Cara's world tour strikes again!!!

Cara's Birthday Party!!!

2011-12-03T01:44:00.003+11:00

Hello friends/ Nihao pengyou!!!

After 4 months in China I have returned AND IT IS MY BIRTHDAY! Fabulous! Please join me to celebrate another year of my life and my return to Australia (again)!

Sunday, December 11th from 3pm until late at my house in West Melbourne. As always, drop by to visit, nibble &dine. Bring something to share and hugs (China was lacking in the hugs department).

YAY! Can't wait to see you all!

Cara

Off toooo....CHINA!

2011-07-28T14:21:00.002+10:00

Dear friends,

I'm off to China (on a scholarship)!! I am going to Tianjin (1 hour from Beijing) to take photos and learn Chinese.

Please join me for a farewell soiree on Sunday, August 7th from 3pm until late at my house in West Melbourne. Drop by to visit, nibble &dine. Bring something to share and hugs.

I will not have access to Facebook in China so you can follow me here as usual or email me. I hope to send out regular messages, telling you about my adventures, if you want off the Chinese mailing list, just let me know =)

Much love,

Cara

Visiting Strawberry on the Gold Coast!!

2011-06-03T11:54:00.004+10:00

this is not my photo

Hello!

My friend Strawberry had an extra ticket to the Gold Coast for the weekend and so here I am! I left straight from uni and have nothing but a phone, wallet, photoshop book, hard drive, some chocolate....so as I sit here typing I'm in a beautiful dress of Strawberries', have been given a toothbrush and borrowed a Cannon SLR to take pictures with! The stars are aligned and Strawberry is so happy to have me here and with nothing shows my dedication!

Last night I flew into the Gold Coast airport, got a ride with the guy sitting next to me to Surfers Paradise and met up with Strawberry and her contingent of friends. We went to beach and the surreal night view of skyscrapers on beach was my first experience of the Gold Coast and something like an Asimov novel. After, Strawberry took us to 'the Swinging Safari' which is the funkiest place yo hang out apparently. There was live music and a friend of Strawberries started rapping along with the band while we dressed up in floral costumes provided by the establishment!

Strawberry leaves for Europe soon so we are visiting her family (it's nice to finally meet the people I have heard so much about) and relaxing after a busy uni and work schedule last semester! Home Monday night to see my friend Jarrod before he leaves for Peru. Then get some editing done and start working on projects for the holidays. Submitting an application to go to China today through the Australian government and RMIT...life sure is interesting!

Shooting this gig tomorrow!

2011-05-28T13:42:00.006+10:00

Want more info?

Girls night photos!

2011-05-05T13:58:00.002+10:00

The girls party was amazing! I was so happy and elated to have my house full of wonderful women both friends and new faces! So many new faces! I will upload photos soon! The night kicked off slowly with ladies trickling in and food being prepared and sampled in my cosy and bright 3rd storey kitchen...slowly that is until garbage bags of clothes were unleashed all over the living room. Shirts came off & the party was in full swing including three fellas who were trying on clothes with the ladies and I must say they came up with some fetching combinations!

Girls Night/Clothing Exchange Party, May 13th =)

2011-05-05T13:46:00.001+10:00

Hey ladies and men who would like painted toes,

I am having a clothing exchange party/girls night next Friday, May
13th at 7pm. It us at my new house so if you didnt make it to the
housewarming come have a look: 32 Abbotsford St, West Melbourne.

I would love to see you there. Further information about what to bring
and the idea is below. Ladies are already offering up skills! This
party will be in honor of my friend Rachel as she hosted the last
parties I had and we were planning to have a girls night together in
my new place. So now, we will have a great time in her honor! I would
love it if you came or even stopped by so we could catch up. Life is
too short to not see each other.

Cara

BRING:
-Clothes, jewelry, anything (the ones you never wear or have enjoyed
but would like to find another home).
-Beauty suppli
-Nibbles or a dish to share
-A gold coin if we buy ingredients for some creations.

DIRECTIONS:
-Tram 57 leaves from Melbourne Central or Flinders St on Elizabeth St.
It turns at the Vic Market. Get off at Eroll and Victoria and walk 5
mins.
-Any TRAINS that go to the west go through North Melbourne station! My
house is a 2min walk from that station (Upfield, Craigieburn, Melton,
Sunbury, Weribee, Williamstown lines

If you missed the last event, here is the concept:
WHAT TO BRING:
Beauty supplies: raid your cupboards and those of your friends, see
what you can bring to share! Nail paint/varnish + remover,products,
make up, curling iron, straightener, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO SHARE.

CLOTHES/ JEWELRY/PRODUCTS (anything) TO SWAP! The idea is you pile
everything into the middle and everyone tries on what they like and
somehow we decide who gets what, nicely, usually by fit/look.

THE AIM:
I'd like to paint nails (I have paint I never use anymore!), learn
more about make up (a bit clueless really), make some recipes from a
beauty book (I will buy ingredience and we can all put in $2 or
something), learn how to braid hair, mud mask...ya know, anything like
that. We can share what we know how to do and help each other. Hair
cuts are on offer apparently.

MEN- Beware you may end up nail painted!

YAY! It's April!

2011-04-04T14:24:00.002+10:00

I talked to my friend Kris last week and she said 'You must be happy March is over' and I've decided that's a great way to think about it! March was terrible, it really was awful. April looks much brighter. House warming party coming up and connecting with local friends.

Thank you to everyone for your support in March. I have had some lovely letters from couch surfers and friends and so many people have offered to help.

Cara

Missing person: Rachel Funari

2011-03-12T02:03:00.005+11:00

Rachel Funari went to visit Hobart on March 1st traveling backpacker style. She was scheduled to return last Tuesday (March 8th) but no one has heard from her. Perhaps she is stuck on a mountain somewhere but safe and well, however her lack of contact is uncharacteristic and she has now missed 3 days of work. Everyone is becoming increasingly concerned and I hope we are all over reacting.

I believe the Mercury is writing an article on her disappearance for tomorrow's paper.
http://www.themercury.com.au

The police are investigating, the American consulate is involved and a
report has been made to Interpol. This is serious and as Rachel's best
friend I will do everything I can to help.

Any information would be appreciated!

Thank you

Rachel Funari 2009

would you say my house is ready or not ready?

2011-03-10T15:03:00.004+11:00

Despite what the agent says, I'm going for not ready!

Moving tomorrow, it's all clean now supposedly!

