Almost Home

This is likely my final Australia travel blog. Maybe I'll wrap it up a day or two later but who knows. Right now we're sitting at LAX waiting for our Continental flight to IAH. We checked our bags in Melbourne Friday morning at 9. We went and had some breakfast, checked in thru customs & immigration, security and waited. We boarded and departed Friday around noon Melbourne time. We flew thru the day, all night and arrived here at LAX four hours before we left Melbourne, go figure. Something about passing the international date line. You fly for 15 hours and arrive before you left. My body is totally weirded out. We won't catch up to ourselves time wise until we're on the way home to Houston sometime around noon. Talk about daylight savings time! Lord willing we arrive in Houston around 5 p.m. Friday after some 24 hours of travel just 5 hours after we left Melbourne. Weird to say the least.

Our final day of travel in Australia was a leisurely trip east of Melbourne to the Yarra Valley region. It's apparently wine country, sort of like California. We drove up Dandenong Mountain and looked out over Melbourne on one side and down thru the Yarra valley region on the other. It was certainly the kind of beauty only God could do. We had lunch in a quaint little Mountainside town, walked through some of the shops, bought a couple of items and then headed towards the valley. On the way were dozens and dozens of nurseries, farms growing veggies and plants and things. Would have loved to have bought a truck load of stuff but you can't bring that kind of stuff back to the US. Their version of wine country was gorgeous. Not that we're all that interested in wineries but it was an enjoyable trip. They are certainly serious about it and it showed. We toured one of the most beautiful and oldest wineries/hotels/B&B's starting somewhere in the early 1800's. We drove out across one of the biggest too. Then it was back thru Kilsyth where we had stayed to pick up our bags, load them in the car, to spend the night right by the airport so we could be there pretty early for the trip home.

It was the beginning of Footy in Australia. They are bonkers for Australian rules football. "The Footy Show" previewing Footy season came on Thursday night and was really interesting. No one could talk about anything else but footy. Its an interesting and fascinating phenomenon I don't quite understand but its strictly Australian and unique to say the least. Round 1, as they called it, was Thursday night. Everyone in the hotel dining room and bar was gathered around the Tele to watch the opening game between West Coast and St. Kilda. West Coast won. The scoring is weird but they all loved it.

Well, we're trying to stay awake here, while our bodies say, go to sleep. Think I better walk about, as they say in Austalia. Oh yeah, we're not there anymore. Going for a walk now. More blogging later. Thanks again for reading.

Only 1 worry now mates, will Todd be there to pick us up at the airport?

From the good ole USA, d & k

Down under even farther to Phillip Island

Today I got a day out. After two days kinda around the house, I got to go fishing today. Jase, the chef, had the day off, so he picked me up in his truck and off we went SE of Melbourne to a place called Phillip Island. Phillip island is best known for its penguin colony. It's a regular industry here in Australia. They tell me they're little runt penguins and they only come ashore around dusk so they're hard to see but hundreds and hundreds come from all over the world just to see them come ashore. We got there around noon and of course the little runts are already gone for the day, but we didn't go for them. Come to find out we didn't go for the fish either, or maybe its better said, they didn't go for us or the bait we were throwing. The water was beautiful, the tide was moving, we had two different kinds of bait, and nothing, nada, zip. We were parked at a beautiful little cove or bay. I kept getting my tackle stuck on the rocks. A 70 something italian man came by and in very broken english explained that we were parked in the wrong place and we might be fined $200 so Jase went and moved. Eventually, we moved to the other side of the island to a pier, still nothing. Got a little sunburned, packed up the gear and headed back to Melbourne, passing all the way, bus after bus coming down to view the penguins. As someone has said, "a bad days fishing" well I forget. There's hardly a bad day out fishing when the sun is shining and God's glory is showing all around as it was today. Got waived over to the side of the road on the way back. The police were pulling every car over, the driver rolled down the window and submitted to what our hosts called a "booze bust." Every driver had to take a breathalizer test. Happens all the time, they said. Legal limit is .05 1st time offense is 6 mos no liscense + fines, 2nd time 1 yr, 3rd time mandatory prison. It ain't America boys & girls. No worries mates, it was of no concern for us and we went on our way. Tomorrow is really our last day here. Boy, its been a fast two weeks. We'll probably go up to the Yarra Valley tomorrow. It's big wine country. Should be beautiful. God surely had some imagination. Maybe more tomorrow if we find the time. Thanks for reading! Leave a message!

