tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204545622024-03-14T10:06:30.152+10:00G'day, eh!The tale of two Canadians and their dog, living in the land down under.Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.comBlogger1112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-54312240394987054462012-03-20T05:36:00.004+10:002012-03-20T20:21:59.819+10:00Join me in my new space!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfUdurWgP6g/T2eK85elv1I/AAAAAAAALNI/62-1M7WR8xM/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfUdurWgP6g/T2eK85elv1I/AAAAAAAALNI/62-1M7WR8xM/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721694630423412562" border="0" /></a>Hello! I'm still here! I took a bit of a break from blogging (as you may have noticed!). Moving to the other side of the world (again!) has been quite the adjustment and blogging fell to the bottom of the to-do-list. I'm happy to say though, that after 3 and a bit months back in Canada, I'm starting to once again find my footing and life seems to be settling into place. I'm very excited to start blogging again and have started a brand new blog for our brand new adventures. I'd love it if you would join me in my new space...<br /><a href="http://lovelikecrazycakes.com/"><br />http://lovelikecrazycakes.com/</a><br /><br />I'm looking forward to making it the kind of space that feels similar to pj pants, warm socks, a nice cup of tea and good book! :) I'm really excited about it. I'll meet you over there! xoxoCarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-43685368560111771802011-11-22T14:09:00.004+10:002011-11-22T14:28:03.588+10:00Melbourne - Last Days<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BN8rdgGuzgc/Tssg3YMc4PI/AAAAAAAALMI/xUI8bAoq1NQ/s1600/photo-17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BN8rdgGuzgc/Tssg3YMc4PI/AAAAAAAALMI/xUI8bAoq1NQ/s400/photo-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667890990211314" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to believe that we leave Melbourne this Saturday to fly back to Canada. Only 4 more sleeps! We've been doing lots of organizing, sorting, selling, packing, cleaning, booking, but most importantly, we've been doing lots of enjoying. Here's a few little snapshots of what we've been doing during our last couple of weeks in Melbourne, as captured on my trusty (very cracked!) iPhone...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lBpziprKrY/Tssg3ApMz0I/AAAAAAAALL0/SHVh040oR9Q/s1600/photo-15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lBpziprKrY/Tssg3ApMz0I/AAAAAAAALL0/SHVh040oR9Q/s400/photo-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667884668342082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6x1-AYzzEQ/Tssg3AQ5t-I/AAAAAAAALLs/MEZJXU5jUyU/s1600/photo-14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6x1-AYzzEQ/Tssg3AQ5t-I/AAAAAAAALLs/MEZJXU5jUyU/s400/photo-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667884566427618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H-8TImvsY/Tssg34IvDoI/AAAAAAAALMQ/3cp4kywu0Sc/s1600/photo-16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3H-8TImvsY/Tssg34IvDoI/AAAAAAAALMQ/3cp4kywu0Sc/s400/photo-16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667899564560002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jbNlJZkVE/TssgtpJMASI/AAAAAAAALLU/MA9BcTJP32Y/s1600/photo-12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jbNlJZkVE/TssgtpJMASI/AAAAAAAALLU/MA9BcTJP32Y/s400/photo-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667723741233442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVW5DOaotOo/TssgtC9ktOI/AAAAAAAALLM/oemNXkTaGFg/s1600/photo-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVW5DOaotOo/TssgtC9ktOI/AAAAAAAALLM/oemNXkTaGFg/s400/photo-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667713491973346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUF8J3Vb0M0/Tssgs5QZhxI/AAAAAAAALK8/GNwi-IjUIpo/s1600/photo-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUF8J3Vb0M0/Tssgs5QZhxI/AAAAAAAALK8/GNwi-IjUIpo/s400/photo-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667710886577938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUS8porE0g8/TssgssTWpAI/AAAAAAAALKw/jaBUE2oyBGE/s1600/photo-9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUS8porE0g8/TssgssTWpAI/AAAAAAAALKw/jaBUE2oyBGE/s400/photo-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667707409310722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMPgI0YeNd4/Tssgt1ExkOI/AAAAAAAALLg/h9ITuROZTgo/s1600/photo-13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMPgI0YeNd4/Tssgt1ExkOI/AAAAAAAALLg/h9ITuROZTgo/s400/photo-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677667726943949026" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pedicure dates, coffee dates, breakfast dates, lunch dates, dinner dates, drink dates, walking dates, and let's not forget just plain ole relaxing in the park dates. It's been really, really nice. We truly have such wonderful friends!<br /><br />Also, here's a little slideshow one of the girls I worked with made for me...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08R5bVf8C8o">Click here!</a><br /><br />It made me cry the first time I watched it. So sweet. I miss those ladies already!<br /><br />Ah, goodbyes are tough but I'm looking forward to being settled in a new routine and new surroundings in Montreal. I'm a routine kind of girl and it sure will be nice to have things a little normal again. You know, things like having a refrigerator again and not having to store our milk in a cooler! :)<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-32180106261978623342011-11-14T17:56:00.009+10:002011-11-14T19:42:40.386+10:00Borassa Valley - South Australia<div style="text-align: center;">We recently visited Adelaide and it's stunning surrounding areas, which just so happen to be Australia's most famous wine region. It was one trip I really wanted to do before we left Australia, and so we set out on a 5 day road trip adventure. The time that we spent in the <a href="http://www.barossa.com/">Borassa Valley</a> was magical. Steve had booked the most amazing cottage for us to stay the night in. It was truly an enchanted place with beautiful gardens and a pathway of roses leading to our front door...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--N0lbBDXFNA/TsDML5IjdOI/AAAAAAAALKY/nqqk3h6so18/s1600/P1011162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--N0lbBDXFNA/TsDML5IjdOI/AAAAAAAALKY/nqqk3h6so18/s400/P1011162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674760035174151394" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside was just as pretty and came complete with our own private outdoor courtyard (where we sipped wine and chatted while snuggled up in the coziest blankets ever!) and a luxurious spa bathtub...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9wGR-ric6c/TsDMLdLTI0I/AAAAAAAALKQ/eKz9v7dqspk/s1600/P1011164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9wGR-ric6c/TsDMLdLTI0I/AAAAAAAALKQ/eKz9v7dqspk/s400/P1011164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674760027669472066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo1cEdf7KCM/TsDMLe9dOvI/AAAAAAAALKA/fY8ow6Xdp3k/s1600/P1011166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lo1cEdf7KCM/TsDMLe9dOvI/AAAAAAAALKA/fY8ow6Xdp3k/s400/P1011166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674760028148284146" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It truly felt like our own private little oasis. We had such a blissful stay, which felt like just what the doctor ordered after a few weeks of uncertainty and change! I'd truly recommend <a href="http://www.jacobscreekretreat.com.au/">Jacob's Creek Retreat</a> to anyone wanting a romantic getaway in the Borassa Valley. Well done to my hubby for finding and surprising me with such a lovely place. You're the bestest!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwmUlRDxC7M/TsDL9CWqy5I/AAAAAAAALJ0/Gjsy0-BmWNo/s1600/P1011177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwmUlRDxC7M/TsDL9CWqy5I/AAAAAAAALJ0/Gjsy0-BmWNo/s400/P1011177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674759779951233938" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After dinner on the evening of our stay, we took a walk through the gardens, along the creek named Jacob's Creek, around the property and through a nearby vineyard...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eU8eEMLNtxo/TsDLrBJwyzI/AAAAAAAALJo/Bd_E5x5k8CY/s1600/P1011185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eU8eEMLNtxo/TsDLrBJwyzI/AAAAAAAALJo/Bd_E5x5k8CY/s400/P1011185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674759470391020338" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was absolutely gorgeous and oh, so peaceful. The sun was setting and there wasn't another soul in site. The highlight of the walk though was by far the cat that joined us just outside the gate of the retreat's property, followed us on our entire walk (even waiting for us while we stopped to soak it all in), and all the way back to the gate of our cottage. Once we were safely inside, the cat laid down and relaxed by the gate. It was incredible!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFszxVGNNoY/TsDLq2pwptI/AAAAAAAALJc/fqoKjGXmWDc/s1600/P1011187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFszxVGNNoY/TsDLq2pwptI/AAAAAAAALJc/fqoKjGXmWDc/s400/P1011187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674759467572438738" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was such a loving kitty and really took to Steve. This is the third random cat that has come into my life in the last year (remember <a href="http://thedickinsons.blogspot.com/2010/11/warning-lots-of-photos.html">this</a> and <a href="http://thedickinsons.blogspot.com/2011/05/early-mid-may-in-photos.html">this</a>?), which kind of got me thinking...what does a cat symbolize? <a href="http://www.whats-your-sign.com/cat-animal-symbolism.html">This</a> was pretty interesting to read. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9WsCe8a2TI/TsDKZTkAATI/AAAAAAAALJE/_flJb6HsNDs/s1600/P1011202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9WsCe8a2TI/TsDKZTkAATI/AAAAAAAALJE/_flJb6HsNDs/s400/P1011202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674758066583634226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning, we visited <a href="http://www.jacobscreek.com/verification">Jacob's Creek</a> winery. I've wanted to go to this winery since we first moved to Australia. It's a wine I used to drink in Canada and have always thought it would be cool to see it in Australia. We did a winery tour, which ended up being only me, Steve and the wine expert guy. We had 2 hours of one-on-one wine lessons from a guy that knew his wine! It was awesome. We learned so much!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAiC0ochX7o/TsDKY-dhPgI/AAAAAAAALIo/E-imVk16yX4/s1600/P1011200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAiC0ochX7o/TsDKY-dhPgI/AAAAAAAALIo/E-imVk16yX4/s400/P1011200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674758060919307778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPJYx8IDntE/TsDKZFYDmdI/AAAAAAAALI0/Y6AcwVSvakU/s1600/P1011197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPJYx8IDntE/TsDKZFYDmdI/AAAAAAAALI0/Y6AcwVSvakU/s400/P1011197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674758062775441874" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We even got a private wine tasting and learned lots about matching wine with food. It was all so interesting! I had endless questions!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpMTJif0x7Q/TsDKaJRuOAI/AAAAAAAALJM/sw6xJ0l60aw/s1600/P1011196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpMTJif0x7Q/TsDKaJRuOAI/AAAAAAAALJM/sw6xJ0l60aw/s400/P1011196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674758081002485762" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We bought 6 bottles of wine that are exclusive to the winery and are sending them back to Canada. We even had one bottle labelled, "Cari and Steve's Borassa Valley Adventure 2011". Yup, we're lame like that and love it! :)<br /><br />We had the best time in the Borassa Valley. It will always be a special memory and hold a special place in my heart. As someone said to me, the best way to describe that area is a "gentle place" and I couldn't agree more!<br /><br />More road trip photos to come! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-73017821826963499662011-11-13T19:10:00.003+10:002011-11-13T19:20:11.105+10:00Are you for real?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrcBkxYxtOY/Tr-J8qtcZLI/AAAAAAAALIc/BPidL3eBSrI/s1600/P1011248.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrcBkxYxtOY/Tr-J8qtcZLI/AAAAAAAALIc/BPidL3eBSrI/s400/P1011248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674405730860164274" border="0" /></a>Things are slowly starting to disappear around our house, like today, the wardrobes went to a new home and our clothes are currently living on our bed. We spent the weekend seeing friends and saying lots of goodbyes. It's Sunday night and I don't have to pack a lunch, iron an outfit or prepare anything at all for work tomorrow (I finished work last week....photos to come!). One might think we were moving, yet somehow I don't think it's actually hit me yet. WE ARE MOVING TO CANADA in less than 2 weeks (Nov. 26)!! Seriously, when is it actually going to feel real? It's all a bit strange!Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-38997875921546657062011-11-07T18:14:00.007+10:002011-11-07T19:10:27.212+10:00Upside-down and inside-out...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JysPuVto_s/TreVfGLNOWI/AAAAAAAALIM/24JHdGgwpAc/s1600/P1011237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JysPuVto_s/TreVfGLNOWI/AAAAAAAALIM/24JHdGgwpAc/s400/P1011237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672166617162529122" border="0" /></a>...that's sort of how my life feels at the moment. Just take a look at our spare room. Yikes. Here's a closer look, just so you can really see the...work in progress...? Yes, let's call it that.