Darwin is in a flurry of activity this week as the city commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942. Although it’s said that the event was little known in Australia’s history perhaps it’s more accurate to say that it was a good example of war-time “spin”…perhaps understandably in the … More The Bombing of Darwin 19 February 1942: the 70th anniversary
Yesterday I flew interstate on an unexpected trip to Brisbane. So what you might say…well, while I’ve made this journey many times, for some reason yesterday’s flight paths were out of the ordinary. In Darwin, we took off in a westerly direction from the runway, all well and good except Brisbane is south. However the … More Aerial overview Darwin and Brisbane
Happy Christmas to all my readers wherever you are. I wish you health and happiness today and lots of wonderful genealogy discoveries in 2012. Today I’m sharing with you some photos from our drive around Darwin and Palmerston looking at the Christmas lights. This display in Leanyer was the first we saw and was gorgeous….kids were … More Happy Christmas to all! Christmas lights celebration Darwin 2011
Can you believe it will be December tomorrow? I’m having difficulty doing so, even though we’re in the throes of Christmas parties, pageants and concerts and the shops are full of tinsel and gifts (thought I haven’t noticed carol music yet). Inspired by Geneabloggers I will be doing my Advent Calendar of Memories this year…I … More Christmas is coming Down Under
Over the last week Darwin has had some fantastic storms complete with thunder, lightning and very heavy rains….a harbinger of the Wet Season to come. This morning it was pelting down outside and blowing several metres under the roofline and through the doors. The plants love it, and will thrive from the bursts of rain … More Relief from the Build Up and a reminder of the Wet
The Navy was in full-profile in Darwin town this long weekend. We missed the Keys to the City ceremony on Saturday but went with a daughter and small grandsons to see the HMAS Darwin on open public display yesterday. Although it was hot and at times slow, we had a great time seeing over the Australian Navy’s … More The Navy is in town: The Old and the New: HMB Endeavour and HMAS Darwin
Geneabloggers tells us that today is Bagpipe Appreciation Day so with bagpipes in my blood stream how could I let this go. I’ve posted before about my McCorkindale pipers, my grandmother’s brothers ..if you missed that post please have a look at the photos which I think are so evocative. But to branch out today … More Bagpipe Appreciation Day
There are days when our house is like an extra in Top Gun: you know, the movie with Tom Cruise, fly-boys in leather jackets, great soundtrack, lots of super-fast planes and serious motorbikes for those with that predilection. Being the Dry Season in the Top End the annual manoeuvres are on and Exercise Aces North … More Living with Top Gun in the Top End
We have just returned from a wonderful evening listening to Opera under the stars with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra with guest stars, tenor Rosario la Spina, and soprano Antoinette Halloran. What a treat it was to hear such talented performers here in Darwin and for a mere twenty dollars as well! I have their Puccini … More Opera under the stars in Darwin
For those who think it never gets chilly in Darwin, this morning was a breezy 16C. Yes I can hear all you non-tropical people laughing like mad but when the normal range is 25 to 32 daily you get a bit spoiled. So when it drops to temps in the teens everyone is in shock, … More Chilling out in Darwin
Family history across the seas 