Rain

It rained the other day, for about 30 minutes, hard at first and then a sprinkle before it disappeared all together. It was wonderful but in a country that is in the middle of a very serious drought it wasn't even a drop in the bucket. Although it didn't last long it was a time to be savored. Hearing the rain hit the roof, seeing the droplets on the windows, the sound of the water on the streets as the cars drove through puddles,the fresh smell in the air after it was all over. I wanted to go out and join the birds who were thoroughly enjoying themselves. It must have been "bird bath day" They were so happy you could hear it in their chirping. I haven't heard so many birds singing for ages. It was beautiful!

Monday Menu

Monday: Green Curry Chicken
Tuesday: Lamb Burritos with Corn salsa
Wednesday: Roast Beef, Sweet Potato, Green Beans
Thursday: Left Overs
Friday: Dinner Out
Saturday:Greek Chicken with Tzatziki
Sunday: Pizza

Stitches

I've made a major discovery of late, well major in a crafty sense....if I take my quilt blocks with me when we are traveling in the car, I can get a lot of stitching done!

Company's Coming!

George's parents have been talking of coming to visit Australia since we arrived last June. It's now official, they arrive May 6th and are here for two weeks. It will be a few long flights for them but they will make a couple of stop overs to visit family along the way so hopefully that will break up the flying portions of the trip. It's a great opportunity for them to see this part of the world but we really appreciate them making the effort to get here. Thanks guys and see you soon!

Balloons Balloons Everywhere

Orange, red, green, blue, mulit colored, different shapes.....one thing they all had in common was their size, BIG!
This past weekend was the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Each morning for 4 days the city skyline was filled with balloons with the rising sun as their back drop. It was majestic.
George and I ventured out early Saturday morning to take in some of the festivities. Armed with coffee in the thermos we drove down to the Old Parliment grounds where the balloons were launching from. We had originally planned to be keeners and get up bright and early and walk down, however.... the eyes just didn't want to open.
We arrived just as the first balloons we taking flight. It was only 6:45am but there were people everywhere. The kids were so cute, some stood gazing at the balloons with their mouths wide open while the younger ones were fast asleep in strollers. We stayed for awhile, had coffee and raisin toast from a vender and after a quick tour through the rose garden (had been meaning to get there) then headed home....for a snooz.
For anyone who has been to the Albuquerque NM Balloon Fiesta this one was smaller but just as enjoyable....we missed you all!
That evening it was out for supper at a local Chinese restaurant. The Night Balloon Glow happened to be at the Cricket Oval across the street. We ate outside and had a great view of the balloon light show.
It was a great day from start to finish!

Monday Menu

Gee, just realized I haven't posted for a week. Hope to get a couple of entries up in the next few days.

Monday: Turkey Chili
Tuesday: Marinated Steak, roasted potatoes and steamed beans
Wednesday: Pork chops with fruit sauce, steamed potatos and broccoli
Thurday: Sweet Potato Red Lentil Soup, Honey Oatmeal Bread
Friday: Dinner Out
Saturday: Marinated Chicken and Veggie Skewers, brown rice.
Sunday: Pizza

Floorball 101

Wednesday's are George's night out with the boys playing floorball. He started a few weeks ago and really enjoys playing. The easiest way to describe it is to say it's similar to ice hockey but played with shorter sticks with plastic blades, smaller nets and a plastic whiffle type ball. The sport is about 7 years old and has really taken hold in the Scandinavian countries and gaining popularity elsewhere (mostly Europe). Canada has a team...ranked 22nd in the World. You can check it out here Floorball.

George's team is made up of Sweds, Fins, Aussies and George, the lone Canadian. They go by the name of "The Moose Hunter's". Why you ask...... because minus the Aussies they all come from countries that have...... moose. They played a solid game last Wednesday winning 8-2 . With some fancy footwork and stick handling George managed a hat trick, he was in the groove!

Aussie Slang

Just like moving to England there was a whole new language of "slang" to learn when George and I arrived down under. Words and phrases that made no sense last June/July are slowly becoming part of our vocabulary; sunnies - sunglasses, wettie - wet suit, docket - bill/ receipt, brickie - brick layer (ok so that one's not part of our daily lauguage but it's fun), chewie - chewing gum. One of the girls this morning at ladies group said a phrase I had never heard. I didn't get a chance to ask her about it so when I got home I found this
Aussie Slang site online. Check it out if you want to brush up on your " Aussie Talk".

Happy 40th!

Last Thursday was our friend Hessams 40th birthday. We celebrated with dinner at an Italian restaurant in Kingston, not far from us. The girls were so excited about eating out for dads bithday and getting all dressed up, they were full of giggles which was fun to see. We finished the evening off with chocolate zuchini cake and tea at our place. The girls had brought over Cludo (Clue back home) so we had a great game of "who dun it" with lots of laughs. Derek ended up winning.... Mrs White, in the hall with the rope!