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg-Oti3bYSk/TreVIsa6VvI/AAAAAAAALIA/mN2lxu46vMU/s1600/P1011238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg-Oti3bYSk/TreVIsa6VvI/AAAAAAAALIA/mN2lxu46vMU/s400/P1011238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672166232291956466" border="0" /></a>Random Cari Fact: I don't actually cope that well with change. You'd think I would be pretty good at it by now. This is going to be our third big move in just 5 years but I always find it tough. I usually get my head around things after awhile but there's always lots of ups and downs to get there. I'm an emotional person, what can I say! According to my naturopath, it's my blood type, I lead with emotions, it's in my biology! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpsVNqb5kW4/TreUyMFzEWI/AAAAAAAALH0/Q2t6g8sGb_w/s1600/P1011228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpsVNqb5kW4/TreUyMFzEWI/AAAAAAAALH0/Q2t6g8sGb_w/s400/P1011228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672165845656342882" border="0" /></a>The last few months have definitely been a roller-coaster but slowly, day by day, more and more things get checked off the to-do-list and my poor head gets a little bit more quiet. Yesterday, we washed Jesse's crate. It's been stored in our outdoor shed for the last couple years and definitely needed a good clean.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6MVwC2Zz1o/TreUXYiMgeI/AAAAAAAALHo/cG7SoxiEmmY/s1600/P1011236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6MVwC2Zz1o/TreUXYiMgeI/AAAAAAAALHo/cG7SoxiEmmY/s400/P1011236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672165385140208098" border="0" /></a>You may remember <a href="http://thedickinsons.blogspot.com/2006/12/jesses-side-of-our-move.html">this picture</a> from 2006? Funny how so much changes, yet so much stays the same! Also funny that having this crate clean and set-up for Jesse to get comfortable being in again totally helped to settle at least a few of the many thoughts running through my busy head. As Steve kindly put it today, I'm a mental monkey at times. I won't deny it!<br /><br />In the middle of all this change and upside-down craziness, I feel more grateful than ever for a few little things...<br />...my amazing co-workers (you know who you are!) who make me laugh out loud several times a day (I'm gonna miss them!)...the sunny warm weather that's offering us a little taste of summer in the middle of what's going to be a very long winter...all the hard work Steve has been doing to organize oh so many things...a chiropractor who keeps my headaches at bay and my emotions in check...last little catch ups with extra special people...my new face wash that leaves my skin feeling super soft and my spirits lifted (it really is the little things! It smells good too!)...a half price sale on plane tickets that meant booking my trip home to Nova Scotia from Montreal for Christmas and a niece who thought to inform me of the deal...coming home yesterday to find Jesse sleeping happily in his crate (he likes it!) and lots of kind emails, facebook messages and texts from friends who make me feel very loved.<br /><br />Even if things do get a little crazy at times, I'm one lucky girl! xoxo<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-92062378629669615972011-11-06T07:41:00.002+10:002011-11-06T08:03:39.540+10:00A day at the beach.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb_Q978pcEc/TrWwWWVEJTI/AAAAAAAALHQ/vabGeKio_kI/s1600/2011-11-05%2B13.31.01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb_Q978pcEc/TrWwWWVEJTI/AAAAAAAALHQ/vabGeKio_kI/s400/2011-11-05%2B13.31.01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671633203740550450" border="0" /></a>It was an absolutely beautiful day yesterday, so we hit the beach! The weather in Melbourne can be quite fickle, as Melburnians say, it's not uncommon to have 4 seasons in one day. Yesterday was fabulous from start to finish, however and we enjoyed every beautiful moment.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T50PTMM7Pmg/TrWwWu91hTI/AAAAAAAALHc/4ovMUybLVbk/s1600/2011-11-05%2B13.31.30.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T50PTMM7Pmg/TrWwWu91hTI/AAAAAAAALHc/4ovMUybLVbk/s400/2011-11-05%2B13.31.30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671633210354009394" border="0" /></a>There was lots of relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sunshine, laughing at playful puppies frolicking on the beach, a delicious lunch with a cool glass of wine, ice cream and even enough time for a late afternoon nap. It was blissful...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca_hiNmJ7VY/TrWwKRGd85I/AAAAAAAALHE/dG_-_vJ6YWM/s1600/2011-11-05%2B13.32.08-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca_hiNmJ7VY/TrWwKRGd85I/AAAAAAAALHE/dG_-_vJ6YWM/s400/2011-11-05%2B13.32.08-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671632996178719634" border="0" /></a>...and just the sort of day we are currently making a point of taking full advantage of before we move back to Canada (just in time for winter!).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPK7MySz6Lo/TrWwKKPbg4I/AAAAAAAALG4/5lXBUMKEiEY/s1600/2011-11-05%2B13.30.39.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPK7MySz6Lo/TrWwKKPbg4I/AAAAAAAALG4/5lXBUMKEiEY/s400/2011-11-05%2B13.30.39.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671632994337260418" border="0" /></a>Oh, did I neglect to mention that on the blog? I'm sorry! Yup, we're heading back to Canada, Montreal to be exact in just 3 more weeks. It's a busy time for us but exciting all the same. I'll be back soon with a few more details about our move.<br />Until then, hope you are all happy and well! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-79665070633231383452011-10-07T20:28:00.001+10:002011-10-07T20:34:04.322+10:00A very patient puppy...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3yI-VNcwwo/To7VLwpyFcI/AAAAAAAALGk/SWPnHWHK1e4/s1600/jeddybum.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3yI-VNcwwo/To7VLwpyFcI/AAAAAAAALGk/SWPnHWHK1e4/s400/jeddybum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660696179666720194" border="0" /></a>Poor Jesse. I think he'll be happy when Steve goes back to work...Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-60602255073308958482011-09-25T20:01:00.013+10:002011-09-25T20:58:40.380+10:00Ah, weekends...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCk03Vxq4kc/Tn7-zY5vkmI/AAAAAAAALGc/7PT3Zu-MQEE/s1600/photo-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCk03Vxq4kc/Tn7-zY5vkmI/AAAAAAAALGc/7PT3Zu-MQEE/s400/photo-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656238340835349090" border="0" /></a>We had a really lovely weekend. Actually, it was sort of my idea of the perfect weekend. I thought I'd share a few photos from our last two days with you. They were all taken on my trusty iPhone (I'm so spoiled having a phone with a camera, I rarely bother lugging my camera out and about with me). This weekend was the perfect balance between being social and being a bit of a hermit. Love it! I'm also loving the flowers I picked from one of our neighborhood bushes, shown in the photo above. I consider them the Aussie version of lilacs. :) They smell very similar. <span style="font-style: italic;">Does anyone know what they are actually called?</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLHNLZfUOLE/Tn79tIPBV5I/AAAAAAAALGU/gyYgC7ngLVI/s1600/photo-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLHNLZfUOLE/Tn79tIPBV5I/AAAAAAAALGU/gyYgC7ngLVI/s400/photo-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656237133770348434" border="0" /></a>We spent Friday night eating take away, drinking wine, chatting and laughing with friends. It was great! Saturday morning, we met up with the same friends for breakfast and coffee (x2). My most favorite thing to do on a weekend morning! The rest of the weekend was spent napping, calling home, doing a few things around the house, and exploring the <a href="http://www.prahranmarket.com.au/">Prahran Market</a> (complete with self serve fresh mussels!:)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiHo_8iyErA/Tn79kkefiuI/AAAAAAAALGM/P_FVNNowkZU/s1600/photo-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiHo_8iyErA/Tn79kkefiuI/AAAAAAAALGM/P_FVNNowkZU/s400/photo-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656236986732612322" border="0" /></a>There was lots of eating in the last couple days...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Ax5X4K8v8/Tn79ffLtb9I/AAAAAAAALGE/PJ4hpk1DwNY/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3Ax5X4K8v8/Tn79ffLtb9I/AAAAAAAALGE/PJ4hpk1DwNY/s400/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656236899412307922" border="0" /></a>... but luckily also walks with Jesse Jay...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSF4Vr5ulsI/Tn79ZLoy73I/AAAAAAAALF8/AyVKUsHFoVQ/s1600/photo-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSF4Vr5ulsI/Tn79ZLoy73I/AAAAAAAALF8/AyVKUsHFoVQ/s400/photo-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656236791086378866" border="0" /></a>...soaking up all the signs of spring...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmY620XlkIE/Tn7865hnVkI/AAAAAAAALF0/cBNZEpxEIi4/s1600/photo-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmY620XlkIE/Tn7865hnVkI/AAAAAAAALF0/cBNZEpxEIi4/s400/photo-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656236270828344898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEvfe6O1VQE/Tn780Ax93gI/AAAAAAAALFs/0cTErFqaEQg/s1600/photo-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEvfe6O1VQE/Tn780Ax93gI/AAAAAAAALFs/0cTErFqaEQg/s400/photo-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656236152516894210" border="0" /></a>...and watching movies with more eating!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svkm3LNrWxM/Tn78PnsbHWI/AAAAAAAALFk/1AMG6DbEtvQ/s1600/photo-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svkm3LNrWxM/Tn78PnsbHWI/AAAAAAAALFk/1AMG6DbEtvQ/s400/photo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656235527307468130" border="0" /></a>Let's not forget the time we spent just chilling in the grass and enjoying a take away coffee.<br /><br />A lovely weekend, indeed! I'm back to work tomorrow with a busy week ahead. Thank goodness for weekends to refresh.<br /><br />Hope you all had a lovely weekend too! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-14127323287932720062011-09-22T20:49:00.005+10:002011-09-22T21:11:16.641+10:00Steve's Marathon Training...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kzCyElnFmY/TnsThVCZoQI/AAAAAAAALFc/sfA9wfiSfAo/s1600/P1010881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kzCyElnFmY/TnsThVCZoQI/AAAAAAAALFc/sfA9wfiSfAo/s400/P1010881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655135220397613314" border="0" /></a>Steve's been training for a Marathon that's coming up on October 9th. Sometimes when he comes home, he looks like this. Yup, his nipples actually bleed. I show him lots of sympathy and love, after I've snapped photos of him, of course!<br /><span style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >(Steve edit - this pic was taken after a 3hr, 35km training run, which rained</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for a lot of it causing much more friction than usual)</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbG4wcwMdAk/TnsThNKI2zI/AAAAAAAALFU/Esivpl0Co-g/s1600/P1010883.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbG4wcwMdAk/TnsThNKI2zI/AAAAAAAALFU/Esivpl0Co-g/s400/P1010883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655135218282584882" border="0" /></a>Then he takes an ice bath to help stop his muscles from swelling. I can't help myself, the sympathy goes out the window and I just laugh. I mean, seriously, look at that face! You'd laugh too! It's okay though, it's loving laughter! :)<br /><br />I wish I had half his dedication. It's pretty impressive. Good work with the training Babe, not long now until the big day! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-40536334945096367542011-09-19T15:06:00.003+10:002011-09-19T15:25:00.253+10:00Neutral Space<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe4uypgU9zw/TnbPbS72T1I/AAAAAAAALFE/piwTWZ83dqk/s1600/P1010900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe4uypgU9zw/TnbPbS72T1I/AAAAAAAALFE/piwTWZ83dqk/s400/P1010900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653934450056515410" border="0" /></a>Steve's studio was closed today. A lot of really talented people and friends are out of work, including my handsome hubby. We're not sure what we'll do next but if there's one thing I've learned it's that there are always negatives and positives to everything that happens and it's all happening for a reason. The sun was shining this afternoon and temps hit 29 degrees, so we headed off to the beach to clear ours heads...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnwvN01cs2k/TnbPbAdYY-I/AAAAAAAALE8/egpUbewh0hM/s1600/P1010920.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnwvN01cs2k/TnbPbAdYY-I/AAAAAAAALE8/egpUbewh0hM/s400/P1010920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653934445096887266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNfj3IYHJQc/TnbPa07BDhI/AAAAAAAALE0/fY0t5IZP-SU/s1600/P1010911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNfj3IYHJQc/TnbPa07BDhI/AAAAAAAALE0/fY0t5IZP-SU/s400/P1010911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653934441999961618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2_j05GwLpk/TnbPaUH83_I/AAAAAAAALEs/u_xW9Ycv7js/s1600/P1010916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2_j05GwLpk/TnbPaUH83_I/AAAAAAAALEs/u_xW9Ycv7js/s400/P1010916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653934433195843570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sphjTTJRtag/TnbPbtSbi1I/AAAAAAAALFM/rAi59121oDI/s1600/P1010903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sphjTTJRtag/TnbPbtSbi1I/AAAAAAAALFM/rAi59121oDI/s400/P1010903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653934457130552146" border="0" /></a>...and if there was ever a neutral space, snuggled right in between all those negatives and positives, this was a little taste of it. I'm trusting in my heart that the right thing will happen and we'll be okay. I'm staying neutral and planning to just enjoy this roller coaster ride of life and will wait to see where it lets us off. xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-16358859912629003722011-09-18T09:24:00.004+10:002011-09-18T09:56:14.820+10:00Cranky moods call for...