Living in the Snow

This past week has been busy!  It's been really nice having Michael visiting us, hopefully it's not too quiet for him!  Monday and Tuesday were quiet days as the weather remained poor, while it didn't snow on Monday it did again on Tuesday.  This is the first time since we have been here that we have had snow on top of snow.  Its nice to be inside!! 

Snow on snow, you can see the depth on the fence post - about 10". It's so nice when the sun comes out, very beautiful..

Tuesday night, both Tom & Mike went bowling but at different places, but both were $1.00 a game!  The shoe hire cost more!!  And I was invited to a 'Bunco' night!!  My friend Dixie rang me and asked me if I would like to have a unique American experience!  Well, I have been inside for two days and was open for it!  Her friend Eileen picked me up and what a night!!  This group of 12 women are all from this neighbourhood and have been meeting for years once a month for Bunco.  They were all grandma's except one, so I fitted in nicely there.  There was lovely food, then the serious game began:  There are 3 tables of 4 people, each in teams of 2.  You take turns throwing 3 dice, in the first round you need to throw a 1, the second round a 2, etc.  If you do, you go again, each time someone is scoring.  The first team to get to 21 wins and moves onto the next table, but switching partners so you are constantly meeting new people at your table.  If you throw 3 of the same number eg 3 x 5's you have a 'funco'.  If you throw 3 of the number you are going for in the round, you have 'bunco' and win the round. We played 18 rounds!! It was alot of fun and I got to talk to everybody about what we are doing here, about Australia, the differences and so on. At the end of the evening, prizes were given out for the most Bunco's, Funco's, wins, losses.  I didn't win anything, but had a really fun night.  I am constantly impressed at how friendly people are.   Thanks Dixie!

Wednesday was the last art session for this block. There is a 3 week break before the next block starts :(  I was able to finish collaging and then complete the painting at home before driving with Michael out to see where the Temple was. Then after school, Tom, Brooke and Kelland took Michael sledding until it was dark.

My watercolour teacher Chuck Dansford demonstrating the collage technique. Now, go and do it!!

Finished. Lighthouse at Novia Scotia. My rocks were all a bland colour, so I had to lighten the top ones to reflect the sunlight.  I was finally happy with it in the end.

Chuck Danford is a noteable artist here in Denver, his paintings are simply beautiful, and I am totally inspired!  His work is worth taking a look at:  http://www.charlesdanford.com/


On Thursday, the exchange league here put on a 'lunch bunch' for the spouses of the Aussie teachers here in Denver.  So I thought I would make the effort and go.  I had some pastry I had made still frozen in the freezer, so made some sausage rolls to take, which were a hit.. I took Michael with me, not really knowing what it was going to be like, and very bravely, together negotiated the freeway and found the right place!  The lunch was held at 'Bunnie's' home. Bunnie turned out to be a very sweet retired teacher who did an exchange in Australia prior to her retirement over 10 years ago.  She is well travelled and had many stories to tell. There were about 10 others also with the exchange league besides the four of us 'spouses'.  (All women except one gentleman) When I realised, I said to Michael,"sorry!!"  But he was such a good sport and mixed it well with them all, telling them about the floods in Brisbane and life in Australia.  The ladies loved him!!  For me, it was great to catch up with the other wives and compare notes and funny experiences we have had adjusting..  We left in time to get home for the kids, but missed the freeway entrance and got a bit lost.  But heading for the hills (mountains actually), we found the familiar track and saw a bit more of Denver in the process.  Thanks Michael for being such a good sport!!

Waiting for a ride to Cub Scouts, a flock of geese land in the front.  The snow is slowly slowly melting..