d & k down under

Side note of sadness: OU basketball Kelvin Sampson is moving to Indiana but I guess I'm late on that one.

More Melbourne Musings

Not sure what exactly to write about today so I think I'll just upload some pics for you. The bride has been working the past two days. I stayed at the house to avoid the hour trip to town and back. That made it 2 very quiet days for me. Not my normal but very good. You really come to appreciate the advantages of technology when you're as far from home as we are. We've been able to keep up with most things going on in the States and at home. We missed the sweet 16 and the elite 8 however. From the web it seems as tho there were some very exciting games. My pics are done and hopefully so is our vegie dinner if there's time I hope to blog more later.

No worries, d & k

Musings From Melbourne

It's impossible to describe all the things I want to blog about from Melbourne. Computer time is limited so I'll just throw a bunch of things in and hope to say more about them later. We arrived at Melbourne and met our hosts, Nairn & Shane. They picked us up and took us to for a jaunt around downtown Melbourne and the throngs of people who were there for the Commonwealth Games. It reminded me of the Olympics in Atlanta. We didn't stay too long before we headed to our place of abode for the next week. Did some much needed laundry and hung them outside on the line to dry. Hadn't done that in many years but thats the way they do things here. Early the next morning we headed out for the Great Ocean Road along south eastern Australia. Through Melbourne headed south thru Torquay where we officially got on the road. I neglected to mention we arrived in Vegitarianville. Yep, they're both veggies, Nairn being a vegan. Makes for a total different view of many things.

Some things I've learned on the way. Chips are either hot or cold. Hot chips are french fries and cold chips are cold, out of the bag. Hamburgers are sometimes made from ham not beef. Hamburgers, whatever kind you get come with beetroot on them. That's right beets. Interesting. It's also common to get them with a fried egg and bacon as well. Breakfast and lunch all on the same bun. One hamburger I ate on the road was a hamburger with "the lot." That means everything on it, and I mean everything, beetroot, ham, bacon, egg, grilled onions, tomato, (that tomato with a long a). There's no ketchup here just tomato and its a dollar extra. By the way when you get fish and chips they always ask if you want salt on them.

We got some ways down the GOR and we ran out of money so what do you do? Stop by the local ATM, put in your card, punch in your pin, and out comes the money. Thousands of miles from my local bank and it works just the same, pretty amazing. I've driven on the left side of the road but it took on a new meaning here in Australia. It's weird, that's all I can say for now.

The sites along the Road were nothing short of amazing, fantastic, and awe inspiring. It took us every bit of both days to quickly see just some of what there was to see. The road runs along hills and cliffs, full of lighthouses, rainforests, beaches, and so much more. We saw koalas and kangaroos in the wild. We took a helicopter ride to view the 12 apostles. The world championships of surfing takes place at Bell's beach along the Great Ocean Road Easter weekend. We stopped, took a look, and they're already getting set up for it. We stayed the night along the road at amazing retreat center on top of a mountain overlooking Apollo Bay. A baby red fox walked right by our door as we were getting ready for bed.

It's certainly down under here. Everything's backwards. They drive on the left. If the wind is out of the north that means warm weather, out of the south means cold. The water drains down the sink and toilet opposite of where we come from in the northern half of the globe. You can order your food to eat in or "take away." TV here is very American. The most popular shows are Desperate Housewives, CSI, Dancing with the Stars, and most American shows. You need a flashlight, ask for a torch.

