I ' heart ' Après Ski

Well, it's definitely safe to say that I won't be snowboarding again anytime soon!!  I think it's a little too taxing on my already klutzy self!  However, I do 'love' the Après Ski part of skiing (the equivalent of the 19th hole of golf).  It seems that for the Austrians, having fun while skiing is just as fun as what you do after skiing - and they do both extremely and equally well!  The Après Ski places went 'off' every afternoon with accordion playing, live singing and a LOT of Austrian dancing!!  They sure know how to have a good time...

"Prost!"

"Cheers" in German

Towards the end of 2010, I had a couple of fairly serious ankle injuries, which in turn led a number of people (including my physio) to convince me to choose snowboarding over skiing (even though I have skied multiple times before).  They suggested that 'locking' my weakened ankles onto a snowboard would secure them better than skis.  So I heeded their advice and I soon discovered the truth in their wisdom as for the entire week I did manage to save my ankles from further injury, but other parts of me weren't so lucky!  But let me take you back to the beginning of this boarding adventure...

"Goodbye London" and "Servus Osterreich"

On the Spring mid-term break (mid February), I set off on a Contiki tour to Austria!!  It was a place that had always interested me (mostly because of The Sound of Music) plus I could ski - one of my most enjoyable hobbies!  I departed London via coach on the Friday evening straight after school... along with everyone else in London it seemed.  Due to the high density of traffic on the roads, the original expected journey time of 20 hours from London to Austria jumped to almost 24 hours! Yuck!  It was only once on the coach that we were told that this is the break where all locals AND tourists descend onto the slopes for the last decent ski of the season!

On the road to Hopfgarten

Fortunately, we eventually arrived in Hopfgarten (a small marketing town in the area of Tyrol) at dusk.  Our first stop before going to the Contiki Haus Schöneck was to go to the base of the mountain to be fitted with our snow gear.  After about 45 minutes, my injury prone body was ready to start my snowboarding escapades with a new pair of wrist guards, a helmet and two very carefully strapped ankles!!

Hopfgarten

Day 1 - Learning to snowboard is H-A-R-D
I awoke quite eager to hit the snowy slopes (my 'eager' approach didn't change until a few days later...)  Although the slopes were fairly icy (when we arrived the last snowfall was three weeks earlier), we had a fabulous snowboarding instructor named Alex who helped us learn the basics even on the slippery snow!  (He actually had quite a thick Spanish accent and sounded very similar to King Julian XIII from Madagascar!)  He explained things very well and I always felt like I understood why he was telling me how to change my technique, even if I couldn't follow through and actually do it!  Within the first five minutes of my lesson, I realised I was trying to snowboard 'goofy' when I'm a 'natural' (I wish that this could have been my excuse of my being so ordinary!!)  However, I persisted for the rest of the day with the awkward footing.

After a couple hours in a lesson, my new boarding buddies and I stopped in at the café for an early introduction to the Après Ski culture.  I ordered a delicious 'heiße chocolat mit rum' (hot chocolate with rum).  Now THAT warmed me up!  That night we returned our tired bodies to Haus Schöneck for the evening's activities with "Schnappy Hour"!!  The real excitement of the evening, however was when it began to snow!!  We were all so thankful as we knew that there would be beautiful fresh powder for the morning!  And it snowed and snowed and snowed... (all night!)

 Me in the snow

Outside Haus Schöneck

Day 2 - Fresh Powder
I have been blessed to see snow many times in my life... but I cannot describe how excited I was on my second day in Austria to see snow EVERYWHERE!!  When you compare the vast differences in the two photos below... maybe you'll understand why I was so excited.

Day 1 -  View out of my window

Day 2 - View out of my window

The snow continued to fall all day.  There were some snowflakes the size of my thumb!!  They were so gorgeous and magical to watch just floating to the ground.  And it was brilliant for another reason - all this snow had helped to create a softer landing for my falls - of which, on this day I had my first serious stack (and smack to my head) after trying to learn the 'toe side' technique on the snowboard (where you go down backwards and look up the mountain).  Although I had some initial troubles, I was getting some skills and beginning to enjoy myself.  And Alex (in his accent) went on to say "Good, excellent, here we go!"
And for the record... despite what 'they' say... snowboarding is NOTHING like surfing!