<div style="text-align: center;">I've been fighting a viral infection (sore throat, sore glands, fever, etc...) for the last couple of weeks and it's really knocked the energy out of me. That along with some more (this time, unexpected) unhappy news this past week about Steve's job found me waking up on the wrong side of the bed yesterday morning! Steve was already up and at it and out for a bike ride, probably just what he needed to clear his head. I was determined to get myself out of my funk and opened every curtain in the house to let the sunshine in, wrote in my gratitude journal, called my Mom for a nice chat (does wanting to talk to your Mom when you're feeling down ever change:) and once Steve got home, we headed off for breakfast at an adorable little cafe we've been wanting to check out...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqDx71JeDy4/TnUsjt4yGLI/AAAAAAAALDs/T2wkpKKPzL8/s1600/photo-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqDx71JeDy4/TnUsjt4yGLI/AAAAAAAALDs/T2wkpKKPzL8/s400/photo-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653473899358329010" border="0" /></a>The cafe is called "MART", which is "TRAM" spelled backwards. It's a cozy little place with lots of pretty flowers and herbs growing in plant pots and it's located right on the tram line.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c02wTb6eF8Y/TnUsjwcFCEI/AAAAAAAALD0/L1KNbPrCzo4/s1600/photo-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c02wTb6eF8Y/TnUsjwcFCEI/AAAAAAAALD0/L1KNbPrCzo4/s400/photo-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653473900043241538" border="0" /></a>We had to wait for awhile to get a table, which was okay with us because it was a beautiful day (yeah for spring!) and we just watched the trams and people pass by, while sitting on the brick wall in front of the cafe, chatting.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHNjBWSi6kc/TnUskFRK6rI/AAAAAAAALD8/Br_4FAPkyqA/s1600/photo-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHNjBWSi6kc/TnUskFRK6rI/AAAAAAAALD8/Br_4FAPkyqA/s400/photo-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653473905634634418" border="0" /></a>They also served us lattes with pretty saucers while we waited, so who could possibly complain? :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0AU5x0Vwyc/TnUskUBzEPI/AAAAAAAALEE/lLUUsod69F8/s1600/photo-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0AU5x0Vwyc/TnUskUBzEPI/AAAAAAAALEE/lLUUsod69F8/s400/photo-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653473909596688626" border="0" /></a>This guy, who I later found out is named, Hercules kept us quite entertained while we waited. These dogs seem to be all over Melbourne and holy crap, they are cute!! Their teeth and tongues make me laugh!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezlm8dtXx_g/TnUskYJRMbI/AAAAAAAALEM/bBagnzAY1JA/s1600/photo-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezlm8dtXx_g/TnUskYJRMbI/AAAAAAAALEM/bBagnzAY1JA/s400/photo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653473910701765042" border="0" /></a>It really is a charming little place, if you ever get the chance to check it out, please do...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCnxF2Fau20/TnUtUOP71yI/AAAAAAAALEc/FbsxDaVXwJ0/s1600/photo-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCnxF2Fau20/TnUtUOP71yI/AAAAAAAALEc/FbsxDaVXwJ0/s400/photo-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653474732679092002" border="0" /></a>...because the food is pretty darn good too! And they served our pancakes with a brand new bottle of real Canadian maple syrup. Gotta love that! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-cNxdavg28/TnUtT8JEmZI/AAAAAAAALEU/aUcb9tOZaxI/s1600/photo-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-cNxdavg28/TnUtT8JEmZI/AAAAAAAALEU/aUcb9tOZaxI/s400/photo-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653474727818467730" border="0" /></a>After brekky, we took a little drive, stopped at an op shop and just explored new areas. It was nice. We ended our day with a walk with Jesse, followed by a rye sourdough, cheese, dip, red wine spread and a movie.<br />I have to say, by the end of the day I had pretty much forgotten all about waking up on the wrong side of the bed! :)<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-24155667886092690252011-09-13T20:02:00.008+10:002011-09-13T21:26:44.969+10:00A little of what's been happening in my tiny corner of the world...<div style="text-align: center;">Well, once again I've fallen way behind with blogging and oh, how I've missed it! Here's a little bit of what's been happening when I'm not blogging. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDWvxVreXLM/Tm8rZcwFaBI/AAAAAAAALDM/Z7ZOBVaWA5c/s1600/photo-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDWvxVreXLM/Tm8rZcwFaBI/AAAAAAAALDM/Z7ZOBVaWA5c/s400/photo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783773587859474" border="0" /></a>There was a Hen's night for my friend Ange. We celebrated with fishbowl sized margaritas and cruised around town in a limo with a charming driver...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpm0nDlrUiQ/Tm8rZYdrmaI/AAAAAAAALDU/b8oRNAy0UH0/s1600/photo%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpm0nDlrUiQ/Tm8rZYdrmaI/AAAAAAAALDU/b8oRNAy0UH0/s400/photo%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783772436928930" border="0" /></a>...lion kisses were also a special part of the evening. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFkKil-KyaU/Tm8rZEyJpvI/AAAAAAAALDE/o3SiuS8g9qU/s1600/photo-4%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFkKil-KyaU/Tm8rZEyJpvI/AAAAAAAALDE/o3SiuS8g9qU/s400/photo-4%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783767154075378" border="0" /></a>Then there was the wedding! I was a bridesmaid and enjoyed sharing in Geoff and Ange's day so much. It was absolutely gorgeous! Ange looked so beautiful and the day was just filled with love...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6JOznuMons/Tm8qv-R5aJI/AAAAAAAALC8/3bhN1FYG9p8/s1600/photo-5%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6JOznuMons/Tm8qv-R5aJI/AAAAAAAALC8/3bhN1FYG9p8/s400/photo-5%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783061033543826" border="0" /></a>Geoff cleaned up pretty good too! I heart weddings. :) I think I'll post a few more photos soon, it was just too lovely of a day to only be shared with two pictures!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yrod1MaR_c/Tm8qv3cd4sI/AAAAAAAALC0/r41yjEPjIrU/s1600/photo-3%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yrod1MaR_c/Tm8qv3cd4sI/AAAAAAAALC0/r41yjEPjIrU/s400/photo-3%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783059198829250" border="0" /></a>Spring showed it's lovely presence for a short amount of time and it was complete bliss! We hit the beach one evening for a walk after work...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uOh5LHuOBg/Tm8skDMGmqI/AAAAAAAALDc/nxdMLR6TcLk/s1600/photo-2%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uOh5LHuOBg/Tm8skDMGmqI/AAAAAAAALDc/nxdMLR6TcLk/s400/photo-2%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651785055216245410" border="0" /></a>...and watched the sunset.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVElublD9PU/Tm8qv505yZI/AAAAAAAALCs/oYks3Gd-cfw/s1600/photo-6%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVElublD9PU/Tm8qv505yZI/AAAAAAAALCs/oYks3Gd-cfw/s400/photo-6%2B%25283%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783059838192018" border="0" /></a>I planted pretty flower pots...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iWnEafJ4jk/Tm8qvvE6N3I/AAAAAAAALCk/yTbsc0ZLGsA/s1600/photo-7%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iWnEafJ4jk/Tm8qvvE6N3I/AAAAAAAALCk/yTbsc0ZLGsA/s400/photo-7%2B%25283%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783056952538994" border="0" /></a>...and herbs which just so happen to be still alive! Yippee! I'd love to have a vegetable garden but it's baby steps for me. Let's be honest, my thumb is not nearly as green as I would like.<br />Spring has been aloof as of late but the little teaser that we enjoyed for a week or so has me counting the minutes until summer. I'm so ready for warmer weather and sandals!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9tEKZLBWC4/Tm8qvXj6XHI/AAAAAAAALCc/vS9tBO6UdF4/s1600/photo-8%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9tEKZLBWC4/Tm8qvXj6XHI/AAAAAAAALCc/vS9tBO6UdF4/s400/photo-8%2B%25283%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651783050640120946" border="0" /></a>Lastly, I haven't been feeling my best lately, lots of headaches and neck pain, and really tired. It's reminding me of the importance of taking proper care of myself, eating well, exercising, down time, etc...something that I got slack with when I started feeling so good. Evening walks around our neighborhood with Steve and Jesse are great for restoring balance in so many ways. It's been one of my most favorite things in the last couple months. Plus, Melbourne is just oh so pretty at night!<br /><br />What have you been up to lately? I've missed you! xo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-74436968179057798542011-07-31T18:45:00.012+10:002011-08-03T20:31:57.645+10:00Day 3 - Kings Creek Station<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4idbYGHDNI/TjUazVd4K-I/AAAAAAAAK_E/1eOP8XQkQIs/s1600/P1010309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4idbYGHDNI/TjUazVd4K-I/AAAAAAAAK_E/1eOP8XQkQIs/s400/P1010309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635439977962154978" border="0" /></a>On our third day in the Northern Territory we woke up early and drove to Uluru to watch the sunrise. It was nice to see the sun stretch across the rock and feel everything around us wake up, including us! Afterwards, we splurged on a buffet breakfast at the resort before heading off on the 4 hour drive to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Canyon_%28Northern_Territory%29">Kings Canyon</a>...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QSQEWc4lzc/TjUazLFqawI/AAAAAAAAK-8/szytM0v9Eiw/s1600/P1010311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QSQEWc4lzc/TjUazLFqawI/AAAAAAAAK-8/szytM0v9Eiw/s400/P1010311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635439975176235778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzFl8Q1QGKU/TjUZz-LEukI/AAAAAAAAK-0/TBmeVYmQGeY/s1600/P1010323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzFl8Q1QGKU/TjUZz-LEukI/AAAAAAAAK-0/TBmeVYmQGeY/s400/P1010323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438889377512002" border="0" /></a>It was chilly first thing in the morning and at night but absolutely beautiful during the day!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXwBVRZZ4Xw/TjUZzj7Z5aI/AAAAAAAAK-s/m5mYWpf_E70/s1600/P1010332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXwBVRZZ4Xw/TjUZzj7Z5aI/AAAAAAAAK-s/m5mYWpf_E70/s400/P1010332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438882332468642" border="0" /></a>The roads are super flat and there isn't really radio (some AM depending on where you are), so we passed time playing games and chatting on the walkie-talkies with our friends in the other van. Fun times! :)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2AfP6-qJrI/TjUZzWtwZAI/AAAAAAAAK-k/3nOcLJdgDuc/s1600/P1010337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2AfP6-qJrI/TjUZzWtwZAI/AAAAAAAAK-k/3nOcLJdgDuc/s400/P1010337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438878785561602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7lRYIKXw_o/TjUZy2iTioI/AAAAAAAAK-c/TO_F9PWvEXQ/s1600/P1010338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7lRYIKXw_o/TjUZy2iTioI/AAAAAAAAK-c/TO_F9PWvEXQ/s400/P1010338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438870147598978" border="0" /></a>En route to our destination, we stopped at <a href="http://www.kingscreekstation.com.au/">Kings Creek Station</a>, a working cattle/camel station (ranch) with lots of fun things to do!! Petrol was pretty expensive though!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3z8OYr1alc/TjUZyNhyEHI/AAAAAAAAK-U/rS8z1XPqmBQ/s1600/P1010346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3z8OYr1alc/TjUZyNhyEHI/AAAAAAAAK-U/rS8z1XPqmBQ/s400/P1010346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438859139551346" border="0" /></a>They did have real coffee though and after a few days without that, I was a very happy camper!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6bCAoT294/TjUZTT-C45I/AAAAAAAAK-M/wnE2onOT390/s1600/P1010348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6bCAoT294/TjUZTT-C45I/AAAAAAAAK-M/wnE2onOT390/s400/P1010348.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438328292762514" border="0" /></a>Yippee! Caffeine fix! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp3k-_zgSY4/TjUZSh-a6_I/AAAAAAAAK-E/jDGhjHF819A/s1600/P1010349.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp3k-_zgSY4/TjUZSh-a6_I/AAAAAAAAK-E/jDGhjHF819A/s400/P1010349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438314872564722" border="0" /></a>We went on a camel ride and ate camel burgers. I know, it seems wrong, doesn't it? To be honest, I had a chicken burger and only had a bite of the camel one. Steve, Bruce and Claire all braved the camel burgers and enjoyed it. I couldn't stop thinking about how smart and cute the camels are!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojb1tDG02B4/TjUZSe74a8I/AAAAAAAAK98/ddFlVwTnkxw/s1600/P1010352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojb1tDG02B4/TjUZSe74a8I/AAAAAAAAK98/ddFlVwTnkxw/s400/P1010352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438314056608706" border="0" /></a>Our sexy hair nets for under the helmets...