The bride worked today, that's why we came. They had 100 or so at the training. One of our hosts friends is a chef and he fixed us an amazing dinner tonight. (not vegan). It was pumpkin soup with garlic toast, roasted veggies, an aspargus, green beans, cashews, greens and red peppers mix. Oh yeah, with two flavors of lamb. Not to mention, roasted tomaatoes with a kind of a fresh salsa he mixed up and roasted mushrooms tops with a garlic herb butter. Unbelieveable. And chocolate souffle for dessert. So much for dropping any stones while I'm here.

Well, its late now and everybody's in bed cept for me. Only time I could get the computer to myself. Got some pics but haven't got them ready for the blog yet. Hopefully tomorrow. Think maybe I'll have some creamed beetroot spread on some breadcrisps before I head to the bed. Yes, you read right, creamed beets on a cracker. Maybe I'll save that for tomorrow. Hoping to go fishing with the chef on Wednesday.

It's a one of kind, kinda place here down under. God did something special here and we're blessed to have seen just a bit of it. Hope to blog more soon. Thanks for reading and keeping us in your prayers.

love from d & k

Congrats Again

I guess I get to listen to my dad continue to say "Hook Em Horns" when he answers the phone for who knows how long as the Horns keep on winning at almost everything. Congrats to all the Horns fans. How bout them Sooner girls huh?

de

Made it to Melbourne

Today was a travel day for us. I woke up at 4:30 this am and couldn't go back to sleep. I didn't know if we'd have internet or when so I wanted to blog and put up some pics on the blog. Pics have been trouble lately. Didn't have software on the brides computer so I had to download some, whilst I semi slept. Woke up to get it working, downsize some pics to put on the blog. I was only partially successful. Had some breakfast, headed to the train station much to my mates better thots to catch the train to the airport. It was another flawless execution by my adventurous side. Two block to Circular Quay, 21 minutes to the Sydney airport. It took us almost an hour via a van shuttle to get downtown. It was a smooth flight to where Nairn picked us up to take us downtown, right into the middle of the Commonwealth games crowd. Thought I was in Atlanta at the Olympics all over again with the throngs of people. We had a bite to eat and scooted out of there to east of Melbourne where we'll stay for the next few days. My camera stopped charging about two days ago and I'll be out of battery likely tomorrow. All pics from then on will have to be on the camcorder unless I can get it working or a replacement which is doubtful. We head out in the morning for the Great Ocean road drive which is supposed to spectacular scenery. Way far down the road are some waterfalls and what are called the 12 Apostles. I can't wait to see them cause I thought they were all dead. Maybe we can go out tonight and see some Australian rules football. I took a walk this Friday afternoon and stopped by to watch what looked like a high school football team practicing. It ain't American football boys & girls. Last thoughts. A stone weight approx. 14 lbs. and they don't have trash here, it rubbish.

cya, d & k

if you want to check it out www.greatoceanrd.org.au

A Few Australia Pics from Sydney

Hopefully these pics will post. They are just a few misc pics from our days in Sydney.

Dinner at The Mayalaya

We went adventuring again tonight for our last night's dinner in Sydney. On the recommendation of someone from Melbourne we took the harbor ferry of the Cockle Bay and had dinner at The Mayalaya. Yes, that some take off for Mayalasian food. Well, here goes the menu. Neither one of us had ever eaten Mayalasian food but we decided to give it a try. The place was packed full of people on a Thursday night on the Wharf. We had what they called a set menu for two for folks who didn't know what to order. Our meal consisted of Popiah, Otak Otak, Satay Chicken, Kapitan King Prawn, Szechuan Eggplant, Coconut Beef Rendang with Roti Canai, and steamed rice. I have to admit it all sounded a bit strange but in fact it was every bit as good as any meal I've ever had. It was all a bit spicy but terrific. If you want to know what all that stuff was click the link. The bride was licking the plate to finish off the last of the Szechuan eggplant and I'm not lying.

