I remember writing my first blog for this site over a year ago, as I sat in my kitchen in Medford, Oregon. Steve and Lucas were packing to leave for Western Australia in just a few days time, and the task of packing up our household and following them 2 months later loomed before me. I couldn't have possibly imagined any of what would unfold as we navigated life in a foreign country.
I remember telling our friends and family in the States that they could keep up with us and our lives in Australia via the blog I intended to write faithfully. For the most part, I kept up with it by posting at least one entry every month. It became something I enjoyed and looked forward to. Looking back over the past year, I'm so grateful to have that record of our time here, in addition to the other photographs that I have but didn't post on the blogsite.
Now, I am telling our Australian friends that they can keep up with us and our lives in Oregon via the blog I intend to write faithfully. We all have friends here that we will miss and who we want to keep in touch with. There is even talk of seeing some of these friends again some day; whose to say what other travels lay ahead!
As we push through our final days here our hearts are a bit sad. We'll hold Perth in our hearts forever.
Cheers.
09 June 2009
04 June 2009
a different kind of pinnacle...
OK, we may be leaving here soon, but I can still share our adventures. We're not gone yet!
On our way back from Coral Bay, we stopped at a place within the bushlands known as the Pinnacles. They represent a desert-like area surrounded by bushlands with scores of limestone rocks sticking up arbitrarily out of the sand. How they got there and why remains a mystery, but it is certainly an oddity that we are glad we didn't miss.
Check it out....
On our way back from Coral Bay, we stopped at a place within the bushlands known as the Pinnacles. They represent a desert-like area surrounded by bushlands with scores of limestone rocks sticking up arbitrarily out of the sand. How they got there and why remains a mystery, but it is certainly an oddity that we are glad we didn't miss.
Check it out....
03 June 2009
Ying and Yang of Life
Well. We didn't see this coming. At least we didn't think we would see it coming for awhile yet. Steve and 11 other people from BGC Corporation were laid off from their jobs. It's rampant here now; sadly. Unemployment is hitting hard.
It's a whole different ball game when you lose your job in a foreign country. We have 28 days to leave Australia. Gee, don't let the door hit you on the way out, eh? We were all shocked and saddened at first. New friends, a new house, new car and what we thought was another year of adventures ahead of us. Not to be. Now that we have begun to make our plans to move back to Medford, the excitement has begun to build for each one of us. We all have our little things we are looking forward to upon our return. We will take up residence in our own house on Brookdale Avenue. Our renters there had one more year on their lease, but graciously agreed to move out so we could live in our own house. Yippee!
It has been an amazing 13 months (15 months for Lucas and Steve). We are so thankful for this life changing time in our lives. We do NOT relish packing and moving again, but moving overseas sparks a remarkable ability to get rid of everything that is non-essential. We will be arriving in Medford with little more than the clothes on our back. Kind of a pain, but kind of exciting to "start over" again. Don't anyone have a garage sale without letting us know about it first!
So, as we prepare to say "gidday" to Australia, we prepare to bid "hello" again to our homeland. I know many things have changed while we were away, including all of us. We are all looking forward to rekindling our old friendships and sharing our adventures. And, let's face it, we're pretty darn stoked to get back-to-back summers for 2009!
See you all this summer!
Paula, Steve, Lucas, Sam, and Camerin
It's a whole different ball game when you lose your job in a foreign country. We have 28 days to leave Australia. Gee, don't let the door hit you on the way out, eh? We were all shocked and saddened at first. New friends, a new house, new car and what we thought was another year of adventures ahead of us. Not to be. Now that we have begun to make our plans to move back to Medford, the excitement has begun to build for each one of us. We all have our little things we are looking forward to upon our return. We will take up residence in our own house on Brookdale Avenue. Our renters there had one more year on their lease, but graciously agreed to move out so we could live in our own house. Yippee!
