Date Night

Last night was date night! We opted for the traditional "dinner and a movie" combo.

| chose the movie: Harry Potter. I have been DESPERATE to see this film, but I was way too sick last weekend.

It was only fair then to let G choose the dinner.

He chose... sushi.

My husband could eat sushi every day. I am quite sure he was Japanese in a former life. When we met our little town didn't even have sushi places, but he would gobble it whenever we went to the city.

Now, there are sushi places everywhere! I almost think there are more sushi places in my town than McDonalds. Actually, there are more sushi places. Seriously.

We opted for the sushi train variety right by the cinema.

I was very nervous. 


I was a sushi virgin. Well not actually a virgin. What is the word for when you try a little bit and it is horrible and you stop? (Apologies ladies, that came out way more dirty than anticipated.)

I tried sushi years ago and HATED it. It was cold and salty and all chewy and all kinds off WRONG. It was kind of like chewing on salty human skin and getting a mouth full of salt water at the beach. WRONG.

Anyway, I was having sushi for dinner. I am sure you can see I kept an open mind.

We walked in and the staff all sang out a greeting. It was fun! Hubs explained the concept to me; the plates roll past on a conveyor belt and you grab what you want. At the end they add up all the different coloured plates you have.

As we sat down my trepidation turned to terror. There were no labels on anything.

All the food looked cute and gorgeous on the little plates. It was like toy food. How the heck was I meant to know what to grab? I snuck a peek at other diners, who were snatching plates off that little sushi train with no hesitation.

I am a vegetarian. I want the vegetable ones. I don't want to bite into a hideous ball of sea weed to discover I am snacking on raw squid tentacles. It was like being on Survivor!

Then I discovered a menu. Hallelujah! Little pictures of all the toy food and an explanation as to what it was. There were also some dishes you could order right off the menu... including vegetable spring rolls!

Hubs snagged some cucumber for me and some tuna for himself, and I ordered my spring rolls. At least I would get some dinner.

These teeny tiny cucumber ones were...OK. I dipped them in soy sauce and gobbled it all in one bite. They are so tiny that the seaweedy bit isn't so bad. A sip of coke helped too.

I looked through the menu and decided I wanted the avocado and asparagus ones. There was rice on the outside not sea weed! G scanned the conveyor like a pro and grabbed me the rolls.

These were.....good. I have to admit it. They were good. The right amount of chewy and crunchy.


Next we grabbed some tofu / vegie rolls. I LOVE tofu in Thai and Chinese food. These were the traditional size sushi rolls = big slabs of slimy seaweed! I think I bit off more than I could chew - literally! I took one bit and handed it off to Hubs.

The final lot I tried were plain avocado... in seaweed. These were the itty bitty ones again. One dip and one bite. Here I go!

I was so proud of myself! I swallowed every bite I put in my mouth and didn't spit one thing out. I liked the little bite sized ones - the cucumber in particular. I really liked the avocado and asparagus. I think I need something crunchy in the middle to combat the chewy / slimey thing.

It was actually really fun. Hubs laughed at me the whole time as he gobbled down brave people sushi.

Now I know there are things I like I will definitely go back.

As for the movie, all I can say is:

IT IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT TO MAKE US WAIT SIX MONTHS FOR PART TWO.

That is all.

100th Post

Hooray! My 100th blog post. It took a while.....

To celebrate 100 posts I am doing a Top 100 list - in ten different categories. Each category is in no particular order.

Top 10 Blogs

1. Megan - In this Wonderful Life
2. Whitney - The Glamorous Life of a Housewife
3. Jessica - In the Sky with Diamonds
4. Becky - The Branches
5. Katie - Modern Day Family
6. Kate - Elefantitis Alegras
7. Lindsey - Sweet Simplicity
8. Maggie - The Freckled Citizen
9. Amber - Three Meals and a Baby
10. Anna - Southern Champagne Wishes


10 Things I Cannot Live Without


1. Husband G
2. My sister - far away in Boston :(
3. Blackberry
4. Skype
5. Books
6. My car
7. My friends
8. My Mac
9. My monkeys
10. Italian food

Top 10 things I love about my husband

1. He is gentle.
2. He is funny.
3. He is generous.
4. He is faithful.
5. He is Faithful.
6. He makes beautiful music.
7. His joy is teaching music to children.
8. He is a Fellow Traveller
9. We are kindred spirits
10. He lifts me up and grounds me at the same time.