After school, we raced down to a sports shop and grabbed some tickets to the Basketball for the boys and Rick, then I headed off to cubs!  That was fun, I have 2 webloes, that is two ten yr old boys.  We finished off the 'Artist' pin requirements.  Next week, we are working on communication.  I work with Cheryl, who lives 2 doors down, so that's handy!!
The boys caught a great game between the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.  At 10 minutes to  go they were still down, but came back to win with a winning shot in the last second!! Intense.  Here is a link from Mike's FB, worth taking a look..   
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150187562004968
Friday, we decided to take up an offer advertised by the Ken Caryl Ranch to go skiing.  The bus & lift tickets were only $20 each!  A real bargain, so I got some, and when Rick came home we went and hired skis, then we just had to scramble around to find some extra ski pants.  By 9ish we had them thanks to helpful friends.

Nerissa and her little girl Charlotte came to visit and stayed overnight enroute to meeting up with some friends.  It was so nice seeing them and especially nice to have a little person around again.  Charlotte is a similar age to Zayla, only a few weeks older.  How I miss their antics!!

Charlotte sitting on the bench eating breakfast!  She sure is a cutee!!

The bus left the next morning at 8.30 and returned at 4.30!  What a hoot!  Here we are, complete rookies, not knowing a thing about skiing!!  Tom & Mike went off snowboarding and did really well, while Rick, Sarah & I caught the hang of skiing, by watching a ski class, but didn't completely master the stopping!!  Hilarious to watch, I'm sure.  I think we are the masters at crash landing in spectacular style!!  By lunctime we felt we had mastered the 'bunny' green hill, in that we were managing to stay on our feet, and felt ready to go on the ski lift to the next hill.  Well!  we were watching these little tackers going down without  poles, making it look easy!  Down I went, wow! You get crazy fast on skiis!  I managed to keep on my feet, veered to the left, the slope dropped away a bit and down I flew past Rick who had gone down.  I was going so fast all I could think of was, bend your knees, lean forward, keep your balance, don't fall, go with it.. Sarah said I looked like a pro going past her, but she didn't see the sheer terror showing on my face which I'm sure was there!!  Well, I managed to stay on my feet until I stopped, but my whole self was shaky!  Well I went down for one last run, keeping away from the steep side and then called it a day.  It was hard, but a lot of fun.  I greatly admire those who can ski, its a real skill, which I can see the 'natives'  probably start learning at a young age!!  We were exhausted once home, but Tom & Mike still managed the energy to go out to a YSA activity..

Getting ready to board the bus at the Ken Caryl Ranch House



Arriving at Eldora Ski Resort. Tom & Mike mastered these slopes on the snowboards!



Sarah looking good!  (well, the ski attendant at the top of the ski ramp thought so!)

Here we are, made it to the bottom!

Sorry, this is a bit wobbly.. need to hold the camera a bit more steady!!  (Actually, it was Sarah's lost pole being retrieved by Rick - I stand corrected!!)

I thought I would be clever and take a movie, but I felt myself slipping over the point of no return, so that was that, I had to save myself!!

Triumphant!  I'm still on my feet!!



Exhausted, sore ankle, had enough, can't go any further...



The boys are up there somewhere on snowboards..  Looks steep and tricky to me..



Comparing stories at the end of the day.. Sorry, no action shots to prove skill levels!!

Sunday found us all speaking in sacrament meeting!!  We did ok, had some lovely comments, and are glad that's over!!  We belong to a really friendly ward, which makes things a lot easier for us being here..

A successful Pavlova at high altitude!! (Still hadn't collapse 12hrs later)

We had the Mercer family over for dinner last night and I cooked roast beef and roast veges.  I used a recipe from the Australian Womens Weekly, which was delicious.  I got a bit muddled with the temperature conversion, so it took alot longer to cook, but got there in the end.. I also had a practise during the week making a pavlova.  Cooking at this high altitude is a little different and takes a bit of experimenting, also with ingredients that are slightly different, but I made a really successful pavlova on Saturday night and impressed myself!!  (Nerissa, it can be done, but can I do it again?)

