Just a Day at the Beach...

*Elwood Beach

This past Sunday John and I walked down to Elwood Beach. While I sunbathed and read (American Wife-- sooooo not what I was expecting) John went for a swim in the Port Philip Bay. The Bay leads out to the Bass Strait, historically known for being treacherous, and is typically about 60° F (16° C). Most everyone went into the water shivering and hugging themselves. Out of water was very warm indeed! I don't want to jinx it, but I think summer may have officially arrived.


*Ahoy.

The walk is about ten minutes from our apartment, following along a canal, which someone very kindly decorated for the holidays. I'm not sure if you can see in the photo, but there is actually tinsel and ornaments hanging on the rail guard.


*Elwood Canal


*Christmas Ornaments


*Elwood Beach with Melbourne CDB in the background

We're leaving for Tasmania tomorrow morning. Have a safe and happy holidays and stay tuned for the Tassie update!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Jama and I got out to enjoy a Christmas party - Aussie style.

The party was hosted by my Monash supervisor a few Fridays back. The majority of attendees were from our research group, Atmospheric Science (aka Climateers), along with their families. It was great to see everyone get together outside Uni. Games were played, beverages and food were in abundance, Santa was there - needless to say it was a good time.

*"Ho, Ho, Ho - mate!"

* A little x-mas sport.

*Having a holiday beverage with the scientists of tomorrow.

As the night progressed and the party thinned a bit we decided it was time for our first band practice. We had multiple harmonicas, two guitars, a drum kit, a keyboard, and a tambourine. Luckily no one had any recording devices!

*"Does anyone know 'Hells Bells'?"

*My supervisor on drums!

*Luanne, the harmonicas were a hit!

Gobble Gobble, Cluck Cluck

This holiday season is shaping up to be unlike any other-- 9,687 (but who's counting?) miles from home, in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving (there were no pilgrims down under) and summer (not winter) is just beginning.

Santa Claus in shorts and sandals doesn't exactly fit the holiday traditions to which we have become so accustom, but we are coping.

Despite these odds, we special ordered a turkey and whupped up all the fixins.


*Jama getting a few curls in with our 4.5 kilo bird.



*Working my magic with the stuffing. I should probably note that stuffing is actually much better when it is cooked outside of the bird.


*Savoring the moment.

The Menu:
Turkey
Herb stuffing
Corn pudding
Mashed potatoes with gravy (of course!)
Grandma's potato yeast rolls
Pecan and gingersnap pumpkin pie.

What are we thankful for?...
The sunny, warm days.
Family and friends.
Emails, letters, photos and skyping with family.
Days when the train isn't so crowded that I have to smell others peoples' body smell (priceless).
A once in a lifetime experience with my mate.