Top 10 Books / Series


* I know it is cheating to choose a whole series but I cannot select my favorite Austen or my favorite Harry Potter. I have a broad literary palette! 


1. Anne of Green Gables series
2. Chronicles of Narnia
3. Harry Potter
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
5. Rebecca
6. Jane Austen
7. Anna Karenina
8. Sadlers Wells
9. Kay Scarpetta books
10. Phillipa Gregory royal series.


Top 10 Places I have been


1. The Whitsundays
2. New York City
3. Washington DC
4. Newport RI
5. Sydney Harbor
6. Blue Mountains
7. Boston
8. My house
9. NSW North Coast
10. Broken Hill

Top 10 things we did in New York


1. Broadway shows
2. Basketball at Madison Square Garden
3. Breakfast at Tiffanys
4. Carriage ride in Central Park
5. Dinner at Sardis
6. The Met
7. Macys & Bloomingdales at Christmas
8. The Food
9.  Les Paul Trio at the Iridium
10. Empire State Building

10 Things you didn't know about me


1. I must have ice in my drink, even in Winter.
2. I cannot work out I tunes.
3. I am terrified of frogs.
4. Mosquito don't really bite me
5. I believe Narnia is a real place.
6. I am a witch in my dance for my ballet concert.
7. I went parasailing on my 30th birthday.
8. I got engaged on a Ferris Wheel.
9. I may go into politics.
10. Elle is just a nickname.

Top 10 Favorite Foods

1. Cheese
2. Pasta
3. Mangos
4. Garlic
5. Potatoes
6. Plums
7. Broccoli
8. Mushrooms
9. Spinach
10. Green beans

Top 10 TV Shows -


1. The West Wing
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Glee
4. Newlyweds (sad I know)
5. The News (sadder??)
6. The Hills / Laguna
7. Las Vegas
8. The Practice
9. LA Law
10. Box of Delights

Top 10 Movies


1. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Singing in the Rain
3. Breakfast at Tiffanys
4. The Narnia films
5. The Harry Potter Films
6. The Dolly Sisters
7. Dirty Dancing
8. The Night they Saved Christmas
9. Picnic at Hanging Rock
10. Australia


There you have it! My life in a list.


xx elle

Incy Wincy Spider

We are about to hit summer here in Australia and things are heating up. Where I live the days have hit about 32 degrees (91) every day this week. (Not a good week to be home from work with laryngitis and a fever...)
The combination of hot weather and a sick wife have made cooked dinners a bit light-on this week. G did valiantly brave the supermarket by himself (and passed that test! The right brand of things, nothing forgotten, and no random condiment purchases) - but is not much chop in the kitchen.

Although he lived alone and then with a housemate before we met, I am not sure what they ever ate. Any inspection of their kitchen I ever made revealed only beer,  mucho condiments and a pizza base in the freezer with mould on it (and I never knew frozen things could get mouldy! Be very afraid.)

Hubs worked late last night so I decided to prepare a little al fresco feast for when he got home. I scrubbed our patio table (no small feat when you have hardly been out of PJs all week), lit some citronella candles and made a big turkey Cobb salad for him and Cobb sans turkey for me. Combined with some crusty bread and a cold brew I knew he would be delighted!

Thankfully by about 6 pm a bit of a southerly change had risen up and a cool breeze was swirling about. It was that magical time of the day when it suddenly becomes more pleasant outdoors than in.

Hubs was suitably impressed by my handiwork and equally cross at me for not "resting". I think he thought hiding my GHD and make up would ensure I stayed on the couch for a week. Ha! I can find plenty of mischief right here at home to do.

We enjoyed our al fresco dinner and chatted. Even though we don't do Thanksgiving in Australia we laughed about us having turkey, green beans, sweet corn etc - but in Aussie salad form!