Today is Nana's birthday.  She is 85 and doing well despite many heart scares and turns.  She continues to support us in all we do and knows and is interested in what we are up to.  We all have such a great love for Nana.  Today is also Valentine's Day.  It is a big thing in America it seems!!  Happy Valentines Day!

It is also Sarah's birthday this coming Thursday - sweet sixteen.. where did that time go?

A Deep Freeze & A Wedding

This past week has been very eventful!   We started off with a Snow Day school closure last Tuesday due to sub- freezing temperatures.  Wednesday also brought another Snow Day as the temps were dangerously low for kids to be out waiting for buses, a record high of -3F (-19C) for Denver with wind chills of -15F (-26C).  It is such extremes, instead of a heatwave and UV warnings, we are experiencing sub-freezing temps and frost-bite warnings!!  Because of the school closure on Wednesday, we were able to leave for Utah a few hours earlier, AFTER my water colour class nearly finished!!

A very cold, but beautiful day.  The Rocky's are very spectacular

I have just come from art class, and am so tuned into the colours and shades.  The mountains are very grand..

...and have so many different formations.

We followed the Colorado River which was covered in a healthly layer of ice and snow.. It looked amazing, but I was unable to get a clear photo from the car to do it justice.

We arrived in Salt Lake about 8.30pm, missed the turn off from the freeway and ended up very lost in Orem.  We drove around for a bit then called the boys, fortunately both Tom & Mike are both familiar now with the city and came and rescued us!!  However, not before we had a bit of a roam around in our lost state.  I have heard how there is a chapel on every corner, but wow!  To actually see it!  We counted 10 chapels and 2 Temples from what we saw just from that main stretch of road and a little part of Orem. 

 It was really nice to see Michael again!!  We stayed in a home with the Crosley's, that was made available to us by Emily's family (bride) in Midway Utah, dubbed 'The  Palace' by the boys due to the grand size and splendor!  This is about a 45 min drive from downtown Salt Lake. 

Thursday, the big wedding day was clear of snow, blue skies but -3C! So a tad chilly!  It was so exciting for us to actually be in Salt Lake City, see Temple Square and particularly go inside the Salt Lake Temple.  The history of this place is incredible, I loved it!  The sealing was beautiful of course, one of those tender family moments that is a priviledge to witness.  Ben and Emily are of course very happy and we enjoyed being a part of it. 

Here we actually here!! On the famous steps of the Salt Lake Temple.

Emily & Ben Crosley - congratulations!!

The Groom's family: Front - The Crosley's, Middle - The Bennallack's, Top - The Scott's & Emma Korte

Photos were taken on the steps of the Temple and the smiles on our faces are happy ones, but frozen in place!! The breeze made it a very cold day!  We spent the afternoon warming up at an eatery called 'Chuck-a-rama' an all you can eat place with all sorts of typical American dishes.  (We thought the name of this place would not bode well for the business in Australia!!)  It was really nice to mingle with Emily's family and catch up with ours and friends (the Scott's) from Aus. 

The mountains in Utah are spectacular and very close!  No foothills here.. just beautiful.

The American wedding reception is something quite different!  There was a 'line' where the bride, groom and their parents greet guests, this went from 6.30-8ish, so quite a long time. Guests leave a present, mingle, stay for the cutting of the cake and leave.  We saw people leaving when we arrived!  This reception also had an Aussie flavour with Michael also acting as MC, the bridal party was introduced, speeches and toasts and dancing.  Emily's Dad is in a rock band, and they played for most of the night, it was a fun fun night.  It was held in a rustic barn decorated  beautifully for the event.  Congratulations Emily & Ben and all the best for a wonderful life together.

After the 'line' finished, the Bridal Party was introduced. Michael did a great job as 'MC', although we were not sure if many guests understood what was going on, it was very noisy..

We had trouble seeing, and hearing, so we ventured to a better vantage point up on the balcony.

The Bridal dance, with Emily's sister Alta singing.

