Lost Newf

Do your best "I'mmmmm BAAAAACK" with me now

2011-03-06T14:16:00.003+11:00

Hi folks
Definitely time to reconsider and get myself sorted, organised and ready to rock (aka ready to blog again). It has been decidedly too long since I have made any sort of effort to reconnect with people and take some time for reflection.

Well, no more excuses. I will look to organise my time better and set aside some time for quiet reflection. Right now, I am reading a sensational blog from my dear friend Lindsay and I am quite eager to return to it. I was required to sign in to read her blog and so I thought I would have to pull my finger out and get blogging myself. Thanks, Linz! For the inspiration, the motivation and the prompt I required to get started....

Talk to you soon!

Ta-ta for now

2009..... Oh What A Night

2009-01-02T09:25:00.002+11:00

Just as the clock signals the arrival of New Year on the midnight of 31 December people start exchanging New Year Wishes with their dear ones. While personal greetings along with a warm hug is given to people who are with us, SMS, emails and New Year cards are sent to dear one's staying in different cities or countries.

What a nice thing this concept of a New Year. We have a chance to make a new beginning. We have a chance to leave some bad habits. At least we can make a promise.

What a nice thing this concept of a New Year. We can rejoice of the promises we kept. We can forgive the breaches we made. At least we can make another beginning.

Put off the burden on your mind. Revive and refresh your inspirations. Put a song in your heart and smile on your face. "This year I will do something good for me and something good for others." Let us celebrate a Happy New Year.

I would like to share with you some of the best comments/statement I have heard or read at the New Year. (Other than, "I love you." of course....)

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

A happy New Year! Grant that I May bring no tear to any eye When this New Year in time shall end Let it be said I've played the friend, Have lived and loved and labored here, And made of it a happy year. Edgar A. Guest

Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself. Aisha Elderwynv

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

-All the very best, my friends,
Jen

Merry Christmas

2009-01-02T09:22:00.001+11:00

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

"Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

"Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang....."Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

Danny and Eva's send off

2008-12-15T14:28:00.009+11:00

Ahoy!

This weekend Danny and Eva set sail for Noumea, New Caledonia; Vili, Vanuatu; Luganville, Vanuatu; Isle of Pines as part of a 10 night South Pacific cruise aboard Rhapsody of the Seas.

We were left on Circular Quay GREEN with envy.

Before we get to the envious itinerary; we had a fantastic day at the pub catching up. Phillip Foote Hotel at the Rocks in Sydney has a great backyard garden and courtyard. Danny had contacted all the school mates and the boys had a rowdy and fond farewell. Living in Queensland means we don't get to catch up with Danny as much as we would like and so we jumped at the opportunity to see him off; taking the drive down to Sydney on Saturday.

Danny's dad, Russell (aka Flash) has been on 26 cruises and is a pro. He said that the Rhapsody of the Seas, the cruise ship Danny and Eva were booked on was the best ship he has been on yet. It did sound good. It has a rock-climbing wall, 8 outdoor pools, 6 whirlpools, indoor/outdoor pool in a solarium with a sliding roof, stunning centrum (an open atrium featuring shopping), themed bars and lounges, beautiful airy dining rooms, youth facilities, Casino Royale, a day spa and fitness centre! Oops, I said I would do the ENVY thing a little later, didn't I?!

Russell and Danny's step mother Judy joined Danny and Eva, Scott and I and a few rogues from Scotty's childhood. Wattsie, Dave, RD, and Ross made it, however sadly we missed Einstein who was working. Ross' wife, Michelle and their 3 year old Kyle was there, making a fantastic afternoon!

We drove down to Sydney from Bathurst on Saturday morning, arriving just in time at the Rocks to meet the gang at the Phillip Foote Hotel. We had a few afternoon refreshments and a BBQ with a few laughs and giggles.

After lunch, we headed over to Circular Quay to check out the ship. Danny and Eva set sail at 6:30pm. We spent an hour and a half on the concourse entertaining ourselves with Kyle. It was great. Danny and Eva have 10 nights in the South Pacific.

First port; Nouméa, the charming capital of New Caledonia, has quite a few things to brag about. It's the third largest island in the South Pacific. It's home to the world's largest lagoon and second largest coral reef. And if that's not enough, it's part French. Ergo, the cuisine must be fabulous. The shopping, well, can you say haute couture? (I can't) [I have even tried practising and well, I don't get the hawk/spitting action right at the beginning. ] And you're never very far from a full-bodied glass of French wine, especially if your name is Danny. And yes, you also get to visit places like Pierre Vernier Walk, Baie des Citrons, and Place des Cocotiers. Which are almost as much fun to say as they are to see.

Second port- Vanuatu. There are 83 idyllic islands that make up the amazing archipelago of Vanuatu. (Archipelago is also one I stumble over, is it "arch" as in Triomphe, or "ark" as in the convenant? And then is it pe-logo as in a log or pe-lago as in lag? I am stumpered) Back to the cruise..... Port Vila, the capital city of the island of Efate, is the heart and soul of them all. Sandwiched between the northen and southern atolls, it's like the city was built for island hopping. With it's beauty and tribal traditions Vanuatu must be one of the most beautiful and happy place on Earth. And well, when a day consists of floating in a hidden lagoon, lounging under a gnarly banyan tree, cooling off in a waterfall shower and snacking on freshly picked fruit, you will be the happiest person on the planet also!

Third port- Lugan ville, Vanuatu. Luganville is the second-largest town on Vanuatu. It is one of over 300 volcanic origin islands in Melanesia. It's population is diverse with over 100 languages, a multitude of dialects and a South Pacific island heritage that spans over 3,000 years of Pacific region immigration. A WWII general insisted that the main street be 4 trucks abreast, means Luganville is unusually wide.

Yeah, I am pretty envious.

Scott now of course wants to go. The moment we got home on Sunday evening he logged into Royal Carribbean.com to get cruise details to plan for a group adventure..... it would be great fun- ahoy, matey!!!

Thanks be to.... Lowndsy?? Foiled again.

2008-10-15T10:50:00.005+11:00

Thanksgiving is an annual one day holiday to give thanks for things one has close to harvest season. Some people thank God for this bounty. Others, offer thanks to those around them for such blessing, still others simply enjoy a public holiday.

While the actual Thanksgiving holiday is on a Monday, Canadians might celebrate (eat their) Thanksgiving (meal) on any day of the three day weekend. Thanksgiving is often celebrated with family, it is also often a time for weekend getaways for couples to observe the autumn leaves, spend one last weekend at the cottage, or participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, bathing in hot sauce, and hunting.

As an interesting aside- in my ever-vigilant plight to educate people about Newfoundland; The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of- You guessed it! Newfoundland and Labrador- to give thanks for surviving the long journey. (As Scott and I can now also attest it is a BLOODY long journey and I can understand why Frobisher was so relieved to have survived it!) The feast was one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, although celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops had been a long-standing tradition throughout Canada.

I note sadly, that Wikipedia had a nifty little side bar on their Thanksgiving (Canada) page which stated:

Significance	A celebration of being thankful for what one has and the bounty of the previous year.
Date	Second Monday in October.
2008 date	October 13
Celebrations	Parades, Spending Time with Family, Eating Large Dinners, Religious Practice

As any Canadian family can attest, Thanksgiving is definitely about "Eating Large Dinners"; however it is my hope that the cultural significance is slightly more.....

Living now in Australia, I have carried on the tradition of Thanksgiving (minus the Turkey in recent years in favour of the more assimilated and appropriate Aussie Barbie) and more recent again, living now in Bathurst for some years, Thanksgiving will often coincide with: you have guessed it, Race Week.

A record crowd came in force to the Mountain to see Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes win the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 for the third year in a row.

More than 187,000 fans enjoyed a remarkable race with Whincup and Lowndes becoming the first pair in 24 years to win three years in succession. And the win elevated Whincup to the top of the Championship table with Lowndes now fourth.

They dominated in a day of drama to head off Greg Murphy and Jason Richards (Tasman Motorsport Holden) with James Courtney and David Besnard (Jeld-Wen Ford) third.

In the following video below which I entitle "How not to start a race."... From POLE position, my favourite team of Garth Tander and Mark Skaife experienced clutch problems which they should be thankful they did not get CREAMED from behind!!!

From a stalled start (FROM POLE) to more drama on the track, poor Skaife had little to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:

As you can see, my traditions are now becoming meshed as I assimilate here in Australia. This does not mean, however, that Thanksgiving is not appropriately marked in our family. We were gratefully joined this year by Kerry (ex pat) and Andrew and Greg for a BBQ and an afternoon/evening/night of fantastic company and laughter, to only be reminded again of how lucky we are to have such love/acceptance/kindness/joy in our lives. Of course, we were able to top it all off by some marvelous PUMPKIN PIE!!! yum-yum. (Thanks Kerry for your culinary prowress)

As we capped off what was (to my mind) a tragic and sad Holden day at the Races, filled with much drama, and disappointment; we were also reminded that although we have not received the result we were after- we are in one-heck-of-a-better place than most people are. We have our health, we have happiness, and we have each other.

Foremost in my thoughts (believe it or not, yes, aside from the tragedy which struck Garth and Mark, I could spare a thought for other than Holden events this day) of course was Glenda's sister-in-law Thellie and her family, and Grace's closest friend Jackie; and for Kerry and her very special friend Laura and Laura's family. Which gave me pause to consider how blessed I am and how fortunate my life is.

So although I make light of the fun weekend we had once again this week and the activities and high jinx we get up to; Thanksgiving celebration did not pass without acknowledgement and gratefulness in Bathurst this year.

I will provide information below for those of you NOT familiar with Bathurst 1000 or v8 racing in Australia as it is a culture which I have embraced with gusto and fun. And that is something for which I am thankful also- the capacity to live and enjoy life. And believe it or not, the Bathurst 1000 is one of those things that not just I, but thousands of other Australians celebrate in their life.

The following overview was prepared as publicity prior to the Grand Final of key contenders and some great shots of Bathurst Races in years gone past:

The Bathurst 1000 is a 1000 kilometre touring car race held annually at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.

The race traces its lineage back to a production car race held at Phillip Island in 1960, called the Armstrong 500. Since then 51 races have taken place under the combined history of two events at two venues in two states. I t is known among fans and broadcasters as "The Great Race", and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Australian motorsport.

“What I love about Bathurst is that an otherwise ordinary season can be rescued by a spectacular result on the mountain,” says Tracey Donaldson of the importance of this monumental race.

“So although it’s near the end of the calendar, it’s kind of like a clean slate,” she adds.

The winners of the race receive the Peter Brock Trophy, inaugurated at the 2006 race in honour of Peter Brock who, with nine Bathurst victories, remains the most successful driver in the history of the race. Since 2000, the race has been run exclusively for V8 Supercars and is now a round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

The mountain, is calling.

Camping Labour Day Weekend: Macquarie Woods

2008-10-07T13:02:00.007+11:00

Welcome to another edition of Australian Geographic. While Lorne Greene is on holiday, Jen Quill will be your correspondent reporting from Macquarie Woods, in NSW.

Give me sun. Give me gum trees. Give me rosellas and roos. Give me watermelon pips, white bread-sandwiches and silver long toms strung from hand-held fishing lines. Give me balmy summer nights under a canvas canopy. Give me mosquito coils, guy ropes, sleeping bags and the distant sound of someone snoring. (I don't kiss and tell, so you won't hear from me that Ginny Weasley and Scotty snore like chainsaws) Give me all of this and I’ll give you 1001 golden childhood memories pegged out in camping grounds nationwide.

