Happy Oz Day!!!

Where will you be today - January 26?

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I will drag my weary butt out of bed early, wave Mr Incredible off on another branding mission, hand the kids over to Nana and head to an Australia Day breakfast at one of our tiny local towns. This wonderful event (run by our one-teacher school's P&C) has been nominated in the Local Community Group or Event category for the Australia Day Awards - up against some pretty stiff competition. Our community might be small in numbers and pretty widespread, but they are fiercely involved in keeping the spirit of our often-overlooked area alive and kicking. So it will be kinda like me barracking for Leighton Hewitt last night - be great if we won, but the opposition is pretty amazing so you won't mind if they take home the trophy (or whatever it is you get at this kind of thing).

Anyway - I will be wearing this little number...

True Blue, through and through!

Although it will have a bit of a Dane spit stain on it....

*Sigh*

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY, my friends.

Fa La La La La!

Hello there... did you survive Christmas unscathed?

The Granite Glen gang came through pretty well.

Completely sated really.

Food-wise, present-wise, loved-ones-wise.

We had a relatively low-key and quiet Christmas Day (which was kinda nice) and a rowdy Boxing Day with rellies (which I love). There is nothing better than sharing special days with special people, is there?

Even special pooches help make the day stand out...

We did try some reindeer antlers on Axel, but he was not a quiet study with lurid green fake horns atop his scone. Not this this old fella. Never mind. Tinsel was festive enough!

This is my favourite Christmas card - handmade by Dash.

I adored the meticulous work.

And the gorgeous pop-up figures.

Even the completely inappropriate weather depicted made me smile.

And here is my favourite gift - a set of pots from Mr Incredible.

He was a little horrified at giving me something so domestic.

But it was all I really wanted - besides a happy family.

And it was something I badly needed as illustrated here.

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A regular Canadian reader, Theresa from Alberta, asked last post about what Aussie eat on Christmas Day. (Besides cashews of course. They're obligatory the world over, aren't they?)

So I decided to share a little selection of the snaps from our day - illustrating what THIS Aussie family considers good holiday fare. Keep in mind that it was over 30 degrees celsius here on Friday - that's over 86 degrees farenheit if my converter is working. Toasty. Sweaty. Tummies don't really require much warming up, that's for sure.

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And while the full roasted meal is often served on December 25 Down Under, "traditional" was kind of thrown to the wind in this household this year. This was partly 'cause it was only the four of us for lunch, and partly cause my kids don't get into the whole roast thing too much, and partly because Mr I was under the weather. I see no point in slaving over a hot stove for one person. Especially when that one person is me!

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I shelved the lamb and chicken I was going to roast. And the Twice Roasted Potatoes I so love in this cookbook which lives on my kitchen bench...

(Bonus points for anyone recognising the famous Aussie in the recipe book behind Ree's).

Reconsidering the needs of my little family, I instead cut open the foam icebox containing seafood I had picked up a couple of days ago while visiting my gorgeous niece. And I let it dictate our strange little menu...


Violet won't touch seafood unless it's fish fingers. She won't even eat ham. So she got some leftover noodles and bolognaise. (She could NOT have been happier). Dash got a bacon-and-BBQ-sauce-sandwich. Which he didn't mind, but then he tasted the seared Moreton Bay Bug meat, and devoured that instead... talk about adventurous, expensive tastes! Ah, but it makes my heart sing to see him revel in food of any kind. Who'd have thought?

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For those who have never been introduced to Moreton Bay Bugs check this site. It's amazing - to me, the best of all seafoods. Anywhere. Seriously. I marinated this lot in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt before searing in a pan on the gas stove. And I whipped up a little creamy pesto side sauce. Which also goes well with the spinach and roasted pumpkin salad (with bacon and roasted pine nuts).
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And don't forget the oysters. Kept chilled, then topped with bacon kilpatrick sauce and grilled. Mmmmmm.

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And of course, the fruit...

(Ignore the bananas - I try to. They are there because they are the ONE fruit Violet will deign to eat - in smoothie form only. I detest them. *shudder*)

However I just adore mangoes - they say 'holidays' to me like no other fruit.

And I have a serious crush on lychees at the moment.

Soooooo juicy and refreshing....

*groan*

Oh and that most traditional of Aussie foods:

Ferrero Roches.

(Yes, I know. European. Whatever.)

So... your turn for a Christmas review.

Your menu?

Your wild and crazy antics?

(Feel free to leave relevant links)

:-)

Six White Boomers

I feel the need... the need for ... a spot of Festive explanation.

