tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53034935943051083532024-02-19T08:22:49.606-08:00Exchange to OzOur family is headed on a 1 year exchange to Australia on January 1st, 2011. This sight will tell our stories, in our own words, from the small to the tall. So, if you are up for the experience, come along with us as we have the adventure of a lifetime!The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-42495409454216820552012-01-08T10:14:00.000-08:002012-01-08T11:38:54.350-08:00Coming Home<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO-qKyo8DcAd5BqhORMBUS12Ng06TajsEnm3aSA5qLwssm1pxP3uvOecb6tgg1m-kKCPOdgT1BLVIHuZiHmJaVuncqdtECKapoIFtauXdTZ1xjpcNtZ7R8minPTt-CTlGbmOBi6nCPe4/s1600/PC260033.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330635941487042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO-qKyo8DcAd5BqhORMBUS12Ng06TajsEnm3aSA5qLwssm1pxP3uvOecb6tgg1m-kKCPOdgT1BLVIHuZiHmJaVuncqdtECKapoIFtauXdTZ1xjpcNtZ7R8minPTt-CTlGbmOBi6nCPe4/s320/PC260033.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#990000;">At the Sydney Airport with our 11 pieces of Checked Baggage!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#990000;"><br /></div></span>We woke early on Boxing Day and prepared our MANY pieces of luggage for the trip to the airport. We bought 3 new suitcases/travel bags bringing our total checked luggage pieces to 10 plus a didgeridoo! Luckily our original tickets included 2 pieces of checked luggage per passenger - PHEW! On top of our checked luggage, we each had a bulky stuffed backpack as a carry on. We arranged for an airport transfer vehicle to come to our cottage so that Sam and I would travel with the majority of the large luggage and then Dan, Jack and Jake would take the car and the rest. At the airport, Dan rendezvoused with O'Mahoney's friend who would be taking their car while the boys and I sat with ALL our luggage! It was a good thing we left PLENTY of time as we had a few glitches getting everything checked. Finally, we were able to relax a little and<br />get ready for the long ride home.<br />The flights were all better than I expected ... no one was ill, no one was claustrophobic, no one complained aloud that they were bored. Maybe it was because we all knew what to expect that things seemed to go smoothly - I don't know - I'm just happy we all made it in one piece - no kids abandoned at any connection points. When we were changing planes in L.A., we sent silent holiday wishes to the O'Mahoney's who we knew were in L.A. enjoying a little time before returning home.<br />We left Sydney on December 26 and after about 24 hours of straight travel, we arrived on Winnipeg on December 26 - magic! We made it through the "wormhole" once again! We were EXHAUSTED and arranged to spend the night in Winnipeg before returning to Kenora on the 27th. <br />On the way out of Winnipeg, we stopped at Tim Horton's (of course). I was so excited for my first in house Tim Horton's coffee in a year - we ordered 2 coffees, 3 hot chocolates, 3 juices and 6 jumbo muffins. I had my crisp hundred dollar bill ready to pay and when the clerk said it was $15 and some change I became very giddy! You see, that same breakfast order in Australia would cost about $30 - 40! We fed 5 people breakfast for $15! Ah, it was great to be home! Dan recalled that he had the same feeling when he had returned in July, but he had his giddy moment at Wal Mart.<br />After a car ride filled with anticipation, we arrived home to find that not only had Santa visited, but that some Christmas elves had come in, put up a tree, decorated, stocked our fridge and pantry and even left us dinner in the crock pot! Thank you Christmas Elves - we are so thankful! <br />It felt so great to be in our own home. The kids ran up the stairs and down the stairs and all over everywhere. They were excited for Christmas, for being home, for the snow, to see family, to see friends, just to be in our own space once again. It is like they say, there really is nothing like coming home. It's your own space and it just feels right.<br />The next couple of days were a flurry of activity. We were trying to unpack our luggage AND all the boxes we had packed away last December. We read through a year's worth of mail and dealt with all the things you have to deal with. We were jet lagged and being bright eyed and bushy tailed until 3 or 4 in the morning and then wanting to sleep the day away. Most importantly, we were excited to see family and friends.<br />We kicked off the visiting with Christmas dinner on Dec. 28. My parents, my brother and his family and Dan's parents all came together to celebrate a traditional Christmas dinner with all of our fav's - green bean casserole, sweet potato and pecan bake, wild rice, bread stuffing, meat pie, ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy AND to top it all off, a tiramisu birthday cake for me! My winter insulation layer would come back on quickly if I kept this up! We had a great time and really enjoyed spending the day with our family. <br />We also fostered Lili back into our lives - once Lili came back home and accepted that we were in fact, real, we feel like a complete family again. A big special Thank you to my Mom for giving Lili the BEST care possible over the past year. She looks so pretty and healthy and happy. We know it was hard for you to send her home but our door is always open if you need a fix!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e4lDzWBwZDWPCNS2JuOEVCoU6XcKvEv_Hc4fSJaaMhBHmsFc3wCPO3IuPanxD_VkTa45a54n191QZMFOGqx4lFDNU-zkrsjRqOkhWYBygJYHF0ehLH_E1fLGFI5ypRIinCCl8q4b3BA/s1600/PC290040.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330655708641874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e4lDzWBwZDWPCNS2JuOEVCoU6XcKvEv_Hc4fSJaaMhBHmsFc3wCPO3IuPanxD_VkTa45a54n191QZMFOGqx4lFDNU-zkrsjRqOkhWYBygJYHF0ehLH_E1fLGFI5ypRIinCCl8q4b3BA/s320/PC290040.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqGiXQWMZThcgD7je9IXt2zEe1Ru_KnC72HR6MHkhKlAqFAOocVWKi0nXJYiHT3yzRqOGk7mYtS-hjxbcYP_6gtKbAO4xwfpENqa9LwN3WBb60ugVD7ONfD_3yj02NewWwvmD811ezPw/s1600/PC290059.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330665164684050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqGiXQWMZThcgD7je9IXt2zEe1Ru_KnC72HR6MHkhKlAqFAOocVWKi0nXJYiHT3yzRqOGk7mYtS-hjxbcYP_6gtKbAO4xwfpENqa9LwN3WBb60ugVD7ONfD_3yj02NewWwvmD811ezPw/s320/PC290059.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#660000;">Traditional Christmas Dinner with family and look at THAT giant cake for dessert!</span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#660000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA0hHWg_gtQbbeAHMBNeKDj4-1U2PZpQcUDuV0Hvw_mEZr02bBa8hKdLanmcgHT13l-Dn1T1p5Q7Coffh8TBkhJyjiNW0pYiE8zoFQQANUQa0Dpebhs_CicYZptAXJnbRU6ihip1-pkU/s1600/PC290039.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330639679138338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA0hHWg_gtQbbeAHMBNeKDj4-1U2PZpQcUDuV0Hvw_mEZr02bBa8hKdLanmcgHT13l-Dn1T1p5Q7Coffh8TBkhJyjiNW0pYiE8zoFQQANUQa0Dpebhs_CicYZptAXJnbRU6ihip1-pkU/s320/PC290039.JPG" /></a></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#660000;">A Jedi Christmas</span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="color:#333333;">We followed that big meal up with days of leftovers and then New Years Eve with Dan's sister and her family and MORE food! It was comfort food heaven - all the foods we hadn't had in a year were before us and we dug right in like those half starved contestants on Survivor - although we certainly were not wasting away! After that was Jake's birthday and this time meatloaf, mashed potatoes and MORE cake! I may need to "call Jenny" soon and make her my new BFF :)</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHfkSXFw_zKNlJkuXkI65V1t_sPzxlW4ar7lGQAn_s9ENWLXeme7F_LZfOiBsWcLr-IDPxmp-phg393QofvxkPHbPnTnG4kpw-Btr9f5QjGygrldCWtjwmCyYW-J632YVTmf7bNSqcoo/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695330680081578146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHfkSXFw_zKNlJkuXkI65V1t_sPzxlW4ar7lGQAn_s9ENWLXeme7F_LZfOiBsWcLr-IDPxmp-phg393QofvxkPHbPnTnG4kpw-Btr9f5QjGygrldCWtjwmCyYW-J632YVTmf7bNSqcoo/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#660000;">Jake is 11! Happy Birthday to you!<br /><br /></div></span><br /><div align="left"><br />Anyone who knows me, knows that the one thing I completed RELISHED in Australia was the favourable climate. When asked if we would go to see "the snow" down under, I would just scoff and say that this was a "snow free year". I had no desire to experience snow in Australia and I thoroughly enjoyed a year with no boots, snow pants, toques, and all the trappings and duties that come with the white stuff. Now that we are home, I must readjust and come to once again accept that I am "back to reality". I must admit that it hasn't been seasonably cold yet so I have made some forays out of the climate controlled comfort of the house. I have bundled up and gone out to the ice fishing holes, and for a walk in the bush to have a fire and hot chocolate. Here are some photos of those excursions. The boys LOVE it - so I must make an effort to at least tolerate it from time to time. It was fun to see how much fun the boys have out there. :)<br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwBmO_-EsdKnb146DmqM5r4fAsXaNvlk6CRYKFQRWdtVTbmn2eZjb9u_WDlbE6z3JLJ94wmDVkU6PC_KbedqAeaTLW_0fY-uZG6rgoUrjbn5Nes81bulhtUmEGpw1AS5uP9A8zaphOHc/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695329346597051426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwBmO_-EsdKnb146DmqM5r4fAsXaNvlk6CRYKFQRWdtVTbmn2eZjb9u_WDlbE6z3JLJ94wmDVkU6PC_KbedqAeaTLW_0fY-uZG6rgoUrjbn5Nes81bulhtUmEGpw1AS5uP9A8zaphOHc/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#990000;">(Above)Walking out to the bush to have a fire. (Below) Lili gets comfortable in the snow.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy0CrsYs4l_OMaF706zSiCJig966-75HSwL6UDJrnvJ4QjBbqZ4usnlq6h0pYIKChOUDEix80bYPNpeQ3WozlnCIKdPbOhhAbJFYAv-M8bCnGNDhK2qn6vjimA6zX9gZVWG-ipM3uWMM/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695329328899089522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy0CrsYs4l_OMaF706zSiCJig966-75HSwL6UDJrnvJ4QjBbqZ4usnlq6h0pYIKChOUDEix80bYPNpeQ3WozlnCIKdPbOhhAbJFYAv-M8bCnGNDhK2qn6vjimA6zX9gZVWG-ipM3uWMM/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#660000;">Jacob watches the hot chocolate as it warms over the fire<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_cFxclkKCvD8S2aBXPNLt8UO-eaAjBl74whV2IKNkJ2C83-Il3mAy-xxsP46UIhhk4fj16dFTooZs58IHn9JdFFSBScOOpvjM0-rZWnsExLVvlZp0m4HVOWTRuTlSNkac-u_Jadbj9s/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695329325404829698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_cFxclkKCvD8S2aBXPNLt8UO-eaAjBl74whV2IKNkJ2C83-Il3mAy-xxsP46UIhhk4fj16dFTooZs58IHn9JdFFSBScOOpvjM0-rZWnsExLVvlZp0m4HVOWTRuTlSNkac-u_Jadbj9s/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#660000;">Out on the ice fishing - see the island in the background.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_cFxclkKCvD8S2aBXPNLt8UO-eaAjBl74whV2IKNkJ2C83-Il3mAy-xxsP46UIhhk4fj16dFTooZs58IHn9JdFFSBScOOpvjM0-rZWnsExLVvlZp0m4HVOWTRuTlSNkac-u_Jadbj9s/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsZI5wVTqKHkeQxskdJk2Xnt0wZ19PDflbIJ4sYV2FG3hFdxSF5ADPSOcfzMl8Jy925FyfXJN-QMTI_-cbvFZAx0cNsb5Inj6DcUFg9I5bN4brA3waUDSSZO83ZbjhxknFGhx9IaFmyA/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695329312396324258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsZI5wVTqKHkeQxskdJk2Xnt0wZ19PDflbIJ4sYV2FG3hFdxSF5ADPSOcfzMl8Jy925FyfXJN-QMTI_-cbvFZAx0cNsb5Inj6DcUFg9I5bN4brA3waUDSSZO83ZbjhxknFGhx9IaFmyA/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#660000;">Jacob driving the snow machine.<br /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfNZibSmRtASBV6M1-QwSCFG5_SffROP2TqLPyS4Xq909jkcA1JR0e3Y_5jamQD09i5TzBw5fw4UYjb5lNzsGAkutZhXmm6wy7HvVqiKbZHjdY_3A_OL3xVII4D8tlffHALy8QArqjHk/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695329308465449426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfNZibSmRtASBV6M1-QwSCFG5_SffROP2TqLPyS4Xq909jkcA1JR0e3Y_5jamQD09i5TzBw5fw4UYjb5lNzsGAkutZhXmm6wy7HvVqiKbZHjdY_3A_OL3xVII4D8tlffHALy8QArqjHk/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p align="left">Now, it seems that life is returning to normal ... school starts tomorrow and with it a new chapter in our lives. Jack will be starting school for the first time, Jake and Sam will be joining their classmates midway through the year, Dan has a new "To Do" list to tackle before getting called back to work, and I am starting a new position. Already our time in Australia is starting to seem like a beautiful dream. I'm sure we will continue to reflect on how this experience has changed us and new revelations will come about. Are we changed for the better? Most definitely! I think that the gifts that we have been given by the people we met, the places we visited and the new experiences we had, will continue to change us as we continue on life's journey. I am thankful to the O'Mahoney family for exchanging homes with us and I am especially thankful to Dan, Sam, Jacob and Jack for their spirits of adventure and for leaping with me off of the continent and into the unknown! What a precious collection of memories we have from this exciting adventure!</p><br /><p align="left">Love T. XXOO </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-69348694170235875032012-01-07T06:07:00.000-08:002012-01-07T07:21:07.058-08:00Merry Christmas!<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMujHoTSWn_Sj2GSveKjqyJQ6ZYifgrM3FkQUpNdF-dquGECViPhxOENF-BfxF8PjdnXJbboew8ex1Okl7WQ87Rx7YCZLUwoFUOkS_kcI1zdT2qKSwjQTH259qFFujxhD4voWR0aFkts/s1600/PC240001.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694894456041275586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMujHoTSWn_Sj2GSveKjqyJQ6ZYifgrM3FkQUpNdF-dquGECViPhxOENF-BfxF8PjdnXJbboew8ex1Okl7WQ87Rx7YCZLUwoFUOkS_kcI1zdT2qKSwjQTH259qFFujxhD4voWR0aFkts/s320/PC240001.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div><br /><div>We awoke Christmas morning to presents under our inflatable tree and the excitement was surely in the air as Jack tiptoed out of the bedroom. He was vibrating with excitement and finally woke up his brothers because he just couldn't wait any longer. Santa was going to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kenora</span> so Dan and I got the boys some little gifts to open and to give them pleasure on the long trip home. There were travel games and reading materials and a cuddly blue Hoot owl to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unwrapped</span>. There was even some Pandora for mom and a rugby jersey for dad!<br /></div><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wpg_Po98huzeG-1hM_gKBQ62u0ZYpb94jLpM3MbjNWtSyqXpODIuQ2qGbsDL-qYBFRN_0R8fO3czqBf3J3rnb1wFPUdKHY0XX9HWnTIHb5jzHTF5qSEWlwSLHGll8X92tZZW8KGpIw/s1600/PC250010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694894477502723538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wpg_Po98huzeG-1hM_gKBQ62u0ZYpb94jLpM3MbjNWtSyqXpODIuQ2qGbsDL-qYBFRN_0R8fO3czqBf3J3rnb1wFPUdKHY0XX9HWnTIHb5jzHTF5qSEWlwSLHGll8X92tZZW8KGpIw/s320/PC250010.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O5_3S_A2oCuizctsmYKTdCav42oP-Zgv6pVDeMe36ygWt_z1sy7Hed9sPJ0Z-i9B4mRX2aNId-TVJBSbHe-3dpHGhHLN-a2Znxh4-Gk3ob_X4jVFg3PuhMikw5dBlm1kB21MJRt4AOo/s1600/PC250004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 235px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694894457679759410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O5_3S_A2oCuizctsmYKTdCav42oP-Zgv6pVDeMe36ygWt_z1sy7Hed9sPJ0Z-i9B4mRX2aNId-TVJBSbHe-3dpHGhHLN-a2Znxh4-Gk3ob_X4jVFg3PuhMikw5dBlm1kB21MJRt4AOo/s320/PC250004.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><div>After gift opening was finished, we had a big pancake breakfast and talked about our plans for the day: visit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> Beach and have Christmas dinner out later. Sounded like fun so we got our things together and headed out to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZoPrpD8hPoLgI6s5rAc18tRvNfeKZQSCbbsenfZlAhEckJOWzgFIDVTOP9-LFfXZ3LhkYS5zuUyil8tbzI_JlCNCrV8nEGOzH7znMh-2-bsURGWkY6jSqy0WyRVfYr4QGGTcKWObzoM/s1600/PC250032.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694896633043538514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZoPrpD8hPoLgI6s5rAc18tRvNfeKZQSCbbsenfZlAhEckJOWzgFIDVTOP9-LFfXZ3LhkYS5zuUyil8tbzI_JlCNCrV8nEGOzH7znMh-2-bsURGWkY6jSqy0WyRVfYr4QGGTcKWObzoM/s320/PC250032.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegvCUDgznI3xhaqNERCIWI5QDB-k6eUKiRSUi4_CJ2ShbYy2tYbjB1a7M_eeo2tPA0T6hH9EZCo1mFFIiSquuEIPcF4Cv7Lz2JaYSjMWPE8PV7kfIjXaWDbOV2KBmf9hgLYfDJLm8j9E/s1600/PC250028.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694894494402169442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegvCUDgznI3xhaqNERCIWI5QDB-k6eUKiRSUi4_CJ2ShbYy2tYbjB1a7M_eeo2tPA0T6hH9EZCo1mFFIiSquuEIPcF4Cv7Lz2JaYSjMWPE8PV7kfIjXaWDbOV2KBmf9hgLYfDJLm8j9E/s320/PC250028.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> Beach is about one kilometre long and receives many visitors throughout the year. There is an underwater <a title="Shark net" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_net">shark net</a> that is shared with other beaches along the southern part of the coast. Pods of whales and dolphins have been seen in the bay during the months of migration - not when we were there. <a title="Little Penguin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Penguin">Fairy penguins</a> are sometimes also seen swimming close to shore or amongst surfers on the south and more dangerous side of the beach. We kept to the North end of the beach and we always swim between the flags where the lifeguards can keep an eye - although, with the hundreds of people at the beach in Christmas Day, I don't know how they can possibly see if you are in trouble! </div><br /><br /><div>It was overwhelming when we arrived to see literally thousands of people on the beach. We found a spot and then looked around so that we would remember where we were...by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">trying</span> to find "landmarks" like that colourful umbrella or that big garbage bin. We gave the kids (Sam and Jake) the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ground rules</span> about checking in, doubled up on sunscreen and then "assumed our positions".<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> Beach has been used as a location for a few Australian and International movies, various television series (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> Rescue, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> vet, Breakers and the Block) as well as music videos and a video game (Tony Hawk). I must say that there were so many kinds of bikinis, I felt like I was in an Elvis movie (only at times, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">XRated</span>). Luckily, the boys were so concerned with the sand and the waves, I don't THINK they noticed too much. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> is alcohol free and they had bag check stations set up at all the beach entrance points. There were many vendors selling food and water and soft drinks though that you could get. Just like at a hockey game, there were girls and guys roaming the beach advertising ice cream and water right at your beach blanket. We didn't snack too much in the afternoon as we were looking forward to a nice family dinner later on.