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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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.

The elk and her baby…one of the most treasured of moments and one I will always remember

Travel……its just you and a wondrous wide world out there xx

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

oceangirl – these are my stories

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