Dallas Texas…… Part I

On February 21, 2015February 23, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

We are just back again from big beautiful Texas. The city of Dallas this time, the ninth largest city in the United States and where the cattle population is estimated to be near 16 million……that’s a lot of steaks!! Think of Dallas and you think (sadly) of the assignation of John F Kennedy but there is a whole lot more to this amazing city. Restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, history and more. For all its positives though, Dallas does have a couple of little negatives – it is illegal to take three sips of beer while standing and on the topic of beer, the entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas!! This is because it contains the formula for making beer at home. Your going to look that up now aren’t you.

Oddly too, more popcorn is consumed in Dallas than anywhere else in America. Why? I have no idea and the ‘Margarita’ is also thought to have been invented here. And believe it or not (and you have to believe this because its true), a ‘Valentines Margarita’ in Texas will cost you $30K (that is correct, 30 thousand dollars US). That must be some cocktail I hear you say! Well, it is as it has a pair of diamond earrings dangling from the lime wedge on the side of the glass.

Dallas hits you as soon as you step off the plane as the Dallas/Fort Worth airport is larger than New York City’s Manhattan Island and this airport also boasts the largest parking lot in the world. It would be safe to say it is not a good place to forget where you parked your car.

To date we have visited four cities in the state of Texas and the one thing I have found that I have loved in each is the modern architecture. The buildings are beautiful. Most are in stunning reflective glass and they tower over the city. And it is all mixed so beautifully with the original historic buildings and sites.

We saw some amazing sites in Dallas, walked the streets, ate the best steak ever, indulged in some pretty great cocktails, allowed ourselves to be carried away in history and soaked up the atmosphere of this wonderful contemporary city.

A snapshot of our trip to Dallas:

The Dallas Farmers Market – the largest working farmers market in the entire United States. Whenever I am visiting somewhere I always check to see if there is a farmers market on during my planned stay. Very luckily, these wonderful seasonal markets were open.

At these markets we also had one of the best cups of coffee (ended up being two)….ever!! Big call I know in the land of the coffee drinker however this market stall ‘Palmieri’ will serve you up the best handmade coffee bar none plus they have amazing pastries….the infant calzone being my favorite.

Dallas Farmers Markets – open Thursday to Monday 8-5, located 1010 S. Pearl Expy Dallas.

Wild Bills Western Store – a quirky place right in the heart of the historic district on Market Place for all things western.

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And of course any ‘western’ store always allows me to indulge in my favorite past time……..seeking out John Wayne

Deep Fried Onion Rings……see everything really is bigger in Texas!!

Located adjacent to the Dallas Convention Centre is ‘Pioneer Plaza and the Pioneer Cemetery’. This amazing and impactful site features a re-creation of a cattle drive. All in bronze, the sculptures depict long horn steers which are being driven by three cowboys. Truly an impressive sight and a must see on a tour of Dallas.

Beautiful love affairs don’t just happen in the movies. Sometimes they are the places you very luckily and happily visit which stay in your heart…….. xx

Boston Massachusetts – Part II – further musings and random photographs……

On February 9, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Fenway Ballpark: a place to ponder the mysterious Red Sox fan and one of Americas best loved ballparks. The park is over 100 years old and there was nothing more enjoyable on a cold winters day than to be skulking around this sacred turf with a guide who had one of the best Boston accents I have ever heard. During this tour you get to sit in the oldest seats in all of major league baseball, sit in the press box, hear great stories and they encourage you to take literally a gazillion photos. This year-round tour is a must if you ever find yourself in Boston…..and you don’t even have to be Red Sox fan to enjoy it.

Bleacher Bar: So named because this bar is located right under centerfield wall which happens to be right under the bleachers. This is a great little bar and a definite must stop on the way from sight seeing Fenway.