<br />We had a lovely time bobbing up and down in the big waves and burying <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">each other</span> in the sand. The heat was intense and after about 3 and a half hours, we were getting hungry and ready to head back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbIKu8jCViSi42dHwsLrdeaw4kKDxFtgeGOq83_-MgfJFj-THDqt6U4BPmgKxL8wHwO2q2j4pNJ5IrMew2K1i5YWQsGgmS_JfWY1g0y9FWX5DlHrnmySqMH2Yif0IyqBhsV7X2qwQCtI/s1600/PC250014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694896630095464706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbIKu8jCViSi42dHwsLrdeaw4kKDxFtgeGOq83_-MgfJFj-THDqt6U4BPmgKxL8wHwO2q2j4pNJ5IrMew2K1i5YWQsGgmS_JfWY1g0y9FWX5DlHrnmySqMH2Yif0IyqBhsV7X2qwQCtI/s320/PC250014.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTwt1EzEMCnnF2cE9vKgVZQnCcCTMw_rvBl6DhuZe6r64miI0hya4J1zlN_yAsd3uck-3g1p6-ZOm5nlivDIHBRkznmMRkwHhn9hFBptFyeKD_ez07TANU5i9LvLfWCIzYIHIVHngQII/s1600/PC250026.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694896642761632818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTwt1EzEMCnnF2cE9vKgVZQnCcCTMw_rvBl6DhuZe6r64miI0hya4J1zlN_yAsd3uck-3g1p6-ZOm5nlivDIHBRkznmMRkwHhn9hFBptFyeKD_ez07TANU5i9LvLfWCIzYIHIVHngQII/s320/PC250026.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx_pCSuhbKI9mLkhbezy0ei8kTsUDC_3PhYj36nSDGHI5frMmCZeHd9s8l2OXUvIitxrt1BF72vEyXlFCqSpcVxuXzxqsU8GfePSm0FDxlCYAf95T_VmzgOGZ59w47EOyvzSxnpDHPzg/s1600/PC250012.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694894480343091922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx_pCSuhbKI9mLkhbezy0ei8kTsUDC_3PhYj36nSDGHI5frMmCZeHd9s8l2OXUvIitxrt1BF72vEyXlFCqSpcVxuXzxqsU8GfePSm0FDxlCYAf95T_VmzgOGZ59w47EOyvzSxnpDHPzg/s320/PC250012.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center">Jack in his lifesaving gear at his "work". Even though it was 35 degrees, he insisted on wearing his lifeguard sweater as he was "on duty". Eventually, we got him to take it off.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">We arrived back at our cottage and quickly freshened up for dinner. We had eagerly anticipated an Aussie Christmas dinner all day and by this time, we were starving! As we drove around, we stated to notice that most restaurants were closed - even McDonald's. Uh oh - not good! We found a hotel - surely they would have to be open for their guests! After speaking to one of the hostesses, we learned that Christmas LUNCH is the meal of the day here - not dinner!</div><br /><br /><div align="left">The only thing left to do was head back to the cottage and heat up some toast and whatever leftovers we had in our fridge. We all managed to stave off hunger for one more night and the important thing was that we were together. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">After dinner we had to get serious about our packing issues as we were leaving the next morning for the airport to take us home.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-50017557102661008622012-01-06T18:48:00.001-08:002012-01-06T19:46:45.321-08:00Christmas Eve at Manly Beach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85HcuLuB76I0pnxW5YV2hDXIN5zCFlr3hRc4uOjzoyr5X_Gm-x33k0l2qWxqoOHanBh-4kmuumAw-VYZJKkRo8EE8LSqLFArENDOR9_onZghWj1THHW4MhuMXQgUaI3buwubCx7kHIEQ/s1600/PC240123.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694718091740969522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85HcuLuB76I0pnxW5YV2hDXIN5zCFlr3hRc4uOjzoyr5X_Gm-x33k0l2qWxqoOHanBh-4kmuumAw-VYZJKkRo8EE8LSqLFArENDOR9_onZghWj1THHW4MhuMXQgUaI3buwubCx7kHIEQ/s320/PC240123.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9nZW7WSf8YPgGimoNUSde7KnR6H48rYx6HmQ2lZHwro-53oj7DjTydTzZ9qJhSIw0K5ubWdcsDTVebdAm4vHP1XTOtyNuoK_UC2UArNGLyo07pqRQXLZYPrrGmuzJY2WcdJCygq4Cm4/s1600/PC240129.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694718094266450562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9nZW7WSf8YPgGimoNUSde7KnR6H48rYx6HmQ2lZHwro-53oj7DjTydTzZ9qJhSIw0K5ubWdcsDTVebdAm4vHP1XTOtyNuoK_UC2UArNGLyo07pqRQXLZYPrrGmuzJY2WcdJCygq4Cm4/s320/PC240129.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div align="center">After touring the Harbour on our boat cruises, we decided to catch the ferry to Manly Beach. Manly Beach is about a 30 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to the Northern side. Manly is famous for its amazing beaches. The beaches in this place attracts so many tourists to the beach but also to surf. We heard that if the waves are poor in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span>, they are sure to be great at Manly and vice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">versa</span>. Click this link to check out the <a href="http://www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=3500&state=NSW&camName=Manly%20-%20Nth%20Steyne">live surf cam </a>for Manly Beach or you can navigate the sidebar to check out other surf beaches like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bondi</span> or the many others! It's very cool!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI37UH7V0_tAhASjXxanrPrXm2AWDHoLMLfnqdz9o0FG82R6WKcBIBpNzOPQn1LYjJfrejQA84Zst_LXv4FGbK6_IPd6x_28JEVutQVAtZiwcojv8Wgb3oyXOEbmeTTKyXAxUEi0o-8h8/s1600/PC240140.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694722193011548258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI37UH7V0_tAhASjXxanrPrXm2AWDHoLMLfnqdz9o0FG82R6WKcBIBpNzOPQn1LYjJfrejQA84Zst_LXv4FGbK6_IPd6x_28JEVutQVAtZiwcojv8Wgb3oyXOEbmeTTKyXAxUEi0o-8h8/s320/PC240140.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">The boys at the beach's entry point.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">After we arrived at Manly Wharf, we had to walk a block to reach the beachfront. The block is "chock a block" full of shops and eateries. We were feeling hungry so we decided to eat first and swim later (always a good idea :). We stopped at an outdoor cafe and had a beautiful lunch! I had salt and pepper squid with salad which I enjoyed thoroughly. The atmosphere was fantastic - we saw a young boy of about 10 singing and playing guitar and he was awesome. There were scores of people in their swimmers and Santa hats on walking to and from the beach, kids playing in the outdoor fountains (including ours!), and people greeting one another. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">There was also a church along the way that was having a Christmas pageant at various times throughout the afternoon. The interesting thing about this pageant was that it told the nativity story but it incorporated Star Wars. There were Luke, Leia, Han Solo and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chewie</span> who wee on a quest to find the newborn king. We watched for a bit on the big screen TV outside the church because it was so cool and captivating but eventually the lure of the beach won over and we moved on.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswmAVJqqKChLISVKypvWMWbvQL5ZO2TORQu67Fb0f96RZQG07TfPWiLyKVaKdwke9BAL3tQyaCbZlmGdMpHRSbLK3HB1bQ8WjJse1RUOVgC11VWb6DNmjwDkKQfVB32_k9uOCESzid-4/s1600/PC240138.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694718128399609218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswmAVJqqKChLISVKypvWMWbvQL5ZO2TORQu67Fb0f96RZQG07TfPWiLyKVaKdwke9BAL3tQyaCbZlmGdMpHRSbLK3HB1bQ8WjJse1RUOVgC11VWb6DNmjwDkKQfVB32_k9uOCESzid-4/s320/PC240138.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#000066;">Sam at lunch</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000066;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y5t7IEqEh4sLT30-mUSN0VBtXrkxZL6kLUWKLcJFIuEN3hBVMH5HeY6siXDmz6AFHrcAmCG2dRM5wZUjziSemXulQJQTbY8t5sdwsBJ0jdyf-7LpvhK0twPS6ZZYYimh1wd_j34kVj4/s1600/PC240132.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694718102379935234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y5t7IEqEh4sLT30-mUSN0VBtXrkxZL6kLUWKLcJFIuEN3hBVMH5HeY6siXDmz6AFHrcAmCG2dRM5wZUjziSemXulQJQTbY8t5sdwsBJ0jdyf-7LpvhK0twPS6ZZYYimh1wd_j34kVj4/s320/PC240132.JPG" /></a>We Three Kings ....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdEjc3RBscD8Poy3Fz8-FkW6mkte0H4OTdak8eoDtBt5Uiyg6MPIOTuqpcPIgrJHtsTKQF8v6npAotQrVlMPvfv9tIk34E7byWKb0RYS1eP6y4FSKtLtvNXN3Zg_cSQxPMXuMaW1qzo8/s1600/PC240134.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694718109919423922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdEjc3RBscD8Poy3Fz8-FkW6mkte0H4OTdak8eoDtBt5Uiyg6MPIOTuqpcPIgrJHtsTKQF8v6npAotQrVlMPvfv9tIk34E7byWKb0RYS1eP6y4FSKtLtvNXN3Zg_cSQxPMXuMaW1qzo8/s320/PC240134.JPG" /></a>Angels We Have Heard on High ...</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We got to the beach and wasted no time getting into our swimmers and finding a great spot on the beach. It was busy and the lifeguards were out in full force. It seems that it is customary here to spend Christmas at the beach. People are all decked out and ready for some sand and surf on their holidays - SO opposite to what we are accustomed to. Even the lifeguards wore reindeer antlers or elf hats!</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjeEomPAZXsf1YwvC5LrJukHNCiF-LvosTMrMqsb7PAHuWGlzMLqq0k0NFuMlfOXg5Uzsk53uuFl6Kly8UygPwjYDbYuxH3k5jPJEs2BmVWtGmNSoH4GRCZj0_f2vQyJTl2mWC_IUBes/s1600/PC240142.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdojdOQgIfCS0ttfzKRV3Pb3NlQOEjPGCQcYb95sjciJCOqa9jnqpSb0BtCSyema8RIYjQ6qfoxIH9paXOxfS6ua1KIrQCVruWaRcsBxSR1DXwdShEGgOFMD0R6LudBv15qAbcjoB1PQ/s1600/PC240143.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694722171534394274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdojdOQgIfCS0ttfzKRV3Pb3NlQOEjPGCQcYb95sjciJCOqa9jnqpSb0BtCSyema8RIYjQ6qfoxIH9paXOxfS6ua1KIrQCVruWaRcsBxSR1DXwdShEGgOFMD0R6LudBv15qAbcjoB1PQ/s320/PC240143.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000066;">The lifeguards and our 2 Baywatch Babes jogging up the beach<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfo_q4JH0ex4CAtkKabzbupr4sRXpnzKbHTQ78JPvpK8P8MXHEwKEqQq-adL0eUXq1MOnYne97v3HXEt7-ryLz49-0DynqhkTyoILlJcwS3O6mj6sEjq6WE0hYTtnte19Dkl0rQ7feBc/s1600/PC240151.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694720080303058978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfo_q4JH0ex4CAtkKabzbupr4sRXpnzKbHTQ78JPvpK8P8MXHEwKEqQq-adL0eUXq1MOnYne97v3HXEt7-ryLz49-0DynqhkTyoILlJcwS3O6mj6sEjq6WE0hYTtnte19Dkl0rQ7feBc/s320/PC240151.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Jack and Dan taking a stroll on the beach<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAH8TYxiGgAKnDPuFT_KbIQIVL_vUYqILV5m9M3IHFqsSS3tbLOXa2cC-VLaJSK7xmNsLq9e78M9qNqdIvvLv0K_6bEruzaP8Y91s85mYMoipENF9rKnHQQnLxba06q00Svt76rLAiI8/s1600/PC240144.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694720084396741138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAH8TYxiGgAKnDPuFT_KbIQIVL_vUYqILV5m9M3IHFqsSS3tbLOXa2cC-VLaJSK7xmNsLq9e78M9qNqdIvvLv0K_6bEruzaP8Y91s85mYMoipENF9rKnHQQnLxba06q00Svt76rLAiI8/s320/PC240144.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAH8TYxiGgAKnDPuFT_KbIQIVL_vUYqILV5m9M3IHFqsSS3tbLOXa2cC-VLaJSK7xmNsLq9e78M9qNqdIvvLv0K_6bEruzaP8Y91s85mYMoipENF9rKnHQQnLxba06q00Svt76rLAiI8/s1600/PC240144.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>As it was Christmas Eve, we had been discussing with the boys how Santa would be visiting our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kenora</span> residence - not our cottage in Australia. We were still reminding them that Santa could see what they were up to and that in the hours that lead to Christmas he watches extra closely. Well, you could just imagine our surprise when we saw one of his helpers come strolling up the beach! Jack and I kept a close watch as he approached and breathed a sigh of relief when he passed by. </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4ijYEmhHduQBvk33JsjIt7tKG19TiwDS489l5RgClnS7KSui3OBgePHGAYkNhRWTxrC4Q2JVXysJoUDWdCnewY_Dra70LT2MDDWMXRhpkrQ7H4IoCwno_41WSrayC043T9alwPX-698/s1600/PC240152.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694720067114234898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4ijYEmhHduQBvk33JsjIt7tKG19TiwDS489l5RgClnS7KSui3OBgePHGAYkNhRWTxrC4Q2JVXysJoUDWdCnewY_Dra70LT2MDDWMXRhpkrQ7H4IoCwno_41WSrayC043T9alwPX-698/s320/PC240152.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Our jaws dropped open though when he turned into the sea - there must have been someone pretty naughty out in those waves that he had to see!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8-EuJfsrXgc0Z49AizSi5WtkMllTjNmo_eXoICrmGH4gwbjrnurcbyVjgKT_rkN5VpUIPVu8OEfiHFc0Ebkh3NWuXB6JlObnRzwTMh_x1oqJYF6pEhiLK-GkL7mYf_t8zWnztmZlx_g/s1600/PC240153.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694720058490002546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8-EuJfsrXgc0Z49AizSi5WtkMllTjNmo_eXoICrmGH4gwbjrnurcbyVjgKT_rkN5VpUIPVu8OEfiHFc0Ebkh3NWuXB6JlObnRzwTMh_x1oqJYF6pEhiLK-GkL7mYf_t8zWnztmZlx_g/s320/PC240153.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Santa's helper went way way out there - all the way up to his beard! We watched him frolicking and then we he came back to shore, we noticed that he had split his pants! </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknK7UbH6WehxBAe0YnIdAOBiDkD8epQZ6qFjoId4vu8ebMXn1qRSGdP0yomEaxx8ahB_jyItAf_sSfQL48uk5xcnjKj9-ek9vvybV5F8z3vacgQyBwrxkG58xi_YG2Qn5kXnD5K2vNqQ/s1600/PC240154.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694720053050753602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknK7UbH6WehxBAe0YnIdAOBiDkD8epQZ6qFjoId4vu8ebMXn1qRSGdP0yomEaxx8ahB_jyItAf_sSfQL48uk5xcnjKj9-ek9vvybV5F8z3vacgQyBwrxkG58xi_YG2Qn5kXnD5K2vNqQ/s320/PC240154.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">Jack was sure to watch in wonder as Santa's helper disappeared from the beach. He'd have to hurry to see a tailor before heading back to the North Pole in order to finalize all the preparations for Christmas! As for us, we were able to kick back and enjoy a gorgeous afternoon at the beach, playing in the sand and surf and daydreaming of sugar plums and all the other wonderful visions that Christmas brings!</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-47301163745103441682012-01-05T16:48:00.000-08:002012-01-06T08:28:57.660-08:00Jet Boating on Christmas EveChristmas Eve day was a beautiful sunny and warm day in Sydney. Today was the day we had set aside to tour Sydney and to visit Manly beach. We got up early and took the train downtown from a nearby station. The ride was a relaxing 45 minutes with no traffic and no parking - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhh</span>, bliss!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz34xKHWolEDl800MM_yKGT1TKWSJvBxYtr0KbH0J1SN-xKBdzFR5Nh_zMwBJ53kFvo1OhbE3traZE0yGcALtmZz9ko0Md9rB6eTMTG-8eXpAwSWnjkfjE6RAc28JfrRG7QFxWSIq7H_g/s1600/PC240064.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694317470088352130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz34xKHWolEDl800MM_yKGT1TKWSJvBxYtr0KbH0J1SN-xKBdzFR5Nh_zMwBJ53kFvo1OhbE3traZE0yGcALtmZz9ko0Md9rB6eTMTG-8eXpAwSWnjkfjE6RAc28JfrRG7QFxWSIq7H_g/s320/PC240064.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbDReR7vW7CZe0KUQftOR-AcipiZ9wJ4tJ4PeRSiELSQDChA_TI-C-9wmBeTFNcIgZEsvde4fdHkd5R_xBI-BLAffRii_h0Mj7-IBtYiN1HT6gVgsK-P0QAcAM7DmCxQbd6LLJjkrEaI/s1600/PC240112.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694550700997817506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbDReR7vW7CZe0KUQftOR-AcipiZ9wJ4tJ4PeRSiELSQDChA_TI-C-9wmBeTFNcIgZEsvde4fdHkd5R_xBI-BLAffRii_h0Mj7-IBtYiN1HT6gVgsK-P0QAcAM7DmCxQbd6LLJjkrEaI/s320/PC240112.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000099;">The boys on the steps of the Opera House and the Opera House from the sea.<br /></span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHlirIltBBfLJV1YHd9S3LO8642l9YvPj_lCvIQhH9DZKTQVP9CEVJ71fKfTg7dPnqgGCO0foGndVGX3n0-jOhwbufDm2zA3GwMMi4CdcGoB33rUEvGbTBaiM6ks5kdrUJlO9hknW4e8/s1600/PC240062.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694317464130093986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHlirIltBBfLJV1YHd9S3LO8642l9YvPj_lCvIQhH9DZKTQVP9CEVJ71fKfTg7dPnqgGCO0foGndVGX3n0-jOhwbufDm2zA3GwMMi4CdcGoB33rUEvGbTBaiM6ks5kdrUJlO9hknW4e8/s320/PC240062.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2sgCI5H7YUOv_v4_zY9wSnccdI4fX2Ahud7wjMy54QhD0-NEKJVkiFas_vN_6j3DYRPLH-SrE0uqjpvbJoNwHp5HZqQKRtKHouvbLZ_UU5afcPRYPt4cfCOk_9bXDoY0LdzK7JTJ0os/s1600/PC240058.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694317451783252082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2sgCI5H7YUOv_v4_zY9wSnccdI4fX2Ahud7wjMy54QhD0-NEKJVkiFas_vN_6j3DYRPLH-SrE0uqjpvbJoNwHp5HZqQKRtKHouvbLZ_UU5afcPRYPt4cfCOk_9bXDoY0LdzK7JTJ0os/s320/PC240058.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Here we are standing in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge at Circular Quay</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">We arrived at Circular Quay where the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are the main attraction. The weather was fine and the view was even more fine. We walked around and watched street performers and took in the sites. The boys didn't know it but we had booked a jet boat ride for them on the harbour with </span><a href="http://www.ozjetboating.com/"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Oz Jet Boating</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#33cc00;"> </span>(click the link to check out their site)</span> </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWmZ7pAJEglXoMhVVE9Ey9QiVdr46UB-SaY3MfbucABe6fxyYGOACZ1q13GMd5sZQIZGIw4Y2CwuviqDAmid8SFOXfQIw-UkzG5A9aW0B324zEiX1ZyB1qrUJ4VoFtz28dU-GY5bg5d0/s1600/PC240057.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694317456905400594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWmZ7pAJEglXoMhVVE9Ey9QiVdr46UB-SaY3MfbucABe6fxyYGOACZ1q13GMd5sZQIZGIw4Y2CwuviqDAmid8SFOXfQIw-UkzG5A9aW0B324zEiX1ZyB1qrUJ4VoFtz28dU-GY5bg5d0/s320/PC240057.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#000099;">A friendly didgeridoo street performer<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMeR2xzm89N8a3ihCvq5KKjz55ydLPsmyhbsuuIosxwhDAY5zVtZA4XxNKDqDrQEahk52b2CJnXItnP_n1s-XSp4Z7ef51ExVUEHElWYjl2j8RL_45hLEu0IXl0PY2r1SVDKS0mhXBe4/s1600/PC240071.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694317488834038354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMeR2xzm89N8a3ihCvq5KKjz55ydLPsmyhbsuuIosxwhDAY5zVtZA4XxNKDqDrQEahk52b2CJnXItnP_n1s-XSp4Z7ef51ExVUEHElWYjl2j8RL_45hLEu0IXl0PY2r1SVDKS0mhXBe4/s320/PC240071.JPG" /></a>At 12:45 we made our way over to the docking area and announced to the boys that part of our gift to them was this fast paced, wet boat ride. Sam, Jake and Dan had to get into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rain jackets</span> for their ride while Jack and I boarded the cruise boat for our one and a half hour guided tour. Jack would have loved the jet boat ride but he was about 15 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cm's</span> to short to take the trip. Sam said his favourite part of the ride was the 360's and Jake liked the speed best. Dan and I are glad they enjoyed it!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiwkQdkSXf3ZOj7b_JwQVtd9vHTPRzMnJf1fBnQmoxtnKeMUSFk9zjEyE32TogB9a45JvbbELkYommV_pb5Afxk_4-AINBklfmEZCU9Oj_NWgpjAPTaOtSmBup2p-ughdMqY-hgSlcr0/s1600/PC240072.