Category: A-Z April Blogging Challenge 2015

D – Diving

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Diving is a spectacular sport to watch and athletes need mental and physical strength to get their bodies to do what is required for each dive. Owing to our daughters involvement in the sport, diving has been part of our world for over 10 years and we have had some amazing experiences with the diving community.

We have attended competitions in all areas from the local club level to international competitions. Through our connection in junior diving we have meet Olympic divers from all over the world that are still competing today. It is exciting to see their dreams come true and understand the hard work they have put into them.

Diving took a different twist a few years ago for my daughter when she began having fun with show diving. Although I think my most inspirational moments in diving were when I attended World Masters Games in Sydney. Two women in particular stood our for me—one larger lady in her 50’s or 60’s who did an arm stand dive and an older lady who began her diving career in her twilight years. Both proved to me you are never to old to follow your dreams.

#A-Z Challenge

C – Casa Loma

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Casa Loma is a beautiful, ornate full size castle built by Sir Henry Pellant and completed in 1914.  Overlooking Toronto Canada—the castle is situated on 5 acres of  land— taking 300 men,  3 years to build. It was the largest private residence in Canada and it is steeped in history. Unfortunately due to changes in their financial circumstances Sir Henry and his lovely wife Lady Mary were only able to live in their spectacular home for 10 years.

Beauty, grandeur and opulence are displayed in every room. No expense was spared on the creation of this historic building and it is a true testament to its owner and Edwardian times. Our visit was at Christmas and they were celebrating 100 years of Christmas at Casa Loma—including traditional carolers. It is the most impressive home I have ever seen.

Possibly our favourite part of exploring this amazing castle complete with its secret tunnels was having traditional hot chocolate and our first s’mores on the balcony. We were in heaven. The only thing that would have improved our day was if there was snow on the ground. You win some, you lose some.

#AtoZChallenge

B – Beer Float

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Although Australian I choose to drink wine not beer. It wasn’t until our recent trip to Canada that I began to learn about beer. At lunchtime on New Years Eve in Montreal my husband and I had lunch at The 3 Brewers Microbrewery and decided to try a beer float.  Our beer float consisted of 6 beers all made on site:

  • White
  • Blonde
  • Amber
  • Brown
  • Christmas Beer—special beer of the month
  • Portobello

I was excited. This was a new experience for me, the beers were beautifully presented and looked appertising—something I would have never consider possible before. And now for the test—what were my thoughts. I tried all beers in order as they looked to get stronger as they went.

White – I enjoyed this unusual beer. It was light with a gingery feel and had a pleasant after taste. I could definitely trial a larger glass later.

Blonde – I had tried blonde beers before so the taste wasn’t unusual. It was wheaty and fruity and whilst pleasant it wasn’t my favourite.

Amber – Described by the microbrewery ” as a specialty found nowhere else” I did enjoy this beer. It had a light, caramel flavour that went particularly well with my lunch—Beef and Mushroom Poutine.

Brown – This was my least favourite beer. I found it a strong, malty flavour that I felt took over. It was interesting to try.

Christmas Cheer – Made only for the month of December this beer was very enjoyable. It had a fun, light, festive taste. The flavours did remind me of Christmas. It was one of my favourites.

Portobello – This beer was dark and strong. Surprisingly, I didn’t find it bitter like other strong beers so I did enjoy it although only in small quantities.

 It was a fun, practical learning experience and I am glad I took the risk. I will gaining more beer knowledge as the opportunity presents.

#AtoZChallenge

A – Australians

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Well I am a day late however I have decided to join the A – Z April Blogging Challenge. It involves writing a post a day for the month of April going through the letters of the alphabet. For most people this challenge started on April 1 with A and concludes on April 30th with Z. As Sunday is a free day I will catch up to everyone then.

I am Australian and proud of it. Australians are an eclectic mix with people from all corners of the globe now calling Australia home. Although affectionately called Down Under and along way from many countries—there are many reasons we are grateful to call Australia home. Some of which are described in my acrostic poem—Australians.

A – Amazing animals

U – Unique characters

S – Sydney Harbour Bridge and other famous icons

T – Temperate temperatures

R – Rugby League and Rugby Union—two of our favourite football codes

A – Art and culture

L – Lifestyle choices

I – Idyllic beaches

A – A friendly bunch of people

N – Nature

S – Surfing, swimming and sports

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