ITunes in Oz

Apple has finally launched an ITunes store for the Australian masses. Yippee! Up until now the best we could do is look at what was available else where. I personally think that ITunes and the whole IPod thing is one of the best things ever invented. That's just me and I'm just now glad that we can shop like anyone else. 1 point for capitalism and I'm guilty of it's support. Oh well....

Sunday in the park...

It has been raining here for a few days and it was supposed to rain for a few more. Imagine my surprise this morning when I woke up to clear blue skies, sun shining and not a cloud to be found. Given the day I thought we should make the best of a good thing and go to the botanical gardens. We missed the tulip festival a couple of weeks back but I figured there had to be something blooming, and I was right. I just had to share with you a bit of the beautiful place we have chosen to live and call home.

The botanical gardens in Hobart have to be one of the best gardens I have ever seen. I'm not saying that because I live here but they are just great. They are well maintained and very user friendly. The best part is it's very green..... And in many parts of Australia it can be tough to be green. All and all it turned into a very nice day and the park did not let us down. I leave you with some more pictures. Enjoy....

one more....

I couldn't talk about the blooms without the having a picture of the flowering plum tree. I'ts not a big tree but it is sweet. Anyway, here it is...

Blooms galore....

Spring is just wonderful here in Tassie. This is one of the Iris' we bought down at the markets in the fall and it is the first bloom. We bought another one and it will be blooming soon also. More pictures to come...

It's official...

The earlier post was an alert but now it's official...We will be flying to the states in February. The flights are confirmed the hotels are booked and the deposits have been paid. Now all we have to do is wait.... We are really looking forward to this visit. James has never been to Vegas and I get to see my granddaughter for the first time. As well we get to catch up with family and friends. We also plan on meeting some new friends in Dallas. I know I should have friends there but it's been a few years since I lived there and as with time and as fair weathered friends go. Well, you understand. Anyway, as things progress with the trip plans I'll keep you in the loop as to the where and when etc.. In the mean time it's time to go work in our garden as spring has sprung in the land down under and we've got roses ready to bust out all over the place amongst other things. I'll take pictures soon...

Travel Alert...

It's not what you think, but we are planning a trip. We are making plans to go to the states in February. We tentatively have plans to hit San Fran, Vegas, Dallas and New York state. We are also going to get my daughter to fly to Dallas from Florida so that I can meet my new granddaughter. I'm very excited! I will post a more permanent trip plan shortly, but in the mean time... Heads up everyone as we're comin' your way!!!

The Big Smoke...

We've been in Sydney all this past weekend. We went to see a long standing friend before she departs for the land of the long white cloud (New Zealand). She is originally from NZ but she moved to Australia about eleven years ago. She has decided to move back to NZ as here family is there and she feels it's time for a reconnect and also a bit of a slower pace wouldn't hurt. I understand this thought process as that's one of the reasons we moved to Tasmania from Sydney. We'd had just enough of the in your face behaviour that Sydney can provide on a daily basis. This past weekend once again solidified our reason for moving even though we didn't need a validation.

Don't get me wrong, Sydney has some GREAT things and places to see but I just don't want to live in a city where it feels like I'm constantly on the GO! Anyway, I just want to wish out dear friend all the best and I hope all works out just fine for her. Besides I owe her a lot as it was her that I met online so many years ago while I was living in Texas and when my partner passed away it was her that flew half way across the world to help me. She's always been a real friend and in many ways she is a member of my family. Funny though how I ended up here and now she's going home. Hmm wonder if I will ever go home? Thing is I feel as I am home now!