Its a wide open road……

On September 2, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

Travel does the soul good so what better way to enrich ones spirit than to go road tripping once again.

On our most recent trip we headed to Knoxville, The Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge and Cherokee. I wrote about Dollywood in a previous blog post however Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains are also very worthy contenders for their own blog spots. And once again….don’t travel via the interstates otherwise you will journey for miles and miles and hours and hours and not actually see a single thing!

Eastern Tennessee is the home of Dollywood, the stunningly beautiful lavender tinged Great Smoky Mountains and the lively urban oasis of Knoxville. This part of the world is home to beautiful lush valleys, heart breaking scenic beauty – especially found in the Smoky Mountains, culture, abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.

* Knoxville: This a great weekend destination as it is only four and a half hours drive from Warner Robins (Georgia). The lovely and gracious town of Knoxville is nestled at the foot of the Smoky Mountains and is rich in culture, warmth and true Tennessean charm. It is chock full of restaurants, bars, very good cafes, live music, microbreweries and a very splendid Farmers Market. As you will know from following this blog spot, I love a good farmers markets and the one located in the heart of Knoxville is fantastic. There are food trucks (serving great food), fresh produce, beautiful craft, coffee, baked goods and historical reenactments. I like to watch natures gentle seasonal change through a farmers market. Summer has been of tomatoes and melons and peaches. It will be followed by the apple and pumpkins which in turn will be followed by a winter of parsnips and kale – the cooler weather seemingly keeps kale sweeter. It was sunny and cheerful at the Knoxville market. A place full of happy and much loved dogs, happy vendors, farmers wanting to talk about their produce, street music and colorful flowers.

The pedestrian only Market Square is the heart of the city. It is so vibrant it almost has its own heart beat. Not only are the Farmers Markets located there but also live theatre, summertime concerts and musicians. The square is also surrounded by uber cool bars and restaurants and dinky little specialty shops. The microbrew scene is Knoxville is also very impressive. We had some great beers in the ‘Downtown Grill’ located on historic Gay Street – great atmosphere, great food, great staff and very very fine beers. If in Knoxville do try the Grill. Beers at ‘The Casual Pint’ are also very highly recommended.

Another must do in Knoxville is to visit Mast General Store. A lovely American friend recommended this store (located in Gay Street) as it is one of the best and last remaining examples of an old country general store. With over 500 varieties of old fashion ‘candy’ (lollies to Australians), clothing, home goods, books, music and toys etc. this is a great place to wander around and find that little something special to take home.

Knoxville is a town which will have you wanting to return. Its a place that just makes you feel good for being there.

Live Shakespearian theatre on a Saturday afternoon in Knoxville

Breakfast of champions – sunny side up free range egg, creamy grits and malt stout cured bacon. Tomato pie and seasonal fruit….plus some hot cinnamon donuts to finish

* Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge isn’t for everyone and it certainly wasn’t for me. That said, it is one of the most popular destinations for vacationing families with 11 million people visiting this town each year! Picture miles of highway lined with every conceivable attraction such as mini golf, signs, arcades, signs, chain restaurants, signs, show venues, signs, small fun parks, signs, souvenir after souvenir store, signs, chain motels etc. etc. etc. and signs. It really was a visual assault.

* Cherokee: Sometimes Steve ‘see’s’ a hotel with character and I ‘see’ that same hotel with bed bugs! Given that, we still stayed overnight in the town of Cherokee which is located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The town is a bit too ‘touristy’ for me (writes the gal who loved Dollywood), however the ‘Museum of the Cherokee Indian’ is worth a look. There is history to be found in Cherokee – albeit a very sad episode of ethnic cleansing and duplicity. Indian art and handmade crafts are another bonus if you can acquire it from the true custodians of the land. Now there are an awful lot (or lot of awful) very tacky souvenir shops here plus faded facades and run down buildings around parts of the town. I also did not warm to the massive casino (which happens to be the regions biggest draw card sadly!). Does a huge casino such as this enrich and empower a community. I very much doubt it! There are always too many hands in the honey pot for any real benefit to reach those in the greatest of need on the reservation! By the way…..the Australian 70’s duo Air Supply are playing at the casino on October 24.

