I am trying to make up a bit for the gap in previous posts but still, pace myself to avoid tiring (or, worse yet) boring those who take the time to read this Blog.First of all, let me say that it’s probably hard to imagine how much I appreciate the comments and remarks people give when a post takes place. The feedback makes it worth trying to put what I (and at this point, with Nancy here – we) are experiencing.
Bethany departed last Sunday after her two weeks with us to participate in her second cousin’s (Bethany Welsh) wedding in Hawaii (on Hilo). It was great to have her as our “guest” and she and Nancy got to do some of the tourist things that are still on my list. They visited Moreton Island for a day, hugged the koalas and ‘roos at Lone Pine Sanctuary, shopped downtown at the Queen’s Street Mall area, did some antiquing with the ladies from church and enjoyed each other’s company. It was clearer than ever that our little girl is now a woman and during our evening games of Rummy we had a chance to get in a few “adult” conversations. Being here gave her a bit of appreciation for the good and familiar things back home and took a bit of the mystique away about living abroad. 
Since Bethany was here with Nancy, they did most of the grocery shopping (the pantry is currently a bit fuller than it was during my “bachelor” time) and they have had a chance to experience Australian “sticker shock” at the market. First, get your head into metric and Australian dollar conversion mode and then consider this (and these are advertised prices):
Bananas – $6.95 AUD per kilogram = $3.15 USD per lbs
A 3 roll package of paper towels - $3.49 AUD= $3.10 USD
Walnuts - $18.99 AUD per kilogram = $7.59 USD per lbs
Turkey breast (sliced) – $19.98 AUD per kilogram = $7.98 USD per lbs
Microwave popcorn (3 packages) - $3.99 AUD = $3.51 USD
18 cans of Coke (no deposit) - $12.99 AUD= $11.45 USD
Thank heavens the wine is reasonably priced!
The best part of a day is when people start coming into work quoting the low temperature they survived the night before – remember it’s the dead of winter here currently – and they describe the almost freezing temperatures of “4 degrees Celsius” that nearly left frost on their car over night! We try and not sound too condescending when we describe what a Michigan winter can be like – and showing pictures tends to put them over the top.
I am very conscious that I am missing the best time of the year back home – our friends (the Wagner’s) have been at our home having a bit of a vacation while Nancy is here – and I miss the greenness of a Michigan summer (it’s kind of brown here currently; plus there’s a drought on). I’m sure I will appreciate the next one much more having had to endure its absence! Hang tight; another update is coming soon - keep the feedback coming!
5 comments:
Hi Rick,
So your not wearing your snow-mobile suite down there very much huh? That is so awesome that their winters are like that. I envy that. I like snow, but just for a few weeks, then it gets wearisome for me. Any plans to come home anytime soon? We miss you back here and look forward to seeing you hopefully soon (though I thought you said it could be quite some time yet...)
God bless you,
Tom Beetham
I hate to confirm your suspicions, but yes, you are missing are really great summer here. It's been awesome so far - sunny almost all the time, mid 70s - low 80s, usually low humidity, nice breezes off the Lake. Every time I ride my bike along the shoreline, I think how nice it would be to have a house on the Lake. Unless, of course, I couldn't be home to enjoy it because I was off earning money for property taxes and such.....you know, just random thoughts like that. :-)
So, I really see some opportunities here for you to make a little extra cash to get home sooner. Probably a really lucrative black market for paper towels. I'll ship you a couple cases next week. 50/50 on the profits and we should both be able to retire sooner.
Your blog is really fun and interesting to read. I love hearing how life is so much different yet still so much the same. Thanks for sharing the experience.
"Good on you" for leaving comments - they really made my day!
I'll take a pound of sliced turkey breast and 6 bags of microwave popcorn...and can I put that on my home equity line of credit? Pretty wild bro!
Denise is right, though we could use some rain, it has been a wonderful summer here. Now lets see if the rain stays away for Unity Festival!
Love you bro!
Craig
Rick, say hey to Paul Hogan for us while you're down under. Charity and I would love to connect with you guys on some return visit (as I'm sure many others would).
Hope you are enjoying the view!
-James, Charity, and Adeline Bean
PS I just turned 30 and my daughter turns 1 tomorrow. :-)
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