January 30 we boarded our plane in Nadi, Fiji, bound for Los Angeles, Oakland, and finally Portland. We knew Maureen and Rod would be there to pick us up so we could catch up in the few hours until they caught their Sydney plane home!
Amazingly, after 24 traveling hours, we arrived on January 30! Funny how that happens!
Touching down in L.A. was surreal, and we all shared a smile and for me, a little tear, of course. Once inside the gates, it felt crazy! The first sign, "Welcome to the United States," was new. The next thing that hit us was a set of large televisions broadcasting football, like the American grid-iron kind.
We made our way customs, etc., and finally sat at our departing gate. Pat said,
"I'm off to Starbucks. What would you like?"
"Just a cappuccino."
"You could have that, or a latte, or a soy chai, or . . ." AHHHH! So many choices!!
Everyone around us talked like us. The announcer on the speaker sounded like us! Weird!
Two more planes later, we touched down on Oregon soil. Can you tell I'm drawing out this story? Each part meant we were closer to home after a whole year away. We had butterflies and we were also very very ready!
Rod and Maureen were waiting for us with open arms. We cried and hugged! Then we collected the millions of bags, including one year of school work from Ross to show his Corvallis teachers that he really did work last year!
We drove as far as the closest hotel where Dean and Shawnee were waiting to go for dinner. It was 10:30 p.m.! Shari's here we come!! Shari's is our Pacific Northwest's version of Denny's. These simply do not exist in Australia. We were happy!
Pat inhaled his bisquits and gravy egg breakfast and chocolate milkshake! We shared stories and laughter until after 1:30 a.m. Time to go to bed so the Birds could catch their early morning flight home to Sydney!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fiji Time
Our five days in Fiji were lovely. We spent them reading and relaxing, playing ping pong or pool volleyball. We could snorkel right from the beach there, so we explored in the warm, warm, warm, shallow coral reef. We saw blue starfish and lots of fish.
One day we walked to the next village to meet the chief with a small group from our resort. Pat and I expected to shop and meet locals, so we changed money before walking over. Instead, it was just a walk to the chief's hut, a stroll amongst the other huts, and a walk back. Very simple. Nothing touristic or flash about it. How great! Each group needs it's own chief and spokesperson, since we were replicating another tribe coming to the village for the first time. They picked the tall guy. Yup. Pat was Chief!
We entered the chief's home, first taking off our shoes, sunglasses, and hats. He spoke to us in Fijian, then English, thank heavens! As he spoke, his young assistant made Kava. Kava is made from a powder from local plants mixed with water in a large bowl. He squeezes the bag and stirs the mixture somewhat like mixing tea might be. The concoction is cloudy and grey in color. We were taught the words and clapping before each one of us took a drink from the cup, Pat first, of course, being Chief!
He spoke about the government, the traditions, the customs, schools, celebrations, etc. of the village and of Fiji. Then we had another round of Kava. He asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we do, where we come from. More Kava. It tasted really like nothing but water. It did leave a numbing sensation on the lips and tongue. We had read it will cause drowsiness. Hmmm. I didn't bother wondering what the drinking age was in Tagaqa! Well, after three rounds we still were fine, but our swigs (for lack of a better term!) were small. Our guide helped himself to 6 oz. drinks each time, and he was spinning by the time we got up to leave!
I was hoping to peek inside the school room or place where the children learn. So I asked the guide, "Is there a school room here or . . . do the children learn . . . out here?" He tried to focus on my face, made the attempt to speak and then said, "The children . . . are . . . everywhere . . ." That was as good as it was going to get! I did get photos of the children who posed for us when we showed our cameras.
Beautiful people. Beautiful place.
One day we walked to the next village to meet the chief with a small group from our resort. Pat and I expected to shop and meet locals, so we changed money before walking over. Instead, it was just a walk to the chief's hut, a stroll amongst the other huts, and a walk back. Very simple. Nothing touristic or flash about it. How great! Each group needs it's own chief and spokesperson, since we were replicating another tribe coming to the village for the first time. They picked the tall guy. Yup. Pat was Chief!
