant, Poco Loco was amazing. We had a great night together for my birthday, sharing a meal and creating many memories. I was so pleased with the presentation of my food that I actually took a photo of it, something I rarely do but lucky for this week’s photo challenge.

Just looking at it is making me hungry for Mexican.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/dinnertime/

Coffee Catch-up #7

April 17, 2016 inspiringmax

If we were having coffee I would tell you about how proud I was on Wednesday evening when I was presented with my new Toastmaster badge that places the letter ACB/CL after my name. Although I was pleased to have completed the manuals, the feelings that developed when I actually saw them in print did surprise. They brought home to me the importance of presenting awards as soon as possible after completion. The fact that when I first finished my CC award several years ago, it took me over 12 months to get it recognised by anyone probably also played a part in my feelings.

If we were having coffee I would tell you about my run in with my exercise coach after which he disrespectfully dismissed me and told me I could finish up 4 weeks earlier than my original date. Given the circumstances this was probably the only option as there was no comprise possible.

If we were having coffee I would tell you how I enjoyed swimming, running in the water and relaxing in the members only spa this afternoon for the first time in 8 years. I would also tell you that I am looking forward to the greater options in my new exercise program including aqua aerobics, my long time favourite.

If we were having coffee I would tell you how I am catching up on many long time overdue jobs at work, which is inspiring to think about new systems to make many tasks easier.

If we were having coffee I would tell you what a great meal we had last night with one of my Toastmaster clubs social event at Thai Garden House. The food was fresh, light and flavoursome which is why in 2013, it was awarded Sydney Metro’s best Thai restaurant.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that I am excited to be back on track with my Blogging from A – Z challenge this week. It has taken a lot of work over the weekend especially as I am also keeping up with my regular features but so worth it. From my experience, the more I write the better and quicker I get at it.

If we were having coffee I would ask you what you have been up to this last week, let me know in the comments.

L – Lamingtons

April 17, 2016 inspiringmax

Lamington’s are an Australian icon. They are believed to have first been created, by accident in the kitchen of Queensland Government House by Lord Lamington’s maid servant. She had accidentally dropped the sponge cake into melted chocolate and because he hated waste it is reported that Lord Lamington told her to cover it in coconut so his guests could still eat it without making a mess. Everyone loved the creation except possibly Lord Lamington himself who once described them as “those bloody poofy woolly biscuits.”

Lord Lamington was Governor of Queensland from 9th April, 1896 until 19th December, 1901. On 19th December, 2001 the Australian lamington celebrated its 100th birthday.

Image Credit: Donna Hay

LAMINGTON RECIPE

125g butter

125g sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence

250g self-raising flour

pinch salt

1/2 cup milk

Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time and beat well. Sift flour and salt together. Add flour alternatively with milk to the mixture. Turn into a greased and floured lamington tin (square baking tin.) Bake in a moderate oven (180-200C) for 30 minutes. Allow to cool. Cut cake into squares.

Icing:

Sift icing sugar into a bowl. Blend in cocoa with a little boiling water, add a few drops of vanilla essence. Add butter, mix well, adding a little more boiling water if necessary, until icing is smooth. Dip each cake into icing and roll in coconut. Set aside until firm.

Recipe Credit: Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen’s Classic Country Collection

Addit: Flo’s husband Joh Bjelke-Petersen was the longest-serving Premier of Queensland from 8th August, 1968 until 1st December, 1987.

K – Hello Koala Sculpture Trail

April 16, 2016April 17, 2016 inspiringmax

Until December 2016, the street and building of Port Macquarie, New South Wales are peppered with large-scale koala sculptures made of fibroglass and hand painted and decorated to a theme. The artists consist of celebrities, professionals as well as local community groups. Each koala has a plaque at its base that has the sculpture’s name and artist’s details. There are 50 of them in total and they were built to help support the work of Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital — the first of its kind in the world. I fell in love with them and photographed all I saw, about 37 I think. I hope you enjoy some of my favourites. They were so cute.

J – John Williamson

April 16, 2016 inspiringmax

John Williamson is one of Australia’s most iconic country music singers. Last year he celebrated 45 years since his first song Old Man Emu become a hit. During this time he has produced 50 albums, which equates to more than one a year. He is an amazing ambassador for Australia and his songs touch and connect with all generations. He also isn’t afraid to take on the controversial issues. Even today on a road trips with our adult children, his albums are the only ones that we have no arguments about.

I have seen him in concert a few times in the local pubs and RSL clubs (Returned Service Leagues), after which he is happy to come out to meet his people and sign his autograph on albums or books.