Australia is a country of campers. Throughout the human occupation of our wide brown land we’ve headed to beach-side campsites in droves. However, my heart lies in the bush. I love and advocate tree-change, not sea-change. Camping is essential to the Australian experience. Camping connects you directly to the earth and the sky, the vegetation, the animals, the birds and especially each other. The strength of the wind, the power of nature…it overwhelms you. You understand the scale of things and your own place.

It’s the notion of this ancient way of life connected to nature and the elements – and the links that are forged between people living in such a way – that continues to resonate for modern campers. Europeans may have brought tents to Australia but they did not bring camping. Aboriginal people are great campers. The middens along the coast tell us how they moved from one good spot to another, visiting the same sites year after year. And the camper’s eye notes what well-chosen sites they are: near the beach but out of the wind; near a creek but sheltered behind the dunes.

Well, Scotty and I have taken a leaf out of the Aboriginal book and have ourselves found our favourite places of heaven here on Earth, and they are presenting themselves in the form of Macquarie Woods and the Bridle Track in Central West country New South Wales. (Although I still love the Brindabella's of Canberra, the Ranges of Broken Hill and the forests of Tasmania, but the secret hidey-holes Scott and I have discovered and laid claim to are predominately in the central west of NSW)

As a species we’ve been looking at – and wondering about – the night sky and other aspects of the natural world for a million years or more. Our western stories of the sublime, everlasting perfection of heaven and (from watching volcanoes) the eternal damnation of hell probably arose in this way. Humans are both blessed and blighted with an almost insatiable curiosity and a need to know why things are as they are – it’s what makes us human – and there’s nothing more puzzling than our experience of the night sky.

What better place to see this thing of beauty and awe than when camping in Australia?!

As you have gathered, Scott and I took the kids and went bush this past weekend. We are feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and reconnected. We are including some of our photos from the weekend, and as usual, there are very little of Scott. I make an apology now for this which must seem to some as a deliberate act of neglect on my part, however the simple matter is that Scott loves to take photos and is an amatuer photographer of both growing and prodigious skill. (Exhibit A: the 6,000 photos taken in one month in Newfoundland recently. Exhibit B: 300 photos taken over a day and half this past weekend!)

What I do hope is demonstrated to you is the fun and carefree time we are having exploring our little neck of the woods and sharing that journey together. We are simply getting out there; and no better fun has been had.

Signing off, for Australian Geographic, I'm Jen Quill. Lorne Greene returns with you next week when he looks at the World Heritage Rainforests of NSW.

Congratulations

2008-10-01T09:43:00.002+10:00

Clearly there is something about Springtime and creation of life. Clearly.

Even though it is not spring in Washington DC (or Clinton Maryland as the case may be) nor in Mount Pearl Newfoundland, it is spring here and that is my explanation for the wonderful and exciting creation of life news:

Congratulations to Trevor and Maxine Kearsey whose son Tavian will undertake big brother duties as Maxine and Trevor are expecting a bundle of joy in March 2009. How wonderful!

Congratulations also to another beautiful 'sister' in my life, as Juanita and Rick Spence prepare for their first child who will be arriving in May/June 2009. How bloody fantastic is that?!!!

Clearly there is something about Springtime and creation of life.

The irony that it will be springtime THERE when Maxine and Juanita are due is also not lost on me. Clearly there is something about Springtime and creation of life.

I am so happy for both of you. Congratulations.

You now join my cousin Joanne as she also expects in Spring 2009.

Isn't life grand? Isn't life great?! And well, let's face it, Spring babies make the BEST kids! (Not that I am saying that as a spring baby also makes me, well let's face it, pretty perfect- hahahahahaha)

Congratulations again, to the Kearsey/Barrett family and the Spence/Davison family.

I am sure you will all enjoy parenthood, best wishes for a smooth and safe pregnancy!

****** In other News******

In other happy news, some of you may be aware that I have been accepted as a scholarship holder of the Australian/New Zealand School of Government and will be undertaking an Executive Master's of Public Administration next March for 2 years as the NSW Government initiative to retain their middle and senior level managers in the public sector.

So there you have it, all sorts of wonderful and exciting things happening.

Hoping you are all doing just as well in your little patch, as I am fortunate to be doing in mine.

Love, Jen

Macquarie Woods photos

2008-09-23T08:37:00.002+10:00

As mentioned yesterday, we only had a few shots from Macquarie Woods bushwalk because I drained the battery at Floriade. As you can see from the first photo above, I mentioned that the site was large and nearly flat with large trees and canopy providing great shade and protection. There was one picnic table and one fire ring for campfires.

Sasha is staying close to Scott and I whilst Ginny and Neville are at about 2 o'clock in the photo above ready to bolt up the trail for their adventure. You can just make out me swinging out of the photo on the left at 9 o'clock.

I had fun swinging!
As mentioned it was a great day and a you-beaut campsite!

Tour of the Wild West

2008-09-22T10:04:00.002+10:00

Macquarie Woods is the Central West's best kept secret.

View Larger Map

Macquarie Woods is a beautiful forest area with picnic tables, an extremely large (and apparently well used- it was quite full yesterda) camping area, picturesque walks and a fragrant arboretum. It was opened as a demonstration forest to showcase the uses and beauty of plantation and native trees. As with much of state or sentimental naming in our area, this state forest was named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie, an early governor of NSW. Governor Macquarie was responsible for the exploration and early development of the area.

Macquarie Woods not only displays exotic conifer planted forests, but has an area of native woodland that once dominated the landscape. The native woodland is made up of yellow box, Blakely’s red gum, red stringybark and apple box and other eucalypts in an expanse of native grasses. Macquarie Woods also has a variety of tree species established as windbreaks and an agroforest where trees have been established to show how such plantings can complement agriculture.

This was where we set off for an excursion Sunday morning. We had a great drive (it was only about 30 min in total) and parked at a picnic area away from the camp sites to go for a bush walk. There were adventure racers having an event all weekend we had to look out for and a Venturer and Scout Troop who were playing capture the flag which we had to be careful not to give away their position!

We pulled into the picnic site we liked the look of and there was a large level clearing which was about 400 square metres. (It was huge) and we thought, "Gee this is a you-beaut camping area we have 'discvoered'."

There were very tall and very shady eucalpyts around the perimeter and a creek and gorge along two sides. There was a tree swing (which I had to test out- like you would) and a picnic table and several fire rings. We are going to attempt to stake it out for camping this coming long weekend because it is gorgeous.

Scott started taking photos to discover that the battery was dead from my Floriade excursion the previous day (oops). So I don't have the photos to show you, he took some of the beautiful site and of Jen on the Tree Swing.

Ginny, Neville and Sash thought the camp site was pretty sweet also. After a thorough investigation, we set off for a steep climb up a service track. We could hear the Venturer's hooting (perhaps that was the adventure racers because the venturers were playing capture the flag). We could also hear a bit of rustling and some lowered voices (THESE must have been the Venturer's.)

Ginny, Neville and Sash were galloping ahead on the trail and managed to startle every rabbit, Roo, wombat, echidna and lizard in the entire forest. So although we did not see any wildlife (except of course the kids racing and/or capturing the flag) we could plainly hear them, particularly when Ginny Weasely scampered through the undergrowth off the trail. The kids had a marvelous time, as did Scott and I.

There was one rabbit I saw race across our path with Ginny in hot pursuit, but that was it.

At our turn around point, Sash decided that she had had enough romping and stayed with Scott and I and pranced along between us. Meanwhile, Ginny managed to tree every bird and ground dwelling animate object she came across while Neville was content to race along wherever Ginny decided to go. Neville is not as adventuresome as Ginny, being such a princess that he is, but he does seem to have the air of one out on good behaviour and races along wherever Ginny manages to go. I think he is too much of a scaredy cat to try it out on his own, but you did not hear that from me.

He is just happy to accept Ginny's capable leadership.

Sash I think is the most precious of the lot. She just sort of prances along on what seems to be her tippy-toes. She will always be between Scott and I unless Ginny has found something worth checking out. Because we were climbing steadily up the track, the high side of the hill (on our right going up) was sort of sloped up into a cliff and down on our left into a gorge. We were on a service track and had a clear track through the pine and eucalypt. Up on the forest floor which was sort of above our right shoulder (on the way in) meant a bit of a scramble to get up to the forest floor from our track. Ginny bounded up regularly and easily (which is funny when you consider she makes a zillion attempts to jump onto the lounge next to me.) And Neville, ever the graceful and agile gazelle had no worries getting up to have a sticky beak. Sash meanwhile, with her stumppy little legs caused us no end of laughter as she would take a running start at the mound and jump to midway up the little rise and then flal her little legs like a swimmer out of water sort of motion. Once sufficiently gripped Sash would take a tentative step or two and then just launch herself up to the plateau- by which time of course, Ginny and Neville had come back down and Sash, you could see her look around, take a deep breath and sigh and then slide down the embankment toward us once again.

It was too funny.

After our trek through Macquarie Woods, we came into Orange to go to the Outdoor Shop. I was not aware that Grace had left her bag of Werther's in the console on Saturday. Sash was not long discovering it and the three of them gorged themselves on butterscotch sweets and we returned to the car full of golden wrappers and bits of toffee-like substance smeared all over Sasha's beard.

I was surprised that unlike kids who get wired on sweets, that Sash was not hyperactive after eating all those Werther's Originals.

We got back to Bathurst in time to put the roast on and enjoy a lovely meal.

What a great weekend! I can't wait for Labour Day Weekend now- a week and a bit to go and we will be back to Macquarie Woods (without the Werthers).....

Floriade turns 21

2008-09-21T08:35:00.023+10:00

I love spring in Australia, one of the best things about living in Canberra all those years, was getting down to Floriade. Many of you have been able to see my photos through the years and know what I am talking about when I say it is just such a garden spectacular and showcases the best of springtime in Australia.

Well, the best thing about going to Floriade from BATHURST is the drive at this time of year, which in NSW, Spring (aside from hayfever and pollen) means CANOLA.

As well as the beautiful drive through such wonderful canola clad hills, is the drive through quaint and wonderful towns in Country NSW, now you will get a sense of why I love living here so much.

Don’t mind the bugs you see spattered on my windscreen as I take some of these photos, that can not be helped. Grace and I set out from Bathurst at about 7am and headed southwest for the 3 hour drive to Canberra.

Clearly it was an astounding day. As we crested each rise, we found ourselves “Oh!” and “Wow!” and “Oh my GOD!” or “Look at THAT!”

It is fields and fields and miles and miles of yellow in the green fields against the blue sky- around every corner.

The drive is just spectacular and we really enjoyed it. We drove first through Cowra and then places like Boorowa on our journey to the Nation’s capital, Canberra.

We considered going on The Tablelands Way, the major gateway for a vast area of New South Wales. The drive is visually stimulating, traversing the Northern, Central and Southern tablelands with panoramic views for much of the drive. The gateway opens up direct North and South access to World Heritage Wilderness areas, National Parks, Jenolan, Wombeyan and Abercrombie Caves. However we took Lachlan Valley instead.

Spring is truly glorious. Once you get to city bursts into colour as the trees reveal their spring blooms, bright blossoms erupt and the regional vineyards awaken with the first bud bursts. You can expect moderately fresh mornings, bright sunny days and crisp clear nights.

The following is information taken from the website www.floriade.com what a great way to showcase the Capital!!

Floriade 21 — Films that shaped our nation

Join in the celebrations as Floriade turns 21 in style! See Australia’s favourite films showcased in a dazzling display of over a million blooms, highlighting the theme of Floriade 21 — Films that shaped our nation.

You’ll see an interpretation of the wedding dress from Muriel’s Wedding, Australia’s favourite foot-slapping penguin from Happy Feet; the spectacular bus from the Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Babe’s lovable sheep-herding pig and more, all emerging from the beautiful garden beds.