We entered the chief's home, first taking off our shoes, sunglasses, and hats. He spoke to us in Fijian, then English, thank heavens! As he spoke, his young assistant made Kava. Kava is made from a powder from local plants mixed with water in a large bowl. He squeezes the bag and stirs the mixture somewhat like mixing tea might be. The concoction is cloudy and grey in color. We were taught the words and clapping before each one of us took a drink from the cup, Pat first, of course, being Chief!
He spoke about the government, the traditions, the customs, schools, celebrations, etc. of the village and of Fiji. Then we had another round of Kava. He asked us each to introduce ourselves and tell what we do, where we come from. More Kava. It tasted really like nothing but water. It did leave a numbing sensation on the lips and tongue. We had read it will cause drowsiness. Hmmm. I didn't bother wondering what the drinking age was in Tagaqa! Well, after three rounds we still were fine, but our swigs (for lack of a better term!) were small. Our guide helped himself to 6 oz. drinks each time, and he was spinning by the time we got up to leave!
I was hoping to peek inside the school room or place where the children learn. So I asked the guide, "Is there a school room here or . . . do the children learn . . . out here?" He tried to focus on my face, made the attempt to speak and then said, "The children . . . are . . . everywhere . . ." That was as good as it was going to get! I did get photos of the children who posed for us when we showed our cameras.
Beautiful people. Beautiful place.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Nice Digs!
We've been traveling on a shoestring this past year. That is, we have stayed in Youth Hostels (dorm-like bunkrooms with shared bathrooms, sometimes co-ed, sometimes not), or one room cabins in campgrounds with communal kitchens and other facilities. We've grown to prefer this not only for the lower cost (remember how I said Australia prices are double those in the U.S.?), but for the interesting people we've met, variety of languages and cultures we see/meet, and comfortable living and computer areas. The staff are always very friendly, and many times the grounds are lovely with a pool, laundry facilities, tour pick-ups, etc.
Our accomodation in Fiji was a resort. We felt like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving in Los Angeles for the first time. "Wow, our own bathroom, right here off the room!" "Hey, they even have the sheets already on the bed!" "Look! They provide the soap and some shampoo!" We felt so spoiled. The maid even came the very next day to clean the room and make the beds! We actually told her she didn't need to come in, that we didn't really need new towels and then realized this is how hotel living goes! We've grown to love the simple life, I guess!
Since it was Christmas night, we went down to the lovely dining room and had a delicious dinner while listening to the local village children's choir serenade us in Fijian. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and shorts. The candles were lit, the tree lights were blinking, and we were set for the next 5 nights in Paradise.
Our accomodation in Fiji was a resort. We felt like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving in Los Angeles for the first time. "Wow, our own bathroom, right here off the room!" "Hey, they even have the sheets already on the bed!" "Look! They provide the soap and some shampoo!" We felt so spoiled. The maid even came the very next day to clean the room and make the beds! We actually told her she didn't need to come in, that we didn't really need new towels and then realized this is how hotel living goes! We've grown to love the simple life, I guess!
Since it was Christmas night, we went down to the lovely dining room and had a delicious dinner while listening to the local village children's choir serenade us in Fijian. The weather was warm enough for short sleeves and shorts. The candles were lit, the tree lights were blinking, and we were set for the next 5 nights in Paradise.
Hahei, New Zealand
Pat found this perfect little sleepy fishing beach town in a tour book, and it's well worth checking out some day. I've never seen a beach with such a beautiful surrounding bay. Gorgeous rocks dotting the surf, arches, blow holes, headlands, it has it all right there.
We hiked, read, swam, napped (the story of these two vacation weeks, really. That and going through a lot of customs-s-s-s) and hung out in our caravan park.
We had a little bunkhouse, one room with minimal (but fine) cooking facilities. We ate outside on the picnic table, and used the communal bathroom facilities. The beach was a 2 minute walk on the other side of the tent sites. How great is that.
It was a full moon, so we spent each evening watching it rise and then looking for shooting stars. And that ain't all!!!!!