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694549201844055714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiwkQdkSXf3ZOj7b_JwQVtd9vHTPRzMnJf1fBnQmoxtnKeMUSFk9zjEyE32TogB9a45JvbbELkYommV_pb5Afxk_4-AINBklfmEZCU9Oj_NWgpjAPTaOtSmBup2p-ughdMqY-hgSlcr0/s320/PC240072.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqieroJHYs87sJm_ShVDTlVd-gqHvOpwAD0i1BkYbIK6cTCMVnyqxaSMqtD92AaHd5oHqZMNo17omXnSYidiVSCyqCR5NRGbzaSVGnG9RPj_Ok3FcXryEg7TC0HaaXe3TrLdatbP-8Vfw/s1600/PC240090.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694549219487573490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqieroJHYs87sJm_ShVDTlVd-gqHvOpwAD0i1BkYbIK6cTCMVnyqxaSMqtD92AaHd5oHqZMNo17omXnSYidiVSCyqCR5NRGbzaSVGnG9RPj_Ok3FcXryEg7TC0HaaXe3TrLdatbP-8Vfw/s320/PC240090.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">The jet boat ride includes 360's, breakneck turns and fast stops! They guarantee you'll get wet right down to your toes!</span></div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><br /><div>Jack and I enjoyed our cruise and learned a lot about the history of the Harbour and it's development along with key Australian's and where they live (Nicole <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kidman</span>, Hugh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jackman</span> ...). The highlight of the trip though was when Jack got to drive the ship into Sydney harbour - he was so proud and excited!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u0ZZpfkPkkP5eiEIFr3FoqlmjrWjT0VKp15NIeX40bXvLAL_MbcWB4v95ZsbEQg2sI9xRXer00LwCOgmJTsaY4BY9tY3_V2X6i_drY0j5zwyOW80L_oqO_hfhWGJt9y_yky9Ku31Nq0/s1600/PC240088.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694549207205820194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u0ZZpfkPkkP5eiEIFr3FoqlmjrWjT0VKp15NIeX40bXvLAL_MbcWB4v95ZsbEQg2sI9xRXer00LwCOgmJTsaY4BY9tY3_V2X6i_drY0j5zwyOW80L_oqO_hfhWGJt9y_yky9Ku31Nq0/s320/PC240088.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaMvPGqsBXHqfidLyKPO5ikki-uSYLjw38B-i7Ent_MztxOG8JysnQBv6T9jnGc0_UCxyl6Iunk8w6RkBOpRoXVXJ-wUYKWj6J_NzM_I6SxlOG70TgvaBmarY9xnYlkLZZZqpryRlTwo/s1600/PC240107.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694549235054052978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaMvPGqsBXHqfidLyKPO5ikki-uSYLjw38B-i7Ent_MztxOG8JysnQBv6T9jnGc0_UCxyl6Iunk8w6RkBOpRoXVXJ-wUYKWj6J_NzM_I6SxlOG70TgvaBmarY9xnYlkLZZZqpryRlTwo/s320/PC240107.JPG" /></a></div><span style="color:#000099;">Jack and I enjoying our cruise and "Captain Jack" steering into the Harbour - notice the Harbour Bridge in our sights!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">We had a ball but we weren't finished yet - next we would take the ferry to Manly Beach! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span>!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-31493667617607809092012-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:002012-01-02T10:26:14.468-08:00Surfing A.U.S.!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KFasRPpx6gXTPez4469NiFOUNCUVC82_IHq5-oibv9gk7ckONiKPP-byxD5MdbOqsyMuFcxnLnUBw1Y96z6009S33SNdeOGteTPZKlfDOqlnZZHMlcN1xR2LcEyIDIoq1c6QaJgYrao/s1600/PC230051.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693095537516893394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KFasRPpx6gXTPez4469NiFOUNCUVC82_IHq5-oibv9gk7ckONiKPP-byxD5MdbOqsyMuFcxnLnUBw1Y96z6009S33SNdeOGteTPZKlfDOqlnZZHMlcN1xR2LcEyIDIoq1c6QaJgYrao/s320/PC230051.JPG" /></a> We woke to cloudy and rainy skies for our surf lesson but that didn't dampen our spirits. Learning to surf was one of the original items on our Australia "bucket list" and we couldn't wait to finally "give it a go!" Our lesson was scheduled from 10 until 11:30am at the <a href="http://www.cronullasurf.com.au/booking01.php">Cronulla Surf School</a>. I researched surfing in Sydney and we could have gone to Bondi or Manly but Cronulla was a highly recommended surf school by several people and it would not be as crazy for our family as some of the other beaches. I had been in contact with Mark from the surf school for a couple of weeks and was excited to finally get there.<br /><br /><br /><div>We drove through downpours and with cloudy skies for the entire hour on our way. We tried to be positive talking about how we would be wet anyway and that at least it was warm - all the while hopeful that our lesson wouldn't be cancelled as it was the only day we could do it. Just as we came into the Cronulla beach area, the rain stopped and the sky cleared - it was perfect!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUZq1xKXi0Ua8bw5owWwe0v2cdtaTtos93eeBFv0x97CUWAeMRZFc6FMnii_a7FbbajiwrS0s20WcUWf84Na2mjj0xCrvEKx-Wgosy_3-46OC6msYdSRe7n-nRZ3E49hYGEZ4kvwgUtw/s1600/PC230021.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693095534449342210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUZq1xKXi0Ua8bw5owWwe0v2cdtaTtos93eeBFv0x97CUWAeMRZFc6FMnii_a7FbbajiwrS0s20WcUWf84Na2mjj0xCrvEKx-Wgosy_3-46OC6msYdSRe7n-nRZ3E49hYGEZ4kvwgUtw/s320/PC230021.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>We gathered our towels and beach stuff and headed over to the surf school entrance. We met Mark, the owner, who was just as lovely as I thought and he introduced us to our instructor, Ian or "Muzz" as they called him. </div><br /><div>Muzz was once a competitive surfer who now enjoys giving lessons and has a teenage son who lives at the beach on his board. He was a perfect fit for our family! He was encouraging and kind and even got Jack involved with the lesson. It was a great experience for us all!</div><br /><div>First, we got suited up in our wetsuits and rashers (swim shirts) - even Jack! We also got our boards and then, Muzz took us over to the "pool" to give us some board basics. The pool is actually a sheltered area of the ocean whereby concrete stairs and a rail as well as a partial wall make it a great place to learn. We bellied up on our boards and learned to paddle out and how to "push up" when a small wave is coming. We also learned how to flip our boards in the case of a big wave (sort of like a kayak flip). Muzz put Jack on his board so that Jack could practice pushing and paddling with us. Once he felt we were ready, it was off to the surf.</div><br /><div>We went off to the beach and learned in the sand how to get up on the board. We did some dry land practice of paddling, pushing up and then standing and balancing. I felt suddenly nervous about trying it in actual water! So, while Muzz took Sam, Jake and Dan out to the surf, I volunteered to stay back with Jack. Muzz waded with the boys out through the waves and then they would get on their boards and he would tell them to "paddle paddle paddle". He would push them into the wave and then they would try to get up. Jack and I watched them get up - and then down, up and then down ... each time they would turn back and head with their board back out to the waves.</div><br /><div>Dan came in and sent me out. Muzz told me to hop up and "paddle paddle paddle", which I did. I caught the wave and just rode it on my belly, enjoying the speed and getting a feel for how easy it was to steer and turn the board. Now, to stand. I got off and headed back out to the waves. Each time, I did as Muzz said and paddled and tried to stand but each time, I ended up in the water. Finally, I found myself standing and SURFING - screaming, "Woo hoo!" all the way to shore. It was the best feeling - the combination of the power of the ocean and the delicate balance of standing, arms out like you're flying over the waves. I can see how addicting it can be! Muzz gave me a high five and I took a couple more turns and then went to shore to give Dan another go.</div><br /><div>It was a successful lesson as Sam and Jake also caught some waves. What a fun family activity! even Jack got in on the action as Muzz took him out on the board and they rode several waves in on their bellies. Jack had the time of his life in the waves and in Muzz's expert hands he had fun and wasn't scared. (Kudos have to be given to Gillian Lee here for her hard work in helping Jack overcome his fear of the water. This fun day would not have been possible if not for her - thanks Gill! XXOO) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The hour and a half flew by and before we knew it, we were done - but not before hooking us on this awesome sport! We will have to find some surf as a family once again one day as this was a totally gnarly experience! Dan and I were already starting to feel the sore and stiffness of the all over body workout that surfing provides. The boys were, of course, just warming up!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our thanks go to Mark, Muzz and the Cronulla Surf Club. We had a perfect experience and we thank you for introducing us to this awesome sport!</div><br /><div>You can see more of our surf lesson by clicking the video link below:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><object id="vp12alFG" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="432" height="240"><param name="_cx" value="11430"><param name="_cy" value="6350"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1325527112&f=2alFGnLCrN8913wlpVoQyg&d=116&m=a&r=240p&volume=100&start_res=240p&i=m&options="><param name="Src" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1325527112&f=2alFGnLCrN8913wlpVoQyg&d=116&m=a&r=240p&volume=100&start_res=240p&i=m&options="><param name="WMode" value="Window"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value="LT"><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="NoScale"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value=""><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><embed id="vp12alFG" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1325527112&f=2alFGnLCrN8913wlpVoQyg&d=116&m=a&r=240p&volume=100&start_res=240p&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-86556299762120323442012-01-02T09:32:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:44:26.098-08:00Load em' up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hNpig_oOxVnrpBEcO1nHA2H4N2cKwChBj0a7A6Yvt3TG0j3HwJITMMNI3PO6li-lM2YaPNVYwwj2gP6rufzbemfDsuqj1yPmp1Z23MF0j_uF_9u08B3w8D4ns6nh_3Fx0DB5hccWW8/s1600/DSCF0364.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091470349675682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1hNpig_oOxVnrpBEcO1nHA2H4N2cKwChBj0a7A6Yvt3TG0j3HwJITMMNI3PO6li-lM2YaPNVYwwj2gP6rufzbemfDsuqj1yPmp1Z23MF0j_uF_9u08B3w8D4ns6nh_3Fx0DB5hccWW8/s320/DSCF0364.JPG" /></a>It's like one of those world record breakers for how many people and things you can fit in a sedan. Picture it - 5 people, 7 suitcases, 5 backpacks and all the stuff that wouldn't fit in the suitcases, a cooler AND a didgeridoo all crammed in. So crammed in that we had to have others close the doors. I sat in the passenger seat, in the "birthing position" with stuff under my legs and feet, a backpack between my legs and on my lap, and all kinds of loose odds and ends all around me. The kids had bags under their feet, in the rear window area and the didgeridoo across their laps for the 6 hour ride to Sydney. Surprisingly, the trip seemed to go fairly quickly. We took one last look at the country scenery - the rolling hills, the long dry grass, the gums and the creeks - trying to etch it into our memories.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChn3FTETzYqBvkFUDB4vxyQWGB7C-xLgY0tZQ5ClRXgswfcyhYh6Fp6VddCVyJvpJqYd188XyTX84RT9jtgZBwyzk-jQWvlJfW0PnLM2ca2MZ5cr7GNw5z_O60lr6oymPKXPa_X31mu4/s1600/PC220002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693090419966891378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChn3FTETzYqBvkFUDB4vxyQWGB7C-xLgY0tZQ5ClRXgswfcyhYh6Fp6VddCVyJvpJqYd188XyTX84RT9jtgZBwyzk-jQWvlJfW0PnLM2ca2MZ5cr7GNw5z_O60lr6oymPKXPa_X31mu4/s320/PC220002.JPG" /></a>Around 4:30pm, we reached our home away from home: a cottage in a caravan park about an hour out of downtown Sydney. It was a good thing we rented a cottage as our luggage needed a lot of space! :) We settled in and had dinner and it was early to bed. The next day, we explored the pool and our immediate surroundings. We picked up some last minute Christmas presents and some extra suitcases for our ongoing battle to fit everything in!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHTDctibrNSsxKKZq6tIIpbGKEshIAET5I1x6FTygEIfGQLKFyQVpuYKsZi71yaPa3T594NCQgAtPZFr1mmMy4SuUJ_9J_wtQoLuepvD66CmbCeqF8XpltRvzBTQWcNGbWuWXuCd_-rs/s1600/PC220015.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693090441570014722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHTDctibrNSsxKKZq6tIIpbGKEshIAET5I1x6FTygEIfGQLKFyQVpuYKsZi71yaPa3T594NCQgAtPZFr1mmMy4SuUJ_9J_wtQoLuepvD66CmbCeqF8XpltRvzBTQWcNGbWuWXuCd_-rs/s320/PC220015.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEH7ndDSm3w-M03MI-oUHEARWjbJFkPF9Brr1UxNbYd4i10TBMj90-LbEcceFP2PlqNcv8wvXkVuopaSm9Gn8dZVOB20TDyNl35_0BzM8Ph4SEzV7BboMcIgxVz7WQHDYqoiadRhFS5c/s1600/PC220013.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693090832665660050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEH7ndDSm3w-M03MI-oUHEARWjbJFkPF9Brr1UxNbYd4i10TBMj90-LbEcceFP2PlqNcv8wvXkVuopaSm9Gn8dZVOB20TDyNl35_0BzM8Ph4SEzV7BboMcIgxVz7WQHDYqoiadRhFS5c/s320/PC220013.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Poor Dan was so jet lagged, he couldn't manage more than a few hours of consciousness before needing a rest. We knew that the next day would be a big one - our surf lesson!</div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-14996864235997680652012-01-02T09:08:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:32:43.818-08:00Dan's Triumphant ReturnI prayed and wished and hoped and it happened! Dan made his return to Narrandera - ALLELUIA! He had been working in Canada since his departure in July and it was pretty touch and go as to whether he would make it back in time - or at all. I was feeling a lot of stress about cleaning, packing and moving all by myself and hurting my back in the last week compounded my stress. Dan was working like crazy, trying to finish up the job in time but it seemed fate was against us. They would run into glitches with the pipe and that would put them back days. <br />It was tense but thankfully our friends in Narrandera assured me that with their help, I would at least make it out of town sane and in one piece. My worry was getting to Sydney, finding our cottage, unloading the car, reloading the car, getting to the airport, unloading the car, getting the car to O'Mahoney's friend, getting the luggage and us onto the plane and then surviving the trip home. It would keep me up at night as I would try to puzzle it all out.<br />At last, on December 13, Dan informed me that he was booked on flights that would take him directly to Narrandera on December 20. It was like angels were singing when I got that news! The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders and I could relax a little and enjoy the last few days with our friends. Dan finished work on the 17th in Thunder Bay, drove to Winnipeg with a quick stopover in Kenora and got on the plane on Dec. 18th. We picked him in Narrandera on the 20th and the kids and I were overjoyed to see him at the airport. We had a full house of visitors dropping by as we continued to pack and organize and then we headed out of town on the 21st.<br />A special thank you to Brigitte, Marie, Jo, Katie, Rod, Ingrid and anyone who helped to make our exit from Narrandera easier. We thank you for taking the time to help us organise, clean and pack - I couldn't have made it without you! XXOO<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-90114933011501296022011-12-31T07:55:00.000-08:002011-12-31T08:26:13.538-08:00Saying Goodbye<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3TzORW1O893e4KBilF7er18ioed0iq9Kj8jpeMl4pJeDCN-MbaC4haXNCcLJyde_QUj24eCwMdQ3_nF0rYuUYI3oeaXBvvMCHWNMTMJScbdVpxmp0ALMzk4juhpNtsMkIz4eJuqDR8g/s1600/PC210001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692329149023783266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3TzORW1O893e4KBilF7er18ioed0iq9Kj8jpeMl4pJeDCN-MbaC4haXNCcLJyde_QUj24eCwMdQ3_nF0rYuUYI3oeaXBvvMCHWNMTMJScbdVpxmp0ALMzk4juhpNtsMkIz4eJuqDR8g/s320/PC210001.JPG" /></a> It's never easy to say goodbye. The boys and I struggled in those last days to bid farewell to those who were "our family away from our family" and our close friends. It was draining and almost like peeling away a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bandaid</span> slowly. Eventually, we just wanted it to be over so that we could move beyond the sadness to the joy and anticipation of going home.<br /><br /><br /><div>The thank <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">yous</span> we would like to give are too numerous to mention. Our friends in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span> are so special to us and have an irreplaceable place in our hearts. To the people who gave their friendship to us and shared their lives and their homes, we are truly grateful. To those who checked in on us, stopped by for coffee, made sure we got to the many footie fields for games, invited the boys to go places and try new things - thank YOU! Our year was richer because of you.</div><br /><div>We are so thankful to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'Brien's</span> and the Smith's for their friendship, love and care over the year in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span>. They shared their lives with us and gave us experiences that we will cherish for a lifetime. We loved our visits to the farm and the boys relished the playtime building forts, riding horses, running with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">chooks</span>, sheep and goats. They showed us how to throw a carp and introduced us to Aussie Rules Football - a sport that Sam and Jake eagerly joined. We never would have gotten packed up and able to leave without Brigitte's help and for that I am more grateful than words can express.</div><br /><div>It is our hope that the friendships we have made will continue and that should any of you choose to "call in", please know that you will be welcomed with a warm hug and the love and care of a good friend. We hope to one day to be able to return to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span> to catch up over a "stubby" or a glass of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">moscato</span> out on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">veranda</span>. Thanks again to all of you! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">XXOO</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-12521715019173836552011-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:002011-12-30T17:01:44.742-08:00Farewell Farewell Farewell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hBB15ZCpFRN5D_n69k4YBBDKATYvXmV2_iNzcqqqJP3wWGMpNFf-GN-wPDpbr0RTy7vCNC_CKbF13_n2Wz_Bju43uHuhrWK5r4MEc_KgZCsW9hqVFMztUFuVwl3NK_JX2HT-FntT_LQ/s1600/2011_1216Dec0151.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692088920190181746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hBB15ZCpFRN5D_n69k4YBBDKATYvXmV2_iNzcqqqJP3wWGMpNFf-GN-wPDpbr0RTy7vCNC_CKbF13_n2Wz_Bju43uHuhrWK5r4MEc_KgZCsW9hqVFMztUFuVwl3NK_JX2HT-FntT_LQ/s320/2011_1216Dec0151.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMJLAdpwWCNmVPv08o51IwnI9xG14-1KTYVyNvsRcyGHiUEfRBDriP9FaNLY3G8CfBoHXS4VwLy7eiNbKc3PIgiG2stIHL0XtwRen5965-FvnJLbk9-XqI9kd_IauOBTC7K_Gh-olDuY/s1600/2011_1216Dec0171.