CARE Package from Down Under

 Recently came home from work to discover a CARE Package of goodies from my Australian friend, Rod.  He's such a thoughtful and generous bloke.  the fact that he's straight doesn't even inhibit him from grabbing me some bling from the Darwin PRIDE festival.

And he includes Romeo, too!  I have a happy dog.  Cheers!

Priority Mail

In my holiday packages I got one thing kind of backward... I ended up sending my one international package last! But here's why: when I send packages, I send them with stamps on them! Afterall, isn't that what stamps are for? Plus it makes them look lovely, and generally, people like to get my packages festooned with colorful stamps. But here's an odd caveat. The United States Postal Service produces stamps that it does not sell at all of it's branches! Some, you need to order from them online to be sent to you by them to use... Stamps like the Priority Mail stamps with extraordinary denominational values. And if one wants to send a package, say to Australia, it is helpful to have a stamp with the value of $22.95 on it--in fact, it requires more than one such stamp.

For many years now, these stamps have been designed with a vintage travel poster look and depict various, random sites around the country--lots of bridges, in particular... I think they are really beautiful stamps and since most of you will never see their beauty, I have made this collection of them for your holiday enjoyment.

From An Aussie Cousin!

 Among the plethora of treats in today's care package from the Land Downunder where some treats for Romeo, no doubt included at the insistence of his Aussie cousin F.R.E.D.! Well, he wants me to tell both F.R.E.D. and uncle Rod that the Chomp n Chew was a great success! However, y'all might want to tell the good folks at Schmackos that "Long Lasting" is a bit off the mark... Let his saliva-ridden mouth tell of his delight and enjoyment, and let me tell you that it took him all of 7m to devour said treat! We love you guys so very much.

Santa Has Helpers Down Under

Came home to a package in the door on Tuesday, and honestly I didn't pay it much attention at first and then I realized that it was largest collection of Platypuses to every assemble at one time in Takoma Park, Maryland! Oh MY!

I can tell you that the extravagant exterior is only surpassed by the bountiful interior complete with a multipage narrative of well wishes and tales to accompany the items! Someone's went to Gisborne Old Time Market and how! From a Tuff Birds Glider to assemble and keep away from Romeo! to Tim Tams (which I can already vouch for!) from Soother Butter-menthol lozenges (which are also amazing!) to Vegemite...something for every occasion and Romeo also knows that there's something for him there, too!  What wild, eclectic--and yes, it bears saying again--extravagant joy.

November: Month of Thanksgiving

The month starts with a nod to All Saints and moves to a national holiday of Thanksgiving.  How fitting then to get this amazing gift from friend.  My Aussie friend Rod visited the gallery of Australian artist, Ken Done, in Sydney and bought me these lovely kitchen linens.  And while there he also purchased a postcard and then met the artist himself!  And got an autograph for me.  What a wonderful saint of a friend and I am so thankful for his generous presence in my life.

Holiday Giving (And Receiving!)

Been a week of packages in the door.  My mail carrier is awesome.

A lovely package from Australia and a friend there that included among other things this calendar and book of stickers!  As an elementary school teacher, I can tell your nothing promotes compliance like the promise of a sticker--and now I know why!  Also, what's the best thing about a calendar from Australia?  The beautiful snowy images are attached to June/July/August!

 Then, today, a package from Burly Bakers in Atlanta.  Amazing baked goods and another calendar and so much love from a friend.  Happy Holidays!

From A Dear Mate Down Under

Columbia-Gem-of-the-Ocean! I have to declare, that I have some of the most amazing friends on the planet. I really do. Yet another enticement to plan a trip to Australia from my friend, Rod. He is a gifted photographer with some sort of day job to pay the bills and keep he and his little buddy F.R.E.D. in kibbles and bits. And I would love nothing more than to be his guest--someday. When his wonderful package of photos and narrated itinerary arrived, my heart filled near to bust with joy as if I were already there. Thank you, mate.

Down Under Vaca?

My friend Rod from Gladstone, Victoria is enticing me to come for a vaca in Australia.  If only I had the cash!  So this week a package came with travel brochures from him to fuel the flames of my fantasy life!  But who knows?

He's proposing a three leg adventure.

First, stop Sydney and I'm on my own for a few days.  I put on my itinerary the following: The Opera House (no brainer!), The Royal Botanical Gardens, The Art Gallery of New South Wales and The Taronga Zoological Park.

Next, to Melbourne and Rod's stompin' grounds.  He plans a road trip and fly over of the Twelve Apostles with lots of photography, beer and canine named F.R.E.D. who can actually do dishes!

Finally, a visit to Tasmania.  Like WOW, right?  Someday.

Another Acquisition

I have a friend, Rod Coysh, who is a photographer.  He makes such amazing images of his world in southern Australia.  With Rod, it's a non-stop tour de force of wonderful images.  And I was most pleased when he consented to sending me this one via CD.

It was my project to get a quality print made of it and frame it over this holiday, and I spent a good portion of today making that happen.

It now hangs in the upstairs landing above a book self adjacent to my bedroom.  Isn't it lovely?

Two Views, One Super Moon

One was taken by a friend of a friend in Alaska, and the other by a friend on the same (sorta) night in Australia.  Notice a difference?

Great Ocean Road

Okay, I know I just wrote yesterday how amazing life is so full of surprises and not sure how much more I could take....and apparently it's still an open question. After a very long day I come home to an amazing present from Down Under! The kind of lavish photography that I can just spend hours and hours pouring over! And I will. As with the travel log and even the wrapping paper. Thank You, Rod! Closer than I think, eh?