Feeling Blessed……..

On March 15, 2015March 17, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

What an incredibly beautiful day. I was very privileged to receive an invitation to attend a ‘Brit Milah’ Ceremony at the Jewish Synagogue in Macon Georgia.

The ‘Brit Milah’ is a Jewish religious male circumcision ceremony performed by the Mohel on the eighth day after the child’s birth. The baby’s name is also revealed to the world at the end of the ceremony and he was named Etan – which in English is Ethan.

What made Etan’s birth even more special is that he was born on the day the Jewish faith celebrate ‘Purim’, a holiday of miracle and joy. The ceremony was extremely beautiful and very moving and once concluded it was followed by a festive meal.

I completely understand and respect this isn’t for everyone. Opinions, beliefs and attitudes are varied on this very sacred tradition. I for one however, found the entire ceremony beautifully fascinating. It is steeped in observances and from beginning to end I was captivated.

I am honored and very humbled to have been asked to attend. I am certainly feeling blessed xx

Poor Ol’ Champ and ‘The Birds’……… Texas

On March 9, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized1 Comment

Poor ‘Champ’. Grand Champion Steer at the Fort Worth Steer Show in 1960. Met with rather an undignified end by being mounted on the wall at the Cattlemen’s Steak House in Fort Worth Texas! One day a winner the next………….

And also while in Texas we happened upon something quite extraordinary. Huge flocks of birds. More to the point…..huge flocks of birds everywhere!!

The birds in question are Grackles. Grackles are a migratory bird who leave Canada and North America during the cold and head south for a warmer sunnier winter. Given there have been massive snow and ice storms and below freezing temperatures up north who can blame them. Their numbers are huge and it is fascinating to see them however I can understand how their presence annoys the local folk of the towns and cities these birds inhabit as their numbers do leave quite a ‘mess’!! These birds are also protected by a law called the ‘Migratory Bird Treaty Act’, so once in your town there is little to be done to fend them off.

Very ‘Hitchcock’ like!!

Dallas Texas….Part III

On March 6, 2015 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized3 Comments

Aaaaaand……..back to Texas ‘la tercera parte’ (part three).

Random photographs from the Texas trip……….

Good bye big beautiful Texas………xx

Dallas Texas…..Part II

On February 25, 2015 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Aaaaaand………. back to Texas ‘la segunda parte’ (part two).

Dallas has a very vibrant and modern dining scene. We ate some pretty amazing food and indulged in some very, very good cocktails while there. One place in particular I will very happily recommend is ‘Savor’ located 2000 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. Savor really is a super modern ‘gastropub’. Great fresh food, sharing plates (because food really is a social thing!) and great cocktails with a modern twist. We sat up at their fabulous bar and luckily had a hip dude named Blake as our mixologist/waiter. Loved the cocktails he made ‘Doctors Orders’ (Prairie Gin, butternut tincture, ginger syrup and curry) and the ’15 and counting…’ (Prairie Gin (there was a theme), fernet branca, basil syrup, fresh lime, dolin blanc and black pepper). Could not recommend Savor more highly.

Klyde Warren Park – an urban open green space right in the heart of the city. This is a wonderful 5.2 acre park , built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, is a socially enriching space offering food trucks, a dog park, green lawns and trees, a reading room, games, restaurants, fountains, sculptures, gardens, a children’s park and so much more. We happily wandered through on a Saturday afternoon, eating our way through the immense selection from the food trucks and basically just relaxing, chilling out and enjoying.

Fort Worth Stock Yards – If you ever find yourself in Texas, (and I hope that you do) you must head on out to the city of Fort Worth. We caught the train from Dallas to Fort Worth (approximately a one hour trip) then headed by bus out to the Stock Yards. It is well worth investing a day out in the stock yards where you can visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Stockyards Museum, Stockyards Station, the Cattlemen’s Steak House and where you will see a herd of Texas Long Horn cattle being driven down the historic streets of Fort Worth.

Part III to follow…….. xx

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

oceangirl – these are my stories

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