Tom right where it's all happening, surrounded by girls of course!

Michael as 'MC', very entertaining!!

Sarah with her big brother Mike

Friday, once we got going, we returned to Temple Square for a good look around.  There is so much to see there, with most buildings having a tour guide to show you around.  We had a look at the Assembly Hall and Tabernacle, built by the Pioneers without nails, the Lion Pantry, a cafe now, but was once part of Brigham Young's home, the Church Administration Building with it's spectacular views, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building which used to be Hotel Utah.  This is a magnificent old building restored to it's former beauty and elegance.  There are a couple of restaurants here with splended views of the Temple and Square.  We also had a long tour of both Visitors Centre's. We ran out of time to see more, but this will give us more to see next visit!
We spent a quiet night at home, while the kids went 'out'.  Friday was milder, which means it was very cold, not freezing, so it was nice to be cosy at home catching up.

Inside the Assembly Hall.  Today it is used for Symphony performances and recording media presentations.

A wonderful view of Temple Square from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building



Rick & I outside the Tabernacle

 

All three, at the popular spot where Bridal photos are taken!



OverlookingTemple Square & the city from the Church Administration Building

We left by 6am for the drive back to Utah, anticipating to arrive around 3ish in the afternoon.  We had a fairly smooth trip stopping only for about 30mins at Grand Junction, a town at the base of the Rocky's  inside the Colorado State line.  We were doing ok with the weather until about half way through the Rocky's, by the time we got to Vail, we were in a snow storm.   The rest of the trip was slow going with a complete stop in the traffice by the time we got to the Eisenhower Tunnels which are about 30-40 mins to Denver.  The trip took us 11 hours in the end, which meant Sarah had to adjust her plans for meeting up for dinner prior to the Winter Formal.

Visibility was poor, the roads thick with ice & snow, and traffic heavy.. not the ideal driving conditions, so well done Rick!

Slow going, down to a stand still at periodic times. The traffic became extremely backed up both sides of the Tunnel.. But, yes, Tom & Sarah made it to the Winter Formal, the first major social event on the Columbine Calendar!!  Tom took  a 'date' because he is a superstar!  He took Chelsea, who is actually Sarah's friend, who only lives a few houses away.  They both said it was a really good night with lots and lots of people!

Sarah ready for the first Columbine social event!!

The snow didn't stop overnight, and by morning we were covered by about 8" of snow.  None of the roads were plowed as we went to church very slowly and carefully.  The snow is nice to look at, but very inconvenient to live in!!  As is turned out, our ward ended up being the only one to hold Sacrament meeting. The rest of the meetings were cancelled, and all other ward meetings in the Stake were cancelled.  Because we have the first early meeting, it was too late to cancel it.  But we had a lovely time 'visiting'  with new friends!  It's really nice too, to have Michael with us for a couple of weeks.

On Sunday night we went to DJ and Russell Stutz' for dinner and had a lovely fun evening with them.  On a sidenote, Sunday night was also the SuperBowl.  This is really huge here, as big as the Grand Final for AFL.   So lots of groups happening around the Sunday night TV with Chilli or such!!

Monday brought beautiful blue skies, and a milder temp which melted the snow a bit during the day.  I had never seen so much snow on branches since we had been here, and during the day it blew and dropped off the trees, raining snow.  However, overnight, we had more snow, there were some school closures, but not from Jefferson County, but seminary was cancelled due to the extreme low temps, so that was an extra hour sleep there.  So, today has been quiet and cosy.  Temps are supposed to 'warm' over the week, so hopefully the weekend looks good to visit the snow!  We are also looking forward to a visit from Nerissa, our neice who lives where it really snows - New Hamshire.

Our Missionary & a Snow Day!

