So Saturday, John and I decided to take a Bus Tour of Perth.
It was one of those no roof on the top, Hop On Hop Off buses like we did in New York City with Chris.
Now we got the information we needed from the internet and off we went.
The times must have changed though since they published that website and it turned out we had about an hour to kill.
Not hard to do since we were meeting the bus at ... Read More
Featured News
Until August..
Everyone that knows me well, knows I stink at good-byes. I get misty weeks before the actual good-bye events. I love being around loved ones. That's it. Good-byes usually accompany others [+]
Waiting in New Zealand..
“For a while" is a phrase whose length can't be measured.At least by the person who's waiting.” ― Haruki Murakami, South of the Border, West of the Sun If saying [+]
Mothers Day Continued..
Not sure how it happened, but we bought our first book together and it was declared my Mother's Day present. Orchids of Western Australia Then John suggested we go [+]
Mothers Day..
I missed my own mom and my children on this day, but it was sweet to spend it with John. I got told Happy Mother's Day very early in the [+]
Birthday..
Since my birthday and my time here coming to a close was in the same week, the day was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Won't do that again. But [+]
Whiteman Park Kangaroos..
John drives home from work past Whiteman Park and often sees kangaroos at that time of day. So on his day off, we went by at around the same time... [+]
One More Time at John Forrest National Park..
After nearly a week of rain, John and I thought we would make one more trip to John Forrest National Park, in the hopes that with all the rain, we [+]
Bird Watching..
And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” Genesis 1:20 First part of the [+]
The Chairs..
John and I decided each time I am in Perth that we should take on a project, like the last time it was the kitchen floor. We were online when [+]
Whiteman Park Classic Car Show..
Whiteman Park is a beautiful place and just the area alone would be an attraction for me, but it seems to hosts a lot of events and always seems to [+]
Posted By Xerraire On Friday, March 22nd 2013 In General, Personal | Tags: banksia, bus tour, crow, kings park, raven, waiting, wooley, yout tube |
So Saturday, John and I decided to take a Bus Tour of Perth.
It was one of those no roof on the top, Hop On Hop Off buses like we did in New York City with Chris.
Now we got the information we needed from the internet and off we went.
The times must have changed though since they published that website and it turned out we had about an hour to kill.
Not hard to do since we were meeting the bus at ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, March 19th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: backyard, Barb, beach, john, lemon tree, lemons, perth, ripe, sunset, wedding photo wall grouping |
Our backyard has a lemon tree. I went out there with the intention of getting some lemons for my tea.
There were many to choose from. It occurred to me that I really don't know when one is ready to be picked. I soon deducted if it comes off easy with just a tug, it's ready.
Our wedding photos wall grouping is now complete. If it makes anyone feel better, even professional printers have issues with their in home ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, March 19th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, drop, front yard, house, john, rain, rains, snails, window |
Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus 26:4
Normally, rain doesn't excite me, we get enough in Maryland. We make plans and even create rain dates when the plans fall through thanks to the weather. This is Maryland life.
Just this week John and I went somewhere to book an outing, and as John was paying for it, I asked the ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, March 17th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, beach, birthday, coast, horizon, houses, john, photography, pink, slow shutter speed, sunset, tripod, waves |
Any day that looks like it might have an interesting sky for sunset, we usually head out to the beach. It was a nice way to wind down John's birthday.
We chose a location we had been before. I am sweet on it, since he brought me here right before we got married, trying to cheer me up from my lost luggage. That had a happy ending.
I never get tired of studying the water and how the waves come ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Wednesday, March 13th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, birthday, butcherbird, calytrix, john, koondoola bushwalk, phyllis, water tower |
This day was John's actual birthday. He woke up as usual but this time with an excited wife and presents.
Of all things, this day was voting day, a state election. We decided to take part in a guided bushwalk and then we would go to vote. As we drove by the polling place, a school, I got a photo.
It looks much like an American voting place, I thought, Banners, lines, and volunteers helping their candidates.
Introductions made, it was ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, March 12th 2013 In General, Personal | Tags: Barb, baskin-robbins, birthday, cake, canvas, guest room, house, ice cream, jamie, jeff, john, macadamia nut |
I've been known to give my children a birthday week, not just a birthday day. Sometimes it's even felt like a birthday month.
I wouldn't love on my husband any less, and he had a birthday week. All week he had special things prepared for him and such. So, a few days before his birthday, I had Jeff and Jamie over for a special pre-birthday dinner.
When the boys arrived they both took notice that the house is starting to have a ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, March 12th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: ants, Barb, flowers, john, john forrest national park, magpie, marri, parrot, red-tailed cockatoos, trail, tunnel, waterfall, white |
Often when John takes me somewhere, I think of my children, if only they could see this...but today, I REALLY thought of my kids. They love a nice hike and the prospects I saw for Enric to enjoy mountain biking were abundant here in John Forrest National Park.