We'd heard it was jelly fish season with the waters warming, and also shark time as well. So when we went for a swim, we stayed in close and watched the water for floating objects! So when Pat gasped and shouted and wiggled his foot away in a crazy, unprofessional (particularly for a tough cop) kinda way, all three of us BEE-LINED out of the water up onto the sand, looking behind us and shouting ourselves. Once on the sand, we inspected Pat's foot. He had two large pincer marks from a very unhappy crab that Pat had been standing on. He told us he'd felt something hard he was standing on, but didn't think much of it. Hmmm. Sandy shoreline. Hard something. My instincts say move off of it and away, how 'bout yours?? :) We were very glad it was not something with many rows of teeth or swirling tenticles. But it did draw a little blood and made us a little wary to venture out again. We did anyway, but this time kept treading water!!
We stayed until Christmas Day, so our Christmas Eve started with Ross' Christmas stocking appearing on the camp table in the bunk room. Amazing how Santa makes due with no chimney and not a lot of floor space. It is Ross's first year to get Kangaroo chocolate coins and boomerang key chains. Santa helped out the local economy on this one. The afternoon was spent at the general store's Sausage Sizzle. Santa was hanging out in his red coat, but open at the chest with no tee shirt under - it's hot everyone! Someone was playing Christmas carols on a saxaphone with a synthesizer for fun. That was about it! The next morning we were off to Fiji, so it was an early night for us. Merry Christmas!
We hiked, read, swam, napped (the story of these two vacation weeks, really. That and going through a lot of customs-s-s-s) and hung out in our caravan park.
We had a little bunkhouse, one room with minimal (but fine) cooking facilities. We ate outside on the picnic table, and used the communal bathroom facilities. The beach was a 2 minute walk on the other side of the tent sites. How great is that.
It was a full moon, so we spent each evening watching it rise and then looking for shooting stars. And that ain't all!!!!!
We'd heard it was jelly fish season with the waters warming, and also shark time as well. So when we went for a swim, we stayed in close and watched the water for floating objects! So when Pat gasped and shouted and wiggled his foot away in a crazy, unprofessional (particularly for a tough cop) kinda way, all three of us BEE-LINED out of the water up onto the sand, looking behind us and shouting ourselves. Once on the sand, we inspected Pat's foot. He had two large pincer marks from a very unhappy crab that Pat had been standing on. He told us he'd felt something hard he was standing on, but didn't think much of it. Hmmm. Sandy shoreline. Hard something. My instincts say move off of it and away, how 'bout yours?? :) We were very glad it was not something with many rows of teeth or swirling tenticles. But it did draw a little blood and made us a little wary to venture out again. We did anyway, but this time kept treading water!!
We stayed until Christmas Day, so our Christmas Eve started with Ross' Christmas stocking appearing on the camp table in the bunk room. Amazing how Santa makes due with no chimney and not a lot of floor space. It is Ross's first year to get Kangaroo chocolate coins and boomerang key chains. Santa helped out the local economy on this one. The afternoon was spent at the general store's Sausage Sizzle. Santa was hanging out in his red coat, but open at the chest with no tee shirt under - it's hot everyone! Someone was playing Christmas carols on a saxaphone with a synthesizer for fun. That was about it! The next morning we were off to Fiji, so it was an early night for us. Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Rotorua, New Zealand
I'm catching up this blog now that I am back to happy quick internet. It's been a long spell of travelling to places where internet was scarce or very $$, so we went off the cyber map for awhile, and good or bad, we're back on! (we're home!! -more on that later!! It's sooo nice!)
Rotorua is known for it's steamy bubbling mud pools and hot spots of sulphur smelling Mother Nature! The city is literally steaming here and there in the hillsides and in the park downtown. The city park is spotted here and there with hot pools, bubbling puddles, and full on public spas, free for the asking - if one dares! We spent as much time as we could stand with our noses plugged, checked into a medical clinic for Ross' ear troubles (nothing a few drops and antibiotics couldn't handle), and we were off for the ocean up in the Coramandel.
If you have a bucket list, I'd add the Coramandel Coast to it. Right now.
Rotorua is known for it's steamy bubbling mud pools and hot spots of sulphur smelling Mother Nature! The city is literally steaming here and there in the hillsides and in the park downtown. The city park is spotted here and there with hot pools, bubbling puddles, and full on public spas, free for the asking - if one dares! We spent as much time as we could stand with our noses plugged, checked into a medical clinic for Ross' ear troubles (nothing a few drops and antibiotics couldn't handle), and we were off for the ocean up in the Coramandel.
