Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas to all!!
I know I am a little behind in posting this week...but after all, it is Christmas and I am always running crazy around this time!! Jason, his friend Renee and I have just had the loveliest Christmas Eve!! We played on the Wii, told fortunes, ate til we could bust and drank too much wine!!! We are settling down for the night and will be up early tomorrow morning to have baked eggs, champagne and fruit salad!! Merry Christmas everyone...I will catch you up soon on the last week down here in the land of Oz!
Friday, December 13, 2013
At the end of week 2...
...I am settled in and being Mom!! Did a little vacuuming, laundry and shopping today, plus several hours of my genealogy work! Today is Jason's last day with his students for this term. They have a rehearsal today for the year-end concert performances that we will be going to see next week. A dressy night out at the theater will be so much fun!! So, next week Jay has administrative work to close out the year and then he will officially be on break for 3 weeks!! He is so looking forward to some beach time...as am I!!! We are planning our Christmas dinner menu, as well!!
I learned a little local Aussie lesson today: I wanted to have salad and pizza for dinner this evening. So I went to to the cute little Italian shop down at the corner and was told, "We make pizza on Thursdays, not Friday's." However, Daniel the owner and a friend of Jason's, helped me make it work!! He had a few 'half-baked' frozen pizza shells with sauce, got me some fresh mozzarella and sent me on my way!! Now all we need are mushrooms and we are in business!!! Jason is picking them up on his way home! Earlier in the day I went to the grocery store and got all the fixin's for salad, but just could not make it back out for the mushrooms. Jason got a good deal from the bottle shop on our wine supply yesterday!! We are ready for Friday night pizza and a movie!!
Guess it is time to fill you in on a little set back I had this week on my daily walking excursions. As I explained on my last blog posting, we did a whole lot of walking last week-end. I was playing with Stella at the dog park on Sunday morning when all of a sudden, my left knee gave out!! Whew, I had a heck of time getting back to the apartment!! Thank goodness Jason has knowledge of what to do for injuries and a good resource in the way of his chiropractor! There I was icing and elevating, and electric stem treatments...all day for the last 5 days!! We have determined that I have injured my knee in some way (more than likely a torn meniscus). The bad news is that if I went to get an MRI and x-rays, it would cost a small fortune here. I would be covered if I went in for general illness and treatment under the Australian health system...but not for advance treatments or diagnosis. The good news is that I can now get around again, but carefully. Jason got me a strong elastic knee brace at the chemist and I am taking some good over the counter pain meds. So, gradually I am getting back to getting out and about daily!! I have walked to the grocery the last 2 days and taken Stella for short walks. Thank goodness for friends!!!! Bette has gone to my apartment in Palm Beach Gardens, gotten my good leg brace [that I used last year when I broke my knee at Edisto Island...but that is another story!!] and she has mailed it to me. It should be here next week. YOU ARE THE BEST, BETTE, AND I WILL BE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT!!
Now, I am trying to figure out why that happened to my knee!! I am thinking it all may have started during my frequent up and down trips on the ladder during all that painting and cleaning I just completed. Or was it on my trip over here while I was scooting by someone on the plane to get to my seat...or sitting for many hours flying over the Pacific? Who knows?? What I do know is that I am getting real tired of these reminders that tell me how old I am!!
Following are a few photos of Jason's apartment:
View from the balcony
From the living room looking down the hall (see Stella waiting for Jason to come out of the bathroom!
A little study area between living room and bedroom
I learned a little local Aussie lesson today: I wanted to have salad and pizza for dinner this evening. So I went to to the cute little Italian shop down at the corner and was told, "We make pizza on Thursdays, not Friday's." However, Daniel the owner and a friend of Jason's, helped me make it work!! He had a few 'half-baked' frozen pizza shells with sauce, got me some fresh mozzarella and sent me on my way!! Now all we need are mushrooms and we are in business!!! Jason is picking them up on his way home! Earlier in the day I went to the grocery store and got all the fixin's for salad, but just could not make it back out for the mushrooms. Jason got a good deal from the bottle shop on our wine supply yesterday!! We are ready for Friday night pizza and a movie!!