We discussed what we were thankful for - health, each other, our families, his business, my amazing colleagues at work, a trip overseas, the musicals he has done.... All the wonderful things that have happened to/with/for us this year and the people we love.

As we were deep in conversation the sun started to set and dusk descended. I contemplated switching on the light, but decided to enjoy the magical twilight grayness a little longer.

Hubs glanced up for some reason and exclaimed "What is that??"  I looked up and saw some flapping about way above our heads.

"Either a teeny tiny helicopter or a big insect or moth"I replied, used to the things that dusk brought out. We had the citronella and had sprayed insect repellent, so I felt OK.

We watched the flapping monstrosity come closer. Was it flapping? Were those wings at all?

"Is that..." Hubs only got the first words out.

"A SPIDER?? YES!!" I yelped.  

Within 3 seconds flat we had gathered up plates, napkins, place mats, the bread basket, cutlery and drinks and bolted inside.

Literally seconds later the web had descended to only inches off the table.

I grabbed the broom and leaned out the back door to swing at it. I brought down the web and knocked the spider to the ground, where I whacked it.

You see, in Australia, spiders are not to be toyed with. We have some very serious, very unpleasant, very deadly spiders. We have found redbacks in our garden before. This is terrifying, as we live right next to a pre-school. A redback bite may not kill a grown man these days, but it would surely kill a small child.

There was not much left of the spider after I whacked it with the broom, so G couldn't see what it was.

It didn't really matter. Suddenly we had one more thing to be thankful for!

Love story - chapter 4

For the earlier installments of my match-making love story follow the link above.

Chapter 4

My friends conspired about the ultimate set up. Where and when. Who and how. They schemed and plotted. Connived and manipulated. I imagined them sitting up late at night, studying the Art of War by candlelight. Or maybe The Art of Matchmaking.

I, meanwhile, forgot all about this crazy hare-brained scheme and got about my business. I was a busy lawyer. I had.... stuff to do..... you know... things.

Alright - I was hooked. The imaginary boy I dreamed up in my head had captivated me. My very wise and bossy (younger and only) sister cautioned me not to over-fantasize. I do tend to let my imagination run away with me. I always dream and imagine the most amazing and elaborate scenarios, only to be disappointed by a guy in house slippers.

It was decided that the first introduction would occur at Tanya's sister's gig. She is a singer and had a regular booking at a gorgeous little piano bar in a big club in our town.

I  agonized for hours about what to wear casually threw on some jeans and my favorite tight red cardigan. It is dark red and stretchy. Looks perfectly casual, like "Oh, I am just here in jeans and killer heels and this cute cardigan to support my friend," but with a little room for some "Hello sailor" if the need arises.

We hit the piano bar and sipped our champagne while we watched the show. A little while later a group arrived and sat some distance away. A guy, cute, with a girl and an older woman.

"Oh" I thought to myself. "Isn't it nice that that young couple brought his/her mother out for an evening."

Tanya leaned in and whispered to me "Hey - that's G."

Excuse me??


We are being set up here, and you brought a date?

and your mother??


Before I could muster enough indignation to flounce out of there, G's mother's phone rang. She took the call and they all rushed out.

I sat, open mouthed, resolute that I would NEVER, EVER allow myself to be match maid again.

I think you can guess that my resolve later wavered.

Guess what else - years later when I asked him, G could remember the red cardigan that I was wearing that night!

Love story - chapter 4

For the earlier installments of my match-making love story follow the link above.

Chapter 4

My friends conspired about the ultimate set up. Where and when. Who and how. They schemed and plotted. Connived and manipulated. I imagined them sitting up late at night, studying the Art of War by candlelight. Or maybe The Art of Matchmaking.

I, meanwhile, forgot all about this crazy hare-brained scheme and got about my business. I was a busy lawyer. I had.... stuff to do..... you know... things.

Alright - I was hooked. The imaginary boy I dreamed up in my head had captivated me. My very wise and bossy (younger and only) sister cautioned me not to over-fantasize. I do tend to let my imagination run away with me. I always dream and imagine the most amazing and elaborate scenarios, only to be disappointed by a guy in house slippers.