Sky filled with heavy snowfall

 Me finally standing (and about to go down the mountain)

Beginner slopes at Hopfgarten

Day 3 - Boarding, Baroque and Bobsledding
With snow still falling, we went up to the 'real' mountain for our last snowboarding lesson with Alex, to test the skills we had learnt.  Aaaaahh!  There were so many more snowboarders and skiers everywhere!  I finally got the courage to turn properly (in an 's' shape rather than zig-zagging from side to side) which was rather cool.  Unfortunately at midday we said goodbye to "Mr Alex" and were then left to our own devices!!  We took it rather slowly but we all did one more major run of the day and then hit up the Après Ski Café for some 'spiced' hot chocolate.

'Mr Alex' (Instructor), Bec, Graham, Michelle, me, Alex, 'S', Umesh

Boarding buddies

That afternoon I went for a little walk into the town to see the Hopfgarten church.  I had wanted to see inside it but had missed my chance on Sunday because of my first snowboarding lesson.  My curiosity got the better of me and I went exploring around the perimeter of the church, wanting to see it from all sides.  Then as I listened carefully, I could hear the pipe organs!  I found a side door entrance and tried to open it - it was unlocked...  So I snuck in and very cautiously stepped into the church, passed through a thick and heavy drape and took in the wondrous sights and sounds.  I stayed for about five minutes, listening to the organist practise the hymns for the next Sunday's service - it was so majestic!

 Baroque parish church

Inside the church

"Feel the rhythm, feel the ride, get on up... it's bobsled time... COOL RUNNINGS!"

That evening, we travelled about an hour to Innsbruck where we had a 'cool' experience in bobsledding!  It was the track that had been used in the Munich Winter Olympics all those years ago.  It was such an adrenaline rush to actually feel every turn that the sled made.  The sleds have been adjusted for commercial use (including professional drivers.)  Our team completed the course in a time of 46.23 seconds.  

 Greg, me, Bec, Melissa, Mark

One of the final bends of the course

Day 4 - Peaks and Paragliding!
With a clear day dawning, it was the perfect day to take the gondolas up the mountain without a snowboard and with a camera.  I rode the gondola to the peak of Hohe Salve... and was amazed at the pristine beauty of fresh snow glistening in the sunlight.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

 Looking towards Scheffau

The peaks of  Brandstadl (1650m) and Zinsberg (1674m)

Looking towards Brixen im Thale

Then at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, I was due back at the top of the mountain for PARAGLIDING!  I have always wanted to skydive but I have not yet done it.  So when there was a chance to paraglide over the Austrian Alps - I could not let the opportunity pass me by!! With my fearless buddy, Christoph, perfect conditions and the best seat in the area - I soaked up the view!

To finish off an amazing day of snowboarding (with only one good smack to my backside) the girls and I had a bier in true Après Ski style.

Teagan, Brooke, Loren and me

Tenner Stadl for Après Ski biers

Day 5 - I'm writing off 'red' runs
On my final day of snowboarding, I got a little daring and decided to move off onto some blue runs (easy difficulty) that were a little farther than the Hopfgarten slopes.  I trekked off with my new friend Teagan to meet up with some other boarders.  However, to get to the blue runs, I had to go down some red runs (medium difficulty).  I was very hesitant at first but with a little coaxing, I gave it a go.  I was so glad I did as although I was very slow, I made it to the bottom, with no real problems.  The problem came when I was on the flat part - gliding into the lobby of the next gondola.  I saw some obstacles and it ended that "being cautious" was my downfall - literally!  I smacked down on the hard and icy snow, right on my coccyx.  Despite the immense pain, I continued with the group, not wanting to miss out on the views.  And they were amazing!!

 Sun-soaking: me, Teagan and Wade

Hochbrixen

At the peak of Zinsberg

Yet, a couple more good smacks (to both my head and butt) and a few tears later, I realised that no snowboarding experience or view was worth risking further injury than I had already endured.  I took the 'slow' way down by walking (though that was still hard!) and much to my shame and disappointment rode the gondola down... thus... safe to say I won't be doing snowboarding again anytime soon!

Halfway down back at the Hochbrixen slopes, we saw an igloo village where people can actually stay and sleep!  There was also an igloo ice bar!

