Le Chic En Rose

Diaries of an independent traveller

The other weekend we went along to a Family Fun Day organised by the local Perth community radio station, RTRfm. Our daughter, Mlle, is now working for them as a development and marketing manager so we were supporting her and taking the opportunity for a day out with the family. The event was held in …

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Yesterday, 25th April,  was Anzac Day a day of remembrance for those Australians and New Zealanders who have served their country in wars and conflicts and other operations over the years, in particular for those who have lost their lives in doing so. Originally the ANZACS (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) were a part …

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I’ve been writing about various walks and gardens in Yorkshire recently – some perennial favourites when I’m back there visiting my UK family (see here, here and here for recent posts). For some reason I’ve never posted about Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal although I’ve been dozens of times before (apart from a few photos I posted back …

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Temple Newsam House and Gardens was a favourite weekend outing destination when I was growing up in Leeds. Recently I had a pleasant stroll round the grounds again whilst spending time with my Yorkshire family. It must have been 25 years plus since I was last there! It was the end of April and between …

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Apologies for my lengthy absence from the blog! We are in the midst of  major renovations to the kitchen and laundry area and it has been somewhat chaotic to say the least but we are looking forward to the end result! I did start my series on our recent European trip with a couple of …

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We had an early new year’s family celebration yesterday out in the Swan Valley at Carilley Estate – a lovely boutique winery and restaurant.   It’s been wonderful having Mlle, our younger daughter, back from London for the past couple of weeks – just a few more days till she swaps our glorious summer weather …

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Regent’s Park used to be one of our favourite places for a weekend stroll when we lived in London. We would push our elder daughter around in her stroller – she’s now grown up with a family of her own! I also remember trips to London Zoo, which is housed in one corner of the park and …

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A favourite spot for a walk when I’m visiting my family up in Yorkshire is the gardens at Harlow Carr in Harrogate. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Harlow Carr Gardens have a lovely natural feel about them though it must take a lot of work to maintain, even if does appear effortless! I …

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Alas after being temperamental for the past few weeks my home computer decided to have a total nervous breakdown yesterday collapsing into repeated blue screens with “the kiss of death” then it packed up altogether. Hence I’m only able to use my iPad for the next few days whilst it is at the computer repair …

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We were lucky enough to visit the exquisite gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo at arguably their most spectacular during the glorious displays of spring (see here for last week’s “Taster”). In April the azaleas and rhododendrons are a profusion of wonderful pinks, reds and soft creamy whites.     We had a lazy lunch …

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