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXhkPsE1BgQ/TjUZSLBnGUI/AAAAAAAAK90/qYrG0Nij_ew/s1600/P1010353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXhkPsE1BgQ/TjUZSLBnGUI/AAAAAAAAK90/qYrG0Nij_ew/s400/P1010353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438308711930178" border="0" /></a>Seriously, what is wrong with me??<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4vHkmjd-lc/TjUZSGRlZWI/AAAAAAAAK9s/DrjZIBPoUpc/s1600/P1010357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4vHkmjd-lc/TjUZSGRlZWI/AAAAAAAAK9s/DrjZIBPoUpc/s400/P1010357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635438307436750178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33tx_TNyJ3Y/TjUYexaYMGI/AAAAAAAAK9k/QXn9_K8Adhw/s1600/P1010361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33tx_TNyJ3Y/TjUYexaYMGI/AAAAAAAAK9k/QXn9_K8Adhw/s400/P1010361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635437425663160418" border="0" /></a>Camels are very sloooow but it was also a really relaxing ride...and a bit surreal! We were riding a camel through the outback of Australia. CRAZY.<br />Camels are also very smart...they are as smart as a seven year old child, according to our guide. They catch wild camels at this station for export...that kind of made me sad. I don't like the idea of a wild animal being taken from their home and freedom. I'd make a terrible station worker!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3y5ubq7pk4/TjUYeZDwEaI/AAAAAAAAK9c/9bDgL6UEbNY/s1600/P1010362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3y5ubq7pk4/TjUYeZDwEaI/AAAAAAAAK9c/9bDgL6UEbNY/s400/P1010362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635437419125805474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLdGXpw0uzg/TjUYdwboqTI/AAAAAAAAK9U/b0zMW0UuwAY/s1600/P1010364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLdGXpw0uzg/TjUYdwboqTI/AAAAAAAAK9U/b0zMW0UuwAY/s400/P1010364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635437408220129586" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZzEibCUmZg/TjUYdsYXXeI/AAAAAAAAK9M/n53Bcym8O5E/s1600/P1010367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZzEibCUmZg/TjUYdsYXXeI/AAAAAAAAK9M/n53Bcym8O5E/s400/P1010367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635437407132671458" border="0" /></a>There were lots of dogs about. What a life these dogs live! Lucky puppies! It made me miss Jesse who was in a kennel in Melbourne.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGK72MS3B7I/TjUYdaQW0LI/AAAAAAAAK9E/dhR2t8MQs1M/s1600/P1010370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGK72MS3B7I/TjUYdaQW0LI/AAAAAAAAK9E/dhR2t8MQs1M/s400/P1010370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635437402267242674" border="0" /></a>We also took a helicopter ride. My first time in a helicopter! It was pretty cool...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kt1XoL5Pmeo/TjUXqak8F7I/AAAAAAAAK88/ANfPnIdwWNQ/s1600/P1010375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kt1XoL5Pmeo/TjUXqak8F7I/AAAAAAAAK88/ANfPnIdwWNQ/s400/P1010375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635436526180243378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaX4N4s2Jrc/TjUXqHkCCpI/AAAAAAAAK80/VjNNpPJu6ZY/s1600/P1010378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaX4N4s2Jrc/TjUXqHkCCpI/AAAAAAAAK80/VjNNpPJu6ZY/s400/P1010378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635436521076165266" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW_6sY1sr9M/TjUXqGpBxZI/AAAAAAAAK8s/yX1jVMFWRIM/s1600/P1010384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW_6sY1sr9M/TjUXqGpBxZI/AAAAAAAAK8s/yX1jVMFWRIM/s400/P1010384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635436520828683666" border="0" /></a>We saw <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brumby">wild horses</a>!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Loz1K1XRqkY/TjUazWNdIoI/AAAAAAAAK_M/_OUQmiGcDq8/s1600/horses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Loz1K1XRqkY/TjUazWNdIoI/AAAAAAAAK_M/_OUQmiGcDq8/s400/horses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635439978161709698" border="0" /></a>AMAZING!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ximoTRpUrJQ/TjUXpwBsYQI/AAAAAAAAK8k/jIXJlrVWx7g/s1600/P1010385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ximoTRpUrJQ/TjUXpwBsYQI/AAAAAAAAK8k/jIXJlrVWx7g/s400/P1010385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635436514758123778" border="0" /></a>The views were very pretty from up high...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDD5DbUnZlY/TjUXphKUOcI/AAAAAAAAK8c/o4huhJN0J-Y/s1600/P1010400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDD5DbUnZlY/TjUXphKUOcI/AAAAAAAAK8c/o4huhJN0J-Y/s400/P1010400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635436510767757762" border="0" /></a>...and very red!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-2ocAUATo/TjUcAdFfRPI/AAAAAAAALAE/fQgUxDBPGy8/s1600/2011-07-09%2B14.59.01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-2ocAUATo/TjUcAdFfRPI/AAAAAAAALAE/fQgUxDBPGy8/s400/2011-07-09%2B14.59.01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635441302857270514" border="0" /></a>We also went quad biking, as the Aussies say. This was one of my most favorite things on our trip...it was awesome!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-aGiHkgXhU/TjUazmPToLI/AAAAAAAAK_U/eKhhvgt9JmE/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.59.11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-aGiHkgXhU/TjUazmPToLI/AAAAAAAAK_U/eKhhvgt9JmE/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.59.11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635439982464442546" border="0" /></a>We drove through the outback on some pretty crazy tracks. We were allowed to go fast and I even saw a wild camel! Like I said, awesome!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zSpDLpKPCk/TjUcAeAR5sI/AAAAAAAAK_8/OuIDgGTuRrw/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.56.53.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zSpDLpKPCk/TjUcAeAR5sI/AAAAAAAAK_8/OuIDgGTuRrw/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.56.53.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635441303103858370" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0V9WqvouRU/TjUaziRyxZI/AAAAAAAAK_c/7U8mtC8uG9Q/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.58.54.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0V9WqvouRU/TjUaziRyxZI/AAAAAAAAK_c/7U8mtC8uG9Q/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.58.54.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635439981401130386" border="0" /></a>I'd do this again in a heart beat! If only I could travel around the city on a four wheeler...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dGk-R85vqI/TjUcAB5Qt-I/AAAAAAAAK_0/nxyO8OJY6oM/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.57.46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 57px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8dGk-R85vqI/TjUcAB5Qt-I/AAAAAAAAK_0/nxyO8OJY6oM/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.57.46.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635441295558227938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcB2p51YIBc/TjUb_5fOosI/AAAAAAAAK_s/VhzNoKYRvMc/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.58.44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcB2p51YIBc/TjUb_5fOosI/AAAAAAAAK_s/VhzNoKYRvMc/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.58.44.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635441293301555906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdBEvZkBvO8/TjUb_sj1NjI/AAAAAAAAK_k/-StSOtUXfGw/s1600/2011-07-09%2B15.58.54.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdBEvZkBvO8/TjUb_sj1NjI/AAAAAAAAK_k/-StSOtUXfGw/s400/2011-07-09%2B15.58.54.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635441289831200306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usytTsYEW0w/TjUXCRbZFbI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/32QMzuN4wz4/s1600/P1010404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usytTsYEW0w/TjUXCRbZFbI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/32QMzuN4wz4/s400/P1010404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635435836529513906" border="0" /></a>Making friends with the animals on the ranch...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g5QdIw3WYo/TjUXCBqCTPI/AAAAAAAAK8I/astnftwi4eA/s1600/P1010405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9g5QdIw3WYo/TjUXCBqCTPI/AAAAAAAAK8I/astnftwi4eA/s400/P1010405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635435832295967986" border="0" /></a>We arrived at <a href="http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/">Kings Canyon Resort</a> Campground and found our site to have the most amazing view...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2yWMHS6vKg/TjUXB0LPrSI/AAAAAAAAK8A/7Pnte6HvCAs/s1600/P1010407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2yWMHS6vKg/TjUXB0LPrSI/AAAAAAAAK8A/7Pnte6HvCAs/s400/P1010407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635435828677160226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlY_FWZ3uwc/TjUXBl89_ZI/AAAAAAAAK74/8Tt_yOSurbQ/s1600/P1010408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlY_FWZ3uwc/TjUXBl89_ZI/AAAAAAAAK74/8Tt_yOSurbQ/s400/P1010408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635435824859184530" border="0" /></a>We got settled, made a spaghetti dinner and kicked up our feet with a nice drink. Good times!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KmCTRH89f0/TjUXBXxbxgI/AAAAAAAAK7w/Q5xeADYszyU/s1600/P1010416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KmCTRH89f0/TjUXBXxbxgI/AAAAAAAAK7w/Q5xeADYszyU/s400/P1010416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635435821052708354" border="0" /></a>Gotta love camping! What a fabulous day!!<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-43851770416873410022011-07-24T21:24:00.005+10:002011-07-24T22:01:06.142+10:00Day 2 Evening - Sounds of Silence - Uluru<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi14NYltW9c/TiwCwcJeX4I/AAAAAAAAK6k/X10nZVLH1Nw/s1600/P1010241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi14NYltW9c/TiwCwcJeX4I/AAAAAAAAK6k/X10nZVLH1Nw/s400/P1010241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632880265146556290" border="0" /></a>After a <a href="http://thedickinsons.blogspot.com/2011/07/day-2-ayers-rock-uluru.html">fabulous day</a> spent at Ayers Rock, we went back to the campground, refreshed and got ready for "<a href="http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/sounds-of-silence/">Sounds of Silence</a>". A bus picked us up at the campground at 5pm and off we went. We weren't really sure what to expect (I thought we might need to not talk...thank goodness that wasn't the case!) but had been told that it was a pretty incredible experience. We weren't disappointed!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBYn0iLapO0/TiwCKfn5aZI/AAAAAAAAK6c/e1sQQik-Zn8/s1600/P1010249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBYn0iLapO0/TiwCKfn5aZI/AAAAAAAAK6c/e1sQQik-Zn8/s400/P1010249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632879613244434834" border="0" /></a>We drove over bumpy red dirt roads for awhile before being dropped off at a beautiful location where we were greeted with champagne and told to relax and enjoy the sunset on Ayers Rock. We nibbled on canapes (I ate my first bit of crocodile!) and mingled with the guests.<br />The above photo makes me laugh, we're standing as if not to block the rock!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8XgtOU2Ro/TiwCKDC_lQI/AAAAAAAAK6U/RhTe0ojZ7PM/s1600/P1010250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8XgtOU2Ro/TiwCKDC_lQI/AAAAAAAAK6U/RhTe0ojZ7PM/s400/P1010250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632879605573457154" border="0" /></a>Claire and I enjoying the evening.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VL7FzbP8ZWY/TiwCKLjfR3I/AAAAAAAAK6M/-lXko6BV12o/s1600/P1010262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VL7FzbP8ZWY/TiwCKLjfR3I/AAAAAAAAK6M/-lXko6BV12o/s400/P1010262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632879607857235826" border="0" /></a>It was a really special place in the middle of nowhere...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VGm2VcK-S4/TiwCJ9lXSsI/AAAAAAAAK6E/ICZsRTVmMaA/s1600/P1010273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VGm2VcK-S4/TiwCJ9lXSsI/AAAAAAAAK6E/ICZsRTVmMaA/s400/P1010273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632879604107004610" border="0" /></a>...and the view of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uluru">Uluru</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kata_Tjuta">The Olgas</a> was amazing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMmR0UsAkE/TiwCJoYAxhI/AAAAAAAAK58/0KOftNARnbs/s1600/P1010280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMmR0UsAkE/TiwCJoYAxhI/AAAAAAAAK58/0KOftNARnbs/s400/P1010280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632879598413858322" border="0" /></a>A gorgeous sunset...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY9dj_B1gGM/TiwBVDt6kGI/AAAAAAAAK50/yV08-Xohais/s1600/P1010284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY9dj_B1gGM/TiwBVDt6kGI/AAAAAAAAK50/yV08-Xohais/s400/P1010284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632878695220416610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wouf082Cqro/TiwBUywFwHI/AAAAAAAAK5s/xHwVntGGEkU/s1600/P1010291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wouf082Cqro/TiwBUywFwHI/AAAAAAAAK5s/xHwVntGGEkU/s400/P1010291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632878690666135666" border="0" /></a>After the sunset, we made our way down a long windy path that opened onto a red space with beautiful tables all set for a feast...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYsNWpsKoGw/TiwBUq9RsOI/AAAAAAAAK5k/nVEsDg-e46o/s1600/P1010293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYsNWpsKoGw/TiwBUq9RsOI/AAAAAAAAK5k/nVEsDg-e46o/s400/P1010293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632878688573960418" border="0" /></a>They served an Australian buffet (kangaroo, crocodile, prawns, lamb, etc...). The food was really tasty and the wine was in abundance!