If you have a bucket list, I'd add the Coramandel Coast to it. Right now.
Glow Worms R Gr8
Who knew?? We toured in a pitch-black cave down many stairs and there on the ceiling were little twinkle lights. They could have been artificially set there, says the Hollywood American in me. It felt very Disneyland without the smiling 12 year old taking my ticket at the door.
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Zealand or Bust
We are now traveling in New Zealand until Christmas day, seeing the north island a little slower than we saw the south island back in April. We flew into Auckland Friday night. Saturday we visited the Auckland Museum and watched the Maori cultural performance. I have always loved their history and lore and this did not disappoint. The carvings are fantastic, as is their music, I think.
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
Saying Farewell for Now
We weren't alone at the airport, of course! Debbie, Graeme, Caroline, Debbie's mum, Jane met us there. Matt, Cassie, Daniel, Drew, and Jack brought Ross. There we were, one year later, with our friends seeing us off - the same friends that were standing there with our name on a big card as we stepped off the plane on Christmas Eve, 2009.
Good thing we had many hands on deck for the baggage. I'd like to say it's all Ross' important school papers, but it's mostly our lovely momentos to take back. We've pitched most of our clothes (they've had it by now!). It's Aussie books, coasters, mugs, CDs, night-vision goggles (wait a minute, Ross!!), and a sweatshirt each for when we arrive in Portland!
The good news is that now it's Our Turn to meet friends at the airport and treat them like royalty!! Bring it on!!
Good thing we had many hands on deck for the baggage. I'd like to say it's all Ross' important school papers, but it's mostly our lovely momentos to take back. We've pitched most of our clothes (they've had it by now!). It's Aussie books, coasters, mugs, CDs, night-vision goggles (wait a minute, Ross!!), and a sweatshirt each for when we arrive in Portland!
The good news is that now it's Our Turn to meet friends at the airport and treat them like royalty!! Bring it on!!
A Beach a Day
This was my mantra for the last two weeks of our stay here. But with record rainfall it was going to be tricky to keep the promise. We also wanted to see dolphins again, but I decided (like I would know) that it must not be their season since we hadn't seen any this month. We also needed to see roos one more time - I did anyway!
Monday, instead of going to the gym, Annie and I snuck into MacDonald's, got our coffees and headed to walk the beach. Once we got down to the sand, we decided it was too lovely to not go in the water. Clothes and all (mostly), we swam in the beautiful warm waves. That's it, we were doing this Thursday, as well! "But I have to be cleaning that day, Annie!" "Stuff it. We'll swim early and have you back for cleaning by 8 a.m." "Deal."
Thursday then Kat, Annie and I stopped by "Macker's" again, got our coffees and headed out to the beach and shared hugs and tears one more time. Absolute perfection. Cleaning began at 8:30! Pat took his hour out for one last beer at the pub with Neil. Probably no tears, but a hug, anyway, I'd bet.
That night was the pub choir concert, and as we chatted about our beautiful swim, the girls all said they'd like to go tomorrow morning! It was settled. Friday morning, 5:30 a.m., Kat, Annie, Debbie, Jenny, Jeanette, Caroline, and I would walk the Urunga boardwalk out to the beach.
It was a fantastic sunrise (I've never seen the sun rise at the beach, West Coast girl that I am), with pinks and oranges in the sky. We cried and hugged and walked and laughed and cried and took photos and hugged more. We ended with Dead Ants on the sand (I'll include a photo and really can't explain it any better than that). More perfection. What amazing friends we've made. I keep saying that. I have to.
Monday, instead of going to the gym, Annie and I snuck into MacDonald's, got our coffees and headed to walk the beach. Once we got down to the sand, we decided it was too lovely to not go in the water. Clothes and all (mostly), we swam in the beautiful warm waves. That's it, we were doing this Thursday, as well! "But I have to be cleaning that day, Annie!" "Stuff it. We'll swim early and have you back for cleaning by 8 a.m." "Deal."
Thursday then Kat, Annie and I stopped by "Macker's" again, got our coffees and headed out to the beach and shared hugs and tears one more time. Absolute perfection. Cleaning began at 8:30! Pat took his hour out for one last beer at the pub with Neil. Probably no tears, but a hug, anyway, I'd bet.
