Julia Child and I Have been Spending Time Together (Sorta)

Today is spent in leisurely withdrawing our things now integrated in the home we have been caring for over the last month. This is the completion of our sixth house-sitting arrangement since arriving in Canberra. The plan is to begin in one room, and systematically group and label the things we have placed since we moved in last month. Thankfully, this short assignment was not the norm. Most of our arrangements averaged 2 months. Taking a break from the packing is helpful in keeping a pace.

Have you seen Meryl Streep's new Film? "Julie & Julia"is a film I have waited to see with great anticipation. Why? Well, perhaps the fact that I filled the days with listening to audio books about Julia. "My Life In France" and "Appetite For Life" filled in many blanks for me. Why was it I was now obsessed with wanting to know who she was, how she became Julia, and how in the world she managed her only marriage at age forty, and a career within ten years. Her warmth and directness strengthened her indomitable spirit. I enjoyed learning about their life together in the early years, then one or two decades which followed. There seems to be a lack of information covering her success on television,and her books and special teaching classes promoting her books. Paul died at age 92. Julie (in the movie) is said to have died at age 91. Actually, she died two days before her ninety-second birthday. Still, that was twenty years after the love of her life died. ''I am still delving into the images and articles written about her. As a woman with grand children (note the side-step from writing the "G" word?) it is good for them to learn that one can be six foot two inches tall, have a rather high peculiar voice, and no particular talents, and still.... attain what Julia did in her lifetime. More to share, but for right now, back to the packing.... "Bon Appetit!"

Sink your teeth into this one...

 

As a first time taste goes, one hopes for the best. This Smoked Trout & Veggie Pie did not dissapoint.
I was in Griffith, at the stops in the neighborhood there, I noticed a Organic Butcher shop and bakery.
(Hmmm, interesting). I stepped up and into the shop into a world of sausages and prime cuts. Two gents manned the counters, very kind indeed. I looked around a bit.

On the right end of the shop were baked goods in a case. Nothing sweet as one might think, simply various meat pies and tarts. I noticed a Smoked Trout & Veggie Pie about 10 inches across. It was so stout and thick, baked a a lovely pastry crust. After inquiring about the source of the fish; I learned the trout is fresh from Tasmania, then smoked on the premises. Just pop it into a fan oven at 160 degrees for twenty-two minutes and "Voila!" you have an very unique main dish. Clair and I enjoyed this so very much. Hot from the oven, the crust is crisp and fragrant; ample enough to hold the now bubbling veggie and trout filling. The balance of fish to veggies was right on the nose. I heartily recommend you try this dish. You can find this shop in Griffith: Griffith Butchery
www.griffithbutchery.com.au

10 Barker St
Griffith ACT 2603
(02) 6295 9781

Today began quietly

 

Clair & Emma climb Mt. Coolum

 

On the trails in Noosa

 

House-sitting for Emma

 
 
 
 

House-sitting Tales in Noosa, Queensland

Well there has been a lot of rain indeed here. But the house (and the street) is high and dry. (not to worry, we are fine).

My sister, Linda and I took a long walk along the Noose River area in town around sunset last night it was remarkable!
Heaps of parakeets and white snowy cockatoos roosting in for the night. The water on the river was almost even with the walkways.
There are permanently placed exercise machines facing the water for anyone to use. They are paired up to do with a friend too.
The evening and people there were very mellow. Some of them were BBQ'ing in the covered picnic areas along the way placed under the big shade trees.
I think that taking a slow stroll, walking along that river too, wouldn't be fun often. Young families were playing close by, and lots of others walking their dogs along the paths. Though it wasn't crowded, and it felt so peaceful.

There is a riverboat with a sunset jazz cruise passing by all lit in little blue lights.
I hope Clair and I can take that cruise when he comes up for a visit on 15 May through to 19 May. I miss him too.

My time with Linda has been limited because she recently was offered a great counseling position in Noosa. She has been after it 5 years now.
Linda is so happy she has 4 days a week with a solid employer doing something she is very good at.
So her time is limited and we get together or talk nearly everyday.

My time is taken up with Emma (the Maltese) we are getting along extremely well. We walk twice a day usually learning different streets and path in all directions.
She is a very well behaved lady indeed. I like her company, the exercise is a positive plus as well. Last night, I was watching TV and saw something out of the corner of my eye. High up on the vaulted ceiling was a little snipe. Its a kind of tiny gecko, small enough to slip under the door. It was the first time I saw one inside the house. They are harmless can't bite or harm people and good for controlling insects. StillI I smiled as I wondered what my friends might do in reaction to seeing it. In the morning it was gone.
Life here is getting very interesting indeed.
House-sitting for a neighbor which just "happened" to be a neighbor for my sister, is great fun!

6 months in Aussie Land.....

Recently, I joined FaceBook. If you haven't been there recently, it might be fun to check it out. Since last Thursday, I have nearly 50 friends and loved ones who are also on facebook, and have confirmed I can add them to my friends list.
It may be that facebook will phase out this blog; but for now, both will exist.


The greatest part of being on facebook is that one can choose to personalize the settings. I chose for my page to be seen only by persons who are my friends or family. So anyone else who is searching for my name will see I have a facebook page, but will not be able to see more than a link with a thumbnail image. They will be required to ask for confirmation from me. But once you are linked, everything added to a friends page sends a message to each friend a notice of the post or picture or message. So in essence, it is a way to simultaneously keep in touch with everyone in real time. Now THAT is networking!