John Forrest National Park is one of Australia's oldest conservation areas and Western Australia's first national park.
The area was first established in 1898 as a reserve to conserve its many natural and cultural ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, March 11th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: australia, Barb, city of waneroo, collection, greens, john, rakes |
After some hard work getting ready for the greens collection, we were ready for it to be picked up. Even though it was a holiday for most (Labor Day), the truck with workers arrived.
I guess the closest thing we have to this in Pasadena, is when they pick up our leaves in autumn.
I leaned that in Australia, this is what a rake looks like:
A little different from our design? I think mom would like it for spring raking.
It ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, March 11th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, bush walk, inch ants, john, koondoola |
John needed to have some work done to his car. We drove it to the shop and decided to walk back home through the bush. It was early and not yet too warm for a nice walk in the bush. Soon we came to a discovery of inch ants. I had already heard John speak of these creatures enough to know to respect them, but not enough to have me run in the other direction, no, I needed to take ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, March 10th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: anniversary, bank, Barb, dome coffee, hillarys boat harbour, john, one year |
We reached the one year mark.
We spent the whole day together, which was present enough for me... I guess as a wife I passed the test, and now we have a bank account together :)
So that was the first order of business, and the rest of the day was spent shopping, eating out, strolling together.
John had a gorgeous lunch:
Do you think that eclair is big enough? My husband sure has a sweet tooth.
In the evening, we went to Hillary's ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Friday, March 8th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: australian kestral, Barb, barn owl, blue faced honeyeater, caversham wildlife park, firetail finch, john, koala, loorikeets, movie, pacific black ducks, tawny frogmouth, wood duck, you tube |
Carrying on from our trip to the Wildlife Park...
Two what seemed, lovey, Purple-crowned lorikeets.
Australian Kestral
Pacific black ducks
Wood (Maned) ducks
Then it was time to visit the koalas.
This and the Kangaroos is the best part of the park.
They are soooo soft.
This is the most I have seen one MOVE. :)
Red-browed firetail finch
Tawny Frogmouth
Barn Owl
Blue-faced honey eater
John revisits the loorikeets.
4 posts to show off one visit to Caversham Wildlife Park and ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Thursday, March 7th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: baby chicken, Barb, black swan, Blue fairy wren, cape barren goose, cattle egret, dingo, dingoes at play, john, movie, purple swamphen, wallaroo, wedged tailed eagle, you tube |
What's a visit to Caversham without seeing the blue fairy wrens that roam about freely?
Blue fairy wrens just make me happy.
The male still had some of his color.
They hopped and flitted around us for a good while.
John got a movie. :)
We got to meet the Wedged-tailed eagle and watch her have some lunch.
I couldn't help but wonder if Silas would be fascinated...or upset to see the eagle eat the baby chicken.
Perhaps because we went on ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Saturday, March 2nd 2013 In News Items, Personal | Tags: cage, caversham wildlife park, difference between a wallaby and a kangaroo, kangaroo, owls, quokka, red tailed cockatoo |
Continuing with our day at Caversham...part one here
The most obvious difference between the wallaby and the kangaroo is size. As a rule, the kangaroo is generally much larger than the wallaby. The kangaroo has more height between its ankles and knees, which makes its legs seem out of proportion to its body. The kangaroo's legs are built for speed on open terrain. The wallaby's more compact legs are built for agility in forested areas. Although there are many different ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Saturday, March 2nd 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, buff banded rail, camera lens, caversham wildlife park, imperial pigeon, john, king parrot, musk lorikeet, musky, rainbow lorikeets, video, you tube |
I guess this is my third time going to Caversham Wildlife Park. Each time John takes me, it's a happy event. I love this place, it's just that special.
Rainbow lorikeets. Found in forests of north and east Australia, introduced in the Perth area, I was quite taken with them.
Especially when they became so playful.
John enjoys watching me with the birds I think.
They just make me light up. :)
This one was quite taken with himself, his ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, February 25th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, collection, greens, hedge, john, pick-up, Silas, trees, trim, verge, windmill |
Each year it is made available greens verge collection in John's area. Years ago when I first met John, I didn't even know what verge meant. Verge = a strip of grass or other vegetation beside a road. I guess we would call it a curbside collection. They are limited to tree prunings ONLY up to a total of 3m3.
We are lucky the weekend was cooler.I dedicated myself to be John's helper, not willing to brave his ladder or tools ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 24th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, crescent, dough, homemade, rolling pin, rolls. John |
Over the Christmas Holidays, my mom prepared crescent rolls from a ready made bread from the refrigerator section of the supermarket and they were delicious. When I saw how much John seemed to like them, I dedicated myself to learn how to prepare them from scratch.