It has been an amazing 13 months (15 months for Lucas and Steve). We are so thankful for this life changing time in our lives. We do NOT relish packing and moving again, but moving overseas sparks a remarkable ability to get rid of everything that is non-essential. We will be arriving in Medford with little more than the clothes on our back. Kind of a pain, but kind of exciting to "start over" again. Don't anyone have a garage sale without letting us know about it first!
So, as we prepare to say "gidday" to Australia, we prepare to bid "hello" again to our homeland. I know many things have changed while we were away, including all of us. We are all looking forward to rekindling our old friendships and sharing our adventures. And, let's face it, we're pretty darn stoked to get back-to-back summers for 2009!
See you all this summer!
Paula, Steve, Lucas, Sam, and Camerin
29 May 2009
Ningaloo be doo be doo
We recently took a short holiday up North of Perth to check out Coral Bay, known for world famous snorkeling and diving. What can I say about our trip to Coral Bay, situated right on the famous Ningaloo Reef? Here are some thoughts I jotted down while on our trip....
"The Elam Family (including one Samuel Cooke) is right now on location at Coral Bay, situated on the Ningaloo Reef. I’m taking time out to write now, after witnessing a world-class sunset. Something about viewing a sunset from a beach is very, very special. God is painting with wide brush strokes of orange, red, pink, blue, tangerine, and azure. My jaw drops and I thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to paint us a Renoir-like canvas on the spot. Only, it’s not Renoir, it’s a “God”. Value? Priceless; Thank you very much."
I’ve learned that Ningaloo Reef is second to nothing when it comes to snorkeling. Better than the Great Barrier Reef, even. Plus, you have to take a boat ride (a few hours) to get to the Great Barrier Reef. Ningaloo Reef is literally just off the shoreline; you simply wade out into the water from the shoreline, and start snorkeling! Ningaloo Reef is in quite a bit better shape than the Great Barrier Reef too. It boasts more than 500 species of fish, I don’t know how many types of coral. Let’s not forget the sea turtles, and sting rays. The water is a beautiful azure and crystal clear. If I hadn't seen it myself, I would never believe it the way it is described.
While we were there, Steve and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. Steve took us on a boating excursion to find and swim with a whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean, but they were elusive the day we had the journey, and we did not get to swim with them after all. Quite disappointing. But, as a consolation we did see 3 humpback whales, and a tiger shark. And, it's always exhilarating to be out on the open ocean.
On our journey to Coral Bay (roughly the distance from Medford to L.A.) we saw many wild animals crossing the road while driving through the bush; emu, fox, kangaroo, rabbits, cows, goats. It was like wild kingdom out there! Coral Bay is literally in the middle of NOWHERE. There are a few grocery stores, a couple restaurants, one or two places to stay, and amazing snorkeling. It is paradise.
The kids found it to be an undersea wonder and enjoyed the snorkeling. Camerin, who is fearless, spent hours snorkeling both alone and with one of us. It is mezmerizing to swim with those fish and to see the coral us close. There is so much life under there! Sam watched closely for sharks (which weren't there), but finally relaxed enough to enjoy the snorkeling. The water is balmy and it's easy to stay in for quite awhile. Lucas took some underwater photos of a sting ray that turned out great. Good on ya, Luc!
It was a long trip with lots of driving, but we were all really glad we went to Coral Bay. Memories were made to last a lifetime.
18 May 2009
The "Roos" Have It!
We'll save Australia
Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo
We'll build an All American amusement park there
They got surfin', too
Randy Newman includes the humble kangaroo in his song entitled "Political Science" (exerpt above) about bombing the rest of the world because they don't appreciate the contributions made by the good ole' U.S. of A. Australia and kangaroos are granted a pardon in the song. Good call, Randy.
Kangaroos are magical. They rate right up there with unicorns, I reckon. The thing is, though most Australians think fondly of kangaroos, they have roughly the respect we have for the common deer in America. "Yup, there's one." They come out at dawn and dusk, have permanent "red-eye" to a camera lens, and become sport for some sick demented people who get their jollies by hitting or abusing a beautiful animal. Disgusting...and....cowardly.