Something of interest though were the colorful, hand painted fiberglass bears dotted around the around the town of Cherokee. These have been painted by local tribal artists and each bear represents an aspect of Cherokee culture, their stories and the legends the Cherokee people hold most dear.

Next stop….The Smoky Mountains xx

Apples before and after a Dollywood makeover……

On August 28, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Apples before……………….

Apples after the Dollywood treatment……..

Please note: no apples were harmed during the compilation of this blog xx

Hooray for Dollywood……

On August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Okay. Its confession time. I’m not big on buying souvenirs! There, I’ve said it! I know there are those who love nothing more than to buy the shot glasses, the tee shirts, the bottle openers with swinging boobs, the stuffed cane toads holding tiny bottles of Bundy Rum (its a Queensland thing), the trucker caps, the fridge magnets, the kitschy and very often unattractive knick-knacks, the thong underwear that says ‘I love the Pope’ and the key rings etc. but frankly it is just not me. Don’t get me wrong though, because I actually love to see the tackiest, most tasteless and the seriously hideous of mementos this country has to offer. That I love! I just don’t want to own any of it……until now!! One word. DOLLYWOOD!!!

Dollywood is an amazing theme park set on 150 acres and is owned by the legendary country entertainer Dolly Parton. It is as American as apple pie and the stars and stripes and in true Dolly style the park is brash and brassy yet wonderfully sweet and cheerful.

Dollywood easily made it onto my list of top 5 fabo places I had to visit while in America. And did I mention it is my new favorite place. Well it is! Dollywood is family friendly and one of the happiest places on earth to be. It is clean, easy to navigate, the food is great, there is something for everyone, it caters for all ages, there are rides and attractions galore, the staff are very friendly and helpful and best of all…….there are rollercoasters!!

And as a rollercoaster pundit, I will happily state the rollercoasters at Dollywood are brilliant. One of my favorites, The Thunderhead, is a wooden rollercoaster constructed of over 700,000 board feet of Southern Yellow Pine. It has 22 turns and 32 cross overs and has heights and drops of 100 feet. It was my first ride on a wooden rollercoaster and for the experience alone I am rating The Thunderhead 5 out of 5.

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My other favorite rollercoaster of the day was the Wild Eagle. This is a piece of engineering brilliance. The Wild Eagle is Americas first steel ‘wing’ rollercoaster with its highest peak at 21 stories. There is nothing but air above you and air below you. Another 5 out of 5 rating for the sheer thrill of this amazing ride.

There is also something quite wonderful about Dolly Parton (apart from the obvious). She is a campaigner for children’s literacy. Her love of books has inspired her to set up a charity which provides books to disadvantaged children, free of charge, to over 700 communities throughout the world. How could the gift of a book not be the most loving and thoughtful of acts.

Random photographs from Dollywood:

One of Dolly’s wigs on board Dolly’s tour bus and yes, I was on Dolly’s tour bus

Quirks of Dollywood:

* Dolly’s Closet: Do go to Dolly’s closet. This amazing store is dedicated to Dolly clothing. As you can imagine I didn’t buy anything! I’m not really a rhinestone and sequin kind of girl.

* Popeye: Keep a look out for Popeye, Dolly’s much loved little dog. There are wonderful photos of him around the park and he always seems to have been photographed with the same expression. Priceless!!

DO: Keep your eyes open for pictures of Dolly's dog, Popeye.

* Souvenirs: There is an amazing array of souvenirs to choose from at Dollywood. One I found particularly odd however, were the hunting knives which are handcrafted on site. The craftsmanship is beautiful but I could not help but wonder that you probably should not be purchasing a hunting knife at an amusement park. Especially from such a cheerful and jolly amusement park at that.

* Eagle Mountain Sanctuary: a safe haven for permanently disabled bald eagles not able to be released back into the wild.

