Expeditions

Sydney Wildlife World

Posted on May 14, 2011 by ghotiindustries

We ended up on a bit of an expedition after leaving the Blackbird Café, headed across Cockle Bay to Sydney Wildlife World. Neither Himself or I had been before, and there was so much to see an marvel at that I’m sure we’ll be heading back before long (next time with tripods!).

Please click the links in this post at your own risk, they will mostly be to wikipedia pages, but as usual; all care, no responsibility.

For those of you not from ‘round these parts, Australia is known to be a bit deadly at times. I can’t think why … I’m sure you’re all happy to know that I couldn’t get a good shot of the deadliest spider in the world the Sydney Funnel Web, but here’s a nice one of a Red Bellied Black Snake. I’ve met one of these in the wild.

This happy critter is a Tiger Snake. For those of you in the know, it was one of these we had in our ceiling a year and a half ago, though her markings weren’t nearly as pretty as this fellow’s!

By comparison, the Frill-necked Lizard

and Goanna, were remarkably tame.

As I heard a voice off in the distance I realised it wasn’t one of the recorded messages, but a live talk! I dashed off and came face to … well … tail I guess, with this

I’d like you all to meet Rex!

He’s a 5 meter (16 feet) saltwater croc who weighs over 500kg (1100lbs).They decided the needed to re-home him when his territory was expanding a little to close to humans.

I must admit, after taking this shot, for the rest of the day I was singing “Never smile at a crocodile!”

So on that happy note! I shall leave you with a picture of this cute little critter who I wasn’t thoughtful enough to remember to what he is other than “lizard”.

Next post will be much cuter and fluffier, I promise! See you then!

Blackbird Café

Posted on May 11, 2011May 10, 2011 by ghotiindustries

Onwards and upwards! Last Saturday had some of the most glorious weather Autumn has to offer.

Overlooking this spectacular view (and with a discount voucher) we sat down to a spot of lunch at the Blackbird Café.

Himself just needed to ingest copious amounts of fuel, and went for the Hawaiian Pizza.

I felt like being a little more daring and ordered the Crocodile Burger!

Crocodile is a very delicately flavoured meat. Vaguely peppery. I think it may have been a little too sweet for me with the mango chutney, but I was informed they have to cater to tourists’ tastes which tend to run in that direction.

Darling Harbour can really be a wondrous place. So long as I don’t have to deal with too many tourists I really enjoy being there!

I think I’ll have to procure some crocodile for myself and experiment with cooking it …

Weekend Round Up

Posted on April 27, 2011April 27, 2011 by ghotiindustries

Long Weekends are such an odd phenomenon. I go into them with such high expectations, and long lists of all I would like to achieve, then my body catches up with the fact that I’m not at the day job and pulls my feet out from under me and demands down time! 😛 What’s with that?! So, here’s what I did do.

Friday we headed up the Hill to the Annual Easter FishBQ. Every year there seem to be more children running around, and less inebriation. I guess the babies are all getting older. It is so good to be able to see and catch up with people we used to see every week, even if it does now average once a year …

There was a new pair of socks begun as they are the perfect traveling project to take on the train for a four hour round trip! They are Marlene by Cookie A, in Dragonfly Yarns “Norbert” colourway which I got via a sock club last year.

Saturday there was a little local wondering and I bought the Julie & Julia DVD which I’d been wanting to see for a while. I have now watched it 3 times since buying it. I feel a sudden urge to buy Mastering the Art of French Cooking and expanding my repertoire. I love having a kitchen that I enjoy cooking in for the first time in years!

While watching DVDs I spent some quality time with my sticks and strings.

There was an interesting moment where the designer of this spectacular piece insinuated that I was an idiot, and in a moment of complete clarity I backed away from telling her what I thought of her. I’m still proud of myself for that one. However, Twitter heard all about it 😛

Sunday Himself cooked the most delectable dinner, which deserves a post all on it’s own, and which will be forthcoming in the next few days. He cooks so well and I always eat far more than I should when one of his creations is up for the offering!

Monday and Tuesday was when my body caught up with me and though I felt lazy, I also felt exhausted and so achieved very little other than further knitting, and some adorable cat photos. So I shall leave you with those.

I hope your weekend was wonderful!

ANZAC Day

Posted on April 25, 2011April 24, 2011 by ghotiindustries

A few years ago now in a different time and place I accepted the challenge of attempting to eat just army rations for ANZAC day. I was even given real ones. The real deal. Beige packaging and all.

I didn’t remember details given that it was two years ago, but thanks to the magic of online journals, I rediscovered that between Himself and I we had found it a LOT of food. With the prompt I also remembered writing “I don’t think I ever want to see jam in a tube again”. There were also some helpful hints (too little too late) from an ex-enlisted friend about how to have combined bits made it all a touch more palatable.

As we headed up the Hill for our annual Easter FishBQ just 3 days ago, this challenge came back to mind, as the generous soul who proposed the challenge and provided the rations would normally have been in attendance. I asked of his whereabouts, only to be told that he was currently deployed.

It’s so easy to forget while going about daily routine that the people out on the frontlines are our friends, neighbours, and family.

When you wake up this morning in your comfy bed, and contemplate walking up the local café for breakfast or whatever your routine is, spare a thought for the people out there fighting for what they believe in. How many of us can honestly say the same?

Thank you ANZACs.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.