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6crMcwpO8/TiwBUT9UMcI/AAAAAAAAK5c/PgE0D5Dsssc/s1600/P1010295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6crMcwpO8/TiwBUT9UMcI/AAAAAAAAK5c/PgE0D5Dsssc/s400/P1010295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632878682400108994" border="0" /></a>We dined with travelers from Spain, China and Northern Queensland. We got to know each other a little, laughed a lot and enjoyed good food and drink together under a beautiful starry sky. We even chatted with fellow Canadians from Calgary, which is always nice when you're far away from home.<br />After dinner, they told us Aboriginal stories (wow!) and pointed out the constellations. It's funny to know you live under a completely different sky than you have known your entire life. No Northern Star to be seen anywhere but I can now locate the <a href="http://www.aussie-info.com/identity/scross.php">Southern Cross</a> like nobody's business! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97TX-e5CFw/TiwBUWotygI/AAAAAAAAK5U/GR2lVVnLEsk/s1600/P1010307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97TX-e5CFw/TiwBUWotygI/AAAAAAAAK5U/GR2lVVnLEsk/s400/P1010307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632878683119012354" border="0" /></a>The bus picked us up and dropped us back at the campground when the evening had to come to an end. We slept well with full tummies and happy hearts. Sounds of Silence was by far one of the most special moments of our trip. I'd recommend it to anyone! It's truly a very unique experience!<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-70909551266966706202011-07-20T21:29:00.004+10:002011-07-20T21:55:56.445+10:00Hmn.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnh5HXF-Uqw/Tia8QqMCXRI/AAAAAAAAK4s/gAidUdMOn00/s1600/P1010628.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnh5HXF-Uqw/Tia8QqMCXRI/AAAAAAAAK4s/gAidUdMOn00/s400/P1010628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631395378462088466" border="0" /></a>We recently got new bedding. After almost five years of the same bedding (seriously, have we lived here <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> long?), it was at the top of our wish list. We bought everything...sheets, pillows, pillow case covers, comforter, comforter cover, the works. I put it on the bed (I just love that brand new feeling!), turned my back for two seconds and...Jesse. For a split second I realized why Aussies are so fond of "outside dogs". I even thought for another second that our next dog wouldn't be allowed on the bed, or furniture in general and decided I would most definitely tell Steve that if we ever get another furry friend, all furniture will be off limits. Then, I remembered. I remembered how much I *love* weekend sleep-ins with me, Steve and Jesse all snuggled up in bed. I remembered how much I *love* sleeping back to back with Jesse when Steve stays up late or is away. I remembered how much I *love* waking up to Jesse resting his head on the mattress, staring right at me, waiting for me to wake up and wiggle over to make room for him. The dog hair, paw prints and extra wear and tear are most definitely a pain in the butt but I wouldn't trade it for anything! And if I'm being honest, I don't blame Jesse one bit. I've been sleeping like a baby since getting this new bedding..who wouldn't want to sleep in it? I'm sure it beats a dog bed any day!Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-47472821713261757932011-07-19T19:09:00.005+10:002011-07-19T20:02:22.858+10:00Day 2 - Ayers Rock (Uluru)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePo41Nte8_0/TiVNniqq1BI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/GuaFIpfFtfk/s1600/P1010080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePo41Nte8_0/TiVNniqq1BI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/GuaFIpfFtfk/s400/P1010080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630992250812683282" border="0" /></a>After a good night's sleep in the overfill part of Ayers Rock Campground, we woke up early to get our big day at Ayers Rock underway. The above photo is one Steve snapped bright and early from a hill overlooking the overfill camping field.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P44xv_XBFC4/TiVNne9H1pI/AAAAAAAAK4I/faE9C70v134/s1600/P1010082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P44xv_XBFC4/TiVNne9H1pI/AAAAAAAAK4I/faE9C70v134/s400/P1010082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630992249816340114" border="0" /></a>This is the overfill area up close. I just loved how red it was. We didn't notice the color until we woke up because we arrived after dark. It was pretty cool to get out of the van to head for the bathrooms and see the red, red soil.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxHAPUvMSPk/TiVNnEGNAbI/AAAAAAAAK4A/Y0-H03kjy10/s1600/P1010088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxHAPUvMSPk/TiVNnEGNAbI/AAAAAAAAK4A/Y0-H03kjy10/s400/P1010088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630992242606670258" border="0" /></a>We headed off to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulu%E1%B9%9Fu-Kata_Tju%E1%B9%AFa_National_Park">Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park</a> where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uluru">Ayers Rock</a>, also known as Uluru lives. This was our first glimpse of Uluru as we drove into the park. Seeing it for the first time was pretty spectacular. It's just so...Australia. When I first heard we were actually moving to the land down under, this was what popped in my head. It's considered the heart of Australia and there's no question in my mind as to why. It's truly amazing being in the presence of this rock. <b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxVIW8HaMjQ/TiVNEH76aXI/AAAAAAAAK34/Vk6JgsIu8QA/s1600/P1010096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxVIW8HaMjQ/TiVNEH76aXI/AAAAAAAAK34/Vk6JgsIu8QA/s400/P1010096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630991642341828978" border="0" /></a>One of my most favorite moments of the trip was having breakfast there. Sipping my coffee and eating my eggs beside Ayers Rock was surreal and very calming.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD1fuzP0l74/TiVND6G9guI/AAAAAAAAK3w/2-CrWODhJLE/s1600/P1010097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD1fuzP0l74/TiVND6G9guI/AAAAAAAAK3w/2-CrWODhJLE/s400/P1010097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630991638630073058" border="0" /></a>The best thing about a Britz camper van is the gas stove which enables you to cook a yummy full brekky anywhere!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZp0APm3kbw/TiVNDZANSWI/AAAAAAAAK3o/2TmICEbG6bQ/s1600/P1010128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZp0APm3kbw/TiVNDZANSWI/AAAAAAAAK3o/2TmICEbG6bQ/s400/P1010128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630991629743376738" border="0" /></a>After breakfast, we packed our snacks and water and set out on the 9.4km walk around the rock. I'm so glad we went in winter when the weather was a beautiful, sunny 18 degrees. It gets HOT there in summer, about 40 degrees. Even when we were there, you could feel the bite of the sun.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw6Wvz-p43w/TiVNCxv5wFI/AAAAAAAAK3g/tKeRjZQmu-4/s1600/P1010131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw6Wvz-p43w/TiVNCxv5wFI/AAAAAAAAK3g/tKeRjZQmu-4/s400/P1010131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630991619206004818" border="0" /></a>We chose not to climb the rock in respect of the Aboriginal people who ask that you don't. There were also several parts of the rock that are sacred to the Aboriginal people and there were signs asking you not to photograph there. Again, we respected that but sadly, there were lots of people who didn't. It made me a bit sad.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iez-MWnBKto/TiVNCuicaZI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/aYv-iHFZKb8/s1600/P1010134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iez-MWnBKto/TiVNCuicaZI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/aYv-iHFZKb8/s400/P1010134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630991618344249746" border="0" /></a>Steve on our chocolate chip cookie break.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7hTzzO3x0w/TiVLzhwY3wI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/10aYHMWlJ7I/s1600/P1010148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7hTzzO3x0w/TiVLzhwY3wI/AAAAAAAAK3Q/10aYHMWlJ7I/s400/P1010148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630990257703411458" border="0" /></a>Aboriginal art work on the rock...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxR1tp1PgxE/TiVLzo_XvnI/AAAAAAAAK3I/NewkC37K2Gg/s1600/P1010152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxR1tp1PgxE/TiVLzo_XvnI/AAAAAAAAK3I/NewkC37K2Gg/s400/P1010152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630990259645300338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmAW8BTwKA/TiVLzE9EqpI/AAAAAAAAK3A/nqvk6xUnWFk/s1600/P1010154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYmAW8BTwKA/TiVLzE9EqpI/AAAAAAAAK3A/nqvk6xUnWFk/s400/P1010154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630990249971985042" border="0" /></a>I have to admit, I wish there would have been more information about Uluru, as you walked around the rock. There really wasn't anything to help you learn more about the place, which I found quite surprising and a bit disappointing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNNNnNbSTMw/TiVLyx_dK_I/AAAAAAAAK24/uyHj_o5Uz8A/s1600/P1010167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNNNnNbSTMw/TiVLyx_dK_I/AAAAAAAAK24/uyHj_o5Uz8A/s400/P1010167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630990244881705970" border="0" /></a>But, the views helped to make up for it! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69pvr7f0R8Q/TiVLylbQigI/AAAAAAAAK2w/KvHdPqb2KhE/s1600/P1010165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69pvr7f0R8Q/TiVLylbQigI/AAAAAAAAK2w/KvHdPqb2KhE/s400/P1010165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630990241508657666" border="0" /></a>Group shot.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKfkMrg6F8o/TiVKr1u7HRI/AAAAAAAAK2k/vutDL8MjAn0/s1600/P1010177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKfkMrg6F8o/TiVKr1u7HRI/AAAAAAAAK2k/vutDL8MjAn0/s400/P1010177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630989026115394834" border="0" /></a>Gorgeous colors!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STofsoDKTKI/TiVKryHCx2I/AAAAAAAAK2c/Km0HV6kpgk4/s1600/P1010207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STofsoDKTKI/TiVKryHCx2I/AAAAAAAAK2c/Km0HV6kpgk4/s400/P1010207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630989025142818658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dUKESyFvRw8/TiVKrglOqLI/AAAAAAAAK2U/6VHytcqaI_o/s1600/P1010212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dUKESyFvRw8/TiVKrglOqLI/AAAAAAAAK2U/6VHytcqaI_o/s400/P1010212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630989020437588146" border="0" /></a>A quick stretch, much needed after our first night's sleep in the camper van!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9O6w-WkM6Q/TiVKrYO7rUI/AAAAAAAAK2M/if21D0WC2zg/s1600/P1010220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9O6w-WkM6Q/TiVKrYO7rUI/AAAAAAAAK2M/if21D0WC2zg/s400/P1010220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630989018196585794" border="0" /></a>Nearing the end of the walk...Bruce and Claire taking a rest.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naA_y9atpC0/TiVKrXjCd9I/AAAAAAAAK2E/LfnVaLstSz8/s1600/P1010228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naA_y9atpC0/TiVKrXjCd9I/AAAAAAAAK2E/LfnVaLstSz8/s400/P1010228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630989018012481490" border="0" /></a>I love this picture.<br /><br />Uluru was everything we had always imagined and more. Everyone that goes there tells you how amazing it is, but I don't think I really understood until I felt it for myself. It's just another reason why Australia is so special.<br /><br />I'll be back tomorrow with how we spent our evening at Uluru...<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-31065633963020819352011-07-18T21:01:00.013+10:002011-07-18T22:10:58.693+10:00My Monday...<div style="text-align: center;">...a photo an hour for an entire day. A fun way to make a long, busy day...fun!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-5Iy79TKhI/TiQVyTr5cTI/AAAAAAAAK1o/TSaFjydmKNM/s1600/photo%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-5Iy79TKhI/TiQVyTr5cTI/AAAAAAAAK1o/TSaFjydmKNM/s400/photo%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630649388141998386" border="0" /></a>8am///Got ready for work. It was a ponytail day...no time for hair!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqtK2XlgO6k/TiQUflUGxYI/AAAAAAAAK1g/L_teZRtgsU4/s1600/photo-1%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqtK2XlgO6k/TiQUflUGxYI/AAAAAAAAK1g/L_teZRtgsU4/s400/photo-1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647966944904578" border="0" /></a>9am///Arrived at work, coffee in hand, picked up at my favorite drive through en route...still hot. The nice guy at the coffee shop gave me a free paper with my coffee. I read my horoscope. :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvYFarDyuNU/TiQZBsERtaI/AAAAAAAAK1w/kW_F1VeSd10/s1600/photo-13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvYFarDyuNU/TiQZBsERtaI/AAAAAAAAK1w/kW_F1VeSd10/s400/photo-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630652950919624098" border="0" /></a>10am-12pm///Played major catch up on email, voice mail and other paperwork. Lots to do after being away sick for half a day on Thursday and all day Friday. Busy, busy!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---m8qcNaIWU/TiQUfmHNAQI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/Tz8zUSo7IHk/s1600/photo-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/---m8qcNaIWU/TiQUfmHNAQI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/Tz8zUSo7IHk/s400/photo-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647967159222530" border="0" /></a>12pm///Lunch. Left over pizza and a garden salad. Delicious!