The year is speeding away and I’m in countdown mode as we fly away in just over two weeks. We will be exploring the UK and Norway for 5.5 weeks and both Mike and I are certainly looking forward to our trip.
But, the time is not for looking forward but rather reflecting on July and what I’ve been up to.
During July, I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC, which was a contemporary take on the original. I loved it although I can understand that the production could be polarising especially for the older generation. We celebrated our granddaughter’s 18th at Sirromet Winery.
I’ve been continuing with my weekly Newsletter on Substack – Your Weekly Boost, as well as co-hosting blogging link ups, Thursdays Thoughts and my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast from which I gain great satisfaction producing. If you’ve missed any episodes just click HERE to find all 176 plus episodes!
Christmas in July with our Probus Group
The highlight of the month was our Probus Christmas in July lunch at Elysium Restaurant & Bar. Almost 90 members joined in the fun and it was great to see everyone dressing up in the spirit. A treat was seeing the Men’s Chorale perform. This was a newly formed group and they have been practising for about 12 weeks.
I wrote about the health benefits of Singing in my post Start warming up your Vocal Chords – How Singing Heals Your Mind, Body & Spirit. This post was inspired by the Men’s Chorale as I saw such a transformation in all the men who performed. They were nervous but overcame their stage fright and sang three Christmas Songs to rousing applause. I hope they start a ladies choir although I would never be a contender for Australian Idol LOL 🙂 xx
Here are some highlights of the day…..
The Second Episode of the Simply Stunning Classic Book Club is now LIVE!
My three online buddies and I discussed another Classic and as always it was a fun and informative chat. The book was ‘The Code of the Woosters’. You can listen to it HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
The Simply Stunning Classic Book Club. We are now recording our online meetings and discussions which dive into inspiring Classic reads, discovering more about the authors, and thoughtful reflections. If you love curling up with a good book, you’ll love what we have coming. You can listen to it HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
We are off to the UK & Norway in mid August and September so I probably won’t be linking up for the next two months. I’ll have plenty to report when I return.
In the meantime, I’d love to know — what’s been on your calendar this month?
I’m sharing my co-hosts’ links as well so remember to pop over and visit to see how their month progressed.
Debbie Harris
Donna Connolly
Jo Tracey
What’s Been On Your Calendar? #WBOYC
What: 2024 Monthly Wrap-Up Link Party.
When: Last Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Last Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere). The link will be open for 48 hours
Why: A space to share highlights from your past month.
Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other social media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
Dates for the Diary in 2025:
Last Thursday, 2 pm (PST)/Last Friday, 8 am (AEST). Please note dates slightly different for July and December – aren’t we organised! LOL 🙂
*July 31/August 01
August 28/29
September 26/27
October 30/31
November 27/28
*January 01/02 2026
21 Comments
You’ve had a good month Sue with a mix of activities. I can’t believe your trip is coming up so quickly – we only have 10 days until we leave! I love your Christmas in July outfit and it’s so good to see everyone joining in the festivities by dressing up.
Our Simply Stunning Book Club podcast is proving to be fun isn’t it?
Enjoy your holiday and we may catch up with you over there, wouldn’t that be fun?
It was a lovely lunch, Deb and so good to see everyone laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves. x
Hi, Sue – You’ve had a full July and your photos are absolutely lovely. Wishing you fabulous trip to the UK and Norway for 5.5 weeks. I am greatly looking forward to seeing your holiday photos and reading some of your travel details when you return.
Safe travels! <3
Thank you, Donna, it is getting exciting now. x
I’ve never been to Siromet, but this is the third reference I’ve heard to it this week, so perhaps I need to add it to my list. Your trip is just around the corner and I can’t wait to follow it through the socials.
I’ve been a couple of times to Siromet, Jo although not recently. It is a lovely place to have lunch or dinner and a wine tour as well. I’m getting excited about our trip which is under three weeks now. x
How fun to read about your big group events as well as your smaller gatherings. They each bring special joy in our lives. Hope you have fabulous travels over the next two months in the UK and Norway! We only have one weekend trip planned at the end of August, but we’re getting new carpet in our home next week, so we’ll be vacating for a few days while that’s happening – a mini-vacation. 🙂
Thank you Lisa. It was a lovely event and I did enjoy the Men’s Chorale. We are very excited about our upcoming trip. Enjoy your mini-vacation x
How fun to celebrate Christmas in July! Here in the States, they do it a lot at craft stores so people can get their crafts done in time for Christmas. I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone actually having a Christmas in July party. I think I may have to do that next summer! Have a wonderful trip. I didn’t realize you were going to Norway, too! We will miss you but will look forward to posts about your adventures when you’re back!
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Oh the Craft stores stocking christmas items in July is a great idea, Marsha. If you do celebrate Christmas in July you will understand what our Christmas in December is like in full Summer! xx
What a wonderful trip! Christmas in July looked fantastic – I’ve been to that restaurant with Henry, it’s great.
Elysium was fantastic and the food delicious, Toni x
Wow a lot happening in July for you Sue and I agree about singing. It’s a special thing to do and be part of a group. Not long before you and Mike are up up and away. I wish you both well and will look out for any social media sharing of your snaps! Thanks for the link up. Denyse x
Your Christmas in July function looks fun Sue. I love the photos. I do love Christmas in July. To me, it’s Christmas without the stress. It always seems to be more of a fun event. How exciting, that you’re now so close to leaving for your holiday. I’m sure Norway will be wonderful. It’s a country that I’ve always thought I’d love to visit.
It was so much fun, Jen. We are really enjoying being part of the Probus club. One week until we leave – it’s getting close now. x
Enjoy your travels, Sue! I look forward to hearing all about them when you return. The Christmas in July celebration looked like a lot of fun.
Thanks, Christie we are looking forward to our trip. It is now one week away! x
I love a bit of Christmas in July! You went in full spirit! And enjoy your travels!
It was so good that everyone made the effort to get into the Spirit, Lydia. Lots of fun and laughter for sure. x
Hi Sue, What a full and fun July you’ve had. Wishing you a fantastic trip to the UK and Norway. I look forward to reading your travel posts when you’re back. #WBOYC
thanks, Natalie. Only a week to go until we leave so getting excited now x