Linden Postcard Show Opening

2011-02-16T12:47:00.001+11:00

Cara and Julia

Cora, Cara and Strawberry

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T21:59:00.002+11:00

It was an interesting Valenteine’s Day of death, disability and real love. The love of a community, a church, a daughter and of friends and family. So although I didn't go out on a date this Valentines Day, much to the dismay of the gentleman at the pool who profess 'if I was 40 years younger...', luckily I was asked to a funeral. And I am okay with that =)

After I posted the above, google responded with advertisements for life and death, just to sum up my day:

'Come on on guys, that is pathetic...and a bit eavesdropy!' is how I responded

Caramel Cake

2011-02-14T21:49:00.003+11:00

Q:What do you get when caramel cake filling dribbles onto the counter?

A:Counter licking good!

As my Mother practices cake creation, we get to practice cake consumption, or left over bits anyway. Apparently I have no shame when it comes to caramel. Hey, I know, I'm being environmental!

My favourite Post Secret

2011-02-10T13:27:00.004+11:00

http://www.postsecret.com/

Sometimes you come across things that you completely identify with. Something that personifies what you were thinking or dreaming. For me, it is this postcard.

What's the go?

2011-01-24T01:18:00.001+11:00

From a recent letter to my Aunt Pat in Texas:

So for me in Jan 2011, I am house hunting with 3 different friends, triple your chances of finding something as the market in Melbourne is very very difficult to get into here. There are more tenants then housing and so it is $pricey$ too. I am not looking too far ahead because I am unsure about pursuing my photography course further (as usual) but first things first, house and new job, then we'll work on that later *sheepish grin*.

I went to a local market today and had a garage sale yesterday and made around $300 so thats a weight off my mind, all that unwanted stuff that I had. My car is currently reversed in the driveway with all unsold items thrown in the back so that tomorrow I can sort out the mess which looks like a 'dogs breakfast' as they say here. Tomorrow I also have to pick up some items from the library which I am quite excited about (and get a few more, I like finding about things and hunting for them at the library rather then randomly selecting items for the library although I am hoping to try it the other way soon, one day when I have time), visit the framers, call my work about a mistake in my pay, look for houses, was a tent and clean my sink, write a web designer about my photography site, invite my friends to an upcoming exhibition which is a fundraiser for a contemporary art gallery in trendy St Kilda, tell a few friends about a meditation-ish workshop on Thurs and on top of it all I am aiming to accomplish something big like submitting paperwork for my dentist or writing a prospectus for a non profit I'd like to start.....no rest for the wicked and I dare say I wont get everything done tomorrow....the curse of optimism, this glass is overflowing.

Christmas with cows

2011-01-23T22:00:00.004+11:00

Hey look over there and say.....

"Why Hello pretty cow!"

The general picture

Xmas is about presents right?

Jan and Cara

Cara and the Cockatoo, the only things missing is feathers, poor fella.

Bday dinner...photos posted in hindsight

2011-01-23T21:51:00.003+11:00

Atmospheric french dessert, it's French for Yummy!

Cara and Patty =)

Confest- A week of Bohemia!

2010-12-29T09:45:00.003+11:00

I am packing my backpack and preparing to take it and a suitcase onto the train (probably not the lightest way to travel). I'll go to work in the city (12-7pm) and then head out to my friend Sam's place in Taylor's Lakes to drive to Confest near Swan Hill. We will arrive after dark, park at the gate, set up a makeshift camp, enjoy the evening and the next day find a place to camp until Jan 5th when we'll drive back to Melbourne! Weather forecast is hot!

A week of Bohemia! =) Can't wait!

Give us a wave

2010-12-28T03:11:00.001+11:00

Taken at the Brighton Beach houses =)

Christmas

2010-12-28T02:26:00.004+11:00

Starry Skies-

I'm working at Myer and David Jones in the Bourke St Mall, City.

Jan only has eyes for Xmas Cookies-

Cassie and Jan making a batch of cookies.

Christmas Party Clean Up-

Caught up with my friend Nicole who I haven't seen in ages! It was just like old times! She beautifully catered the party!

Shiny Green Christmas Beettle-

It's hard to be a bug on public transport.

What's been going on?

2010-12-25T02:47:00.000+11:00

Construction

Won tickets for me and friend on my fav radio station to a Jazz Cafe =)

Rain, pouring rain in fact.

Summer 2010 in Melbourne is officially being renamed 'winter continued'

Reading with the kitty....doesn't he look warm and snugglie!

Cara & Rachel's Birthday Dessert Party & Getaway!

2010-12-01T15:22:00.004+11:00

This was us walking in Rye, in between showers =)

Hello all,

We've decided to not only throw a dessert party for our birthdays but to get away somewhere beautiful, RIGHT on the beach!

We invite you to join us for our party on Friday night and/or for a Saturday night getaway of camping on the foreshore.

For the party, please bring dessert or drinks and smiles. Can't wait to see you all. You are welcome to stay the night at the Hitherstreet Flat (St Kilda) and drive with us on Saturday morning to the Peninsula.

For the getaway, foreshore camping is available from Domana to Sorrento and we will be aiming for a unpopulated spot in Rosebud area. There are quite nice amenities available (toilets and showers), we will have 2 tents, the more the merrier! We will be back in Melbourne by early Sunday evening, around 5pm.

Let us know ASAP if you are coming to the Peninsula so we can organise getting everyone there and sleeping arrangements! If you are not a camper, there is accmodation in the area.

Yay for the summer that must surely be here by December 10!

Cara 0425 820 838

Rachel 0416 041 219

Exhibition success!

2010-11-26T18:55:00.003+11:00

Getting ready for...

2010-11-23T17:27:00.002+11:00

Betwixt: 2nd Year RMIT BA Photography Exhibition

Opening Night
Thursday 25 November 2010
6 -9 pm

The second year BA photography students from RMIT University would like to invite you to their end of year exhibition, Betwixt, located at The Owl and the Pussycat Gallery (34 Swan Street - directly across from Richmond train station).

The Owl and the Pussycat

34 Swan Street, Richmond

Melbourne, Australia

Exhibition run from Friday 26 November - Wednesday 1 December

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175727269109950

Started hanging the exhibition today. White walls, black walls, brick walls all in a three level terrace house in Richmond. It's looking good and we are going back tomorrow to finish the job.