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xEekvC-T3E/TiQaEcNv67I/AAAAAAAAK14/ynTsedbreLs/s1600/photo-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xEekvC-T3E/TiQaEcNv67I/AAAAAAAAK14/ynTsedbreLs/s400/photo-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630654097715620786" border="0" /></a>1pm///Tea in my work mug, complete with my name so no one in the office 'borrows' it. You need to watch your mug pretty closely around that office of mine.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDYb9Qy1s0/TiQUfV6vp_I/AAAAAAAAK1Q/3LczBvYOgCM/s1600/photo-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMDYb9Qy1s0/TiQUfV6vp_I/AAAAAAAAK1Q/3LczBvYOgCM/s400/photo-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647962812000242" border="0" /></a>2pm///Admired my screensaver and did a few neck stretches in my chair during a much needed mini break from cranky emails and people!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ry8lSBCIBk/TiQUewS8EII/AAAAAAAAK1A/I-B2CZN7Jbc/s1600/photo-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ry8lSBCIBk/TiQUewS8EII/AAAAAAAAK1A/I-B2CZN7Jbc/s400/photo-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647952712929410" border="0" /></a>3pm///The afternoon tea of champions...tuna and beans!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1aLI5p_lM/TiQTpxkbvRI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/5X-BVPsAi1o/s1600/photo-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1aLI5p_lM/TiQTpxkbvRI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/5X-BVPsAi1o/s400/photo-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647042521677074" border="0" /></a>4pm///The blind I bought from my boss...fits the window perfectly...lucky guess!<br /><br />5pm///Work finished! A super productive day. Off to the grocery store and dollar store next door to my work to pick up a few things.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPg4N_9X-3c/TiQTqGyV8EI/AAAAAAAAK0g/wVligc4z1P0/s1600/photo-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPg4N_9X-3c/TiQTqGyV8EI/AAAAAAAAK0g/wVligc4z1P0/s400/photo-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647048217161794" border="0" /></a>6pm///Home and dinner started...yum, tacos! So quick and easy but yet, oh so tasty!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLRm_SSun2c/TiQTqKUPLhI/AAAAAAAAK0o/HfDUhCECMHI/s1600/photo-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLRm_SSun2c/TiQTqKUPLhI/AAAAAAAAK0o/HfDUhCECMHI/s400/photo-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647049164631570" border="0" /></a>7pm///Fed Jesse dry food because I didn't make it to the pet shop that sells raw food before it closed...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GjanDKk1EU/TiQTqOya3YI/AAAAAAAAK0w/HVSH829vyus/s1600/photo-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--GjanDKk1EU/TiQTqOya3YI/AAAAAAAAK0w/HVSH829vyus/s400/photo-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647050364968322" border="0" /></a>...and made cupcakes for friends who are celebrating a birthday. A big thanks to my hubby and puppy who walked to the store to buy me vegetable oil because I didn't realize it was gone.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9g87C7kiRk/TiQTqTJSzMI/AAAAAAAAK04/w0HvoqjlRiw/s1600/photo-12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9g87C7kiRk/TiQTqTJSzMI/AAAAAAAAK04/w0HvoqjlRiw/s400/photo-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630647051534650562" border="0" /></a>8pm///Decorated cupcakes and made little decorative flags. Ate a cupcake for quality control. ;)<br /><br />9pm///Dishes, tidied up, blog.<br /><br />10pm///Bedtime!<br /><br />Hope everyone has/had a wonderful Monday. I'll be back tomorrow with more of our trip to Northern Territory. xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-41540137077142362082011-07-17T19:20:00.007+10:002011-07-17T20:07:39.564+10:00Day 1 - Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Campground - Northern Territory<div style="text-align: center;">We had the most amazing adventure in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Territory">Northern Territory</a>. I absolutely fell in love with the outback and Australia, all over again! We did so much in just 5 days and took lots of photos, so here is a recap of our holiday, day by day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVJfCRo-URw/TiKqX-SBjqI/AAAAAAAAKzo/vrN162psG78/s1600/P1040210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVJfCRo-URw/TiKqX-SBjqI/AAAAAAAAKzo/vrN162psG78/s400/P1040210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630249812998852258" border="0" /></a>Day 1 we flew into <a href="http://www.thealice.com.au/">Alice Springs</a>. This is us on the plane. We traveled with our friends, Bruce and Claire and had a fantastic time with them. They're great fun!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J3LCffqYvA/TiKp1qhtuBI/AAAAAAAAKzg/5S0O2gqFsR8/s1600/P1040233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9J3LCffqYvA/TiKp1qhtuBI/AAAAAAAAKzg/5S0O2gqFsR8/s400/P1040233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630249223580399634" border="0" /></a>This is me waiting for the boys to get our <a href="http://www.britz.com.au/">Britz</a> van. They make road trips and camping super easy, although this time wasn't quite as relaxing as some of our previous holidays in the camper vans. We were not the only ones living in the Britz. We shared the space with mice! Yikes!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyhStcMIyzI/TiKkvAqQo3I/AAAAAAAAKzI/kK4VRLlXJ2k/s1600/P1010024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyhStcMIyzI/TiKkvAqQo3I/AAAAAAAAKzI/kK4VRLlXJ2k/s400/P1010024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630243611704599410" border="0" /></a>We did a huge grocery shop in Alice Springs and got enough food and drinks to get us through 5 days. There isn't a whole lot of shopping in the outback once you you hit the road and what you do find is very expensive. Gas was $2.14 a litre!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpzGUEcIfQk/TiKkvbtiT8I/AAAAAAAAKzQ/ZwaWqpvwdNE/s1600/P1010025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpzGUEcIfQk/TiKkvbtiT8I/AAAAAAAAKzQ/ZwaWqpvwdNE/s400/P1010025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630243618966097858" border="0" /></a>On the first day we drove about 450km from Alice Springs to <a href="http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/arrcamp/">Ayers Rock Resort Campground</a> where we spent our first night. The roads are very flat and the speed limit is 130km for a lot of the drive. It was weird to legally be able to drive that fast! It made 100km an hour seem like we were crawling.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dakczDuZ_Ww/TiKkC8Uu9hI/AAAAAAAAKy4/7PYbzdiAWtg/s1600/P1010040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dakczDuZ_Ww/TiKkC8Uu9hI/AAAAAAAAKy4/7PYbzdiAWtg/s400/P1010040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630242854626326034" border="0" /></a>Our first pit stop found us at a road side rest stop where we got our first up close experience with the red soil. It's just so red out there!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaNu4NVHnQs/TiKkDEiYLDI/AAAAAAAAKzA/n8WeAzvD6p8/s1600/P1010034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RaNu4NVHnQs/TiKkDEiYLDI/AAAAAAAAKzA/n8WeAzvD6p8/s400/P1010034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630242856831036466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vihpdyKjjwE/TiKjdtbTVTI/AAAAAAAAKyo/OfqYHLEurLw/s1600/P1010042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vihpdyKjjwE/TiKjdtbTVTI/AAAAAAAAKyo/OfqYHLEurLw/s400/P1010042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630242214972183858" border="0" /></a>Bruce and Claire had their van upgraded to the larger size. This is big brother van and little brother van taking a rest.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-of05p9GacHQ/TiKjdwXDwqI/AAAAAAAAKyw/THHaZpgojVQ/s1600/P1010043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-of05p9GacHQ/TiKjdwXDwqI/AAAAAAAAKyw/THHaZpgojVQ/s400/P1010043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630242215759692450" border="0" /></a>Me and Claire. We look quite good here, I must say. After 5 days and limited showers, we definitely weren't looking quite so spiffy! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzOuzG4uWL0/TiKistXSjKI/AAAAAAAAKyY/BKtE_uA9kEI/s1600/P1010066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzOuzG4uWL0/TiKistXSjKI/AAAAAAAAKyY/BKtE_uA9kEI/s400/P1010066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630241373141765282" border="0" /></a>We also stopped at this rest stop where they offered free camping, complete with showers, laundry and toilets that were labeled "Sheila's and Bloke's"...very Aussie! I was really impressed by the fact that you could just camp at most rest stops for free along the way. Very handy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU5Hhjjuvts/TiKxHocmf_I/AAAAAAAAKz4/L_Mydk8jIZM/s1600/P1010065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU5Hhjjuvts/TiKxHocmf_I/AAAAAAAAKz4/L_Mydk8jIZM/s400/P1010065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630257228841123826" border="0" /></a>We got excited when we saw this in the distance, about 100km from Ayers Rock Campground. It's not Ayers Rock though, this is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Conner">Mount Connor </a>and is actually three times larger than Uluru. Strangely, I've never even heard of it but it is quite impressive when you see it hovering in the distance!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajn4uRwqphg/TiKis-UuCKI/AAAAAAAAKyg/hbfSFOH31RQ/s1600/P1010061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajn4uRwqphg/TiKis-UuCKI/AAAAAAAAKyg/hbfSFOH31RQ/s400/P1010061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630241377694386338" border="0" /></a>We saw a really pretty sunset on our first night as we got closer and closer to our destination.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQOQUzvsYvE/TiKhngGv6DI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/G9vn5uKCOYg/s1600/P1010074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQOQUzvsYvE/TiKhngGv6DI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/G9vn5uKCOYg/s400/P1010074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630240184171751474" border="0" /></a>You really need to watch for wildlife when driving at night. They have more animals than people living in the Northern Territory, everything from kangaroos to wild horses, camels, donkeys, rabbits, etc... We even saw wild emu by the side of the road, along with lots of hawks and other pretty birds.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkucPyEYHpE/TiKqr4i_jOI/AAAAAAAAKzw/DuNEPhukDy4/s1600/P1040276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkucPyEYHpE/TiKqr4i_jOI/AAAAAAAAKzw/DuNEPhukDy4/s400/P1040276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630250155056794850" border="0" /></a>It was nice to arrive at the campground, although it was packed! This time of year is their busy season and we actually had to camp our first night in their overfill space, basically a large field. We didn't care though, we unpacked a little and then kicked up our feet for some snacks and drinks. The best part of camping, if you ask me! :)<br /><br />We headed to bed early, tired from a long day of driving and looking forward to an early morning and a full day at Uluru. Stay tuned for day 2 photos!<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-63465712980924776522011-07-06T19:04:00.004+10:002011-07-06T19:13:49.654+10:00Off we go...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZVGSihyQK8/ThQlL66eW-I/AAAAAAAAKxQ/7TUkO_b8hlg/s1600/268181_10150281927327292_643637291_9177239_6379939_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZVGSihyQK8/ThQlL66eW-I/AAAAAAAAKxQ/7TUkO_b8hlg/s400/268181_10150281927327292_643637291_9177239_6379939_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626162721215896546" border="0" /></a>Just want to say that we're leaving on a jet plane tomorrow for a grand adventure in Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). I'm pretty excited! I'm sure to have lots of photos to share upon my return! But, just before I go, I just had to share a photo of my great niece, Zahria. Yup, I'm a great aunt! It kind of makes me feel a wee bit old but I'll take feeling old any day if it means having this beautiful little lady as part of our family. Isn't she perfect? I can hardly wait to meet her! I'm over the moon happy for my niece Nicole and her partner, Sean. Baby Z is just the sweetest little thing ever! xoxoCarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-3699820227050167262011-07-04T21:33:00.005+10:002011-07-04T22:15:57.035+10:00Feeling thankful...<div style="text-align: center;">Things have been a bit up in air in our lives these last couple of months and to be completely honest, it's exhausting. We're both getting pretty tired of waiting and wondering and <span style="font-style: italic;">just not knowing</span>. Today was a particularly blue day for me but I've been making a point of focusing on and appreciating all the positive and good things surrounding me each day and today was no exception. I've been snapping photos of all the things I'm grateful for on a daily basis for awhile now and have been writing in my gratitude journal as much as I can, but when my darling friend, Kate asked if I'd join her in writing three things I'm grateful for each day in the month of July, I thought it would be the perfect way to share, on occasion some of the random pictures I snap here and there of all the many things I love and am thankful for on my travels from one day to to the next. Here's just a few of the many photos taken with my phone lately and chosen from the long list in my journal...<br /><br />...I am grateful for...