25 March VOL 08 Issue 11

Autumn days

Welcome to the 25 March @boutSeniors enewsletter.


Autumn days are wonderful. The heat softens, the light is golden, the leaves are bright and our thoughts start to turn from the great outdoors to more intimate activities, perhaps more time spent at the kitchen table with friends and family. To celebrate the wonders of the new season we share some autumn reflections on food, wine, health and friendship. Our hero(ine) this week is the marvelous Maggie Beer - a Barossa Valley institution - and a great Australian. Maggie's latest book, Maggie's Harvest is reviewed in Bookshelf Online, and we highlight a visit to Maggie's Farm Shop in Travel express. While talking things South Australian, why not slip over to the Coonawarra district for Coonawarra after dark. Another wonderful family owned winery is Chateau Tahbilk situated in north eastern Victoria - the recently opened wetlands walk is a day trip in itself.

The onset of winter can result in the spread of flu or head colds so Debbie has gathered together the best tips to stay fit and healthy as colder months approach.

On matters financial, we were overwhelmed by the feedback from subscribers regarding one-off payments to pensioners and carers. We have summarised comments received - but the clear preference from @boutSeniors readers is for a one-off payment as it helps with the bigger bills! We also apologise for referring to the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP as a senator - this was an error, but our requests for comment from the Minister were indeed sent to the correct parliamentary office. Meanwhile the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs has completed an inquiry into the cost of living pressures on older Australians and read on for a snapshot of the recommendations. Winter is cold for all - but coldest for those without the means to pay for basics such as food, lighting and heating. Why not keep warmer still by helping someone in need?


David and Kaye Fallick

Competitions

Get served
 Click here to win a copy of Are You Being Served, Series 7, on DVD.

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Government

Quality of life
On March 20 the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs completed its enquiry into the cost of living pressures on older Australians.

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Wellbeing

Tackling winter ailments
Winter ultimately brings with it coughs, colds, aches and pains. The best way to tackle these minor ailments is to make sure you're fighting fit.

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Getting out there

Autumn gardens
Our @boutSeniors' gardening guru, Teena Crawford, answers some of the more common questions we receive about getting gardens ready for winter.

Farmers markets
 Autumn sees an abundance of produce at farmers' markets throughout the country, making them a great place to enjoy your favourite products for the last time in a while or stock up for winter.

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For a good cause

In the dark
Leading the way in 2007, Sydney turned off its lights for one hour to highlight the danger of global warming. On 29 March, turn your lights off and join the rest of the world for Earth Hour 2008.

Helping others
Got a few hours to spare each week and want to help others less mobile? Volunteer Alliance is looking for Meals on Wheels drivers.

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Travel express

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Go Green
While we are getting ready to welcome the colder winter months, spring is on its way in Europe, a great time to visit Ireland and trace your roots.

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Spice of life
Goa, on India 's West Coast between Bombay (Mumbai) and Cochin (Kocchi), is where time slows down, but never quite stands still.

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South Australian autumn
Not many places rival Paris in springtime but South Australia can certainly hold its own over the autumn months.

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Travel deals

Easter sale extended
Qantas have extended their Easter sale until midnight tomorrow, 26 March 2008. Be quick to grab a bargain.

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Bookshelf online

Best of Beer
If you appreciate the pleasure of cooking with fresh and local produce, you won't be disappointed with the latest offering from Maggie Beer.

Harvest fayre
We may have reviewed The National Harvest Labor Guide 2008 recently, but this really is a great book to find out what's going on around the country at harvest time.

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Movie/DVD junction

Friendship rekindled
Wry humour and an endearing tale make Conversations With My Gardener the perfect movie to curl up with on a cool autumn day.

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Comfort food

Betty's relish
Betty shares her family recipe for tomato relish, she's been making it for more than 50 years, and it goes with just about everything!

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Here to help

And don't forget the staff at @boutSeniors are here to help with all your queries, whatever the topic, on help@aboutseniors.com.au

To subscribe to the free fortnightly @boutSeniors enewsletter, put your email address into the subscribe here box on the left hand side of our homepage. Go there now.

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