That night was the pub choir concert, and as we chatted about our beautiful swim, the girls all said they'd like to go tomorrow morning! It was settled. Friday morning, 5:30 a.m., Kat, Annie, Debbie, Jenny, Jeanette, Caroline, and I would walk the Urunga boardwalk out to the beach.
It was a fantastic sunrise (I've never seen the sun rise at the beach, West Coast girl that I am), with pinks and oranges in the sky. We cried and hugged and walked and laughed and cried and took photos and hugged more. We ended with Dead Ants on the sand (I'll include a photo and really can't explain it any better than that). More perfection. What amazing friends we've made. I keep saying that. I have to.
A Week of Lasts and Firsts, as Always!
My last day with the children at school was Wednesday. I said goodbye to everyone at Macksville that afternoon since our plane flys out Friday afternoon. Immigration said our time was up midnight, Friday night, so we had two days to clean up, pack up, and load up. We were complaining at first at having to leave before Christmas, but after a reality check, we decided we're pretty darned lucky. If immigration wanted to play hardball, they just could. We weren't going to lose any more precious Australia time worrying about it. So we made this week our week of celebrations and lasts - which in this year also means more "firsts!"
I guess I wasn't allowed to leave school before more teasing and Aussie antics. Dame Edna arrived, "fresh from chatting with Oprah in Sydney and having a time with Hugh Jackman after his stage injury," in full purple hair, glasses, blinking Christmas lights and heels. Rumour has it our (male) third grade teacher, missing that morning, was seen putting on the panty hose down the hall before "her" arrival. Perfect photo opportunity, and perfect way to keep tears from coming!
Pat and Graeme had one more fishing night. This time with bamboo poles - he'll have to tell you. I had my last choir practice and (first and last) performance on our last night. I can tell you about that. Ross had his last bonfire party. He tells us a little about those, so you can get the idea! We had one last dinner with our wonderful Urunga friends. We had one last walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, and hugs and kisses goodbye.
The choir concert was held at the Bellingen pub and included a little Abba, a little Queen, some African drumming chants, and some lovely sweet songs that feel good to the soul! The choir claps, moves, sways, and has a really good time. I knew about 50% of the music, since I've only been going since October, but it was fantastic, anyway!
Sure enough, our sweet friends came en masse for the music and we stayed for dinner after with the kids as well. Tell Aussies there's a choir concert and they might consider it. Tell them it's at the pub and they all arrive with bells on. As we arrived after warming up at the library next door, several choir members bellied up to the bar to purchase their beer before we started. The beers were perched on window sills behind where we were singing, and between songs they would take a swig before going on. That is a first for me!
I guess I wasn't allowed to leave school before more teasing and Aussie antics. Dame Edna arrived, "fresh from chatting with Oprah in Sydney and having a time with Hugh Jackman after his stage injury," in full purple hair, glasses, blinking Christmas lights and heels. Rumour has it our (male) third grade teacher, missing that morning, was seen putting on the panty hose down the hall before "her" arrival. Perfect photo opportunity, and perfect way to keep tears from coming!
Pat and Graeme had one more fishing night. This time with bamboo poles - he'll have to tell you. I had my last choir practice and (first and last) performance on our last night. I can tell you about that. Ross had his last bonfire party. He tells us a little about those, so you can get the idea! We had one last dinner with our wonderful Urunga friends. We had one last walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, and hugs and kisses goodbye.
The choir concert was held at the Bellingen pub and included a little Abba, a little Queen, some African drumming chants, and some lovely sweet songs that feel good to the soul! The choir claps, moves, sways, and has a really good time. I knew about 50% of the music, since I've only been going since October, but it was fantastic, anyway!
Sure enough, our sweet friends came en masse for the music and we stayed for dinner after with the kids as well. Tell Aussies there's a choir concert and they might consider it. Tell them it's at the pub and they all arrive with bells on. As we arrived after warming up at the library next door, several choir members bellied up to the bar to purchase their beer before we started. The beers were perched on window sills behind where we were singing, and between songs they would take a swig before going on. That is a first for me!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Oh the weather outside is frightfully hot! What part of Christmas am I not getting?
