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……….

More photographs to come xx

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.

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‘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 !!

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