But the theme doesn’t stop there — we celebrate Australian film in all sorts of ways:

· Live music to remind you of your favourite soundtracks

· Kids’ activities with a film flavour

· Roaming street performers

· An onsite cinema with a range of Australian films

· Special film-themed events.

Floriade is the biggest flower festival in Australia, a spectacular celebration of spring, set in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park.

The breathtaking garden beds, made up of more than a million blooms, create giant pictures which reflect the current year’s theme.

The garden beds set the backdrop for a 30 day festival filled with vibrant entertainment, many different learning experiences, unique markets, live concerts and delicious food and drink.

Canberra’s attractions join the capital in celebrating spring by offering Floriade-themed experiences throughout the 30 day festival in the Floriade Trail.

Floriade began in 1988 as a spectacular commemoration of Australia's bicentenary and Canberra's 75th birthday. Floriade blossomed for the first time with a stunning floral display of exotic bulbs and annuals, which grow beautifully in Canberra's ideal climate. The community embraced the inaugural Floriade, making it such a success that it became an annual event, Australia's celebration of spring.

Since its beginnings in 1988 Floriade has always been held in the heart of the city in Canberra's beautiful Commonwealth Park, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The word Floriade comes from the Latin word 'floriat', meaning 'to design with flowers'. The name was inspired by other flower festivals held in the Netherlands, called Keukenhof and Floriade.

Films in the flower beds

Each year the Floriade garden beds are planted to bloom in a design that reflects the theme, with this year’s theme being Films that shaped our nation.

The Red Carpet

Enter Floriade as if you were attending an exclusive movie premiere, with a walk down the Red Carpet, an avenue of crimson blooms. Get swept up in the fanfare as the red carpet takes you into the centre of a giant film reel garden bed, with a spectacular view out over the park’s main vista. As you continue down the path you will see purple and white edging on the garden beds to represent the perforated edges of film strips. Enclosed within these film strips on either side of the path are garden beds representing some of the many films that shaped a nation!

Theatre Treats

Two fun-filled garden beds represent those quintessential movie snacks - popcorn and Jaffas. See yellow flowers built up to represent a mouth-watering pile of buttered popcorn, topped with a giant popcorn box. You’ll be sniffing the air for that delicious aroma of popping corn, only to breathe in the scent of over a million blooms drifting on the breeze. Nearby, you’ll see a collection of floral Jaffas, 'rolling down the aisles'. Reminisce on the good old days when a visit to the cinema was not complete without the sounds of Jaffas bouncing noisily down the timber aisles.

Crocodile Dundee

Feel the danger as the crocodile lurking in this garden bed stalks an aluminium tinnie floating on a river of flowers. The film that inspired this display, Crocodile Dundee, shot to international fame, making it a household name and heavily influencing the world’s impressions of Australia. The film tells the story of a glamorous New York reporter who travels to the wilds of the Northern Territory to interview Mick Dundee, the survivor of a recent crocodile attack. Their adventures in the outback, ensuing love affair and Mick’s subsequent visit to New York make for thrilling and often hilarious viewing.

Babe

See a comical face-off between pig and sheep in this delightful garden bed, honouring Babe’s place in the history of Australian film. Babe endeared Australian audiences with its funny and touching story about a pig trying to find his place in the world. Feeling alone and scared after arriving at his new home, Babe the pig is adopted by the farm’s family of sheep-dogs. As he grows and the reality of the chopping block looms, he decides to make himself useful and become a sheep-herding pig!

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

In this fitting homage to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, flowers bloom extravagantly in a display of the Priscilla bus, complete with a drag queen perched on the roof and a billowing silver cape trailing behind. This film delighted Australians with its humorous depiction of the sharp contrast between the rough Australian outback and the glitz and glamour of Sydney’s drag queen scene.

Young Einstein

Young Einstein’s wild red hair and his mayhem-inducing electric guitar are on show in this garden bed, representing the film Young Einstein. This off-the-wall comedy combines the story of Albert Einstein with the science of beer bubbles, a Tasmanian apple farmer and rock and roll music with hilarious results.

Count Down

Reminiscent of the countdown a projectionist sees on a roll of film, the flowers show the numbers 3, 2, 1 trailing down the bed. This garden bed is a reflection on changing technology in the film industry and the likelihood that the projectionist’s countdown will soon become a thing of the past.

Muriel’s Wedding

You’ll imagine wedding bells are ringing when you see this special garden bed, displaying a wedding dress of cascading white flowers, standing on a carpet of red blossoms. It’s inspiration, the film Muriel’s Wedding, is a great example of the quirky Australian sense of humour, so often celebrated in Australian film.

Phar Lap

In recognition of the film, Phar Lap, this colourful garden bed shows the movement and colour of the finish line at a big horse race, as horses and jockeys jostle for position. The film tells the true and uniquely Australian story of a famous Australian racehorse named Phar Lap. The film is set during the depression when this winning horse was nationally recognised as a symbol of hope and equality.

The Story of the Kelly Gang

Ned Kelly’s famous helmet towers over the word “REWARD” in this garden bed, set against a background of blood red flowers. This garden bed acknowledges the importance of the film The Story of the Kelly Gang, arguably the world’s first feature film, released in Australia in 1906. The film tells the story of the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly and his family.

The Dish

The design of a satellite dish emerges from the flowers in this tribute to the Australian film The Dish. This comedy is based on the true story of Australia’s involvement in transmitting the first television images of the first man on the moon. The collection of quirky characters and the backdrop of the dry Australian landscape give this film a uniquely Australian feel.

Happy Feet

Get your feet tapping in front of this delightful garden bed of a tap dancing penguin in the middle of Antarctica. This garden bed represents the animated film Happy Feet, a lovable and funny film about a penguin who discovers that being different doesn’t have to make him an outsider. A favourite with adults and children alike.

Behind the Scenes

Sneak behind the scenes at these three garden beds, representing the artists behind the magic we see on the big screen. See a giant tape measure twisting through a vibrant multi-coloured flower bed to represent costume and set designers. Nearby, Floriade pays tribute to film’s musical composers with a flourish of musical notes designed into the flowers. Our talented Australian writers are not forgotten with a dedicated flower bed complete with letters, feathered quill and scriptwriting in the flowers.

Storm Boy

Pelicans are a common sight around Australia’s coastline and waterways but it’s not often you see one created out of flowers. This particular pelican represents one of the central characters in the Australian film Storm Boy, Mr Percival. Based on a classic book, often studied in Australian schools, Storm Boy the film was an Australian blockbuster. Exploring the themes of indigenous and white relations, environmental issues and family, Storm Boy has become a classic in its own right.

Puberty Blues

See the quintessential aussie surfboard, with rolling waves and a rising sun at this colourful garden bed, representing the classic Australian film Puberty Blues. Puberty Blues explores Australian teenage beach culture in the late 1970s. It follows the stories of two Australian teenage girls, who live their lives according to the strange code of behaviour required of a 'surf chick'. Honest and often confronting, this film resonated with many Australians.

Shine

See a giant floral keyboard dedicated to the Australian film Shine. Shine is based on the true story of Australian pianist David Helfgott. A story of triumph through adversity, Shine shows that despite suffering a breakdown when on the brink of an amazing musical career, Helfgott eventually returns to the concert hall to popular acclaim.

Rabbit Proof Fence

This striking garden bed shows the Aboriginal flag, bordered by a rabbit proof fence, in honour of the film, Rabbit Proof Fence. This topical and important Australian film tells the true story of an Aboriginal girl and her two sisters who are removed from their family in 1931 to be trained as domestic help for white families. The girls escape and travel 1500 miles on foot, using the rabbit proof fence to guide them home.

Gallipoli

Flanking the Diggers Rest Cafe, this garden bed reflects an image of the badge worn by Australian soldiers, the Rising Sun Badge. Sand bags representing the trenches mark the entry to the garden bed and a lone pine stands in the middle of the bed as a symbol of the battle fought at Anzac Cove. This detailed garden bed pays tribute to the classic Australian film about a nation at war for the first time, Gallipoli.

Moulin Rouge

Be wowed by a cabaret dancer kicking up her knees, resplendent in a lavish costume and towering headpiece at the Moulin Rouge garden bed. Moulin Rouge the film is a tragic love story set in France in 1899 that demonstrates the creative success of Australians in the international film industry. The film was written, directed and starred in by Australians.

Strictly Ballroom

Dance your way past the Strictly Ballroom garden bed, featuring two ballroom dancers entwined on the dance floor. This garden bed recognises the film Strictly Ballroom, which captivated Australian audiences with its tale of an accomplished ballroom dancer, striking out with an amateur. The lead characters’ controversial new dance steps eliminate them from competition but still make the audience erupt into thunderous applause. Australia’s tendency to love an underdog makes this a favourite aussie film.

Premiere Night

Get excited by the swinging floodlights streaking through the night sky, set against a skyline of lit windows and neon lights in the Premiere Night garden bed. Imagine the anticipation, glitz and glamour of premiere night as you stroll past this colourful display.

Kenny

Let your imagination take hold at this garden bed, designed in various shades of blues and yellows in recognition of the Australian film about portaloos, Kenny. Kenny is a comedy shot in documentary style about a man working in the portaloo hire industry. Classic toilet humour and lots of aussie colloquialisms make this film a laugh-a-minute, while also exploring the more serious themes of the class divide and the intricacies of human relationships.

Floriade is Australia’s annual celebration of spring – a flower festival with more than a million flowers that bloom on cue for four weeks in September and October each year.

To complement the spectacular flower display, Floriade presents an exciting entertainment program with visiting and local performers, children’s activities, workshops, exhibitions, showcase gardens, food, wine and shopping.

Over 1 million bulbs and annuals are used each year, depending on the design. The bulbs and annuals are planted in autumn each year. Different flowers bloom at different times but there’s always great colour throughout the event. It is constantly changing as the different plants come into flower, when I lived in Canberra, I would try to get down a couple of times and each time it would be different!

A mix of flowers, predominantly bulbs create the kaleidoscope of colours that set the backdrop to Floriade. Some of the blooms include tulips, irises, daffodils, hyacinths, violas, chrysanthemums, ranunculas and daisies.

The garden bed design at Floriade is different every year. A theme is developed and is carried through from the shape of the garden beds to the type and colour of the flowers used to create the meticulous designs.

The design process commences 18 months out from each year. In May, the designers are briefed on the event theme to facilitate the development of draft designs.

Floriade facts & figures 2008

Bed area

· The Floriade garden beds span 10,668 square metres

Quantity of growing media

· 3,556 cubic metres of mix, which equates to 3,556 box trailers

Drainage pipe

· 5,600 lineal metres of agricultural pipe and PVC

Area of pathway

· 4550 square metres of granite pathway

Commence marking out of design

· 18 February 2008

Date first bulb planted

· 7 April 2008

Completion of planting

· 9 May 2008

Bulbs

Hyacinth	11 varieties
Tulip	75 varieties
Dutch Iris	8 varieties
Muscari	2 varieties
Scilla	1 variety
Tritelia	1 variety
Narcissus	14 varieties
Rannunculus	6 varieties

Annuals

Bellis (English Daisy)	4 varieties
Chrysanthemum paludosum	1 variety
Viola	18 varieties
Pansy	44 varieties
Violetta	5 varieties
Polyanthus	10 varieties
Poppy	4 varieties
Primula	8 varieties

Other plants

Kale	2 varieties
Lomandra	1 variety
Banksia Serrata	1 variety
Magnolia	1 variety
Mixed Eucalyptus	1 variety
Waratah	1 variety
Poa	1 variety
Lone Pine	1 variety

But one attraction they never tell you about, is the baby animals! Spring of course always mean ducklins, signets, and other baby water fowl….

