MISPLACING SUMMER

Today we are watching rain drops fall as a kind relief from the heat that has enveloped our town lately. This year I've silently tried to hurry summer along, uncomfortable with the way it confronts us daily, the temperature seems resilient. Absent from the Australian Christmas break, it is like we walked into a movie more than half way through (which funnily enough, we did yesterday).
Having fled the heat for the northern hemisphere winter, we missed the long afternoons when everyone stops work and communes at a friend's pool or takes a trip to the lake, and revives in the seemingly endless days, while the sun lingers on the horizon.
Instead, we stepped onto a tarmac hot enough to cook a bacon and egg breakfast, beyond the days of available freetime, we adjusted to the work-life routine.

The cool change takes me back to our summer spent in the midst of winter, and the grey skies provide solace in nostalgia, to read books in new cafes, not know what will be for lunch, and what we will see and do today.

Autumn, return soon.

WEARING THE CAP AND GOWN ON THE LAWN OF UNE

When we decided to move from the city to the country, it seemed the perfect time to re-enroll in university, and study for a Graduate Diploma of Education and turn my Bachelor of Fine Arts into a teaching asset. One of the fantastic things about regional areas is that often the need proceeds the qualification, so after my first semester of study, last year, I had already begun to teach casually in one of our local schools.
On Saturday it all became official as I sat under a tree on the main lawn of the University of New England, beside many others in our billowing gowns and rigid hats as we awaited our turn to ascend the stage, and receive our awards.

Memories of award presentations at school returned quickly to my mind, as I worried about stumbling on the stage, or shaking hands incorrectly, or what I would say to the Chancellor, as he placed the award in my warm and nervous hands. Thankfully each element went smoothly, and I even remembered to tap my cap towards the Chancellor as my name was spoken, with a smile and a nod, before I received my award.

Last time I finished university, I didn't attend the ceremony, so it was an extra special treat to have our families meet us at the Armidale campus which is almost right in the middle of the distance between us all.

As we sat on the lawn afterwards eating our freshly toasted sandwiches, I lay my degree on the ground, while presented in plastic, the top piece of paper stuck out a little bit. Taking advantage of this slight vulnerability, a bird took the liberty of pooing on that bit of the paper, which lead into a joyful afternoon of every joke you could conceive about a bird pooing over my university degree.
Thankfully the university has agreed to replace it, so that memory won't be framed with the award.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS | MELBOURNE

As we headed out for a coffee, after most of the day in car, I noticed my neck turning in every direction trying to take in details, learn of new places, see the lights and smell the scents of this city completely new to me.

We set out at twilight, opting to walk towards the city, taking the time to adjust to a new location and find our way around. The Friday night walk through the city reminded us of when we lived in the Sydney, and walking for hours through the streets of the city, eating bits and pieces along the way was one of our favourite weekly traditions.
Last night we found Chinatown, which I find to be a good starting point in any new city. We ate at a Koren Barbeque restaurant for dinner, and now our clothes are satisfactorily  smokey.

We ended up in Federation Square, before boarding a train at Flinders Station, and heading home for the night. This morning we're excited to head out and see a more of this town through Peter's eyes as he shows us around.

Here's a few small details of our first impressions.

DREAMING AND SCHEMING

As wintery weather has arrived in Parkes, we have been wearing our ski jackets and dreaming of winter holidays. We’re hoping to spend some time on the Aussie slopes this winter and hopefully will get to enjoy some European snow later in the year.

Looking back on some of my favourite Dutch holiday pictures, makes me excited to explore more of Holland with Dave and introduce him to all of my wonderful Dutch family.

THE WHITES HAVE LEFT THE CITY

Sydney > Taree > Ulmarra > Kingscliff  > Ulmarra > Brisbane > Esk > Toowoomba > Moree > Narrabri > Dubbo > Parkes.

We’ve just made a big change for this year, leaving the city and setting up house in the country. We were lucky enough to head home, via a few days at the beach, for a little holiday before we settled in. I’ll let the pictures from our journey tell the story.

 

 

 

A WEEKEND WITH THE GAL PALS!

Honestly, do I have good friends or what!! This weekend I (elizabeth) had the delight of a surprise weekend away with my dear girlfriends! all I knew was that I has to be ready to leave at 10am, pack my togs, pjs and a pretty dress. (as usual I over packed and two of each, and more - but forgot my toothpaste - bummer).

A quick drive to the airport, and a good chat in the air - and Sarah and I were on the gold coast being greeted with a Hawaiian lei by the rest of the girls.

The surprises didn’t stop there! As we pulled into our destination for the weekend, Q1. The apartment had the most amazing outlook and was completely decorated with Hawaiian goodness!

Thanks for the best weekend girlies! you sure know how to treat a girl. back at home in my own bed I am reliving the dancing, the singing and the warm sunshine. But mostly I am so grateful for each of you and the love and joy you’ve all brought to me over the years and that this exciting time of my life! I love you all dearly!

As for the rest of you, here’s a few pictures from the weekend!

WHEN WE GO EXPLORING

Sundays are great for short road trips and visiting family. With our fresh homemade sandwiches and muesli bars we headed out the door for a drive to the Highlands.

Being on the road reminded us of the enjoyment we get from taking a few hours out of the city to enjoy the chats, the music and the new discoveries we often find there.

We didn’t come home with any new finds from the antique stores, but a strengthened love for our families, and how fortunate we are to have them.

WHEN WE WENT TO LAKE EUCUMBENE

The lake was MASSIVE, we spent all day driving around to different parts of it. We had fun playing with our cameras and exploring a new place.

Dave is definitely a tall individual.

CHOO CHOO

Dave boarded a train this morning, for a week of work in Parkes. We already miss each other loads, but he has some sweet work adventures ahead - and maybe I'll end up with a snow globe of The Dish!

A WEEKEND IN BRISBANE

This weekend, we were super lucky to get back to Brisbane to spend time with our families and friends. 

We loved celebrating the engagement of our friends Bec and Ryan, and found a place to hold our wedding party (reception). We're so stoked by it, and excited about how its going to turn out.

Living in the city has increased our love for the country, so we're getting amongst it!

AERO-FUN

We're flying home for the weekend!