My last post for this year is a look-back on the year that was. So many memories made and much to be grateful for.

Linked to Cee’s FOTD and to Xingfumama’s Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge

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Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas Season and joyous New beginnings…

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“No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again.”

– Buddha.

JANUARY

It is still summertime and it’s our first time going to the Blue Lotus Water Garden. Such a wonderful experience.

FEBRUARY

Started our holiday in the Philippines on Valentine’s day. One thing that the country celebrates well aside from Christmas … is Valentine’s day.

And what better way to live life to the full than to have Filipino food. In the Philippines, every meal is a feast.

To escape and sit quietly on the beach-that’s my idea of paradise.”

– Emilia Wickstead

MARCH

Enjoyed 3 weeks with family in the Philippines. It was such a blessing!

APRIL

Back in Melbourne, Easter celebration is a great family tradition.

And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.

– Raquel Franco

MAY

Mother’s Day is a fun time for me because for once I am the star of the show haha

“One can follow the sun, of course, but I have always thought that it is best to know some winter, too, so that the summer, when it arrives, is the more gratefully received.”
-Beatriz Williams

JUNE

Winter has never been my favourite season. I’ve always struggled to enjoy the chilly and short days of winter.

JULY

A group of us, with my very best friends, spent a few days away and went to Ballarat. We enjoyed the Winter Wonderland light show in Sovereign Hill.

AUGUST

The last month of winter and I find it so hard to go out or even plan activities. Anyway, what I love doing is to go on a warm water pool to do my excercise classes.

And do my sketch meets braving the cold.

SEPTEMBER

Father’s Day in Australia is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. I love seeing the closeness of these two

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”

― Dalai Lama

OCTOBER

Planning stage took a long time, but we got there in the end. Spent a few weeks in Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon and Porto.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

– Dr. Seuss

NOVEMBER

I loved my November. I had time to spend with my son Tim, when we went on a road trip to different parts of the UK. i even had the chance to catch up with my cousin who lives in Edinburgh.

“Remember, if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under a tree.” -Charlotte Carpenter

DECEMBER

Christmas is a celebration of family, and for me, that extends to cherished friends who’ve been by my side since our arrival in Australia in 1991. Our enduring bond has turned the passing years into a tapestry of togetherness.

This time we had our Christmas party by having a boodlefight. Have you heard of “Boodlefight”? “Kamayan” is eating with your hands, typically during a boodle fight—a shared meal with family and friends, served on a banana leaf-covered table, loaded with delicious dishes. Oh what a fun and memorable night with besties.