Needless to say we had a stellar day. I love Floriade. I love spring.

I had better get going, we are heading to Macquarie Woods for a bush walk…..

(Back)Come (to)from a land down under!

2008-09-09T11:44:00.002+10:00

Well we have landed and are settling back in, and as I sat to start to give you a catch up, the Men At Work song came unbiddinglt into my head- now you, like me, will have it in your head all day....

"Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."

I know your head is bobbing now and you can hear the anthem too.... shockingly enough though, it is terrible! Have you actually ever heard the lyrics properly? I just had to look them up- now you can too- pretty gross actually! lol

Anyway, we are safe and sound and finding ourselves sleeping well in our own little beddie-bye. It sure is nice to be home; holidays are great and we particularly had a sensational time but gosh it is good to be home.

Back into routine of home and work life has been a refreshing novelty after a month of decadence and indulgence.

I have to stop chair dancing now, people will start to worry..... it is a catchy tune!

Well we have sprung into spring, which I must say, in Bathurst, I absolutely adore.

The golden bloom of the winter flowering wattle trees is an indication that spring is just around the corner, but spring time in Australia is also heralded by the buzz of the blowflies gathering at the flyscreens that guard each window and door. ‘Close the door!’ is a regular reminder from parents to energetic children racing in and out.

As the piccaninny dawn fades, the magpies carol ‘good morning’, the ravens caa-aack in the eucalyptus trees and the honey eaters fly in to check out the latest blossoms on the grevilleas, hibiscus,bottlebrush and other nectar rich flowers. The Indian doves build yet another flimsy nest on a wispy tree branch - most won’t survive the high winds of spring– and the wagtails chitter chitter on the lawn as they search for bugs and insects.

By midmorning, tiny lizards are sunbaking on the warm surfaces of driveways, fences, tree stumps and window frames and the blue tongue goannas lurk under the bushes. Though perfectly harmless and less than ten inches long, they’re a daunting sight when on the defensive– wide open mouth sporting a dark blue tongue set against a watermelon pink throat. Both lizards and goannas are cold blooded and like nothing more than to sunbake on a warm, flat surface. Roads are favourite spots and the mortality rate high. Rather a bird brained sort, I feel, the poor lizard. I have stopped counting my sad and sorry road toll as I drive to Orange.

When the day cools, the pink and grey galahs and green and yellow ringneck parrots squabble over the dandelion buds growing on the road verges and overhead, flocks of ageing black cockatoos head back to their roosts in the pine trees.

Spring is also the time we are reminded to ‘slip, slop, slap’ to protect against sun damage, and for allergy sufferers, the daily pollen count is often more important than the weather forecast. Which coming from Newfoundland where you get a weather forecast every 20 minutes on the radio which takes a good 6 minutes (which is a LOT in radio-speak) and on television news, the weather features most prominent. Naturally, the move to Australia was an adjustment, particularly in the area of weather forecasting (and it's accuracy thereof)

The Australian continent is probably the oldest on earth and has more than 6,000 species of unique wildflowers that attracts visitors from all over the world. The best accommodation, coach and rail tours have been booked out months ago- some visitors even book for the next year as they leave– and newspapers publish regular updates on where to find the best display in the various regions.

My favourite is of course the Floriade in Canberra- which is taking place RIGHT NOW!!!
http://www.floriadeaustralia.com/

I can't wait to make a day trip for Floriade- that is the next plan.....

I just love spring and so, returning back home rejevenated and happy, is a great start to my favourite time of year.

Of course the kids were happy to see us, as fat as they are. Poor things. They certainly were not neglected! We now have a strict walking regime, which at least is now certain to continue which is good for Scott and I anyway!

Work has been exciting as I find my feet and now with a change of NSW Government leadership and a complete cabinet reshuffle I am awaiting any potential implications for us and our redevelopment.

We arrived home a mere 11 days ago- I apologise that it has taken so long to get around to writing! We had a lovely day together resting and doing odd jobs around the house; ie bathing the kids who were STINKY! Then we headed with Kerry and her Lab Dipity to the new dog park in Bathurst. It was great.

Saturday Scott was back to work, and I had a luxurious day to myself- I did the shopping and cleaning and normal Saturday jobs. I was very lucky to have 3 days before heading back to work. Scott had Sunday and Monday off and we spent that time recouperating and getting back to 'normal'.

Monday I was back to work and back to routine.

I started working 9-5 for a change- as I declared to Scott whilst away I would. And even took a lunch break and have been walking around our campus- which is delightful- at 12:30 daily.

Scott and I have walked the kids on non-rain days in the evening and they are now no longer scared when we go out the door that we will be gone for another month. God help us what will happen should the suitcases ever come back out!

So, as you can see we are settled back into routine and doing well. We will likely try to get away camping very soon and I am definitely going to try to get to Canberra!

Hope all is well with you- have a sparkling week!

Salmonier Nature Park

2008-08-27T01:22:00.004+10:00

Well today (Friday before leaving), Aunt Bren, Scott, Trinity and I headed up to Salmonier.

The Salmonier Nature Park is quite different from people's perception of a zoo. The overall design and broad environmental education mandate sets Salmonier Nature Park apart from most similar facilities.
The layout of the Park is based on a nature walk. The animals are in large natural enclosures scattered along the park trail, which allow visitors to see animals that are part of their natural surroundings, not divorced from them, and which also encourage visitors to feel they are part of these surroundings.
Salmonier Nature Park takes people into the landscape where the animals are displayed in settings that are as natural as possible. The emphasis at Salmonier Nature Park is on quality, not quantity.

Unless an animal can be displayed well, it is not displayed at all.

Most display animals come to the Park injured and unreleasable. Because of the naturalistic displays and the need to balance the needs of the animal and the desire of people to see them, the Park does not guarantee that the animals will be 100% visible. Most visitors see about 80% of the animals.

We had a great day followed by a yummy picnic- Trinity then played with Scott's camera producing this self-portrait and a few other beauties.

Have fun!

Bowring Park

2008-08-27T01:20:00.002+10:00

A trip to Newfoundland (and particularly to St. John's) would be remiss without a trip to Bowring Park.

Clearly we were by ourselves and so the photos are as far away from us as our reach would allow...
The only caribou or moose which Scott claims to have seen, aside from those on little yellow highway signs was this beast...
The park has been much changed since my last romp and the little pond at the entrance has new gazebos and it was good to see the fountain going, the fountains in Australian parks are no longer operational due to drought

Of course we had to pay a visit to Peter Pan and the duck pond

We had fun and enjoyed a nice afternoon- even if the canteen did not have ice cream.... this is a flying post as we are about to take off on the airplane back to Australia and I am running out of time...

Evelyn and Peter's- Friday night

2008-08-26T06:09:00.005+10:00

Before heading to the cabin for a feed of fish and brewis, Scotty and I caught up with Evelyn and Peter and Maxine and Trevor.

We enjoyed a tour of Evelyn and Peter's gorgeous home and sat in the back deck admiring the oaks, the peace, and the wine and cheese!!!

It was so good to see you both again- sorry it was such a quickie. Hope to see you down our way SOON!

Elementary, My Dear Watson

2008-08-23T05:51:00.007+10:00

I think I have worked out the conundrum- and I can not change it, I am afraid.

Because Scott has been organising the 4,700 photos on the laptop at the end of each day, when we got back from Gros Morne National Park, and I had 10 minutes to use the computer, I started a draft blog entry for each of my journal entries and took the photos I wanted to share and loaded them without text and saved it to draft.

In this way, Scott could return to his 5 thousand photos and I could use another computer to compose the blogs you are now reading out of order.

Although I am WRITING these in the order I wish to publish them, ie the order they HAPPENED, I have already somehow started writing them with photos and they are out of sequence. The photos were in folders alphabetically and I just started clicking away in my haste to get them onto blogger before Scott came back- so there you have it!

Unfortunately you will be getting a really strange order of events, but at least you will have the events!

Gotta run- we are going to Evelyn's tonight with Maxine and I am running behind....

Order of the blog

2008-08-21T23:34:00.002+10:00

I can not quite work out why my Ocean Pond entry is BETWEEN my Rooms and Tattoo... obviously I wrote the Rooms and Tattoo together, but for some reason the Ocean Pond is in between them.... it should not be and I can not fix it- so please bear with my lack of computer skills....

Oops- the Tattoo!

2008-08-21T23:00:00.007+10:00

I got so caught up in telling you all about the Rooms, I totally didn't include the Signal Hill Tattoo!!!

The Signal Hill Tattoo is an internationally known award winning historical animation program. Each summer, audiences thrill to the echo of the cannon, mortars and musket fire combined with the stirring tunes of the Fife and Drum Band which beckons visitors to a bygone age of 19th Century British military might.

Set atop famous Signal Hill, the Tattoo portrays the garrison life and duties of His Majesty’s Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Foot and the 27th Company-2nd Battalion-Royal Regiment of Artillery who endured the harsh conditions of the Newfoundland Station in the late 1790’s.

Fifes and Drums

The fife, drum and bugle were the three popular signal instruments of military service in the late 18th century. Those who played them were all referred to as drummers. These three instruments were chosen because their loud and distinctive sounds are audible even amidst the sounds of battle, and signallers were key to good communication on the battlefield.

In general, drummers were sons of soldiers who were on strength with the regiment, but anyone showing a talent or inclination for this job was likely accepted. Under the direction of the Drum Major the drummers would learn the appropriate rudiments and tunes. Young boys were considered the best candidates for this job because learning the drum was a skill best taken on while young and while the wrists were still supple. The drummer was paid more than a regular soldier as he held a role that was more specialised and entailed greater responsibility.
Quidi Vidi Battery

Given its relative proximity to the harbour entrance of St.John’s, Quidi Vidi was probably the site of some of the Colony’s earliest defence works as it formed a natural part of the outer ring of defenses of St.John’s. It’s most prominent role however was in the events surrounding the capture of St.John’s by a French force in 1762.

The Quidi Vidi Battery was reconstructed in 1967 to resemble a British Coastal Battery of the turn of the century period.

In 1967, the 56 Field Engineer Squadron decided to rebuild the Quidi Vidi Battery as a project to mark Canada’s Centennial Year. All that remained of the original site was partial sections of the foundation which were uncovered in the initial digs. Exploratory trenches were dug in order to determine the outline of the original facility.

Excavated materials were screened for artifacts and the process of clearing the overgrowth was begun by up to twenty sappers a day.

The Guard House, which measured 30’ X 15’ was rebuilt. Many of the bricks found on the site were used to reconstruct the fireplaces, ovens and chimneys. Doors and fasteners were forged at a local foundry.

Having completed the Guard House, the Engineers next laid the gun deck constructed of two by eight planking butted with ten inch square timbers. The gun platform, when completed, measured seventy feet by twelve feet and featured four gun ports where two carronades and two six pound cannons were mounted. Finally the powder magazine was completed with fourteen inch thick concrete walls and a reinforced wooden door.

Signal Hill, GEO Centre and Downtown

2008-08-20T21:56:00.027+10:00

Another action-packed day!

Hilary, Trinity, Juanita, Scott and I headed into town. Juanita gave the girls a digital camera to play with and that was the start of a fun filled and special day.

We toured around the downtown of St. John's showing Juanita the sights, the girls giggling and clicking away and Scotty being silly and playing thumb wars and tickling meant the back seat was gales of laughter whilst Juanita and I did the tour guide/tourist thing up front.

I do not know why this photo was taken, which is why I include it now as I am sure the girls took it in their snappy-s...

We arrived on Signal Hill admist- you guessed it- Fog and WIND!