Me and Teagan 

'Iceland' Ice Bar

'Iceland' Hotel

Day 6 - Singing in Salzburg
A brilliant beginning to our trip in Salzburg was breaking into song on the coach ride there!  But not just any...  The Hills Are Alive  and Do-Re-Mi topped the list!!  I was so excited to be going to the city from where The Sound of Music came!  With everyone in good spirits we disembarked the coach and walked through some back streets and stumbled across an entrance to the Mirabell Gardens (used in The Sound of Music).

Weaving our way through the many horse-drawn carts spread throughout the city, we made our way past the Mozart Museum (actually the building where he was born), to the Dom -  the main cathedral of the city.  This is also the cathedral where Mozart was baptised.  This cathedral was so beautiful and so intricately decorated that it was difficult to leave!

 The Dom

The castle

After trekking up a steep hill and about what I estimated to be about one million stairs, we made it to the castle which, besides having a rich history of the country, had a spectacular view of the city!  Salzburg means 'Salt Castle' - there were many salt mines earlier that helped to establish the city.  Salt was very valuable and in those days, people were paid in salt.  Personally, I'm pleased that the way of trading has changed!

View from the castle

Salzburg

After all the exploring throughout the castle, we came down to the rest of the city ready for some lunch... and what better to have than some traditional Austrian food.  So with Schnitzel, schnapps and strudel - we were all set!  Once we had filled up on delicious foods, we walked through rows of local markets and back towards the centre of the city to head home.  However, before we did, we warmed up our singing voices and filled the air with tunes from The Sound of Music in front of the gates at Mirabell Gardens!

 The best apfel strudel I have EVER eaten!

Me, Loren and Teagan striking our 'Do-Re-Mi' poses

Mirabell Gardens

Day 7 - Homeward bound to London
And on the seventh day... we rested.  Well, kind of... we were up at 4 o'clock in the morning for our departure back to London.  Fortunately the roads were relatively clear and I made it home before midnight to crawl into my bed for a decent sleep.

Although I was there for a week, I did not have enough time in Austria.  I would like to return and see and experience a little more.  I am aiming to return in the summer months when my parents come over to visit me - and I am definitely not done with 'appreciating' authentic Apfel Strudels!

But until next time... Prost!

To see more photos from my time in Austria, click here


Austria
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=276988&id=502734513&l=89fb7f4113

London, BABY!

My first thoughts of London... massive, windy and grey (with only hints of red thanks to Mr Branson) - and that was just looking down from my plane on the descent into Heathrow!  

(However, my first impressions of London did not change a lot in the next week of my living in there.  It took a bit of time and perspective for it to change slightly... but we'll come to that later!)


Arriving in London

Touching down in Heathrow Airport on a grey and windy Sunday afternoon seemed to be the only fitting welcome London was prepared to offer.  But that did not bother me... I was thrilled to be there and quite satisfied with the typified version that it was offering!!  It was quite a shock to arrive from a -9° celsius day in Helsinki to a 6° celsius day in London and for it to feel almost equally as cold!!

Arriving on Sunday afternoon

London 

And can I just say, that it was only once I picked up my bags and breezed through the gates, that I truly realised the advantages to having an EU passport!  I actually thought I must have missed a gate or entry point because it seemed so easy to enter the country.  


Thankfully, I was not alone in that massive place, as my cousin Hanne and her daughter Alice met me at the gate, along with my friend, Greg.  Hanne introduced me to the wonders of the London Underground. I had no idea what I was doing and felt like I was blindly following her through this maze that was "The Tube".  As I sat there gazing out of the window, with the houses flying by, I felt about 5 years-old, as I felt a giddy grin spreading across my face because it suddenly dawned on me... I'm in LONDON, BABY!!


The day continued to bring much excitement as I bought my own 'Oyster' (London transport card) and 'London A-Z' (a map of all London streets) ready to brace the city on my own.  Although to those who know me, this map will definitely not stop me getting lost!

Hanne, Ashley & Alice

Hanne, her partner Ashley and Alice were kind enough to have me stay in their home for my first month in London.  They are so much fun to hang out with and I will be forever grateful to them for introducing me to the city from a local's perspective.  We formed a really close friendship and I love them and their daughter!!  I had a wonderful time with them and they gave me much useful advice about living arrangements, work and travel around the city.  We had great nights out eating great food and awesome nights in watching 'English' themed movies!