The beautiful and majestic bald eagle. The national symbol of the United States.

* Lovely little birdhouses – I love birdhouses and there are plenty to be found which are dotted randomly throughout the park.

* Hot Cinnamon Bread: The fully operational Grist Mill serves up to 1,200 loaves of this famous freshly baked bread daily. The aroma of this sweet baking bread is unbelievable.

Not the prettiest looking of breads but the taste….WOW!

Dollywood was wonderful and it was everything I expected and more. I was so happy to be there my face hurt from smiling so much and I guess if I had to describe Dollywood in one word it would definitely be …..GO!!

And Dolly, I will always love you xx

I am blue……..

On August 7, 2014February 10, 2023 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized1 Comment

It’s okay not to be perfect……

It had to happen. I’m blue…..

Literally. I am the colour blue…….as in indigo blue thanks to a fab pair of dark denim I recently purchased at a flea market.

And here’s how it happened. Me – hanging out at a wonderful junky flea market. There is something inexplicably likable about flea markets. They make me happy just for being there and flea markets are amazingly interesting places filled with ‘stuff’. Other peoples ‘stuff’ to be precise and frankly I love nothing more than to be systematically examining (with the greatest of scrutiny) other peoples interesting yet unwanted ‘stuff’….although generally you also seem to find some very scary looking dolls at places such as these!

I am convinced she was much loved by someone at one time……okay convinced is somewhat implausible!

And back to being blue. And I know some of you are ‘tsking’ at this very moment (and I know who you are). ‘Tsk, why didn’t she wash the jeans before she wore them’. ‘Tsk, why didn’t she wash them with a good handful of salt’. Well have no doubt ladies (and one gentleman who happens to be a fervent tsker……not mentioning any names Neal!) I did wash the jeans. Several times in fact given where they were purchased from and rest assured they were also washed in water saltier than the Mediterranean. Anyway, once worn and I was blue. To say it isn’t easy being green is an understatement because being blue is far more a difficult look to pull off.

At the same markets I also found this wonderful little vintage brooch.

My beautiful brooch photographed on the offending jeans!

And a couple of my best tips for good flea marketing:

1. Get there early

2. Get there early!! xx

San Antonio Texas – More Random Photos and Further Musings……

On July 21, 2014July 21, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Part II

A Scotsman and a French Canadian walked into a bar…….

We were very fortunate for part of this trip to have been travelling in the company of some of the members of the Canadian Air Force and their families. It was lovely to have shared in their time, friendships, conversations over dinner and drinks and to have listened to their stories and opinions and thoughts. For me, it is always refreshing when people have something of worth and interest to say and it seems especially so when from another country. And should you ever happen to run into a Canadian (who on the whole seem quite an agreeable bunch – they actually have an ‘Apology Act’), then here are a couple of things you may find handy to know:

1. Don’t ever refer to them as yanks (otherwise they may beat you stupid with an ice hockey stick).

2. They have a disturbingly odd addiction to maple syrup (and ice hockey)……….oh, and they don’t marry their relatives (kin) either.

Now for something a little different. A yoga class on an old San Antonio railway bridge…..located in the somewhat sketchier side of town. Outdoors became a beautiful yoga studio and even in the midst of city noise, local vagrants, drifters and train disturbance (a long goods train did thunder underneath the bridge at one stage) I was able to momentarily quiet my mind. I have an immense respect of yoga simply because it challenges me and it is often that small mindful prompt I sometimes need. Occasionally, its those little things that do the most good and how could yoga on a bridge in a city not be a lovely way to flood a little gentle kindness and goodwill over a community…….and of course I also happen to like a little urban independence as well.

Yoga with a view

Maggie and Ethan (part of the Canadian contingent). We spent pockets of time together exploring the San Antonio Zoo, some missions and of course the hotel pool.

