Visa Las Vegas

Ben surprised me at work this morning with a delivery of a dozen beautiful red roses and a box of yummy chocolates in honor of our wedding anniversary (February 22nd).

7 years ago we made the trek to Las Vegas for our spur-of-the-moment nuptials in an act of "anti-deportation" (and love too of course)! Ben's travel Visa in the United States was just about ready to expire and we needed to do something quickly so he could remain in country.

Our ceremony at the Wee Kirk of the Heather Chapel in Vegas was an experience that was altogether unique and quite memorable. Most of all, the location held a very special significance for the both us because history was repeating itself once more.

My parents (Richard and Sylvia) were married in the exact same chapel in 1942 when the world was in the midst of WWII. Soon after that hot August afternoon my father joined the US Navy and boarded the USS Parker bound for duty in the Mediterranean, leaving his new bride behind.

Not much of a honeymoon for the folks back then but it was the start of a life long love affair that spanned over 47 years!

We're just getting started!

Ute to Ute in 30 Minutes!

"Ute" = Australian for a utility vehicle

It's funny how terminology or the meaning of words change from one hemisphere to another. For example, in Oz, the word "truck" indicates a large semi-type vehicle and when you use the world "gas" it refers to propane. So, when I mention to anyone that I'm going to go gas up my pickup I get some confused looks. Of course it's not a "gas" station but it's a "petrol" station!

At the end of last year we purchased an off-road style camper trailer so we could upgrade our outback camping experience. Since Ben's Ford F250 truck wasn't a 4-wheel drive we needed to do a trade-in so we could pull the new beasty on anywhere we wanted.

Just after paying for the annual "rego" (registration) on the truck he finally found someone intersted in purchasing the Ford after 3 months of advertising on Carsales. It was a sad day for Ben to say farwell to his trusted "ute". The day we dropped it off to it's new owner we turned around and bought a practically brand new truck on the same day!

Our new baby is a Toyoto Hilux SR5 Turbo Diesel 4x4 that I've affectionally named "Luxy". It's a great little ute with plenty of torque. The big bonus is that we will save "heaps" of mula on fuel in comparison to the F250 (V8) because it's a 4-cylinder diesel! This was definitely a "green" purchase for us.... I wonder if we can get a rebate from the government?

Now we're properly fitted-out and ready to do some serious "bush bashing" in Oz!

Gift from California

This week another Dennen landed on Aussie soil. My second cousin, Brett Dennen, arrived this week as the opening act for the Aussie group "John Butler Trio". Brett is a succesful singer-songwriter from California with several albums already to his name. His unique voice, abilities as a guitarist and his lyrics with a message clearly explain why his popularity in America and Australia continues to grow. Such great talent truly must run in the family!

Ben and I joined fans in the middle of the moshpit last night to hear him preform. He was incredible. This was the first time I've heard him sing live and I was mezmerized and amazed by what a gifted musician he is.

What I didn't know, until I stood next to him, was how tall he was. My head came right to is armpit! After having him sign a CD for me, he invited us backstage for a chat and a beer with him and his 2 other band members. I had never met him so this was an excellent opportunity to get to know my cousin. What a wonderful and gracious young man. We had about an hour with him before he had to drive back to Sydney so they could catch a plane early the next morning for the opposite end of Oz - Perth.

Even though this was our first meeting he somehow felt familiar and like family. I hope we have a chance to spend more time with him in the future and show him a little bit of the Australia we live in.

Santa Done and Dusted

Christmas is "done and dusted" as the Aussies would say. The holiday came and went so quickly this year.

Even Mickey gets into the holiday spirit

We had a great turnout on Christmas Eve as we hosted the 2nd Annual "Bangers on Bray" street party in our driveway for all our neighbors. "Bangers" is Australian for "sausages" and grilling them up on the "barbie" with a side of grilled onions is a national past time and, what I think, is a primary food source for all the munchkins in Oz. We even had a visit from Santa.

Our Bray Street Neighbors

Our next door neighbors - Glenn and Vicki

Ben grilling up the "snags" and onions on the "barbie"

Santa makes the rounds on Bray Street

Christmas day was hot and humid as you'd expect it to be in the middle of summer, but we all managed to stay cool with a good selection of holiday beverages on hand. Thanks Mary, the Pomegranate Martinis were a hit and very refreshing!

Christmas Elves!

Santa Bindi

Bindi waiting for her Christmas treat

Santa brings Bindi a new toy

Ben loves those Dewar's Chews - thanks Lorrie!

Granny Cheryl with her "grand dog" Bindi

Santa delivered a Wii into the King household this year (we must have been really good) so there was plenty of sports activities in our livingroom over the weekend. Lulu kicks butt in boxing and baseball!

MIL (mother-in-law) and FIL (father-in-law) duke it out on the Wii

Wii Boxers - Lulu KOs Benjo in the 3rd!

On Boxing Day (December 26th) we had a wonderful change in weather which brought cooler temps (yeah) and much need precipitation. We also set up the ping pong table in the garage and played croquet on the front lawn in between rain showers. Fun was had by all! Of course there was too much good food and sweets consumed so we now have 12 months to work it all off. Good thing we got a Wii Fit too!

Thanks Kelly for the canned cheeries, my pie tasted like a piece of home to me.

"Chrissy" in the Enviro Corner

I decided to bring a little Christmas spirit into work with me today (Christmas Eve) and give the Aussie boys in the Technical Services Department an idea of how an American celebrates the festive season. I have decorations scattered all around my little Enviro corner with a "Home for the Holidays" Yankee candle burning and Christmas music playing on my iPod in the background. Yes, there is a tiny Christmas tree with Mickey Mouse ornaments all over it displayed on my filing cabinet that is unfortunately out of the picture. The Department Manager took this photo of me to share with the rest of the company - all I'm missing is the red Santa hat! Can you tell I'm actually working?

Deck the Halls

Even though a live Douglas Fir can only be found in my dreams here in Oz an artificial tree and a Yankee Candle seems to help fill the void of a fresh cut Chrismtas tree. Our tree has been decorated with memorable ornaments from near and far and the stockings are hung just awaiting the magic that Christmas morning brings.

Sailing Away

I think I love sailing!

This week one of the contracting companies on-site invited a small group of us to go sailing on Sydney Harbour. The company is a sponsor of the racing boat "The SubZero Goat" which won their class in the Sydney to Hobart Race in 2008. We set sail from the CYCA (Crusing Yacht Club of Australia) marina in the Sydney harbour to participate in their St Arnou Wednesday Twilight Race. Boats were everywhere, just a sea of sails! The course goes out and around Shark Island and ends at Rushcutters Bay.

"The SubZero Goat"

Col (my boss) and I getting ready to set sail

Race On!

After the race was over we all had a turn at the wheel. The water was fantastic and the sunset incredible as it slowly set over the skyline of Sydney. After debarkation we enjoyed a fabulous gourmet dinner at the yacht club.
Lulu taking her turn at the helm with a little assistance from steerman Bruce - "I'm Saling"!

Sunset over Sydney (note the opera house in the background)