Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

Although I do love the high country here in Victoria, I would have to say I prefer the beach, particularly the west coast here in Victoria. My favourite beach is Barwon Heads for families with young children and Ocean Grove as a surf beach. We used to rent holiday houses at Barwon Heads when I was a small child and I have good memories of this as a child, even though when I was a toddler walking along Thirteenth beach a freak wave carried me some distance. I’m obviously not traumatised by that because I love the beach.

I had a dream honeymoon at the seaside village of Queenscliff, not far from Barwon Heads. It is such a quaint historic and beautiful little town, full of character. Although my marriage didn’t work out, I treasure the memory of time spent in Queenscliff.

My favourite little seaside village close to Melbourne would have to be Williamstown. again, it is quaint and full of character. My parents nearly bought a house there when they were first married and I often wonder if they had lived in Williamstown would they still have had me, and how different my life would have been growing up in Williamstown. I love the shops in Williamstown and love the fish 🐟 and chip shop along the pier

I recommend that any visitors to Melbourne visit Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, and Williamstown to get an idea of what life is like in coastal Victoria.

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

The top 3 meals that I like to cook when I have company over for dinner are as follows

1 Chicken and spinach Indian style curry from Gabriel Gates Good food fast. I occasionally have substituted silver beet for the spinach. This is a truly delicious meal.

2. Roast lamb with mint jelly and vegetables. I haven’t cooked this in a while because lamb is too expensive at the moment. I would cook the lamb in my slow cooker with potatoes, pumpkin, and sweet potato. It’s a definite favourite..

3 Beef and red wine casserole with all sorts of veggies. Again, this is a recipe from Gabriel Gates. Good food fast, which I have cooked a lot. It’s a really hearty winter casserole that is made extra special with a little red wine added.

Do you trust your instincts?

Do I trust my instincts? Absolutely I do. In my life, one of the main impacts on me is to trust my gut. If my gut, my women’s intuition is telling me something is not as it seems I know from experience to trust it. The times I have ignored my gut instincts are the times I have experienced difficulties and trouble and strife in my life. When I trust my gut, I make wiser choices with my life. So yes, I do trust my instincts.

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

My favourite month of the year is November. I like it because it is late Spring here in Melbourne and the flowers 💐 are blooming. The weather is just starting to heat up and is pleasant. Daylight saving means the days are longer.

What is your favorite place to go in your city?

In the past before covid and lockdown occurred. My favourite place to go in the City of Melbourne was the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade on Collins Street. It was a historic landmark in Melbourbe that was affected economically by lockdown. It moved to Bourke Street, but I heard recently that it had closed. It’s such a shame to lose something of such historical significance.

My favourite place to go in Sunbury is the Gatehouse Cafe at Rupertswood. It is such a lovely old fashioned atmosphere and the food is to die for. I recommend that if you visit Sunbury pay a visit to the Gatehouse, it is truly lovely 😍 👌 👍 🥰.

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

The first impression that I want to give people is that I am a positive, optimistic person with a lot of compassion and empathy for the people of this world 🌎. My friend Russell says that I am a positive force to be reckoned with.

I guess I want people to see the beauty within. True beauty is not what is on our face but is what our heart radiates. True beauty comes from within and is why Susanna was the most beautiful angel lady I have ever met.

Appearances can be deceiving, so look for a person’s inner beauty because that is the mark of a good person. Don’t be fooled by a pretty face. Not everything is what it seems to be. Look for what a person’s heart ❤️ radiates, and that will be your guide as to what a person’s true intentions are.

What book are you reading right now?

The book I am reading 📚 at the moment is The Family Gift by Cathy Kelly. My regular readers will know she is my favourite author. I can read and reread her books endlessly.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could live anywhere in the world it would be in New Zealand. It would be a dream come true. If I was really wealthy I would live in Parnell, an inner city suburb of Auckland, and the wealthiest suburb too. It is full of lovely old mansions. If I wasn’t in Parnell, I would like to live in Akaroa, or Gisborne. They are both quaint little towns and really picturesque. I am absolutely in love with New Zealand, but realistic enough to know it is a daydream and unlikely to ever happen.

Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

There are rwo well known people I have met. The first is Andrew Denton, whom I met at a national mental health conference here in Melbourne. Andrew was there to make his mental health documentary Angels and Demons. I made Andrew laugh with my joke about my own experience of mental illness and stigma. He is actually around the same height as me, and is very engaging.

The other famous person I have met is the Channel Nine Newsreader Peter Hitchiner. I met him at the community radio station I was involved in, when I was in my early 20s. Again he was very engaging and very much the gentleman.

What is good about having a pet?

Having a pet can be one of life’s most wonderful, meaningful and rewarding experiences. Having a pet gives us something to care for and love as well as being something which teaches us responsibility. A pet is totally dependent upon us so yes, it teaches us how to be responsible for something other than ourselves.

The will give us love by the truckload, particularly if we show them a little love. Having a dog, gives you a reason to get out in the fresh air and exercise them on a daily walk 🚶‍♀️

My little Lily is definitely a gift from God. She fulfills me and brings love and joy into my life. I recommend that parents cobsider getting a pet for their children. Yes that will mean taking a fair bit of the work of having a pet on yourself, but it will bring joy to your children.

Lily is the thing I love ❤️ 😍 💖 the most on this world 🌎 and her unconditional love ❤️ is such a gift.