BOOKS
I am really looking forward to reading this book. It has been on my shelf for ages so time to get stuck in to it.
The blurb…
“Here is a true adventure story about two young men from Sydney who, in 1929, decided to take a holiday with a difference and ride right round Australia on a motorcycle.
This was a feat that had never been done before, which was not surprising as travelling conditions in the outback in those days were often hard and hazardous. It was not an expedition to be undertaken lightly.
With the boundless optimism of youth they bought a 7/9hp FD magneto model Harley-Davidson motorcycle – the grandfather of today’s big twins – fitted a stout wooden box on the sidecar chassis to house their gear and the relief rider, and set out to conquer the continent with just sixty pounds in the kitty and neither a watch nor compass between them.
As the Depression was already looming, they were unable to interest any sponsors in their venture and the only support they received was a jumper apiece from the Harley-Davidson agents.
Seven weeks and over 15,000 km later they returned travel-strained and triumphant. Not only had they achieved their goal and been the first to circumnavigate the continent by motorcycle but they had done so in record time for any motorised vehicle. On the way the two young pioneers had endured just about every imaginable hardship and danger and survived through sheer guts and resourcefulness. “
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Since the election in America I am devoting more time to being an Australian. That will involve a 2025 challenge ( I am starting now) of every other book I read will be by an Australian writer. It might be serious or it might just be a palate cleanser after something serious. I won’t read anywhere near as many Australian books as Whispering Gums https://whisperinggums.com or ANZ Lit Lovers https://anzlitlovers.com do but I am on track!!
I’d like to read more books from writers of other countries too.
I will, of course read American writers as I doubt many of the more serious writers voted for Trump, but who knows. Seems every other person and their dog did. Actually I think dogs are smarter.
I have downloaded Stanley Tucci’s book What I ate in one year as it sounds good. Libby has the audio. I think this will be a good audio book. Narrated by the author himself.
The blurb…
“Food has always been an integral part of Stanley Tucci’s life- from stracciatella soup served in the shadow of the Pantheon, to marinara sauce cooked between rehearsals and costume fittings, to home-made pizza eaten with his children before bedtime.
Now, in What I Ate in One Year Tucci records twelve months of eating, in restaurants, kitchens, film sets, press junkets, at home and abroad, with friends, with family, with strangers, and occasionally just by himself.
Ranging from the mouth-wateringly memorable, to the comfortingly domestic, to the infuriatingly inedible, the meals memorialized in this diary are a prism through which he reflects on the ways his life, and his family, are constantly evolving. Through food he marks – and mourns – the passing of time, the loss of loved ones, and prepares himself for what is to come.
Whether it’s duck l’orange eaten with fellow actors and cooked by singing Carmelite nuns, steaks barbecued at a gathering with friends, or meatballs made by his mother and son and shared at the table with three generations of his family, these meals give shape and richness to his days.”
It is close to travel writing so I think I’ll enjoy it. I’d be surprised if he’s a Trump supporter.
LIFE
Lots of odds and ends this week. I needed to slow down a bit but it didn’t happen. Monday I spent the day with my dear friend from NSW. I mentioned I was going to and we had a fun day out.
Tuesday was the Fullers event I mentioned before. I have one more book launch coming up before December. More on that later.
Wednesday was our book group , already mentioned. Thursday I had to take Ollie to the vet to check on progress of his ear infection. Lookin’ good! Medication continues. I always train the dogs we have as puppies to have something inserted into their ear area. It works a treat as I seem to have dogs over the years with floppy ears and they get infections. So no problem inserting a syringeful of medicines now he’s five.
Friday was my birthday. The big 75. I’m going into the last quarter is what I told my sports minded brother. He thought that was quite funny. Had a lovely dinner with friends.
Saturday I went to another friend’s hens party. Yes at my age!! She is getting married in January. Second for both. It was in a restaurant I’d not been to down at the waterfront. Lots of high pitched voices echoing around the room. Along with a guitarist no one could hear. The sparkling was nice for my one glass.
I spent another weekend day walking around Battery Point, which is the oldest part of Hobart. Many of the houses built in early 20th century or the 1800s. I am starting a photographic project and needed photos for it. More on that later too while it progresses.
Had a lovely goat’s cheese and caramelised onion tart and a cold drink to reward myself for spending hours taking pictures. Then bussed it home.
That sums up activity in this household so will leave you with a wonderful cartoon that was in our local Tasmanian newspaper this past week.
It might be truer than we think.
Have a good week everyone. If you had to migrate to another country where would it be? I think I’d choose the UK so I could photograph all the Wainwrights. You’ll need to google that if you don’t know them.
Travellin' Penguin 