Me, Hanne, Alice and Ashley

In a local Lebanese restaurant

London "Express tour" with Hanne

I awoke to my second day in London with an impending appointment with my teaching agency.  We took the tube (at this stage it was still such a novelty!) in to Covent Garden where I was immediately drawn to its immense atmosphere.  I couldn't be happier with the markets changing all the time and street theatre entertainment on weekends.

After a long interview with the teaching agency that involved a lot of red tape, Hanne lead me around the city for a quick afternoon walk!  And yes it was brief as in one afternoon we saw... 
Trafalgar Square (with Nelson's statue), Big Ben (my favourite part about London, still to date!), Parliament House, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the palace guards, St James' Park, Hyde Park gates and Piccadilly Circus (and did I say how much I love Big Ben???)  

Big Ben and Parliament House 

London Eye

It was a wonderful initial adventure in the big city.  However, we were thoroughly exhausted by the time we got back home!  We must have walked at least 6 kilometres.  Although it doesn't sound that bad, when recovering from a long 10km walk around Helsinki with Juhani not even two days earlier and still fighting my Australian body-clock - it was!!!  We then caught the bus home and drove past Notting Hill.  I look forward to the Portobello Markets in the warmer months (and now that Spring is here - we're almost there!!)

Harrods

About mid-February, I went and checked out Harrods!  To say that it is an incredible store is an understatement.  I spent just over an hour there and I didn't even move off the first floor!  And I don't even think I saw the entirety of the first floor.  I saw all the souvenir type stuff, cosmetics and perfume (and all the deli type stuff!)  I didn't go all out with my purchases, just a couple of simple souvenirs including a tin of hard-boiled lollies that reminded me of spending Christmas with my mum's side of the family!  Mmmm... delicious butterscotch!

Harrods

Jazz Wednesdays

Every Wednesday night, there is jazz playing in 'The Crypt' (located right next to Trafalgar Square - photo links at the bottom).  It is an old Crypt that has been transformed into a restaurant and art exhibit.  I haven't gone to 'Jazz Wednesdays' every week, but each week I have, the featured band has been great.  Ashamedly I have also been persuaded into buying a CD each time because the music is so addictive.  The first week was French jazz (photo links below in 'Trafalgar Square by Night') and the second week was a fusion band which was a lot more upbeat.  The third week was a dixieland group, which is the kind of jazz from New Orleans in the 1910s.  That week, The Crypt was packed with so many people over 60 years old but they moved like they were in their twenties (all over again).  It definitely was music that made you want to get up and dance... which I eventually did with all the oldies!  And I wasn't sure it was possible, but it's amazing how much more I love jazz now because of this place.

'Ooh La La' band

The Crypt - St Martin's in the Fields 

The gravestone aisleway

The Crypt - St Martin's in the Fields

The Temper Trap

I went to see 'The Temper Trap' (Melbourne based band) at the post-Brit Awards party called 'War Child'.  The Brit Awards were held at the O2 Arena, previously known as the Millennium Dome.  After trying to take the tube to the gig, the tube line we were on was delayed for about 15 minutes (very significant here to be waiting down there that long) and then it was announced that the line had been suspended until further notice. My brain was about to explode because I was so keen to see this band... however, these things always turn out best in the end and as such, we all caught the Thames Clippers (like the Brisbane CityCat) to Greenwich.  It was a much more scenic route and it meant that I had finally got to see the Tower Bridge, which I had not seen previously!  (You can see my stupid excitement in the photo below!)

Me and Tower Bridge

On board the Thames Clippers towards Greenwich

'War Child' was a fundraising event that advocated for children to be excluded from war.  It is a tragic thing when we know that there are children not only exposed to war in areas of our world but are reduced to the horrid role of a child soldier.  The Temper Trap, Mark Ronson and the other performers all donated their time to put on this concert to raise money for such an outstanding cause.  Boy George also made an appearance which was pretty cool!!  
(More photos are linked below in 'London')

Boy George performing ''Somebody to love" with Mark Ronson

'War Child' - Post-Brit Awards party (O2 Arena)

St Patrick's Day

London put on a pretty good gig for St Patrick's Day!  The major celebrations were held the weekend before March 17, in Trafalgar Square.  I met up with my friend Teagan and we embraced the Irish culture as much as we could!  We enjoyed loads of performances from Irish dancers and musicians while dodging the ever increasing number of Guinness-intoxicated persons!  The most enjoyable performance however, wasn't even on stage!  It came from a little old lady who spent her afternoon juggling for no one in particular, it seemed...  she was not phased by anyone!  A totally tops afternoon!

