Annie in wonderland

So I have gone completely off track but   I have now finally got my grove back, I have discovered a mystery I record local parks for YouTube so support workers can see what they have and judge the suitability of them as well, however, I did a video that I will link below about a park called Delta scout park and it's on Hume st Toowoomba but we assumed that there would be a plaque or something to say that there was a scout hut, but we couldn’t see anything. So my care team and I are now working towards finding out if there was a scout hut there, we think there may have been something, it was the area the 4 th Scouts met. I am in Guiding, so I know where to look for Scout history, but I am going to start doing a deep dive into this park. I don’t know what has got me researching this story, but I finally have something other than disability to talk about.   2nd Toowoomba Scouts: History   So I have been able to get hold of a book about scouting on the downs, ...

  Over the weekend, I visited Spring Bluff Railway Station with friends and their teenage children. It was refreshing to see the teens willingly put their devices away and join us in exploring this historic gem, tucked away in the beautiful Lockyer Valley. Spring Bluff has been part of Queensland’s rail history since the 1860s. Though the station itself is now decommissioned, the line is still in use, giving visitors the occasional thrill of watching a train pass by. The signal boxes, which once guided trains up the steep grade, are now like guardians of the past, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place. One of the unique aspects of Spring Bluff is its big hall, where couples have left their names etched into the wood over the years. While technically graffiti, this tradition has become part of the station’s story, a quiet testament to decades of memories made here. There’s a sweet, almost romantic feel to seeing those names and dates, as if each one captures a piece of history....

As many in my community know, I live in Toowoomba, and I believe our council has a strategy to strengthen the community, which includes enhancing play equipment and promoting active transport. One area they fall short on is public transport, but you can't have everything. So, I’ll take what we do have and be grateful, understanding that they are trying to reduce the health burden by building walking tracks. I’m always amazed when international viewers watch Bluey and don’t realize that, yes, this is what our parks really look like! We encourage kids to engage in risk management and take risks, as it helps them build resilience and problem-solving skills. We don’t have the same risk-averse culture as some other places, likely due to having a universal healthcare system. While there are situations where legal action might be appropriate, it's relatively rare. We also encourage outdoor activities, so yes—this is what parks in my community look like. You’ll often see families enjo...

So, I have been on Facebook, and in my part of the world, there is a celebration happening: the Carnival of Flowers. The Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Rec (yes, that is really their name; instead of sighing, they went with it) have done a spectacular job. Parks and Rec is the gardening arm of the council, responsible for maintaining the beautiful public gardens, and they’ve truly outdone themselves this year. Just a reminder to everyone enjoying the gardens—please don’t pick or prune the flowers or bushes! If you’re interested in any of the plants or flowers on display, they’ve set up information stands about where you can buy them. But something I've noticed with an acquaintance is quite scary—they’ve completely gone down the conspiracy rabbit hole. I do watch content like The Why Files (shout-out to Hecklefish—Yahtzee!), Lodge Law , 5 Kind TV , Decoding the Unknown , and listen to Freakonomics Radio . These are run by very smart people with teams of researchers to back th...

 Nestled on the eastern outskirts of Toowoomba, Redwood Park offers visitors an escape into nature with its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive walking trails. This 243-hectare park is a gem for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the serenity of the Australian bush. In this blog post, we'll delve into what you can expect when visiting Redwood Park, where the walking trails connect, what to bring, how to plan for emergencies, the wildlife you might encounter, and the efforts of the Friends of the Escarpment. What to Expect at Redwood Park Redwood Park is renowned for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. As you enter the park, you'll be greeted by a canopy of towering eucalyptus trees and an understory teeming with native plants. The park's varied topography includes steep slopes, gullies, and ridges, offering a range of experiences from tranquil strolls to challenging hikes. After some rain, the park transforms into a lush, ve...

Nestled in the heart of Toowoomba, Newtown Park is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of history, beauty, and accessibility. As the home of the State Rose Garden, it showcases a stunning array of roses in full bloom, making it a paradise for flower enthusiasts and photographers alike. The park's rich history adds to its charm. During World War II, Newtown Park played a significant role, serving various wartime purposes. The building now used by Friends of the Rose Garden served as a guide hut until the 90s, reflecting the park's long association with the Girl Guides movement. Founded in 1910 by Lord Baden-Powell, the Girl Guides aimed to provide girls with opportunities to develop practical skills, leadership, and a sense of community. This movement quickly spread worldwide, including Australia, where it became an integral part of many girls' lives. Today, visitors can discover a hidden memorial dedicated to the animals that served in the war, a poignant reminder o...