Today a teacher at school was wearing a big wide-brimmed sun hat with a tinsel "ribbon" around. The Christmas themed food magazine at the market featured a cover photo of a decorated holiday dinner table and a large bowl of cherries. The decorations at K-Mart are next to the sundresses and flip flops. Everyone's planning their beach bonfires and camping trips during the holidays. I'm still wearing shorts to work. Pat only puts his long jeans on to go fishing in and not get eaten by mozzies (mosquitos).
Even today at school Santa came in onto the playground on a firetruck with the siren going. All the children cheered and ran over for their token candy canes. The teachers asked me if Santa comes to our school. I said yes, but not on a fire truck! "How does he come in?" "Well, it's cold and raining, so we're usually inside, so he just, well, walks in."
Since it's summer here, it stays light until 8:30 p.m., so to see Christmas lights you have to wait up past my bedtime to go driving around! No driving home from work in the dark, running an errand at Fred's and being cheered on with the twinkling lights.
It's the one thing about being here this year (okay there are two - the darned turn indicator/windshield wipers) that I just can't get used to - the seasons being at a different part of the year. Cherries and Christmas don't go together in my book! Wading pools in the backyards with the Christmas tree in the window just don't match! No mitttens, no scarves, no sweaters, not even citrus!
Even the teachers don't wear the proverbial Christmas sweaters to school. The crazy holiday earrings, yes. But instead they wear sundresses and holiday themed tee shirts that say, "On Dasher . . . " Who knew?
Today a teacher at school was wearing a big wide-brimmed sun hat with a tinsel "ribbon" around. The Christmas themed food magazine at the market featured a cover photo of a decorated holiday dinner table and a large bowl of cherries. The decorations at K-Mart are next to the sundresses and flip flops. Everyone's planning their beach bonfires and camping trips during the holidays. I'm still wearing shorts to work. Pat only puts his long jeans on to go fishing in and not get eaten by mozzies (mosquitos).
Even today at school Santa came in onto the playground on a firetruck with the siren going. All the children cheered and ran over for their token candy canes. The teachers asked me if Santa comes to our school. I said yes, but not on a fire truck! "How does he come in?" "Well, it's cold and raining, so we're usually inside, so he just, well, walks in."
Since it's summer here, it stays light until 8:30 p.m., so to see Christmas lights you have to wait up past my bedtime to go driving around! No driving home from work in the dark, running an errand at Fred's and being cheered on with the twinkling lights.
It's the one thing about being here this year (okay there are two - the darned turn indicator/windshield wipers) that I just can't get used to - the seasons being at a different part of the year. Cherries and Christmas don't go together in my book! Wading pools in the backyards with the Christmas tree in the window just don't match! No mitttens, no scarves, no sweaters, not even citrus!
Even the teachers don't wear the proverbial Christmas sweaters to school. The crazy holiday earrings, yes. But instead they wear sundresses and holiday themed tee shirts that say, "On Dasher . . . " Who knew?
Cultural Goodness
During October and November, we attended a variety of social events. First, I was invited to a theater show. Maureen, our administrative assistant, suggested I might like it. Her dance group was performing as "back up" girls. The main show would include incredible costumes and headdresses handmade by Rocky. Yup. Pat declined the invitation, assuring me he'd seen plenty of theater at Darcell's. It was an absolute hoot, and I wouldn't have missed it. We had a beautiful dinner before at the Bowraville Pubjust across the street and had intermission at the Bowraville Pub, as well, where the "back up" girls were waiting patiently for their final act. After slurping down our refreshments, we scurried back across the street, with the back up girls, to continue on with the show!
Girls Night In is an international event to raise money for breast cancer research. This was held at a friend's ranch. Pink balloons, pink food, pink champagne, pink outfits, even on the puppies. We brought gifts to "purchase" and paid gold coins ($1 and $2) to play the games, such as Pin the - oh, right, what happens at a Girls Night In stays there. You'll just have to host one yourself or go online to get ideas for next year! All for a good cause . . .
