Challenges – Travels with Ali

~ Wordless Wednesday ~

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – April 2026 ~

Time for this great challenge, one where you can share what you have read or gather ideas for your next book. It is hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World and others. I have read some excellent books in the last couple of months and have been meaning to share for a while, so here goes. The last one I read first.

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and has the social media accounts to prove it. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What Natalie’s followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? One thing Natalie does know is that it’ll make one hell of an Instagram post…Goodreads

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha

This was an excellent debut and so well written. It covers so many topics. I didn’t see the end coming and it had me guessing. There were many mixed reviews, you either love it or hate it. I loved it, even though Natalie is inherently unlikeable! She would have done well to follow Buddha’s advice.

The latest anti-hero from David Baldacci, Walter Nash – from scrawn to brawn. I loved both of these and luckily there wasn’t too much of a wait before the second one was out. The first one Nash Falls left a real cliffhanger. I do like a book that lets you escape into it. I hope to see more of Walter Nash in the future.

“The quietest revenge is to not give you the satisfaction of seeing my anger.”

At last I found a new author. Two cosy crime capers featuring Lewis and Audrey and a host of others.

10 Marchfield Square can be confusing as we get to know all the residents in Marchfield Square. I loved how Lewis and Audrey worked together and each brought something different into their lives.

Murder Like Clockwork sees Lewis and Audrey working together again after Audrey finds a dead body in one of the apartments where she cleans. Trouble is no-one will believe her as it has disappeared 20 minutes later. All except Lewis who is thrilled to be investigating another murder again.

“The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances” – Agatha Christie

I enjoyed both of these novels and will be looking forward to a third in the series.

“Happy Reading Everyone”

~ March Reflections: Downsizing and Decluttering Adventures ~

During March we made the difficult decision that it was time to downsize. Although we have No. 1 Daughter and the two munchkins living with us now we all needed to have our own space.

First up was engaging estate agents, which No. 1 son did for us. Working in property gives him the edge and able to convey succinctly what we wanted. Two agents quickly came and went. Before they had even given proposals I knew I was more comfortable around the first one, Susan. From here on was where I became overwhelmed and began having restless nights.

It was the decluttering that was beginning to take over my thoughts. We had a go at the dreaded “tool cupboard” in the garage that has long been the bane of my existence. We being my dear hubby and me. We managed one shelf in two hours and I gave up when he lovingly held a decade old ball of string and said “this is good is twine, we might need it”. Most just got moved onto another shelf.

I asked him also to remove a can of paint that had become stuck. Disaster struck as he pierced the bottom and paint quickly started spreading. He came to me and said “I’ve just made an unholy mess”. At this moment Susan’s assistant rang to say she had arranged 6 tradesman to come around the following week for quotes. I said we need the painter now to help us with this mess. She came to my rescue and sent around a handyman, who cleared up within minutes.

During March No. 1 daughter backed her car into the moving electric gate and knocked it off its tracks. Fortunately we have a wonderful neighbour who came around and fixed the problem. The next day after coming out of an appointment she saw her car being towed away! Not having read the parking sign properly. The car was returned but not without a fine.

We were told that to obtain the best price it was better to engage a stylist to showcase the house to look its best. This lady turned up along with six tradesman. I didn’t know if I was Arthur or Martha at that point, it was bedlam. We then found out there was a serious leak in one of the bathrooms so this is first on the list to be taken care off.

Believe it or not I did have some lovely moments in March. Laurence and Maddy came for a weekend and we had such a great time. We spent a morning at the beach and the water was perfect.

I also went to see two films. The much hyped up and talked about “Wuthering Heights”. Quite an eye opener but on the whole I enjoyed this version. The second was a Matthew McConaughey film called The Rivals of Amziah King. This was such a good film which we all loved.

I had a night out at an outdoor venue, called The Quarry. It is situated in an old quarry and the seating is in tiers. We took a picnic and watched three tribute bands, Santana, Little River Band and Fleetwood Mac. Beautiful balmy evening underneath the stars.

Having a much needed break at our local Indian. The table behind had 22 guests so was a tad noisy!

If you managed to read to the end of all my rants, thank you indeed. Some of you will have been through similar in your lifetime and know the stresses and strains of decluttering and moving. I have read so many articles on the different ways to declutter and I’m still none the wiser. On that note I wish you a happy Easter.

He came to join me this morning while I was having my morning coffee. How cute is he?

Joining Natalie for Weekend Coffee Share and Brian/Ju-Lyn @ The Changing Season (a tad early).