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQnupAhvpy0/ThGnSof296I/AAAAAAAAKwg/e_YjpvIdUUM/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQnupAhvpy0/ThGnSof296I/AAAAAAAAKwg/e_YjpvIdUUM/s400/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625461348112988066" border="0" /></a>...matching, warm, cozy slipper boots that keep my toes snuggly and happy on chilly Melbourne nights. "...they make my toes feel like ten friends on a camping trip." I just love that line...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6QKlQi2uFw/ThGnS8gDolI/AAAAAAAAKwo/On93aHDAu_w/s1600/photo-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6QKlQi2uFw/ThGnS8gDolI/AAAAAAAAKwo/On93aHDAu_w/s400/photo-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625461353482527314" border="0" /></a>...day trips to pretty places on sunny days...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42nN2v7FYbY/ThGmNjhW3CI/AAAAAAAAKwY/hplKY17gUoc/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42nN2v7FYbY/ThGmNjhW3CI/AAAAAAAAKwY/hplKY17gUoc/s400/IMG_0970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625460161366121506" border="0" /></a>...yummy, fresh fruit and veggies that help to keep my energy (and spirits!) up...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpqqZaA-3xo/ThGly3LIXnI/AAAAAAAAKwA/qbFkwejGjms/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpqqZaA-3xo/ThGly3LIXnI/AAAAAAAAKwA/qbFkwejGjms/s400/IMG_0959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625459702785138290" border="0" /></a>...thrift/vintage shops full of hidden treasure...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IM-EUU0LXM/ThGlyStO78I/AAAAAAAAKv4/D5kHIPoKsMk/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IM-EUU0LXM/ThGlyStO78I/AAAAAAAAKv4/D5kHIPoKsMk/s400/IMG_0911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625459692996063170" border="0" /></a>...early morning coffee (especially on extra chilly mornings!)...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzt77PiYrD8/ThGlyIW_PeI/AAAAAAAAKvw/OlLW2-dMM3U/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzt77PiYrD8/ThGlyIW_PeI/AAAAAAAAKvw/OlLW2-dMM3U/s400/IMG_0958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625459690218405346" border="0" /></a>...cute boots with wool tights and pretty dresses...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpEkmgPtUc4/ThGlxwIQkzI/AAAAAAAAKvo/taERiln1g74/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpEkmgPtUc4/ThGlxwIQkzI/AAAAAAAAKvo/taERiln1g74/s400/IMG_0967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625459683714175794" border="0" /></a>...pretty plants in simple pots that leave me feeling inspired to run away, buy a farm and live off the land (as a vegetarian with lots of pets, of course! :)...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nNwYEfnhiY/ThGlztcXYZI/AAAAAAAAKwI/iD62WYI5KYY/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nNwYEfnhiY/ThGlztcXYZI/AAAAAAAAKwI/iD62WYI5KYY/s400/IMG_0927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625459717352939922" border="0" /></a>...and most importantly, these two boys of mine, who make the cut on a pretty regular basis...<br /><br />What are you grateful for today? Would you like to join me in writing 3 things a day that you are grateful for in the month of July? It's amazing what it can do for your spirits, even on the bluest of days! :)<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-43961816772035827092011-05-30T17:50:00.006+10:002011-05-30T18:32:12.862+10:00First 10km Run!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEqjQzKGwCg/TeNNODsTOUI/AAAAAAAAKsE/BUlAFXor_UA/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEqjQzKGwCg/TeNNODsTOUI/AAAAAAAAKsE/BUlAFXor_UA/s400/IMG_0981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612414464538392898" border="0" /></a>Yesterday, Steve, our friend Ange and I did the 10km <a href="http://au.srichinmoyraces.org/events/williamstown_running_and_fitness_festival">Sri Chinmoy</a> run. I wasn't sure how I'd go because I had never actually ran 10km but Steve stuck with me and as always was very encouraging and helped to keep me motivated. I really enjoy running with him, he's very supportive and inspires me to try harder. My iPod also helped to keep me moving! A good playlist goes a long way when you're running!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edjF0hgQheU/TeNNNjbDIzI/AAAAAAAAKr8/Yv9Qb1poQsU/s1600/2011-05-29%2B08.59.21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edjF0hgQheU/TeNNNjbDIzI/AAAAAAAAKr8/Yv9Qb1poQsU/s400/2011-05-29%2B08.59.21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612414455876100914" border="0" /></a>The run was really nice, near the ocean with really great views of the city skyline. It also took us through <a href="http://www.williamstowninfo.com.au/">Williamstown</a>, an adorable little town that I'm hoping we can go back to explore sometime soon.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yU7ypGHQb4/TeNNNeAPJqI/AAAAAAAAKr0/C72FUvk5Jjo/s1600/2011-05-29%2B09.14.42.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yU7ypGHQb4/TeNNNeAPJqI/AAAAAAAAKr0/C72FUvk5Jjo/s400/2011-05-29%2B09.14.42.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612414454421464738" border="0" /></a>This was us chilling out after we came across the finish line. Ange and that guy standing behind her (Geoff :) got engaged the night before the run, so they were pretty happy! We were pretty happy for them...they make a really great match!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrmCSVSq5LM/TeNNNVuAr3I/AAAAAAAAKrs/a8i7yygGD6I/s1600/2011-05-29%2B09.15.46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrmCSVSq5LM/TeNNNVuAr3I/AAAAAAAAKrs/a8i7yygGD6I/s400/2011-05-29%2B09.15.46.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612414452197535602" border="0" /></a> There was lots of love in the air this weekend, with friends getting engaged and Steve and I celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary. I'll be posting our annual anniversary photo soon. This is Steve and I after we came across the finish line.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUzCJ9pgRIk/TeNNOnu5CtI/AAAAAAAAKsM/bDUd1E5yEsU/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUzCJ9pgRIk/TeNNOnu5CtI/AAAAAAAAKsM/bDUd1E5yEsU/s400/IMG_0983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612414474212936402" border="0" /></a>And by far, the best thing about doing runs is going for brunch and coffee afterwards! We went to <a href="http://www.fraus.com.au/">Fraus</a>, a crepes place known for their hot chocolate. There were a million flavors to choose from and it comes served in a giant cup, more like a soup bowl than a hot chocolate mug. Definitely a meal you can enjoy much more after a good run that works up a good appetite!<br /><br />Next fun run is July 31st. Let's see how we go between now and then! :)<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-19064325840816584712011-05-22T14:21:00.014+10:002011-05-29T19:40:07.849+10:00Early - Mid May in Photos<div style="text-align: center;">Hello! I've been on a bit of a blogging break, in case you hadn't noticed. I just haven't been very inspired to sit down and blog in the last few weeks but after browsing through old blog posts from this time last year, my inspiration seemed to return. I really love what a wonderful tool blogging is for documenting our adventures and day to day life and I really want to keep it up. Finding the time is the tricky bit, but I really want to try harder. I'm going to give it my best go! So, let's recap, shall we? Here's a picture post to bring you up-to-date on what happened in the first couple weeks of May. May is always such a busy month for us and one of my most favorite months of the year. This year has been no exception!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHf2ebj09P4/TeIF2FmUYBI/AAAAAAAAKrQ/ZM0e7Mb4f_M/s1600/P1010125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHf2ebj09P4/TeIF2FmUYBI/AAAAAAAAKrQ/ZM0e7Mb4f_M/s400/P1010125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612054512431030290" border="0" /></a>We kicked off the month with Steve and a couple of friends from his work doing the <a href="http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/?id=greattrainrace2009su">Puffy Billy Race</a>, a run that races the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenongs. It's basically a 13km run mostly uphill. I took the train!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_0t7XB3wqk/TeIF11S7k6I/AAAAAAAAKrI/hYcbhqH0W0c/s1600/P1010167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_0t7XB3wqk/TeIF11S7k6I/AAAAAAAAKrI/hYcbhqH0W0c/s400/P1010167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612054508054746018" border="0" /></a>The views along the way were really pretty and the train was all open and people could sit on the side of the train with their feet hanging out the side. It was pretty neat, especially if you were little...the kids on the train loved it! So did I!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdrm8OeIydw/TeIFQIMxkPI/AAAAAAAAKq0/sGs8Xl2GCFY/s1600/P1010165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdrm8OeIydw/TeIFQIMxkPI/AAAAAAAAKq0/sGs8Xl2GCFY/s400/P1010165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612053860294168818" border="0" /></a>I really felt for the runners...it was a tough one! Steve beat the train I was on, so he did very well!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggOo0bWgA-4/TeIFQVlfpmI/AAAAAAAAKq8/S5B4tad_VqI/s1600/P1010134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggOo0bWgA-4/TeIFQVlfpmI/AAAAAAAAKq8/S5B4tad_VqI/s400/P1010134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612053863887513186" border="0" /></a>The layout of the train station and the steam train itself made everything feel like we had stepped back in time. I think I would have really loved living back then!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLENUVSGqlo/TeIEbXiRHVI/AAAAAAAAKqk/SB1CfTIlYjc/s1600/P1010178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLENUVSGqlo/TeIEbXiRHVI/AAAAAAAAKqk/SB1CfTIlYjc/s400/P1010178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612052953877781842" border="0" /></a>I'm still loving all the beauty of autumn, although celebrating my favorite month in autumn and not spring is still pretty confusing. Not sure that will ever change!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXIEChw6-MU/TeIEb4z6eBI/AAAAAAAAKqs/iHTFi65tTgA/s1600/P1010155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXIEChw6-MU/TeIEb4z6eBI/AAAAAAAAKqs/iHTFi65tTgA/s400/P1010155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612052962810165266" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8SLUthWSM/TeIDzeyXNQI/AAAAAAAAKqU/N60aH8IcndE/s1600/P1010185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2L8SLUthWSM/TeIDzeyXNQI/AAAAAAAAKqU/N60aH8IcndE/s400/P1010185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612052268629570818" border="0" /></a>I think I can, I think I can. It's probably more likely that the runners were thinking this than the train!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnnu5C7F1SA/TeIDzkQfhZI/AAAAAAAAKqc/xdcGHyXQ5iw/s1600/P1010176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnnu5C7F1SA/TeIDzkQfhZI/AAAAAAAAKqc/xdcGHyXQ5iw/s400/P1010176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612052270098122130" border="0" /></a>Well done on the run Steve...you rock!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MV8Luflnbb0/TeHRgiur5zI/AAAAAAAAKqE/8cABciiMv7U/s1600/photo-33.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MV8Luflnbb0/TeHRgiur5zI/AAAAAAAAKqE/8cABciiMv7U/s400/photo-33.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611996967688988466" border="0" /></a>On May 8th, I did my first ever fun run, and you know what? It was actually fun! We did the 8km Mother's Day Classic run to help raise money for breast cancer with a few friends. An insane amount of people came out for the event and even with a stomach bug I managed to finish the run. I wasn't about to miss it after months of running in preparation. Sometimes, being a stubborn Taurus pays off!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JCJyfXUTiA/TeHRgZrjLwI/AAAAAAAAKp8/KMnX7k2UL5A/s1600/photo-34.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JCJyfXUTiA/TeHRgZrjLwI/AAAAAAAAKp8/KMnX7k2UL5A/s400/photo-34.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611996965259915010" border="0" /></a>This is my running buddy, she helps to keep me motivated and gets me out even when it's the last thing I feel like doing. Thanks for all the support Ange!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxacISC0XEg/TeHQ4WbjViI/AAAAAAAAKp0/uti5c5NCVds/s1600/P1010016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxacISC0XEg/TeHQ4WbjViI/AAAAAAAAKp0/uti5c5NCVds/s400/P1010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611996277192742434" border="0" /></a>We were quite happy with ourselves for following through and doing the run. I have to admit, I think I may have caught the "running bug" I have heard so much about from runners. It's kind of addictive and oh so good for my mental health. It also helps let me eat and drink whatever I want, so that's a real bonus!<br />Well done everyone! You guys are awesome!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSb3XgaLF4/TeHMp53u5uI/AAAAAAAAKps/Fnqhm7_w_fQ/s1600/P1010033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSb3XgaLF4/TeHMp53u5uI/AAAAAAAAKps/Fnqhm7_w_fQ/s400/P1010033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611991630961632994" border="0" /></a>I baked a lot this month and finally tried making <a href="http://daintysquid.blogspot.com/2011/03/cupcakes.html">rainbow cupcakes</a>. They turned out great! I think they'd be really fun for a kid's birthday party.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIJpzMkli5s/TeHLkRbX_nI/AAAAAAAAKpc/lKUMJ5RrCfo/s1600/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIJpzMkli5s/TeHLkRbX_nI/AAAAAAAAKpc/lKUMJ5RrCfo/s400/P1010010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611990434694299250" border="0" /></a>We had a little house guest just before my birthday. We were walking Jesse on our usual evening stroll when we stumbled upon a little kitten. Of course, I couldn't bare the thought of it being outside on a cold and rainy night, and somehow managed to talk Steve into letting us take it home. Did I mention that Steve is very allergic to cats? He's such a good guy! I sort of fell head over heels in love with the little thing and Jesse was pretty fond of it too. They were so cute together! We would of kept it forever if it weren't for the fact that Steve blew his nose and took allergy medication for the entire 3 days it stayed with us!