Guess it is time to fill you in on a little set back I had this week on my daily walking excursions. As I explained on my last blog posting, we did a whole lot of walking last week-end. I was playing with Stella at the dog park on Sunday morning when all of a sudden, my left knee gave out!! Whew, I had a heck of time getting back to the apartment!! Thank goodness Jason has knowledge of what to do for injuries and a good resource in the way of his chiropractor! There I was icing and elevating, and electric stem treatments...all day for the last 5 days!! We have determined that I have injured my knee in some way (more than likely a torn meniscus). The bad news is that if I went to get an MRI and x-rays, it would cost a small fortune here. I would be covered if I went in for general illness and treatment under the Australian health system...but not for advance treatments or diagnosis. The good news is that I can now get around again, but carefully. Jason got me a strong elastic knee brace at the chemist and I am taking some good over the counter pain meds. So, gradually I am getting back to getting out and about daily!! I have walked to the grocery the last 2 days and taken Stella for short walks. Thank goodness for friends!!!! Bette has gone to my apartment in Palm Beach Gardens, gotten my good leg brace [that I used last year when I broke my knee at Edisto Island...but that is another story!!] and she has mailed it to me. It should be here next week. YOU ARE THE BEST, BETTE, AND I WILL BE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT!!
Now, I am trying to figure out why that happened to my knee!! I am thinking it all may have started during my frequent up and down trips on the ladder during all that painting and cleaning I just completed. Or was it on my trip over here while I was scooting by someone on the plane to get to my seat...or sitting for many hours flying over the Pacific? Who knows?? What I do know is that I am getting real tired of these reminders that tell me how old I am!!
Following are a few photos of Jason's apartment:
Living room from the entrance
Looking toward the kitchen
The queen of the house!!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
It was a busy week-end!
We began our day on Saturday with a coffee from 'First Drop' cafe and then caught a bus to the harbor area of Sydney. Jason teaches a class every Saturday morning at the Sydney Dance Company, (SDC), so I tagged along. We got off the bus and walked into the bustling crowd along the harbor. A cruise ship was in port and as we negotiated the crowd toward the restored wharf where the SDC is located, I was amazed at the sights!! Look to the right and there is the Opera House, straight ahead loomed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and to the left is the Museum of Contemporary Art (where Yoko Ono has an exhibition on display!) and beyond that is the historic area called "The Rocks." It looks like I have lots to explore on Saturday mornings!!
Jason and I had plenty of time to stroll along to the SDC building, a restored structure on an old wharf. Many of the restored buildings are apartments, art studios and restaurants. Beautiful!!
Then I left Jason at work and he sent me off with directions for a lovely walk along the harbor toward the Sydney Opera House. It was a beautiful day and there were lots and lots of people from all over the world!! To see the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House in person is beyond amazing!! I am so grateful to be here in this place at this time.
Jason and his friend Stephen met me on the steps of the Opera House and we had lunch at the food court along the water. Then we took a nice stroll through the botanical gardens, caught our bus and went home to take a nap!! We had about 2 hours to rest up and get ready for the evening.
Jason was invited to an end of the year concert at a dance studio/school in Parramatta. (it took over 2 hours to get there; a 30 minute walk, then 1 1/2 hours by train and another 20 minute walk!!) It seems that earlier in the year, Jay had choreographed a piece for a group at this school and they won first place in a competition. So, Jason (and I) were invited to their final performance. (When we got there we were presented with 2 free drinks, a bar of chocolate and 4th row center seats!) We sat next to some of Jason's friends who are also choreographers, an agent for those in the dance profession and the owner of another dance school. As I had witnessed when Jason was younger and a dancer, this profession is like an extended family. Everyone revels in each other's successes and shares their challenges. All such very nice people and so welcoming to Jay's Mum!!