This past week has been quietly industrious!  We are well into a daily routine which starts with the alarm going off at 5.00am, waiting for about 5-10 minutes then going and nudging Sarah who is usually in 'snooze' mode.  She gets picked up for Seminary at 5.45am which starts at 6.00am at the chapel for 50mins.  From Seminary, she goes straight to school which is not far from the chapel.  Except on Thursdays, where lessons at Columbine start 1 hour later due to staff meeting.  The class schedules are the same every day, and on Thursday they are shortened by a few minutes to compensate for the late start.  So on Thursday, Sarah's 'roll and go' day, I pick Sarah up and she comes home to get ready for school, then I take her. Tom on the other hand has a 'free' for the first period of the day, so doesn't start school until 8.00am, so not only is he enjoying 5 electives at school, he gets to sleep in until 7.00!! So I usually get quite a bit done between 6 and 7.30 when I drop Rick at school then take Tom.  On Thursdays, Tom has been taking the car so a bit less running around back and forth that day.   So here I am, the taxi mum again.  I find, that although the early hours are hard to get up, they are quiet and  I can get the 'essentials' done in peace! Last week I even painted a whole painting in this time!!  It feels strange that the school year in Adelaide has just begun without us, and it has started with a heat wave again.

I have spent the past few days since my last painting class, pretty much painting!  It's been like a book you can't put down!  On Wednesday, Chuck introduced us to 'Yupo' paper which is a stiff waxy paper.  Its like painting on plastic where the watercolours sit or pool together, with a mind of its own.  The paper becomes the palette and with a wide, very wet brush, you mix the colours in a direction that you can hopefully make something out of, sweeping strokes vertically to use for trees, rocks or such and horizontally to form pathways, horizons etc.  Adding more colour to areas of your imagination. Then blotting the colour with a tissue to lift the paint from the paper, to form effects like water spray, or clouds.  Spritzing dry areas with water and allowing the water to puddle or run to soften edges and give texture.  Removing paint altogether with a wipe of the tissue and adding colour to insert a 'waterfall'..  At first, when we were told to go away and do it, it was like a rabbit looking into a head light!  Most of us were 'right, sure!'  But being brave and starting, was the hardest.  The best part about 'Yupo' is that if you don't like it, the whole thing can be wiped off like a whiteboard!!  I did this once, it was very satisfying!! The other trick is not to overdo it.  I have had alot of fun this week and have now done three 'Yupo' paintings, which I am looking forward to showing Chuck tomorrow.  I have made an album on FaceBook for my paintings, which I know some have seen, so was contemplating just showing them there, but there are some friends and family who are not on Facebook, so bear with me, and here are my efforts this week: Rocks & Waterfall study

I have also had this great desire to try portraiture with watercolour.  I actually have a children's story that has been buzzing in my head for a few years that I would like to illustrate.  So here is the first of my practise runs.  It comes from a photo of my granddaughter Chloe as she was having a quiet moment discovering the sultana grapes in my garden in Adelaide about this time last year.  I like some aspects of this painting, but still have a lot of work to do with perspective and proportion and not being afraid to paint skin and especially a face. 

Hopefully, this is not too tedious to read, but this has been the bulk of my past few days, completely absorbed in paint!!

During the week we decided that we simply could not miss out on going to our nephew Ben Crosley's wedding in the Salt Lake Temple this coming Thursday.  So to cut a long story, Tom flew over to Utah on Friday and was met by our son Michael.  They found a backpackers place to stay not far from Temple Square and hired a car.  That process is so much easier now Mike is 25!  They have now moved to a house that is available for the Crosley's and us to use.  From our short conversations and Facebook feeds, we can see they are have quite the time in Utah!! We are driving over on Wednesday after school via the I-70 cutting through the Rocky's. It's great the boys can spend this time together and we look forward to Michael coming back with us on Saturday in time for Tom & Sarah to go to the Winter Formal!'

We didn't end up going snow-shoeing which was a lost opportunity, but I'm sure we will get to try it another time, the snow will be here for a while we are told!



