Winter (so far) in Georgia………….

On November 24, 2014November 26, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

There is a joke here in the South. ‘Do you know what the difference is between a tornado and a divorce in the South? Nothing, because either way someone is about to lose a trailer!’

I am making light of our current situation as we are on tornado watch again. It’s odd as it is winter and an artic blast has hit most states north of us dumping vast amounts of snow (7 feet in some places), ice and sleet with further snow storms expected. Last night the wind bullied our house tirelessly and the night sky was alive with spectacular flashes of lightening from severe thunderstorms (super-cells) which raged from late afternoon through until about 9pm.

We were driving back from South Carolina when the first storm front hit and then we got caught up in the tail end of a tornado. Now happily, (and this is probably because we came out unscathed) but I am looking at our experience in a favorable light. I’m guess I’m a glass half full kind of gal today because this was, if nothing, an experience.

The roar and power of the wind, the spirals, the sky, the lightening – the bolts of which also ran along power lines, and the blinding heavy rain. Having said that, it was also quite frightening at times especially when in a car (which suddenly seemed incredibly small) on the interstate.

The blanketed sky. Dark, eerie with very low rushing cloud. I have never ever seen a sky like this before.

Tornadoes form in unusually violent thunderstorms. It is the uncommon mix of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold dry air from Canada which produces these super cells. It is indeed a heady mix and one which can be completely and utterly devastating. According to statistics, it is estimated there are over 1,000 tornadoes in the United States each year although it is thought many more are not reported or even recorded.

Luckily, the tornado predicted for our area did not ‘touch down’ but the violence of the storm did show itself. Many trees in our community have been almost stripped of their foliage, trees uproot, trees split completely in two or the centers of trees ‘twisted’ out as the winds reached over 70 miles an hour. Windows were blown out, power was lost and trailers in an adjoining suburb were damaged.

I guess on a more positive note the pecan trees were rattled to their core. The wind guaranteed these lovely trees, although somewhat unwilling, gave up their bounty of nuts. Pecans, fresh straight from the tree, are sweet and creamy. The shells are easily crushed under foot-fall so a walk around our estate (which is littered with these lovely morsels at present) can turn into a bit of a feast. Unfortunately these are all that remain of the pecans from our trees as I think the rest have probably been blown over into the next county.

We are due for colder weather soon and although Georgia boasts a milder climate I am still hoping for a little snow again. Despite all that I have seen and experienced the simple wonder of the first snow will always be beautiful…….that is unless of course, your roof has collapsed under the weight of seven feet of it xx

Footnote: A trailer is a pre-fabricated ‘mobile’ or static home usually rectangular in shape and generally found in trailer parks.

Note added Wednesday 26th: 3 confirmed tornadoes for our area during Sunday’s storms with one tornado being 6 miles wide which travelled just over 20 miles. No fatalities.

More random photographs from Oklahoma City……

On November 14, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Arrival at the Will Rogers Airport

This is what happens when adults meet a dear little pig……

I so want to go to a place called ‘Kickapoo’……

Farewell lovely Oklahoma City………

Oklahoma where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, and where the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet……..

On November 7, 2014November 7, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized6 Comments

Well, I think I am about to become one of Oklahoma City’s biggest fans. We have just spent 7 days in this amazingly uber cool city and I loved it. My understanding is that Oklahoma City is a little underrated however this is a must visit destination and for all the right reasons. There is an abundance of culture, history and charm in this very friendly and stunning town.

There are several ‘districts’ in OKC such as Automobile Alley, the Boathouse District, Bricktown, Deep Deuce, Paseo Arts District, the Asian District and the Historic Stockyards all of which I visited and enjoyed thoroughly. These areas are accessible on foot (my preferred mode of transport – the old foot Falcon) or via the free Downtown Discovery bus service.

Oklahoma City, founded and built in a single day is the capital and largest city in the grand state of Oklahoma. Think of Oklahoma and you imagine wheat, June bugs, cattle, ‘oh, what a beautiful day’, chaps, corn, BBQ stands, steak houses, flat lands, cowboy hats, Will Rogers, Route 66, prairies, ‘high steppin’ strutters’ and ‘surreys with the fringe on top’. Americas most loved stretch of road, Route 66, is located in this wonderful state and Oklahoma also has the longest section of the ‘Mother Road’ to its claim. And I am guessing that if Oklahoma had a signature dish it would surely be steak! Interestingly however, whaling is illegal in Oklahoma and on a more somber note, Oklahoma is still also identified by the heinous terrorist bombing carried out in 1995.