More sophisticated, by far, was Caroline's art opening at the Bellingen Art Gallery. Her fabric art is breath taking, as you can begin to see on the picture I'll include here. Her pieces are in galleries all over the country and overseas, including, as of August, Oregon, U.S.A. Her website is inspiring! www.carolinesharkey.com
Girls Night In is an international event to raise money for breast cancer research. This was held at a friend's ranch. Pink balloons, pink food, pink champagne, pink outfits, even on the puppies. We brought gifts to "purchase" and paid gold coins ($1 and $2) to play the games, such as Pin the - oh, right, what happens at a Girls Night In stays there. You'll just have to host one yourself or go online to get ideas for next year! All for a good cause . . .
More sophisticated, by far, was Caroline's art opening at the Bellingen Art Gallery. Her fabric art is breath taking, as you can begin to see on the picture I'll include here. Her pieces are in galleries all over the country and overseas, including, as of August, Oregon, U.S.A. Her website is inspiring! www.carolinesharkey.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Only a week left??
Pat has taught me something lovely. He says, rather than be sad about having only 7 days left, think of it as one whole week of holiday! Don't we love having a week of vacation? Yes! So, I'm so glad I get a whole week of vacation in Australia everyone!
My motto is: "A beach a day."
My motto is: "A beach a day."
Aqua
Friday mornings at 7 a.m. is water aerobics at the Macksville Pool. As Karen and Ellen discovered when they visited from Corvallis, it's no "tea bag workout." It's the best part of the work week for me, and I've been going all year. Friday was the last one for me, so I brought the camera and we "had a play." I particularly love the mermaid and the core work. It's been one way to fight the effects of the Pavlova!!
Roadkill Count
Yesterday's roadkill list on the way to work included a fruitbat and a goanna. The fruitbats here are huge, ask Aaron. The goanna was once probably 4 ft. long, beautifully patterned, and harmless say the Aussies, not me.
Now, on the top ledge of the shower last night was an e.n.o.r.m.o.u.s grasshopper. This does not qualify as roadkill, but it was removed shortly after my sighting and enlisting my fearless tall husband to deal with it. Pat thinks if they get to that size they must be considered a locust. Eww.
Then today, not a roadkill sighting, but to the side of the road in the trees were massive numbers of ibis and herron/egret/tern (we don't know!) hanging around in the tops of the trees. Can you picture that? We didn't have the camera, or we'd show you. They looked like big white flowers or fruits, but they moved and fluffed wings and changed from branch to branch - lots and lots of them. The things you see on the way to the supermarket around here.
p.s. Do I have to call it roadkill if it's a koala? I call that one just sad.
Now, on the top ledge of the shower last night was an e.n.o.r.m.o.u.s grasshopper. This does not qualify as roadkill, but it was removed shortly after my sighting and enlisting my fearless tall husband to deal with it. Pat thinks if they get to that size they must be considered a locust. Eww.
Then today, not a roadkill sighting, but to the side of the road in the trees were massive numbers of ibis and herron/egret/tern (we don't know!) hanging around in the tops of the trees. Can you picture that? We didn't have the camera, or we'd show you. They looked like big white flowers or fruits, but they moved and fluffed wings and changed from branch to branch - lots and lots of them. The things you see on the way to the supermarket around here.
p.s. Do I have to call it roadkill if it's a koala? I call that one just sad.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
What's lurking in the Grass?!
Monday, I went on a short ride with Neal to see his boats. The first was out on Yellow Rock Rd. north of Urunga, where he & Cat are having work done on it. As you can see, the boat is sitting in tall grass. When we arrived, Neal drove into the grass, backed up, turned to the left, drove forward, backed up, drove forward more to the left, backed up.....etc., etc., etc.... I couldn't figure out what he was doing. He looked over at me & probably saw the look of bewilderment on my face. He smiled, laughed & said, gotta chase the snakes out of this tall grass before we walk up to the boat. When he said that was enough, & parked the car about 10 yards from the boat, I was, needless to say, not happy about getting out of the car to check out his boat. He assured me this old Aussie trick ran the snakes off! Yeah, right! Pat
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
17 Days Left
It's almost time to be leaving Australia this time. The suitcases are out in the living room, and we're cleaning inside and outside. I'm wrapping up things in the classroom, sending home report cards and finished assignment books. Friends are inviting us for "one more" tennis game, karaoke night, luncheon, fishing night, game of bowls, and more.