Below is a small taste of his different styles including some interesting images of Australia when the albums were produced —brings back many memories for me. The first 3 I grew up with and have definitely united the country and brought about change. The last one is relatively new but connects with me as on retire that is exactly what we want to do — join the grey nomads traveling around Australia with no cares in the world.

But with 50 albums there is definitely something for everyone’s taste. I think True Blue is my favourite John Williamson song, what is yours? Let me know in the comments.

I – Idioms

April 14, 2016 inspiringmax

Idioms are phrases that have special meaning often very different from their literal meaning. The Australian language is full of them and some can be so common place that we forget that non Australians struggle to understand their meaning. So to help explain my idioms I thought I would dedicate ‘I’ to them and many be help my international readers understand some of our confusing slang.

Phrase: Away with the pixies

Meaning: Dreaming

Example: He’s away with the pixies. ( He’s dreaming.)

Phrase: Bob’s your uncle

Meaning: If you do whatever is said before everything will be alright.

Example: Just three more chops with the axe and Bob’s your uncle.

(My fun response to this idiom has always been — no Bob’s my dad actually.)

Phrase: Don’t get your knickers in a twist.

Meaning: Don’t get upset.

Example: He’s 5 minutes late Mum, don’t get your knickers in a twist.

Phrase: Woop Woop

Meaning: Middle of nowhere, far away from any where of interest

Example: I’m going to Woop Woop tomorrow.

Phrase: Flat chat

Meaning: Go very fast

Example: I had so much to do, I had to work flat chat to get out of work on time tonight.

Phrase: Play silly buggers

Meaning: Messing around, wasting time

Example: They are up stairs playing silly buggers instead of doing their assignment.

Phrase: Pull your head in.

Meaning: Shut up, I don’t want to talk to you.

Example: Jane, pull your head in, you’re becoming a bore.

Phrase: Buckley’s Chance

Meaning. No chance

Example: You’ve got two chance of that happening , your’s and Buckley’s.

Phrase: Mad as a cut snake.

Meaning: Very angry.

Example: Don’t go near dad tonight , he’s as mad as a cut snake.

Phrase: Kangaroo loose in the top paddock.

Meaning: Not too smart

Example: I’ve been watching him for a while and I think he has a kangaroo loose in the top paddock.

Phrase: Bring a plate.

Meaning: Please bring a plate with food on it to share to a party or barbeque.

Example: Mary invited us to her house on Friday night and asked if we could bring a plate.

Phrase: As useful as an ash tray on a motorbike or as useful as tits on a bull.

Meaning: Not a very helpful person or thing.

Example: Janelle was as useful as an ashtray on a motor bike this afternoon when I asked her to help in the kitchen.

H – Hospital For Koalas

April 12, 2016 inspiringmax

Have you ever thought what happens to sick or injured koalas? Enter the world’s first Koala Hospital. Like humans those living around the Port Macquarie region of New South Wales are taken by koala ambulance to the Koala Hospital.

In 1973, Jean and Max Starr began caring for sick and injured koalas in there home. Soon however they realised the problem was much bigger than they had to offer and a purpose built koala hospital began construction which has now grown into a specialist world renown research facility. Today, the hospital comprises of a treatment room, 8 intensive care units, 6 outdoor intensive care units and 33 rehabilitation yards.

When a rescued koala is brought into the hospital via ambulance they are named. The name they are given is divided into two parts — the first name is after the home range in which they are found and their second name is after the person that found them. For example if I found an injured koala, they would be named Sydney Max. A koalas name is particularly important as if a koala is to be returned to the wild, they must return to their original home range and if this information is in their name there is no confusion.

In 1986, John Williamson country singer was at the Koala Hospital when a rescue koala was brought in and was so impressed with the work done that he wrote a song about Australia’s dying koalas — Goodbye Blinky Bill and donated the royalties to the hospital. This generosity has provided John Williamson Wing and allowed the hospital to expand its support for koalas and its research.

There are three main reason 200- 250 koalas each year are brought to the hospital are:

Disease
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Dog Attacks

If you ever get the opportunity add The Koala Hosptital to your to-do list. While you can take a self guided tour at anytime of day feeding time at 3pm is an amazing experience.

F – Future

April 11, 2016April 10, 2016 inspiringmax

In the future my husband and I plan to travel back to Canada especially Newfoundland and spend 6-12 months exploring and soaking up the culture. We visited in 2014/15 enjoying it so much that we made an immediate plan to return after retirement, which can’t come quick enough.