Me, clover and Teagan

Grandma juggling away to her heart's content

Trafalgar Square

Then on St Patty's Day (Thursday, March 17) I went into the city and had a couple of Irish ciders (...I stuck to the ciders as I have not developed a liking for Guinness just yet!)  I met up with a few friends, some Irish and some not-so-much, at a couple of different pubs.

 Cara and me

The White Horse

Me, Luke, Greg & Bella

'The Slug and Lettuce' pub

Our drinks: Magners Irish Cider, Coke (not very Irish) and Guinness

Generally...

I am having an absolute blast over here.  After the initial settling in period where it was a NIGHTMARE trying to find a place to live - I found my feet and have hit the ground running.  So far I have not had a weekend at home whether I be in the city or out of London entirely!!  I love the city especially on the sunny days.  And it is amazing to see how the London folk change their whole attitude and body language when the sun comes out!  It's almost like they come out of a trance and become civil human beings... yay for London sun!  And speaking of London sun, it is out today so I'm off to go and play some frisbee and 'football' in the park.

But until next time... Cheers!




To view more photos, please use the below links:
London
Trafalgar Square by night
St Patrick's Day

Fun in Finland

The beginning...  

It was the middle of January that I left Australia - ready for an adventure that almost didn't happen.  At the time that I left, Brisbane and most of Queensland were in the middle of their worst flooding disasters since the 1970s.  After having a few goodbye dos with some friends down in Brisbane, I was temporarily stuck there for a night or two just days before I was due to depart the country.  Thankfully, the big guy upstairs was looking out for me and I still left as planned.  

On January 17, my family and some friends came down to Brisbane International Airport to say goodbye, and after a few tears (or many in some cases) I walked downstairs through customs not really coming to terms with the fact that this was REALLY happening!  Within an hour I was all on my own - which would be the case for the next year also, I guess!  A short four-hour layover in Hong Kong meant a quick Skype call to Mum and Dad and then I was on my way, yet again jet-setting across the world!

Emily, Robyn, Jacinta, Jess, Louise, Dad, Mum, Aunty Brigitte, Dan, Jess

Brisbane International Airport

Arriving in Finland in the peak of winter was the perfect start to an amazing twenty11. 

When I set foot on Finnish land (...yes, right there in the airport) - I already felt like I was 'home' and did not want to leave.  I almost considered on the spot to stay in Finland and not continue the journey to London!  I was so excited to be in the country especially as I had rights as a citizen this time round (yay for dual-citizenship).  For the week that I was there, I stayed with Raija (Dad's cousin) and her husband Juha, for which I was very grateful.  They met me at the airport and took me back to their home.

Snowfall
Finland met me with fresh snowfall every day - which was just beautiful.  Until I tried to shovel it off the driveway with Juha in my dress boots.  NOT a good idea.  There were a few times where I almost landed on my butt or in the pile of snow I had started to make!  Shovelling snow from the driveway is actually a job that must be done by LAW, each day that there is snowfall!  While I was stoked that it was snowing this much, I guess the residents shovelling the snow weren't exactly thrilled. 

Järvenpää 

On my first day, Raija took a VERY tired me out and about Järvenpää (my Dad's birthplace I think!)  We went to visit her mother and saw the house that my Pappa built before immigrating to Australia.  She also indulged me in helping me to make my favourite snow creation - a lumilyhty (pronoucned loomee-loo-tu).  After making one 11 years ago - I couldn't wait to make another one!

Me and the Lumilyhty

Food - "Ruoka"

Raija and Juha introduced me to my new favourite food - authentic Karjalanpiiraka (a sort of bread-cake with a rice filling).  You can eat it plain, or as I like it best, warmed up with ham and cheese.  During brekkie every day, Raija and Juha tried to teach me some new Finnish words - which then encouraged me to go and buy a Finnish-English dictionary!!  I have been using it a little bit since leaving Finland but it is difficult to keep learning when you can't keep practising.

