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It's winter down under...average daily temps in the low 70's...not too bad.
Now that I have "experienced" the ins and outs of visa problems AND seen how ridiculously expensive "things" are here, I can't say that I really want to live here any more.
You can see the Brisbane River from my 22nd story loft apartment. Rain is forecasted for most of the coming week...rather grayish and dreary if you ask me. Double click on the photo, so you can also see the D'Aguilar mountain range in the background.
So what do things cost in Australia? Know before you go!
One raw grocery store chicken = $11.30 AU Dollars
One restaurant grilled steak = $39.00
Basic monthly tv cable = $150.00/month
Internet Service = $27.00/day
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I am debating whether to spend the money to go see a few things while I am here, because I may never get the chance to do it again....such as Ayers Rock, The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian wine country, etc...
Didn't make it to any of those exotic spots down under. HOWEVER, I did manage to take a ride on Brisbane's giant ferris wheel!
If I continue to have visa problems, I may have to exit Australia for a week and go to New Zealand or Tahiti, while we wait for things to get cleared up. THAT would be nice! Lots to see there too!
"Leaving on a jet plane....don't know if I'll be back again...."
Yes folks, August 11th, I'll be gone.
Here's a pic of Moscow...never been over the "Pole" before...
We all scream for ice cream!!! YEAH!!!
After this last trip to Maine, I missed my black raspberry so much that I decided to try making it myself. Most Maine creameries have it...but nobody carries this flavor in Texas!
Sometimes, if you are not looking, it will show up in the freezer case at one's local New England grocer....marketed by, who else? FRIENDLYS!!!
Here is a link to the BEST Black Raspberry Ice Cream Recipe EVER!
Even a novice like me could follow the instructions on this link...pic by pic!
The hardest part was making the custard...but if I could do it...you can too!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/blackberry-ice-cream-part-1/
Now...back to the recipe...here are a few hints...
1. We substituted frozen Black Raspberries for the blackberries...of course. I changed nothing else...
2. Make sure to get all the pulp off the back of your strainer! Each little bit gives your "cream" a deeper flavor and color. Just be careful to NOT get any tiny seeds in the mix...
3. THOROUGHLY CHILL the ice cream mixture (almost to the point of freezing) before adding it to the ice cream freezer...ESPECIALLY if you plan to use a countertop electric freezer.
4. Once "frozen," scoop the ice cream out of the freezing unit and place it in an air tight container. The ice cream will remain scoopable, even after storing it in the refrigerator freezer compartment.
YUM YUM!!!
Here is a pic of our delicious dessert...yes friends, it was that deep purple! Now I can have it anytime I want without having to go to MAINE!
Sad I can't same the same about clams....aaahhhh....
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How does one initiate a family cemetery? What are the laws regarding this...the rules...etc?
I have never had a need for a cemetery until my mother passed away two years ago. What does one DO with the remains of those you love once they have passed? Right now, my mother's remains rest in a jar on a window ledge in Vero Beach, Florida. Has she become a decorative piece...no longer noticed or appreciated? I wonder...."Is that how I would want it?"
With cremation the least expensive option for those recently deceased, I believe there are many questions that need asked and answered in every family....before that "need" occurs.
I spent this past weekend contemplating those questions, while helping build a private family cemetery in central Texas.
Is there a need to place a relative's earthly remains in a plot?
If one decides to be cremated, do the ashes get distributed in small urn-like "parting gifts" so that everyone gets a "piece of dad?"
When does one discuss death with family members?
Would it be insensitive to throw a mother's ashes onto the sea?
How about the placement of a simple marker to note one's prior existence?
What difference does cremation versus bodily burial make to the survivors?
How many people actually visit relatives in the cemetery and how often?
Who gets buried in the "family" cemetery? Immediate families, blood relatives, close friends,etc...Who maintains the cemetery?
Should a cemetery trust be established to sell plots to family members to establish a fund for upkeep...and/or just ask for yearly donations?
Lots of pondering about
Where and with whom do I want to be interred?
Who will administrate my death?
How do I want to be disposed?
MORE MORBIDITY LATER.......