Ethan – an official ‘Junior Park Ranger’

4th of July (Independence Day) also fell during our time in San Antonio. 4th of July in the States commemorates the Declaration of Independence – the United States declaring its independence from Great Britain on July 4th 1776. We had front row seats on our hotel balcony and as I looked skyward to a fireworks display more beautiful and heart rendering than I ever expected, I could not help but wonder of the ever eternal journey being sought for courage and personal freedom.

A national festivity involving gunpowder, explosions and lots of smoke…what could possible be wrong with that!

ghost signs……

I have a love of random writings found on toilet walls…..

The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas…..

On July 8, 2014October 26, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized3 Comments

Part I

We have just arrived back from a nine day trip to San Antonio in Texas. I am somewhat sleep deprived (nothing new on that front) but very grateful to have been able to travel to this lovely Texan city. Sometimes I feel I have travelled so much that I should be writing these blogs with a far greater insight or wisdom than appears. Really though, I can only tell you of my experience and of my time spent in any one place.

So, what can I say about Texas! Well, its BIG!!! The ‘Lone Star State’ as Texas is affectionately known, is nearly 1,000 miles across and even longer north to south. And Texas is full of real cowboys and real cowgirls along with being home to: long horns, Giant (okay, 1956 movie with Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean – if you’ve never seen it, rent it), epic cattle drives, cattle ranches, margaritas, cowpokes, the Alamo, Davy Crockett, cowboy hats, brisket, hand tooled leather goods, chilli, beautiful mosaics and colourful pottery and Texan honky tonks. It is also the state where it is illegal for children to have unusual haircuts and believe it or not, more wool comes out of Texas than any other state in the US.

San Antonio is one of Texas’s most historic cities. It was once home to the mighty Comanche and Apache Indians and is also home to the Alamo – The Alamo being one of the greatest icons of the American southwest. Spanish missionaries founded this area so there is a distinctly beautiful Hispanic and Mexican influence to the architecture and surrounds.

I found San Antonio to be a lovely clean city with vibrant urban neighbourhoods within easy walking distance. This city is so much more than just Mexican food and you can easily spend your days lost in history, art galleries, gardens, museums, food, ghost stories, green space, markets and little villages. Curiously, this town also allowed me the pleasure of entertaining two of my favourite passions – an Elvis impersonator and John Wayne.

Travel Tips: also known as ‘great things to do in San Antonio’

* Use a local map and get out and about on foot. There is an awful lot to see in San Antonio itself plus there are five beautiful and serene missions to explore. One of the missions, The Alamo, is located in the heart of San Antonio city itself. Take your time at the missions as exploring each one will take well over two hours. Guided tours are available and they are free as is your admission into the National Mission Parks.

* Chat with local San Antonian’s – locals always have great insight to the best places (be those not well known to tourists) to eat/drink and visit. I prefer not to rely on sites such as Trip Advisor so locals (and the fun and adventurous ones who have travelled there before hand) become a great source of information. San Antonian’s are also friendly, generous and happy souls but how could you be anything but happy when residing in this city.

* Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum – a definite visit for a little Texan quirk at its best. This registered museum is also the smallest in the world. Call first because as 90+ year old Barney says ‘It takes me fifteen minutes to quit what I’m doing and then I have to get my shoes on’. And ironically, this quaint little museum has no toilet (restroom).

* The River Walk – an urban oasis that meanders alongside the San Antonio river. Parts of the River Walk are very touristy however there are refreshingly remote stretches of the walk where the food and beer and atmosphere is great and the ‘tourist’ is scarce. Best experienced on foot however there are boats (small barge like vessels) that run continually.

* The Alamo – an amazing piece of history right in the centre of San Antonio. No doubt the Alamo is remembered more for what it symbolises – heroism and the ultimate sacrifice for freedom in the most overwhelming of odds.

* Op shops – San Antonio also has some of the best ‘sammy’ stores around (‘sammy’s’ are what I call Good Samaritan/op shops) and in the US they are known as ‘thrift’ stores. I had time to skulk around a couple of these wonderful stores and the following I can happily recommend should you ever find yourself in San Antonio: ‘Boysville’ 307 W Olmos Drive SA. As much as I would like to keep this little gem to myself I can’t, and that is purely because it would just not be fair to those who don’t already know of its existence. This store is probably one of the best op shops (big call on my part I know) I have been to since arriving in the US. The ‘Community Thrift Store’ 1047 SE Military Drive SA – a great store, very neat and clean with a good range of items.