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I put up a new header for December with a bit of a bush Christmas twist. But I realise that for those who aren't .. well... Aussie, it may require a little more description for the line used to make sense.

"Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun..." comes from a song written by the incomparable Rolf Harris (name me one other songwriter who can also paint like a demon and was a champion backstroker?). The song is called 'Six White Boomers', and describes an Australian Christmas including reference to our very non-snow-like climate and replaces the reindeer with some warm-blooded creatures a little more able to stand the heat.

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Boomers refers to male kangaroos - and yes I had to look that up myself. We don't go round pointing out the boomers in the paddock (I tend to think of Axel's offerings as stinking boomers in the houseyard, but that's a whole nother blog post!). I do remember singing this song as a child though - at a night-time event called a "Christmas Tree" all lined up on stage with my classmates. The event was for the neighbourhood kids in a tiny little unlined timber hall in our blink-and-you'll-miss-it 'town'. I recall absolutely loving this particular item on our playlist - an early taste of the irreverence that tickles me so.

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Here are the words (and below them is the Rolf Harris version for you to sing along to!).

I do apologise to anyone remotely serious about photography and Photoshop for my bodgied-up image of some local roos and a Santa silhouette.

Hey, I tried (it was late, OK?). Heh.

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SIX WHITE BOOMERS

By Rolf Harris & John D. Brown .
(Introduction)
Early on one Christmas Day, a Joey Kanga-roo,
Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo.
Mummy, where's my mummy, they've taken her a-way,
We'll help you find your mummy son, hop on the sleigh.

Chorus:
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
.. On his Aus-tra-lian run.

Verse:

Up beside the bag of toys, little Joey hopped ,
But they had'nt gone far when Santa stopped.
Un-harnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why,
Then he heard a far off booming in the sky.

Chorus: Six white boomers ...

Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat,
Took his fur-lined boots off to cool his feet.
Into one popped Joey, feeling quite OK,
While those old man kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh.

Chorus: Six white boomers ...

Joey said to Santa, Santa, what about the toys,
Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys.
They've all got their presents son, we were here last night,
This trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight.

Chorus: Six white boomers ...

Soon the sleigh was flashing past, right over Marble Bar,
Slow down there, cried Santa, it can't be far.
Come up on my lap son, and have a look around,
There she is, that's mummy, bounding up and down.

Chorus: Six white boomers ...

Well that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had,
Curled up in mother's pouch all snug and glad.
The last they saw was Santa headed northward from the sun,
The only year the boomers worked a double run.

Chorus: Six white boomers ...

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Ready to sing now?

The following clip is slightly disturbing (there's an animated bit which freaks me out slightly) but ignore that and belt it out with me...

What's your local spin on something Christmassy?

(And is 'Christmassy' even a word?)

Sometimes, you just need to SHUT UP...

and let

Mother Nature

do the

talking.

Amen.

(All shots taken within 1 minute while talking on the phone to Dash's teacher. Sorry Ms P. I was listening!)

The Great Hobby Horse Fiasco

Earlier this week I shared a little of our Melbourne Cup day - the finery and fashion. And the cuteness with which I am bombarded. But I kind of missed out on one of the more spectacular of the events. (Actually I am not sure that anything is more spectactular than a dog in a bow tie?)

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There were all kinds of shenanigans going on... especially during the Hobby Horse Derby.

Perhaps you were imagining that only children rode hobby horses? For those experienced in the ways of bush entertainment, the concept of fully-grown hard-working men grabbing the nearest pole-like object and galloping madly down a cleared grassed 'field' is not all that unusual. (Perhaps this happens in the Big Smoke too? If so correct me, please!)

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Shall I illustrate?

This is the host of our Bush Melbourne Cup day - Joel.

Joel was once a rodeo clown - can you tell?

He is also super fast and has a wicked sense of humour... he dressed especially for the race.

Gotta love those rugby socks, Joel! (Do you think he was trying to distract the competition?)

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The men got into teams of two for a kind of relay... the race was to consist of a return trip around a post set up about 50 metres from the start line, with second runner to take the 'steed' and complete the same course. Fairly simple rules. One would think. Shall we see what happened?

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The men lined up their frisky mounts, held them steady... the women shouted "GO"

and they were OFF...

If you can, please take a moment examine the 'horses' - there are some classics.

I particularly like the pink gumboot on the stick.

And the mop.

Does anyone recognise the groom from a wedding I recently photographed?

My cousin Tom got a pretty good start.

And that would be my brother on the far side...