I looked for a recipe that I could find all the ingredients (no shortening here in Australia, grrrrrr). I found this one.
I've baked bread before, so I wasn't in total foreign territory. Getting them ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 24th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: kings park, lightbulbs, scattered light, sundial, sunrise |
The weekend was spent getting up each morning at 5 am to check out sunrises. This day we went to King's Park.
It was very cloudy, perhaps too much for a dramatic sunrise. A view of Perth with a threat of rain.
Some color eventually came through.
Sundial Memorial - Kings Park & Botanic Garden. Perth, Western Australia.
CenotaphAn 18 metre granite obelisk commemorates all Western Australians who gave their lives in the service of their country.
We didn't just look ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Wednesday, February 20th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, Bold Park, john, perth, western australia |
We got to Bold Park a bit late, but it was a cooler day and I think we both just wanted to walk somewhere.
Bold Park is a 437-hectare (1,080-acre) urban bushland area in the suburb of City Beach, in Perth, Western Australia. It is located 8 km directly west of the central business district, its western border less than one kilometre from the Indian ocean. To the east, Perry Lakes reserve is directly adjacent to the park. The hilly topography ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, February 18th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: australia, Barb, bells rapids, cormorant, darter, dragonfly, john, red, river, scarlet perched dragonfly |
After our sunrise at Whiteman Park, John suggested we go to the river. So off we went.
I kept seeing something snake looking pop up out of the water and disappear quickly.
Because of its long and slender neck, the Australasian Darter is sometimes called the snakebird. Usually inhabiting freshwater wetlands, darters swim with their bodies submerged beneath the water’s surface, with only the sinuous neck protruding above the water, enhancing its serpentine qualities. Darters forage by diving to depths of ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 17th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, john, kangaroos, sunrise, whiteman park |
We set the alarm for 5 am.
Even though we aren't in a beach hideaway like on our honeymoon, I asked John for some good places near the house to go for sunrise. He suggested Whiteman Park. I love it there, so I was happy with the idea.
Even though we set the clock for 5, we might have been a tad late, but it was good from the start.
It was a lovely morning, there before it got too hot.
... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Saturday, February 16th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: house, sky, sunset, valentines day |
The actual Valentine's Day was a sweet, intimate, evening together, with a lovely sweet end of a precious sunset right outside our house.
It's a good thing we called Georgie for her birthday and she alerted us to the lovely sky. This was shot from the porch.
Another look from the road.
A look back to the house, a little different look under the sunset sky. ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Wednesday, February 13th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, chocolate, churros, dulce de leche, Hillary's boat harbor, john, kisses, love, san churros, valentines day |
We've celebrated Valentines Day before, but never physically together. So this is a 'big one'.
I've had my heart set on a photo of a wedding in the living room, so, we agreed that could be our Valentine.
Even so, I wanted to do something a little special for the evening and suggested San Churros. I thought he would LOVE them as they have cinnamon on them, and was frustrated that he didn't try them at an international food vendor on Australia ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 10th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: 80th, adrew, alan, Barb, birthday, brandon, Cathy, clare, dd, george, graham, iris, janet, john, louise, pary, travis |
After our Poker Run event, it was time to go to Dad's birthday party.
His cake, a special card, and a coffee mug.
Not all seen here, but there were about 50 people who came.
Travis and Gemma
Louise and Georgie, with a broken wrist.
Georgie with her grandsons, and some help from Graham.
Dad makes a toast with Grahams "Coke Christmas tree"
Time to cut the cake.
Dad and Iris with the Great Grandchildren.
Dad surrounded by his children.
... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 10th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: 2013, australia, Barb, big al's poker run, cars, john, perth |
According to Wikipedia, A poker run is an organized event where participants, usually using motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, horses, or other means of transportation must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. The event has a time limit, however the participants are not timed—winning is purely a matter of chance.
Over the years, every February, John has shared with me ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, February 3rd 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, Blue fairy wren, christmas spider, egret, john, Lake Joondalup, park, pelican, snails, spiders, woods |
Today after church and relaxing at home, we decided to go to Lake Joondalup.
Here are some of the sights, birds, and SPIDERS there!
John assured me these were common garden spiders, but they were HUGE and they were many in the woods of Lake Joondalup.
John called these snails below pests, because their European and don't belong here. I couldn't help but think, they're pests here, but in Spain, they're lunch. :)
A happy surprise, some blue fairy wrens.
Austracantha minax , below, (with ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, January 29th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, carpet pyton, dingo, john, python, snake, west australia reptile park |
In the middle of the afternoon, while out trying to photograph birds and not having a lot of luck, John suggested the West Australian Reptile Park. That sounded like a good suggestion to me, so off we went.