Last weekend we made sure to get to Paul and Diana in Port Macquarie to visit for the afternoon. This weekend will be Christmas dinner with some friends, starting at noon and lasting till ??? as usual! I'm gathering thank you and goodbye gifts for the special people here. Wow. Where did this year go? Oh, if I scroll down I guess I can read where it went!
We're looking forward to being home again, but it's very, very hard to say goodbye here for now. Very.
Last weekend we made sure to get to Paul and Diana in Port Macquarie to visit for the afternoon. This weekend will be Christmas dinner with some friends, starting at noon and lasting till ??? as usual! I'm gathering thank you and goodbye gifts for the special people here. Wow. Where did this year go? Oh, if I scroll down I guess I can read where it went!
We're looking forward to being home again, but it's very, very hard to say goodbye here for now. Very.
Mom, can I drive?
Ross knows I will always say yes if he asks to drive me to the beach for a walk. We're 5 minutes or 20 minutes to a beach, depending on which one we choose. The 5 minute one goes straight out a wooden boardwalk from downtown (all two blocks) Urunga. The next one means driving through the kangaroo park area. Others are down the road a little further. Each one is long, unspoiled, unpopulated, and fantastic.
We're able to have "car talks" when we walk on the beach. You know, those talks we've all had throughout the years with our own folks, maybe, where you're in the front seat and can discuss things without too much eye contact and with no way to leave! I guess that makes these "beach talks." It's also the time we talk about plans for next year or what's going on with different things for us. Some walks have been chances to watch dolphins playing in the surf and cruising along the shoreline just out from the wave line. We've also laughed together over the comical Aussies fishing or camping very rustic-style on the beach. It's such a fun lifestyle.
Our goal before we go? A beach a day. Hmmm. With record rainfall, that may make it tricky for every day. Wish us luck!
We're able to have "car talks" when we walk on the beach. You know, those talks we've all had throughout the years with our own folks, maybe, where you're in the front seat and can discuss things without too much eye contact and with no way to leave! I guess that makes these "beach talks." It's also the time we talk about plans for next year or what's going on with different things for us. Some walks have been chances to watch dolphins playing in the surf and cruising along the shoreline just out from the wave line. We've also laughed together over the comical Aussies fishing or camping very rustic-style on the beach. It's such a fun lifestyle.
Our goal before we go? A beach a day. Hmmm. With record rainfall, that may make it tricky for every day. Wish us luck!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Here Today Gone Tomorrow
Jetting back to the states for this quick trip was eye-opening in a couple of ways. First of all, everyone talked like I talk! The money looked really weird, too. I rented a car so was driving right out of the airport, but that didn't seem strange at all, like I expected, to be on the right side of the road. I couldn't get the turn indicators or wipers at all, though. And now that I'm back in Australia, I really can't get them. Like I don't even try. I just hit one and hope! My head won't make the change this time, I guess!
I took back lots of bags (read souveniers, sweaters and Lacross sticks . . . )to leave there until January. So on the way back, I carried only my small day pack. I got the funniest looks in line at the check in counter and later in customs. That's the way to travel, I've decided! No cart necessary for me! Actually, the immigration folks were not amused and questioned me a little longer than some others!
As the folks were sad leaving Australia on the way out, I had the happy feeling of getting to come back in a few days. But I did think of how it will feel in 3 weeks, when it's our turn to be leaving and saying goodbye to this beautiful place. I guess I'll do the same again, think how happy it is that we will come back - some day.
I took back lots of bags (read souveniers, sweaters and Lacross sticks . . . )to leave there until January. So on the way back, I carried only my small day pack. I got the funniest looks in line at the check in counter and later in customs. That's the way to travel, I've decided! No cart necessary for me! Actually, the immigration folks were not amused and questioned me a little longer than some others!
As the folks were sad leaving Australia on the way out, I had the happy feeling of getting to come back in a few days. But I did think of how it will feel in 3 weeks, when it's our turn to be leaving and saying goodbye to this beautiful place. I guess I'll do the same again, think how happy it is that we will come back - some day.
A Weekend Away
Well, but this time it was a hemisphere away, too! The trip back to San Francisco for my dad's celebration was a good trip, and I'm so thankful I could do it. Seeing everyone was so heart-warming, and it was a beautiful time to remember Dad. I spent the last day in Sonoma where my mom's family roots are, which was also a warm hug all the way around.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