In the morning we leave for Melbourne and I'm not sure we'll have the internet for a few days but will try to blog just as soon I we can.

love from the Aussie side,
d&k

How Much Does a Stone Weigh?

Today was our last day in Sydney. I started the day by trying to find a "sports store." I was looking for some local sports stuff to buy the boys. Its just a few blocks down the street and up the stairs to the Rebel sports store. I left the bride for a quick walk just down the street and after 6 or 8 blocks I did something no respecting male really ever does, I asked directions. "Just down the street a few blocks," they say.After a few more blocks and then a couple of more and up to the 4th floor I found it, bought my goods and headed back the dozen or more blocks in a heavy mist back to the hotel. By the time I got back I was in a full sweat and we hadn't even left for the day yet. So it was back to the room, drop the goods, and
get a new shirt. Then we headed to the Toranga Zoo for a picture with the Koala bears and to pet the kangaroos or was it a walloby?

Back across the harbor by ferry to catch the local bus to Bondi Beach. It was a fascinating ride through the streets of Sydney for almost an hour to Bondi, one of the most famous beaches in the world. It was beautiful to say the least, not all that big a beach but beautiful. One question I have is, where did all these young people come from, why are they not working, and where do they get there money to hang out on the beach to sun and surf. I know, that's like 3 questions but I still don't know the answer to any of them but I know there's a ton of em everywhere we go here. And then there's a huge backpacking community here. There's backpacking ads, and places to stay, and facilities for backpackers. I guess their folks got plenty of money or something.

One last thing, how much in the heck does a "stone" weigh? I pop into the throne room to check how much poundage I"ve accumulated since being here and when I step onto the scales it says like 15 1/2 stones. What in the heck is a stone and how much does that sucker weigh? I still don't know. It must be like 17 pounds. Why can't these English speaking folks weigh in pounds or even kilos and not stones. I guess someone else will have to answer. We're off to Cockle Bay via the ferry for our last nights dinner in Sydney.

No worries today, d & K

Pretty cool bird

Here's a bird we saw yesterday in the Blue Mts. Off to the Zoo now. G'day. d&K

Go West Young Man!

One of my favorite things to do in a new place is to travel by local transportation. In Sydney that can be by bus, train, or ferry depending on where you want to go. It makes the bride kinda nervous but to me it adventurous, adventuresome, adventurisitic, who knows. Today we headed west of Sydney into the Blue Mountains. That meant taking the train from Circular Quay (key), into the central Sydney train station, changing to the "country" trains platform and taking the train west of town. We passed all kinds of interesting places like Parramatta and Blacktown on to our final destination of Katoomba. There we toured some spectacular sites of the Blue Mts. by a red double decker London style bus. There were some beautiful waterfalls and one outcropping called the Three sisters. You can check it out at the link below or I'll post a pic if I can get my posting troubles worked out. We made our way around the town, saw the sights, did some hiking, caught the bus,and back to Sydney via train. All in all a great day. Tomorrow its the Zoo and back to Manly beach.

No worries mate, d&k

Outside My Window

It pays for the bride to be on the road all those days, staying in all those Marriott hotels, racking up those extra points. We're staying the Sydney Harbor Marriott Hotel, on points. Not enough time to say much now. The bride is tugging at my sleeve to get out the door. Here's a pic "outside my window."

G'day, d & k

It's a whole new day!

I don't really know what day it is yet but its a whole new day. Well, yes actually its Tuesday am here, still Monday back in US. Had my breakfast, coffee, called some of the fam back in the states. No, we didn't see Cyclone Larry. He was way up on the northern coast near Cairns and the great barrier reef. Boy, that was a good decision not to be up there. Unfortunately even though that was one thing we really wanted to do, dive the reef, its really far from where we are. It's pretty much a full weeks time to go there, stay, dive, etc. so we decided not to do it this time. Good planning dave. They got it bad up there right now. Pretty much like Katrina or something, at least that's what the news says. Well, its off to the Sydney Harbor area to see some of the sights. Here's a pic of where we were last night. We were pretty weary when the pic was taken.