Arki (yoghurt), Karjalanpiiraka, Kaffee (coffee)

A most delicious breakfast

Andrew, Kerthy and family

During my week in Finland I managed to spend at least part of each day with the amazing Wharton-Kimonis family.  Seeing my cousin Andrew living in Finland was great.  I enjoyed seeing that learning the Finnish language is possible (though extremely hard) and proved that it is still something that I would very much like to do.  Spending time with Kerthy through the day and the three little ones was so lovely and fun.  Although Zoe was sick at the time, we had some fun playing and reading and at the advice of Andrew, she helped me learn a little more Finnish by watching children's TV programs.  On one of my last days in Finland, Kerthy and I went to some Finnish Flea markets where I scored a few souvenir bargains and amongst other things - a very warm 100% woollen coat for €2 - unbelievable!

Finnish Schools
I also met up with another of Dad's cousins, Riitta and helped her teach a day in her Kindergarten class (same as Prep or Reception in Australia - they're just a year older but do the same thing).  So cool to see how the Finns teach and children learn.  They seemed so settled and capable.  I also went and spoke to Riitta's daughters English class about Australia and they had a chance to talk to a 'real' English-speaking person and ask me all kinds of questions about Australia!  They were very intrigued about all the dangerous animals of the East coast!

Helsinki

The day before I left Finland, I met up with Juhani (yes, yet another of Dad's cousins!) and he gave me an amazing 10km walk around Helsinki!!  He was able to give much history of the city including the 'unspoken' strained relationship between Finland and Russia!

A few highlights from Helsinki...
*seeing the frozen ocean (yes - I was so surprised!!) apparently the water has a 0.3% salt saturation in comparison to the 3% that the major oceans have!
*the statue that symbolises peace between Russia and Finland (I found it interesting that it faces East towards Russia - almost like it's keeping a close eye on the neighbouring country!)
*The Ateljee bar (located at the top of the Torni Hotel which has a perfect view across the city from a high vantage point.  The women's loo also has a pretty good view (which makes the Moloolaba 'Loo With A View' rather inferior!)

Ladies toilet at the Ateljee Bar

Later that day Juhani and I met up with Sara and had dinner in the city.  We then went for drinks at the Marski bar where I had my first Finnish beer 'Koff'.  Not a bad drop for a lager.  Their hospitality was very kind and it was a perfect end to my brief one week stay in Finland.

Koff beer

Departing Finland
The day I left Finland, Vesa (Raija's brother) met up with me at the airport... it was wonderful to see so many people in just one week!  It was with bittersweet emotion that I hopped on the plane to London.  I was very much tempted to stay in the 'motherland' (that one's for you Hados!!)
So on the plane flight over, I decided to try out my newly aquired Finnish vocabulary... so I picked up a Finnish newspaper to read during the three hour flight - EPIC fail.  Clearly you can't learn a wide Finnish reading vocabulary in 7 days!!  What did surprise me was that using very simple Finnish (and a weak Finnish accent) I made the flight attendant believe I was Finnish for almost the entire flight!  Lots of nodding and smiling with the few words I could pick out passed for the most part.  However, my downfall came when she asked if I wanted milk and butter in their shortened language forms and I had to think too long remembering what those words were - so she gave me a little smile and switched to English... DANG - so close!

Spraying anti-freeze onto the wings prior to lift-off!

I look forward to catching up with many more people in my family in Finland when I return later in the year.  At this stage, I am hoping to be back for Juhannus - a midsummer celebration held on the longest day of the year.  

All in all, it was an AWESOME start to an amazing year!

But until next time... Cheers!

For MORE photos from Fun in Finland, visit this link via Facebook (you will not need a Facebook account to view them).
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London calling... Lisa!

Hiya! 

It's Lisa... and I'm in London.  I'm lapping up all the sights and opportunities and as the blog suggests... I'm living, laughing and loving it!

I am extremely excited to be here!  With encouraging friends and a very supportive family, I moved here at the beginning of 2011 to explore Europe and the many wonderful things it has to see and do (there have already been a few adventures!!)  I am finally living the dream that I have had since I was a teen.

With this blog, I am aiming to keep you posted of my adventures throughout twenty11 - whether they are in London, in the UK or abroad in Europe!!  (Yay!!)  There will be a few blogs on their way from the last couple of months that I have been here.  Feel free to make comments or ask questions as you please.

But until next time... Cheers!

(And a special thank you to Tenille who gave me the final nudge I needed to create this blog!!)