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692089809931653042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMJLAdpwWCNmVPv08o51IwnI9xG14-1KTYVyNvsRcyGHiUEfRBDriP9FaNLY3G8CfBoHXS4VwLy7eiNbKc3PIgiG2stIHL0XtwRen5965-FvnJLbk9-XqI9kd_IauOBTC7K_Gh-olDuY/s320/2011_1216Dec0171.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The last days of school were full of farewells! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sam's best mate, Harry and his wonderful family threw him a farewell party at their home. There were nearly 30, 13/14 year old's there and they rocked the pool (and everything else!) as they had a blast! The theme was red and white and the yard was decorated beautifully. The cake was a Canada flag and Sam was given a supreme send off. Thank you Orme Family!</div><br /><br /><div>Jacob's class surprised him with a farewell party on the second last day of school. There was enough food to carry the party over to 2 days! His class gave him a boomerang that was made by Mick Lyons - a treasure that he loves. He also received a lovely card with lots of lovely messages inside. </div><br /><br /><div>On the last day, the families of my class surprised me with a party in my classroom. After coming in from Yard Duty, many parents and my students were waiting to greet me! Kate Hall made a heartfelt speech about the year we had together and then each of my Year 3's also made a statement. It was beautiful and of course made me emotional. I told them how much the year meant to me as well and that I hope to keep in touch. There was yummy cake and I was presented with a beautiful engraved necklace and a piece of art depicting various landmarks in Narrandera. I was speechless and deeply touched by this community of wonderful people. I was so lucky to be at St. Joseph's in Year 3.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_ePp0wqGDvWOUUUxDJn7dsQvF-7GxGZl4PulP67LgJOMe6nnqxkxtSM1XVLwX0UofEBEwLR-gKsHsPJ41P7G7eoZ131tROn7iBffFTKT_za7_j67AfRTCPf2175QJE9LkLcV1FhSAuA/s1600/2011_1216Dec0145.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692089809100014738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_ePp0wqGDvWOUUUxDJn7dsQvF-7GxGZl4PulP67LgJOMe6nnqxkxtSM1XVLwX0UofEBEwLR-gKsHsPJ41P7G7eoZ131tROn7iBffFTKT_za7_j67AfRTCPf2175QJE9LkLcV1FhSAuA/s320/2011_1216Dec0145.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLySOcbvugrjItXgR-EZbXaW8tIQPfB7v6qXJMoTjKYb5FpZ0ZL_jY0R6qPxdhRxiWPF-pRgnCEageeT2Bw1xLfN6eRz41xIYBhDrl6B_t_Xjo07HO1bMJ-H8tzbXAsCElJUiuLK_ufQ/s1600/2011_1216Dec0168.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692090342126757874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLySOcbvugrjItXgR-EZbXaW8tIQPfB7v6qXJMoTjKYb5FpZ0ZL_jY0R6qPxdhRxiWPF-pRgnCEageeT2Bw1xLfN6eRz41xIYBhDrl6B_t_Xjo07HO1bMJ-H8tzbXAsCElJUiuLK_ufQ/s320/2011_1216Dec0168.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>That evening, we had our end of year staff function which was themed "Canada and Australia". Once again, there was a lot of red and white as everyone dressed in Canada colours. Robin used ebay to import special touches like maple leaf balloons, a flag and a special Canada/Australia flag pin for me. I was presented with some beautiful jewellery from the staff as well as a gorgeous Koala aboriginal painting created by Steve and Phil. It was a fabulously fun night - a perfect way to end my time at St. Joey's.</div><br /><br /><div>The School Community of St. Joseph's is what makes the school such a magical place to be. The students are so polite, enthusiastic and wonderful, the parents so caring and supportive and the staff is like family. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has the best interests of those kids at heart and will go above and beyond contracts and hours to make the school experience a rich one for the students. It's a winning combination and I feel blessed to have had the privilege of being a part of it - if only for a year. </div><br /><br /><div>This experience has made me a better educator and it is something I will reflect on for many years to come.</div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-39816880707506989552011-12-30T12:33:00.000-08:002011-12-30T14:35:08.677-08:00"Splashdown" and "Carols by Candlelight"<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlTGPT3dkU8NbqhKfRniFKOXt867lN-sjorPalunk2Lcw35NlY2si7BhVvorfmWOdahBt79YioMdj_SAf7nZcN6ub24znBTDSdNajB8eattjJVqidysUeQTZQdpMXem15fnz99Tbkdu8/s1600/PC110009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692023852248146690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlTGPT3dkU8NbqhKfRniFKOXt867lN-sjorPalunk2Lcw35NlY2si7BhVvorfmWOdahBt79YioMdj_SAf7nZcN6ub24znBTDSdNajB8eattjJVqidysUeQTZQdpMXem15fnz99Tbkdu8/s320/PC110009.JPG" /></a> On Sunday, December 11, we invited our friends and "classmates" to join us at the Narrandera Lake Talbot Pool for a time to socialize and say goodbye to those we may not see before we leave. Despite mostly cloudy skies and at times threatening rain we had a great turnout. The temperature was warm and the water was fine. It was a great time and we thank all those who came!Here's a pic of Sam, Jake, Jack and some mates.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutKW7GzZ1m1IUrRpzWIYuL7RWCic6fWWDuA65YtiW4MgzMlyLUTJqDI4fGEtG8ANeQZOaAr2y-_EE91aR-yke3Zn9zAQt_dzjyVUIJjGe3eOXmCbalp4AWRGa-gzjZ8HiV0qpq5bin4Y/s1600/PC110049.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051117681577906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutKW7GzZ1m1IUrRpzWIYuL7RWCic6fWWDuA65YtiW4MgzMlyLUTJqDI4fGEtG8ANeQZOaAr2y-_EE91aR-yke3Zn9zAQt_dzjyVUIJjGe3eOXmCbalp4AWRGa-gzjZ8HiV0qpq5bin4Y/s320/PC110049.JPG" /></a>That evening we attended a community event called, Carols by Candlelight" at the local park. Lights were strewn about, Santa was there, food and novelty vendors were set up and many local residents were out in force with lawnchairs and candles. As the sun set, the carolling began as local schools and groups performed their best songs to get everyone in the spirit. Students from our school were performing "Christmas Star" under Marie and I and the excitement was in the air.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR29tN06fK7K7whOKegAPUIygPnt7BfbABxOhL71FqQu3KO-HGi7HOyWbGt96AlHLouPIxKE9WE9LpQEuZF8Uh99VfZlBAEcPHGWNGDddKWFigoCQ2QXaOC_zd258fW9BdiO1bhHKW7Xk/s1600/PC110017.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051084522946578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR29tN06fK7K7whOKegAPUIygPnt7BfbABxOhL71FqQu3KO-HGi7HOyWbGt96AlHLouPIxKE9WE9LpQEuZF8Uh99VfZlBAEcPHGWNGDddKWFigoCQ2QXaOC_zd258fW9BdiO1bhHKW7Xk/s320/PC110017.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkbbes_CICAknAGQOREuXzN0_H9HVuoATdHQS_x9ZJhn_XRK1Olkzf7EVxRgI2-1JUu2jBorwY_B_w-hBdQA2wOukecnV728J4U7etMOFArGHUliOTLFntlMqeIXgF8Y-fmrSl7y8mg0/s1600/PC110016.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692030337044596866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkbbes_CICAknAGQOREuXzN0_H9HVuoATdHQS_x9ZJhn_XRK1Olkzf7EVxRgI2-1JUu2jBorwY_B_w-hBdQA2wOukecnV728J4U7etMOFArGHUliOTLFntlMqeIXgF8Y-fmrSl7y8mg0/s320/PC110016.JPG" /></a>It was strange but lovely to be sitting in shorts and tees outside and singing Christmas carols amid lush vegetation and warm temperatures. Once again, the St. Joseph's students performed beautifully and we enjoyed hearing and seeing all the other groups perform. It was a fantastic night!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPsTsiA3qgYBnMB6T8JQqkt68tgHaHC-u5A5q3jKnBnmMTt7dwc2oq6j-m2K8x5MM8uWj4Ix0e1EQYUcGBISglJZZQkhzzg76x4qJmS1lFmnJ1Gfp-kyWFmtesjuuT47JLS4UL3JaIPs/s1600/PC110015.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692030332495405890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPsTsiA3qgYBnMB6T8JQqkt68tgHaHC-u5A5q3jKnBnmMTt7dwc2oq6j-m2K8x5MM8uWj4Ix0e1EQYUcGBISglJZZQkhzzg76x4qJmS1lFmnJ1Gfp-kyWFmtesjuuT47JLS4UL3JaIPs/s320/PC110015.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGbWKcT8kqn4tz39MZDc3Nr2fowlFAT-Jk_lcN0vRFiztgPh-zHBV40oc4HQBLpPu_rnzB3f6rLbrZn14kaojyLnAHdzgjMxU2Df8TG_DGpzokb9htu62ZNLfyBECr9550t3rmZd4Fg/s1600/PC110031.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692051098142130194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJGbWKcT8kqn4tz39MZDc3Nr2fowlFAT-Jk_lcN0vRFiztgPh-zHBV40oc4HQBLpPu_rnzB3f6rLbrZn14kaojyLnAHdzgjMxU2Df8TG_DGpzokb9htu62ZNLfyBECr9550t3rmZd4Fg/s320/PC110031.JPG" /></a>Above Left: Jack and friends Taj and James getting ready for the show.</div><br /><div><br />Above: Jack as the "Christmas Star"<br /><br /><br />After our group finished their performance we could just sit back adn enjoy the rest of the show! Phew!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>L-R Rod, Marie, Jarrod and I enjoying the music.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-91690312925511793352011-12-30T09:36:00.000-08:002011-12-31T10:19:32.125-08:00End of Year ConcertFor a month, every day, we (my class and I) prepared and practiced for the End of Year Concert. I chose "Christmas Star", a John Burland song that I had performed at PJPII as our performance piece. I love it because it has a great beat, fabulous actions, and it tells the story of the Nativity.<br /><br /><br />The kids dress up as the nativity characters and we act out the story as we go along. The end has a surprise as one student pops out as the Christmas star to complete the scene.<br /><br /><br />I asked Reg, the school's part time music instructor and performing artist (he's performed at the Sydney Opera House AND with famous artists) to help me by critiquing our performance once a week and to make suggestions. Wow! He was terrific and was able to pick out details that I would not notice in order to polish our peformance to "professional" standards.<br />When the day of the concert finally arrived, we were SO ready! In costume and with our props, the kids were lined up to go onstage. I was hurrying around to get the stable and straw bales on the stage. I lifted the bales one at a time and placed them on the stage. As I set down the third and final bale, I felt that familiar grab and jolt that takes your breath away and I knew ... I threw my back out. I bit back tears and put my class on the risers for their dress rehearsal performance for the school. I videotaped the performance and it is a good thing because I never made it to the actual concert.<br />Please check the link below to see the rehearsal. The kids did a beautiful job at the concert and the show went on. I am really proud of how well they performed.<br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z5EFT6Eu6PM?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />Jacob was also involved in the end of year concert. His class performed a choral reading of "The Night Before Christmas" and also did a fabulous job. Luckily, I managed to videotape his performance at the rehearsal as well. You can check it out here. Jacob is in the top right side of his class - wearing a Santa hat, a red shirt and green shorts. I was really proud to see him out there and not trying to hide in the crowd as he has done in the past. :)<br /><br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sIfvXB4zKcQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="420"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-25453209460571665562011-12-30T07:18:00.000-08:002011-12-30T12:27:52.925-08:00The Last WeeksAs is customary in schools, those last weeks are "chock-a-block" full of events and the final nuggets of learning for the year. You can't help but look with pride at how your students have grown and changed over the year and you want them to recognize their achievements as well. For me, it was also an emotional time as I knew we were leaving and that the time to say goodbye was racing toward me. I truly enjoyed my students in Year 3 and found myself wishing for more time with them. They have been so eager to learn and to explore. They made learning fun for me as well not just by their enthusiasm, but also by asking great questions and working really hard. Knowing that I would be starting a new non-teaching position upon my return to Canada, leaving the Year 3 class had extra meaning.<br /><br />The last 2 weeks of school had several events on the agenda: Water Fun Day, The End of Year Concert, Assemblies, Mass, Prayer Services, my classes "Eating Christmas Around the World", Secret Santa, Staff Function and much more!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Preparations</strong></span><br /><br />I was also busy preparing for our departure by organizing and packing and washing and cleaning cupboards, appliances and walls. We still didn't know if Dan would be coming back and so I was running travel scenarios in my mind constantly. How to pack EVERYTHING in, how to get to Sydney, how to ensure that we have a fun Christmas - even without Dan, how to get to the airport and get the car delivered, how to ensure we and our luggage make it to Winnipeg etc, etc, etc... Luckily, our friends and surrogate family in Narrandera were so supportive. I was overwhelmed by the kind offers and generosity of those around us. The St. Joseph's teachers, T.A.'s and Parents were amazing and so were our friends the Smith's, O'Brien's, Craze's, Hopwood's and Orme's. IF I had to go it alone, I could be sure that at least I would make it out of Narrandera :)<br /><br /><br /><p>The following posts will highlight some of the events that occured in the last weeks of our time in Narrandera.<br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-46011619658555195712011-12-06T11:34:00.000-08:002011-12-06T12:00:56.995-08:00Jack Goes to School "Down Under"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfHUoKt7JxCYLu8Eu1fVOASMK4HjAyJj2aAMHSm762N0pTSsLuN3DHh5iqVi50lxUbRMNrSneQSSehPO-ig66XRKvSyfP0sPny5O-RT9VOmr5lCqCv-aw1zgYQMLcaKLT1sM875Azmkk/s1600/PC060004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683105674872283490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfHUoKt7JxCYLu8Eu1fVOASMK4HjAyJj2aAMHSm762N0pTSsLuN3DHh5iqVi50lxUbRMNrSneQSSehPO-ig66XRKvSyfP0sPny5O-RT9VOmr5lCqCv-aw1zgYQMLcaKLT1sM875Azmkk/s320/PC060004.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2wrIBl3VH49QDwOEpYHLRBeFsEixoNOdwhYRQblU_zoe_kmRVstvYeORoNgPfdS9AwQKntFjahiBJewg1yj-vKMpC5VfU3c6oE-3tnMXtTA2u8Nk2YtZgcaMsbakylAyJC2DtVD18QI/s1600/PC060003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683105663594762610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2wrIBl3VH49QDwOEpYHLRBeFsEixoNOdwhYRQblU_zoe_kmRVstvYeORoNgPfdS9AwQKntFjahiBJewg1yj-vKMpC5VfU3c6oE-3tnMXtTA2u8Nk2YtZgcaMsbakylAyJC2DtVD18QI/s320/PC060003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpQTcYJi2RiJA28IPFVCQLs1IiUNN-wEBO2u2HIV3v11k1eJf4J9M8S7KIKx6EsmCfkrkK1YHUSW9NmPxFYjUQN5XIZr2CS7zi0GoeS9SQFYG-6JDL6twaPTpf_znT-D1SRZJITMag3Y/s1600/PC020018.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>When we return home in 19 short days - WOW! - Jack will be starting school for the first time, full time. He will be joining the J.K. class at Pope John Paul II. I've been thinking about this as he has been in Dan's care (dad-son :) until July and then he went into a home daycare which is where he currently spends most of his days. During staffroom chat one day, the kinder teacher suggested having Jack visit the kinder class before we leave to get a feel for how Jack would enjoy school. So, it was a date!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Bev94khl07a6SZcJuVvwr-XETjNy5eODwRl9z90VduiKPOdGEJRn6KBc1hKqtjzYJkc_LtdGuJGr7ZgvT0i_-sGdEDvJcql7iSLksrCQLfhoLcVhgKFL3uOd9nbQMxFXVqxDUfnYyQ/s1600/PC020021.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683105640311921618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Bev94khl07a6SZcJuVvwr-XETjNy5eODwRl9z90VduiKPOdGEJRn6KBc1hKqtjzYJkc_LtdGuJGr7ZgvT0i_-sGdEDvJcql7iSLksrCQLfhoLcVhgKFL3uOd9nbQMxFXVqxDUfnYyQ/s320/PC020021.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last Friday, Jack dressed in "sport uniform" and came for a half day. To put it bluntly, he LOVED it! He didn't want to go back to the sitter's again, he only wanted to go to school. He was so excited to be in the school culture, to wear the uniform, to eat lunch outside, to go to the canteen to get an "ice block", to use the toilets - you name it, he loved it. Melissa, the kinder teacher prepared her class so well for Jack's visit and they cared for him so nicely. The kinder's here are 5 or 6 years of age so even seeing Jack among them made them look so mature. Jack looked so tiny.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFOyDyHHyoDqly-4dp_BoJg2jm416BtYoB2f-97p8SLgHpWcOOp5wjiWmOWW_OkPAoY_lsDT51dRIso_uXhGfG4xVEou_cfes-7RR0kX31HDx83P-L0UH_YUymzcgTtBYNsKfOhKUL9s/s1600/PC020022.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683105631191171106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFOyDyHHyoDqly-4dp_BoJg2jm416BtYoB2f-97p8SLgHpWcOOp5wjiWmOWW_OkPAoY_lsDT51dRIso_uXhGfG4xVEou_cfes-7RR0kX31HDx83P-L0UH_YUymzcgTtBYNsKfOhKUL9s/s320/PC020022.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Jack was again invited to go back for a full day and he did this yesterday, (Tuesday). He wore his "sport uniform" once again and this time, he got to do some art. He came home with 2 drawings and a painting which are now on display in his "giggle gallery". He got a sticker today for being wonderful. I asked him what he thought of school and he said it was fun. He likes playing outside at recess and making things. He wants to wear a uniform in Canada.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>We'll see if he visits again before the end of the year. I am feeling confident that he will fit in just fine in his new school at home. Thank you Melissa and Kindie for welcoming Jack into your class - he loved it!</div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-88777869303664608652011-11-27T01:05:00.000-08:002011-11-27T02:22:19.444-08:00Didgeridoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3Af7NRa8IxYxNoQEsJNd4B6lCHEs0HOJ457KpY8_cbqs4aXVgKfIt6i3sT7vTndiSot47teIUjCG9oFw4xZmhmyQiQfugAbLkbeOpFsA6FDjp-Jf0tK7lmerJTm909ZfcgKfIyEkwnk/s1600/play+the+didgeridoo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679615762419546722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3Af7NRa8IxYxNoQEsJNd4B6lCHEs0HOJ457KpY8_cbqs4aXVgKfIt6i3sT7vTndiSot47teIUjCG9oFw4xZmhmyQiQfugAbLkbeOpFsA6FDjp-Jf0tK7lmerJTm909ZfcgKfIyEkwnk/s320/play+the+didgeridoo.jpg" /></a>Today we visited someone very special. Two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wiradjuri</span> men, a father and a son who live in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span> and who create beautiful, handmade Aboriginal artwork that is sold all over Australia. We were lucky to be able to visit Mick and Michael where they work and we got to spend some time learning about how they create didgeridoos and other pieces such as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">boomarangs</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">coolamons</span>, emu eggs and other neat items.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiradjuri"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wiradjuri</span></a> are the largest Aboriginal group in New South Wales. They occupy a large area in central New South Wales. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wiradjuri</span> tribal area has been described as "the land of the three <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">riversincluding</span> the <a title="Macquarie River" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_River"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Macquarie</span></a>, the <a title="Lachlan River" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lachlan_River"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lachlan</span></a> and the <a title="Murrumbidgee River" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrumbidgee_River"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mur</span></a><a title="Murrumbidgee River" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrumbidgee_River"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">rumbidgee</span></a> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Murrumbidjeri</span>) which runs through <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span>. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wiradjuri</span> people's artwork is distinct from other native peoples of Australia.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpVWD5RzFsvgJfILr8ZHKo-N9K_tWAXEfyhV_8Bzm4Sh1W6cJB_FcMAicn04MlwkiZOoQJtpIkmQMtbN-zfpqwPTHN-E_BDMh9bLy0SgiOH35-XmFOvc4uFJ0091E-W4gtVqZFptY_-c/s1600/coolamon.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679615750097355106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpVWD5RzFsvgJfILr8ZHKo-N9K_tWAXEfyhV_8Bzm4Sh1W6cJB_FcMAicn04MlwkiZOoQJtpIkmQMtbN-zfpqwPTHN-E_BDMh9bLy0SgiOH35-XmFOvc4uFJ0091E-W4gtVqZFptY_-c/s320/coolamon.bmp" /></a>Michael and Mick Lyons work at their home in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span>. They have a shop next their house and it was amazing to see all of their creations first hand. They had hand blown and painted emu eggs, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">boomarangs</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">rainsticks</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">lummy</span> sticks and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">coolamons</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Coolamons</span> are curved wood pieces that traditionally hold an aboriginal infant or smaller ones hold berries and grains when women go out picking. The detail in their work is incredible and it is easy to see why their art is sold all over.<br /><br />Michael treated us to some music on his didgeridoo. He could make kangaroo sounds as well as a sound like an airplane flying. He gave some tips to the boys in learning to play. He said to practice by blowing through a straw into a cup. Like the First Nation's Drum, women are not allowed to play the didgeridoo. It is said that a woman will not be able to bear a child if she plays. Traditionally women dance and play sticks while the men play the didgeridoo. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_CxB-CSivPnc8WRnj_cLvFFPlc1sbTZriZ_B46cFimjOjCormTd33vfbyYBqQNJbMpACO0AuaT4-NrRgCkZ_3qUrO2jvUCTLi11lcPXTwTHVxY_Bp31QWv6KqMxT_we_lDsn0f3d4ac/s1600/goanna.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679615752813537010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_CxB-CSivPnc8WRnj_cLvFFPlc1sbTZriZ_B46cFimjOjCormTd33vfbyYBqQNJbMpACO0AuaT4-NrRgCkZ_3qUrO2jvUCTLi11lcPXTwTHVxY_Bp31QWv6KqMxT_we_lDsn0f3d4ac/s320/goanna.jpg" /></a>Mick showed us some interesting wildlife that they have in the freezer. First he pulled out a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">goanna</span> that was accidentally killed and is on it's way to the taxidermist. A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">goanna</span> is a lizard and they can grow to be over 2 metres long. They are predatory and have sharp teeth and claws. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4exk5uRhahQOlHMS43RYCXp5huz7appjsogF98_NkaROu8KXa5pVcAb16ZuwLfg33Weq_pnJ_KbQ-47Upb7PMF2fmGy8mYly9sJIWH98rgDZbEr99jysz3ItuBNRfsm9eQ3ezz6-HzwE/s1600/murray+cod.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679615758469148258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4exk5uRhahQOlHMS43RYCXp5huz7appjsogF98_NkaROu8KXa5pVcAb16ZuwLfg33Weq_pnJ_KbQ-47Upb7PMF2fmGy8mYly9sJIWH98rgDZbEr99jysz3ItuBNRfsm9eQ3ezz6-HzwE/s320/murray+cod.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Next, he showed us a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">murray</span> cod head that his dad caught in the river. It was huge as you can see below. After that, he politely offered us a grub. Grubs are "bush tucker" or traditional outback food. They are relatively easy to find and taste like peanut butter. We will take his word for it as none of us were brave enough to try it. No Bear Grills among our family! Michael popped one in the microwave to take the chill off and then bit into it like you'd bite into a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">styrofoam</span> "worm" - same sound!<br /><br />The boys took their time picking out their didgeridoo. The one they chose was n<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">ot</span> the largest, but it still won't fit in a suitcase. We'll have to take it as "carry on" I guess!</div><br /><br /><div>It was very special to us to be able to meet a local citizen who can create and play such an iconic musical instrument and then to have a photo taken with him was extra special! Thank you Mick and Michael! Please see below for the pictures of our visit!</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a63354e7a51324f44633d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a63354e7a51324f44633d0d0a.jpg" width="386" height="303" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><br /><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width="386" height="46" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><br /><td align="middle">Another free slideshow by Smilebox</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-37056983987442102482011-11-19T17:19:00.001-08:002011-11-19T17:53:46.362-08:00Snails Snails Snails<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrfk16bKTZ2ivoj-jjznB2FpWmar382yefW63swk7kMDrRoREYATDovUh-wJfrb0HnkYHTccq89hHkSq2biScMq-LcQqgxYgSrMnHPMgN66OENjccCeZcOD3OvwwDK4NdLgy5YxNyBmw/s1600/PB200012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676888664949009682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrfk16bKTZ2ivoj-jjznB2FpWmar382yefW63swk7kMDrRoREYATDovUh-wJfrb0HnkYHTccq89hHkSq2biScMq-LcQqgxYgSrMnHPMgN66OENjccCeZcOD3OvwwDK4NdLgy5YxNyBmw/s320/PB200012.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjVHY8xBTYs6BJGmpCb3E02QGIMzCVifTRbbNCdP83BCVYIlCkSJkcxIFP_WVrgWz3RZVe2R-eSk_EEm88TZyrwseTUNiRihWAlg-MUEALTi3md9nKEr5y16Kc4X1_8Nlp8x4IyEpRv4/s1600/PB200007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676888649526417650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjVHY8xBTYs6BJGmpCb3E02QGIMzCVifTRbbNCdP83BCVYIlCkSJkcxIFP_WVrgWz3RZVe2R-eSk_EEm88TZyrwseTUNiRihWAlg-MUEALTi3md9nKEr5y16Kc4X1_8Nlp8x4IyEpRv4/s320/PB200007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUgfyCz1xrBPoq7ByZq7wWUIclOvuriI2TOHwKPGSI84PsEb9AfmM0T343jRmfq5japxCkNZ11lxGp1cAiDanvUbzjwXO9z4maSVygsWmqW1oVO36fkN8AKCARzu5fKBmHg8dUw_VyBM/s1600/PB200004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676888645831496914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUgfyCz1xrBPoq7ByZq7wWUIclOvuriI2TOHwKPGSI84PsEb9AfmM0T343jRmfq5japxCkNZ11lxGp1cAiDanvUbzjwXO9z4maSVygsWmqW1oVO36fkN8AKCARzu5fKBmHg8dUw_VyBM/s320/PB200004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Whenever it rains, the snails come out in droves. You see them gliding across the patio, the lawn, the sidewalk, the pool, the fence, everywhere! It's like they want to soak up every drop of wet goodness they can before the sun dries up the ground.</div><br /><div>The kids like to go out and count them. They are so easy to see because they are quite large ... 3-5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">cm's</span>. Today, Jack and Sam's friend Jarrod collected about 30 in a matter of minutes and tried to have them race. It was a good way to spend some time on a rainy, drizzly sort of day.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-42219022526261779872011-11-19T14:54:00.000-08:002011-11-19T17:16:03.389-08:00Feeling Like Christmas?<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeZjR2fIQMq5rbJuJS_3n2oTNYOe75sgGJo4J5NDppky-THfB7pddTJ4x3bOFpl2Q6a3Oe3K26zhhWhi6HdHWi4A6TfjB9hrRdtD0UeWdHLUDhQ5WvDTj6d2pPNehOKx8DIO2ZLWHaE4/s1600/santa-in-canoe.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 656px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676870895861219858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeZjR2fIQMq5rbJuJS_3n2oTNYOe75sgGJo4J5NDppky-THfB7pddTJ4x3bOFpl2Q6a3Oe3K26zhhWhi6HdHWi4A6TfjB9hrRdtD0UeWdHLUDhQ5WvDTj6d2pPNehOKx8DIO2ZLWHaE4/s320/santa-in-canoe.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jw9O5iMVu01aBf0rg9rd5r0ShIyXth4tspreNdngZ7pYEMAfJiPqoX9tBejQFKecAXVZ0Li9IVRZzXRlWtHJH8RLxfHBPmQ-7sRI0c3TJqt_18DivVZYGC8GoS3xGH0it0GGD-lvmuM/s1600/PB190002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676853713812638450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jw9O5iMVu01aBf0rg9rd5r0ShIyXth4tspreNdngZ7pYEMAfJiPqoX9tBejQFKecAXVZ0Li9IVRZzXRlWtHJH8RLxfHBPmQ-7sRI0c3TJqt_18DivVZYGC8GoS3xGH0it0GGD-lvmuM/s320/PB190002.JPG" /></a>37 days and counting ... wow it is hard to believe. Time is flying by and now that report card writing and Sam's exams are finished, it feels like we need to start preparing for our return home. Little by little, I am starting to clean and organise. We are also starting to think about how we can possibly begin to say thank you and good bye to the many wonderful friends we've met.</div><br /><br /><div>The weather has been getting hotter and hotter. We experienced +38 yesterday and the days are getting longer and longer. That is why, I stood with shock in the hardware store last weekend when the realization that Christmas is only 5 weeks away smacked me on the head. It just doesn't FEEL like it! As I was standing in line, I happened to glance outside at the shop window across the street and noticed Christmas peel and stick decorations. That was when it hit . You may say it is because we are busy and we are looking forward to returning home and I guess that is part of it. But, it is also the fact that the weather does not make it feel like Christmas to me. </div><br /><br /><div>I think of the cooler temperatures, the darker days, the first dusting of snow - those are the elements that start to get you in the festive mood. You start to whip up hot chocolate and snuggle under the blankets. You put on that sleigh bell music and get out the Santa hats. You are spending more time inside, decorating and playing games. Christmas is about being cozy and celebrating with family and all the rich foods (YUM) that go along with this time of year. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXpKUOC-OgXinJa64PFnr1eCN8EsF7rQ_82W_k1-exZfEWQxeCf9xwEK6GWmOO9yRjyKzLY8yBX6tmD7NZBlEe2pnSIEFVAt0vGQ9I0PIPVN8960-33UJj37UkDDeNtjNDZFo0OXj8Ug/s1600/DSCF0486.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676870885692794578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXpKUOC-OgXinJa64PFnr1eCN8EsF7rQ_82W_k1-exZfEWQxeCf9xwEK6GWmOO9yRjyKzLY8yBX6tmD7NZBlEe2pnSIEFVAt0vGQ9I0PIPVN8960-33UJj37UkDDeNtjNDZFo0OXj8Ug/s320/DSCF0486.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>In Australia, you spend more time outdoors, specifically in the creek or in the pool. You are eating salads and other light cool foods and eating freezies or popsicles - not warm rich foods. </div><br /><br /><div>Yesterday, Jack and I were in a mall and Santa was there greeting children. Jack was of course THRILLED to see Santa (not that he went to see him, of course but he did wave from a distance). While we were standing there watching, Jack asked why Santa was there. I explained that it is nearly Christmas and that Santa is starting to visit the children to see what they would like. He couldn't understand that it was nearly Christmas because there was no snow and all the rest. I don't even see the elaborate displays in the stores that we are accustomed to at home. </div><br /><br /><div>I've asked the students in my class as well as parents I see about Christmas customs here. Some families do a traditional "baked dinner" at Christmas, complete with all the trimmings. It's hard to imagine in 40 degree heat cooking turkey or lamb and all the side dishes. Many families seem to be moving toward a barbeque or a cold seafood buffet - Yum! I asked kids about gifts that Santa brings and a lot of outdoor toys like blow up water toys or bikes etc... seem to be popular. It also seems that a lot of families go camping over the holidays along the river and spend time with family and friends outdoors, waterskiing and taking part in other water activities.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>As for us, we may take part in the festivities in Sydney this year. I've heard that a lot of travellers and "ex-pats" head down to Bondi Beach to celebrate on Christmas Day. That may be where we will be as we prepare to fly out on Boxing Day. The boys have been assured that Santa will stop by our home in Kenora as our luggage is going to be pretty full as we leave Australia. All in all, it is interesting to see how other countries prepare to celebrate this world wide holiday - how boring if we all did it the same! No matter what, we will still have our traditional Christmas climate when we return.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Below are some photos of a lovely evening we spent at the home of Jacinta. They have a beautiful spot on the river, complete with a nice sandy beach. They treated us to a sausage sizzle and yummy pavlova for dessert. It was a fun night and the company was even better! Thanks!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0ZXnc0Xj5xwU8ZxLFDXcxo7ze1QwXfOsHGW1-7BbcR8U6SXrJHH11JftYURH-1FeGMGddKqupliT2ap_a1nbJTv3KRMYJCED7CiszVVAdF50xxLX4q5tXe2CCho7l5G68NqsOlkr8I/s1600/DSCF0490.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676870882061572914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI0ZXnc0Xj5xwU8ZxLFDXcxo7ze1QwXfOsHGW1-7BbcR8U6SXrJHH11JftYURH-1FeGMGddKqupliT2ap_a1nbJTv3KRMYJCED7CiszVVAdF50xxLX4q5tXe2CCho7l5G68NqsOlkr8I/s320/DSCF0490.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_6XdNCyrXIRLA2JfxaVKW93Hh_AYFD3IP0oAnNR5xf4flpcehh09RsEN8lZanO7FGZ3u8ubjdTe-TClPEaJ_ue2HopK6Ap990VRFBHm6BC0jSnagaHFPMSGqEulGTn2fx8GsBNOEkW8/s1600/DSCF0488.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><div><br />L-R Jacinta, Me and Angela (Ang) Priscilla and Dominic's sister-in-law</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0ExGMUBKpPvduapwRXy5KRWLZOcRs4_Y0I4DQIhrzB_zR0TR2sa1wFiHNTMTKsHefYAv7UPvqXWqVmGhvdw0kLYiByUI728xpL_ipeGmdbcGlzyoKG3_ajo7Br_nj220zrFBBRKFBiI/s1600/DSCF0496.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676853734872650610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0ExGMUBKpPvduapwRXy5KRWLZOcRs4_Y0I4DQIhrzB_zR0TR2sa1wFiHNTMTKsHefYAv7UPvqXWqVmGhvdw0kLYiByUI728xpL_ipeGmdbcGlzyoKG3_ajo7Br_nj220zrFBBRKFBiI/s320/DSCF0496.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Jack and I getting ready to taste the beautiful pavlova! Mmmmmmmmm.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_6XdNCyrXIRLA2JfxaVKW93Hh_AYFD3IP0oAnNR5xf4flpcehh09RsEN8lZanO7FGZ3u8ubjdTe-TClPEaJ_ue2HopK6Ap990VRFBHm6BC0jSnagaHFPMSGqEulGTn2fx8GsBNOEkW8/s1600/DSCF0488.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676853750637807458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_6XdNCyrXIRLA2JfxaVKW93Hh_AYFD3IP0oAnNR5xf4flpcehh09RsEN8lZanO7FGZ3u8ubjdTe-TClPEaJ_ue2HopK6Ap990VRFBHm6BC0jSnagaHFPMSGqEulGTn2fx8GsBNOEkW8/s320/DSCF0488.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Relaxing on the beach by the river.</div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-85407791319865083182011-11-05T13:11:00.000-07:002011-11-05T14:29:00.235-07:00The Home Stretch... 51 Days and Counting!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFu5XCWtkMq4QYc0xqh50u5FJc1Hm92aAdtLxIjP3Z_3k5w8qfb-WZ1_QiAdKLgGny53sJKRiyANC7sfpp2lSWOY8cB8aWfK4D_2Y0jCFa4iv05Hq2hyphenhyphen7bsWlXF4EQyqyqxYO6haBX98/s1600/paperwork.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671609606009861202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFu5XCWtkMq4QYc0xqh50u5FJc1Hm92aAdtLxIjP3Z_3k5w8qfb-WZ1_QiAdKLgGny53sJKRiyANC7sfpp2lSWOY8cB8aWfK4D_2Y0jCFa4iv05Hq2hyphenhyphen7bsWlXF4EQyqyqxYO6haBX98/s320/paperwork.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZAtK6bdPkezE90WxaJZPVS6rGk5K55llEUjdNF5qXGy2fi1mhAgOAIdcDkBYVWirc1f-FAl0nqgIxJq3BavYAceCGfp9utIB90cLcKDzExyNw2KUgkyuAsD8tq9rwSzIN98FB4pW2q0/s1600/busy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671609606806210658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZAtK6bdPkezE90WxaJZPVS6rGk5K55llEUjdNF5qXGy2fi1mhAgOAIdcDkBYVWirc1f-FAl0nqgIxJq3BavYAceCGfp9utIB90cLcKDzExyNw2KUgkyuAsD8tq9rwSzIN98FB4pW2q0/s320/busy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7p6TzazM_2k0vVSk_11w0WcJGlziyujsVvWqPtEki16uBr8I9ao_I_FK0Vkt4TeLN8iCTYBZnEOLHTvBIgU2k3t-F6YnVSGRI4f6u6eOmQV2ny3lrauqZS1jaHn49mOb5IV8K4VIaDQ/s1600/reports.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671609605407126898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7p6TzazM_2k0vVSk_11w0WcJGlziyujsVvWqPtEki16uBr8I9ao_I_FK0Vkt4TeLN8iCTYBZnEOLHTvBIgU2k3t-F6YnVSGRI4f6u6eOmQV2ny3lrauqZS1jaHn49mOb5IV8K4VIaDQ/s320/reports.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's that time of year, the end of school. </div><br /><div>As always, the end of the school year is a very busy time. Teachers are busy trying to squeeze in those last golden nuggets of curriculum while also assessing and evaluating how much their students learned this year. There are also all of those end of year special events that require planning and executing. When you pile onto that, your home duties and responsibilities, things can seem overwhelming at times and the stress metre for this time of year can be at the maximum in a normal situation. </div><br /><div>For me, it is doubly so this year. For the first time, I am dealing with the end of year events without my own "home security system". Usually, at this time of year, I can call on family to take the kids for a sleepover or just for a few hours so I can work on reports or stay at school for other events that I need to attend. Here, as you can imagine, things are a <strong>little</strong> different. </div><br /><div>I am deeply grateful to the friends we have made here and their support, but really it all still comes down to me. When things go wrong, when the unexpected happens, when there is drama, I am IT. I have to problem solve and deal with things as they happen to the best of my ability. Sometimes, when I am feeling strong, I call it character building and think that I am better for it. Other times, I just want to click my heels 3 times and say, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home ..." </div><br /><div>So, here I sit on Sunday morning pondering the tidal wave of items to check off of my "To Do List"... </div><br /><div>Yesterday was the Spring Fair at our school and I can "tick" that one off of my list. It was a terrific event that raises A LOT of money for the school. In fact, it is the key fundraiser for St. Joseph's. I worked the "Flea Market Stall" which is basically, a Yard Sale. While I did that, Jacob and Jack visited the different games, event and food stalls and had a great time. The Fair runs from 10am until 3pm and is very well attended and supported - even in 33 degree weather. It's a great social and community building event. Ask me about it when I get home as I think it has potential.