Yesterday was a day of significance as Elder Jonathon Bennallack and three other missionaries left the MTC in Provo and flew to Toulouse, France.  En route, while he had a 3 hour lay over in Minneappolis, Jonny called me and we spoke for about 50 minutes!  He then called his Dad and brothers.  Unfortunately Rick missed his call but the boys were excited to chat with him for about half an hour.  He sounds really good.  He has had some very choice experiences in the MTC and is feeling very ready to arrive in his own area and begin work!  During this last week, the French 'boys' met the Governor of Utah and the French Consulate General who were both special guests at one of their meetings.  Jonny said they were very impressed at how much they knew in 8 weeks.  The only disappointing thing was his companion needed to return to England and did not travel at this time with them.  Jonathon tells me there are 3 Missions in France, and in July when his Mission President goes home, the other two will be combining and his mission will be called the France Lyons Mission.  It was a wonderful experience talking to him.  This child of mine who is now a man on a mission! I feel such a warmth and comfort knowing he is where he should be.  I admire the diligence that he has applied in learning the French language in such a short time, and the great desire he has to serve. 


All five at the Adelaide Temple -  27 Nov 10  (Tom are you on tippy-toes?)



At the Adelaide Temple

Jonathon with Nana, when he was 'set apart' as a missionary.

To those who may be reading this that don't know much about our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, our young men choose to serve the Lord for 24 months.  They apply, and wait to see where in the world they are needed and are called to serve.  They support themselves financially and leave behind everything but one suitcase.  They have no mobile phone, or anything technical, no music, no Facebook, YouTube or such.  They are completely focussed on the work at hand which is to share the message that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth in it's fullness, that we lived with our Father in Heaven before we came to this earth, and through the Atonement of the Saviour Jesus Christ, we will be able to return to live with him again with our families as we now do.  We are sometimes known as Mormon's.  Mormon is an ancient prophet from the Book of Mormon, which is a record of the people who anciently occupied the Americas just as the Bible is a record of those who lived in Israel.  The doctrines are simple and beautiful and I know for myself they are true.  I love it, and am so happy that Jonathon does too.  I will miss his company and his keen sense of humour, but I have this great love for him and like Hannah in the Old Testament, have handed him over to the Lord for 2 years to be in His service.  I look forward to hearing about his experiences as he is able to email us once a week.  Safe travels Jonny!

Bye Elder! At Adelaide Airport 29 Nov 10

Bye Uncle Jonny!

We have just now, recieved a phone call from the Mission President's secretary, to say Elder Bennallack has arrived safely and is now at the Mission Presidents home.  He has been out briefly with another missionary contacting, and doesn't seem to be too tired!!  This is lovely news. We now wait to hear where is going to, and what day his 'preparation day' is, as to when we will hear from him again with his news!

Yesterday, a huge cold system has gripped most of the US.  We caught the edge of it, but the eastern states are most affected with huge snow expected.  I was glad Jonny travelled in the afternoon, he should have missed most of it. 

Just arrived!  Elder Bennallack with President & Sister Carter of the France, Toulouse Mission. 

It started snowing softly, yesterday about 9am.  Quiet flurries of snow drifting down like little feathers.  By the afternoon is was getting quite heavy, and by the time Sarah came in from school around 3.15 the temp had dropped from the mid 40's (10C) to 7F (-14C).  Due to the cold snap, a 'Snow Day' was declared for today for most of the Denver school districts.  So both Rick & Sarah are home today!  Last night on the TV, there were warnings about the chill factor.  Last night it was -12F (-30ish C) Warnings were for frostbite occurring after being in the weather for 5 minutes and what signs to look out for.  This is such a contrast to Adelaide, which has been experiencing high temps of 42C and 43C (109F) and sunburn UV alerts!! 

It was so nice to chat to Karlie (and Chloe) on the phone last night.  We have a mobile that can call landlines very cheaply, but the reception is not always clear and often there is a second delay.. but it was so good to chat, and an hour went very quickly!!

