Guests started arriving while Brendan and I were getting ready (in separate rooms). Our contingent of helpers ushered people in, had them sign the guest book, and add tags to a world map to show where they were born, where they live now, where they first met one or both of us, and a place… Continue reading Pink Wedding: Arrivals & Aperitivo
Author: Deirdre Straughan
Singapore Botanic Garden
In June 2023 we visited Singapore, first time for both of us. One of the attractions strongly recommended by my classmate Lauri, who had lived in Singapore for years, was the botanic garden. It was indeed worth the visit, especially for its huge orchid garden. One area within the orchid garden is dedicated to Singapore’s… Continue reading Singapore Botanic Garden
2023 Diary: January – June
January: Mitchell began high school (which, in Australia, starts with year 7). February: I quit Intel and retired in a state of severe burnout. It was nonetheless a busy year. Sydney World Pride Parade – Feb 23 Royal Easter Show – Apr 10 Japan – April Nezu Shrine Azaleas Japanese Food Osaka Castle Grounds Shopping… Continue reading 2023 Diary: January – June
Family Stories: Uncle Louis
I’m doing some electronic file cleanup today, and ran across a piece of writing my dad must have sent me years ago but I have no recollection of reading. It’s an interesting window into the lives and attitudes of my grandparents and great aunt and uncle, all of whom I barely knew. . . .… Continue reading Family Stories: Uncle Louis
Memorabilia: Steiff Ibex
As part of my childhood love of animals (stuffed and real), I somehow became aware of Steiff, the German manufacturer of iconic stuffed toys and inventors of the original Teddy bear. They sold a huge range of animals of all sizes and species, most of them about as realistic-looking as it was possible for a… Continue reading Memorabilia: Steiff Ibex