</div><br /><div>Today, I hope to plow through the mountain of marking and recording I have so that I can begin my 30 reports - at least for a while. The first report draft is due on November 14. It is going to be a HOT one today (34) so we may have to go to the Narrandera Pool for a while. Sam must also start preparing for his final exams which start on November 14. </div><br /><div>This week, our staff is doing the second of 3 Professional Development evenings. In New South Wales, the teachers have the option of "working off" their last 2 school days, which are PD Days. You do this by participating in approved Professional Development on a weekend or evenings after school. By "working these days off" , school will finish for us on Friday, December 16 rather than Tuesday, December 20. This means keeping my boys occupied during these evenings. The first one we did was a Spirituality Evening that focussed on Prayer. It was kind of like a mini retreat but was very beneficial on a personal as well as professional level. This week's is about I.T. It should be interesting.</div><br /><div>We also have the "End of Year Concert" (notice it is not called Christmas Concert) on December 8 (4 short weeks away!). I have decided to make it "easy" on myself, so my class will be performing "Christmas Star" - a song my class performed at my last PJPII concert. I love it, the kids love it (we have started practicing each day) and it has all the elements of a good performance - catholicity, actions, singing, costume AND a surprise at the end: MRS. MCKAY where are you when I need you??? The concert will be in the NOT air conditioned hall in 30+ degree temperatures so that will be something different. Hmmm... we may have to make costume adjustments.</div><br /><div>We continue to have our twice weekly staff meetings at 8:20 Tuesday mornings and 3:30 until 5pm on Wednesday afternoons. The morning meeting is a "Nuts and Bolts" type meeting while the afternoon meetings are PD Related. The focus for us right now is Comprehension Strategies. </div><br /><div>Then there are all the normal life happenings: basketball, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, yard/pool maintenance, settling arguments, negotiating with a teenager (did I say "Negotiating?").</div><br /><div>For me, these are the "known entities" but each week there are the unknowns that pop up and I have to swerve and bob and make adjustments all around. Those are the times where I feel my head is going to pop off and probably enter the Earth's orbit. </div><br /><div>The unknowns for me at this point are things like, is Dan going to make it back before we have to pack up and move? Then, the actual packing, cleaning and getting to Sydney and then to Canada. Lastly, it is saying goodbye to the many wonderful friends and students that we have come to love. That makes me well up with emotion when I think about it. As READY and excited as I am to return home to all of you - it will be a difficult goodbye to this community that has welcomed us and supported us, particularly since Dan returned home to work. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, while working on reports, I may be remiss in posting here but I know that you, dear reader, will understand. Well, I'm off to begin ... see you very soon - I hope!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>P.S. Congratulations to all of you! We have had nearly 8000 visits to our blog this year so far and from many places all over the world! How crazy would that be to hit 10,000? WOW! To see how many hits we have had, scroll to the bottom of the page. You will see a total there and you can track it as it counts to 10,000.</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-71753900143067907502011-11-01T02:29:00.000-07:002011-11-01T04:01:40.150-07:00Carp-a-thon<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669961411632262130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiRYO4ClG8GA1JnwElYKWka3scp9_eY_3bTnTgf9GvNsNWzi5FmReBOHl05143ySuohJjkuQVGLH2g55K65jHet3PBkF3_qyvkm3VHtHgSkW9VWIJvCavWHcKS3nXuix2AvhqP29Dfaw/s320/DSCF0403.JPG" /> The creek at the farm where we fished for carp.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669963350543487810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ettvwZxzVTdBwy4z_QR-TC7TGaV7QMkirbkXoeqe6vFM7aD4CYxMlPXppED2RPmcvWXX_c8Bqop1itkjtCqrikYpuIY1qyaLTIh4iVokcGU7ugamZDDgqVNKaai0AqvM0cM5aW2n7Zg/s320/DSCF0416.JPG" />Sam's survival hut.<br /><br /><br /><div>Last weekend, we participated in an annual event: THE CARP-A-THON!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>The Carp-a-thon is a fishing tournament like no other I've ever been to. There are NO LIVE WELLS, no daily weigh ins, no relays of runners or super prizes. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The Carp-a-thon takes place in Morundah, about 25 minutes out of Narrandera and it's purpose is the help rid the surrounding streams and rivers of an invasive species: European carp. The carp are considered a "garbage fish" and when they are caught, they are killed. They are ruining the delicate balance that exists in the river and stream ecosystems and must be extinguished.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>The Site<br /></strong></div><br /><div>We went out with Rod, Marie, Jarrod and Lauren as well as Brigitte and James to Helen and Alan's farm in Morundah. They live on the creek and so we had prime creek footage to fish out our weekend. Many families camp on the creek for the weekend and we SORT OF did. Rod set up a shade tent and barbecue kitchen complete with flags. He also set up fishing rods all along the shore in holders and complete with bells to let us know if a fish was on. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>We arrived mid-morning on Saturday and I took a spot in one of the comfy camp chairs and the boys dispersed among the trees, the bank, the snacks. We always feel like we are among family when we are with the Smiths and O'Briens. We are welcome and we are comfortable and when you are so away from home, it is a feeling that you treasure.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669963362598291970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68RVcBfUx24U9MPlB9uLazMZ0RFakKN7U7B4OzCBIYFPKTlqWU_woGJ5qw5_nO3HAXBBDAlN1YwbbX-kExJQKhy4-FkGA7voVptrjS6TYKDBSICBhY_TyKrtZT5pjwooQr74MfAdR5V8/s320/DSCF0427.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Cooking up brekkie with Marie.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>We set about the serious business of fishing - as well as eating and chatting and by nightfall, we had about 7 carp. Once caught, they were put in a "feedbag" that was hanging off a nearby tree to go in the next day. As night began to fall, a fire was lit from all the firewood the boys collected and we shared a yummy spagetti bolognaise. Thanks Brigitte! We sat by the fire and enjoyed the peace of the creek and the company of one another until we were all a bit drowsy... time for bed! Instead of crawling into swags or tents, we headed back to the farmhouse and retired to our nice comfy beds - well, some of us did. Sam, Jake, Lauren and James camped in tents in the yard. We were a bit leary of snakes in the area and decided to play it safe - I NEVER would have camped outside anyway! I did however, stink like a campfire, eat lots of hearty camping food and abstained from a shower the next morning. I'd say that's a pretty big step - not to be repeated anytime soon :)</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669963342311005618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMem60PwsKAlktRCys7KLTYua8Xy7u8-nSBRmvewJmQiADEjw6yP06VYx8roY3Are4p98-guPQ7lrBEZOgb5UbftJ55pK9bbheuDYSmYfDBVtX79T0r-nqDESm4PNCsTvdTq7xB_Z7pSg/s320/DSCF0405.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Rod's fab base camp</div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><strong>The Carp Throw<br /></strong><br />One of the main events of the Carp-a-thon os the Carp Throw. Competitors are divided into age groups and by gender. The throwing area has a measuring tape that runs along it's length and a spray painted throw line. Contestants hold a dead carp and attempt to throw it as far as they can. There is a marshall and the leading throw is marked with a squashed beer can (very technical) until it is either beaten, whereby the can is moved or is declared the winner. All the boys attempted this event but without being victorious. My Canadian boys were new at this and they all came within the top 3 - not bad for their first time! In Sam's age group, I was sprayed by the guts of a carp that went out of bounds. Can you say Y-U-C-K and EWWWW and GROSS??? Did this happen because I was trying all weekend to avoid the vile, stinky fish?<br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669961446538341218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZknuSvC6pwcpTcN31JlLILCDGN2HIXLswC3hnSFj8lUW8VQggHjOzvliNd0iT1yjzzHLnfIMeYbq2oaAWjnePARCUqskjVF645s0LuKbOe6zUrLDe16lgmH2YPWQJ_f35-Cvd32sCEA4/s320/DSCF0414.JPG" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669961438948619906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa7ESXPvYeauUQJ7MKDuG4vdQTpQmZXYPF9DlaH306jUXJHy7N9_veeNgvZvWm78YMuIsZVnnl4UitN0XVWIBSC27LkWMdlBnI_zAn9Y78E7pgaR-Va74fMElazmGD3dF_-uxiG_yecg/s320/DSCF0411.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669961428690555458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mnjsm8Uza9X_fLD3W34-QFuXkJQh_apjmaqTGeBaPc7mv36kxaqI50vAX6njZ_-wtIU1X6sQL0Ev_LdjDK0xPYPhYuMmb9U7dAGIaR24ULPjx2cQfd2QLBs2di2LRXpi3bgckImYyFE/s320/DSCF0407.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center">The trailer of carp ... hurray for ridding the water of these foul fish!</p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669961416148384786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlWGhvbA3HwUxzUhw911o1oq-MgKKaeqp_tJDxssWOBQ1jzrGI1v952wiDC052lH1IpC1z2rtlWwe6kwPGUPuVrlERrGaLvVS4rHsNKDEbTlxtBbkX6SsT74B8G_cxJo_7j3s8t46SNE/s320/DSCF0406.JPG" /></p><br /><p>We enjoyed another truly unique Australian experience and we have to thank the O'Briens and the Smiths for once again hosting us and making it a fun and memorable weekend! Thank you!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-84137641359328650612011-11-01T01:26:00.000-07:002011-11-01T02:22:55.145-07:00Trick or Treat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyGAOqD0kgyy-rrLB0GqA0k1k8rFQSADRJbLibqDYPXHyymWYbN_kIMbNyxXEf3E8_TA160dxRJBbzGwK7N5irPEFiLQUFtZ4l3Yr7cw4pQjwcG9aCcZShVWTyAK8Dck_kN2vvONNjsA/s1600/DSCF0444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669948944505023378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyGAOqD0kgyy-rrLB0GqA0k1k8rFQSADRJbLibqDYPXHyymWYbN_kIMbNyxXEf3E8_TA160dxRJBbzGwK7N5irPEFiLQUFtZ4l3Yr7cw4pQjwcG9aCcZShVWTyAK8Dck_kN2vvONNjsA/s320/DSCF0444.JPG" /></a> Our family experienced a Halloween like no other. We didn't trick or treat ... well, not REALLY but we did encourage kids to come for candy! <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Mom sent back a parcel from Canada, soon after her return of Halloween decorations and treats. I brought them to school and shared the decorations among colleagues and made up super treat bags for the kids in my and Jake's classes. They included skeletons, vampire teeth, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">witchy</span> fingers and of course, some great Canadian treats!</div><br /><br /><div>So, on October 31, I carved a jack-o-lantern at school with my class (a first for all but 1 of my students)! They all got to put their hands in grab some "guts" and many got to carve with the tool mom included. After that, we roasted the seeds (another first) and most enjoyed them - I had to hand out the recipe :). Lastly, we lit it up and the kids marvelled at how it glowed. It was really special to be able to share this custom. I raffled off the jack-o-lantern at the end of the day so that one of the kids could take it home to share with her family. I also invited the kids to stop by that night for some treats if they were out.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669945818540015714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPbs8Ieo4QGUVLFt3KAnMWGWYw14QMNxrpnQynIqoHeQlj50uOkN_CcIhtXtB6N1aafmk53WxSBTUQ78OMq51a1D7ZkDqggB11pU2Z_gYtph0GhFHDEr9i7tK48lXlzSOx6tkLuXNU6E/s320/DSCF0433.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669945811630251170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ88QY36RqqX2lV_QMX4rUrLHR2AxuGvUf_o65iYojTXZ6IsQLbIGxG3ORNUK0p8y1bj99T_7Y87u4SqcHLsA-lYVZsOu5Qba3vg5dnTdOFN5V8z1rNgIQp8OqSRXmYEVP5MWETCxMgs/s320/DSCF0439.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>When I arrived home from school, Jack, Jake and I got straight to work preparing our house for some visitors - we hoped! We carved another 2 pumpkins, decorated the house and put on some spooky sounds. We didn't have to wait long ... one of my students and her family and friends showed up when we were barely finished! Excitedly, Jack handed out the first treats - and lots of them! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669945793057226674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6B2aOlKzwBtYiW_KWwydikk_hYw33DDPG6bTjMIZbytGk-5Keux0BoJMh5cXvSu13D7z4VT6_TT7iieKoc11DWQ9m4kTsa9rdXt2-1v3sLGR61TGoEZSqQSPKB7GOHF7L7YksBnFo30/s320/DSCF0441.JPG" />Jacob decided to be a trickster tonight and dressed as a lawn decoration so that he could scare unsuspecting trick or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">treaters</span>. Jack WAS going to dress up to hand out treats but then changed his mind and went as himself. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669945800277133810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ3CziDsk6O2c1S7WTp0PJhiX259lnnZeZKiJg8lp3cOtf66UllY3uOheOGRaO0_cKglIt6IjE6CCC73G9DMDINBJTLYMf-wQOb-x8TNddXO8be9rQCD43DFCqTbnFRWjd5D0tfZLvq0/s320/DSCF0445.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>We didn't go out trick-or-treating because there weren't many places to go and we didn't know where they would be. We had discussed this for many days before Halloween and Jake and Jack accepted that they would let this Halloween be about giving rather than receiving. Sam, on the other hand, got together a group of friends and some costumes and went in search of lollies. In 2 and a half hours, they did find a few houses that were participating and came home with a small amount of loot. </p><br /><p>Jack, Jake and I had a blast meeting the ghosts and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ghoulies</span> that did come out that night. We told them about Halloween at home and encouraged them to continue the fun next year. We had about 30 kids come by and it was really fun for us to see their excitement and joy over dressing up, visiting homes and getting treats. Hopefully, it will be a tradition that can continue...</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-79633998966774556822011-10-25T00:25:00.000-07:002011-11-01T01:12:21.351-07:00Black and Orange<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">BOO!<br /></span><br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669931812844189922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFzuGMisnvsKUPup3sgxdSHvlFqhzw4Gu3KdWcyJA3NGs1dbNL_mXkBO8Z_MI9S9KaKAQ37yNy578USKyK9hlFTItDT3ps1PFgiN7D-uOfsiXC3monYh8kUUH5WacOdMjIaVKyPw474U/s320/IMG_3191.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br />Happy Halloween!<br /><br /></p><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669931808340514178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAck2jFUA1HjF4fpfY4q60UnnJtCm7mcO9WgjNWydDd0k7NTtyRuUtdgb1DDsBzxdRxjCHcw2wrP5KfEgK7tp1XexyNF4_lZIa20Q8JwnJEO9MpOm7AOXVcYhOVRbhgN7K2J77pUH0TE/s320/IMG_3189.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><p>Happy Halloween to all of you in the Northern Hemisphere! We experienced a Southern Hemisphere Halloween last night and I must say, there are some MARKED differences!<br /><br />Firstly, the climate. As you know, it is Spring here in Oz and so it feels like Easter or Canada Day rather than the cool temperatures we typically have at this time of year. The landscape is also very lush and green and the air is filled with the perfumed scent of many roses and flowers. Instead of bare branches on our trees, they are a lovely green and many have fragrant blossoms on their branches. Also, the days are getting longer ,so rather than being dark and spooky by 6pm, it was bright as midday still at 6:30.<br /><br /><br /><p>Secondly, Halloween is a "new" holiday here. Stores are not busting with decorations, costumes and candy from August onward. You find the odd little item but not much. As mentioned previously, the local grocery store carried orange pumpkins for the first time this year. The pumpkins were advertised as being for Halloween and gave instructions for carving a jack-o-lantern. Some people remarked that "it's just not Australian" and abstain from the celebration and all of its trappings. It is kind of surprising to me that such a "lolly loving" nation, wouldn't hop on the Halloween ghost (gravy) train and fill up on sugar this one night of the year but I can see how the calendar timing doesn't fit.</p><br /><p>Luckily for us, our school celebrated Halloween this year with loads of fun! I provided some history of Halloween to the teachers and it was decided that we would have an orange and black dress up day and some Halloween stations that the entire school could experience. We did this on Friday, October 28. </p><br /><p>The dress up day included a coin drive to raise money for the Missions - a great fundraiser! There are 3 house teams in our school and the house that covered its flag with the most coins earned points for their team. It didn't matter if they were only 5 cent pieces, it was about the number of COINS, not the total amount of money. It was great to see all the orange and black around - even in nearly 30 degree temperatures.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669931839740747410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEJHl5PJG7v28BS6H4J8k1tZygnujfE_-toQr_Pv3FeclC8dlwnG8bhlEpIjUqF0g3LVUMe4SaPc8cwyRSykJ2n1dujlRcYyQLVZ3ewd71f4BXefwoBLaBShNuEo8sOfjtFddYgBKOlI/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" /></p><br /><p>The school was divided into 14 teams and the rotations began. Some examples of stations were apple bobbing (the water was refreshing), a toilet paper mummy wrap, costume relay, create a monster, musical pumpkins and many more! It was so fun and I think the kids got a feel for what Halloween is all about. We had some Halloween fun for about 2 hours and it was great! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669931862576698770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2CjrtjmHKySi_2RcgE2CePARaAt9ARpfaeMvZlKGCB1Kgq5CAL0ft2jQOkLVsbUO7RzGGutqDMFJfMKdbxYDzRmZKG2Pzb-kwvEV2H0Lt2WWz9vHu-AuJtWkETUQ7-iQMoEjoMjtHKU/s320/P1010049.JPG" /></p><br /><p>After the stations were finished, my class looked at Artist Pablo Picasso and cubism and then created some spooky Picasso Monsters! FUN!