Cara in pink

2010-11-20T00:11:00.002+11:00

Today I toured the warehouse in Altona North for a chain of opportunity shops/thrift stores/charity stores to further my research into my textile social enterprise. It was heaven for recycled textiles. Then I came home, planted plants (I'm on a bit if a craze), talked to my Dad, did some research online and went to the gym. Must select photos for exhibition ASAP!

October

2010-11-10T16:15:00.008+11:00

Oct 8th- Spring approaches

Oct 19th- Barbara's Birthday

Halloween dress up!

Oct 20th- The day Jan cut her thumb...like Mother like daughter.

Oct 22th- Beach Day.

Summer is coming. The seawater is cold. It was windy.

Oct 24th- Brunetti's, yummy yummy biscuits

Everybody like ganache! I LOVE ganache!

I want to be a picnic-er!

Oct 28th- Fitzroy Gardens

November general email to try and stay in touch

2010-11-10T02:08:00.001+11:00

Dear friends and family,

I have not written a general email for a long time but I would like to start again. I have met so many wonderful people around the world, shared beautiful (and challenging) experiences and been the lucky recipient of so much hospitality. As the world gets busier and busier, keeping in touch with people seems to get harder, so here is another attempt. Let me know what you’re up to if you have some time, a sentence is okay. My blog is also still going: bonjourcara@gmail.com (You are Here)

The summary for those who need it is:

Burning Man, commercial photography at University, life guarding, upcoming: yoga camp, summer of local travel. More below:

After going to Burning Man in September in Nevada, USA I quickly returned to Melbourne and finished my university studies in Commercial Photography for the year. My assessment was completed in the last weeks and so without exams I am free to start accomplishing things for the summer!

The summer is looking bright, well not right now, right now it’s a multitude of warm rain during racing season but the past few days have shown us a glimpse. By Melbourne’s standards, winter was very cold winter and thus predictions are for a scorching summer ahead. My summer plans are developing. I have a friend flying in from Canada at the end of December and we are planning to go to a festival in northern Victoria over New Years. Afterwards, there are many options including the Flinders Ranges (with a knowledgeable geologist friend of mine), taking my car on the ferry to Tasmania, Wilsons Promontory National Park or driving along the east coast. I am hoping to do a lot of camping and hiking and see places that I have not gotten the chance to see before.

I am currently working as a lifeguard at my local pool. The clientele and my colleagues are lovely, the politics and procedures however are exhausting. I also work occasionally in retail and after spending years avoiding shopping centres, being confined in one for work is undesirable and amiss but how do you complain when many are looking for work and you have not started anything yourself. I am currently working on starting up my photography business. Ideally, I would like to be making a small income which allows me to leave my jobs. I am also speaking with a professor at my university about starting up a non profit/cooperative/business. We have a meeting at the end of this month and I am both hopeful and excited. I have to research supply chain theory apparently, yay for business! Also, at the end of this month I am hoping to attend a yoga camp as my back and neck have been problematic lately resulting in numerous practitioners. Everything is better with yoga.

I am currently editing and delivering photos I shot for short films, developing a photography project that I am super excited about for next year (more to come on that later), talking with my grandparents and my Dad, babysitting, building a small terrarium, making paper crafts, winning tickets (two classical concerts and a movie thus far), reading about science and society, driving my mother to the hospital when she tries to cut off her finger…you know, all that kind of stuff. Everyday there is a new list....and I have one for tomorrow already....it's long as usual =)

Hope you are well,

Cara

Anyone up for DUST & ILLUSIONS- A Burning Man Film

2010-10-30T12:00:00.003+11:00

Hello friends,

I am going to see a doco on Burning Man called 'Dust and Illusions'. It looks at the origins of the festival and its evolution. Anyone interested in coming along?

DATE:

Wednesday, December 15 · 9:00pm - 11:00pm

PLACE:

Kino Cinemas

45 Collins Street

Melbourne, Australia

MORE INFO:

Trailers: http://dustandillusions.co

Tickets: http://dustandillusions.co

m/blog/melbourne-screening-dec-15th-2010

Vote for my bum!

2010-10-22T23:43:00.003+11:00

I 'modeled' for my friend Phoebe and above is the result. My hair is totally famous now!

You can go the website below and vote:

http://www.abusunlocked.com/page/submissions/gallery/

Pretty days in Parkdale

2010-09-26T15:43:00.003+10:00

Yesterday it rained just before the sunset. The clouds cleared as it was raining making a rainbow in the west and as the sun went down it's golden glow was reflected by everything, including the leaves and boughs of the gum tree in our backyard.

House sitting no longer...

2010-09-21T13:48:00.003+10:00

As of today I am no longer house sitting the house that did not need much sitting. A cat and some plants.

A report on today's activities:
I had trouble going to sleep last night, too much going on and woke thinking....as is usual these days =)Then I did a last clean, picked through the pantry for my food, threw everything into my car (it made up almost another load which was a surprise...its amazing how shoving stuff is not an effective form of packing!), quickly printed my essay and drove to the station, late. I left my car at a friends house, Sandy. She is the Mum of my good friend Lee, we have been friends since we were 16...that counts as a old friend seeing as I moved to Australia when I was 10. The train was abnormally packed, it must be pension day today. I arrived late to class (not usual with my 5 min early theory) and saw a speech or two and then it ended! I'll be presenting next week apparently, lol. I think this whole presentation thing is a ploy so the 'lecturer' (I employ that term loosely) doesn't have to lecture. So now I'm at uni and I am going to do a business plan draft and catch up on what I've missed in 4 hours!

Cara

Dusty nights =)

2010-09-21T00:40:00.001+10:00

En route back to Oz!

2010-09-13T03:49:00.001+10:00

Last days in CA.

2010-09-11T00:32:00.000+10:00

Return from BM!

2010-09-06T01:49:00.000+10:00

Dust girl says my Dad. TAking my hair out of it's restraints =) crazy times!

Burning Man 2010

2010-09-05T21:15:00.001+10:00

Metropolis was amazing.

Here I am atop Art.

Here I am blurry atop a camp.

2010-08-26T13:24:00.000+10:00

ya think?

2010-07-30T15:19:00.002+10:00

This is a flyer advertising a tree planting day in my local area. I see it at work every shift and I can't help but marvel at pitching this concept to people. How about 'Life is only possible with trees'?

Missed moments. The new joy of having a camera phone....

2010-07-29T16:25:00.000+10:00

Here is what I have seen lately and what is going on in my life:

To the train, to the city, full of optimism.

the spoils of party

CS French girls, oh I do love to practice language and they were fantastic!