The Lower Battery is still one of my favourites...

Hilary and Trinity were learning all about the wireless transmission Marconi sent and how pop used to volunteer here.
We drove around downtown some more appreciating Jelly Bean Row
And then went to Ches' for lunch- yum-o! We all had fish and chips of course and we got certificates also as we were visiting from (CBS) Australia. Uncle Scotty agrees with Trinity that this is the BEST fish and chips. (Okay, maybe the rest of the province share the secret also...)

Back seat thumb war action took us back to Signal Hill to the GEO Centre
The Johnson GEO CENTRE is housed in one of the most distinctive buildings in the province, on a beautiful property next to Signal Hill National Historic Site.

The large, glass-encased entry is the only part of the building above ground. Most of the floor space are underground — right inside of the solid rock walls!

At the GEO CENTRE, we heard stories behind the radical changes that take place in our climate; and the constant, all-powerful influences of the Sun and our Earth’s gravity. And we got to see what lies far beyond our planet, into the far reaches of outer space, where science tells us how our Earth’s future is unfolding.

Even the heating system is unique. The GEO CENTRE is heated by the Earth itself, through holes drilled over 150 metres into the rock, using heat pumps to circulate fluids that heat or cool the building. The GEO CENTRE's main exhibits start off in a state-of-the-art theatre that takes you back through the story of Earth, unleashing the power of volcanoes, earthquakes, and torrential rainstorms- it was really cool and Gordon Pinsent was the narrator!

The rest of the exhibits area is divided into four sections — Our Planet, Our Province, Our People, and Our Future.

These exhibits feature displays that present the forces that shaped our planet, climate changes, and the comparatively short time span of humankind.

The external walls of the Exhibits area are of natural, 550 million year old exposed rock; you can see the features and characteristics of Signal Hill’s geology. On days of heavy rain or snowmelt the fractures and cracks within the rock walls provide natural channels for water migration, so that the walls themselves become wet as water seeps through the rocks.

From the main lobby, is a breathtaking, full-colour planets of our solar system, hanging within the three-storey high Reception Hall. It's simply spectacular. This photo just does not get the mamoth display in context, now how beautiful it looks up close- but here it is anyway...

There are so many beautiful NASA photographs of galaxies, nebulae, distant stars, and other sights from space.

No doubt you have seen me use this figure before (on facebook). It is an Inukshuk.

The mysterious stone figures known as inuksuit can be found throughout the circumpolar world. Inukshuk, the singular of inuksuit, means "in the likeness of a human" in the Inuit language. They are monuments made of unworked stones that are used by the Inuit for communication and survival. The traditional meaning of the inukshuk is "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path."

The Inuit make inuksuit in different forms for a variety of purposes: as navigation or directional aids, to mark a place of respect or memorial for a beloved person, or to indicate migration routes or places where fish can be found. Other similar stone structures were objects of veneration, signifying places of power or the abode of spirits. Although most inuksuit appear singly, sometimes they are arranged in sequences spanning great distances or are grouped to mark a specific place.

These sculptural forms are among the oldest and most important objects placed by humans upon the vast Arctic landscape and have become a familiar symbol of the Inuit and of their homeland.

Leaving the GEO CENTRE, we came across a vehicle we would very much like to have been driving- that looks like so much fun!!

Now we are off to get married again and then head across the Island to Gros Morne National Park! Talk to you soon!!! xox

Ocean Pond, the first weekend

2008-08-20T21:56:00.014+10:00

Welcome to Newfoundland, mate!

We arrived into Newfoundland around 10pm-ish on Thursday, followed 6 minutes or so later by Aunt Juice, Uncle Brudy and Rosina. We got back to CBS and yakked and yakked for about 3 hours and hit the hay around 2am or something crazy (well, crazy for MY family of early risers)

We promptly visited the local Tim Horton's coffee shop upon rising (as you do) and then called in to pick up nan from Admiral's Coast before heading to mum's cabin at Ocean Pond. Aunt Ruth and Uncle Wayne, Joan and Rex (Andrea's mother and step father) and my mum and dad all have cabins on the same cove at Ocean Pond.

Chris and Andrea, Hilary and Aiden had arrived in NL about 5 or 6 hours prior to our arrival and were already up at Ocean Pond with Joan and Rex. Trinity of course was with mum and so we took 2 cars, up to the country.

My mum had a fantastic menu planned for the CFA's (for the uninitiated, Newfoundlanders call all visitor's a CFA- meaning Come From Away) all the best traditional newfoundland grub which are must not miss-es!

Juanita will join us by Tuesday and that starts the onslaught of 50 or so family from all points of the globe.

Mum had a great idea that a weekend of resting at the cabin will help us get over the trip and be rested for the weeks ahead- a top idea.

Anyway, back to the important stuff, the menu! Newfoundland is renowned for good music, beautiful countryside, hospitable and friendly people, and.... it's traditional food.

At the cabin, of course, we wanted to start slowly for Scott and so on the 2nd night my Aunt Ruth and Nan did salt fish and brewis. (It is one of MY FAVORITE meals and nan used to do it for brekkie for me when I lived with her when I went to uni)

As Newfoundland for thousands of years had the most plentiful cod stocks in the world, fishing was a natural occupation for many; before the French, Spanish and Portugese overfished and depleted our cod stocks.... but now the moratorium is lifted and we have cod again, we can now have fish and brewis.

Fish and brewis (pronounced like the word "bruise") is a traditional Newfoundland meal consisting of codfish and hard bread or hard tack. With the abundance of cod around the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador it became synonymous with all Newfoundland households as a delicacy to be served as a main meal.

The recipe may vary from community to community or even household to household but, the ingredients were always the same. The typical recipe calls for salt fish that has to be soaked in water overnight to reduce the salt content of the fish. The hard bread is broken into bite-size pieces and it too gets soaked in water overnight. Next day the fish and hard bread are boiled separately until tender then both are mixed together and cooked together for final preparation. (Which is why we had it the 2nd night!)

The traditional meal is served with scrunchions, which is super yummy salted fat pork cut into small pieces and of course, being Newfoundland, fried. Both the rendered fat and the liquid fat is then drizzled over the mixture of fish and hard bread.

When we landed at Ocean Pond, we promptly headed over to Joan and Rex's cabin to see everyone, we had some Aussie gifts to give.

Here is the girls receiving their Billabong hats- Trinity loves pink and the only hat I could find was black with pink- she wore it all weekend.....

Daddy and Aiden- mum used to say, "Aitken" when he was first born.....

One of the highlights at Ocean Pond for me, was Scott's reaction to the Squirrels- which are EVERYWHERE! I was sat at the table facing the kitchen, Scott was across from me, facing the sliding door on the deck when this little guy came up to collect his treats from mum. Scott jumped out of his seat, his face formed a comical "O!" and surprised expression and he actually squeaked! "Oh my god, there is a squirrel!" No kidding. His voice when up two octaves.

Before the Brewis was served, I was showing Nan and Aunt Ruth our camping and kids photos.... they loved it. My nan knows who the kids are really well. Everytime she walks dad out of her room, she passes a photo of the 4 kids and Scott and I in the park and says, "And there is Jen and this is Ginny because of her red hair and that one is Neville and that one is Sasha and this little one here, Victor is Muff."

On Saturday, after brekkie, Scott and I took Trinity and went to Carbonear and Bay Roberts. Mum and dad had a new door to hang and so we scarpered. We had a fantastic brekkie of bacon and eggs, I have always said to Scott how wonderful Canadian Bacon is and it is nothing like what we get in Australia and that the egg yokes are very yellow. With mum's home made bread, we were set. Well, Trinity and Scott played and played the whole day and all I heard was giggles, gales of laughter and gasps....

For lunch, we had A&W, which we also cannot get in Australia and yet is the BEST onion rings, fries, burgers and of course, ROOT BEER!! Yum, yum!!

Walking up to Aunt Ruth's cabin with Trinity is not a simple walk. We had to run and play and scamper the ENTIRE way! Here we are playing "Scoops" as Trinity calls it.

Uncle Wayne ponders his lack of fish off his wharf. Mum says Uncle Wayne cheats- because he doesn't fish, he just drops a line or two over his wharf....

A weekend at the cabin would not be the same without a game of cards or two.... nan is helping me lose miserably to Trinity....

Well, that is it for now, for the first trip to Ocean Pond. Other than to say that my brother Chris and Scott spent Saturday on quad bikes and had a great time- I was left playing Barbies in the cabin with Trinity whilst mum and dad hung the door.... We had such a relaxing weekend it was wonderful.

Gros Morne National Park

2008-08-20T21:55:00.062+10:00

We had such a great visit to the West Coast with Aunt Bren and Brian. Who could ask for better travelling mates?!

You may have seen some photos from Botwood and Leading Tickles with the crew- well this was the 2nd stage of the tour de terre neuve

We went to the Anchor Pub on Friday night at Aunt Juice and Uncle Brudy's suggestion- what a time we had! Anchor's Aweigh were playing and we got to the pub around 7pm- the show started at 9pm. I am glad we had the head's up from the Fisher's otherwise we would not have had seats!
They were hysterically funny and entertaining and performed well together. They told stories, had a running commentary to rival Robin Williams (the early years) and played a jig and a few tunes to boot.
This darling couple were up for a spin round the dance floor, four or five times- they were celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary- to be so lucky!
We arrived at the tail end of the RDF we had been experiencing in Newfoundland. Just as we crested a rise into the Park, the sun started to shine and it shone and shone for a day and a half, in time for our boat tour to finish, before coming back to RDF in time to leave....

The only moose Scott claims to have seen of the 8,000 or so in the park. We knew they were out there, Brian, Aunt Bren and I saw 3....
Scott's new addiction made for him to even photograph each Tim's we past!!
Jen being silly at Jungle Jim's in Deer Lake

See the Moose!!!! Brian and I are watching her in the distance.... really, just don't ask Scott

The lighthouse at Rocky Harbour has only one flag pole and so the signal flags as well as the Canadian flag are flown together- from memory the signal is "Lassy"

Jen waiting for Scott to get back inthe car after taking more photos

The boat tour to Western Brook Pond was sensational

Apparently "Fjord" can also be spelled "Fjiord"- sorry Brian. I made him lose Scrabble on this word alone, I am sure....

The fjord in the distance

After leaving Gros Morne, we headed to Corner Brook where I lived until I was 7 before moving to CBS. Well, after going to Sobey's (The grocery store), I would be permitted a ride on Dino.... and so this was for the good ole times....
Looking down a street in CB
The Totem Pole at Marble Mountain

Another fast blog as I am manically writing before heading to the airport.....

The Re-enactment

2008-08-20T21:55:00.061+10:00

As there are so many photos on this entry, I will simply let them speak for themselves for the most part- did we ever have a great day!!!

I will caption or section title some to help you- but you are all big and ugly enough to work out what is going on- so come with Scott and I as we share our Re-Enactment with you....

In the beginning...

Thursday night prior to the re-enactment, my mum's sister's, Mandy, Juanita and I head to dinner and then to Mamma Mia- what a great night!

Scotty has been making friends and influencing people...

The Morning of...

Before the ceremony

The Re-enactment

As many of you will know by now, Scott and I really wanted to be able to share with my friends and family in Canada, a celebration of our marriage. My grandmother's retirement centre proved to be the best place possible- whoever said that wedding was stressful and not fun did not know my family- clearly.

We had a renewal ceremony, followed by afternoon tea with the residents, followed by a Screech-in for the CFAs and then a BBQ reception at my mum's.

We were so lucky that my girlfriend from high school, Evelyn played for us.