* Experience Oklahoma City:

Stockyard City – This is the authentic American West where you will find western boots, hats, belt buckles, spurs and huge ass steaks! The Cattlemen’s Steak House is also located here. An iconic landmark and Oklahoma’s oldest restaurant where cowboys have been going to for over 100 years. And no guesses who has actually dined here……..John Wayne! That is correct! Duke! The greatest American legend himself. Theoretically, there could be no better recommendation than that. And the Cattlemen’s seriously have THE best steaks ever!!

It was also here at the Cattlemen’s that I tried my first Lamb’s Fries which are not to be confused with Lambs Fry! These are lambs testicles ‘peeled’, breaded and fried. Also known as ‘cowboy caviar’ or ‘tendergroins’ (a personal favorite name of mine). Anyway, I manned up….well girled up actually, and chowed down. I think about twenty came out on the plate and I have to say they were very enjoyable.

And then there were two……..

American Banjo Museum: This is a beautiful little one of a kind gem in downtown Oklahoma City. This dinky little museum celebrates the history, heritage and unique sound of one of Americas most iconic instruments. This gorgeous museum of two levels is stocked full of banjo’s and should definitely be listed as a national treasure. It is located in the Bricktown Arts District – 9E Sheridan Ave.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: An impressive showcase of the glory of the American West with sculptures, over 28,000 works of art/Indian art works and artifacts, history and exhibits. If you also happen to be a ‘cowboy and western movie buff’ (and in particular a John Wayne fan) then this wonderful museum will indulge you no end. Again, this is another must see when visiting Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: This sacred and beautiful memorial is thought provoking and equally heartbreaking. It truly honors the victims, the survivors, the rescuers and those whose lives have been forever altered on that tragic day in April 1995. Invest time here both day and evening.

OKC Centennial Land Run Monument: Located in the Bricktown District this majorly impressive monument commemorates the opening of Indian land in Oklahoma. Free standing bronze sculptures immortalize the moment in history when, at the precise stroke of noon, a cannon was fired signaling an avalanche of riders and wagons all in a race to stake their claim on a parcel of land. Grand, imposing and pretty darn spectacular.

Ice Hockey: I think I have become ice-impassioned and so much so, that I am beginning to plan our adventures around the USA to accommodate ice hockey games! Now, I love my AFL. There is no denying that fact however I find ice hockey may possibly be my one true love. It has taken me half a century to discover it and nothing compares. It is difficult to explain but if you have developed a feverish obsession for ice hockey too, then you will completely understand where I am coming from.

Oklahoma City Barons

* Markets and some very quirky little stores: There are so many great places and far too many to list so I will go with my favorites of the trip.

* H&8th Night Markets – located around N Hudson Ave in downtown OKC. These night markets, which run from March to October, are a great place to hangout. A super friendly street festival feel with more food trucks than you can count, people, live music and craft beer….oh and lots of well behaved leashed dogs.

* Verdigris – I have a soft spot for any odd unconventional little place where recycling, reinventing and repurposing holds center stage. Just loved this store which is located 415 NW 7th Street. Did I find a couple of eclectic items to bring home? Of course!

* Drink Oklahoma City: Uncharacteristically (not) I have listed some fab micro-breweries:

Tapwerks, Bricktown Brewery, Re-Public Gastro pub, Battered Boar Brewing Company plus the Will Rogers Lobby and Bar. There are so many great spots to pull up a stool and grab a drink in OKC so an open mind to exploration and an adventurous spirit are the keys when out and about.

Beer + a bull + a ‘Warey’ = a night out in Oklahoma…….

Coffee: Oklahoma City certainly has plenty going for it but coffee??……..well hell yes! And great coffee at that from a funky little place called Elemental Coffee Roasters. Just bliss having the perfect coffee.

Coffee Elemental style…..

* Eat Oklahoma City: OKC has some great food and restaurants on offer which makes it the perfect destination for a serious foodie. From classic southern comfort food to fatty briskets, amazing steaks, Asian fusion (do try the Vietnamese Curry Frogs Legs) to Italian, burgers to fab food trucks and the Macaroni Pony (a three cheese mac and cheese, chipotle pulled pork on jalapeno cornbread) and more. I tried an awful lot of food in OKC and probably gained about 10 pounds so it would be impossible to list all but my absolute favorites.

One word…….Steak!!! Cattlemen’s Café.