Beautiful words

tehehe....a band apparently =)

Mosaic in the Block Arcade in Melbourne, one of my favorite places in the city due to its old architecture.

poodles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunsets. I must be honest and biased and say that I think these are some of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in the world.

sound: *overwhelmingly loud chirping* birds communing in the evening

really? for everyone?

And Remeber folks, try not to cut off your digits...

2010-07-18T02:50:00.000+10:00

The crime scene

So I tried to cut off the top of my finger.....you don't need that part anyway!

Someone asked me the other day what I did and when I told them 'I tried to cut it off' they looked analyzed me seriously as if trying to determine if I had suicidal tendencies as well. So I was cutting, badly, irresponsibly. I wasn't really paying attention, unfamiliar knife, unfamiliar kitchen, unfamiliar cutting board. Onion, onion, onion, finer...uhoh.

Today's New photos

2010-07-06T17:19:00.006+10:00

Nature amazes us all.

CouchSurfers are doing my hair!

2010-07-01T00:04:00.000+10:00

Thank you Oxford dictionary of names =)

2010-06-16T02:11:00.006+10:00

Cara ♀

20th-century coinage, from the Italian term of endearment cara 'beloved' or the Irish Gaelic vocabulary word cara 'friend'.

MEANWHILE.....

Kara ♀

Variant spelling of Cara.

So we need not be confused on which spelling to use People =) Ah ha! If only I had known this before. I could have been pompous and annoying about my name to all those haughty Karas!

when stomache bugs attack!

2010-06-16T01:42:00.003+10:00

I will never complain again about the common cold! Never I say! And I also won't elaborate about what an externally uneventful but internally eventful weekend I had! But onwards and upwards...

Now, I am lifeguarding for the next 3 days,

sorting photos as usual (one day there will be none left I tell you),

reading a great new book!,

showing a CSer/ConFester/friend the beach tomorrow,

retail on Saturday,

house sitting in Cheltenham starting Friday

(pet free, big house all to myself- 1 quiet cat doesn't count as a pet when you live in a Zoo!),

and Sunday I will start doing Still Photography for a short film

Patrick has returned from Yuko's wedding in Japan!

2010-06-08T22:22:00.004+10:00

...and he had a wonderful time surrounded by food and hospitality.

CS Asian Dinner night at Andrew's.

2010-06-08T18:12:00.000+10:00

Fun faces everyone!

Sewing projects

2010-06-06T17:10:00.003+10:00

Look Ma! Look what I made from recycling garments....

From a skirt to a handbag. Im going to add red buttons to the tops of the bows.

I also converted a baggy shapeless shirt into... a nicer one. It's purple. It's fun.

Daily disorganized life

2010-06-06T17:02:00.004+10:00

Nothing too exciting happening. Daily disorganized life. Cheeky kitten, cold weather, ducted heating, over thinking, exercising, habit changing, chocolate eating, reading, procrastinating.

Slept in this morning as I had a migraine last night. I worked today at the pool and went for a workout in the gym afterwards so I feel great and tired which is wonderful. Now I am preparing to go to a CS Girls night I have planned in St Kilda. My car is piled with bags of clothes from a clothing exchange party a friend of mine took me too last Sunday so it will be nice to empty my car.

Girls night photos soon =)

CS Girls' Night

2010-06-06T16:37:00.000+10:00

The RESULT:

The IDEA:

Hey ladies!

I want to share skills and info with one another!

I'd like to paint nails (I have paint I never use!), learn more about make up (a bit clueless really), make some recipes (see below), learn how to braid hair, mud mask...ya know, anything like that. We can share what we know how to do and help each other.

I have a great book with all kinds of natural recipes called 'Naturally Beautiful- earth's secrets and recipes for skin, body and spirit'. Right now I have covered my hair in olive oil trying to coax it into recovery after confest conditions...it's interestingly fun!

PS. Patricipating men will have their nails (can be toes) painted =)

25/04/10

midsummer night

2010-05-24T12:29:00.003+10:00

Midsummer night by John Atkinson Grimshaw

I am now a Certified Lifeguard!

2010-05-17T15:04:00.003+10:00

Last Wednesday I went for an interview to lifeguard for the pool I swim at regularly, 5 mins from my house on foot! By Friday I had the job and compliments on my interviewee techniques! Hooray, if only everyone wanted to give me a job! Roll Up, Roll Up!

Over the weekend I did the Lifeguard course (yes, I got a job before having the qualifications which makes me feel pretty savvy). I attended the course which ran Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday in Maribyrnong (what a hike! other side of the city). Friday night was theory and I stayed the night in Moone Ponds with my Confest/CS friend Jarrod, great to see him again! Saturday was CPR, swim test, towing test after which I went to visit Jarrod and say farewell as he flew to Italy Saturday night. After that it was more farewells as my step-Dad Patrick is off to Japan for 2 weeks to attend the traditional Japanese wedding of his ex-exchange student Yuko who is a temple masters daughter. What an amazing insight into Japanese Culture! My travel feet are a little itchy with so many people flying about!

In the course on Sunday we practiced scenarios or 'initiatives' as they called them. We were then tested on initiatives and were also tested on removing someone from the water who is unconscious and removing someone who has a spinal injury (strapping them to a board whist immobilizing their neck). My favourite part of the course was learning how to turn someone over with the vice grip who is face down in the water with a suspected spinal injury! I was demonstrating it to anyone who I talked to about the course over the weekend. Sunday evening I met up with my friend Sally, signed her up to CS and went home exhausted! That may hours in the pool dries out your skin and makes your hair angry. We ate gourmet pizza and hid from the cold!

This Wednesday I will go for my Induction at the Centre! I will also sign up so I can use the gym and pool facilities for free! Fitness here I come which is great because just now I need a little motivation!

2010-05-13T01:02:00.005+10:00

Rain

Emotional emails

Stuffy nose

Job Interview

Excessive dental visits

Cat, cats, cats and whiney dogs

Ducted heating

Doing everything and nothing

Chocolate for everyone

A petit voyage to Sydney...

2010-04-30T16:20:00.006+10:00

Last weekend, Patrick's company needed someone to help drive to Sydney...and who more qualified and experienced then I...and had extra time? So Alex (Promotions Director) and I drove the ~11 hours to Sydney alternating driving.

