What a difference a month can make. In August I wrote about making the trek to Quarries Park, not knowing exactly where we were going nor with whom we would meet up. We persevered in spite of cold, rainy weather, and ended up so glad that we did, but how much nicer to make the drive on now familiar roads with the eager expectation of meeting up with friends. As an added bonus, this time we knew to bring sausages to throw on the grill, a big improvement on the peanut butter sandwiches I threw in the lunch bag four weeks ago.
We had been told by several people that preparing food outdoors at parks is a favorite Melbourne pasttime, so popular in fact that outdoor barbecues are available for use at places throughout the city. In some cases coins are required in an attempt to thwart vandalism, but the one we used yesterday turned on at the touch of a button.
Quarries Park is about a twenty minute drive from our house, and it is as close to the city center as I care to drive. We have found the Australians that we have met so far to more than live up to their friendly reputation, and for this we are so grateful, but something seems to happen to that friendliness when they get behind the wheel. Probably drivers are the same in the big cities in the U.S. as well---we have managed to avoid big city driving for the most part thus far---but I have had to learn to be more aggressive to get where I need to go. Several times I have narrowly avoided a fender bender when a car has cut me off or swerved around me with the object of getting one car length ahead in the queue at the upcoming intersection.
Yesterday the driving was pleasant, however, and it was a delight to soak up the sunshine outdoors while chatting with so many homeschooling moms and their children. Cameron has complained that there are no pictures of him for this post, but as he was off playing sharks and minnows for nearly three hours I didn't really have the opportunity. He checked in with me long enough to grab his sausage, and spent the rest of the afternoon chasing and being chased, a boy's delight.
Sophie's friend not only loaned her a pair of roller skates, but helped her get started using them. I am now being pestered at frequent intervals throughout the day about when I will take her to the op shop to look for a used pair.
We spent today at home for the most part, catching up on laundry and attempting to keep the home front organized. James continues to ask nearly every day if he can go back to Pittsburgh, but he does manage to enjoy himself from time to time, especially when playing with his trains. Thankfully Sophie is usually happy to join in.
That's really neat about the grills available to use. The smell of food cooking outdoors (especially sausages!) must be so good, and yes---better than plain ol' pb sandwiches!
I think that is a great play area for James and his trains!
Posted by: Shanda | 09/09/2010 at 11:09 PM
What size does Sophie wear? And how hard would it be for me to send a package to you. We have a never worn pair that are girls size 1-4. They are adjustable and can fit anywhere from shoe size 1 to a 4 with no tools required to adjust. She can have them. Email me and let me know if you want them. If it's not too long to send the package and if she can wait til they get there.
Posted by: Deborah | 09/10/2010 at 02:06 AM