The snow has settled in.  The temperatures have dropped dramatically (-12C). Thank goodness for central heating!!

Rick shovelling snow, even though it's still snowing, to avoid the base layer of ice, joined by our neighbour!  There is a ball hanging on a string right in the line of vision.  This we use to guide our car into the garage as we get used to driving on the opposite side -  I find this extremely helpful in my judgement!!

This morning we awoke to a really beautiful white world, with the sun shining.  It is very cold, but very beautiful..

I have a dress to modify for the Winter Formal, and packing for Utah to do so we can get away quickly tomorrow.  Hopefully, the pass through the mountains will be open and we will be able to get through ok.  Another adventure, I'm really looking forward to seeing Temple Square!

Meat Pies and Australia Day

The snow is mostly melted, there are only a few icy snow banks lying around.  But it is still cold!  This morning dropping Tom at school is was still 16F outside which is -9C.  A funny came through from Craig Raeside via Leslie "Many are cold, but few are frozen!" (Well, I enjoyed that!)

A tree directly outside our back yard.  Everything looks very pretty with the snow.

 

Clement Park Lake, not far from Columbine High.  The snow has melted away but the Lake is completely frozen



Another angle.  These pics were taken at about 8am, with outside temp at -9C.  Didn't stay long!!
















 This past week became busy!  I attended a CubScout Committee meeting, which essentially planned out the activities for the coming year.  I have a new friend called Heather who is also a cub leader.  During the planning, I asked her 'what's a weeny roast?'  Which she laughed at!!  A 'weenie roast' is a sausage sizzle using pop dogs or precooked 'dogs' using a stick over a fire!!  She thought 'sausage sizzle' sounded hilarious and refered to it during the rest of the meeting!  (There are so many different names for the same thing.  I'll have to write them down and include a list in the next blog!)
The next evening was a den combined activity to a local fire station, where 'Fireman Bob' (as opposed to Postman Pat) showed our troop around.  The kids really enjoyed it, and so did I.  I can see I'm going to have fun teaching these boys how to pronounce some words (like Australia) with an Australian accent!!

My art class was fantastic.  I fear this is going to get very boring as I rave on how much I am enjoying learning this skill each week.  I have been very pleased with my new painting, and am in the process of doing it again to practise some of the techniques.  Chuck, the art teacher, was very pleased with my first effort and it was critiqued along with others in our class group.  I need to use correctly weighted paper so the colour doesn't pool and need to work on my trees, because no two trees are alike! Cool! He said the next one should be 'tremendous'. Well, thats a high expectation, but I really appreciate the encouragement.  I have some drawings of the girls (ie Chloe & Zayla) that I would like to watercolour if I can be brave enough. 

Second effort... the original shows stronger colour

.. the kitchen table as my art studio!

On Thursday my lovely friend Donna, picked me up and patiently showed me where to grocery shop!  She showed me Cosco's and Sam's Club.  They are both huge warehouse places with bulk food items piled very high. So many items, grocery & non-grocery.  I have never seen so much food or variety.  What a great place to get food storage items, and general groceries buying in bulk.  I have to go back with Rick and join one, perhaps take a short clip to show here.  Amazing...  I need to be a member to shop at these two places, an annual fee of $40 or $50 to get great discount prices, but since we're here for a while, I might as well.

On Friday, Heather picked me up and we went to lunch!!  Now this is quite the lifestyle you have to agree! We met up with 5 other mums and 3 cute little girls and ate ate the Sweet Tomato Salad Bar (that's 'sweet to-mate-o'), all you can eat salad, soup & dessert.. Very nice.  Oh, I could get used to this - art classes, shopping, lunch... just when normally, I would be back at work sifting through invoices, general ledger journals, banking and budgets.

