eventful day

3/7 gotta love craigslist! its how when i was in vanuatu in the peace corps that i found the fantastic apartment castine and i shared. which is what spawned being consumed all day long by thoughts of a potential gem of a place in hallowell. i have yet to see any pictures of the place, but on paper, it proves to hasve many of the characteristics i've been channelling with my energy. just like oprah suggests for finding the "right" mate, i made a list of what i'm looking for. the ONLY thing it doesnt fit is the price. probably the major one, eh! but, after pondering and doing the numbers, if i dont have the living space i need (want) to be peaceful and nurturing, then all the other budgetary factors dont mean squat. money to be social wont be needed because i'll hole myself up. there are things i cant economize because they're set prices. the only thing i can try to do is try my best to make it work. there'd be no need to go out for dinner when i can host (potluck) and then walk into town for live music. i dont know if its even a good match just yet, but hoepfully with a friends help i'll be able to do some research. its within walkign distance to hallowell, close to work, has a garden area, will allow for a dog (ready for lifestyle change needed), sunny, first floor, and painting the walls is allowed. i dont know what will happen with it, but i engaged in a dreamy scene and decided what i'm willing to compromise on. (dont worry mom/dad, i'll still be able to pay my bills and you back slowly) its a lot to ask probably to keep my job with the best boss ever AND spot-on place. can i cash in my good kharma? (i think i already used it up scoring this trip)

on our way from dunsborough to augusta (its true! a town called augusta) first stop was canal rockes where cindy told us she saw a sting ray swim through so big it had to lift its wings to get through. so when simon and i stood on the bridge, we were both in awe at the size of it! also interestingly enough, a nearby school requires students to jump from theh bridge as part of character development. it couldnt be required on a day like today; the current and waves are bashing against the rocks. i suppose its similar to a high ropes challenge course. on our way back to the car, the law of attraction was proved yet again. a big brown snake crossed our paths (but not close enough to be in danger but i got a good look at it). and mind you, big brown isnt just an adjective; is the name of a deadly snake. i was going to say "very deadly", but i suppose deadly is as descriptive as one can get in that matter. it has a greenish tint to it, which is different than the snake i saw near the river. and come to find out that tiny one i wasnt bothered by could have been a jugyte, another deadly snake. so it happened: all this ridiculous amount of concentrating on the worry of seeing one. funny thing, i'm less phobia'ed about it now. it really was trying to get away (darn quick bugger it was) i'm trying to be "over it". i dont want to keep honing in on it and i cant control whats meant to happen. i dont think i'm destined to share this amazing experience with you to end so dramatically. all i can do is to be as diligent as i can about not stepping on one, and then go from there. MUCH easier said than done.

other stops along the way included a winery. this wasnt nearly as lovely or memorable as i had romanticized. we came, we tasted, we bought an expensive bottle, we went. come to find out afterwards, simon wasnt keen on the idea. i'd imagined a horse drawn buggie through the groves of grapes and then seeing how its made, only to taste out of the barrels themselves. i've attended better wine tastings at home! it was fairly fancy, and not personal at all. they didnt want much to do with us, as if the bartenders couldnt be bothered to pour sips of wine into our glasses. oh well. i got two pictures of the even (none of us in it) and chalk that up to experience. of course we had our daily swim at a beach, and stopped for a brief break at a forest of karri trees. there was a smaall parking area we took advantage of. most used it to park, take a photo of the road and scenery, and continue on. but simon knew of a path (ooh beware of snakes katy thinks. after all, i just saw one!) into the wooded area and we found a fallen tree as a log to perch on. we stayed for quite a bit until ants bit simon and we moved on. you'll see photos of of the road, and simon on a log- so now you know why! i really appreciate those breaks in my day- and i never know when they come about. (simon directs me to "stop here" or "turn here" or if he's driving he pulls into a spot.

i meant to get a photograph of me in front of a sign of augusta, but it didnt happen. we came here to visit simon's sister lisa's best friend whose name is also lisa. sister lisa is living in england, but friend lisa and simon have kept in touch over the years. they have a beautiful new spot in the country and i was amused at all the different types of trees in their yard. we were instantly greeted with authenticity by her partner john, and their kids shannon, caitlyn, and abbey. there were also a few of the kids friends there, so it was a frenzy upon our arrival. even after the friends left (one stayed you'll see in the group photo) the frenzy continued as simon chased them all around the house and they were having a great time screaming, while i chatted with lisa. we had a great night of hors de hoerves and champagne (champers as simon calls it) singing karaoke, barbequeing and then sitting up after the kids went to bed chatting about this or that. i actually went be relatively early to let simon and lisa chat and i think john was doing some work on the internet. they were very welcoming, and again allowed me another chance to view genuine australian lifestyle, and hearty conversation.