A Night Out at the Theatre

I really love old buildings. I love the detail in the architecture, the arched windows and the sense of character that I often find missing in contemporary buildings. Toowoomba is blessed to still have many of its historic buildings and I love wandering around the city streets, bemused at the way they sit juxtaposed to …

West Creek Reserve

  We're pretty spoiled for parks here in Toowoomba. There are the Japanese Gardens at USQ, the waterfall and walking track up at Picnic Point and Laurel Bank Park right next to Yellow Bridge where Dan goes everyday. Right in the centre of town there is Queen's Park where many events and festivals are held. …

166 Days Till Summer

Today is officially the coldest day of the year for Toowoomba and I can quite believe it. The wind is howling around the house, underneath the garage door and into our living area. It is absolutely freezing outside. This morning it was just 4 degrees at 7.45am when Dan and I ventured outside to go …

The Japanese Gardens – Ju Raku En

The Japanese Gardens are one of my favourite places in Toowoomba. A walking path meanders around the gardens, past tall trees, over traditional red bridges and past waterfalls and lakes. In springtime, the cherry blossoms are in flower and the ducks and other wildlife are nesting.  The garden's official name is Ju Raku En, which …

Dog Alert

  Now that the weather has started warming up, we have been getting outside a lot more. I had noticed that some extra padding had mysteriously accumulated in various places over winter so I have been determined to be more active. One morning I decided to take Dan for a walk around our neighbourhood block. …

Spring – At Last!

  Yesterday was the first day of spring. The sky was a perfect shade of blue, the sun was shining, and there was just a little breeze. It was the perfect start to a new season. I am so glad to see the back of winter, even though this winter has been unseasonably warm. When …

Waterfalls

I have a thing for waterfalls. There is something about them that always draws my attention. Perhaps it is the sound of the water as it rushes down the rock face and hits the water below. Perhaps it is the freshness of the spray that lingers in the air. Or maybe it is just the …

Bush Running

  Every week my son, Dan, goes bush walking with a support worker up at Picnic Point. Dan is tall and thin and has long legs. It comes in handy sometimes. When we do the grocery shopping, he can reach the items on the top shelf. Dan didn't inherit his long legs from me. He is …

Stepping Out

Welcome to Living on the Downs. In case you are wondering, the Downs refers to the vast Queensland region on the western side of the Great Dividing Range. Also known as the Darling Downs, it spans from Toowoomba to Miles to Goondiwindi. I didn't grow up on the Downs, but since 2001 it has been …