Australian Loves

Several years ago now, we hosted a foreign exchange student through AFS when we lived in the Chicago suburbs.  Her name was Sandy and she was from a small town outside of Melbourne.  I called her Sandra Dee, much to her dismay.  If anyone gets that reference, then kudos to you.

With AFS, students typically stay for 11 months.  It takes time for them and you to adjust, usually a few months.  She arrived in August and after Christmas, I think she started feeling more at home.  Or was it that new boy she'd met?  Being responsible for someone else's 16 year old daughter when they begin dating is SCARY, let me tell you.

Fast forward 16 years and they are happily married and living in Australia. I hadn't seen their two oldest children in 7 years and had never seen the youngest, she'll be 5 this month.  While my husband was traveling to Mexico and the US, I decided I should go visit.  I AM on the right side of the world these days, but it is still a pretty long flight.  The price was reasonable and Sandy said, "come".  So, I did.  Here's a glimpse of my very fast visit with them.  I played a lot!

 This area is called Lake's Entrance which borders along the Bass Strait.  

We walked over to the beach for a lovely view.  

Another day we drove to Raymond Island and took the ferry across.  

We were hoping to see Koalas and Kangaroo.  

This is a Galah, part of the cockatoo family. Alas, I saw NO KANGAROO, the entire visit!  

 The cute kiddos on a busy afternoon after school.

 My last day there we spent the day in Melbourne. This is an alley of cafes.

 It poured the day we were in Melbourne, which was the day I left.

Little bit was tired out. 

We found the alley of graffiti and took advantage of the photo opportunity.  It was so fun to be with them and HH and I need to go back TOGETHER.  I realized that I need to do a post on a visit to Kyoto.  Sorry about that.  It will be a little out of order.  Have a great weekend!


Karen

Costa Rica

 We were in Costa Rica last week on a fun business trip.

 It was awesome.

 We spent most of our time on the beach. In the shade.

 We were not alone.

 Can you believe we never sat by the pool?

 This guy got to RELAX.

 We saw several monkeys. This is a toddler.

Here's a momma and her baby.

I got to play with my camera.  Most of my photos were taken on Manual.  Yay! I still have a long way to go, but definitely made progress.

I wanted to capture this reflection, but didn't have a tripod.  I think I used a rock or a sign.  You get the idea, though. We had some fun excursions, but those photos are on another camera that I don't have at the moment.  So, there may be a possibility of another Costa Rica post.  Just to warn you!  Hope your Thanksgiving is full of sweet moments with those you love!! Blessing, Karen

Girlfriend Gift

Today is one of my best girlfriend's birthdays. Happy Birthday Denice!

I wanted to make her something and you all know I'm currently into simple jewelry making.  I emphasize simple, because I am very much a beginner at this. 

 She can wear them together or alone or whatever combination she feels like.

 She also lives by and LOVES the beach. So I decided on a beachy color palette.

I hope she LOVES them.

Kid Visit

Our youngest daughter came to visit last weekend. She came to attend a wedding of a college friend and spend a little time with us. We all stayed at the teeny, weeny apartment for the weekend. It was her first time there.  It's not terribly exciting, but it was a beautiful weekend.  

One of the things she wanted to do the most was visit Gilding the Lily in Fullerton. I was happy to oblige.

 Saturday morning we had breakfast at the beach, then walked along the pier and watched the surfers.

 This guy was a showoff.

 Lesson learned:  poofy shirt with horizontal stripes makes you look poofy.  Oh well.

Then we headed to a local mall for some shopping. They also have an indoor ice arena. Little people lessons were going on.

She headed to her wedding and we headed to a Veteran's Charity Event.  It was a concert for the veterans that are housed in the LA Veteran's hospital and the proceeds for the event support The Fisher House organization.  Fisher House hosts families of soldiers while they are in the hospital.

 The next day, I got the big idea to head to the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  So did everybody else.

 It was pretty hot and pretty busy. I didn't take too many pictures. I was intent on shopping. Although, I didn't buy much either.

 I wish I had a cabinet that needed these green glass knobs that look like Jadeite.  

Any and every piece of vintage or just plain worn piece of clothing was there to be had. If you are so inclined to dig, that is.

And there she goes.  I'm actually shocked that I got this picture of her.  She doesn't like her picture to be taken and it was a "get your hair up and out of the way" day. We had a fast and fun visit. Wish her sister could do the same. I'm packing this week for a fun business trip. I can guarantee some photos will show up here.Have a good week everybody! See you soon.