Sydney has been talking itself up as some kind of jacaranda wonderland, but come on. It can't match Raymond Terrace, surely.
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The Terrace has its very own Jacaranda Avenue.
We're told the pretty purple flowers bloom from mid-October to the end of November. Some say the flowers fall gently "like purple rain". [perhaps Prince liked jacarandas]
Anyhow Sydney.com, a NSW government website used to promote the city, posted this on Friday: "It's time to roll out the purple carpet ... it's jacaranda season in Sydney. Where's your favourite spot to see jacarandas in full bloom? #ilovesydney #feelnew".
While loads of people love the purple flowers, not everyone likes the way the petals fall onto paths and decks, making them a bit slippery and untidy.
We know a person who's about to cut down the jacaranda tree of our childhood. But we better not say much more about that, as we might cause a family fracas.
It's true that Sydney's jacaranda trees have become a big tourist attraction among the Instagram crowd.
But let's not forget the Terrace and Toronto down on the lake, which is also known for its jacarandas.
Along with Jacaranda Avenue, we hear Sturgeon and Adelaide streets are good places to see the jacarandas in Raymond Terrace, while Renwick Street is a good spot in Toronto.
Actually, we're not sure how the blooms are going in those places at the moment.
Maybe someone can let us know and send some pics to topics@newcastleherald.com.au.
Fresh Tendrils
Speaking of flowers, reader Joanne sent us this one from the passionfruit vine in her garden.
The flower looks a bit alien. We knew the vines had tendrils, but we didn't know the flowers had them.
It reminds us of the Soundgarden song Fresh Tendrils.
If you'd like to help brighten this page up a bit, send your unusual or attractive spring flower photos to topics@newcastleherald.com.au.
Confusing Abbreviations
Are you confused by the abbreviations used by youngsters these days?
You're not alone. Apparently the most Googled text abbreviations worldwide are: SMH (shake my head); LMAO (laughing my ass off); TBH (to be honest); LOL (laughing out loud); HMU (hit me up); FOMO (fear of missing out); NGL (not gonna lie); DM (direct message); AFK (away from keyboard); BAE (before anyone else); GOAT (greatest of all time); IMO (in my opinion); NSFW (not safe for work); OFC (of course); BBL (be back later); TFW (that feeling when); TLDR (too long didn't read); FYI (for your information); POV (point of view); and YOLO (you only live once).
That's all well and good, but who remembers the song YMCA?
