5. What would I miss? Sydney's weather ...

My front garden, this morning.

I had intended to move onto aspects of Sydney I would NOT miss - but had another thought! In Sydney, it is ofen difficult to tell when we move into a new seasom. Now some of you will be aghast, and I can see the pleasures of distinct patterns. I, too, adore a "weather" day. But we still get days that are all-over raining and grey. But, in Sydney we do not get snow. We are on the coast, and so get very few frosts. We are in the Temperate Zone, so we chugg along about on average. Let me give you some official statistics: Summer average is 25-29C Winter average is 16-18C 1200mm rain per annum (highest March to June) 144 rainy days per year 30 thunderstorms per year 57% average humidity pa 6.8 hours average sunshine So, pretty much the weather where I live borders on perfect. Further inland, but still in Sydney, the weather deteriorates abysmally. Sydney ia a large metropolis, with a population of 4.75 million, over an area covering 12,500km2. This is a population density of 380/km2. In comparison, the population density of Australia as a whole is 2.8/km2, and that of Paris is 22,000/km2. Yeah, if I had to leave, I would miss the weather.

1. What would I miss? Sydney's harbour ...

If I had to move away from the city from which I currently post, what would I miss? Which part of my life here would I miss? Which aspect of Sydney would I miss? Here is one thing I would miss ... the harbour, living near the water, going to the beach. I need to mull this over BEFORE the February Theme Day rolls around. I have ten days. Let me see ...

Both the above images were taken at Clontarf Beach on Saturday, when the temperature hit 34C.

Taste Test – Mangoes

There is a glut of these little lovelies at the moment. I am consuming two a day. And I have my preference, but is it justified. I thought I should find out.

There are three varieties here: on the left we have the Calypso; in the centre the R2-D2; and, on the right the Kensington Pride. The middle one should lose on name alone. At the moment the Kensington Pride is selling for $3.98 each. The R2-D2 is $1.98. The Calypso is 2 for $3.00, or a tray of 14 for $13.98. My guess is that this tells us something about either quality, or which variety the consumer likes best.


The R2-D2 is by far the largest. It has a medium uncut aroma, which strengthens a little when sliced. However, I find it to be coarse to the tongue. I remember, when I was young, my mother would serve stewed pears. There were bits of the serving that I did not like. It was only later that I realised Mum included slices of choko to make the pear go further. This mango reminded me of the choko. Coarse and crude, lacking subtlety.

The Calypso is slightly smaller than KP which is smaller than the R2-D2. It has a strong external aroma, which ramps up upon slicing. It is a fine flesh, that is easy on the palate. However, the taste is a little bitter. Unsmooth.

The Kensington Pride is just right. Aroma, taste, touch, juice. To see how best to consume a Mango take a look at my 89 year old father, who used to be a Fruit & Veg man.