Needless to say...Mum was quite exhausted by the end of this day!! Jason got us a taxi for that last 30 minute walk home after we got off the train!! AAAHHHHH!!!
Here are some photos:
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Jason and I had plenty of time to stroll along to the SDC building, a restored structure on an old wharf. Many of the restored buildings are apartments, art studios and restaurants. Beautiful!!
Then I left Jason at work and he sent me off with directions for a lovely walk along the harbor toward the Sydney Opera House. It was a beautiful day and there were lots and lots of people from all over the world!! To see the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House in person is beyond amazing!! I am so grateful to be here in this place at this time.
Jason and his friend Stephen met me on the steps of the Opera House and we had lunch at the food court along the water. Then we took a nice stroll through the botanical gardens, caught our bus and went home to take a nap!! We had about 2 hours to rest up and get ready for the evening.
Jason was invited to an end of the year concert at a dance studio/school in Parramatta. (it took over 2 hours to get there; a 30 minute walk, then 1 1/2 hours by train and another 20 minute walk!!) It seems that earlier in the year, Jay had choreographed a piece for a group at this school and they won first place in a competition. So, Jason (and I) were invited to their final performance. (When we got there we were presented with 2 free drinks, a bar of chocolate and 4th row center seats!) We sat next to some of Jason's friends who are also choreographers, an agent for those in the dance profession and the owner of another dance school. As I had witnessed when Jason was younger and a dancer, this profession is like an extended family. Everyone revels in each other's successes and shares their challenges. All such very nice people and so welcoming to Jay's Mum!!
Needless to say...Mum was quite exhausted by the end of this day!! Jason got us a taxi for that last 30 minute walk home after we got off the train!! AAAHHHHH!!!
Here are some photos:
SDC on a reconstructed wharf
A view from the SDC side of the bridge
Walking along the wharf area
The Opera House from under the Harbor Bridge
Other side of the bridge...very busy!
There it is!!
Where I met Jason, on the steps of the Opera House
The food court for lunch
Friday, December 6, 2013
Settling in!
Here in Sydney it is Friday, December 6th. Jason has gone to the dentist and then off to work for the day. He is teaching a class and working on choreographing a piece for the Australian summer season of So You Think You Can Dance today. It seems that all the preliminary taping has been done for the shows audition process and the
20 dancers who made it through that competition will begin their live performances sometime in February. (10 of the 20 finalists have trained under Jason...Just a little mom note!!)
Today is the first day I have ventured further than the grocery by myself. After taking Stella to the dog park for her exercise and play time with her friends, I walked to the health food store and back. It took about an hour...but with excellent directions from Jason, I did not get lost!! The area of Sydney where Jason lives has 2 main streets that I have become familiar with, Bourke and Crown. It is a nice mixture of homes, apartments, stores, clubs, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, 'bottle shops' [aka, Wine store!]. The area feels very safe and walking everywhere is customary. I especially love the cafes and have 2 favorites already. Things are a bit different here in that no one minds if you sit for hours reading, writing or working on the computer. No tipping for service is the custom, as the waiters and waitresses are paid for their work by the establishment. There is no sense of hurrying up, so someone else can take your place. Just chill!! Aaah, that feels nice!
The grocery and chemist (pharmacy) are only a block away and we shop daily for what we plan to do or cook. Obviously, one bag to carry at a time while walking makes that much easier to adjust to!! Something else I noticed in this area is that it is very pet friendly. Most people have dogs who are very socialized. It is not unusual for 8-10 dogs to be running and playing in the dog park. Stopping in for a coffee or a bottle of wine with your pet on a leash is commonplace! Stella is quite well known and gets her treats wherever we go! Of course, one does not leave home without a couple of dogie clean up bags in ones back pocket!! Everyone is respectful in that way!! The entire city that I have seen so far is VERY clean!! No trash or litter anywhere!!!