The Land Rover, that we affectionately called Beast, that took us to Sydney...so loud, so wide.

Ahoy from atop the Holbrook submarine- 390km inland of course the place for a submarine.

The computer stall all set up and looking good. Keith the owner on the left, Alex on the right.

I took the train to North Sydney to my CS host' house. I told where the spare key was so I could get in but I arrived to find the house alive. There were 3 other surfers staying and oh what fun we had. There was Hanna (Germany), Alissa and Laure (France). We chatted and then Mark arrived with 2 friends and he made healthy leftovers for dinner. After that we listened to music, played cards, did yoga dancing with feather dusters...you know, all the normal stuff.

We played spoons, one of my favourites!

The skyscrapers of Sydney as seen from Mark's balcony! He had a great view!

The benefits of the balcony abound! Morning visitors eating sunflower seeds out of my hand!

I met up with my friend Sam who is doing Med in Sydney and we wandered the city. He took me to the rocks and the Observatory which had great views of the Harbor Bridge.

It was a lovely day! Still so warm in Sydney.

After the Rocks Sam and I walked back to the CBD to the Park and met up with Couch Surfers. It started off as a few and then more and more came until we had a picnic party! I left the party to get my suitcase and head to the airport, it was hard to leave my old and new friends!

the matrix lego! wonderful!

2010-04-24T22:43:00.000+10:00

Food flags! Clever clever!

2010-04-20T00:00:00.000+10:00

Playing with photography =)

The Comedy Festival ends...

2010-04-15T14:32:00.002+10:00

I am proud of myself. This year I actually went to some shows! Comedy is under rated! I wrangled the program, searched out comedians at random and watched the gala, all to find out who to see and the list goes as follows:

-Josh Thomas (test audience)

-Peter Hellier (CS tickets)

-David O'Doherty- GREAT!

-Sarah Millican

-Hannah Gadsby

-Eddie Ifft- GREAT!

-Jeff Green

-Justin Hamilton (CS tickets)

Pixel Invasion...so fun!

2010-04-15T00:05:00.005+10:00

If this link doesnt work it is at the bottom of the page below:

http://cyanatrendland.com/

Pinhole camera image of the Sun’s path

2010-04-14T18:57:00.003+10:00

A beautiful image taken by a pinhole camera, showing the Sun’s path over six months:

"The picture clearly shows the path of the sun through the sky over the last six months. I believe you can see we didn’t have a great summer by the broken lines at the top. More sun shone in the month of October."

From: http://benfry.com/writing/archives/652

New phone

2010-04-14T11:49:00.006+10:00

My friends will be much relieved to know I have a new phone (the last worked...some of the time) and not just any new phone. I am a lucky girl...I have an iphone....

I had to YouTube how to put in the SIM card....oh the joys if technology. I need one piece of technology to tell me how to use the other.

My favourite line of the Info Guide is the following warning:

"Do not drop, disassemble, open, crush, bend, deform, puncture, shred, microwave, incinerate, paint or insert foreign objects into iPhone"...what a pity. And I wanted to make a smoothie out of mine! They wonder why people don't waste more time reading manuals?

Another of my favourites is:

Turn off iPhone when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere....I try to avoid those atmospheres mostly, but I'll keep it in mind.

PS. Mine does not look like this...I was looking for an interesting picture and though this one was pretty impressive! "Look ma! Inside Out!"

Activities of late...

2010-04-11T00:47:00.005+10:00

Departure

Cakes and poses at the Beechworth Bakery.

Cooking! Thank you Mari for a beautiful curry.

Dining with friends!

Yes, you guessed it, that is a monkey on my forehead (drawn by a talented 6 year old).

Happy happy, joy, joy.

Ahahaha! Big trouble in a big fish...swim away, swim away!

Why have one milk shake when you can have three =)

Goodbye smiles =)

Think about what your list would be...

2010-04-10T20:09:00.002+10:00

Gallup's List of Widely Admired People, a poll of United States citizens to volunteer the names of the individuals whom they most admire. In December 1999, they concatenated this information with their final survey for the 20th century, producing a list of 18 people from the 20th century who are "most admired":

Its an interesting mix....

Oh Yeah! Art Jump!

2010-03-29T18:47:00.002+11:00

My friend Dave and I made it onto the Art Jump site! Hooray!

http://jumpinginartmuseums.blogspot.com/

how have you been?

2010-03-25T18:44:00.004+11:00

Someone asked me: how have you been?

I am good....toooo many things going on and yet nothing all at the same time!

Job hunting and applying in multiple fields (that could keep you busy forever),

Working in retail,

Reconnect with old friends,

Making new friends in Melb,

Planning a weekend away,

Staying literate at the library

Organizing my photos,

Enquiring about artistic collaboration,

Awaiting and participating in the making of my website.

Understand my back through a new class, method, therapy, bath,

Working on the odd occasion for my Mum's chocolate shop,

Volunteering with kids,

Volunteering with Public health,

Searching for experience in public health,

Staying in touch with the USA, grandma is being neglected

Getting new glasses,

Seeing exhibitions in Melbourne,

New dentist, new problems AND

Old dentist, old problems

(yes, both simultaneously)

....and trying to see some comedy shows...

Note: I took out all the sentences above stating with Trying....wasn't good for morale! Action words are the way to go!

So how have I been?

busy, occupied, bored, stressed, happy, depressed, grateful, ungrateful, lonely, overwhelmed....I could go on...

CouchSurfers + Chocolate = good time

2010-03-16T18:08:00.005+11:00

What time is it? Chocolate time!

followed by dinner time =)

After meeting acouple of CouchSurfers recently and seeing the looks awe and desire when I mentioned my that Mum owns a chocolate store, I made an event on CouchSurfing for people to come and visit Hahndorf's Fine Chocolates in Black Rock. As it neared closer to Sunday, I checked the even page. It listed 7 people as coming. I thought a few might not show and so it would leave us with approximately 5 people. Oh, how wrong I was. 10 CSers arrived at Sandringham station, another 2 were already there drinking their first beverage. 2 more showed up after...there were about 16 of us in total! My Mother was just overjoyed to be working a Sunday afternoon in place of one of her staff and have a table of 16 orders. I had to ask her 'Do you still love me?'. 'No', she replied, in a rather unconvincely but 'how could you do this to me' kind of way. After wonderful chocolates we walked down to the beach for a swim. With summer sinking away into the depth of time, the water is getting cooler, but in I went all the same. People slowly had to leave until it was pizza (or Australian bruschetta we decided for the 2 Italian ladies begged to differ) for 8 in Parkdale! A great day!

everyone loves sporks...

