Lunch with Louise

27/05/2026

Morning tea time in Italy. Every street corner has a shop with the most amazing pastries. They don't do takeaway just an expresso and pastry. Very tempting don't you think!

27/05/2026

When in Italy on a hot day you have to sample a Limonchello Spritz on a hot day. Touring the Cinque Terre part of the Rivera today.

26/05/2026

I'll let you in on a secret, dears... For the longest time, I had this incredibly vivid memory of standing beside my Mum, patting a fluffy white dog that came right up to my waist. Sometimes I honestly wondered if my mind was just playing tricks on me! But while putting together a scrapbook of my Mum's life for my granddaughter Frankie, I found the absolute proof. A beautiful little photo from 1958 of me, Mum, and our Pomeranian, Bassie.

Going through these old boxes has been such a therapeutic labour of love. Scrapbooking isn't just about preserving photos; it's about keeping those precious stories alive for the next generation. You can read the full story about my very first memory and see the scrapbook pages on the blog here: https://www.lunchwithlouise.com.au/post/my-first-memory

Tell me, what is the very first memory that has stuck in your mind? Are you preserving your family history too? I would absolutely love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Love, Nana Louise 💛

In my head, I have this very vivid memory, the first memory that I can remember. It's me with my Mum patting a white dog that came up to my waist. I can recall the action and sensation of slowly patting the dog over and over again, and singing to it. My hand was slowly patting the dog as it was abou...

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

The third part of my working holiday starts today. My friend of 37 years from Germany, Thomas and I are camping through the top of Italy for 5 nights in his camper van. Travelling the back roads in the countryside and catching up on all that has happened since my last trip to Europe.

23/05/2026

One of my challenges on this trip has been working away from home. My rules are no phone calls, no TV, work in the morning then go exploring for the rest of the day.
So days like today, working in the morning is not hard with the beautiful view I have. It inspires my soul and makes me realise how blessed I am to have amazing staff, customers and family keeping the home fires burning each day so I can do what I do. This is my 23rd day of Louise as I celebrate my 70th birthday coming up.

22/05/2026

Train stations are interesting places. Why did I procrastinate so much about what clothes to pack. I've seen people from all walks of life wearing everything from Moroccan, Muslim, high end accessories and everything in between. I might even go rogue tomorrow and put on what I grab first without abandon. Let's face it - no one going to recognise me.

20/05/2026

I left early today to explore the streets of Barcelona. Lots of beautiful trees, people having their first expressos for the day, people walking dogs, lots of dogs and everything very clean and tidy .
My spoils for the day - I got my eyelashes refilled, my lip and eyebrows treated ( Bec will be smiling at me for that). I brought some chocolates from who have been making chocolates since 1797. I'm saving some for later. A new book to read and some gorgeous earings because I loved them. It's a day of me today. I hope that you are treating yourself to something special too.

19/05/2026

I've got a big welcome today from one of the locals. I've just arrived in Barcelona and little Churrio has made friends with me. 12 years old and very cool. He's been sitting beside me looking like he wants me to take him home.
Missing my Robbie dog now 🐕 🤔

18/05/2026

In the land of make believe today visiting the medieval township of Sintra in Portugal. Perfect day and location visiting palaces and beautiful gardens.