For us Americans, kangaroos are amazing. Truly. Their front paws are not particularly functional, but they sometimes use them to hold down their food while eating. Otherwise, it's all hind legs, thick, muscular tail and adorable wide eyes. The joeys (babies) are impossibly cute, and very approachable. Really, they all are. They are so docile, they let you approach without much concern. They are so trusting. When I am among the kangaroos I feel the same way I do when I am snorkeling and playing tag with the fish on the reefs. One word describes it....enchanted.
Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo
We'll build an All American amusement park there
They got surfin', too
Randy Newman includes the humble kangaroo in his song entitled "Political Science" (exerpt above) about bombing the rest of the world because they don't appreciate the contributions made by the good ole' U.S. of A. Australia and kangaroos are granted a pardon in the song. Good call, Randy.
Kangaroos are magical. They rate right up there with unicorns, I reckon. The thing is, though most Australians think fondly of kangaroos, they have roughly the respect we have for the common deer in America. "Yup, there's one." They come out at dawn and dusk, have permanent "red-eye" to a camera lens, and become sport for some sick demented people who get their jollies by hitting or abusing a beautiful animal. Disgusting...and....cowardly.
For us Americans, kangaroos are amazing. Truly. Their front paws are not particularly functional, but they sometimes use them to hold down their food while eating. Otherwise, it's all hind legs, thick, muscular tail and adorable wide eyes. The joeys (babies) are impossibly cute, and very approachable. Really, they all are. They are so docile, they let you approach without much concern. They are so trusting. When I am among the kangaroos I feel the same way I do when I am snorkeling and playing tag with the fish on the reefs. One word describes it....enchanted.
07 May 2009
Head bangin'
Just one week into being in our new home with an IN GROUND POOL, Sam is wearing the mummy head dressing. Cracked his head on the side of the pool doing a back flip into the water. It was quite dramatic and convinced me the kids will NOT be allowed to be in the pool without an adult home. Thankfully, Steve and I were both there. Sam is quite capable of doing a fine back flip, as I've seen him do it many times. But this particular time, it went all wrong.
Five hours and 6 stitches later, he's got a goose egg on his head that would make any goose proud!
He's on the mend and get's his stitches out this weekend. I'm reasonably certain Sam won't be doing flips of ANY kind into the pool for the foreseeable future. Live and learn!
Missing in April?
It would seem that somehow, April didn't take place here. We have been so busy moving and buying new cars that April went completely missing on our blog. I can assure you, we didn't miss it but would have liked to, in some respects!
Our herculean move is now complete. School holidays have come and gone. My "first" Aussie auto is now history. And....we have a new addition to the family.
It's been a very busy April.
We moved out of 27 Constellation Drive and into 4 Fairway Circle amid whining and gnashing of teeth. There just isn't any easy way to move 5 people and all their "stuff" to a new place. That said, everyone agrees it was worth it. We stepped up our way of life here at 4 Fairway Circle with an inground pool, hot tub, theatre room (complete with projector and 6 ft sceen), view of the Indian Ocean in the distance, and a real kitchen with a normal sized stovetop and oven. Sigh. Does life get any better than that? Well, I reckon it could, but we're delighted with what we have here. The new pics say it all....
The saga of my car is so extravagant, I can now look back on it and enjoy the sheer lunacy of it all. Unbeknownst to me, I had been driving my car for 9 months with expired plates. That in itself is hilarious. Nine months? Ha! I was pulled over by some Aussie coppers who instantly took the plates off my car and said I can no longer drive it until it is re-registered. The sheer idiocy of keeping me from driving the car and then telling me I had to get it re-registered to drive it was not lost on me; after all, I had to DRIVE it to REGISTER it. Hello? While steam came out my ears, expletives came out my mouth directly at the nice Aussie ocifer. Neither of us were amused. Annnnnnyyyyywayyy...in the end Steve decided to make the Apollo a charitable donation to a couple here from America doing mission work, and we bought a new (to us) vehicle that could conceivably pull a boat, if we happened to win one in the lottery. We are the proud owners of a Jackaroo and it's a great step up from my humble Apollo.