The New England Holocaust Memorial Boston: A very beautiful and thought provoking memorial along the Freedom Trail of Boston. The memorial has six illuminated glass towers symbolically etched with six million numbers representing the six million Jews killed in the holocaust. It is a walk-through memorial where the inner walls are inscribed with quotes from survivors of each camp. Steam rises up from between the grates of the dark floor where tiny lights twinkle.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market: Right in the heart of downtown Boston Quincy Market is a treasure trove of food stalls, restaurants and shops. I also like to think Quincy Market is named after one of my favorite actors Jack Klugman. Steve did not find my history lesson on the naming of the hall credible however he was not, by his own admission, a fan of ‘The Odd Couple’ or ‘Quincy’! Faneuil Hall, constructed in 1742, also holds small market like shops and a museum and armory of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

Freedom Trail: this is one of the best introductions to Boston’s fascinating history. Follow the red brick path that winds through Boston for 2.5 miles past sites such as the Boston Massacre, Boston Common, Old North Church and Paul Reveres House.

Cannoli’s: I do love a little decadence served in a little white box tied with string……these are a few of my favorite things. Boston’s bakeries, especially true of those in the North End, are know for their long lines and cannoli! After eating some pretty serious food in Boston you may not think it is humanly possible to squeeze a cannoli (okay three) in. For this one act alone however, you will be richly rewarded.

More random photographs of Boston….

The frozen ‘Charles River’ in Boston….see, I told you it was cold!! Does frost bite build character??

Happy Australia Day 2015

On January 26, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

It is that time of the year again. Australia Day! One of my favorite days of the year and once again, no matter where Australians are in the world, they celebrate. Now normally in Australia this special day is celebrated with lamington eating, flag waving, thong throwing, classic Cold Chisel blaring (play Khe Sanh…..), ute musters (a personal favorite of mine), beach cricket, copious amounts of Aussie pride, cracking a coldie, snags on the Barbie, pavlova’s – I have just discovered my very clever and very sweet friend Janine makes THE best pav’s ever!! She also happens to drive a thumpin’ Camaro but back to the amazing pav’s – incredible!!.

And just because we live in America, that doesn’t mean tradition stops at the border. We still celebrate Australia Day in the US. So ‘Happy Australia Day’ everyone. Australia truly is the lucky country so wherever you are and whatever you are doing, have a great one. Hooroo xx

Boston Massachusetts – Part I

On January 23, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

Beautiful Boston. Located on the northeast Atlantic coast on Massachusetts Bay, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US. Walk the cobblestone lanes and you will find beautiful neighborhoods, colonial architecture , wonderful restaurants and a rich and fascinating history.

This is the city of: The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, Cheers, cannoli’s, markets, amazing seafood, the Freedom Trail, great micro-breweries and Sam Adams beer, lobster rolls, the Red Sox, Fenway Ballpark, clam chowder, Harvard, lobster bisque, infamously confusing streets, swan boats, Dunkin Donuts and Boston Cream Pies. Boston is not however, known for the Boston Bun (which is a natty little Australian invention).

Boston has a bit of a familiar feel to it. I’m not sure, but perhaps that familiarity came from watching years of Cheers.

We visited Boston over the past long weekend and it was COLD!! Bitterly, icy cold. It had snowed prior to our arrival so there was frost, ice and slippery conditions afoot and the bay was frozen!! I don’t think I have ever been so cold in all of my life however the experience of being in this uber wonderful city, which smells of oysters and fresh lemons, more than made up for it. It would also be safe to say that if you don’t like seafood, especially oysters or really anything that comes in a shell, then Boston perhaps may not be the place for you. Boston is chock full of oyster houses and seafood restaurants. We had some wonderful meals in Boston and my top three, from the many we dined at, I will very happily recommend. In no particular order:

‘Yankee Lobster Eatery’. A fab but non-flashy little place located at 300 Northern Avenue. Boston is famous for their lobster rolls so be prepared to eat the best one right here. Their fish and chips and fish stew were also excellent.

20150118_174317 ‘Walrus & Carpenter Oyster Bar’ – located right in the heart of Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. If you are lucky enough, grab a seat at their little bar. Chow down on some of the best clam chowder, the freshest oysters and do also try the littlenecks (clams) steamed in Saki!! Delish!! Local beer also on tap.