From down under, d & k

A long, long day it was

This begins my travel blog from Australia. Yes, we made it, but it was one long, long day. We left the house around 1 p.m. to meet the youngest who was on his way in from Roatan. We dropped our bags and headed to meet him for a quick hug before he and his diving buds headed to the house. Then it was off to wait for our flight to LALA land. We arrived to one dead LAX airport. It's weird. Apparently LAX operates on a busy schedule early in the morning and very late. We arrived around 6 p.m. Most stuff wasn't even open but by the time it was time to go to our Quantas gate around 9 the place was hoppin. Getting more than 300 people on board a completely full 747 takes some time. I was certain Elvis was on the plane. This guy had a jet black comb up and over glued down with some sort of industrial glue, well needless to say it was a sight. Not a bad experience flying 14.5 hours to Sydney. We made it pretty well. I thought it would be worse but all in all it was ok. Took the airport shuttle to the hotel arriving there around 10 a.m. feeling pretty wiped out though. Our room wasnt ready, of course so we headed out to see our part of town, right down town Sydney. It is beautiful. After a couple of hours and making some afternoon plans, we got really weary and headed back to the hotel. Our room now ready, we showered after I have no idea how many hours and took a 3 hour nap. The evening we spent just wondering around downtown Sydney, the Harbor area. Our room looks out on the Harbor. Just a block from where we are you can see the Opera House, and a bridge you see in all the pictures. So far, so good, no great. Well, its 10 p.m. here Monday, sometime very early Monday morning there. Signing off from down under in Sydney.

G'day mates and maties, de & ke

The Fever is Here!

I'm not sure where it comes from but its here, the warmth, the sun, the itch. Yes, its the itch to be outdoors. No, its not baseball spring fever. It's just being outdoors fever. I'm always looking for excuses why I wait so long in between blogs. This time I'll blame it on the spring. It makes me want to dig in the dirt and plant stuff, whether it grows or not. I'll just keep digging and buying plants and seeing if I can encourage them to grow. At my old house I had planted flower beds pretty much every where I thought I could and they were full. My prospects for new ones were limited. But now, in our new place its pretty much a blank slate. The youngest and I did do some major stuff in the front but the back remains a project, so I dig. Blame it on my dad who I think spent more time outside than inside when he got home from the office. Much of it was out of necessity because the garden provided the bulk of the family foodstuff from spring onward. If we weren't eating it fresh out of the garden, mom was canning it so we could eat it later. I hated the garden cause he made me work out there, now I love it. What's with that? I don't know but I'm out of time. Gotta get back to the office so I can get finished so I can get home so I can get out to the yard. It's warm out there.

cya in the yard,
de

Blogging Struggles and others

I started blogging with a bang. Almost every single day I found something to write about and I enjoyed it. I'm not sure what happened along the way. My quick start was maybe been due to winter, yeah, and its cold outside, and the sun goes down at 5 p.m. and so I blogged. It was fun.

Maybe that's only part of it. Maybe I just had too much time. Maybe after awhile I wondered if anybody really read it much. Who knows? I have the same woes with regular exercise. I guess we just all go thru cycles where we'er highly motivated and other times well, you know. Certainly, the bride having back surgery was a major distraction. Maybe I could've ranted and raved about the hospital system. Hmm! There's a thought. Maybe the Astros loss just sucked the life out of everything. Maybe. could be its just a 2-14 year, huh?

I'm thinkin maybe I can get started blogging again and be more regular. I wonder Will that be before or after my run today? If I can just get going. I'm going to Australia soon, so maybe I can blog while I'm gone.

de