It was decided that the first introduction would occur at Tanya's sister's gig. She is a singer and had a regular booking at a gorgeous little piano bar in a big club in our town.

I  agonized for hours about what to wear casually threw on some jeans and my favorite tight red cardigan. It is dark red and stretchy. Looks perfectly casual, like "Oh, I am just here in jeans and killer heels and this cute cardigan to support my friend," but with a little room for some "Hello sailor" if the need arises.

We hit the piano bar and sipped our champagne while we watched the show. A little while later a group arrived and sat some distance away. A guy, cute, with a girl and an older woman.

"Oh" I thought to myself. "Isn't it nice that that young couple brought his/her mother out for an evening."

Tanya leaned in and whispered to me "Hey - that's G."

Excuse me??


We are being set up here, and you brought a date?

and your mother??


Before I could muster enough indignation to flounce out of there, G's mother's phone rang. She took the call and they all rushed out.

I sat, open mouthed, resolute that I would NEVER, EVER allow myself to be match maid again.

I think you can guess that my resolve later wavered.

Guess what else - years later when I asked him, G could remember the red cardigan that I was wearing that night!

Cara's wedding

This Saturday I had the pleasure and joy of attending my sweet friend Cara's wedding. Not only is Cara  a treasured friend, she is my assistant at work! I love having such a good relationship with the girls (and boy) I work with.

Her bridesmaids were chic in black. There was A LOT of brides maid drama in the lead up to the wedding - including one very late substitution! On the day Cara had the right three gorgeous girls by her side.

Her dad looked so proud and happy all day! Cara's dress was so simple and elegant and beautiful!

Here they are - Mr and Mrs! Cara and Michael met in high school! They are best friends and now husband and wife. It was lovely to witness this union.

Here I am after a hard night of boogieing on the dance floor - with my other good friends and workmates Lisa and Rowena.

The wedding and the reception was at this amazing old castle - Curzon Hall. It used to be a private residence and is over 100 years old. The grounds were amazing! Cara's wedding was in a secluded little courtyard with a gorgeous fountain. In the reception foyer there were these huge chairs. Lisa and I felt like Alice in Wonderland!

The venue was truly beautiful. There were so many banquet rooms and halls. There were apparently three weddings going on when we were there! I ran into three bridesmaids (well three girls in identical dresses with bouquets, so I guess bridesmaids) in the back stairs during the evening. They were whispering, gossiping.... OK they were BITCHING about their bride! Poor girl! I wonder where she was when her three attendants were lurking with malevolence in the back stairwell!


The flowers were wonderful. All the tables had tall pillars in the cenrtre with beautiful arrangements of roses to match Cara's bouquet. At the end of the night I was lucky enough to snag one!

It is a bit more overstated that I usually go with for my dining table, but it is BEAUTIFUL!

The Cake

Last week we had a birthday in my office. Our regular cake-baker is overseas.  Annette is quite famous in our organization for her baking.

People despaired. Women wept. "Poor Gabrielle!" they cried! "What a foul fate! To celebrate a birthday when Annette is not here to make a cake!"

Strategies were devised. There was some scurrilous talk of a store bought cake that was quickly quashed.

I took a breath and accepted the challenge. "Never fear! I'll do it! With my new Kitchen Aid mixer!!"

When I told my heroic and noble plan to the Hubs, he reminded me that the mixer only mixed things. I would have to do the actual baking etc myself....

With that vote of confidence from my nearest and dearest, I took the plunge. Gabrielle has three small children and is used to eating cupcakes and fairy bread and things children like. I decided to make her a decadent adult cake - and one that required a lot of mixing.

I looked around various sites and even dusted off those old fashioned paper book things that have recipes in them. Cook books?

The entire time I was looking, I knew the cake I wanted to make. It was "The Cake" from Megan's food blog.

Once I committed to that, no other cake would do.

I got started Monday night. Hubs was my trusty assistant. I decided to make two full size cakes and slice them in half. I did not trust my crazy, possessed, multi-personality, inconsistent oven to bake more than one cake at a time.

Then I remembered I had a crazy, possessed, multi-personality, inconsistent oven. The I was terrified.

The first mix came out a bit lumpy, and I decided to sift the next lot of dry ingredients.