2010-03-16T00:12:00.000+11:00

TastyKake

2010-03-02T18:51:00.004+11:00

TastyKake by Bronwyn (pictured left) from Philly, Craig (center) from Kansas(?) and Cara who is a Cal-bournian(?). Bronwyn's permission for use of this photo series is given with as long as we give Philly some love! Go Philly Go!

Rats and Julia

2010-02-28T11:30:00.004+11:00

My Mother the cooking extraordnaire! No folks, she has NO time, but she does it all anyway! Above is one of her first dishes, some fancy potato thing and dieters beware this is not for the faint of heart!

Oh Squishie Baby Kitty...

2010-02-27T14:34:00.004+11:00

....who just peed in my bathroom

Good things are happening all around...

2010-02-13T12:44:00.012+11:00

I went to see this art exhibition, with friends on Thursday:

Wild Man (made out of silicone and other materials, incredibly realistic)

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ronmueck/

My friend Jarrod is about to volunteer with this project:

http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

My Mother is fast becoming a cooking extraordinaire. She is making boston baked beans today in a crock pot, made Duchess potatoes yesterday and last week Julia Child's quintessential Beef Bourguignon.

Another friend, Ben, heard Mary Roach speak in SF:

I am still in love with TED! Mary Roach on TED:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jx0dTYUO5E

The world is full of amazing people and amazing things.

Good things are all around:

-Next week is my good sumaritan week; I am going to give blood and do my re-Induction for volunteering with disabled kids. I am also bringing a friend to volunteer too!

-Progress is being made on my dream for a website thanks to a friend!

-I am actually applying for jobs!

-I now only have one job!

-Two friends have just started new jobs teaching, another is doing her dream job of becoming a midwife.

-My good friend just got a promotion and a house in the city.

-A friend of mine who works hard is going on holiday to Perth soon.

-Friends of mine are at the winter Olympics right now watching their daughter/sister compete!

...think of all the good things happening =)

Astronomy picture of the day

Mike Stimpson's Lego

2010-02-02T00:32:00.006+11:00

who knew!

2010-02-01T18:46:00.002+11:00

"I hate flowers. I paint them because they're cheaper then models and they don't move"

-Georgia O'Keeffe

I saw an Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe exhibition over the summer at the SFMOMA in San Fran. O'Keeffe is so famous for her flowers....who knew she hated them.

achooo!

2010-01-29T13:43:00.002+11:00

Cara is sick! Too sick to work! Haven't had a cold like this in a while!

Animated films! Romantic Comedies here I come! Hooray!

Mama Mia!

When Harry Met Sally

While you were Sleeping

The Incredibles

Dr Who

next up...A Room with a View, Practical Magic, The Lake House?...maybe its time for something less fuzzy!

On the net at my old work

2010-01-17T12:47:00.000+11:00

http://villaandhutblog.com/2010/01/beautiful/

The shadow of the Eiffel Tower! Wow!

2010-01-16T01:24:00.001+11:00

Beauty- love this one

2010-01-11T00:38:00.001+11:00

Do you know a Rube Goldberg machine when you see one?

2010-01-10T21:30:00.006+11:00

As defined by Merriam-Webster (Who is M-W? A word conscious husband and wife team perhaps? How nerdy and intellectual of them.): "Rube Goldberg"- accomplishing something simple through complex means.

"Professor Butts and the Self-Operating Napkin"

The "Self-Operating Napkin" is activated when the soup spoon (A) is raised to mouth, pulling string (B) and thereby jerking ladle (C) which throws cracker (D) past parrot (E). Parrot jumps after cracker and perch (F) tilts, upsetting seeds (G) into pail (H). Extra weight in pail pulls cord (I), which opens and lights automatic cigar lighter (J), setting off skyrocket (K) which causes sickle (L) to cut string (M) and allow pendulum with attached napkin to swing back and forth, thereby wiping chin.

A metaphor for life perhaps?

Happy Birthday to Jan!

2010-01-03T15:13:00.000+11:00

An Amazing Morning of Elegance

2010-01-01T21:38:00.001+11:00

A day in the life of 1937

2010-01-01T21:21:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas =)

2009-12-29T13:47:00.005+11:00

The setting!

Jan's new umbrella!

...and to all a good night

Christmas Party! Oh My!

2009-12-24T14:15:00.003+11:00

Nice to see old friends again at

The Red Balloon - candy artisans

A new family member!!!

2009-12-23T14:16:00.001+11:00

Remmy the Rat!

Leading up to Xmas down under!

2009-12-18T00:09:00.002+11:00

Hey Hey!

No posts? No time!

I am working for 2 jobs in 3 locations and am flat out it seems. No time for anything! Today I juggled the 2 jobs and worked 12 hours. Tomorrow it will be 13 hours! One is in pricey clothing and the other is pricey homewares...oh retail my old friend...how convenient you are at Christmas...and I was worried about getting a job! I turned down cheap jewellery and very pricey accessories last week and for the jobs I am currently at...nice to feel valued in any industry =)

Hearst Castle

2009-12-11T12:09:00.004+11:00

This is a GREAT photo of my Dad...why oh why am I abnormal in this photo.

Back Down Under!

2009-12-03T00:08:00.002+11:00

Made it safe and sound to Oz!

Yes, my Mother was surprised! Success!

Day 1:

Arrive in Melbourne after watching movies and sort of successfully sleeping on the spacey new Airbus A380 (even the crew are impressed with it so says the captain). Catch the Airporter bus to my suburb (the driver kindly drops me further along the highway, not at the stop in Mentone), Kevin is there to take me and me' suitcases the 2 blocks to my house. He rings the door bell, I hide behind the car and he says 'Jan, I have something for you in the car but it's too heavy to lift, would you mind giving me a hand' She says sure with open curiosity and then I pop up from behind the car and yell Surprise. She is surprised. 'Cara's home!' she says and continues to say for the next few hours...days. Luggage in, surprise Patrick and then its off to the shop to try all the chocolate, I mean to help package a huge order for a client. I've only been back for 8 hours and I've made $30, wonderful!

