The Plunge Down Under

1000 Steps Up on the Kokoda Memorial Trail

After driving by the parking lot to the Kokoda Memorial Trail for more than three years now, on Friday we finally took the plunge, or rather the ascent, and conquered the 1,000 steps to the summit. Located at the intersection of Burwood Highway and the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road in Ferntree Gulley, the Kokoda Memorial Trail is a popular spot for picnickers and fitness buffs, many of whom try to run up the steep, slippery stone steps.  Never mind that in so doing they pose a risk both to themselves and to those slower hikers whom they pass along the way. It appears that the challenge is just too irresistible.  

Then and Now: Life after Smartphones

It's hard to believe now, but before we moved to Australia in July 2010, I rarely thought about my phone.  I often left home without it, much to my husband's frustration.  In October 2009 I received two texts wishing me a happy birthday.  I didn't notice them until January of the following year.  Then it took me hours to figure out how to respond using the miserable little keypad.  I regarded my mobile phone as a necessary burden---handy at times, to be sure, good for emergencies, but usually more trouble than it was worth.

Beware the Netball Umpire

On Saturday morning I did a very brave thing.  I took a photo of Sophie and her teammates on the netball court.  It was a beautiful morning, the girls had just played very well, and even though the final score was a draw, they were thrilled to not have suffered a humiliating defeat like they did in the previous week's match.  Fortunately the umpire's back was turned, so she did not witness a succession of mobile phones whipped out to take advantage of a rare opportunity.  I think we got away with the photo session only because this formidable head umpire was soundly scolding a junior umpire for failing to enforce one of the many rules of this complicated sport.

From Echidnas to Cats

James was the first member of the family to celebrate a birthday in Australia.  He turned four about two months after we arrived.  I remember the lonely feeling as we made preparations for a party of just six people.  

Our Second Federal Election

Australia has a new prime minister.  It may have escaped the attention of some of my American readers, but this past weekend marked a federal election for Australia.  Given the focus on Obama's calls to respond to outrages in Syria, and the lack of Australian news coverage in the U.S. media in general, I wonder how much screen time in America was allocated to coverage of the election.  It was certainly big news where we live.  I have spent the past few days undergoing a crash course in Australian politics and government.  After a self-imposed three-year hiatus from politics, I have found myself drawn in by the drama even as I struggled to understand Australia's complicated voting system.

First of September: Spring, Father's Day, Sore Throats and a Good Book

The first of September marked two events for us this year:  both the first day of spring, and the Australian celebration of Father's Day.  When special occasions happen on the first day of the month, I am often caught out unprepared.  Thankfully this year Gillian had reminded me about Father's Day--in fact, she was a full week ahead of herself, and we had a meal all planned out for two Saturdays prior to the actual day.  We decided to roll with it and celebrate twice.  Why not when good food is involved?

On the proper day, Sophie was up well in advance of the rest of the household preparing pancakes for her dad.  She searched online for a recipe, printed it off, mixed up the batter and started flipping before the rest of us got out of bed.  The pancakes were put into a warming oven until the family assembled for breakfast.  That they turned out well can be seen from the undisputable fact that four children were fighting over the last pancake.  There is something about Father's Day and Mother's Day that seems to cause sibling bickering in our house in spite of their best efforts.  Perhaps it is because of all of the effort involved, I am not sure, but whatever the reason, the children did not disappoint this year.