We ended the day by walking (I sure am getting my exercise!! Yeah!!) to a lovely restaurant for dinner. The picture I am posting is of Jason and I relaxing with a glass of champagne!! So far we have not stopped reminiscing or finding news to share for a moment. Six years apart has a lot of daily stories we must tell!! and we've only just begun!!!
Today is the first day I have ventured further than the grocery by myself. After taking Stella to the dog park for her exercise and play time with her friends, I walked to the health food store and back. It took about an hour...but with excellent directions from Jason, I did not get lost!! The area of Sydney where Jason lives has 2 main streets that I have become familiar with, Bourke and Crown. It is a nice mixture of homes, apartments, stores, clubs, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, 'bottle shops' [aka, Wine store!]. The area feels very safe and walking everywhere is customary. I especially love the cafes and have 2 favorites already. Things are a bit different here in that no one minds if you sit for hours reading, writing or working on the computer. No tipping for service is the custom, as the waiters and waitresses are paid for their work by the establishment. There is no sense of hurrying up, so someone else can take your place. Just chill!! Aaah, that feels nice!
The grocery and chemist (pharmacy) are only a block away and we shop daily for what we plan to do or cook. Obviously, one bag to carry at a time while walking makes that much easier to adjust to!! Something else I noticed in this area is that it is very pet friendly. Most people have dogs who are very socialized. It is not unusual for 8-10 dogs to be running and playing in the dog park. Stopping in for a coffee or a bottle of wine with your pet on a leash is commonplace! Stella is quite well known and gets her treats wherever we go! Of course, one does not leave home without a couple of dogie clean up bags in ones back pocket!! Everyone is respectful in that way!! The entire city that I have seen so far is VERY clean!! No trash or litter anywhere!!!
We ended the day by walking (I sure am getting my exercise!! Yeah!!) to a lovely restaurant for dinner. The picture I am posting is of Jason and I relaxing with a glass of champagne!! So far we have not stopped reminiscing or finding news to share for a moment. Six years apart has a lot of daily stories we must tell!! and we've only just begun!!!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Now in the land of OZ!!
It is now about noon or so on Monday morning. I am sitting in Jason's living room with Stella resting by my side!! Bliss!!!!! Jason is working today until 7PM and I will have dinner ready for us!! I am still not quite sure what time my body feels like it is...but sure slept well last night and got up about 10AM. Planning to unpack and get settled in today. Stella and I are going to the dog park and for a walk soon as I check in with you all!!
Here's the update on my trip: My 27.5 hour trip to Australia became a 40 hour adventure!! Not so in love with United Airlines and will think twice about using them the next time I come down under. We arrived in Sydney about 8:30PM Sunday evening (Australian time and I have no idea what time it was in Florida) ...the customs process here was very simple, dignified and all electronic. By some small miracle my luggage was there and with a little help from the service people at the airport, I got it all loaded on a cart...pushed it only a short distance and there was that darling blue eyed young man smiling from ear to ear, just waiting to take it all over!!! Jason handed me a cold juice drink and let me have my cry on his shoulder with no complaints!!! Whew, I knew it would be wonderful to see him, but did not expect to break into a sobbing mess!!! Jason said he knew I would, just laughed and kept hugging me!!! A truly JOYFUL reunion!!
Then we taxied about 10 minutes from the airport to his apartment, dropped my bags, met Stella and walked to the grocery store. [Note: That young couple I befriended on the journey who were honeymooning, ended up right behind us in the taxi line!! Looks like we even ended the race together!!] Everything is so convenient and close by!! Jason rides his bike to work, which takes about 8-10 minutes. There is a bus line and train system that I can use if need be...but really, there are cafes and stores all right here in the neighborhood. And that is where I am headed now!! With a map, of course!!!
Love and hugs to you all!!! Will work on sending some photos tomorrow!