</p><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a637a4e7a4d304e7a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"></a></td></tr><br /><tr><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 139px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669936302511894258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-hBZvzDIs3p59D8L8zk8usgkhhpIAUd8bJ_J4PLLZDCgO3Nvad5FZA7yFAqzXWS8pzAh4svqKTAv7URBK0obJbCEfJOdUuMIwnfinddLRkjlqiMPe78HDEZBDzioNWNzXtyo5WNPnkw/s320/picasso+monster.jpg" /> <br /><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width="386" height="46" /></a></td></tr><br /><br /><br /><tr><br />I even flavoured our weekly staff meeting with this Halloween prayer... <br /><td align="middle">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/" target="_blank">picture slideshow</a> personalized with Smilebox</td></tr></tbody><br /><p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p></table><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a637a4e7a4d304e7a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a637a4e7a4d304e7a4d3d0d0a.jpg" width="386" height="303" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669931855286812130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZau-ImGpt0K_Z7Kwn-mZli_Pko_PMa9yVFy_8rtRCMhT98Cpit27IOkHWasr0YrzpiC1_OOt5L_TendeZ4quPV8c8fRWiMV0f0UZ6ehcWYmPAjQxJQc4_I-mmRyQwoT_Cl1UTMR-Xng/s320/P1010011.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-23668856076272424222011-10-15T15:56:00.001-07:002011-10-15T23:49:07.582-07:00Sydney in a day<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK5Y5z99HkBtTGyByf65jrq2CKt1AW1Pj1f_MVFO_FAC_DyH6-hCsstzzoAh9r-7TpCkpN_XiOWUoGOWDvmIN5COAsrqyeyhh3ouk_djegtOiKlYTXF6PF5Sfbz5IitPCrwfgH63Cvk0/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663962444979305858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxK5Y5z99HkBtTGyByf65jrq2CKt1AW1Pj1f_MVFO_FAC_DyH6-hCsstzzoAh9r-7TpCkpN_XiOWUoGOWDvmIN5COAsrqyeyhh3ouk_djegtOiKlYTXF6PF5Sfbz5IitPCrwfgH63Cvk0/s320/IMG_3142.JPG" /></a> Beautiful Darling Harbour!<br /><br />We arrived back in Sydney before 10am on Sunday. Our flight was uneventful and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in flight</span> movie was Mr. Popper's Penguins - a good one for the boys although Mom and I enjoyed it too. We checked into our hotel which was right at Darling Harbour and then set about exploring.<br /><br />Darling Harbour is very picturesque and bustling with activity - especially on a Sunday! Check out just some of the sights we saw!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663860919390278386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyriUnUC_3mImD4CGi13NESxFHtF3Wj2om6iF5F1B8dMw97zjbNZnFxWk0EVs11Hqpkn9wyYBMlWJzYL5Vs9xap8w8r2TLaGE6v_f1RvPfFzJ3cv9cvIqNigtkC5M0ypA_uiNZpuF0DM/s320/IMG_3170.JPG" /> Jake and Jack on the BIG slide! Organized chaos?<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663860907320522690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPbZ40cCb6QV_YZrg2P_5sMf3xTP3GEA8obKfSur8hxR7M2HhbObyDVYbWUHLry5Hea-BHGl_euvUvKeq3_Midg5-Zao5opb368q64xIaMuXVeiM-S0y_oJPAdreOyJL8vAfdw79AsDE/s320/IMG_3166.JPG" /> The boys on the pedestrian bridge. When a tall boat comes, this bridge swings open to allow it to pass through.<br /><br />We also toured the outdoor part of the Maritime Museum which included several ships. It was like stepping back in time as we boarded and took in the beauty and function of the various ships.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663860895606360482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUjCoBc567lj5aFqpqjqDifxy-hIDrX8Omuyc7Ge6NljyPr8QknF-oLVNVvWKvB9B28lm4zY-67BYQgWoJIh6yeB7LFLOZcHo1jWIzRFzgoB2PPEeLIkW7OBnzxnxz2wVDcs5N4dHfto/s320/IMG_3160.JPG" />Jack at the helm of the James Craig. A cargo ship from the 1800's.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663860881061021362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DZ7SnWu3aUKRmQEY3hwjUM2Y_LtQnYNNKI14DykmFN45eVCNhZEsHtdiKsNTr2AWgTiEW71FDW7hPa70RApEfrUFjFguFwHWbBmHHLI5LgeVtooZ9UsUQyiFCEvKHfzi7MgA03pg1-c/s320/IMG_3158.JPG" /> The James Craig.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663860873055238514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dazsH_LZ4zBSILbF0EfjMgm-7CUiTQyDiHAHMl-NO64UnJrXi3xRYLtyoHNURh2narcL-kHpepgfLs1NYsKl83gc7FZFnqD7bZQT1k_-_M_i0ml_6MkP_mbn55bHwllYr9GltcHV3XY/s320/IMG_3156.JPG" /> The boys on the "pirate" boat.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663960710714654562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mn5njvz3UGhRv4fIJvA5uKQzJPMG3LzANLZShABpbpQpUcFMGCUWR6xUNGFPEfSUiNQehQXFnoy3vHxSejag5vjP2bzN-FN7IVg7rIJPMH9I08jHMDkw_iRgr83VxHsMEZgTwc-VUiM/s320/IMG_3143.JPG" /> The Maritime Museum included this warship and submarine. Perhaps Pippy Chevalier worked on a ship like this in the war.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgok1JW8YRdUvlLB7LQ-yyTx0tK6DF4-fWKuCTn3fuiexZyG2vk2up6n7oZloluZJ9e5CRnXA3o92awQpZpeSaru-7kozcD5VKSIihbpbbsEqiV8NmIQUUKrr78WM7GZ9AU8zQrCWJ_o/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663858957523527106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgok1JW8YRdUvlLB7LQ-yyTx0tK6DF4-fWKuCTn3fuiexZyG2vk2up6n7oZloluZJ9e5CRnXA3o92awQpZpeSaru-7kozcD5VKSIihbpbbsEqiV8NmIQUUKrr78WM7GZ9AU8zQrCWJ_o/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Entertaining Street Performers. One was from NYC and the others were from Australia. Their performance was witty, packed full of dance moves and engaging to the audience. Definitely worth a few gold coins!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOku-aBors9k0_Fla5RhlTs1DRg5NHvjBSY9TX0O0QpFQQZ9n8q_ZS7doVaFcSeYSCwakgcLNDb35q6fnkFrt-A-E80OjscrY2bdms_Gx1tn7ayJ8mX4BJm36yV74TDVEmRgkBxlxosWg/s1600/IMG_3141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663858950343783746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOku-aBors9k0_Fla5RhlTs1DRg5NHvjBSY9TX0O0QpFQQZ9n8q_ZS7doVaFcSeYSCwakgcLNDb35q6fnkFrt-A-E80OjscrY2bdms_Gx1tn7ayJ8mX4BJm36yV74TDVEmRgkBxlxosWg/s320/IMG_3141.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjEVFLSLjHNjvz8fQ219_GZ9_nWe9OJDJ_JqUkyoDt4N3-V6VZEsrhE7Ot-aqzhSkk_MPb76cW80Y6UPoKnB0uEywCfFoBaOuGukMpFhiYhEyE5bY2L1YEV0FBQvI4CTDAJlF6-iKJoE/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663858934040994050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjEVFLSLjHNjvz8fQ219_GZ9_nWe9OJDJ_JqUkyoDt4N3-V6VZEsrhE7Ot-aqzhSkk_MPb76cW80Y6UPoKnB0uEywCfFoBaOuGukMpFhiYhEyE5bY2L1YEV0FBQvI4CTDAJlF6-iKJoE/s320/IMG_3112.JPG" /></a>A highlight for Sam: lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Sydney<br />Angus Rocks!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaYe3zLRpffv586NU8RA49m9BHrTLvJC2vE01QClz5_dWfZvDVoIaQEO47Ns2zbZuups23FhOiCzHaDfn0l4dLAUcEqjuDXZuM6uZw4uLbn3b9agFAneQ_Wh-62S9UudZaNG-ECiBxUw/s1600/IMG_3109.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663858931208167858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaYe3zLRpffv586NU8RA49m9BHrTLvJC2vE01QClz5_dWfZvDVoIaQEO47Ns2zbZuups23FhOiCzHaDfn0l4dLAUcEqjuDXZuM6uZw4uLbn3b9agFAneQ_Wh-62S9UudZaNG-ECiBxUw/s320/IMG_3109.JPG" /></a> A highlight for Jack: The carousel, which he rode a few times. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We did go looking for "42 Wallaby Way, Sydney" but had no luck. We saw jellyfish at the harbour but no <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nemo</span> - although we think we saw him at the Reef. Maybe next time...</div><br /><div>We had a great day in Sydney and Mom, Dad and I had a fabulous "Thanksgiving dinner" at a Brazilian restaurant on Darling Harbour. It was delicious and a new experience for all of us. Once we determined what we were supposed to do, we enjoyed the many kinds of food they brought us and left more than satisfied! The boys were happy to have a McDonald's feast in the hotel room with the TV. They were pretty wiped out from the day as we had been up since 3am.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We realized that the next time we are in Sydney, will be on our return trip to Canada. Wow, only 10 more weeks and we will be home!</div><br /><div>The next morning, the boys and I boarded the train for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Narrandera</span> at 7:30am. We had a tearful goodbye with my parents at the train station and off we went. Mom and Dad had one more day in Sydney and boy did they make the most of it! They boarded a double <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">decker</span> tour bus and were able to get on and off all day wherever they wanted. They saw EVERYTHING they could including the Harbour Bridge and Opera house as well as the Fish Market and of course, the casino! Mom was lucky as usual and they came out ahead. What a great way to end their vacation!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are so thankful that they came to visit us and that they were able to experience Australia. I can't even speak for what they gained from the trip. I know that for us, they provided a much needed dose of home. They spent time with the boys and I, which we loved, they helped us with things around the house <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and</span> even brought us much missed goodies like chocolate chips, the boys favourite treats, and 72 packets of Tim Horton's Coffee for me!!! That should just about get me home...</div><br /><div>Thanks Mom and Dad. We love you very much and are so thankful that you journeyed all around the world to see us! We loved having you and wish it could have been longer!</div><br /><div>See you soon</div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">XXOO</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-5036927603378556142011-10-15T15:17:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:55:54.661-07:00Cuddles and Close Encounters<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663848283264908658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eYhaxRMs9x-tvICjPYQIk_SMB3AXbiEZuFBvSxuR6CnCQCg5NQ0KgvX2AWeGote2lwM-oXSN2PSFcDgXPFroPux3q7qI9lMfL0CqbCDe7h5hLXREkDSMm-uLUq1EykIDXSKVtvEfoAg/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" /> A "must do" for us while in Oz - Cuddle a Koala</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Here are some pics of cool things we saw and did in Cairns in our "spare" time. We got up close and personal with more of Australia's iconic creatures and loved every minute of it! These photos were taken at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. It is a small, immaculate zoo that encourages you to meet and greet most of its animals.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663848276562494418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWwKti-59Ogx8Wx1J7zbj5yHBLJU_wsG-FrOUGBy4flRf2w38eNNUSEaTbj5jIc2koJ1P9Hx9hS9HdyUU-uuZytCPCU0r9HWx8h4kzxQPcQplLA9V3gpfTOjzCkyBRViSNytCKoNZKQ8/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663848274261488354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxP7oaSCL2IbUsE8m8mzFxq_-6WtbNc0QjLTuZh-9-Abj7eOYJvUN_h2HLuv0U0J9jl64DIwbLvTpTkQLEflGIHlIY6RrkCwWVErs1TZ9PTptw3KjsoMnLzbRr5A-f5SK4XbEUX53AGg/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663850455174528290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2dz8K-xECOpetrt6VJjRkTdQ9z67vYLBIrBIeEOBl9bNbe0nB-fTAECS1AGAqbvOhdsX71srCX__NVxd6xvx1K3Q89rRi98FHetiHQQRHN9YR0MmXhvzwxwHZQUnB2aoq3PsFwNiNEM/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" />The not-so-cuddly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cassowary</span>. It is a very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vicious</span> creature that can run fast and strike even faster. It has very sharp claws and can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disembowel</span> a human with one swipe. Trust me, it HAS happened. We heard a story about an unfortunate jogger in Queensland. Good reason to not go out for that run ... in Queensland anyway.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663850460110174354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HJdPPhxErGYJ-RBN-9J7WcpG8kJRl0LkSPmA1WMGRLfDKnGU9cHLbxMKqDTtKUb2JQTzPTDz0RxGcba8mJNOxQqe-Uzeam5yreYiPo4wvjpLQ_-R4CILUJrSWwXccpJeAyUOmPW_p9U/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" />This is one of the MANY <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">crocs</span> at the zoo. Can you imagine being an unsuspecting swimmer??? Mom and the boys saw this bad boy at feeding time and there's no question about their power and ability to leap out of the water to catch their dinner!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlnG4Js8a5dgxVQfYl-EDi0cLyo35PfT7I_csgXG1eZE7SwUsDeiIoo80pzWhsODg1QGdGFitLe29h12Vo_n_Mdn4RpvYv5mq2p2GEoxmJy3JjTi1q3zh5cDT2whAOCMwVLXBPuD8-gI/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663850451724939842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlnG4Js8a5dgxVQfYl-EDi0cLyo35PfT7I_csgXG1eZE7SwUsDeiIoo80pzWhsODg1QGdGFitLe29h12Vo_n_Mdn4RpvYv5mq2p2GEoxmJy3JjTi1q3zh5cDT2whAOCMwVLXBPuD8-gI/s320/IMG_3044.JPG" /></a><br />Jacob and Jack feeding the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lorikeets</span>. They are so vibrant and beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPlq6L2ihgsbMZUI4KfTCsv4Wk3Y3YchwDb8dZXnAMUaFilwl-M971T4-GxNC_MxpxVhs90qxQ7qhxpRQftE6juNZ4lc0HBIvnhWB7b_KARZPfW16bbi0OKEr8IUjFGMwJ_0kgxxZC50/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663850441006971490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPlq6L2ihgsbMZUI4KfTCsv4Wk3Y3YchwDb8dZXnAMUaFilwl-M971T4-GxNC_MxpxVhs90qxQ7qhxpRQftE6juNZ4lc0HBIvnhWB7b_KARZPfW16bbi0OKEr8IUjFGMwJ_0kgxxZC50/s320/IMG_3046.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_ulVD798B0bxdB9LBBzwjhPBIKV2nFzwuXygOkJ4rBfVRI0mDLVfQ2p4UEcbN54oMzl03sx7g7cIwG3RH0r_4Kwpp_aPK8jc4z3vrgLtkJr9OMnvr9szqXH6_Fx5AL8qR8W89ZVymj4/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663850436915898498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_ulVD798B0bxdB9LBBzwjhPBIKV2nFzwuXygOkJ4rBfVRI0mDLVfQ2p4UEcbN54oMzl03sx7g7cIwG3RH0r_4Kwpp_aPK8jc4z3vrgLtkJr9OMnvr9szqXH6_Fx5AL8qR8W89ZVymj4/s320/IMG_3043.JPG" /></a> Sam and the pigeons.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663848290877728370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiea_OONOIN6BdM-AKPqBvkYh3UU47t6HWqzVppajZeys_a6dBEvCRvRibqg7Bfd9wc1d4ba9ocK8sIRtoykFySQDEwq1mdNx4pITeHjKwNt639M_H1KVh3Z4AO-TimPsDNCQHGMSw7JEY/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" />"Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree ..."</div><br /><br /><div>These carnivores are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vicious</span>! We got to feed them and they bash their prey (in this case fluffy yellow baby chicks - that were dead) until they are tenderized and then they eat them. "Nature isn't always pretty" is what our tour guide said. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663848303012504434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgylnmLjr6SlWHBhhk9hY2SNwYC0ANtTHFvTo4mGlm752hXTez-Y2nWIRCD5T9bZqyXirduI-oZHEq3KuEkwlAwSULEvBAGLga_lAD7WvPoB4yuvA0MpNk2azcBCCax9fGdwPksevJq0/s320/IMG_3041.JPG" /></div>A wombat eating his dinner. He is a herbivore.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-91993121340769573242011-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:17:34.939-07:00Farewell to Cairns<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663841981961016962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWTZPkLrZOiwYze9YuuzMr_-cQqLYZTfxyzPPb1cREZl8O9iLR_5KZSByKQSIYrYPEEkZz6eE6U20W6GhMKtPG109PODN1txOjeqvutz1iUAkE1ZqqVHYoAv3RZ10hUC3QqASRXcvYLo/s320/IMG_3094.JPG" />Deserted beach on a Saturday.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We woke up on our final day in Cairns to warmth and sun. We decided to head down to the pool with plans of packing and hitting the beach for the rest of the day. The water in the pool was gorgeous and some other families we had met during the week were down there as well. I peeked at the beach and although there were a couple families on the sand, the water was deserted. It was Saturday and I found this surprising given the weather and that it was the weekend. That was when I noticed that the lifeguard station's flags were a solid red. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmmm</span>.... <br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663842717510171810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VDR0eXz4PKQN113n7mR-WdBcapZ1IY9TybE42h0O0xuf7p7Rm90R-zmyg-EOP-ZJDOz6uMGl6mVirKfpvuaxvw_i5LDB1Pp0bTJz5yBQakHmTadEidEeoh_9ODJNmIE0E7YDvtOisqE/s320/IMG_3092.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663842720833874754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zKr_cu5dQT1RTh2s_-Ghgub5ZIL7W3Ggkxi52GshemNubSDrvuxO-NOt-LEieA36ZKCBwaT7HXKwx0BtnkUe64dP_w2-RY8N0v7YrMsKAP6U4I1KYohx2c7BmFkqfmZmFpay5WPexIo/s320/IMG_3091.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663841988584043746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95-99-A8baXAXOmpKLrGWZBiDu5CF3kFj73Rd0Tdvts6r5JEWnP3iiJgVTts0arPIGGvEWzrklws4nDPeCCh_ciifbHh7EI05ekFHNm-o-EnHbpuVyrmo8EefbITnxeKHvPB-guzEFTo/s320/IMG_3093.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We started chatting with some other people in the pool and it turned out that 2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">crocs</span> had been spotted swimming along the beach an hour before. One <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">croc</span> was about 5 metres, the second I don't know. There were boats moored out from the beach to keep watch and of course signs were posted to keep people out of the water until it was deemed safe. I learned that the wind had changed and was coming from the north. This brings warmer winds and with that, the tropical humidity and rain. When the wet season arrives, it signals the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">crocs</span> to move to their nesting grounds, which is what these two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">crocs</span> were doing. Apparently the nesting ground is just south of where our beach is. Yikes! Eventually, this wind will also release those box jellyfish spores and send them south as well. That is when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">people</span> must be VERY careful and wear stinger suits if they want to swim in the waters. They are especially lethal to the young and the old. Double yikes!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For us, that meant extra time in the pool and a walk along the beach to explore. Dad and Jake threw the footy around on the empty beach. At about 4:30 that afternoon, they put up the sign to say the beach was now clear for swimming so we went down for a couple of hours before dinner to play around in the surf. Well, Sam and Jake did - dad, mom and I kept careful watch. This turn of events made it easy for us to leave this beautiful, yet dangerous paradise the next morning. We loved our time there and are thankful for the beautiful weather, incredible scenery and amazing experiences! Thanks Cairns!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663841977232237314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHefRRDkGl5tB495o_Dt6U9qXY5CUtNMObvz8-yNgGQVOr_mJRWWvJEPoJWjmQMu6nfKdh3E9vlfqf59wltesefAM-P9E5otWAPh7NsdnpPoM3kQWbwkgr6omrTKxrpO2afLPFXozC0Y/s320/IMG_3100.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jack and Jake exploring the rocks. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663841974135631218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLF6i-BehT6KdkJ1UfTV1W9oif-MN8EH37xNCNbBxzVZ1TDQyZUApFQn2fjqKPdmy27Uuic5_o-bghGaIaCDOo9ROCp4vzUuhgfqLnqb_Q_zicmvPKq6TbKPUTrBu-YJnkviMrzYy-NY/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663841964217823042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-fY7dtNOAErusWFZw15U0OM6atQGXLi1Lkos2ALeLCeKoxpX8lN_eIgfaf7z3eRC8v9GKtQp_82jGc5dlef_2P46te8wcfOBl-t0Uqt0WKl6lMlwtXbBO1xilelIHjBkOmYzrjGLtTA/s320/IMG_3103.JPG" /> Dad and Jake throwing the footy.</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-60829989354453845962011-10-07T19:11:00.001-07:002011-10-07T22:13:58.321-07:00The Great Barrier Reef<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEyKkMsdD56msJpC7Wff6D4GkV86-WP1DdOqzF8NJR9g8roQnBeklI3Q3G5xeIcbxrrRC0uIlJBDLH3VJObxM02EP60_f31NZyFgGtG8cohJ2PVDESbtD_Do83dMMTZEQfa_oGro9ucc/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660942134337885538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEyKkMsdD56msJpC7Wff6D4GkV86-WP1DdOqzF8NJR9g8roQnBeklI3Q3G5xeIcbxrrRC0uIlJBDLH3VJObxM02EP60_f31NZyFgGtG8cohJ2PVDESbtD_Do83dMMTZEQfa_oGro9ucc/s320/IMG_3056.JPG" /></a> This was how our day started ... a gorgeous sunrise that told us we'd have a picture perfect day! As you can see, we were up at dawn for our trip to one of the most beautiful wonders of the world: The Great Barrier Reef. Our catamaran was about 80 feet long and weighed 102 tonnes EMPTY. It was called Ocean Spirit and it was taking us to an area of the Reef called, Michaelmas Cay. Basically, Michaelmas Cay is a giant Sandbar surrounded by coral reef and host to over 20000 migratory seabirds. It is one of the most important nesting sights in the southern hemisphere. The island had a roped off area for people and the rest of the island was for the birds only.<br />We left our hotel at 7am and were sailing out to sea by 8:30 in the morning. We were excited to see marine life that we've only seen in zoos, on TV or in Finding <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nemo</span>. We would spend the day <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">snorkeling</span> and swimming. They also have a semi-submersible submarine for those who want to take in the reef life but not get their faces in the water AKA Jackson, Mom and Dad.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3onIiyb6GmE7ZZPcyoN2-H7Aos6ueKfiCLIyYdA7mOP2EkJdOrK2QVw1VIYhMAKla3EqLBLOb-02RmWlrvfznxP4jF56LIBB7mtnQWgHAif-EOdZ3bHO8eEE-_A6abObbSPUFFfXGRo/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660942133354918962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3onIiyb6GmE7ZZPcyoN2-H7Aos6ueKfiCLIyYdA7mOP2EkJdOrK2QVw1VIYhMAKla3EqLBLOb-02RmWlrvfznxP4jF56LIBB7mtnQWgHAif-EOdZ3bHO8eEE-_A6abObbSPUFFfXGRo/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" /></a><br />We found a spot on the deck of the catamaran and settled in for the nearly 2 hour ride out to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> Reef. It was a beautiful sunny day and the breeze on the deck was refreshing. People were laid out all over soaking up the sun. On the way out we had a dolphin swimming with us for about 10 minutes. We were able to just stand on the bough and watch. It was awesome. The colour of the water was the bluest blue and turquoise and the closer we got, the more patches of reef you could see.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YuqAsJ8jEMjoVZiZMRp0LfwuEYbR_VCrJuIsV4LUXzoXCfTqGQ1vzgMvlVk304OTkkIBM9PW1ZWmdrH-FPFJhumlOXdxgzuaTaN67YiAECx5cJ_33FSXqd4iYbP0GtWt4vgI3BXF9uc/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660942129071191442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YuqAsJ8jEMjoVZiZMRp0LfwuEYbR_VCrJuIsV4LUXzoXCfTqGQ1vzgMvlVk304OTkkIBM9PW1ZWmdrH-FPFJhumlOXdxgzuaTaN67YiAECx5cJ_33FSXqd4iYbP0GtWt4vgI3BXF9uc/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" /></a><br />When we arrived at Michaelmas Cay, I signed Jack and myself up for a snorkel lesson, with the hope that perhaps I could get him to put his face in the water on this special day. We got as far as the flippers in the lesson and Jack was done. We sat on the beach and watched the rest of the lesson. After all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">snorkelers</span> made their way out, Jack and I played on the beach and in the shallow water. There were fish who came up to the shallows so Jack was able to chase them around without going past his waist. Ideal! Sam and Jake took out the underwater digital camera we rented in order to document what they see.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-AXtZRiahjt27DxOHRES0ST5SVucLJSH3CkUWlqv4OMFJGf5aMxTgbG6zyDvH951S1bzoAJeoJBVl5Rcvgku33BsfOd1debywt4pvADUyFJfVf-KKE3gFJPzoNiSlTslBSaLJ3wdOtI/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660942124671174114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-AXtZRiahjt27DxOHRES0ST5SVucLJSH3CkUWlqv4OMFJGf5aMxTgbG6zyDvH951S1bzoAJeoJBVl5Rcvgku33BsfOd1debywt4pvADUyFJfVf-KKE3gFJPzoNiSlTslBSaLJ3wdOtI/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-zG-aq7hbC5rV4euYKO7Q6cyVNZPxbRpxesQqOxkIofzwXptwCOYLzYLn6LhpdUqriO6BesSJQGWhIy37LVnM4z-a54Qvbs9Hzi3hsO177oFbCvrfUxhxyM_arzeAq5p4AK_t8FdtzA/s1600/IMG_3079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660942115493051010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-zG-aq7hbC5rV4euYKO7Q6cyVNZPxbRpxesQqOxkIofzwXptwCOYLzYLn6LhpdUqriO6BesSJQGWhIy37LVnM4z-a54Qvbs9Hzi3hsO177oFbCvrfUxhxyM_arzeAq5p4AK_t8FdtzA/s320/IMG_3079.JPG" /></a> After a while, Sam came in and offered to hang out with Jack so I could go out and snorkel. Jake and I took off together and quickly were into the thick of the reef. It really did remind me of the little reef <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nemo</span> and Marlin lived in. There were bright pink anemones, giant clams, mollusks and lots of coral. I have never seen anything like it in my life - even <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">snorkeling</span> in Mexico is nothing like the Great Barrier Reef. It is also like roadways in the reef. There will be a sandy bottom path in between the giant mounds of coral and other reef plants. We would try to swim in "roadways" in order to avoid damaging the coral and other life. </div><br /><br /><div>As Jake and I flutter-kicked about in the reef, we saw so many vibrant fish. We saw bright blues, multicoloured parrot fish, striped fish, Dori fish and even Gill from the tank. I just kept thinking about how fortunate we are to be able be here. I was greatly startled though when a reef shark blew past Jake and I as we were admiring the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parrot fish</span>. I grunted loudly at Jake and signalled to get the *&%$ out of there. He didn't see it go by and he couldn't figure out why I was moving at a speed of 20 knots! Once we were safely out of the reef, I explained the situation. We went straight to one of the crew and asked if we were safe and they assured us we were. Nevertheless, we took a break and headed to the ship for a yummy buffet lunch.</div><br /><br /><div>After we had our fill, Jake and Jack went with Mom for the semi sub ride. They went out in a submarine that is half under water and all windows. The driver stays above water at the helm.<br />The sub goes farther out than the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">snorkelers</span> are allowed to so they can see different types of life. They saw sea turtles, valleys of coral of many colours, lots of different fish and sea cucumbers. It was really cool to be so close to the magic of the reef. </div><br /><br /><div>While Jake and Jack were on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">semi sub</span>, Sam and dad and I went to the beach again to snorkel. I was much more nervous this time and kept my eye out for a shark but didn't see another one. Instead we just took it all in and swam about the reef until we were summoned back to the boat to head back.</div><br /><br /><div>The ride home was relaxing as we took in the magnificent colours and enjoyed live music and champagne (well, the adults did) all the way back. It was a memorable day for all of us. We have one more day in Cairns before we head back to Sydney. It will be a relaxing beach/pool type of day - the perfect ending to a magical week. </div><br /><br /><div>Please check out Sam and Jake's underwater photography below. For some reason, some underwater pics are on their side - don't know why that happened?<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6wCZ_b2_4GaZtkfWVtPpRP3pb_lOhh5pQMyNsGOYfl8jSgpgedUQAc8YEff3q1_GuQ1lSVBsGhqnY-HVqqg0rf7p49TrH4I-eoIlgOi00M41Y-Uv7a_VG3WXtPxlmqJvsrm_GDPlnQ0/s1600/Photo+024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660940394891038578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6wCZ_b2_4GaZtkfWVtPpRP3pb_lOhh5pQMyNsGOYfl8jSgpgedUQAc8YEff3q1_GuQ1lSVBsGhqnY-HVqqg0rf7p49TrH4I-eoIlgOi00M41Y-Uv7a_VG3WXtPxlmqJvsrm_GDPlnQ0/s320/Photo+024.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5lLrJB0YXF0ZVPtjMGvMRom5j_-GAnwKuDZYzzYreIGMEJOIZS-Rsn53_sRQd58aM9581LaJTA1Md6EhVJqKSSb7sci1A8qnC4uUkhipin9mvIuLoHw39pLJfc3InuIgVKm-0__embE/s1600/Photo+017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660940388076171202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5lLrJB0YXF0ZVPtjMGvMRom5j_-GAnwKuDZYzzYreIGMEJOIZS-Rsn53_sRQd58aM9581LaJTA1Md6EhVJqKSSb7sci1A8qnC4uUkhipin9mvIuLoHw39pLJfc3InuIgVKm-0__embE/s320/Photo+017.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswPJSyATPjJByKALWxE_AtKdDj3Ji0WgOB_5KDDfKPj97WBrGFT4GeAo0IdunxOKFtxXXEdlRRHuNdQQDNhdjtR9wUOUkns4ghtItenfCGE0-Pf6gt4rUf7bQOx2zxzu_znKrF24mdhM/s1600/Photo+022.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660940383933233762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswPJSyATPjJByKALWxE_AtKdDj3Ji0WgOB_5KDDfKPj97WBrGFT4GeAo0IdunxOKFtxXXEdlRRHuNdQQDNhdjtR9wUOUkns4ghtItenfCGE0-Pf6gt4rUf7bQOx2zxzu_znKrF24mdhM/s320/Photo+022.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyooEeQl-RUjGZMuj8KTfGKS4dlY7WIgNQo1S9vaVEYHqPjHmRgSs7LHdMT728UdHVqcXWvusijsp054X9TR6y8oZ-ogul9Cs0u5KtYR-1cEoDPYzcVoQUn9Vp9wjOqvDzYMqfJl8p-bQ/s1600/Photo+071.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660940378238736450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyooEeQl-RUjGZMuj8KTfGKS4dlY7WIgNQo1S9vaVEYHqPjHmRgSs7LHdMT728UdHVqcXWvusijsp054X9TR6y8oZ-ogul9Cs0u5KtYR-1cEoDPYzcVoQUn9Vp9wjOqvDzYMqfJl8p-bQ/s320/Photo+071.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOxdw7cn_JrhdsEPRIGU_1vJVaUlm2bg0f7lWFnWWtAxyXUQiPQ8_meAJOAJmceh1v9jTO5z9TAqLbss4tyteCI7moczsYFSeoiscIAlnERXgBdWfPlQlGlMjQjLbTTTBZaXG0fAeDzw/s1600/Photo+093.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660940349560017682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOxdw7cn_JrhdsEPRIGU_1vJVaUlm2bg0f7lWFnWWtAxyXUQiPQ8_meAJOAJmceh1v9jTO5z9TAqLbss4tyteCI7moczsYFSeoiscIAlnERXgBdWfPlQlGlMjQjLbTTTBZaXG0fAeDzw/s320/Photo+093.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5303493594305108353.post-21228612546299231042011-10-05T18:45:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:49:20.268-07:00The Daintree Rainforest<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660210412226760434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacmAKLoxhj58FPe6rgmOMAWBjej10sgZvJB-auYKJRpUeW5y7bQLo641gLC5w1ticFiO6j20SB10Wg5IPyyjP0OvX7scEFxM_9e0np8WDaY0F41TIrqoCvxwAwi7ZsaVvvRAMyYgd4RU/s320/IMG_2974.JPG" /> We were on the steps of the hotel at 7:00 am to board our luxury BMW mini bus with Roger, our guide to spend the day exploring the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. There were the 6 of us as well as a nice couple from the Netherlands so it was a very personalized tour.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660208779764530706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr8gb54ZS6hdXmXnlGWzbldNkEi1-Wpejle0tOz5qG8NgpPf3pvyBXgppsZ8mPrV3h74QPWks7adGf91ka4S4AvFlqZzJPTeM91mp9f1Of_1evAVrbcIIfMuQfSpW96r5WlMXgX_WqpQ/s320/IMG_2982.JPG" />Roger is a fountain of information about the local area and the country so it was pleasant listening and learning about the sites we were to visit.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>The drive to the Daintree was 1 1/2 hours and along the way Roger pointed out sites and gave us loads of history. We saw a barrimundi farm, sugar cane fields, wallabies and gorgeous ocean lookouts. The road was a bit windy so we had to stop, get air and make seating adjustments as Jake and Jack were feeling a bit wonky. They moved to the front to sit with Roger - another reason we like him so much - and then it was clear sailing from there. At about 9:00, we stopped at a Cafe in the Rainforest for Morning Tea. We loaded up on ginger ale to settle those tummies and had coffee tea and assorted cakes and cookies. It was yummy. The cafe is also home to some baby crocs, a python (I couldn't look) and other critters as well as a cockatoo, two gallahs and 3 budgies, a black lab and 5 kangaroos/wallabies. The kids were busy petting the birds and checking out the critters while we relaxed and enjoyed the snacks. We got to know the other couple a bit better and chatted with Roger about the day. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660211756974354434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlKUdPh5wMRMuQueuPIK84quoVmfb5_szdOz_vvlwIjhGFxr1d8X3HoBg9jzacUeYKyFaiUHHX78kqWEVph_kHmEnbqv7HQOWZ3giWLp3ErTo6pAHC3vCdnXK8kDMMHDoPtS3xphmYyY/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660211742225460082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeQ8MrqzoAknFtMZurk9Uu7dAAgREKWV76kZiRHOjzewNjIcG7GltRXUAzuMyy2PeonoIe96wXAlKy-VRB9ent3pl13CE1apaZdGSlMoGBL-u1pZfJriONQzJx6O9AnXGAmy-UhgYQ7A/s320/IMG_2940.JPG" />Jack, Bear and the baby crocs<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660211736686547362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB-L8bSZ79_wx9-FHFB6TTkGO1JDCo7-kvF1C2r8FqD0zGJvartN2B35U0-6QCQhvoSRg9RCFkgkiDy-fph_0XxHTV9E6SDqmhs7M0luBBQWivxH0CLumxCmGGsFl2tfpzE302pfdCS4/s320/IMG_2943.JPG" />Feeding red kangaroos and wallabies.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Before we left the cafe, Roger invited us back to the kangaroos to feed them. Armed with bread and sweet potato scraps we were able to feed the kangaroos and mom even got a hug from one of them. All was good until the kangaroo REALLY started hugging her and had to be pried off. We all got to feed and take pictures with the kangaroos and it was really cool. Only mom got a hug though - must be her Ace Ventura side that the animals can sense!</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660210435094018498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54GOOGHHKrSQTWwf5P3AMroGicfOzulC9KkrjNsJqfPDZwPngy-uS59YQO1yMNIqrCLSUPJd3oVHE8IGlJrjZEhXsI-_GK3FTH9BYtV_y1xAE3M7Bi7F6ARPtvafQtruenotMI3q0u_g/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div>We left the cafe and continued north until we entered the Daintree. We parked and took a guided walk with Roger along a government constructed boardwalk. Up until the 1970's it was illegal for anyone other than scientists with permits to enter the forest. With the entry of a sealed road, came tourism so the government developed this area for the general public to explore. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660210401568209330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1LvHi1LMCJ1MuHqZA7BHz8CVKoflr6LOPkuobEcs78JhllRsQOs5vOaQ8mKzm78Kl1Q-xTRaQhDboB8p3AW7Zw2YAsvUTw3BA9Ze8rFcL9XbWGstr7BaGNZTDuILusz-R_iPt-PBhr4/s320/IMG_2977.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660208784266893090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdum2sr4Al2N8-tx1y1gpKVgDjI2BVF9qdoL6N_lA8HNM0sw1jOHtFr8JXKhwjNKA4zgdkjOXEI9WbNf1Z-rQZK7ShHyOObWHJLjz-2QgZ7K9A6-xGdemlZcdypo1YtVJB3vHcu219xuk/s320/IMG_2978.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>Future Botanist? Jacob and his pocket microscope.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660210406595328114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYifYwPsY9EvDAQUkchcCwUS5-hu49GNnhn09e0hWvQfx5zna7IaNwBbkkKZ4-KhV_W3sOgKw7ob1bWt5Z44ZWy2wOQxbGrQG5xG_TTk4UdrTJH06sVLSxEvj6Gs9WGAn3Ls51ZqEllyE/s320/IMG_2972.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Trees that grew around a larger tree. The "host tree" died and decomposed leaving a hatchwork pattern of the parasite trees - gorgeous. Roger said that the largest one he has seen could fit 15 backpackers (packs on) in the hollow where the host used to be - imagine that!<br />Immediately, the thick and lush vegetation envelops you as you enter the rainforest. It is like being in Jurassic park or a Predator Movie as the plant life is larger than life. The Daintree is THE oldest living rainforest on the planet. It contains plant species that were once thought to be extinct and date back millions of years. We saw a tree that is one of 19 in the entire world that were thought to be extinct. </div><br /><br /><div>Jacob tasted an ant that is filled with toxins that will cure your ailments. It has a very strong citrus flavour that Jake said felt like a sting on the tongue. Roger said that if you find a next you scrunch it up and inhale deeply and it will cure your flu or sinus troubles. He tried it himself and we really want Sam to give it a go before we leave. He's not too keen.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660208765425949938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ABs-3mghnHL7OSmo5PEFvOAUZIw9EaW7htUhNcES7jGCOf5nS0ztEeKWY5LenKq2qcabrQDdHhRT8gmQjIKTiDvcmwKpP6wSqR2xUXWHMUZSNTFqt85n-o-4LzH3GcogvGd7AXAZxD0/s320/IMG_2983.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>We happened upon a lizard that is very rare - some sort of a dragon that is only found here. It had a plate with spots around its head and was dark in colour. Jacob wanted to catch it but we wouldn't let him. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660208757733792338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8eQWeBbOdGo2L2nLxWkY2WSlI8JZQJNCzkFj1jxYxwLlzgHhqlho_imMXbMIEQp2O_tBU78cp2UfkNLZYK7HHutFwjbxZhmf_n7CWNJnyI5CZ6H-rZIEepbKg-NZEW_jrqqKaQN7WTU/s320/IMG_2987.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">"Bird nest ferns" that grow in the trees at all elevations.</div><br /><div align="left">We saw an area that was matted down and learned that there are 50 000 wild boars loose in the rainforest. They are up to 300 kilos and ugly - black with tusks and dangerous. There is a trapper who's job is to catch them but he cannot shoot them. They are incredibly destructive and it would be a daunting task to have to rid the rainforest of them. Last year, he only trapped about 130.<br />We took lots of pictures in here and felt truly privileged to have had the chance to visit a place so ancient and natural on our earth.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660208751752251906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtT6byUeOnK2BoOnZg0KRq0T0063_IZJWYMhNAK1JoYSmnLBTy97HFp_qkTMC6VuaVm0EGTHZVzDeallUWAPp6d5tNnZpKJyCpkMvAvYUa2pkkJNVasrqd7lvnnBlHb_T9NeIvVf0deY/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Where the forest meets the river.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.topblogs.ca/"><img src="http://www.topblogs.ca/button.php?u=Tammy" alt="Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs" border="0" /></a></div>The Bush Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00512691072505841963noreply@blogger.com0