We were blessed to have our family involved; my brothers, Chris and Robbie, and Chris and Andrea's son Aiden were the handsome groomsmen. And I had my 3 sisters with me on my happy day; my cousin Mandy, my cousin Lesley and of course, my darling Juanita. Trinity and Hilary were gorgeous and proud little flower girls (thanks Andrea for finding the dresses!)

Rev. Penney, my pop's mate, conducted the ceremony and so we were very fortunate and happy that he could also be involved.

(My biological mother, Lynn also joined my family and friends and lived to tell about it!)

(thank you Rosina xox)

The Screech In
(Juanita does not look to sure about this- don't trust 'em for a single minute, mate!)

The Time

At my mum's

I can not begin to thank everybody for their love and support. I can not thank everybody for the enormous effort you went to, not only in making this such a fun, special and wonderful day, but in making such an effort to get here to Newfoundland to share it with us. Special thanks to the Aunties and of course... mumsy.

(Uncle Rob gets a special mention also for the washing up effort)

It was absolutely joyous for me to relive this day again by putting these photos on the blog- so thanks for your indulgence also.

I am full to bursting; and wish that you may be as fortunate as I am and have all the joy and happiness that your heart can hold.

Whale Watching

2008-08-20T21:55:00.035+10:00

Juanita, Scott and I headed out to Bay Bulls for a day of whale watching- before I continue, maybe check out web site of our tour company and you may then not have to read my blog.

For those who have not gone whale watching before- I can not recommend it more highly!

http://www.gatheralls.com/

When we got home, the girls were all playing Barbies, as Mandy, Reese, Aunt Max and Uncle Rob had arrived:

Trinity wanted to take some photos when I came upstairs to say, g'day and this shot above (with no head for Aunt Jen and an out of focus Reese and Hilary) were some of her gems.

Apparently, though, it is not only Trinity who is out of focus- perhaps it is the camera... hehe

Back to the whale watching.....

You’ll know it the moment you arrive. You are about to experience something special. Something different. It’s there in the warm welcome of a friendly face. And the lively bounce of an Irish jig. It’s the anticipation of an ocean excursion full of sights, stories and surprises.

There are 17 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises observed in Newfoundland and Labrador. These marine mammals are some of the most impressive and fascinating animals in our coastal waters.

In season, you can see Humpback, Fin, Orca and Minke whales as well as Dolphins, up close as they live and play in their natural habitat.

This is the rarest form of Newfoundland wildlife: the Jennifer. I think she is performing some instinctive mating call or ritual....

Oh look! It worked!!!
Gatherall's were absolutely terrific and we had a ball! The commentary was great and could that young lad sing! The skipper and his mate were very funny and exceptionally knowledgable

Rich with history. Rife with culture. Sprawling with natural beauty. All these wonders have been here for thousands of years, embraced by those who happened upon them. It's up to the traveller to enjoy them, to go vigorously in search of people, adventure and places to experience. Around every bend you will find a piece of heaven, a delightful sight, a playful breeze that will help your journey. And we did!

The Ecological Reserve is home to the largest Puffin population on North America's east coast and lies just a few miles south of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

As you approach the islands, you'll be struck by the sounds of thousands of birds as they wheel, soar, dive and perch in classic poses on the richly coloured cliffs. Puffins, Murres, Razor Bills, Thick Bills, Storm Petrels, Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Herring gulls are among some of the birds that inhabit the islands that are alive with colour.

Birds are everywhere - above the cliffs and in the air; beside the boat and in the water. Bay Bulls was the perfect landing strip.

And the biggest bird of all.........

And I am not saying to whom this reference is being made- I am sure it is evident! haha

Botwood and Leading Tickles

2008-08-20T21:55:00.030+10:00

Located at the end of a scenic 350 is Leading Tickles, a charming fishing village loaded with beautiful scenery and a rich history.

Not to mention, Aunt Bren's piece of Heaven....

Leading Tickles is one of Central Newfoundland's best kept secrets. Every spring and summer huge icebergs ground themselves upon the shores, making for fabulous photos right from the shoreline! We were too late in the season for icebergs, but not too late for FOG....Today the community has a population of approximately 400. This number fluctuates due to out-migration, and people returning from seasonal employment outside the town. As the name of the community implies, narrow bodies of water wind among coves and inlets and eventually lead to the opening of the Notre Dame Bay.

Leading Tickles is practically located in the iceberbg alley. Every spring and summer huge icebergs ground themselves upon our shores, easily accessible to picture taking and sight seeing.

The bay is also prime feeding ground for whales, seals and dolphins.

At the end of town is the entrance to Oceanside Nature Trail. This trail is for nature lovers, let me tell you! The trail is approximately 3kms and has some boardwalk- so it is super easy.

You are given a coastal view as you hike aong this trail. A trip to Leading Tickles would not be complete without visiting Oceanview Park (where you can get a 2-scoop ice cream for $0.45!!!) and Jack Ward Memorial General Store Heritage Centre. I love this heritage centre, in fact I think it was my favourite heritage centre we came across.

The beauty of the area, the rugged coast-line and the breathtaking sites of nature at its best- make it MY little piece of Heaven also, Aunt Bren.

(Clearly I have not read the sign as children are meant to be accommpanied by an adult... haha)

This is the top of the stairs and bit of board walk. The board walk is actually covered by a snowmobile tread- it worked a treat!

Aunt Bren had some quiet time with her little piece of Heaven

Scott at Jack Ward Memorial General Store and Heritage Centre- on the deck about to enjoy some rocky road....

Back at Oceanview Park- somehow whoever took this photo (Aunt Max) completely missed Aunt Bren and Brian's head- but got my peak a boo instead...

We piled into mum's car to head into Botwood to go to the airbase and Botwood Museum and the aviation centre. I think the back seat is having far too much fun
A Bit about Botwood

I learned SOOO much about Botwood! I have spent childhood summers here for as long as I could remember and did not know/was not interested in/could not be bothered to learn (take your pick) about how cool Botwood is!

I was rushed through the heritage centre, though because Aunt Bren was eager to get to Leading Tickles (which I now understand why, and so I lead the journal with it in agreement with her about it being a little piece of heaven.)

While the Town of Botwood is geographically confined within a small area, its history is reminiscent of a community ten times its size. Botwood's history has not only played an important role in the development of Newfoundland, but also that of the world. (I know you all think that Jen exaggerates things, but read on and you will see why I say not mockingly "the world".)

Long before the settlement now known as Botwood was established, another group of people were traversing through the area: The Beothuk Indians. The Beothuk Indians were the first North American Indians to be encountered by European explorers. I remember learning a little in year 10 Cultural Heritage about the Beothuk's and remember going to Mary March Musuem in Grand Falls- but this was really interetsing for me.

I also knew that Memorial University of Newfoundland were known as the Beothucks (when mum and dad, Aunt Lin and Uncle Rob attended- you know, in the STONE AGE) and MUN decided it was not in good taste to name one's sporting teams after a decimated people.....

Anyhooser, back to the Beothuk- they had a practice of painting their bodies, clothing, and practically everything they owned with red ochre which led to the early explorers calling them the Red Indians. (This misnomer was subsequently applied to all North American Tribes.) They were a hunting and gathering people who maintained a yearly cycle of movement between the coast and the deep interior.

The people who lived or worked in the Exploits River area between came from varied backgrounds, from fishermen to military to clergy. The furring and salmon industries were closely linked during the early settlement of the area, the fur trade being a secondary source of income for the settlers. In summer, they resided on the coast for easy access to the salmon rivers but wintered inland in the more wooded, protected areas, hunting and fur trapping hare, fox, wolf, beaver, otter, and martin cat (which are now endangered).

The first documented records of any harvesting of Atlantic salmon in the Exploits are dated 1768. The salmon were caught by both the Beothuk and English settlers. Salmon were plentiful in this area, and a number of various nets, tools, and techniques were used to catch the fish. With such a large amount of the local population fishing these salmon rivers, the fish stocks quickly entered into dangerously low levels, and as such, Thomas Peyton, was appointed the first warden for the Exploits River (and who says I never listened in school!!?)

A large part of Botwood's history can be seen and understood through the lumbering and sawmill industries. Private families and public industrial companies have evolved as a part of its development. Were it not for the efforts of a few important individuals, however, the lumber industry in the Exploits Bay would not have been nearly as successful.

During the 1800's the resident Anglican clergyman for the Exploits Bay, Rev. Botwood, became interested in the timber in the Exploits River Valley. (as all clergy are renowned horticulturalist/arborists.....) He recognised the great potential for the lumber industry. (Ah, so he was a BUSINESSMAN/clergy) Before long he had bought up nearly all the land and timber rights from Peter's Arm all the way up the Exploits River to Red Indian Lake. His next move was to get a large sawmill started in Ship Cove. He succeeded in getting the Gooday Company (not G'day- Gooday!) of Quebec City to set up the mill in Ship Cove.

For this effort, the town formerly known as Ship Cove, was renamed Botwoodville in honour of Rev. Botwood. Rev. Botwood, along with his associate, Roland Goodyear, together set up the Exploits Lumber Company in Botwoodville. This was the first mill of importance to be built in Newfoundland.

Botwood has come a long way since the turn of the century. Industry in the area began to develop in the early 1840s with the start up of the first scale sawmill operation, known as the Exploits Lumber Company, of London, England.

Early settlers were also impressed with the nearby town of Grand Falls, (Hi Marilyn!!!) as it was ideal for a paper mill, being only a few miles from the railroad, twenty miles from a deep water harbour, had adequate hydraulic resources ready for development, and was on the bank of the river with the largest water shed in Newfoundland. Thus, the Angle Newfoundland Development Company was born.

The A.N.D. Company hired a great majority of the men in Botwood, and to this day remains as the town's largest employer. The employees laboured long and hard to see that their tasks were properly done, and the A.N.D. Company, now known as Abitibi Consolidated, continues to play a very important role in Botwood's development.

One of the major problems facing the A.N.D. Company in the beginning was that of transporting its product to the shipping facilities in Botwood. Their solution was to build a railway to Botwood.

The A.N.D. Company felt the effects of World War I because of the scarcity of ships to transport its product. The Company began building two large ocean-going schooners at Botwood around 1917, one being the Bella Scott and the other the Sordello. (Who knew Botwood was the source of such industry!!!???- not I)

While Botwood's history as a shipping port has always been relatively prosperous, it has done so despite one serious drawback - the port was often closed by ice during the winter.

Arguably, aviation is Botwood's greatest claim to fame. From 1919 to 1945, Botwood was at the forefront of some of aviation's most important moments in history, pioneering transatlantic flight and playing a vital role in World War II.

Charles Lindbergh was a technical advisor to Pan American Airways and as I am sure you know, was the first man to fly the ocean solo. But did you know that he stops in Botwood from New York to Paris?

Pan Am was studying the possibility of flying mail and passengers over the ocean. Many things were taken into consideration in this study including landing base sites for use in future air routes. Weather conditions were studied and records made.

In 1933 Lindbergh and his wife Anne made a non-stop flight across the Atlantic and landed at Botwood. No one who came to see the seaplane land in the harbour suspected that one day Botwood would have a regular transatlantic flying boat service.

Due to its spacious deep-water inlet of Notre Dame Bay, Botwood afforded ample space for the maneuvering of planes taking off or landing. It had all the facilities for a seaplane base. Because of its fine sheltered hardbour and the fog free zone (I know, it is unbelievable in a place in Newfoundland) in which it lies, Botwood was selected by Pan Am and British Imperial Airways, as their base on this side of the Atlantic.

The first great aircraft brought the town of Botwood into the 20th century. Throughout the 1930s and 40s, two great nations used the town as a base for the world's first regular transatlantic flights.