* The zoo – set on approximately 56 acres the San Antonio zoo is ranked as one of the top zoo’s in the nation. It is also the 100th birthday of the zoo this year.

A Roo at the Zoo

* The Japanese Tea Gardens – set on an historic site which dates back to 1917 these gardens of year round beauty, including a koi pond, are located just down from the zoo (or up depending on which way you are travelling).

* Historic Market Square – colourful shopping and dining all in one spot combining the cultural and artistic influences of Mexico.

* King William Historic District – this is a really pretty 19th century Texas neighbourhood with beautifully restored homes. Definitely worth a stroll upon its quiet streets.

* Six Flags – I love these sorts of places and ‘Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ was great with some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, craziest, bone rattling rides and roller coasters around. Lured by a somewhat misleading promise (I can be very persuasive at times) Steve humoured my eagerness for air-time and stomach dropping sensations for about half of the day.

* The San Antonio Botanical Gardens – if you are a garden lover as I am then this lovely living museum is a must.

* You will find trailer fare to upmarket cuisine in San Antonio and it is certainly the place to occupy the often cultural void of the Warner Robins chain food stores. A word of warning though: the ‘Mexican’ food served at the larger bars/restaurants around the busier parts of the River Walk are less than average.

Happily recommended: also known as ‘some of my favourite picks for eating and drinking in San Antonio’

* ‘The owl and the monkey’. Okay, this place doesn’t actually exist so don’t look for it. What you will need to look for is a place called ‘Howl at the Moon’. Piano bar…perhaps! but a lot of fun with live music by very talented musicians. Note: It is only affectionately known to me as ‘the owl and the monkey’ so if you mention the venue by that name not one single person in SA will know what you are talking about.

The very charming French-Canadian Paul Lefebvre at ‘Howl at the Moon’

* The Menger Bar – drink like a rough rider in this fab old world bar situated right across from The Alamo. It was in this actual bar that Teddy Roosevelt recruited volunteers for the Spanish-American War. I loved the history and the dark cherrywood, the French mirrors and the old sepia photographs in this very memorable place.

* Delores Del Rio – a hole in the wall on the River Walk. I love it just because of the name and believe it or not it serves Italian fare. I am currently thinking of changing my name by deed poll to Delores Del Rio!

* Blue Star Brewing Company – great food and medal winning beers. Another place to indulge my current beer affection and San Antonio does have some very impressive independent breweries.

* The Granary ‘Cue and Brew’ – this is great. Handcrafted beer and traditional Texas barbecue. Do try the slow smoked brisket which begs the question – can you live your life feasting entirely on brisket? Located at the Pearl Brewery, this is a little gem.

* The Farmers Markets (Pearl Brewery) – Saturday from 9am to 1pm. They may be small in size but they deliver big with a wealth of amazing fresh local produce, freshly handpicked flowers, breads and handmade goods.

The perfect Farmers Market breakfast – iced coffee and a freshly baked empanada

* Saltgrass Steak House – recommended by Paul. Very good steaks and if you can, grab a table on the open verandah at the front of house. It is the perfect place to enjoy your meal, enjoy good company and enjoy the art of ‘people watching’ from.

* The Luxury – The venue is outside, it’s clever, it’s by the river, they give you dinosaur and alligator table markers, the food is good and the selection of beer and wine is great so what’s not to love…..and I do love it here. On impossibly sunny San Antonio days it is one of the best places to be.

* Good coffee I am finding is difficult to come by so if in SA head down to a little place called ‘Fearless Brew Local Coffee’. They served a perfect affogato – rich double espresso and very creamy ice-cream.

……….Sigh!