Day 2:

Search cupboards for breakfast (it's fun to get forget where things are in 'your own' kitchen), work on resume, print a million copies, get a lift (car is unregistered ahhhh!) to Southland and start distributing resumes: all in all a good trip- ran into 2 acquaintances and have a trial and 3 interviews tomorrow. Try to see status of phone at wrong phone company (ooops! memory fails me...can't even remember who I'm with). Find the right phone company only to learn my phone is fine and dandy. Try to buy credit but left Aussie bank card in American wallet at home...give up on that one. Get a life home (lucky!) and visit family friends on the way (another Surprise- Liz and David. Liz says 'You're home early! With a big grin!' Awww) and bought radish seeds for the garden here! Radish! How wondeful! Best pizza in the world for dinner (Maro's Pizza- Go local). Go for a jog with the dogs, oh how I've missed them, the park and the jogging- Charlotte, the old girl (she is starting to show her age) is out of shape. Watch Castle, another new series for Jan and Patrick. Research jobs seen today and prep for interviews tomorrow.

The busy life of Cara Bradley hey.

Things I like...

2009-11-26T23:58:00.005+11:00

While once again calling Qantas to see my flight options, I once again read out my booking reference number to the operator. I also once again accompanied the letters by my usual unusual words; Y for Yack, E for Eskimo. I said something to the poor operator about how the letters were slightly random and the operator responded "No worries, I've heard it all. Q for Cucumber, Yeah, thats ones of the better ones I heard".

The theory of getting out of anything from a friend:

Admit nothing

Deny Everything

Make counter accusations

Shadows of Natural fibers:

http://fredvedder.com/

Coming home: LA to Melbourne for Xmas

2009-11-18T09:55:00.005+11:00

So...living in SF might be a bit expensive...

2009-11-17T13:31:00.002+11:00

And PS. Unemployment in SF is higher then in the rest of the country

Google Doodle

2009-11-17T13:23:00.009+11:00

My favourite 'Doodle 4 Google' Finalists

K-3: (don't they do an amazing job?)

Grades 4-6:

Grades 10-12:

There's heaps more, chek them out:

http://www.google.com/doodle4google/winners_region.html

CSing Seattle

2009-11-17T10:09:00.006+11:00

It all started with a bike ride...

...and then an invite to play in the park...

...and of course, a troll or two....

...followed by Mexican food in an Elvis room (makes perfect sense really)...

...with a side of hammocked bliss (the hammock later broke by the way)....

....a jaunt up to Kendall's Catwalk...

...oh lovely lovely...

....and then a pool party....

Isn't it grand? =)

Everyone likes...odd graphs =)

2009-11-07T09:03:00.000+11:00

10 Ways to Be Happier - Simple Moments of Joy -Your Life

2009-11-07T08:22:00.003+11:00

Lifestyle

10 Ways to Be Happier

How happy are you―really? If there’s room for improvement, try one of these suggestions.

By Gretchen Rubin

A few years ago, on a morning like any other, I had a sudden realization: I was in danger of wasting my life. As I stared out the rain-spattered window of a New York City bus, I saw tha

the years were slipping by.

"What do I want from life?" I asked myself. "Well...I want to be happy." I had many reasons to be happy: My husband was the tall, dark, handsome love of my life; we had two delightfu

girls; I was a writer, living in my favorite city. I had friends; I had my health; I didn't have to color my hair. But too often I sniped at my husband or the drugstore clerk. I felt dejected

after even a minor professional setback. I lost my temper easily. Is that how a happy person would act?

I decided on the spot to begin a systematic study of happiness. (A little intense, I know. But that's the kind of thing that appeals to me.) In the end, I spent a year test-driving the

wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and tips from popular culture. If I followed all the advice, I wanted to know, would it work?

Well, the year is over, and I can say: It did. I made myself happier. And along the way I learned a lot about how to be happier. Here are those lessons.

1. Don't start with profundities. When I began my Happiness Project, I realized pretty quickly that, rather than jumping in with lengthy daily meditation or answering deep questions

of self-identity, I should start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting myself get too hungry. Science backs this up; these two factors have a big impact on

happiness.

2. Do let the sun go down on anger. I had always scrupulously aired every irritation as soon as possible, to make sure I vented all bad feelings before bedtime. Studies show,

however, that the notion of anger catharsis is poppycock. Expressing anger related to minor, fleeting annoyances just amplifies bad feelings, while not expressing anger often allowsit to

dissipate.

3. Fake it till you feel it. Feelings follow actions. If I'm feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myselfactually feeling happier. If I'm feeling angry at someone, I do something

thoughtful for her and my feelings toward her soften. This strategy is uncannily effective.

4. Realize that anything worth doing is worth doing badly. Challenge and novelty are key elements of happiness. The brainis stimulated by surprise, and successfully dealing with

an unexpected situation gives a powerful sense of satisfaction. People who do new things―learn a game, travel to unfamiliar places―are happier than people who stick to familiar

activities that they already do well. I often remind myself to "Enjoy the fun of failure" and tackle some daunting goal.

5. Don't treat the blues with a "treat." Often the things I choose as "treats" aren't good for me. The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt and loss of control and other

negative consequences deepen the lousiness of the day. While it's easy to think, I'll feel good after I have a few glasses of wine...a pint of ice cream...a cigarette...a new pair of jeans,

it's worth pausing to ask whether this will truly make things better.

6. Buy some happiness. Our basic psychological needs include feeling loved, secure, and good at what we do. You also want to have a sense of control. Money doesn't automatically

fill these requirements, but it sure can help. I've learned to look for ways to spend money to stay in closer contact with my family and friends; to promote my health; to work more

efficiently; to eliminate sources of irritation and marital conflict; to support important causes; and to haveenlarging experiences. For example, when my sister got married, I splurged on

a better digital camera. It was expensive, but it gave me a lot of happiness.

7. Don't insist on the best. There are two types of decision makers. Satisficers (yes, satisficers) make a decision once their criteria are met. When they find the hotel or the pasta

sauce that has the qualities they want, they're satisfied. Maximizers want to make the best possible decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets theirrequirements, they

can't make a decision until they've examined every option. Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they're often

anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

8. Exercise to boost energy. I knew, intellectually, that this worked, but how often have I told myself, "I'm just too tired to go to the gym"? Exercise is one of the most dependable

mood-boosters. Even a 10-minute walk can brighten my outlook.