With the success of the test flights for travel across the Atlantic Ocean, both Pan Am and British Airways were eager to begin their commercial transatlantic passenger and mail service. The service would have to wait, however, as World War II broke out approximately one month after the final test flight.

Newfoundland came into World War II in the early hours of September 3, 1939. That day at approximately 11:00am the people of Botwood became the first on this side of the Atlantic to capture an enemy vessel. (Quick on the uptake, those men in Botwood!)

Ten thousand army and air force troops from various regiments were stationed in Botwood at different periods.

On a lighter side, Botwood was a great place for celebrities who sometimes had to wait here for good flying weather. The Transatlantic Inn, known as the "Dip and Dive", saw a number of personages. Prominent among these visitors was Charlotte, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. The Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill was forced to wait over for an afternoon and evening in Botwood in November 1942. Besides these dignitaries, celebrities such as Bob Hope and Frances Langford entertained troops during their short tenure in Botwood.

And of course, this rogue's gallery: Aunt Bren, Brian, myself, Aunt Max and Uncle Rob!

And why not, with such celebrated humour as this flower bed?
And the giant squid...
Leading Tickles and Botwood, was a wonderful part of our trip

Aunt Bren and Scotty agreed with me- it was a pretty cool place.

Aunt Bren and Uncle Rob were not deterred by the wind- I have forgotten how much it bloody blows in Newfoundland! I agree with Gloria who, when asked if Newfoundland ever have hurricane or tornadoes and being told not, said, "You have hurricaines everyday- you just don't know it!"
It may have blown a gale, and we may have been rushed through year 9 and 10 history lessons, but we sure had a great time- I mean, truly where else can you get ice cream for forty five cents?!

Thanks to Aunt Max and Uncle Rob for a great couple of days- the moose burgers and fish and brewis more than made up for the rain, drizzle and fog....

On to Gros Morne!

Signal Hill Tattoo and the Rooms

2008-08-20T21:55:00.028+10:00

Juanita, Scott and I and Mandy and Reese visited the Rooms and were able to get in to see the museum and the art gallery, however it was a Sunday and so the Archives were sadly closed. This photo is taken from across the Harbour looking at the St. John's skyline- The Rooms stand out. Well, the Rooms and the jellybean row.... St. John's as you have heard from my facebook have rows and rows of brightly coloured houses which are collectively referred to as "Jelly Bean Row". I love the jelly bean houses:

The Rooms is a place you can immerse yourself in the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. It's the place where it all comes together - our history, heritage and artistic expression. The Rooms unites the Provincial Museum, the Provincial Art Gallery and the Provincial Archives under one roof. A place for people, The Rooms is a portal to the many stories our province has to tell.

Soaring into the skyline of historic St. John’s, The Rooms combines twenty-first century technology with a striking visual reference to our past. Its unique design mirrors the “fishing rooms” where families came together to process their catch. Our new “rooms” are also places to gather. In them, you’ll find collections, exhibits and programs that tell our stories and interpret our natural world through art, artifacts, archaeology, architecture and archival records. Precision environmental controls and a state-of-the-art security system allow The Rooms to safeguard these treasures and bring in traveling exhibits that showcase the best the world has to offer.

The Rooms site itself is of deep historical significance. Almost 250 years before The Rooms rose on the landscape, this was the site of Fort Townshend. The great star-shaped citadel, one of the largest British fortifications in North America at the time, was built to defend Britain’s fishing interests. With the withdrawal of the imperial garrison in 1870, the site became the home of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and, later, the St. John’s Fire Department. On-site interpretation allows visitors to explore this historic past.

It is very cool

The Rooms offers panoramic vistas of St. John’s and its harbour, A multi-level atrium serves as both a gathering place and space for constantly changing exhibits and events.

Sadly for us, the view is of FOG. I know this is surpising to many who know Newfoundland RDF as a daily occurance however for the newbies out there, RDF means Rain-Drizzle-Fog and is the standard forecast for St. John's.

We were here 3 weeks before we had any substantial sun. The down side to having sun is that is when it is windy- it is either one or the other, I am afraid. We (Scott and I) have not worried too much about the weather but it seems every shop attendant, interpreter, or tour guide is concerned about it and our reaction. But we have had a blast, regardless. I guess love makes everything sunny anyway.... okay, okay I will try to stick to the facts and leave the dribble to my bed pillow....

My favourite exhibit was Connections: This place and it's early peoples. It was astounding- I was never so proud to be from Newfoundland.

We came face to face with a polar bear on the tundra. We were able look closely at carnivorous plants in a bog. (rivetting to you all I am sure, but believe it or not, our provincial plant is carniverous!)

We could marvel at seabirds, sea mammals, all kinds of sea life. And could see how a remarkable mix of plants and animals found their niche here since the glaciers retreated. And meet the peoples who came from almost every direction to make their lives on the land and from the sea.

We were very lucky because on view for summer 2008, two of the Rooms' newest and most exciting acquisitions -- painted caribou skin coats that were meticulously hand-crafted by Innu women to ensure a successful hunt for their men.

The coats were made and worn by the Algonquian-speaking people of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula from the St. Lawrence River north to Ungava Bay and from James Bay and Hudson Bay on the West to the Atlantic coast. Surviving examples date from approximately 1700 through the 1930's. Very few of these coats have survived, it was great to have a chance to view this significant part of Innu culture!

While there, we were able to find out more about the people who made these wonderful coats on Tipatshuimuna: Innu Stories from the Land, a website that lets you travel with the Innu and explore their culture.

We were only permitted photos on level 3, which have a few photos above, none unfortunately of the caribou hides.

We had a great day and Juanita especially loved the art gallery (as I knew she would).

Her favourite was Merchant Vessels: Studio Pottery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Merchant Vessels presents a survey of functional ceramics from this region, revealed through the work of six practicing potters. I loved the platters which were mounted, but Juanita just loved the ceramic statues, which, I just did not get at all. (But I am uncultured and uncouth- like my mum whose taste is all in her mouth! haha)

Other than the Musuem, the highlight for me was a collection called: Wonderful Hard Work. Again I could not take photos....

Here in Newfoundland and Labrador we worked to live and lived to work in a physical, social and economic environment, often harsh and overwhelming. Throughout life's daily toil, all the peoples living here over the centuries have demonstrated fortitude and ingenuity in adaptation. "Wonderful Hard Work" is an exhibit highlighting the work of our people and the tools of their trades, past and present.

All in all, a very cool day. Reese was the best behaved "almost 3 year old" I know and I can not believe that a 3yo could spend a half day in a museum and be entertained and so attentive. Partial credit to the Rooms for their spectacular curators for making things so interactive and the rest of the credit to Mandy for being Super-Mum!

Thanks for a wonderful Sunday, folks!

The final week

2008-08-20T21:51:00.015+10:00

Sad, but true.

All good things must come to an end- it is fitting that this is the last blog before I head to the Airport. I will recap the last couple of days as best as I can, and compose a proper blog on the plane (as we have 24hours to do so) for proper reading- this is for viewing pleasure!

Em on my lap on our way to watch Trinity play soccer.

Sunset from my mum's patio
Hilary and Trinity created an obstacle course in the driveway and this was the start of it- clever girls!!
Em was scared by some recent thunder activity and hid in the corner cupboard
Robbie and Trinity
As Scott has never had snow, and has never made a snowman, Trinity made a snowman for him and put it in the freezer for 5 months for when Uncle Scott came. She had to dig down to get him!!

Em in bed with Aunt Jen

Out to tea on Brian's last night.... The Keg Steakhouse- worthwhile! yum-yum! Thanks Brian!

Mum had the 2lb lobster- yum!

At the cabin for the last weekend- of course you all know that my mum had children for the cheap labour.... well, it apparently counts when you are an adult also! (Including the kids you inherit through marriage!)

Scott and Dad finished the dock which Uncle Wayne and dad began
When we arrived we found the Aussie flag flying True Blue

Walking to Aunt Ruth's for some fish and brewis and good company

On Aunt Ruth's wharf- Scott set the timer and came running which made me laugh

That did not make me laugh as much as Kelly did when she cried and cried for 10 minutes trying to pick up this rock and then walk the 50m to drop it at our feet on the wharf..... no wonder her tooth is broken!

Emmie and Kelly play and play and play at the cabin.....

Can you find Kelly's stick???

Scott finally put his camera down and his feet up- he is reading a book about the 9/11 passengers diverted to Gander

All in all, the cabin is not a bad place to spend some time

Uncle Scotty and Trinity killed some time back in CBS whilst Aunt Jen slept blissfully

It is not only at the cabin where Em and Kelly play and play- they are watching the birds pretty intently, running from the patio doors back to the window to chase them..

And to end the trip and the blog- with another of my mum's sunsets from her house on Blackstrap.... what a wonderful month!

Time to go to the airport now once and for all!

talk to you on the other side

Made it to Newfoundland, amended

2008-08-06T20:52:00.002+10:00

I forgot to mention.....

Going through customs in Australia, the Immigration guy asked Scott, "So, sir, it is just you and your daughter travelling today?"

True story.

Then, after I went through the security thingy, he kept winking at Scott.... he was embarrassed.

Made it to Newfoundland!!!

2008-08-04T01:32:00.002+10:00

Well what a start to the hols…. Scotty rang Glenda just past 10am on Wednesday to see if she was alright or just delayed, the conversation went along the lines of, “Are you alright?” “Yes, of course I am why are you ringing today at work?” “Aren’t you picking us up to drive to Sydney?”

And that was the start of 30 hours of hilarity, missteps and mix ups. As we had planned to drive to Sydney on Wednesday for our Thursday morning flight, being delayed out of Bathurst on Wednesday morning was not a big deal.

Scott and I had a great afternoon relaxing in Sydney and had a less than fantastic feed at the hotel pub- the beer and champers more than made up for that, though.

Thursday morning arrives and I am awake at 1:16am and Scott wakes at 3:21am….. I think we were a bit excited and found ourselves in a saddened state of wakefulness. The last thing that I wanted before embarking on over 30 hours of flying was to not sleep the night before.

As I sit on the Air Canada flight fighting to stay awake for the landing into St. John’s, having a restless night on Wednesday night was the last thing we needed!

We arrived to Sydney International Airport at 6am and found ourselves in amongst hundreds of pilgrims also about to depart for Canada from their World Youth Day celebrations around Sydney Harbour. There was a lot of singing!

We queued up at the Air Canada counter and the wonderful QANTAS flight attendants opened up an hour later. We checked ourselves through to Ottawa (via Vancouver) and did a bit of duty free shopping followed by a soggy breakfast.

As most of you are aware, I became a citizen of Australia in 2007. I was a permanent resident for 2 years prior to that. When my passport was coming up for renewal, I just sent in a renewal application and received a brand new one in the mail from the Canadian Consulate.

I noticed when I received it that it did not have my permanent resident label stuck in and thought, hmmm, maybe I should take my voided passport with my in case….. but didn’t. I knew that when my passport was scanned that everything would be okay, even though my country of citizenship said “Canada”…… I wasn’t too concerned, at least not concerned enough to do anything about it.

After we checked our luggage through with the Pilgrims, we made our way to Immigration.

We were met with the dreaded words, “Ma’am, would you mind stepping this way, please?”

I bet you could hear the *snap, snap* of rubber gloves as well….

As it turns out, because my new passport did no have my residency label (because I am a citizen I didn’t think I needed a permanent resident visa in my passport) and I was travelling on my Canadian passport, they just thought they would check things out.

This kind Immigration Officer was very patient and as soon as she entered my name in her computer she could see that I was in fact a Citizen of Australia and she explained that when I received my renewed passport, my permanent residency does not automatically transfer to the new passport. She recommends that I get myself my Australian Passport when we get back and to inform the Immigration dude we will speak with in Toronto on the way home that they need to ring Canberra to admit me through….. nice.