As the first cake went in the oven I was so nervous! I checked it about 100 times, which meant the middle didn't quite raise.

I was more restrained with the second cake. I then let them cool completely before I sliced them in layers. I think I recall seeing that tip on Masterchef!

Whipping up the cream was the fun part. It is usually Hubs job - to do it with a hand mixer! He stands there for 10 minutes whipping up eggs, cream or whatever pie filling we are making.

I put in the cream and sugar and he said "Now what?" "Now we watch TV!" I replied!! It was so easy with the mixer.

I put all the cream / frosting in a tupperware and wrapped up the cakes in cling film. I decided not to assemble the cake until right before I served it.


Well folks.... here it is!

Not quite as many layers as Megan's mother's cake - but it was my first try!

I covered the top in shaved dark chocolate (another task my trusty assistant accomplished.)

Let me tell you, the cake was a SMASH HIT!! People at my office have now created a rivalry between Annette and I. Many people said they want ME to make their cake instead of her. One girl literally said it was the nicest cake she had ever eaten! (Crazy town).

I certainly know the mixer helped. I would never have gotten the cream like that by hand. However I am going to indulge in a little but of pride about the rest of the cake. It didn't burn, it was cooked through, the layers all lifted off without splitting, it tasted DARN good!

More Birthday fun

On the actual day of my birthday G had me set the alarm really early. He kept joking that he got me a pony and I would want to be up early to ride it before work.

We woke up early and he bounded away to get presents. He brought them right into the bedroom! I got an Australian Ballet calendar (we had bought it at the concert) and some DVDs. I was quite impressed with his ability to choose movies I love!

He then got out the camera, which was odd.

The be brought in a large box. I thought it was a joke gift - something tiny in a huge box. Then I pulled it toward me and it was HEAVY.

He got the camera ready to capture my surprise as I opened it.

A beautiful KitchenAid mixer! I have desperately wanted one for ever. I have always said that I would get one when we buy a house. They are quite extravagant here in Australia as they retail for double what we saw them for in America. 

I have often opined about which colour I would get. Red is classic, but then you have to do your kitchen in red. White goes with more. I also like the really pale mint green. 

As I opened the package I felt a twinge of disappointment. It was white. "Oh no. I wish it was red." said the ungrateful little Elle on my shoulder. "Don't be silly! Pioneer Woman has a white one, it will go with any kitchen, be happy!" said the mature gracious Elle on my other shoulder.

I pulled off the tape and slipped the box open.

"It's RED!!" I squealed! Boy has G earned some Top Husband points with this one! I genuinely think I love it more than if is was diamond earrings. Guess I am growing up??

After work G picked me up and we went for a beautiful birthday dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant.

We shared brescioli for entree. It was delicious!

For my main course I had the vegetarian risotto (I always get it) and G had a gnocchi pesto with chicken. All the food was divine!

After dinner we drove by Starbucks.....and the Christmas things were out! Instead of a desert I got a peppermint mocha frap with cream and it was delicious.

I had an amazing birthday. I got spoiled at work with flowers, cards and beautiful cupcakes. I got a Happy Birthday serenade from the sheriffs at Court (not something I will forget anytime soon).

I am a very lucky, blessed, somewhat older, girl.

xx elle

More Birthday fun

On the actual day of my birthday G had me set the alarm really early. He kept joking that he got me a pony and I would want to be up early to ride it before work.

We woke up early and he bounded away to get presents. He brought them right into the bedroom! I got an Australian Ballet calendar (we had bought it at the concert) and some DVDs. I was quite impressed with his ability to choose movies I love!

He then got out the camera, which was odd.

The be brought in a large box. I thought it was a joke gift - something tiny in a huge box. Then I pulled it toward me and it was HEAVY.

He got the camera ready to capture my surprise as I opened it.

A beautiful KitchenAid mixer! I have desperately wanted one for ever. I have always said that I would get one when we buy a house. They are quite extravagant here in Australia as they retail for double what we saw them for in America. 

I have often opined about which colour I would get. Red is classic, but then you have to do your kitchen in red. White goes with more. I also like the really pale mint green. 