First to greet us after going through some talkative parrots, was this Sand Goanna
I've never met a lizard yet that didn't seem to LOVE attention. This Lace Monitor was no exception. After this, he seemed to fall right to sleep.
A ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, January 29th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: 2013, australia day, Barb, fireworks, john, perth |
So even though John and I will be married a year next month, I don't think he realized what a fireworks nut I am. I was getting more excited as the time came near for the fireworks.
Announcements in the sky didn't help me be less enthusiastic.
John captures me all excited and camera ready for the event. He had to ask a few times while waiting, "Serious, how old are you?" :)
The it began, the event I had been ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, January 27th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: 2013, australia day, australian flag, Barb, fingernails, john, paella, perth, roma knapp, us army, water bomb |
This was to be my first Australia Day, and I was quite excited. I had already seen many of John's photos of the event in years past and knew as much as I love fireworks, I was in for a real treat.
We went into Perth way before the fireworks however.
The first thing I learned is that Australians love their flag. :)
Flags on poles is to be expected, but they were everywhere for Australia Day.
On boats...
as a body ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Friday, January 25th 2013 In Featured, General | Tags: australia, Barb, dolphin bath mat, hair, home, house, john, mud caramel cake, perth, vacuum |
Here, making each day of the year
Changing my life with a wave of her hand
Nobody can deny that there's something there
~ The Beatles
My husband is learning that as a general rule, women are nesters, and I am no exception. I guess with a wave of my hand, I am making some changes, some are practical...
...like the whimsical dolphins now at the bottom of the tub. Unfortunately I slipped and fell last week, and Georgie donated them! Up ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, January 21st 2013 In Featured, General | Tags: banksia, bush walk, butterfly, dragonflies, fringed lily |
Afraid to wait for another Bushfire to prevent us to walk there, we decided to go to Koondoola Bush for a walk. John said this isn't a good time of year to see wildflowers, but it seems there is ALWAYS something different and amazing to see.
Jacksonia floribunda Holly Pea
Dragonfly
A fly that mimics a bee.
Calytrix angulata Yellow Starflower
This dragonfly was very patient with me.
The path we took.
Thysanotus multiflorus Fringe Lily
Butterfly on a ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Saturday, January 19th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, bowling club, bowls, dad, iris, john, markets, ostrich egg, peas |
Last week, Dad and Iris picked me up to give me a peek at Dad's bowling club as well as take me shopping and to lunch. The Sunday before, at their house, I commented that I had no idea what the game looked like or how it was played.
The object of the game is to deliver bowls closer to the jack (the small white ball) than your opponent to earn the right to score points. The player or team ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Thursday, January 17th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: baltimore orioles, baltimore ravens, baseball, birthday, cake, football, jamie, jeff, john, M&Ms, pizza |
Yesterday we had a small celebration for Jeff and Jamie's birthday. Both are born in January. We started out with pizza, and I baked a cake for the occasion:
I was limited in ideas for cake decorating,and found a site on the net with an M&M decorated cake. M&M's and I go way back, so it looked like a winner to me! But I am still nervous cooking and baking in a new kitchen.
Jeff got a hat that says ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Tuesday, January 15th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: Barb, BJ Lamont, chad, cold, dog. family portraits, fish eye, janelle, john, laura, moonfall studios, morgan, nathan, the petersons |
Before we left the U.S., Laura, John, and I (part of what makes up Moonfall Studios), had a family photo session with a very unique and awesome family, The Petersons.
It might not have snowed as Janelle wished for, but John sure felt the cold.
Nathan liked John's fish-eye lens, oh look there is yours truly in a nice warm blue sweater.
Laura, in action.
Caught being caught.
And now a few of the family...
Nathan and Chad
The family. Hard ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Monday, January 14th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: australia, Barb, john, perth, sorrento beach, sunset, western |
God’s beauty is displayed in every sunset, His renown blazes brighter than every star, His grace is sweeter than honey. The world that surrounds us declares the glory of God! As a painting dimly captures the beauty of nature, so does nature itself dimly capture His splendor. The sky is a mirror reflecting the wonder that is our God.
Even before we were married, I asked John to get me to as many sunsets over the Indian Ocean as possible. ... Read More
Posted By Xerraire On Sunday, January 13th 2013 In Featured, Personal | Tags: airport, auckland, Barb, cafe, cricket, international date line, john, new zealand, relax, san francisco, sunrise, turbulence |
As we boarded the plane in San Francisco, the pilot warned we would hit some turbulence and that even the flight path would be altered closer to Hawaii. At the time I told myself it was kind of reassuring to be forewarned, unlike my last flight over the Pacific when it was sudden and unexpected.
Reassurance was short lived. Soon after they offered water and announced the meal, it hit. The plane was crazy with turbulence, my newly poured water flew ... Read More
