Friday, September 14, 2012

A loo with a view


Now, getting back to the task at hand…finishing off our Tassie blog.

Our drive to Hobart from Strahan was to be our biggest yet. The trip took us through some of the most picturesque landscapes we had ever seen. We skirted the bottom of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park via the West Coast Wilderness Way. Driving through such vast areas of national park delivered a visual treat at every turn in the road. Another treat in store for us however, was the immediate need for a toilet, as only a toddler can muster. Of course, this immediacy was articulated at such a time where the roadside was impossible, the terrain unworkable and civilisation unforeseeable.

With each escalation of urgency emanating from the back seat, our anxiety levels in the front increased twofold. What were we to do? We were literally in the middle of nowhere…we couldn’t even stop safely to go roadside. Things were looking grim for the rear seat.

By this point in time the rear was becoming feverish. Dad’s foot was depressing further as we rounded another bend only to see the Holy Grail of all Holy Grails - a road sign depicting toilets ahead. My immediate thought was ‘Now, that’s just a little odd, but hey, who am I to quibble?’

So there we were, in the middle of nowhere, civilisation a distant memory and a turn off ahead for toilets.

Granted, a little odd. Perhaps a little too convenient. But hang the expense, it was a huge relief.

Taking our leave of the road, we headed down the dirt track to find quite a substantial toilet block. Never one to let an opportunity pass me by,  we all availed ourselves of the amenities. And might I add, very nice amenities!

Back in the car all greatly relieved, we thought we would check out this odd little detour. Driving a little further, we rounded a bend to be presented with the most amazing sight I had ever seen. Beautiful clear skies, crystal clear waters, stunning symmetrical reflections. Lake Burbury. What a stunning discovery! Not a soul in sight. If it wasn’t for the short one’s immature continence we would never have discovered this little hidden hamlet.

I bet Australia’s early explorers didn’t have such edge-of-their-seats tales to tell like this one…then again, I can't recall many three year olds travelling with the likes of Burke and Wills. More's the pity...


Lake Burbury


Lake Burbury


Lake Burbury

Friday, September 7, 2012

What do you collect?


As part of the Queensland Museum’s 150th year celebrations, I was asked the question...what do you collect?

I had to think about this one, as being a time poor working mum of a busy toddler, I have little time to indulge in a hobby of my own.

I don’t collect doilies. I don’t collect dolls. I don’t collect matchbox cars…and I don’t know why those particular objects came to mind!

But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that I am a collector.
I am a collector of words.

I teach words for a living.

I craft words to relax.

I buy other people’s words to embrace.

I am the ultimate logophile. I am every bookshop owners dream. I am a story waiting to unfurl.

Everyone is a collector of something…it’s just discovering what that collection might be.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Ultimate Kids Collection


Never again be caught out at a toddler convention for not having the right song on hand. The Ultimate Kids Collection is one ultimate collection for kids!

This 3-disc CD set features over 100 tracks, from traditional nursery rhymes, action songs to the more contemporary favourites. You will never be at a loss again for a backing soundtrack for Pass the parcel or Pin the tail.

The CDs are even colour coded with corresponding track listings on the back of the case. For those of us who are more visually minded – this makes selecting a track from the vast array just that little bit easier.
 
It has quickly become a favourite in the car, especially Disc 2 which can be a little disconcerting considering the physicality required with such tracks as the Chicken Dance and the Hokey Pokey – but don’t let a good 5 point harness car seat hold you back!

Available from the ABC Shop, just don’t confuse it with the Kids Ultimate Collection put out by Hill Song. One would imagine a slightly different collection may be had there!

This product review purely expresses my opinion and is not influenced by any form of remuneration.
A copy of the CD was provided for review purposes only.