Ross and Beverley: January 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

Sydney, Australia

It had been just over 3 years since we left Australia so we took the opportunity to fly home for a 3 week trip. We arrived on 3 January into Sydney and we were greeted by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The weather was perfect and we made the most of it by being a tourist. To know more about the Sydney Harbour Bridge have a look at http://Sydneyharbourbridge.info/

The Sydney Opera House is located close by the bridge and still looks magnificent. To know more about this structure have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_harbour_bridge

A view back towards the city line provides a snapshot of the city and provides some perspective of the harbour and the size of the many ships who come to her shores.

There is always ongoing work undertaken to maintain the Opera House and its surroundings. A nice touch has now been added whereby the Sydney Council has encouraged those who have had a relationship with the Opera House to express their thoughts about the place. So we were thrilled to see an expression of affection regarding the Opera House written by Beverley's second cousin Kelly Abbey who is a well known theatre personality in Australia.

Located around the Harbour are many restaurants and one of our favourites is the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar where Ross enjoyed a dozen Sydney rock oysters. To know more about the Oyster Bar have a look at the http://www.sydneycoveoysterbar.com/

Another Sydney favourite is Doyles Restaurant which is a short ferry ride to Watson's Bay. The Restaurant has been in existence for 125 years and to know more about this restaurant have a look at http://www.doyles.com.au/

Doyles serve the best seafood and Ross is about to enjoy his lobster and prawn salad. Please note the size on the prawns (Australian of course) and the amount of meat in the cray.

Beverley enjoyed Doyles famous fish and chips.

We also had the opportunity to spend some time with Lesley and John, Ross' cousins who have a lovely home in Sydney and the photo below is taken in their front yard. We had a great time with them and hope they will take the opportunity to come to San Antonio for a visit.

No visit would be complete if we had not had the opportunity to spend some time with Bronson who came and stayed with us when we were living in Beaver Dam in Canada. For those who know Bronson you may remember seeing him as Mr November a year or so ago. Bronson on this occasion was sporting an urban samurai haircut which complements his flair for artistic expression. It was great to catch up with Bronson who always makes you feel good.

We had a great time in Sydney where we had lived for 9 years when we were both in the Army. It is a great city to visit and we were delighted to have been able to spend time with our lovely family.

More to follow.

Best wishes,

Bev and Ross

Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Year, Texas 2012

It has been many years since we have had the opportunity to celebrate new year in Texas. So we started the day by driving to Fredericksburg, a Germany community located 1 1/2 hrs drive north from where live. The temperature on the day was 74F.

This is also the home of the late Admiral Nimitz of WW2 fame. The museum which is located at the end of the street is worth a visit and to read more about this highly decorated officer and what the museum has to offer have a look at www.nimitz-museum.org/

No visit to a German community is complete unless you treat yourself to a hearty meal of sauerkraut and German sausage.

Later that evening we joined our Texas family for a fun night as we waited to welcome in the new year. Dennis always an empecable host once again welcomed us all and attended to our every need.