* Italian restaurants x 2 – forgive me for not remembering the names of two very good Italian restaurants we dined at however we were in very good company and those evenings are what has remained in my memory rather than the restaurant names…..if someone does know them however, please feel free to jog my memory.

* I have saved the best till last – Alamo Street Eat Bar. This is a fab urban gourmet food truck park and a great spot to enjoy some very impressive ‘street food’. I really have a weakness (and passion) for these sorts of places. Nothing fancy and basic in concept – simple and straightforward bar, communal picnic tables, clever choice of music spinning and open-minded conversations with complete strangers. Try the ‘chicka chicka bang bang’ and at the end of the evening, a plate of beignets.

I loved my time in San Antonio. It is a place where bonds and friendships have been for me, forged. It is a place that I have a longing to one day return. It is a place of beauty and history and it has evoked sentiment, something I have not paid much mind to of late. Most importantly though, it is a place where any excuse to re-visit will be a good one x

The Sweetest Things……

On June 26, 2014October 26, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Sometimes its the smallest things that can bring the most joy. Here is a snapshot of some of the lovely things experienced this past week……..

Sweet little ducklings in our estate

‘Our’ Canadian geese

Baby Canadian geese – growing up so quickly and yet endearingly beautiful

Flowering Hydrangea in our back yard – so pretty, they always remind me of butterflies

A Catbird enjoying one of my ‘birdbaths’

Beautiful Magnolia

Wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying something lovely today and everyday xx

‘Sweet Georgia Peaches’

On June 20, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Today marks the first official day of summer here in the states and it also marks the height of the peach season in Georgia. Georgia is known as the ‘peach state’ and has a reputation for growing the sweetest and juiciest peaches in the country. The peach season here usually runs from mid May to mid August and Georgia peaches are (so I am told) legendary. Their intense sweetness – a result of a searing summer heat, high humidity and sultry nights which produce ‘suGeorgia’ (sweet Georgia sugar) – sanctions reverence of this lovely fruit.

Peaches can be very fickle and I am fickle in my choice of them. Too early and the peaches are hard and exhibit little of their sweet flavour. Over ripe and they are unpleasant with soft mushy flesh. At their peak however peaches are rosy gold, delicately fuzzed, sweet smelling and even sweeter tasting. On these generously warm Georgia days, I can be found bent over the sink peach in hand with the cold tap running. It reminds me of eating mangoes in Queensland (my home state in Australia). You need a small child’s wading pool, your togs and beautiful Bowen mangoes. Its not pretty and not for the faint hearted (or those with genteel manners) but it really is one of the best ways to devour a mango.

Today I have decided to skulk about in my kitchen with perfectly pretty yellow-red blushed peaches for company…..all of which I am making into jam. It is beastly hot out but the air conditioner is working overtime and the kitchen is cool and welcoming.

Sweetened by the sun they are a beautiful sight…..

My peach jam recipe:

* Sterilize your jars

* 2 pounds of peaches, 1 pound of sugar, the juice of 1 lemon (I don’t use the normal jam ration of one to one as I like my jams on the less sweeter side).

* Pit and coarsely chop the peaches….I like to leave the skin on. Toss the cut peaches in the sugar and lemon juice and allow to sit for at least 2 hours (although I find overnight is better). In a heavy based pan gently simmer the mixture over a low heat – this will take quite a while so don’t pencil too much in for the remainder of the day. Stir the mix frequently and as the jam ‘foams’ skim the froth from the pan. I find if you leave the foam in the mix your jam becomes a little cloudy. Don’t discard the ‘foam’ though. I like it stirred through plain Greek yogurt and for a southern touch top with chopped pecans.

* When you think it may be ready you need to ‘test’ your jam. Remove the pot from the heat and drop a small amount of jam onto a small cool plate. Let the dollop stand for a moment then push it slightly. The jam should ‘ripple’ to the touch. If it is still a little ‘runny’, place the jam back onto the heat and cook further.

* Pour into your sterilized jars and seal.