He seems to have been thrown from his mount early on, and has taken to carrying it.

Most unusual. They are a competitive lot, my family.

But my brother has nothing on the wiliness of my uncle...

as you shall see.

See the bloke in the next shot in blue shirt and the hat,

already over the line to take the 'horse'?

That'd be my Uncle T.

An experienced polocrosse player and all round good guy.

Now I can't say exactly what went on next as I have no actual evidence.

(I think I may have been laughing too hard to press the shutter.)

But it may, or may not, have included a minor short-cut being taken by the more mature participants of the race. Which may or may not include my uncle. Like in the MIDDLE of the racetrack in front of EVERYONE. Subtle.

Because, miraculously...

He STREAKS to the finish line!

A clear winner.

And yes, the stewards enquiry is still going on.

(I must check to see if members of my family are on THAT panel too!)

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Oh, and in case you are wondering, the children did get a go at the mocked up horses too...

after the men had completed their 'race'.

Here is my niece Rose showing how it is done...

Somehow that pink gumboot horse looks 'right' with this rider!

Anyone recognise the jockey in second place?

Go Dash!

He never did pass his cousin, but took that in good humour.

He's not a fan of coming second usually, but he kind of adores her...

A little niggly part of me wonders though...

Is he cursing his chance at glory?

And wishing he had payed more attention to Uncle T's dubious race tactics?

Only time will tell!!

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My question to you:

What do you do for entertainment when friends, neighbours and family gather?

And is there cheating involved?

Bush Cup Details: heat, hats and hobby horses

Yesterday was Melbourne Cup Day...

A day to throw on some glad rags

Fill up the esky with beer, wine and finger food

And head west in search of Race Day, Bush style!

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We found it. Sixty kilometres from Granite Glen at my cousin Em's lovely home.

Past the burned-out paddocks, over the long dirt roads, under a wide blue sky.

It was a hot (oy the heat) but happy day.

I made a little effort (hey I painted my nails!) but failed to reach the sartorial elegence of most present on the day. I have a serious issue with hats - they just look weird on me. Unless they are caps or cowboy hats, I cannot wear them.

It's among my many foibles.

There was even a dog with a better outfit on than me...

Say hello to Jack.

Jack can work a camera, and work a crowd...

To wit: both achieved simultaneously!

In an effort to outdo this satorially splendid pooch

the local ladies put in the hard yards to spruce up too...

Gorgeousness abounded.

Feathered fascinators made a big comeback ... sidenote: I can't do fascinators either.

I tried, I really did. But me and the feathers, it was just wrong. So very wrong.

Here however is someone who can wear a hat with style...

one of my recent commenters, I believe, looking stunning.

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There was a fashion parade also, with models plucked from the onlookers.

(I cried off from duties, being old, fat and lame... and busy, on photo duty!)

This beautiful young woman was among the models, and she did a great job...

Not the least of her challenges was negotiating the steps in these fabulous shoes...

Oh, the envy I feel at her pretty feet, her agile negotiation of the steps, those shoes...

*sigh*

I couldn't even negotiate the lawn in 1 inch heels without hitting the turf. Pathetic!

But you are not here to contemplate my physical and mental issues, or clumsiness.

You are here for FUN and PRETTY today.

Oh look...

Sweet and pretty.

That will do nicely ...

My cousin's daughter (soooo, my second cousin?) frolicking on the 'race-track'where the hobby horse derby took place. Is she not the cutest thing? (And yes, I am aware that I say that about pretty much every young human on this blog. But seriously people... scrumptious, no?)

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I will showcase more on the HH Derby tomorrow.

It was a riot.
In the meantime ...

a sneak preview of warm-up in the mounting yard.

Whoa back big boy!

This kid is another very distant rellie, and clearly knows a thing or two about riding.

He should, his parents are amazing horse people.

We were all very impressed with his technique.

I am not sure if this is how he usually leads his ponies home, however?

A stewards enquiry is underway as we speak...

The great CALENDAR question...

OK - am working on a bush calendar...

using some of these photos cleverly selected by y'all (and here too).

But I need some advice - AGAIN!!

(How did I ever make a decision before blogging?)

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The calendars would cost between $37 - $45 (Australian) plus postage

(for a really nicely-printed product on heavy paper).

Is that a reasonable price to pay?

I don't want to compromise quality for cost...

but... if no-one buys any?

Thoughts people?

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To help, here is what it might look like...

This is the large version 11x 17" (centre-bound)

And what a month inside the large version might look like:

And this is the smaller version (8 x 11"or about A4 size) :

And a view of a month:

HELP...