Another excellent place, referred to us by a Canadian friend, is ‘Legal Seafoods’. Overlooking the beautiful bay, this is a great place to sit, indulge in a cocktail and enjoy great seafood.

Ipswich Oysters!!! Perhaps not from Queensland though……

‘Union Oyster House’ – the oldest restaurant in continual use and service in America and established in 1826

It is easy to see why Boston has over 12 million visitors annually to its shores. It is a beautiful city. The stunning modern architecture has been beautifully mixed with older buildings, most constructed over a period of almost three centuries. Blend that with the incredible history of the area and Boston makes for the perfect travel destination.

Boston you had me at lobster roll xx

Part II to follow………..

Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Café…….

On January 15, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized3 Comments

If you have been keeping up with my blog you may remember I set myself a bit of a goal when I first arrived in America. I complied a list (which I called my ‘must-do-reading-list’) of what I considered American classics. Calling a book a classic is no doubt a hotly debated topic. What may well be a classic to me may not be considered a classic to another. A classic to me is a book that has not only stood the test of time but is a work that I love. A book which impacts me, rattles me, transports me, sparks my imagination, has me yearning because of the beauty with which it was written or that has me thinking about it long after I have read the very last page. I remember a quote I read years ago – a reader lives a thousand lives before he dies and the man that does not read lives but one……. and I believe that to be so very true.

Anyway, I can very happily report that I am still working my way through my ‘must-do-reading-list’ and from time to time, I seem to add a couple of extra books here and there. Only this past week did I add ‘The Scarlett Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorn, ‘The Call Of The Wild’ by Jack London, ‘Walden’ by Henry David Thoreau and ‘Cannery Row’ by Steinbeck. I am heading up to Boston this weekend and as it happens, The Scarlett Letter is set in Boston so I am taking that book to read during the flight……and while I am there.

So, back to this blog post. I read a book from my list – ‘Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café’. I enjoyed the book. It was set in the south (which is also where I live) and as some of you may know, a movie (good old Hollywood) was made based on that very book. As it happens, the town of Juliette where the movie was filmed, is only 38 miles from my home. Although the movie was filmed in Georgia, the true Whistle Stop Café was located in Irondale Alabama near where the author Fanny Flagg grew up.

It was fun to venture onto the original film lot and into the café. Of course once there, you must have the fried green tomatoes as they are actually very, very good. The rest of the food they serve in the café (including the coffee and the service) is less than average however my thought would be that you really only go there for the fried green toms.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café…..

The Whistle Stop Café and its menu. The menu lists items such as ‘country root fries’, a ‘yard bird salad ‘and ‘rooster strips’ plus they offer a daily specials board

So, its onto Boston for the long weekend which commemorates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jnr. With book, ‘The Scarlett Letter’ nestled in hand, my snow boots and snow coat on, my camera and some money tucked about my person I will walk the cold streets of Boston looking for the ‘Cheers’ bar. I am guessing that now you have that annoying yet catchy theme tune running through your head. Enjoy………and your welcome 😉 xx

Goodbye 2014 (and what a year it has been) and hello 2015……..

On January 10, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

And yes, what a year 2014 has been. Lots of travel, adventure and very good times in some very good company. It was an amazing and wonderful year and I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring.

For some, a new year involves a little custom called ‘out with the old and in with the new’. Me however, well I’m not big on new years resolutions and nor am I one to get rid of things easily from my life…..especially those that bring me much joy – you may see a very thinly disguised segue to Eileen here! You see Eileen (my Christmas tree – see previous blog) is still standing in our living room. I have actually grown quite attached to Eileen. When I wake up in the morning I turn on her lights and she sparkles away. That said, she is actually looking a little tired (a bit like an aged and jaded Vegas showgirl on a Wednesday afternoon in the harsh light of day) and I have taken to now adding nutrients to her water to give her a little boost however I suspect an intervention may well be in order. Its a tough one. I don’t feel I can just discard her – Christmas trees in the US suffer a terrible fate when they are no longer wanted. However, it is the tenth day of January as I post this so I fear her demise is eminent.

