Travellin' Penguin

My sister arrives in five days from California for a month’s stay. I am really looking forward to her visit as I’ve not seen her in five years. We plan on several day trips, some theatre experiences, a market day and a week on the west and northwest coast of Tasmania. I will have my camera on me a lot so who knows what kind of photos I’ll collect.

Today is 34 degrees C in Hobart (almost 100F) so a good day to stay in and write a post.

The original cover is nicer than this one.

One of my book groups met last week to discuss The Dry by Natalia Ginzburg. We only have 5 in the group and really got into a good discussion. Such an interesting tale of a loveless marriage, a mistress on the side, a sickly child and an Italian background. Depressing? Yes, but also riveting to see where it all goes and a good discussion about the interpretation of the ending.

I’ve just started The Castle by Franz Kafka for next month’s discussion. A novel that Kafka did not finish due to his death. A story of the absurdity of bureaucracy and so far it is quite funny with very descriptive characters.

I am also going to begin Richard Flanagan’s latest book Question 7. It has received many great reviews. I went to the launch of this book and that was such a good evening. The stories of his family living on the west coast of Tasmania really drew me in.

I have done a couple of days of street photography and am doing some online courses and studying many you tube videos. It takes a lot of time so not as many books being regularly read but am learning a lot. It really keeps me an hored and I have always enjoyed learning new things. Non fiction over fiction I guess as I age. There is so much out there.

I had to chase these two in order to get that umbrella.

I had a lively conversation with this young woman and her friend. She was really lovely and loved that I was on the street photographing what I see in the city.

I have been playing with AI Chat GPT and that has been great fun. For example I am able to ask it to give me 3 dinner recipes for two adults using an air fryer and it comes up with three recipes, including the directions and a shopping list if I include that request. The recipes look good.

I also asked it to tell me about the book The Castle and I got a really good answer explaining what it is about.

I can see why teachers in educational institutions are wringing their hands over it. It develops and produces quite good essays on any number of topics. I asked it “How can I become a really good street photographer based on the advice of the best street photographers in the world.”. I got a list of ten items telling me what to concentrate on when I go out.

I also asked for a good bedtime routine to follow before bedtime to get over my severe insomnia. My GP has me on a very good behavioural program that’s online and free and it has been starting to work. The AI app gave exactly the same advice with a few more things one can do to prepare for a good night’s rest. This is ongoing.

So quite a diverse week of learning on top of a lovely lunch with a good friend and her son as well as my regular gym workouts and follow up coffee with my fun trainer friend.

Now to just get the spare room fixed up for my sister’s visit. It will go by all to fast I’m sure.

I hope the rest of you are enjoying your weekend and if you’re not do try and find a happy time to look forward if even for a few minutes. It is so important to take care of yourself and don;t be afraid to use the word NO if life gets too hectic.