Am taking a poll on the sidebar too to help me decide Yay or Nay..

Perhaps if people go crazy, I can order more and the price will come down for a bulk order?

Hmmmm....

Oh, and another thing...

Does an Aussie Bush calendar HAVE to have a kangaroo photo?

Or two?

I wait patiently for your input, with worms on my tongue...

(that's 'bated breath', apparently)

And the winner is...

Thanks so much to everyone who took precious time from their day to trawl through my posts to find their favourite images. I have added some suggestions to the selection I will be offering next Tuesday, at the Bush Melbourne Cup event at my cousin's property (that's our version of 'ranch' for you Americans!).

I decided that rather than choosing a favourite myself, I would go all slick on you, and use the random number generator at Random.org - hey, I can pretend I'm as wildly popular as Ree, The Pioneer Woman, can't I? Heh. (Actually having 40,000 people respond to my blog would probably give me a heart attack - I love that I kinda know you all!! Feels like a party of friends.) Anyway, I worked out how to run the generator and got this number:

Number 17 - which correlates to commenter 17...

...Anonymous Bill!!

Please email bushbabeaustralia@gmail.com to send your details...

and here is your suggestion which I shall have printed up (8x12") specially for you!

Wendy also suggested this shot, so if you email me, I will send you a version for your desktop.

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Aside #1 : I don't mind at all if people pop their blog site addesses into their comments, especially if you are forced to post under the 'anonymous' section. I love to know who is visiting me. And share in the 'linky love'.

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Aside #2: Cactus Jack Splash - I loved your idea of the electronic display and

will use my laptop to slideshow images on the table. Thanks!

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Here are some of the other suggestions made which I am adding to the stockpile... please note that Bottle Tree Moon and Bunyip Reflections also made the cut as did a couple of roo shots which I will post soon.

Afternoon Ironbark.

Mama's eye.

Cool Clear Water.

Prickly Pear in bloom.

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Here's hoping someone likes 'em enough to actually buy them!! I will also pop them over shortly to the 'ready to purchase' post here in case one of my readers wants an Aussie Bush image for their wall or Christmas offerings.

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And...speaking of Christmas...

A friend suggested to me yesterday that I should make a calendar of bush photos...

What do you think?

Would it be something you might put on a Christmas list?

HELP me choose... and WIN twice!

Right, enough with all the serious stuff.

Time for some fun...

It's been WAY too long since I had a competition here, don't you think?

It's time for me to entice you to help me with promises of goodies, anyway!

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I have taken on ANOTHER little project (I know) and I need your assistance.

I am holding a photography stall at an event my cousin is hosting for the Melbourne Cup.

It will be an amazing day - with lots of talented bush people bringing their wonderful wares to her lovely bush home, and everyone will be frocked up to the nines to watch the 'race that stops a nation'. You know... dressing up, driving ludicrous distances, to stand in a paddock and cheer on faraway animals we've never seen before.

Very Australian!

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Anyway, she convinced me to be part of the stall-holding stable, and I am now doing a major panic... what to get printed up? What will people want to buy?

I am keeping the theme "Aussie Bush Images" (no kids pics or face shots).

I have ripped through the archives and chosen a few shots - see below.

But it suddenly doesn't seem enough...

Here's what I have:

1. Ready to play!

(Polocrosse image)

2. Old Gate
(Old Stuff)

3. Jacaranda Petals
(Trees)

4. Action!
(Polocrosse image)

5.Wedgetail taking off
(Wildlife)

6. In pursuit!
(Campdraft image)

6. Purple boots

(Campdraft images)

7. Mustering in the rain

(Mustering images)

7. Waiting for the next mob
(Campdraft images)

8. Goanna in Gum Tree

(Wildlife images)

7. Old fence
(Old Stuff)

7. Emu parade
(Wildlife)
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So do you have a favourite shot from this blog?

Maybe it's already in this lot, or maybe I have missed something special?

Go for a wander through the archives and choose a shot that grabs you.
Then then add your suggestions in the comments section
(either the photoname, or the post in which is showed and description)
and be in the running for an enlarged print of that photo.

Note, your entry can be one of those images listed above too...

While I am feeling like giving stuff away, I notice the 'Who Rides With Me' section on the side is inching towards 100 followers. I reckon I should also throw in a bonus print to the 100th mad person to sign up for this Bush Blog?

(I still can't believe I have 10 people interested, let alone 88!)

Thanks so much for your help (in anticipation).

What would I do without y'all?