As I opened the package I felt a twinge of disappointment. It was white. "Oh no. I wish it was red." said the ungrateful little Elle on my shoulder. "Don't be silly! Pioneer Woman has a white one, it will go with any kitchen, be happy!" said the mature gracious Elle on my other shoulder.

I pulled off the tape and slipped the box open.

"It's RED!!" I squealed! Boy has G earned some Top Husband points with this one! I genuinely think I love it more than if is was diamond earrings. Guess I am growing up??

After work G picked me up and we went for a beautiful birthday dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant.

We shared brescioli for entree. It was delicious!

For my main course I had the vegetarian risotto (I always get it) and G had a gnocchi pesto with chicken. All the food was divine!

After dinner we drove by Starbucks.....and the Christmas things were out! Instead of a desert I got a peppermint mocha frap with cream and it was delicious.

I had an amazing birthday. I got spoiled at work with flowers, cards and beautiful cupcakes. I got a Happy Birthday serenade from the sheriffs at Court (not something I will forget anytime soon).

I am a very lucky, blessed, somewhat older, girl.

xx elle

Christmas Birthday fun

On Sunday we continued my birthday fun. We headed to Starbucks in the morning for a Christmas coffee. We do not usually start "The Festival of Christmas" until December 1st, but I was granted a special birthday dispensation! 

I was very disappointed to discover that Starbucks had not started their Christmas line. No Christmas music, no peppermint mocha, no cute red cups and holiday souvenirs. Hubs asked the barrista when they would be starting the Christmas promotions -  and he said the exact date of my birthday this week!

Hooray!

We made a firm date to heard to Starbucks after my birthday dinner.

To continue the theme of Birthday + early Christmas we then visited the cutest little Christmas store. It used to be open year round, but recent tough times have meant that the sweet lady is only opening October through December. We had been eagerly waiting for her to reappear!

We have yet to settle on a 'theme' for Christmas this year. Yes - I am one of those women! I like a theme for the decorations, gift wrap, table wear.... my clothes...

Choosing the theme is one of my favourite pre-Christmas traditions. Hubs and I will wander around Myer and take inspiration from the different trees they have on show.

As we have not chosen a theme I though we would just have a browse in the Christmas store and say hello to the sweet lady owner. Hubs then surprised me by buying a few of the little items I admired!

This is the bag our purchases came in. So cute!

I got this love door-knob hanger. If we opt for a non-red based theme I may take this to work for my office, or put it upstairs (where the theme is less strictly adhered to!)


I got this adorable little Nutcracker! This is one of the pieces we saw on Saturday so it was very fitting.

I absolutely LOVE this hanging decoration. It is painted metal and very cute.

Day two of my birthday week was a hit! I cannot wait to fill you in on how the rest of the week has unfolded!

Ballet Birthday

This is my birthday week. I am a firm believer in celebrating a birthday for as long as politely possible! even if it is one of those years when the birthday and the passing of time may not be as welcome.... This is one of those years for me. Nevertheless, my birthday it is and I will enjoy it!

On Saturday night Hubs had a surprise outing for me. The Australian Ballet Company were holding an outdoor performance under the stars. The concert was free and we headed to the stadium at about 4.30 (gates opened at 7 pm).

I tweeted throughout the day about the weather. It was cold, grey and drizzling most of the day. The Australian Ballet people said the show would only be cancelled in the case of "heavy rain".

We said our prayers and bundled up with rain jackets, scarves and towels and took our chances!

It was amazing seeing the football stadium converted into a ballet arena. A large stage and shell were erected right on the field.

Although I am a HUGE ballet fan I opted out of the mosh pit / mud pit on the ground and headed for the stadium seating. We got the most amazing seats right in the centre in the front of the stadium.

I was stunned when I saw the programme. Some of my favourite pieces from Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and La Bayadere were being performed. More stunning than the pieces were the dancers. Leading soloists and Principle Artists! I had expected a roll out of the Corps for a wet and cold night in a football stadium. I was glad to be wrong!

We took this picture from a bit higher up than our seats so we could get the stage in. I realize I look a bit evil or crazy in this picture. I was amused by Hubs contortion act to take the picture himself and get everything in. He had a few tries!

