December 29th (Wednesday)

This picture is from me reminiscing about our "Aussie" Christmas.  I forget about my excitement over finding seashells on the beach, it was the first time ever for me.  Everyone of course was laughing at me because they were soo small (according to them) and told me to wait until Sydney because the shells were way bigger and nicer.  But I was excited and determined to pick as many as I could of THESE shells (Josh referred to me as a little kid).  When I returned with all of my discoveries and everyone was still teasing me, Georgie spoke up about her Canadian experience.  She said to everyone matter-of-factly that it's just like when people tell you not to stick your tongue onto a gate at wintertime when it is freezing.  So everyone asked what she meant.  And she said one day she was waiting for Aaron at the gate, wondering if this statement was true and stuck her tongue to the gate to test it out; of course us Canadians know how this turned out along now with Georgie :).     


Yesterday, December 28th, was a great day.  Georgie took us to a "cellar door" at the vineyard that she works at occasionally (Henry's Drive ).  It was such a great moment because Josh and I discovered that you don't have to work at a vineyard to sample wine.  You can go there for free and sample as many wines as you like, and not buy wine.  Then if you feel the need you can continue on down the road to the next vineyard, etc (Vineyards within 50 kms is at a minimum 100).  We sampled some and bought some - another day we will tour to the next cellar door.    

 This is how you buy wine directly from a vineyard - by the case ;)

 The various wines that you can sample ;) or buy:

In the evening we were invited out for tea at Georgie's parent's farm (John and Jenn).  We had a great visit and Josh fullfilled one of his Australian dreams - going for a "roo" hunt with Tim.    



I was in the yute cab with John and I had to close my eyes, me and Barney both were trying to hide under the seats (Georgie's dog).  I know they are like deer but I am definately not a hunter.
 

 The Proud Hunters:

Josh started work today with a local farmer.  He was running the header (combine) and was having a great time.  I did errands and am trying to find a vehicle.  I will start some sort of a job in the next few days hopefully.  Around here it is not the right time of year to pick fruit or work at the vineyards.  I have went along with Georgie to work a few days, picking onion flowers and dividing them into test tubes to extract the nectar (post pictures later).  If nothing comes up I will volunteer in the area for the next couple weeks.  There is always a need for volunteers at the local group home for disabled individuals and day care groups.  It is going to be an extremely hot New Years (40 plus) and not sure as of yet what our plans are.  We wish everyone a truly happy New Years and wish you all the best!! 

P.S. The next blog will come from Josh's farming experiences. 

December 24th (Friday) - December 27th (Monday): Christmas at Robe

December 23rd - Josh and I making cabbage rolls for Christmas before we left for Robe:

December 24th - We just arrived at Robe.  Our rental house is just behind us (looks out onto the ocean) through the shrubs.  This is the main beach at Robe called Long Beach.  It is one of the few beaches in Australia that you can drive on. 

The Start of the Christmas Table Tennis Tournaments:

How many things can you do while playing table tennis?  Either Georgie is really good at multi-tasking or Josh is that terrible of a player. 

Enjoying our pizza and munchies on the deck in the beautiful sunshine ;) 



I have a few cosmetic staples - they are my mascara, lipgloss, hairspray and backcombing comb.  We switched bags at the last minute and I was horrified to discover I left my hairspray and comb at home.  I survived the few days without it.  I can do it!!!!



This is excellent wine - and the owner of the vineyard also happens to be a good friend of Georgie's (we met him at that fancy supper when we first came here).  Hmmmmm maybe I can use this connection for becoming a wine taster ;)



December 25th - In the morning we had a breakfast of fruit and croissants.  It was a beautiful morning so we all decided to head down to the beach after the Turducken was put in the oven. 



Josh getting ready to brave the chilly water.  The ocean looked like the Caribbean but it definately wasn't the same temperature.  You learned pretty fast that it is less painful to dive in instead of just easing in - once your in you get used to it. 

We started eating at 1:00 and never finished until 6:30.  We started with a traditional cold seafood plate and moved directly onto supper and traditional pudding. 

Josh was in charge of the cheese tray (thank goodness Anne helped him a bit).  He had quite an arrangement, you can't quite see the added bits of pickled asparagus, mushrooms and carrots that he thought added to the dish.  

My job was to help arrange the seafood - I had no clue what I was doing either.



The Final Result: a prawn, a scallop and prosciutto skewer, deep fried squid, salmon torrentine and a shrimp dumpling.

As soon as we were done eating it was time to dish up supper - I'm not sure if Jenn was giving Josh motivation to eat more or if they were discussing Pasty business dealings.
 


Mmmm Turducken (it was so good):



The Final Result:

We were too stuffed to have the dessert yet, so we went down to the beach for a game of Cricket:




Josh was tuckered out from all of the running - I think he was missing home a bit by his half snow angel:



December 26th (Sunday - Boxing Day in Canada)

Woke up to another beautiful day - time to head to the beach!



Tim showing Josh how to use the board in shallow water:



Josh heading out into deeper/safer waters to try it out:



We all decided to go 4 by 4ing in the sand dunes:



Josh is driving the SPS (South Pacific Seeds) truck, thank goodness it has insurance:





Anne giving out Tequila shots:



 John Bogged:

Try Number 2:

 This time John made it over and so did the rest of us without getting bogged.

WooHoo - we made it over the next dune, now we just wait for the others:

Waiting for the Others - John was a success, Barney 1 (Georige & Fitzy) could not make it over and had to find a different route. 
 



Josh getting bogged:


You have to let alot of air out of your tires to make it up the dunes:


Celebratory Beers:

On our way to the docks to check out the local seafood:

Shark (aka. Flake):

Red Snapper for Boxing Day Tea:

Our Rental House:

Over the week-end the table tennis got quite intense, needed two paddles:

On the 28th (Monday) we packed up and went to the beach.  We smoked some fish in a smoker for lunch and headed home.  All in all it was a great Christmas - lots of food, fun and visits. 

Father Christmas - Santa Claus
Bogged - Stuck
Bathers - Swim Suit
Sunnies - Sun Glasses
Tea - Supper