On Saturday evening Rick & I attended an Exchange Teacher induction session for all of the 7 Australian exchange teachers here in Denver for this year.  It was really lovely to be in a room full of Aussie accents and being able to compare experiences so far!  We learned a bit more about our Visa requirements and Teaching conditions and other helpful tidbits, eg, we should not ever turn off the furnace that controls the central heating, like we might turn heat off in Australia to save energy.  If we do, or let the heat drop below 60F (15.5C), the pipes will freeze!  Hmm thanks for that one!!  Rick is on a J-1 Visa, and myself and the kids are on a J-2 which is essentially to gain a cultural professional experience.  If at anytime Rick needed to leave the country,eg family emergency, we can't stay here without him, or we would be illegal aliens!! And if we want to hop over the border to visit Canada, we have to notify the education agency so we can have the correct paperwork to reenter the USA.  So it looks like we need to get cracking and organise our summer itinery!  Rick would definitely like to visit Montreal, where he served his mission.  (I love tagging along!!)


Westridge Elementary - The reason we are all here in the USA!!

Westridge Elementary -  low lines, central plan design



Columbine High School as I'm driving out!

This meeting was followed by and Australia Day Party at someones home, where everyone who has ever gone to Australia as an exchange teacher from Denver, came, including 2 who have just returned from being away in 2010.  It was excellent being able to talk to people who love the things we love!!  We received offers of accomodation and help for our travels here.  We continue to find the people here very kind and extremely generous.  There was also a pile of winter snow clothes for the taking to use.  We just leave them behind for the next group at the end of the year.  This is so helpful!! There are activities organised by the exchange throughout the year so we can catch up.  The first one is this coming Saturday: Snow-shoeing at Estes Park about 2 hours drive north from here into the Rocky's.  (Wish me luck getting the kids up before 6 on a Saturday!!)

On Sunday, I was invited by another new friend Michelle Ballard, (Michelle B also!) to attend the BYU Women's Conference in late April with her and 2 others. A 2-day conference staying at BYU in Utah!  I am so very excited for this opportunity.  (Suddenly not feeling quite so homesick!!)

I have been trying to capture the squirrels.  Rabbits and squirrels  are frequent vistors to our yards and pathways.  Very cute they are scampering away and playing at some game.  But they are very quick and by the time I grab the camera they have moved on.  Here is a poor movie effort, but hopefully enough to show Chloe & Zayla the squirrel in Grandma's tree!

Mr Rabbit, very tame, down by Clement Pk lake

There's a squirrel in my tree, with a long bushy tail!

Tom & I have had a hankering for a meat pie! (funny, I should say that after talking about rabbits and squirrels!! Beef is the preferred option!)  I even dreamed I was eating one the other night. Silly!  They don't have them here, the closest thing I have found is called a 'pot pie' which is a fairly deep pie in a foil plate, chicken & veg.  The pastry is more like a short pastry however, like you find on a custard tart, but not so sweet.  I found some frozen pastry sheets, but only 2 to a pack for $5.00 so I decided I would have to make my own.  Has anyone made flakey puff pastry from scratch??  Well, I never had.  I just love the frozen sheet pastry you BUY!!  Anyway, thanks to the Australian Women's Weekly recipes online, I have a great recipe.  I tried it out yesterday, a little time consuming since I used muffin tins -  but they turned out like large party pies and were a hit.  Now I have an order for a dozen for Rick to take to school for Australia Day tomorrow!!  (I have started something now!) Hopefully I get quicker at making them!! 


My first attempt at flakey puff pastry from scratch!



Tom approved!! (they didn't last long between everyone!)

Sarah, Tom & I all had severe sore throats during the week, but have recovered now..  I'm not surprised, since this is the second back to back winter, in a new country with new germs.  I think we have done well considering.  Well, I have a painting to finish, another to start and some pies to make.  Might add some Anzac Biscuits to the order. I'm starting to really appreciate the 'solitude', there really is much to do!!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY EVERYONE!  (We'd better review 'Advance Australia Fair'!!)