The Easter bunny has been quite busy between the states and Australia. We woke up today to birds chirping, a sunny day and great coffee.But, what about the bunny himself? Well, in Australia the bunny that the US knows, is not a popular one because of the damage they do to the land.
The prefered celebrant is the bilby. In 1991 a campaign was started by the Anti-Rabbit Research Foundation to replace the Easter Bunny with the Easter bilby (an endangered species by the way).
Other traditions? Hot cross buns (sweet spiced bun), pancake day (or shrove tuesday, last day before lent), Sydney Royal Easter Show (little Matthew had a really fun time), and the best of all, a 4 day weekend!
The holiday time here is really something the US could learn from! Kids go to school year round but have 4 big breaks. Anyway, Nick's uncle and his 2 little girls flew in last night so we are enjoying the last few days with them.
The simple pleasures? We did some great shopping yesterday and I witnessed the best exchange of happiness that I wanted to share. We were in a department store that had a wonderful pianist playing so we took a minute to sit down and listen.
As we are listening and looking at all our purchase options, an elderly lady walking with a cane scoots herself up to the pianist. She puts her arm around the pianist, smiles, and starts digging in her pocket for what we assumed would be money.
As we were "assuming", out comes 2 chocolate lady bugs which get sat on the top of the piano and are followed with a hug and kiss by the elderly lady. She tells the pianist how good her music was and they both smiled. Out of all the fabulous things you could buy in this store that was something that no amount of money could have bought!
I have also discovered one other simple thing. The addresses here are so easy. If you have 6 houses on a street, your number will be 1, 2, 3, etc. Ever wonder why the US houses are 4 numbers and aren't really relevant? I'm sure there is a logical reason but it's not simple or obvious. :)
Well, more later! Enjoy your bunnies, bilby's and chocolate today. We are on the road to the US tomorrow (mid-day monday or sunday US time). So, lots more stories to follow! All the best to you & yours today.
Love,
Jen
8 comments:
What a wonderful update. Makes me wonder, with some nervousness, that Jennifer et al may not come home to roost in the U.S.A. Hope not...as wonderful as it may seem, home is home. Thanks for the stories, observations and comparisons...sounds wonderful...be safe while Mom and I are watching K.U. struggle to get past UNLV in the second round of the NCAA tourney.
Happy Easter all and have a safe trip home. By the way, love the cute outfits in the picts. S&S
Happy Easter All!!!! Sounds like you had a fab time in Ausie Land..Can't wait to hear more...
Love and miss you,
Jill F
Hi to all of you---Have been so anxious to hear about your trip--Love the picture on the beach. Such a long flight--did it drive you crazy?? So happy for all of you--know you are having a wonderful time--I want to hear more--have a safe trip home--thinking of you --GO HAWKS!!! Love and a Hug-------Kathy
WELCOME BACK!! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip with many memories! Can't wait to hear about them all. One year ago I sure didn't think you would be making a trip to Australia. Miss and love you guys.
Mart
I've been reading all your Aussie updates and can't believe how active you have been! You did more than I did and I've been there over three times! Go Jen!
Welcome back Griffins!!! They had a great time and told us some great stories last night on the way back from the airport. I would go just to see Nimbin (ask Jen to tell you about the guy who ducktaped himself to a pole to protest the electric company...Classic!) and I would mos def get in on some "hot cross buns" while I was there. They have great pics and great memories! I hope all my friends in Blogland are doing great! Christy and I are doing a M.S. benefit run this weekend, which we are looking forward to! Wish us luck...Peace and Kangaroos...Mateo Goodpoint..a/k/a Matthew Whipple
Jen... you are truely an inspiration because i lost my mom two years ago and i thought i would never get through that particular moment. Then I heard your story from my math teacher Michelle Hilliard and I thought wow. It was just so awesome and I hope that you continue to keep on keeping on. -Jake Maxwelol
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