~ February Adventures – Wan Chai’s Historical Gems ~

Back in February we had a few days in Hong Kong. Normally February weather can be quite bleak, getting ready for the Chinese New Year cold snap. We were surprised this time by how mild it was, we even saw blue skies.

I’ll be linking to Monday Windows and The Changing Seasons hosted by Brian and Ju-Lyn.

There was somewhere particular I wanted to see after spotting it on google maps. It wasn’t too far from our hotel so one morning we took a walk there. Just my luck that the day we went it was closed. Anyway I was still able to take a few photos. It was called simply “The Blue House”.

The building was constructed in 1920 and is a four tier tenement block. It was fully renovated around ten years ago and the original tenants were allowed to stay. The Housing Society came up with a plan of HK$100 million to preserve nine Chinese-style buildings in Wan Chai. I’m glad that money is not just being spent on high rise buildings, it’s great to see a glimpse of the past.

**Emas – Wooden Plaques for writing prayer**s

Inside the courtyard of the Blue House – decorated for Chinese New Year

The front of the building is in Stone Nullah Lane.

At the start of the 20th century, shops that processed soybeans were established near Stone Nullah Lane. Because of the unpleasant odour emitted during the processing, this led to protests from residents in the neighbourhood. Eventually, the shops were forced to move to other areas. The nullah, (a water channel made of stone or concrete was located on the street ) which also emitted a foul stench, was culverted in 1959 and relocated underground, where the stream from The Peak still flows today. Although the nullah can no longer be found on the lane, the street name was left unchanged. Source: Stone Nullah Lane.

Disappointed that we couldn’t enter the house that day we wandered down the street to Wan Chai Pak Tai Temple. It was built in 1863 by locals and is dedicated to Pak Tai, a martial deity.

Red framed windows of the temple

**A Door God to protect against evil spirits and intruders**

I didn’t want to intrude on the people worshipping and praying, so no photos from inside.

Street Scenes

As we wandered back to our hotel I took some photos of everyday street scenes.

**As fresh as it gets! – not sure about the joint on the ground**

Fishmongers hard at work

Orange trees in preparation for Chinese New Year

Every time I visit Hong Kong I always see a different tram.

It was good to spot a mural without graffiti for a change

I’ll finish with this photo that I took from the top of the bus. Another side of Hong Kong. I’m wondering is he homeless or selling some wares? He has a few too many items to pack up.

~ Birds of a Feather – Monochrome Triptych ~

I have to admit that I looked up triptych – the theme chosen this week by Elke. I also had a look at a few others for inspiration. Whether I’m on the right track or not, who knows! I’ve learnt something new anyway.

Cheeky cockatoos that I took on a walk around Lake Claremont on Saturday. They are quite a nuisance with their raucous squawking and incessant pecking but they are cute to look at.

Black Swans are native to Australia and you can always be guaranteed to see them swimming in the lakes and rivers. The photo of the white swans is from the River Crouch, Essex.

I took these photos recently on a walk along the river beach. An Ibis and Cormorants.

I think this type of photography needs more research from me. It’s not quite right so I’m determined now to work out image splitting.

Any tips would be welcome!

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – January 2026 ~

It’s been a while since I contributed to this challenge hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, so with the new year just started I am once again joining in.

If you read Debbie’s post and I urge you to do so for some great recommendations, you will realise what a prolific reader she is. I like to think of myself as an avid reader and try to read two or three a month.

I have four to share this month, but I’ll come clean as some are from December also.

I was trying to clean up the virtual bookshelf on my iPad and either delete some old samples or get on with reading them.

So it was with this book, a fairly old one by Lisa Jewell that I hadn’t realised was unread.
“Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Bristol, England. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you. Tom Fitzwilliam, the local headmaster is beloved by one and all, including Joey Mullen, his new neighbour. Joey and her new husband have just moved in with her brother and his wife. Her obsession is taking over her life.” – Taken from Goodreads.
I read this in about two days and couldn’t put it down. Another great book from Lisa Jewell.

This author is fairly new to me and this is the second book by Liz Moore I’ve read. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2016 as it deals with what is now ChatGPT and AI. Starting in 1980 and ending up in 2009 with flashbacks to 1920, 1940 and 1950. The story focuses on David and Ada Sibelius. David is a single father to Ada. He works in a computer science lab and Ada is “home-schooled”. He teaches her what he thinks is necessary. Years later when David is diagnosed with Alzheimers, his secrets come to light. This was a fantastic read, such a beautiful story and kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.