Here's the update on my trip: My 27.5 hour trip to Australia became a 40 hour adventure!! Not so in love with United Airlines and will think twice about using them the next time I come down under. We arrived in Sydney about 8:30PM Sunday evening (Australian time and I have no idea what time it was in Florida) ...the customs process here was very simple, dignified and all electronic. By some small miracle my luggage was there and with a little help from the service people at the airport, I got it all loaded on a cart...pushed it only a short distance and there was that darling blue eyed young man smiling from ear to ear, just waiting to take it all over!!! Jason handed me a cold juice drink and let me have my cry on his shoulder with no complaints!!! Whew, I knew it would be wonderful to see him, but did not expect to break into a sobbing mess!!! Jason said he knew I would, just laughed and kept hugging me!!! A truly JOYFUL reunion!!
Then we taxied about 10 minutes from the airport to his apartment, dropped my bags, met Stella and walked to the grocery store. [Note: That young couple I befriended on the journey who were honeymooning, ended up right behind us in the taxi line!! Looks like we even ended the race together!!] Everything is so convenient and close by!! Jason rides his bike to work, which takes about 8-10 minutes. There is a bus line and train system that I can use if need be...but really, there are cafes and stores all right here in the neighborhood. And that is where I am headed now!! With a map, of course!!!
Love and hugs to you all!!! Will work on sending some photos tomorrow!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
The first adventure...and I am still in San Francisco!
It is now Florida time, 8:40AM on Saturday. San Francisco time is 5:41AM on Saturday and I have now officially been awake 24 hours!! Ok, so I caught a few cat-naps and maybe a good hour of sleep at the 24 hour Subway here at the airport!! Now I do not arrive in Sydney until 8PM Sunday night, (Sydney time, Monday morning Florida time.) instead of 8AM Sunday morning...and I will miss Stella's birthday party in the park!!LOL!! Are you following all that??
This story begins after all 365 people are all settled on the plane yesterday at 10:00PM (San Fran time). We were filling out our Australian Customs forms and the pilot said, "Just a slight problem with the entertainment system. We are 30 minutes ahead of schedule...no worries!!" Yeah, right!!! We sat on the plane 2 hours more and then they made us get off the plane, followed by another hour wait and finally, we are ready to re-board, only to hear that dreaded phrase. "The flight has been cancelled!!" The airline offered to put us all up in a hotel, give us 2 generous $7.00 vouchers for meals and we have a new flight at 10:30AM (San Fran time) Saturday morning. So, by the time they took each of the 365 people to the ticketing area, found hotels and shuttles, issued our new tickets for this morning...it was 3:00AM. Here's where I opted out of the hotel mess (there were lines still waiting for the shuttles when I went to 'bed' at Subway). Keeping in mind that this is still Thanksgiving week-end and they told us to expect long lines at security...which all 365 people have to go through AGAIN!! I think I made a good decision to not spend 2 hours in a hotel and worry about hearing my alarm, finding a shuttle, getting back to the airport and being in lines out the door. Yep, me and 6 other people are already re-checked in and waiting at our gate!!! No worries here!!!
I met a nice young couple who just got married last week and they are going to Australia and Fiji for their honeymoon. We sat next to each other from Newark to San Fran and keep running into each other as we are making the same decisions!! Reminds me of the Amazing Race!!! We are winning!!!
Jason and I have been in constant communication and he said he will be there Sunday 'night with bells on and not to worry because it will all be good when I get there!!' Wow...can't ask for a more wonderful son!!!!
Next post should be from Sydney!! Love and hugs to all!!!
This story begins after all 365 people are all settled on the plane yesterday at 10:00PM (San Fran time). We were filling out our Australian Customs forms and the pilot said, "Just a slight problem with the entertainment system. We are 30 minutes ahead of schedule...no worries!!" Yeah, right!!! We sat on the plane 2 hours more and then they made us get off the plane, followed by another hour wait and finally, we are ready to re-board, only to hear that dreaded phrase. "The flight has been cancelled!!" The airline offered to put us all up in a hotel, give us 2 generous $7.00 vouchers for meals and we have a new flight at 10:30AM (San Fran time) Saturday morning. So, by the time they took each of the 365 people to the ticketing area, found hotels and shuttles, issued our new tickets for this morning...it was 3:00AM. Here's where I opted out of the hotel mess (there were lines still waiting for the shuttles when I went to 'bed' at Subway). Keeping in mind that this is still Thanksgiving week-end and they told us to expect long lines at security...which all 365 people have to go through AGAIN!! I think I made a good decision to not spend 2 hours in a hotel and worry about hearing my alarm, finding a shuttle, getting back to the airport and being in lines out the door. Yep, me and 6 other people are already re-checked in and waiting at our gate!!! No worries here!!!