Steak, beer and good company…….oh, and you know who

Sweets and Eats: I loved this little ‘no frills’, cheap and cheerful place. Lunch is served between 11am and 1:30 pm only. You line up, order at the counter, find a seat, wait for your name to be called, grab your meal from the servery then sit back and enjoy. It is basic in concept but everything is fresh and homemade. Do try the chicken pot pie or the chicken noodle soup. Located 110 N. Robinson Oklahoma City.

Old School Bagel Café: Bagels made fresh daily the old school way – boiled then baked. These are perfect bagels and they are well complimented by the great coffee served up by the fab and very hip staff on N Robinson Ave. The perfect ‘pick-me-up’ whilst skulking around the streets of Oklahoma City.

Kitchen No. 324: Wow!! This very chic restaurant is located in one of Oklahoma City’s most historic buildings. Great menu offering fresh, locally farmed and sustainably sourced food. The staff are very attentive and the service great. Bonus – small but classic and very well selected wine list. Loved the food and would return again…..and again. Located 324 (as the name suggests) N. Robinson OKC.

316

‘We know we belong to the land
And the land we belong to is grand’………..

And Oklahoma has certainly been that. Grand! This is one place that I will long remember visiting. And that’s the great thing about travel. Sometimes its just you and that big wide wonderful world waiting xx

Won’t you take me down to Spookytown……

On November 3, 2014November 3, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized3 Comments

They say Trick or Treat and Halloween is so passé. I however, am here to set the record straight as those who profess this terrible untruth are completely and utterly incorrect!! Halloween has been a wonderful experience here in the states. Happy-go-lucky costumed children (and adults – not mentioning any two people in particular) running willy nilly through the streets largely unsupervised. Well that’s just priceless!

I know, the likeness is uncanny!!

No child was harmed during the taking of this photo……scarred for life perhaps, but completely unharmed

And that is Halloween done and dusted for this year. We had an amazing time and more fun than our little black Halloween hearts could hold…………roll on 2015 xx

It was creepy and it was kookie, mysterious and spooky….

On October 22, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized4 Comments

It is currently the season of Halloween here in the states. It also seems to be one of the most popular and celebrated holidays and quite frankly…….. it is brilliant!! I do believe I have very happily discovered I love Halloween. No doubt this is because it is the perfect opportunity for two seemingly 12 year olds (who somehow happen to be trapped in the bodies of 50 plus year olds), to dress up in costumes (yes…plural as in more than one costume) and eat our weight in lollies (candy for those in the US).

Americans obviously love Halloween too. Halloween stores have sprung up all over the country and the Goodwill stores (op shops) have their own ‘Boo-tiques’ which sell used Halloween costumes and decorations. Entire houses are decorated inside and out, shops are decorated, restaurants are decorated, front yards are decorated, people are decorated and there are ‘haunted’ barns and trails and houses set up all over America. And mind you, some of these are not for the faint of heart….nor the squeamish!

Traditionally Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the 31st of October however we have been in Halloween mode since the beginning of the month. Case in point! A couple of nights ago some wonderful friends and I went to the ‘Nevermore Hills Haunted Trail’. The trail was set up in the woods next to the Warner Robins Air Force Base. It is run by volunteers from the Warner Robins community who’s job it is, is to literally scare the living bejesus out you as you wander through barely lit woods, through haunted barns and through old derelict and very spooky houses. Clowns are very scary on their own but put them in a ‘haunted trail situation’ and they are guaranteed to be the scariest thing you will ever see. This is an evening stroll in woods you will never forget!! And of course we got completely into the theme of the evening by dressing up. Frankly I was very excited….who wouldn’t be. Was that a bad thing!

Wednesday Addams…complete with headless doll and grim disposition 🙂

More Halloween to come but in the mean time……..I’m off to carve another Jack-O-Lantern xx

The Georgia National State Fair

On October 19, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Georgia National State Fair is an eleven day showcase running from the 2-12 October promoting this states heritage, its people and its agricultural significance. And my best tip when attending………avoid wearing good shoes.

State fairs are a classic American tradition. They are wholesome, family friendly celebrations with concerts, animals, agriculture, arts and craft, entertainment, carnival rides and exhibits. The people watching alone is fascinating and the fair is also where you will find battered and deep fried ‘pretty-much-everything’ and usually served on a stick!

State fairs are meant to be fun so do leave your weapons, opiates and snippy attitudes at home but do bring an open and adventurous spirit. I guarantee you will enjoy the experience tenfold.

This was our first state fair and it was great and to follow are some random photographs taken on the day………………..