Later in the year I will take from the pantry a stored jar of peach jam and remember fondly this day. I will recall the heat of my first summer in Georgia, the immense scorched pale sky, the two blue jays in the bird bath and the little family of wood ducks seeking relief from the heat under the shade of the pecan tree in our back yard. It all makes for happy days x

A Garden of Hope

On June 9, 2014June 9, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

We are between seasons at present here in Georgia. The very late of a June spring and the impending summer of which I am told will be very, very hot with soaring temperatures and extreme humidity. With much warmer days around, ‘day-lilies’ have begun appearing in some neighbouring gardens. Our garden sadly lacks these beautiful flowering perennials however having said that, we are custodians of two lovely mature pecan trees. The estate we live in is built among an old pecan orchard so wisely the developers kept many of these trees. Almost every yard here has a pecan and these stunning trees also line the winding streets and avenues of our estate.

Today was another forecast of humidity and high temperatures with evening thunderstorms so I began my day in the garden early. I have dug, pruned and weeded. I am trying to improve the garden with lots of organic matter and pelletised manure…the neighbours will be happy! and I planted out some herbs and small punnets of colour. I have ordered mulch too as the garden has not been mulched since it was first planted over nine years ago and as you know gardens, as in the case with most things, do not respond well to neglect or lack of nurturing care.

I find gardening addictive and relaxing and a garden has always had much significance in any home I have lived in be it rented or owned. It is a place where I seem, apart from the ocean, to do some of my best thinking and where I also feel much contentment.

Although I am dreaming of a garden of abundance I know this will be a work in progress. There is still much to do and accomplish. The heavy clay soil is nutrient poor and many of the established shrubs are stunted and lacking vigorous new growth. All that aside though, it has been a lovely day and I am beginning to enjoy this garden more as I am seeing less of the faults and flaws and more of its potential. Yes I miss my garden in Gawler but I am missing it much less as today I also planted food in the form of raspberries and a summer salad green leaf crop amongst the shrubs.

It is almost the end of the day and yet the sun is still shining hard and usually does so until around 8.45pm unless we have an early evening thunderstorm. I am sitting near the window as I type this blog watching the birds and squirrels, two small native ducks and a pair of wild Canadian geese and their beautiful goslings who have begun to visit our unfenced yard on a regular basis.

Essentially, I have planted hope. Hope that all will thrive and grow here in my garden in my tiny little part of the world, just as my new life here in the United States is also beginning to flourish and bloom x

Las Vegas Nevada Baby!

On May 31, 2014October 26, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Memorial Day long weekend has just passed here in the states. Memorial Day is a national holiday and marks the remembrance of those men and women who have died in service. And not to confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day: ‘Memorial Day’ is a day of remembering and honouring those who have died during service and ‘Veterans Day’ is to celebrate the service of all US military veterans. We remember and we thank you.

On Memorial Day many hundreds of volunteers place the American flag on each grave site in national cemeteries

So, its a long weekend and what better way to celebrate than to hit Las Vegas for a few days! And sure, Vegas is glitz and glamour and tack and trash all rolled in to one slightly tatty yet fabulous package, so what’s not to love.

Just over 39.7 million people visit Vegas each year. And why? Well Las Vegas is home to Fremont Street, casinos, lights, dancing fountains, the Vegas strip, neon’s, shows, Red Rock Canyon, showgirls, Elvis impersonators, The Golden Nugget, roller coaster, Hoover Dam, The Grand Canyon, The Neon Museum (the boneyard for over 450 pieces of old Vegas signage), did I mention Elvis!, Wayne Newton, bail bonds, eye traumatising sights and the Mob.

You can get hitched at the Little White Chapel where Sinatra married Mia Farrow. You can declare your ‘hunk-a-hunk (of undying) burning-love’ in front of an Elvis impersonator. You can have a drive-thru-wedding. You can be married almost anywhere, anytime day or night (most run 24 hours a day – no blood test required) and a licence will set you back around $55. The average cost for a divorce however is around $450 unless you scoot over the border to Mexico and have it all annulled there.