I met a nice young couple who just got married last week and they are going to Australia and Fiji for their honeymoon. We sat next to each other from Newark to San Fran and keep running into each other as we are making the same decisions!! Reminds me of the Amazing Race!!! We are winning!!!
Jason and I have been in constant communication and he said he will be there Sunday 'night with bells on and not to worry because it will all be good when I get there!!' Wow...can't ask for a more wonderful son!!!!
Next post should be from Sydney!! Love and hugs to all!!!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Leavin' on a jet plane...then another jet plane...then another jet plane!!
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! Thank you Janice and Perry for hosting a perfect day!! Wonderful food and oh my, Aimee, that fudge!!
Now we are talking hours!!! I am packed and ready! The only thing I am worried about it how much these suitcases weigh!! So, first thing in the morning I will take them to Publix and weigh them!! I figure I can shift things around much easier at home, than in the airport with an audience!! Next, I will drive to pick up Bette and she is dropping me at the airport, here in West Palm. Then, soon as I can sit down on that plane...I am relaxing!! What a whirlwind this last few months has been! That relaxing started yesterday with my massage, chiropractic appointment, manicure and pedicure!! Slowing down and smelling the roses! So, in that frame of mind, I took the advice of Mary Ann and upgraded my seats for more space!!!!! Now, that's what I'm talking about!!
Oh, I found out today that I could not get my boarding pass online as one usually does when you check-in, in advance. Not sure why, but must be cause I am traveling so far??? My itinerary says I am traveling 21,000 miles!!!! Don't over think it!!!!!!!
Anyway, just finished mopping the floors, cleaning out the fridge and taking care of paying a few bills. Must take some pictures of the changes I made around here to post. As Emory said, "it sounds serene!" And that it is!!
Once I get back from OZ....I will be ready for some PA visitors!! Hello, George and Mindy!! Cousin Barbara and family!! Cousin Jim?? I heard you when you said you would come see me!!!
OK folks, that's it for now...I need to watch this Steeler game or they could loose!!!
Love and hugs until my next update!!
Now we are talking hours!!! I am packed and ready! The only thing I am worried about it how much these suitcases weigh!! So, first thing in the morning I will take them to Publix and weigh them!! I figure I can shift things around much easier at home, than in the airport with an audience!! Next, I will drive to pick up Bette and she is dropping me at the airport, here in West Palm. Then, soon as I can sit down on that plane...I am relaxing!! What a whirlwind this last few months has been! That relaxing started yesterday with my massage, chiropractic appointment, manicure and pedicure!! Slowing down and smelling the roses! So, in that frame of mind, I took the advice of Mary Ann and upgraded my seats for more space!!!!! Now, that's what I'm talking about!!
Oh, I found out today that I could not get my boarding pass online as one usually does when you check-in, in advance. Not sure why, but must be cause I am traveling so far??? My itinerary says I am traveling 21,000 miles!!!! Don't over think it!!!!!!!
Anyway, just finished mopping the floors, cleaning out the fridge and taking care of paying a few bills. Must take some pictures of the changes I made around here to post. As Emory said, "it sounds serene!" And that it is!!
Once I get back from OZ....I will be ready for some PA visitors!! Hello, George and Mindy!! Cousin Barbara and family!! Cousin Jim?? I heard you when you said you would come see me!!!
OK folks, that's it for now...I need to watch this Steeler game or they could loose!!!
Love and hugs until my next update!!
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