Spring Update

It's a beautiful Tuesday morning here in Newcastle, and Nina's shrieks from outside signaled the first tomato on her month-old tomato plants that are potted outside. At first I thought I'd flooded the backyard or Stella had dug to the United States, but thankfully it was a lil' tomato that will hopefully not be eaten by the dog.

The weekend was marred by storm clouds but that didn't stop us from making a trek down to Sydney on Sunday to take in some of the sights. I had a pipe dream that the markets down there would provide something amazing for a bargain, but after 10 minutes of aisles filled with overpriced "original" Aboriginal art and Sydney t-shirts, combined with an unflattering exchange rate, we called it quits and used our Entertainment Book of coupons to take in the awe and specter of the Powerhouse Museum at half price. Sydney's answer to The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago it proved not to be, and we speed-walked the entire thing in 25 minutes. Thank God it was half-price. The weather improved a little bit and we took in some of Darling Harbour and hopped on the train from Central back to our parking spot north of downtown. I decided not to pay the $30 price for parking downtown and was happy not to have to deal with tolls and traffic of downtown Sydney as we hopped off the train in Wollstonecraft where we had parked.

The real reason for the trip was still to come, and we booked our way toward Homebush Bay to make Ikea by its 6:30pm close. Parking in the complex was utterly Australian (confusing and poorly designed) and we were through the gates into Ikea heaven after about an hour in the car. Nina promised me bottom floor shopping only and she stayed true to her promise as we carved our way through picture frames, organizers, candles, and Christmas decorations. I'd say only 10% of metro Sydney's population was at the store and we were out with our $100 in wares inside of two hours.

The ride home was uneventful - split shift driving and a quick gas fill-up and we were home by 8pm, and enjoying our taco dinner by 8:30. It was a fun day and I know we'll think twice before heading to Sydney for the markets next time we feel the need for trinkets.

I took a day off of work yesterday to relax and regroup after a long couple months of flying. After getting back from the States it was non-stop work and I truly felt burnt out after the end of last week. Flying hours were up, but our manning has been razor thin and everyone's been stressed a bit too much for their own good. Nina and I spent the day at the beach, me trying to catch a few fish, Nina dealing with the dog, and Stella dealing with her inner demons. She really has limitless energy (the dog) and after four hours of swimming, running, jumping, digging, and treasure hunting, we came home and she was still running around like a criminal. Petstock doesn't carry prozac for dogs, but we may start giving her some rum with her morning meals.

Off to Bunnings right now for some home goods - working the night shift this week at work which means getting home around midnight. Y'all take care, and more from Australia later.