9. Stop nagging. I knew my nagging wasn't working particularly well, but I figured that if I stopped, my husband would never do a thing around the house. Wrong. If anything, more

work got done. Plus, I got a surprisingly big happiness boost from quitting nagging. I hadn't realized how shrewish and angry I had felt as a result of speaking like that. I replaced

nagging with the following persuasive tools: wordless hints (for example, leaving a new lightbulb on the counter); using just one word (saying "Milk!" instead of talking on and on); not

insisting that something be done on my schedule; and, most effective of all, doing a task myself. Why did I get to set the assignments?

10. Take action. Some people assume happiness is mostly a matter of inborn temperament: You're born an Eeyore or a Tigger, and that's that. Although it's true that genetics play a

big role, about 40 percent of your happiness level is within your control. Taking time to reflect, and making conscious steps to make your life happier, really does work. So use these tips

to start your own Happiness Project. I promise it won't take you a whole year.

Oh the nice things that machines say:

2009-11-07T07:56:00.003+11:00

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Artist: KATE RAUDENBUSH

2009-11-06T12:08:00.005+11:00

At Burning Man (my sentences often start off this way now), in a dust storm, I sat in an amazing sculpture called the 'Braindrop' (pictured below on my BM blog post). In the onion (as I nicknamed the Braindrop) a motley crew quickly formed and I met a great girl named Bronwyn. Bronwyn, I learned she was driving a piece of Kate's artwork across the country. We watched the man burn together that night and ran around the dark desert together. I left a note, actually a cardboard sign at her camp with my details but I never knew what happened with her adventure...now, months later I know.

So here is the story...

Once upon a time Altered Space enjoyed a time on the playa surrounded by burners,

After Burning Man it was time to find a final resting place to be enjoyed by more people. Altered Space made its way across the country on a road trip in the care of Bronwyn and her friend Peaches. They went like this...

and at the journey came to an end at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM) in NY. Here a foundation was poured, Altered Space was reassembled and blessed by a blessing circle.

Look inside! Wonderful!

http://www.kateraudenbush.com/

http://cosm.org/

More info:

Currently listening to...

2009-11-02T12:07:00.001+11:00

1986

2009-10-27T21:08:00.003+11:00

When Cara was 2 =)

Eugene to Emryville by train

2009-10-25T21:15:00.001+11:00

Bradley, Cara

Train: 11 Coast Starlight
Departure: Eugene, Oregon

Friday

October 23, 2009 5:10PM

Arrival: Emeryville, California

Saturday

October 24, 2009 8:10AM

Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat

At the Winemakers'

2009-10-15T23:14:00.002+11:00

Cracking hazelnuts with Dareck

A hazel nut tree Mum!

Grapes oh my!

2009-10-12T23:19:00.000+11:00

In Salem for a day =)

2009-10-11T05:19:00.007+11:00

Hello!

I am back in Salem for the day! I just ate a fine all American breakfast of 'Banana Nut Toast' which was white sourdough-ish bread made into French toast, coated in cornflakes and made into sandwiches filled with butter, brown sugar, bananas and walnuts. No matter how many times I read an American menu, I still can't fathom what will turn up on my plate. Surprised again!

Off to seize the day (and burn some calories) and a wonderful day it is too. =)

Echo Echo! Oregon!

2009-10-06T07:44:00.005+11:00

Sept 28- Oct 1
Leave Seattle (wow! that was a fast decision) and head to Hood River. Myself and Cole, my wonderful new travel companion and friend, camped Tues night and it was WET, WET WET! It was a good thing we could dry out on Wed night in the cabin

Oct 2
Cole and I relaxed for the day in Hood River making the best breakfast in the history of the world! We had perfectly runny sunniside up eggs accompanied by toast with a side of diced roasted vegetables (eggplant, carrots, zucchini, red capiscum), avacado and sprouts. It was amazingly yum, oh vegetables how I have missed you! In the afternoon, I went to the craziest thrift store ever and picked up acouple of warm items. There has been a snap in the air at Hood River meaning 'Winter is coming, rug up!'. In the eveing Lloyd picked me up and we drove to the wine makers house in West Salem. After hellos, wine and cheese I bunked with Emily and Derek fro the night.

Oct 3
Awoke to the smell of bacon, Emily is making egg Mcmuffins without the Mc part. Spent all day crushing new grapes (Tempranillo) and bottling wine that was ready. With a slow start due to forklift malfunction and many hands making light work, I reverted to a more primitive life form, the humble, excitable and neurotic squirrel. Once I started, I was on a roll. I collected 2 huge bags of hazelnuts and with help from some of my fellow female gathers (is it in the genes?) we shelled all of those beautiful fresh hazelnuts. We had over 8 cups! I may never be able to eat another store bought hazelnut again and for that matter I ate enough wild hazelnuts to not crave them for a while. After getting in touch with my squirrel side, we drove from West Salem to Hood River . Lloyd was tried so we stayed in the cabin. Drvivng a 60ft, 6miles/gallon vehcile while tired is not fun, poor fella. It's not like I could offer to help.

Oct 4
Lloyd and I arrived in Echo, Oregon yesterday afternoon. Lois picked us up after we dropped the semi off at the farm and we went to their beautiful home. Welcome back, Welcome home they said. I have the bottom bedroom in Lloyd and Lois' one of a kind house in Hat Rock State Park. My bedroom looks out to the columbia river and hammock with grape vines. A Sweedish couple, Anna and Bjorn are also staying and picking. So we are five grape farming peas in a pod. Lloyd and I took a nap and then we all ate dessert for breakfast, this is my kind of place! Lois made baked apples stuffed with cinnamon sugar covered in home made pastry! Yum! We had tea or chocolate with that. I then called my family (Stop worrying family! I wish worry was a botteled substance that once you used it all up, that would be it.) and went to bed to toss and turn.

Oct 5
My first day of picking! We had a sleep in, awaking at 6am and then heading off to the farm. The crew was there as were Anna and Bjorn. Clippers were handed out and off we went. Clipping them into a bucket while a runner empties them onto a tractor. It works better if you do this in a pair, one person on each side of the vine to get those grapes! We picked 2 grapes for one client: Tempranillo and Zinfandel. I liked picking the Temp better becasue while there were lots of little bunches they were relatively easy to get at and in good condition. The Zin were juicy and you got a juiced if you handeled them too much. Also, more were dried or bird pecked due to their location on the farm and I'd rather not have to make the hard decisions when it comes to what goes into the bucket and what doesn't. We are done picking early, the rest of the week will be a lot longer. We only pick to order and orders are coming up! 19 tonns for Wed!

Tempranillo