Tag: reading

Christmas Stories

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Ok how about we take a look at some Christmas stories that are well known when you think of Christmas stories what comes to mind?

Over time and across generations and cultures, some Christmas stories have become beloved classics, read and cherished every festive season.  Here are few that popped into my head while thinking about this topic.

The first one being a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is transformed by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Dickens’ tale is not only a critique of Victorian society but also a powerful reminder of the joy that generosity and compassion can bring.

The one I would read to my daughter’s every Christmas was The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, this story is also known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and this classic poem paints a vivid picture of a visit from St. Nicholas.

Another book liked by many is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss but I am not one of them, in fact I am not a fan of Dr. Seuss. This playful and rhyming tale follows the Grinch, a green and grouchy creature who attempts to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. With its message that the true meaning of Christmas lies in togetherness rather than presents, this story remains a festive favourite for children and adults alike.

I like the movie Polar Express but didn’t realise it was a book by Chris Van Allsburg, it is a beautifully illustrated story, The Polar Express tells of a young boy’s magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This tale of belief and wonder captures the imagination and the spirit of Christmas in a profoundly touching way.

There are some popular Australian stories because in Australia, Christmas falls in the summer, so there are some unique festive stories that reflect our local culture and traditions. Popular tales include ‘Wombat Divine’ by Mem Fox, which follows a lovable wombat who wants to be part of the nativity play, and ‘An Aussie Night Before Christmas’ by Yvonne Morrison, a humorous reimagining of the classic poem featuring kangaroos and utes instead of reindeer and sleighs.

Crossing the harbour

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

This week we are looking at crossing Newcastle harbour this was a challenge for travellers and those commuting to and from work.

It was also a great opportunity for ferries and punts, a great variety of ferries have come and gone from Newcastle over the years with some used chiefly as industrial transport while others would be used to transport people.

Punts also played an important role and up till the time the Stockton Bridge was built they really had their work cut out for them.

Among the famous and long serving punts was the Mildred which was the first vessel launched at Newcastle’s Walsh Island Dockyard in 1914 and was named after the dockyard superintendent. The Mildred also spent some time working as a Hawkesbury River punt during World War 11, she was retired in 1945 and sold to a private party. This punt could carry 15 vehicles and 70 passengers.

Another punt was the Kookaburra also built a Walsh Island and was the last car ferry built in NSW.

Now days the Stockton Ferry still runs it is a direct ferry departing from Queens Wharf and arriving at Stockton Wharf. Services depart every 15 minutes and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5 min, I think it costs around $8.