The aftermath of Christmas……so I guess you can perhaps see my point regarding Eileen’s disposal

Anyway, once again this new year will be filled with travel and adventure. We are off to a good start as this weekend we are heading to Columbus. While there we will take in an ice hockey game in the evening and in a week or so there is travel afoot to Boston. I am actually going ice skating in Boston. I have had some incredibly wonderful moments this past year and some well, lets just say not so great (and I have a feeling my ice skating caper will be one of the latter) but I am in the US so ice skating (no matter how treacherous or embarrassing) it will be. Although I consider myself more a traveler than a tourist I still like to do the little ‘kitschy’ tourist things when the mood takes me so it will be hot chocolate and ice skating.

Since moving to America, I am often asked if I miss home. Home being Australia. Well, the honest answer is no. There are things about Australia that I miss however for me, my home is always where I am living at any given moment. Therein my home is Georgia USA. So happy new year to all from the south. I hope it is a wonderful year filled with all that you deserve and more xx

Our new ‘Boxing Day’ tradition……

On January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized4 Comments

Boxing Day is traditionally celebrated the day after Christmas Day in Australia. Originally the day was called ‘Christmas Box Day’ as it was the day employees and servants received gifts from their employers…..a legacy from the colony of Great Britain. Boxing Day is not celebrated here in the US but it is quite a big deal in Australia. Our national Boxing Day traditions involve the Boxing Day Test (a cricket match held at the MCG) and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Celebrating Christmas here in the US had me thinking about traditions and it was at that time I came to the realization that as a family, we didn’t really have any traditions. They have been somewhat absent from our lives but I guess that could be said of other families too as traditions seem to be falling by the wayside. That said, its all about to change. We have a brand new Boxing Day tradition. Gingerbread!! And its all thanks to the Travis family.

This wonderful Canadian family have some great family traditions, one of which is making gingerbread for Christmas. And luckily for us, they invited us around on Boxing Day to make gingerbread with them. Small things like this seem support the fabric of friendships. That lovely weave we create with one another and one that will last throughout ones lifetime.

Maggie very quickly whipped up a batch of gingerbread using the same recipe her family has been using since her childhood. And yes, this is a tradition from her childhood which she has continued with her own family. And I have to say the kitchen smelt amazing. I think baking gingerbread is one of the best smells on earth. And gingerbread goes perfectly with champagne 🙂

Now the fun begins. Constructing the house….

The three engineers. Very serious business…….

Patiently waiting………..

This was so much fun and as I am a creature of habit, creating this new beautiful tradition for myself is somewhat perfect. I know that no matter where I am or what I am doing on this one day of the year I will continue with this new tradition (and I can’t wait for my kitchen to smell of gingerbread this time next year).

A lovely afternoon of gingerbread created a rich feeling of gratitude. Boxing Day, will from now on, always be ‘Gingerbread Day’ to me xx

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree……

On December 16, 2014December 18, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized4 Comments

Believe it or not we have been here in the states for just over 12 months. This year has gone by so quickly and I cannot comprehend all that we have managed to do and see in this first year alone. I was looking back last night over my blog, reminiscing about ‘this time last year’. Oddly this time last year we were deer’s in the headlights, we were not yet in our home, we were not yet settled and we were not yet sure how this whole move and first year would turn out……and just for the record, it turned out splendidly.

I love living in the South. Its the riotous culture, its where the accents and iced tea’s are sweet, its the southern food, the conversations, the yes ma’am’s, the true southern hospitality, the uniquely brilliant southern sayings and its where everyone’s heart is being blessed. Honestly, the south had me at mac and cheese and hush puppies!