Slowly boxes are being unpacked and our lives are settling down again. Autumn has been spectacular, with days in the 80's and nights getting cooler for great sleeping weather. The Indian Ocean has been uncharacteristically "flat" (calm) and is utterly beautiful. I have asked for a kayak for Mother's Day, as I want to become "one" with the ocean. The views of the sunset from our new home? Take a look...
Currently, Steve is planning a trip to Bali with Camerin and Lucas for the school holidays in July. Nice. Sam and I will be headed for the States to visit and find new renters for our home on Jason Way.
May 2nd was the anniversary of my first year here, along with Sam and Camerin. Steve and Lucas have been here about 2 months longer. It doesn't seem possible, but here we are starting year number two. We still miss the U.S.A. and think and speak of home often.
The new addition to our family? We've been adopted by a nice kitty. The kids call her Muffins (gag), but I named her Callie, as she looks a bit like a calico cat. She just started showing up and demanding love. Now she has her own food and water bowl and comes in and out like she owns the place. We all love her and it's wonderful to have an animal around the house again. MEEEEEOW!
Our herculean move is now complete. School holidays have come and gone. My "first" Aussie auto is now history. And....we have a new addition to the family.
It's been a very busy April.
We moved out of 27 Constellation Drive and into 4 Fairway Circle amid whining and gnashing of teeth. There just isn't any easy way to move 5 people and all their "stuff" to a new place. That said, everyone agrees it was worth it. We stepped up our way of life here at 4 Fairway Circle with an inground pool, hot tub, theatre room (complete with projector and 6 ft sceen), view of the Indian Ocean in the distance, and a real kitchen with a normal sized stovetop and oven. Sigh. Does life get any better than that? Well, I reckon it could, but we're delighted with what we have here. The new pics say it all....
The saga of my car is so extravagant, I can now look back on it and enjoy the sheer lunacy of it all. Unbeknownst to me, I had been driving my car for 9 months with expired plates. That in itself is hilarious. Nine months? Ha! I was pulled over by some Aussie coppers who instantly took the plates off my car and said I can no longer drive it until it is re-registered. The sheer idiocy of keeping me from driving the car and then telling me I had to get it re-registered to drive it was not lost on me; after all, I had to DRIVE it to REGISTER it. Hello? While steam came out my ears, expletives came out my mouth directly at the nice Aussie ocifer. Neither of us were amused. Annnnnnyyyyywayyy...in the end Steve decided to make the Apollo a charitable donation to a couple here from America doing mission work, and we bought a new (to us) vehicle that could conceivably pull a boat, if we happened to win one in the lottery. We are the proud owners of a Jackaroo and it's a great step up from my humble Apollo.
Slowly boxes are being unpacked and our lives are settling down again. Autumn has been spectacular, with days in the 80's and nights getting cooler for great sleeping weather. The Indian Ocean has been uncharacteristically "flat" (calm) and is utterly beautiful. I have asked for a kayak for Mother's Day, as I want to become "one" with the ocean. The views of the sunset from our new home? Take a look...
Currently, Steve is planning a trip to Bali with Camerin and Lucas for the school holidays in July. Nice. Sam and I will be headed for the States to visit and find new renters for our home on Jason Way.
May 2nd was the anniversary of my first year here, along with Sam and Camerin. Steve and Lucas have been here about 2 months longer. It doesn't seem possible, but here we are starting year number two. We still miss the U.S.A. and think and speak of home often.
The new addition to our family? We've been adopted by a nice kitty. The kids call her Muffins (gag), but I named her Callie, as she looks a bit like a calico cat. She just started showing up and demanding love. Now she has her own food and water bowl and comes in and out like she owns the place. We all love her and it's wonderful to have an animal around the house again. MEEEEEOW!
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