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L27cqJkpkpA/TeHLkF86uBI/AAAAAAAAKpU/_aQWjpbbSuU/s1600/P1010014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L27cqJkpkpA/TeHLkF86uBI/AAAAAAAAKpU/_aQWjpbbSuU/s400/P1010014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611990431613761554" border="0" /></a>Can I just say, kittens are way more work than puppies?! They get into everything and like to climb things unexpectedly at random moments...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZojcmTR5DPs/TeHLjryjz0I/AAAAAAAAKpM/Xo3Qhu_4-aA/s1600/P1010230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZojcmTR5DPs/TeHLjryjz0I/AAAAAAAAKpM/Xo3Qhu_4-aA/s400/P1010230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611990424590995266" border="0" /></a>Point proven. Jesse didn't seem to know what to think of that! Ha!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmsvyJuzAKc/TeHLkubfbTI/AAAAAAAAKpk/SVzytpUB_qE/s1600/P1010007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmsvyJuzAKc/TeHLkubfbTI/AAAAAAAAKpk/SVzytpUB_qE/s400/P1010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611990442479414578" border="0" /></a>But, we forgave it pretty quickly because, well, they also really like to snuggle and I love me a good cuddle!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pti66Ltg1Fs/TdiW7PVHzdI/AAAAAAAAKoY/XJUmqbtf8pg/s1600/P1010221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pti66Ltg1Fs/TdiW7PVHzdI/AAAAAAAAKoY/XJUmqbtf8pg/s400/P1010221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609399280361524690" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkO3IJUNeoA/TdiW7mD72zI/AAAAAAAAKog/__Jaf0qVuwE/s1600/P1010220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkO3IJUNeoA/TdiW7mD72zI/AAAAAAAAKog/__Jaf0qVuwE/s400/P1010220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609399286463454002" border="0" /></a>After posting lots of found kitten flyers around the neighborhood without any success, we had to give in and take it to the vet, where they scanned it for a microchip. Sadly, it wasn't micro chipped (Micro chip your animals people!) and we had to leave it at the vet to be picked up by the pound. There's a law here that if you take a lost animal into a vet to be scanned for a micro chip, the vet has to keep the animal and send it to the pound. It makes sense in that it means all lost animals are in one place in case their owners are looking for them, but it stinks to not know what happens to the animal once you leave the vet. I like closure. I'll be honest, I cried. I just hope with all my heart that it's owners found it or it has been adopted by a loving family who gives it lots of cuddles and laughs at it's crazy kitten ways!<br />Thank you Kitty for coming into our lives, we really loved our time with you!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QFSLIj43Fk/TdiU1zwUlZI/AAAAAAAAKoI/Wn6yJzNEtMo/s1600/P1010020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QFSLIj43Fk/TdiU1zwUlZI/AAAAAAAAKoI/Wn6yJzNEtMo/s400/P1010020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609396988036814226" border="0" /></a>On May 12th, I celebrated my 31st birthday. It was a lovely day. The girls at work bought me these pretty tulips (my favorite!) and had a cake for me. Steve and I went out for a nice dinner and then a massage in the evening. I can't quite believe I'm 31 already! It seems like only a couple of months ago that <a href="http://thedickinsons.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-30th-birthday.html">I turned 3</a>0. Time is flying!<br />Thanks to everyone for the lovely birthday wishes on facebook, email and by post. You guys are the best and I love you all!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUgPVX0fudU/TdiU1VJ5dnI/AAAAAAAAKoA/wtkGhz2sizo/s1600/P1010029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUgPVX0fudU/TdiU1VJ5dnI/AAAAAAAAKoA/wtkGhz2sizo/s400/P1010029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609396979822589554" border="0" /></a>And last but not least, I dyed my hair a really fun red. I'm not sure this photo even does it justice, it's much more red in the sun! I really love it and think it will stay like this for awhile. Although, who knows, I seem to get bored very easily!<br /><br />So, that's the highlights of the first couple of weeks in this oh so wonderful month. I'll be back soon with what's been happening in the last two weeks. Just want to say a big thank you to anyone who has faithfully been checking in here, waiting for an update...you're the best! Thanks for your patience! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-81857114299745884152011-04-25T12:30:00.010+10:002011-04-25T13:13:41.772+10:00Easter Dinner<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFqBMOalRMg/TbTifucb-HI/AAAAAAAAKko/pn2T6CWSraY/s1600/P1010093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFqBMOalRMg/TbTifucb-HI/AAAAAAAAKko/pn2T6CWSraY/s400/P1010093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599349271399495794" border="0" /></a>Easter Dog.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zFrSQdly7I/TbTiLwNMftI/AAAAAAAAKkg/VrSxMHqIeOI/s1600/P1010086.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zFrSQdly7I/TbTiLwNMftI/AAAAAAAAKkg/VrSxMHqIeOI/s400/P1010086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599348928275054290" border="0" /></a>Easter goodies for the kiddies.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNYS48CNLzg/TbTiLukrmwI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ySQEB-B9lmg/s1600/P1010091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNYS48CNLzg/TbTiLukrmwI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ySQEB-B9lmg/s400/P1010091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599348927836691202" border="0" /></a>Easter decorations.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzezlagZDec/TbThlFLGa6I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/RLXqkdOe-00/s1600/P1010095.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzezlagZDec/TbThlFLGa6I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/RLXqkdOe-00/s400/P1010095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599348263888513954" border="0" /></a>Easter ears.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MoyZ9J_7tU0/TbThk7R6SII/AAAAAAAAKkI/Z1rytYBYO98/s1600/P1010097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MoyZ9J_7tU0/TbThk7R6SII/AAAAAAAAKkI/Z1rytYBYO98/s400/P1010097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599348261232724098" border="0" /></a>Easter nibblies.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj7A4NpKZ-g/TbThAMJn2lI/AAAAAAAAKkA/tVyQcXslP7U/s1600/P1010098.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj7A4NpKZ-g/TbThAMJn2lI/AAAAAAAAKkA/tVyQcXslP7U/s400/P1010098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599347630106204754" border="0" /></a>Easter ears on hubby making Easter ham.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpfY7RkET6Y/TbTg_iE8u3I/AAAAAAAAKj4/6OrhvfWsxZ0/s1600/P1010099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpfY7RkET6Y/TbTg_iE8u3I/AAAAAAAAKj4/6OrhvfWsxZ0/s400/P1010099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599347618812312434" border="0" /></a>Easter ham with maple syrup and brown sugar glaze.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J_mBr6-vg8/TbTgaiAEcSI/AAAAAAAAKjw/67nQqlWR6aU/s1600/P1010100.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J_mBr6-vg8/TbTgaiAEcSI/AAAAAAAAKjw/67nQqlWR6aU/s400/P1010100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346983136686370" border="0" /></a>Best Easter ham ever.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qq7uaNOZ2aU/TbTgaQJOPWI/AAAAAAAAKjo/gxflX1oTMJI/s1600/P1010103.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qq7uaNOZ2aU/TbTgaQJOPWI/AAAAAAAAKjo/gxflX1oTMJI/s400/P1010103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346978343239010" border="0" /></a>Easter cupcakes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nU8LbnpKGg/TbTfzsmiq_I/AAAAAAAAKjg/thFLzdELB9s/s1600/P1010108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nU8LbnpKGg/TbTfzsmiq_I/AAAAAAAAKjg/thFLzdELB9s/s400/P1010108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346315967507442" border="0" /></a>Easter dinner guests...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xr5KpXeONA/TbTfzUzOeGI/AAAAAAAAKjY/pkUGzmvgdkk/s1600/P1010109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xr5KpXeONA/TbTfzUzOeGI/AAAAAAAAKjY/pkUGzmvgdkk/s400/P1010109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599346309578258530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnxKv_vv8no/TbTfUR7rWxI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/Bi9HbaATZhY/s1600/P1010113.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnxKv_vv8no/TbTfUR7rWxI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/Bi9HbaATZhY/s400/P1010113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345776232454930" border="0" /></a>Easter coloring.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpbPF465MKc/TbTfT_Y_dVI/AAAAAAAAKjI/XyUa_QamA40/s1600/P1010120.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpbPF465MKc/TbTfT_Y_dVI/AAAAAAAAKjI/XyUa_QamA40/s400/P1010120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599345771255133522" border="0" /></a>We hosted an Easter dinner yesterday at our house. We had a traditional Easter feast with ham, veggies, homemade rolls and all the trimmings. I even made Steve's Mom's mysterious "green stuff" (more about this later!). We had cupcakes, sugar cookies and lots of chocolates for dessert. We sipped wine and beer and cider. It was delicious. But, best of all, we shared it with great friends! It was a really wonderful Easter Sunday gathering.<br /><br />Hoping your Easter weekend has been shared with family and friends too! xoxo<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-27754711747476690462011-04-19T20:38:00.004+10:002011-04-19T20:53:16.349+10:00Chillin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMbodU3lmM4/Ta1mbZXDMdI/AAAAAAAAKiY/PfI__Garo4k/s1600/P1010031.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMbodU3lmM4/Ta1mbZXDMdI/AAAAAAAAKiY/PfI__Garo4k/s400/P1010031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597242532741460434" border="0" /></a>How funny is this photo! This was the boys on Saturday morning, vegging out. Only two more work days and we get to veg out for five.whole.days! I'm counting the moments! In other news, we finally got rid of these chairs and got a new couch. Who says you need a couch delivered? We have a Yaris and it has yet to disappoint me. I'm thinking of starting a blog and naming it "S#@t I can fit in a Yaris";) We really showed that Ikea guy who laughed and shook his head when Steve pulled our little car up to the loading zone!Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20454562.post-19886056423341406812011-04-18T20:05:00.006+10:002011-04-18T20:33:48.444+10:00Autumn<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5glLIc7WjE/TawQRYg2NfI/AAAAAAAAKhw/3QY5Pl83jHE/s1600/P1010046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5glLIc7WjE/TawQRYg2NfI/AAAAAAAAKhw/3QY5Pl83jHE/s400/P1010046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596866327738725874" border="0" /></a>Autumn is in full swing in Melbourne and it's been absolutely beautiful around the city. I just love this time of year. It's so fresh, crisp and pretty. Steve and I decided to take a little drive out of the city to see the leaves changing and stumbled upon an adorable little <a href="http://www.oakridgewines.com.au/">winery</a> where the leaves were all sorts of lovely autumn colors and the air smelled amazing! It was truly gorgeous...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArnYVrRTtVY/TawQRFYayEI/AAAAAAAAKho/5HMWGOMcJWI/s1600/P1010047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArnYVrRTtVY/TawQRFYayEI/AAAAAAAAKho/5HMWGOMcJWI/s400/P1010047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596866322603100226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9KQfAJCCgs/TawPkLht53I/AAAAAAAAKhg/8FJBPAMOakA/s1600/P1010048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9KQfAJCCgs/TawPkLht53I/AAAAAAAAKhg/8FJBPAMOakA/s400/P1010048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596865551158601586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zee_M0u1XQ/TawPjgzVEWI/AAAAAAAAKhY/nJPuDu0UEV0/s1600/P1010050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zee_M0u1XQ/TawPjgzVEWI/AAAAAAAAKhY/nJPuDu0UEV0/s400/P1010050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596865539689746786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QvDPsQpzg/TawO_iwmXDI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/t-CHXlNtcJQ/s1600/P1010056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QvDPsQpzg/TawO_iwmXDI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/t-CHXlNtcJQ/s400/P1010056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596864921739877426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bztWOhFiZQ/TawO_EkACjI/AAAAAAAAKhI/1Hw0EMxMwVs/s1600/P1010060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bztWOhFiZQ/TawO_EkACjI/AAAAAAAAKhI/1Hw0EMxMwVs/s400/P1010060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596864913633970738" border="0" /></a>The autumn colors aren't quite as impressive as Canada but they are pretty darn close! Close enough to make autumn my most favorite time of year both in Melbourne and Canada. I've even been enjoying the cool mornings that require quick trips from our cozy bed to the shower and heat in the car on the way to work. Autumn is good. The wine we chose at the winery for our Easter dinner this coming weekend is really good. Life is good! :)<br /></div>Carihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316636654987407390noreply@blogger.com3