It Doesn't Look A Lot Like Christmas

Everyone ready for Christmas? I must admit that I'm not. No offense to Melbourne, but it's hard to tell that Christmas is upon us. Hardly anyone decorates their houses out here, and the downtown decorations leave a lot to be desired. We did get a beautiful Christmas tree and put white lights on it. It makes the entrance hall look really warm and inviting. But so far there is only one present underneath the tree, and it's for me from Lachlan. I am really behind, and I have no idea what to get him. I welcome any suggestions from my readers! More Australian observations - minimum wage here is $12.30! I think that's great. America should follow Australia's lead here. Let's face it; nobody can survive on $5.75 per hour. Another thing I have noticed is that kissing on the cheek is the way you greet someone or say goodbye. Hugging is not customary. Finally, many clothing sizes are based on the metric system (centimeters instead of inches), and you weigh yourself in kilograms instead of pounds.

FLORA AND FAUNA

We will be going camping at Wilson's Promontory National Park next week, so it will be a great way for us to get in touch with the Australian wildlife. Wilson's Prom is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. We'll take plenty of pictures and share them with you when we return.

NEWS FLUSH (OR HALF FLUSH)

Nguyen Tuong Van (25) was hanged in Singapore at dawn on December 2nd. It was a tragically sad day for many Australians, especially his mother and twin brother. After the latest execution in California, I hope that America will finally take a stand against capital punishment.

KANGAROO JACKIE

Jackie is doing very well, and seems to have completely adjusted to Australia. Whenever I need to go somewhere or run an errand, she jumps on me and begs me to take her with. She is now used to walking to the nearest shopping areas with me and doesn't complain when I have to tie her to a post outside. Lachlan also likes to take her to the track and let her run along side him while he race-walks. She keeps up well, at least for the first 8 laps.


WORK-A-BERRA

I had a busy December with plenty of gigs and teaching. Last Sunday I had the privilege of playing in the Melbourne Concert Hall with the Camerata Orchestra and the Welsh Male Choir. It was a beautiful concert and the hall was acoustically fantastic. Now I'm on a break and enjoying some free time. Lachlan will get a nice vacation from the 23rd of December until the 3rd of January and then it's back to work at the Trading Post.

MOVIE REVIEWS

Finding Neverland
I knew I was going to like this movie. Johnny Depp is exceptional as the Irish playwright, and Kate Winslet wins over your heart as the widowed mum of 4 boys. The film was magical, whimsical, and beautiful. I laughed and cried. Rent this movie!
Rating: A

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Forget injuries. Never forget kindnesses." Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)

Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!