‘Deep Fried Twinkie’

‘Deep fried Oreos’…do try them and you will thank me

The quintessential ‘Corn Dog’. We worked our way through three of them, two being foot longs

‘Cotton Candy’….fairy floss to Australians

We took one for the team and tried the ‘Deep Fried Cheesecake’

‘Funnel Cake’….its not pretty but it tastes good – cake batter poured through a funnel into hot fat then deep fried until crisp. I am told it has more than 760 calories and over 55 grams of fat. Was it worth it…..of course !!

100

Definitely a one-stop-shop for everything!!! and that is correct, you can have your laundry done while you are at the fair

Book Group…..

On October 10, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized4 Comments

Sometimes its the little things that do the most good. Like the simple pleasure of a book. Books engage and confront. They afford solace and inspired moments. They allow you the spirit to explore that which is not attainable and provide an expansion of knowledge. At times too it seems, they can offer you the greatest of comfort.

William Morris, the creative English novelist, poet and social activist once wrote – have nothing in your home you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful! The beauty and usefulness in my home I know comes from books.

I love books and something quite wonderful happened to me when I moved to America. I was invited into and joined a book group. This is the first book group I have ever been involved with and my Navman was of particular use on the first evening I went. I drove to a small tree lined sub division some 20 minutes from my home. I had only been living in America for about 7 weeks at that stage and driving was a whole new experience….especially at night in icy conditions. I walked up the path to the front steps of a house I had never been to before. It was bitterly cold out but inside the home was a group of warm, welcoming women I then knew very little about. Some were lovers of books and the written word and some just there for some much deserved social stimulation – tip number one: you don’t need to be a book worm to join.

One of the things I enjoy most about this group is that it has allowed me to entwine my life with a group of people I might never have gotten to know. Once a month on a Tuesday evening the doors of a house are opened to welcome and you don’t, as I have discovered, need the requirement of good taste in literature to pass over the threshold. Tip number two: lower your expectations when joining a book group as literary tastes certainly vary. Again a joy of this group is that I have read some books I would not normally have touched with a ten foot pole.

We all bring a dish to share and eat supper together then with glasses of wine or cups of coffee in hand we make ourselves comfortable and ready for discussion. Some books have polarized opinions and the conversations and discussions have been heated yet stimulating. And of course everyone has a differing opinion on what makes that particular months chosen book great or a dud. Often we veer off the intended subject but we always manage to come back again. The hours pass quickly and soon it is late in the evening. We eventually leave but those few hours linked by the unity of a book has reminded us of the small things that are often amiss such as the essence of sharing and companionship……..both of which I am very thankful for.

The days here in Georgia are becoming shorter and cooler and winter will soon be upon us once again (which I find is the perfect reading weather). I am still working my way through the formidable ‘must-do-reading-list’ I set for myself. Down another four classics with only thirty to go now. Currently though, it is ‘fall’. A beautiful season of color and change and Halloween and thanksgiving. I cannot help but wonder what other people give thanks for however I know for me, that I am most thankful to have the gift of reading. Reading and my love of books has offered me the privilege of freedom. Something I will be forever grateful for xx

It’s all relative……….

On October 1, 2014October 1, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized8 Comments

Oh dear! The productivity level on the blog has been a little lower than usual so my apologies for my lack of attention. In my defense however, it has just been an extraordinarily busy time for me. Within two hours of arriving back from Panama City Beach in Florida I was eating Tim Tams, Mint Slice and Freddo Frogs. I had no choice in the matter! Morally, I am duty bound as an Australian girl to do so and the above three things are items I have certainly missed since leaving Australia. Ditto on vegemite too!

After all that, it was then onto Savannah, Papa Buck’s BBQ just off the interstate 16, a visit to Stone Mountain, hanging out in a Dublin boot store, going to a classic car auction, a day at the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, 18 rounds of mini golf, cocktails etc. etc. etc.

And all that plus more, was packed into a ten day time period. Why! Well we had family all the way from Australia visiting. Mum and Rob arrived from down under to spend some time with us in sunny downtown Warner Robins, Georgia – home to a sea of chain restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets, two Wal-Mart stores (and yes, as Mum and Rob discovered, the ‘ethereal’ Walmartians really do exist!!), Robins Air Force Base, pecan orchards and cotton fields.

The visit…….

Stone Mountain: This is one of Georgia’s most visited attractions. It is also one of the largest exposed masses of granite in the world. Native American Indians originally used this mountain and its surroundings as their meeting and ceremonial place. Now, it has become a major tourist attraction due to the massive ‘Confederate Memorial’ which is carved into the side of the rock. During our time at Stone Mountain we rode the Summit Skyride to the very top of the mountain, travelled the scenic railway, saw the amazing laser light show in the evening and Mum and Rob got to see their first glimpse of a couple of very cheeky raccoons – little bandits who sleep during the day and play (up) at night.