This time last year I also blogged about the Christmas lights and the experience of Christmas here in the States and have no fear, the festive cheer is in overdrive once again. And I will very happily admit to loving it. The air is cold, there is frost about (good snow in other parts of the country) and I survived Halloween and Thanksgiving (wow, you can do so much with left over turkey!). It is a season of eggnog, radio stations devoted 24 hours to entirely playing only Christmas carols, snowmen, hot chocolate, ugly Christmas sweaters, comfort and joy, gingerbread, hope, Christmas lights, stockings hung by the chimney with care, Christmas trees strapped to car roofs, tradition and Charlie Brown Christmas Specials. You cannot ignore it, you cannot change it and you certainly cannot rename this time of the year because it is what it is……. Christmas. And what I also love about this season, that has remained unchanged, is the Christmas tree. And I don’t every believe your tree can be too big or too small, too ugly or too perfect when decorated, too tinseled or too untinseled. If you love it, then it is just right.

We have one. Christmas tree that is. A live, freshly cut beautiful Christmas tree. And she, (her name is Eileen), stands very proudly in the corner of our living room. And yes, this lovely 7 foot Fraser Fir has a lean to it making it the perfect, in an imperfect kind of way, tree for me. Finding a tree is fun and it is good to have a bit of help although it is not a complicated process. My ‘tree expert’ said the trick was all in the eye – ‘y’all need a real good eye to get the best tree’. Now, that afternoon his ‘eye’ may have been slightly off but very happily I have Eileen home for the holidays.

My tree had already been cut meaning it was not still in the ground held down by its roots but the base needed re-cutting in order for the trunk to be able to take up water. And yes, you need a proper base to hold your tree which will in turn hold water…….lots of water. They are very thirsty trees. That done my tree was taken to my car and loaded into the back. Seats down and Eileen took up an awful lot of room! Once home I wrestled my tree into position like a seasoned lumberjack. Of course Gus and Zoe were on ‘paw’ to help and once secured into the holding pot the netting came off. You need to let your tree ‘stand’ for more than 24 hours before decorating. This gives the tree time to unfurl.

Then the best part begins……

Eileen is decorated with 400 fairy lights. That is her real beauty and fairy lights are so cheap over here. I bought strands of 100 lights which all clip together to make a super stand for $2.89 a strand at Wal-Mart……oh, and do shop at Wal-Mart before Christmas. You will be richly rewarded for the people watching alone. The decorations are silver and sea foam/aqua with a little bit of lime green thrown in for good measure and a lovely snow flake (because I love snow and snow flakes) decorates the top of the tree.

Then I thought….as Christmas comes but once a year why not make a matching front door wreath as well

This was a wonderful and fun experience. Next year I am thinking of cutting my own tree and perhaps going slightly bigger. Actually, lets be honest with that statement! I am not so much thinking about it as planning it!

In the cold of our December evenings, our home is warmly lit by Eileen. Zoe loves her (albeit her ornaments) and Steve is still coming to terms with how the hell we happen to have a Christmas tree in our house. And me, well butter my butt and call me a biscuit ’cause I’m just plum happy about the whole thing.

‘O Eileen, O Eileen, You’ll ever be unchanging’

P.S…….Merry Christmas all and yes, that is snow falling on my blog site xx

* Update Friday 18th December – My dear Canadian friend Maggie made this beautiful snow flake ornament for me from crystal beads. This is one of those ornaments you treasure. The one that becomes that special family heirloom because of the sentiment attached to it. This lovely little one off work of art has been made and given with love and I will always treasure the memories connected to it. A very lucky girl am I xx

More random photographs from the 41st Annual Daytona Turkey Run 2014

On December 8, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

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41st Annual Daytona Turkey Run 2014, Florida USA

On December 1, 2014December 1, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

Daytona is the perfect road trip destination, especially when there is a 41 year old ‘thanksgiving’ tradition at stake. And this observance by the way, does not involve sitting around the family table feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie!

The ‘Turkey Run’, held at the Daytona International Speedway, is the one weekend of the year where petrol heads, car enthusiasts and collectors get to invade the sacred infield of this famous track. This three day event is one of the biggest car shows and swap meets in the US with over 6,000 classic cars for show and sale together with a massive swap meet/flea market. And be warned – you will definitely need the three days allocated for the ‘run’ and you still won’t get to see everything on offer.

Just a taster……….