You can visit places such as Venice or Paris and not even leave the state of Nevada. You can ride the roller coaster in New York (and we did!). You can see the brightest lights anywhere in the world as there is around 15,000 miles of neon tubing on the strip and downtown alone. And if all that’s not enough, then the ‘people watching’ entertainment alone will be well worth the trip.

Oh, and if you happen to go and shoot your neighbours barking dog while residing in Vegas then be warned. Your neighbour can legally hang you for it! I prefer their other law. It is illegal to ‘drive’ a camel on the highway. The punishment for that crime appears less harsh – you are required to sit through an excruciatingly painful Justin Bieber concert! Actually no, that is a far more punishing sentence.

You knew this would be coming. Vegas is the perfect place to indulge my ~~passion~~ obsession for Elvis impersonators! Is ‘Elvi’ plural for more than one Elvis?

Uncanny isn’t it!

* Food of Vegas – There is everything here from Michelin-Star restaurants to celebrity chefs, from cheap to expensive to the quintessential culinary delight of Vegas. The all-you-can-eat buffets! Do a buffet just for the experience alone. In fact, it should be compulsory for all visitors to do one while in Vegas.

You know I had one!

* Fashions of Vegas – I think almost anything goes here with regard to fashion. In sin city you can actually turn up to a casino in your togs! (swim suit for those not from Queensland). And anyone and everyone wears a swim suit here. Be they big or small or huge, the two piece appears to be part of the mandatory dress code in Vegas (and strangely worn with high heels). Others include: A lady of unknown age (but lets say she could have been well over 70) wearing an outfit constructed entirely of varying lengths of string. String!!! I saw more old fake-tanned wrinkly flesh in two minutes than I will ever need to see again in my life time. And may I just say, my ideal use for string would be for trussing up little Cornish hens or for wrapping brown paper packages. Not for clothing! The velour tracky pant also seems to be making a resurgence here too or perhaps it has just never gone out of style. The said track suit pant more often than not, have something obscure emblazoned on the back of them too such as ‘juicy’, ‘butt’, ‘daddy’, ‘slutty’ or ‘phat’. Why they had to advertise these facts I do not know when it was completely obvious! Then there are the outfits which looked like lingerie. No, actually they were lingerie! And shorts. The ladies like their shorts here and they like them very, very short and very, very tight! Did I feel a tad over-dressed at times? Most certainly!

* Getting around – You know the answer to that. On foot (if you have the stamina)! Vegas is a pretty good city to do on foot but it is tiring. There is so much to see and do and the notorious strip is just over 4 miles in length. That mileage doesn’t seem much but remember, its hot! And it is even hotter when caught in a crush of people (which is often). RTC Transit is another good way to get around. It’s the bus service for the strip. They run double-decker buses which are air-conditioned and clean. A two hour pass is $6 but get the 24 hour pass for $8. It is well worth the outlay. From the airport to the hotels you can grab a cab for around $35 however there are some shuttle buses which cost around $11 per person. We took the latter option and its good because you get a tour of Vegas as the shuttle goes to each hotel/casino to drop off other passengers.

* Climate – Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert so even during the end of spring it was HOT. Most of the days we were there, the temperatures were in triple digits and it gets hotter. It is a dry heat but its still hot so do bring a hat and sunscreen (among other things drink plenty of water). The temps at the Grand Canyon were much cooler though given it is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level.

During our trip to Vegas we took a small plane to the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. The northern rim is more remote, less accessible and has much less tourist activity than the south rim. Once there, we took a helicopter ride over the Canyon. The Grand Canyon is stunningly breathtaking, vast and magnificent. There is little to say of the Grand Canyon which has not been said before so I will let the photographs speak its eternal beauty.

Las Vegas isn’t for everyone but to be honest, they just don’t make places like this anymore. Go with an open mind and don’t try to make sense of anything there because you just won’t. And its definitely not a town for rest and relaxation. For me however, Las Vegas has been brilliant. It is one place that I can now happily scratched off my list of ‘all time fabo places to see and do’.