Tourists

Ditto 🙂

Classic Car Auction: most of the cars at the auction came with an attached sign which read – *runs and drives*! Well frankly, so do most of my friends!!

Savannah: Just a beautiful part of the world!

Ocmulgee Indian Celebrations: Each September, the southeast of Georgia becomes the largest gathering of Native Americans. This amazing celebration is a joyous sharing of culture, dance, storytelling, singing and history. If you are ever in Georgia around the third weekend in September then I can very highly recommend this festival to you.

More random photos from the visit:

And you know, that’s the funny thing about family. Sometimes you love them and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes they make you laugh and sometimes the ones who you think should be the closest and kindest to you make you absolutely miserable. But be they the blood you are born into or if you are lucky enough, the family you make for yourself, they will always be significant in your amazing life.

Thank you both for a lovely visit and thank you again for the incredible stash of Aussie goodies (which also included ‘snakes’…..Allen’s, not the live scaly kind) you managed to bring over with you.

And just like the demise of this fabulous crab………. that’s all folks xx

Panama City Beach, Florida

On September 22, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

Panoramic coastal drives, beautiful sunsets, white sands, a clear aquamarine ocean and sunny days? You must be in Florida!

They call Panama City Beach ‘The Redneck Riviera’ however there is no better way to restore the soul than to spend four days swimming in the wonderful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Generally this ocean is calm, flat and serene. Interestingly, the best and only time to surf it is throughout the hurricane season as this tranquil sea can produce waves up to 12 feet high during that time.

The waters off the coast line are crystal clear. So clear in fact, you can see sand dollars and shells underfoot, dolphins, fish and majestic rays gliding silently past. I was truly blessed early one morning to find myself swimming within a school of Lesser Devil Rays (also referred to as smaller Manta Rays). My early morning walk/swim became one of the most amazingly beautiful days of my life. These little rays are incredibly inquisitive and playful and swimming alongside them will be an experience I will never forget.

Sea bird life is abundant……

School of Lesser Devil Rays………

Eating at Panama City Beach: If you ever happen to find yourself down Panama City Beach way then I can very happily recommend a couple of places. Both have a great selection of fresh seafood available and both dining experiences are as different as day is to night.

* The Saltwater Grill – lovely with great food, great service and a very good wine selection. The highlight of the restaurant is the 7 feet high 25,000 gallon saltwater tropical aquarium which is visible from most seating areas in the restaurant. The food here was really good and although it is a little more expensive than your usual ‘chain’ it was certainly worth it.

The dessert ‘taster’ at the Saltwater Grill

* Dusty’s Oyster Bar – ‘the home of warm beer, lousy food and ugly waitresses’! That’s their catchy little slogan but don’t believe a word of it because this little place is a hoot. Great food, great service, great atmosphere and great beer. If you want to hang out with the locals, who by the way are very friendly, welcoming and interesting then this is the place to be. Dusty’s is also where the locals eat which in my book is a pretty good recommendation so grab a seat and try some of the best oysters, freshly shucked at the bar, along with crab and shrimp….prawns to Aussies.

More random photos from Panama City Beach Florida:

Panama City Beach is lovely. With 27 miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches, warm gulf waters and a beautiful ocean how could you not but enjoy the journey xx

Its a wide open road (part II)…….The Great Smoky Mountains

On September 9, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

It is said the mighty Cherokee Indians fell in love with these beautiful mountain ranges and it is easy to see why.

The mist shrouded Great Smoky Mountains showcase some of the most stunning American wilderness around. These mountains are also some of the oldest on earth and are more than 800 square miles in land mass.

You can appreciate the wondrous beauty of the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car or you can hike the trails and breath in the full splendor of this remarkable part of the world. We hiked a trail in the mountains for just over 4 hours to the Rainbow Falls. This is a waterfall where on certain days, when the mist is perfectly positioned, a rainbow is produced. It was an incredible adventure and one I would happily do again. We also travelled on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This is a twisting turning road which loops through some of the most gorgeous and pristine forests the Smoky Mountains have to offer.

During our time in the Mountains we saw an elk and her baby in a picture postcard wildflower meadow, a black bear with her two cubs, butterflies, bird life, waterfalls, rocky streams, huge mossy granite boulders, deer and wild turkeys all among the back drop of these beautiful mountains.