I did not get an Australian Passport because I would get it in Quill when my Canadian one (in Janes) expires. I thought it best not to travel on two different passports from 2 different countries under different names….. call me silly.

The flight from Sydney to Vancouver was about 18 hours and was relatively uneventful. Scott and I were squished in with a lady from Sydney now living at Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. And hold onto your britches- she knew my mum’s cousin John and Margaret living in White Rocks…… talk about small world.

Scott and I passed the time pretty much by movies and music and I read an enlightening Business Case which is going to Treasury from DADHC. Scott and I watched Horton Hears and Who and 21 and the Bank Job. I took a 2 or 3 hour break after each movie before watching another. My seat mate, June, the friend of cousin John and Margaret was unable to work her audio system for her in-seat entertainment device. I can not imagine 18 hours on the plane without a movie and so after I watched one, I tuned my little in seat movie to hers and let her listen on my headset to her movie whilst I poured over Economic Analysis and Social Impact Statements for my business case.

Our arrival in Vancouver was going to be a tight turn around, which we knew beforehand, we just did not know HOW tight that was going to be!!!!! Air Canada held the flight to Ottawa for us who ran through 18km of Vancouver terminal to get to our connecting flight. I still don’t know if our luggage has made it!!

We arrive on the Van-Ottawa flight sweaty, out of breath and to the good humour of all on board, thankfully.

We had a great stop in Ottawa and met with my cousin Dave and his wife Gloria and their son Kendrick. Well, there is no surprise I am sure in telling you how Scotty hit it off with Kendrick…. We had a fantastic meal and a real good catch up at the airport before setting off once again.

This is where things got hairy once more.

We walk down the security queue and take the laptop out of the bag and get ready to go through when we look at each other and Scott says, “Have we checked in?”

We leave the queue and head back downstairs and at the opening of the Air Canada queue there is a visitor information agent or whatever the hell Air Canada call their people and he said we were right to head to security.

We had our Van-Ottawa boarding passes still in our passport due to the super fast fly through in Van. So, we think, right, our flight is 6:30pm it is 5:55pm we should head through security…. Hmmm, the security dude asks for my boarding pass, which we hand over and he looks at the pass and looks at us and I swear, a full 10 beats passes before he looks up and says, “These are not your boarding passes.”

We hoof it out of security down to the check in counter again, and get ourselves checked in, back to security and to our gate. Little did we know we had heaps of time and could actually catch our breath.

We got safely onto the plane and I sat in the exit row with heaps of room whilst Scotty was crammed in the back of the bus, hehe.

We arrived to St. John’s airport to find mum and dad (thankfully with jackets for us for the cold) and then Aunt Juice and Uncle Brudy and Rose arrived about 6 minutes later than us!

2 out of 3 bags arrived on our plane (due, I guess to the delay in Vancouver) and my luggage arrived on Friday when we were at the cabin.

We are on our way to George St Festival now, so I had better do a runner…..

How we shall LAND the dream...

2008-07-21T10:59:00.006+10:00

OK, so yesterday I said I would post photos and a map of where we plan to build our home you just toured through. Well, without wanting to disappoint- here it is.

I might just note that the videos that were loaded were recorded in 20 second bits so that we could load them easily onto Blogger.....

The northern suburb of Orange where we plan to purchase our block of land is next to the Botanic Gardens and has views to Mt Canobolas. On the day these photos were taken, however, it was just starting to rain and so the fog and cloud cover obscure the view to Canobolas

This is the view facing north- which we will have our garage entry off the cul de sac, the lounge room, and family meals are facing this direction. Scotty's shed will be against the bedroom on that side of the house and will have an under cover area joined to the entertaining area with a 2nd driveway down the back part of the yard for access to the workshop (the real workshop this time, the shed- where men's business takes place)

The house will be one of three on Nerine Close off of Lantana Place. This is the other side of Nerine Close which is a paddock for a local farmer and will not be developed.

The car is parked on Lantana Pl and faces the turn onto Nerine Close. Ours will be the corner lot and the entrance to the garage and driveway will be just ahead of the car's nose you see in this photo. (we think- at this stage anyway!)

This is the block of land and the back of the area where Scotty is standing is the edge, so the block is flat at the top of a small hill/rise. Just over Scotty's right shoulder the land drops away and so the homes built on that cul de sac will be slightly lower than us. The clouds above Scott's head are actually blocking Mt Canobolas. Our house will face toward where I am standing, however and the bedrooms will look to Canobolas.

This is the other edge of the block which will be where the 2nd driveway goes through the yard to the Shed. If I continued looking left there, you would see with your Superman x-ray vision the CBD of Orange. Right now, it looks to the empty space owned by Dept of Ed which means a school will eventually be built there.

This is looking back down Lantana Place to stage 2 of the development which as you can see is underway. Our block is on Stage 4 and will not commence for some time. The trees you see on the crest of that hill beyond the homes being built is the Botanic Gardens- so our walks with the kids will be VERY enjoyable!

Here are the house plans and they are aspected on the block so that you can see how the house will sit on the land pictured above. These you will have to click to see more detailed and larger view. The picture immediately below does not have Scotty's shed. The second photo below does. The Shed will be attached to bedrooms on the end here on the far left.

This picture is the block of land as it sits in relation to Lantana Place. Lantana Place is along the edge with the compass on it and the curve shows where the block becomes Nerine Close. It is great as we have full northerly exposure along the living areas. (the entertaining area, the workshop, the family room and meals area and lounge room) Perfect.

The only imagining you will have to do will be to rotate the garage so that the cars enter the garage from Lantana Pl and not Nerine Close....

I have been on Google maps to get you a map of the area and because Gardens Estate is so new, it is not seen on the map! We can scan the developers map and post it here instead. I will include a google map so that you may zoom around Orange and see our community, but I will include the estate map also so you can see where we will be. We had 3 on our list (that is the happy faces I drew on the paper) but decided (after very little debate) on Nerine Close. In fact, we saw 14 and 19 Begonia Place first and then simply found Nerine Close after leaving Begonia!

here is Bletchington our new suburb:

View Larger Map

Have fun with our maps and drawings and thanks for sharing our dream!!! We will make a decision when we get back from Canada and start looking more closely at money and other critical factors..... but for now, it is the plan- and we like it!!

Dreams- they may be grand, but they feel so good

2008-07-20T21:41:00.017+10:00

Last Sunday Scotty and I decided to take a drive around Orange and view the possibilities..... You see, Scott does not like the idea of my driving to Orange and back each day to work. Well, we have been talking about getting a house here in Bathurst and have been looking at property for some time. We thought that when we get back from Canada we would look more closely at the situation. After having spent a couple of months commuting, we thought we would decide if we would stay in Bathurst and find a place or look for something in Orange.

As it turns out, we came across something we absolutely loved straight away (well, we have been looking for a while- just ask mum who has all the emailed photos and Sam at Scott's work who helps him rate the links I send for his approval). But when it came down to the actually pounding the pavement and walking through a house- we only walked through one.

In fact, we had not even intended to see this. A colleague of mine gave me the paper on my way to lunch with Scott on the morning we were setting out last Sunday. I had our list of possibles with me and we were going to drive by each and make a short list for contacting agents- when we were eating lunch, we saw an ad we could not believe. It was open 11am-3pm Sunday (it was presently just on 2pm as we sat in Hog's Breath Cafe eating lunch.)

It is at times like these when things just fall in your lap.

Let me show you around our dream....... Welcome, to our new home:

This is the front door; on the other side of that flax, there....
When you get on the inside of the gate on the other side of the flax, you have a beautiful timber and glass door which is really wide which opens onto a wonderful entry into the home of our dreams- yup- that is me back there at the back of the house!!!

I love the turquoise wall- don't you?
That is the entry hallway- looking at the family room back wall, just past the dining room (on your left) and lounge room (on your right)
The study you see here is on your right immediately as you open the door. For the display home here, the garage has been converted to the office for the building firm and is accessed through the study....

As Scotty calls this, the workbench.... he is so embarrassing. We are including video and commentary at the end of the photos....
This room is large enough for a game of footy....

Standing in the same place as in the photo above, the photographer (AKA Scott) has simply turned another 45 degrees or so- so that you may see the walk through robe to the ensuite from this position in the bedroom (aka workshop)

There are two vanities and two showerheads in this bathroom- somehow I think we needed two toilets....

Me in my happiest place- the wardrobe!
I think I might be staying "STOP! No admittance for YOU!"

or something like that....

Back in the hallway entrance is the linen press (outside our door, across from the study) and there is a powder room for guests.
Ok, we have now left the workshop and are walking toward the back of the house- this is the dining room

And across the hall, the lounge room

Now we are at the back of the main house, and this is the family room and meals area- I love that table- that would be our GAME TABLE!!!

The alfresco area is not covered in here, we will have a covered entertaining area to the left and across the side I am facing:

Can you tell that I love the kitchen!

Looking back to the front entry:
Here is Jen admiring the kitchen that I just LOVE

All of the bedrooms (except ours) and the laundry and main bathroom are off of the family room down a separate hallway. The hallway door is to the right of this photo- let's take a peek:

Here is the kids bedroom. It is presently the size of our bedroom on Ribbon Gum Pl. It does not show it well here, but this room is actually 3.7 x 4m
Who is this crazy person in my bath???!!!

Oh, that is just me, I had to check to see if I needed to order a LONGER one- you know, I am so tall and all....

This is where Scott THINKS is the kids' bedroom.....he has news coming- if he is getting his shed- the kids are getting THEIR room! Sam said they should have their OWN room, as we have the space for it, but I am not greedy- plus they like to snuggle up...

Inside bedroom 4: this is 3.5 x 3.5m- Scott has his back to the window here but we will have a sliding door instead and this leads out onto the entertaining deck.

This the last bedroom (Bedroom 3) which is also about 3.7x 3.7m anyway, it has a pretty big wardrobe.....
Back out the hallway to look once more upon my divine kitchen:

We went outside in the cold- the winter day did not provide sun, unfortunately and so the pictures are gloomy but it was our last opportunity to get back to the display home before heading overseas and so these shots will have to do. I think I am saying to Scott at this point that I am cold and heading back into the central heating.....

Next I will post the land we will purchase to build on and a map of where you can find us....

Please enjoy your walk through our home with Scotty on the following videos:

17 Sleeps

2008-07-14T09:49:00.002+10:00

I just thought, as I start my new week, I would share the exciting news:

17 Sleeps until Scotty and I take off for Newfoundland!!!

YAY!

We are so looking forward to seeing everyone and of being able to show Juanita and Scott the beauty that is Newfoundland and Labrador.

We are looking forward to 'the re-enactment' as we get married in NL and celebrate with my friends and family.

We can not wait to see (and for Scott to meet in some cases) mum and dad, Chris, Andrea, Hilary, Aiden, Robbie, Trinity, Lindsey, Nan, Aunt Ruth, Uncle Wayne, Les, Jordan, Aunt Max, Uncle Rob, Mandy, Reese, Aunt Sue, Aunt Lin, Aunt Bren and Brian, Aunt Brudy and Uncle Juice, Auntie Gwen and Uncle Dave, Uncle Bill, Nana, Lindsay, Bob, Nathan and Alex, Erin, Muggs, Joan and Rex, Bev and Doug, Marjorie and Jim, Maxine and Trevor and Tavian, Evelyn and Peter, Shona and Volker, Lynn Dyson, and of course my other sister, JUANITA!!!!

YAY!

As you can tell, with this most happy thought, I am starting my week on the right foot.

Hope you are as well!
love Jen- the Lost Newf....