When we arrived the stage was full of people. On closer inspection I discovered it was the actual Australian Ballet Company taking class! It was incredible to watch. It was an amazing behind the scenes intimate look at the ballet master instructing and correcting them, and Company members practicing their parts for the performance.

I was mesmerized. All around there were people picnicking. laughing, children running around. However I was transfixed by the sweaty, messy ballerinas in dirty tights, sweats and leg warmers. They were doing the same centre work and enchaiments that my class does! (The comparison ends there...)

Their bags and belongings were at the side of the stage. There was a huge pile of pointe shoes. I realised they belonged to Principle Artist Lucinda Dunn. She is the most beautiful and graceful ballerina. I had followed her career for 15 years! She was partnering with Robert Curran, another Principle. I was so lucky to see my favourite dancers !

When the rehearsal finished Hubs lined up with all the children to get Lucinda Dunn's autograph for me! What a fantastic husband.

My mother arrived just before the show started and joined us for the evening. We had about 15 minutes of very light drizzle just as the performance started, but the show went on!

Some people left but the true balletomaines stuck it out. The dancers used the same tunnel in and out of the changing rooms that the footballers use and had to cross the field. There was a raised path for them to cross. It was hilarious to see beautiful ballerinas in exquisite tutus with umbrellas up and Uggs over their shoes dashing across the football field to the stage. Only in Australia!


When we got home Hubs surprised me again with this early gift. I had Centre Stage on VHS and he thought it was time for an update.

I cannot wait to see what else my birthday week brings!

xx elle

Trick or treat?

Happy (belated) Halloween from Australia!

Halloween is not something that is traditionally celebrated or acknowledged here. As a child my parents shunned the Halloween spirit, decrying it as an Americanized manufactured event. People occasionally had a Halloween party, but there was no decorating, no trick or treating and no costumes.

Year after year my sister would beg our parents. Hopped up on the Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High we would plead to go trick or treating, to no avail.

I am not sure when things changed. Slowly over the years the Halloween tradition has crept into our culture. Discount and dollar stores have rows of pumpkin buckets, scary masks and ghoulish get ups. Wigs and wings, teeth and tutus, costumes abound in all the stores.

Woolworths had HUGE carving pumpkins and special displays of chocolates and lollies.

Last year was the first time I had trick or treaters. I ran out of lollies (candy) and had to resort to muesli bars (granola bars) and sultanas (raisins)!

This year hubs and I made a special run to the market on Saturday afternoon to stock up on goodies for the monsters. we even decorated a little.

I mean, a very little!

Here is my pet alien. He is a visitor from another galaxy that Hubs snagged for me from a car audio place after I commented how cute he was. He lives in my study with my law books and computer. His new job is to be the Halloween mascot!

We put him in the window with our pumpkin full of treats and set down to wait for the little rascals. It is late Spring here and Daylight savings time, so it stays light until well past 7pm.

By 7.30 I gave up. I decided last year was an aberration. We were getting no trick or treaters and should just get on with our evening.

At 8pm Hubs suggested we light the candles in the window for effect. He was confident we would get visitors, and if not we would just enjoy our spooky evening in candle light with out extra terrestrial buddy.

It did look wonderful from the driveway.

At about 8.30 we heard a big clamor from the drive. Suddenly our front porch was full of giggling children yelling "TRICK OR TREAT!!"

I grabbed the pumpkin and approached the door. They were quite young, maybe 7 or 8? Batman, a ballerina, a wizard and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle  (are they still around??)

I praised all their wonderful costumes and dished out the treats. I looked around for their chaperon. Then I looked again. They were ALONE. IN THE DARK. AT STRANGERS HOMES.

Seriously?

Don't these people watch TV? Criminal Minds? SVU? The news??

It didn't stop there. The kids kept coming until we packed up shop at 9.30. I drew a line at 9.30. On a Sunday. An ethical line. A moral line.

I am not enabling any child who is out and about at 9.30 pm in the pitch dark on a school night.

Also, now we get to eat the leftover lollies and chocolates.

HMMM. Redskins!

Is my tongue red?