Meet My Host, Brian and Family
Arriving at Brian's house I found an anxious dog and curious parents awaiting my appearance. Having spent time with Brian in Germany he was able to assure them I was not an axe murderer but rather a friend ready to travel and see as much of Australia that my 3 weeks could allow. I enjoyed coffee and cookies on a regular basis and found Jean, Brian's Mum, to be a very good cook as I enjoyed all the meals she prepared for us. Keith, Brian's Dad, was always ready for the dishes and wouldn't allow me to hardly even rinse a cup without his quick response of " Debi, you don't need to bother I'll get that." The hospitality was wonderful. Being there over the Christmas holiday I knew they didn't normally put up a Christmas tree ( but since they knew I did) so a decorated tree was found gracing the corner of the living room. Brian was always ready with a supply of videos and books to get me ready for the next stage of our adventure. I found myself getting hooked on programs like The Bill, life was relaxing and good in this home.
Brian's mum and I took many long walks through the neighborhood as she related many stories of the politicians and various changes and effects to the neighborhood. I was always happy when she asked if I wanted to walk as it gave me a chance to know her better. There is so much more to Jean than meets the eye, she is a very clever woman with a heart of gold. The care she gives her home and the love for her family is clear as she had many small ways of showing it. Her eyes sparkled when she swatted Brian's bum as he passed her, simply because as his Mum she could I loved it! Brian looked confused which made it all the better.*s*
Josh was as spoiled as any pet of a family can be. He was a good source of entertainment that always was in search of more attention if possible. Every time we would arrive home Josh would be seen at the window waiting for Brian to make his way inside. A faithful dog , it's easy to see why he is so loved, just look at those eyes. But so full of energy he gets himself in trouble.
Every evening without fail a good game of frisbee was in order for Josh with Brian and Keith. They attempted to have me play as well but in all truth I have no skill at this sort of thing. Let me see it went on the roof, in the neighbors yard.. way over Brian's head umm nowhere close to where anyone was standing. But I got better towards the end of my visit or luckier anyhow. But in the mean time I believe I provided a good amount of entertainment to the evenings activities.
Josh and I became good friends as I spent many hours in the backyard with him as he tried to teach me soccer and fetch the ball. Every now and again I would win and he would let me have the ball so I could throw it and again chase him to retrieve it. Later Brian showed me the phrase and command movement that Josh would respond to saving me a few steps as I worked with Josh to get him to respond to me. He did rather well as long as Brian was in sight then when Brian would leave to work on the car or play on the computer again Josh would return to his own antics of I rule the world. It was hard to keep him from my room as it was also the computer room where Brian would normally spend hours trying to rewin the war on computer while talking to friends from all over the world and helping where ever he could, it's just the way he is being helpful and understanding like that. Thanks again Brian for giving up your normal holiday time to travel with me and show me things I only had seen in books and dreams before. Your country is wonderful and your family outstanding. I could never have dreamed of a more perfect way to spend such a short period of my life that would have such a great impact on me. After my holiday I feel certain that I will have friends forever in Australia and I can't think of anything better to bring back to Ohio with me.
Backyard Beauty
While Brian took me to several botanical gardens as well as Jean and Keith taking me to Auburn Garden. I still found that some of the prettiest blossoms grew in their own yard. These are a sample of what I saw at their home, don't you agree? Again, thank you for everything...
CLICK A TITLE TO SEE MORE OF MY AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY
*Sydney, the Attractions*
*Fun Filled Port Macquarie*
*Mildura*
*Mount Panorama Race Track*