Michael Connelly is a favourite author of mine and this is his latest offering. Mickey Haller leaves criminal court behind for his first civil lawsuit. Coincidentally this book is also about AI and the moral and ethical dilemmas that go with it. Jack McEvoy is also a key player in this book. I like it when Michael Connolly brings characters together. This is still a gripping court room drama as he goes head to head with the powerful tech companies.

An excellent if harrowing read – not for the faint hearted. The story starts in 1987 with Cora and her small daughter, Maia, walking to register the new baby’s name.
“Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?“ Amazon
Quite stressful to read in parts but I still loved it and gave it 5/5 on Goodreads. Does Bear/Julian/Gordon try to live up to their name or escape from it? I enjoyed reading the different storylines. It is my book choice for book club this month and it will invoke much discussion.

A footnote here about What’s Been on My Screen.

The Night Manager – Series Two.

I’ve only watched two episodes so far. Maybe not as good as the first series and a tad overdramatic. But I will keep on watching, as Olivia Colman is in it.

HiJack – Series Two

One episode in and I’m already confused! But anything with Idris Elba in it I will watch. This series involves an underground train in Berlin. Hoping for clarification in the next episode!

Song, Sung, Blue – Cinema

Not technically on my screen but at the local cinema. I just loved this film. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve oscars, as does the screenplay and music. I had a vague idea before seeing it, I knew it wasn’t about Neil Diamond himself, just the music. A truly wonderful uplifting film.

~ To Market, To Market to buy a Fat Pig ~

Sarah from Travel with Me has challenged us this week on Monochrome Madness with the theme markets.

Markets have been around for thousands of year. Amazing when you think the concept has not changed much. People visit markets for a bargain, cheaper produce and fresh food. The oldest market still operating is The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul dating back to 1455. We have visited this market but I found it quite hot and claustrophobic.

I loved a market when I was younger and visited many London markets when I was working. Petticoat Lane, Camden Market and Roman Road to name a few. I was very much into vintage clothing back in the day and these were wonderful places to find antique items. Of course my mum was horrified when I came home with a black bin liner of old clothes.

Nowadays many of the stalls found at a lot of markets have items made overseas, as locally made goods cost so much more. Although you do come across some artisan markets but you won’t be finding a bargain there.

Girokaster, Albania – Perusing old army items
He did buy one of the white hats and wore it throughout our time in Albania.

Kruje, Albania

Sihanoukville, Cambodia – A lady sorting shellfish

Hong Kong – Dried Vegetable Stall

Hong Kong – Flower Market

Wanchai Street Market, Hong Kong

Central, Hong Kong – Looking for another hat!

Covent Garden, London

Night Market, George Town Penang, Malaysia
Anthony skipping right to the head of the queue and requesting a special order from the chef!

I realise I have the same title as Sarah, but I had already finished this post and thought it was quite original. Great minds as they say.

~ Holiday Fun and Festive Moments ~

This week Leya is hosting the Lens Artist Challenge. The theme this time is Holiday Fun. This could be keeping in the spirit of things with Christmas images or just your favourite holiday images. I’ve gone with some recent photos I’ve taken. I have been fairly busy with many different kinds of parties. I’ve been to a bookclub lunch, bridge parties, zumba and have an upcoming street party. It’s been so much fun, I haven’t yet found the time for any shopping.

Taken when I was back in the UK. We had a day out at a winter wonderland Christmas shop. I couldn’t believe the amount of decorations on sale. I’m happy I don’t have a colour scheme or any kind of theme as I wouldn’t know where to start.

I spent far too long on Canva with these frames, but happy to say I have more knowledge on framing now!

I’ve been a good girl, I promise

Our lovely hostess Shirley created this table for our bridge lunch.

Enjoying a glass or two after playing bridge all afternoon. We didn’t do well.

Cute shop fronts back in the UK

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄

~ Lisbon – A Door Lover’s Paradise ~

During my stay in Portugal I saw so many photogenic doors. As a lover of doors Lisbon was a stand out city for this.

My featured photograph certainly caught my eye. I was tempted to go in but was slightly worried they would ask if I needed any help. I wouldn’t have a clue!

In a small lane near Sao Jorge Castle.

Washing already in!

From the R. da Barroca – possibly one of the steepest streets I ever climbed

This is a challenge hosted by Dan from No Facilities.

🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪

~ Moonlight Shadows – November Squares #12 ~

I’m in the UK for a quick visit back to see my mum and other family. Last night we sat on the deck under heaters and blankets and watched fireworks and an almost full moon.