14 April - Day 62

The Tasmanian Devil does exist! Wild Tasmanian devils can only be found in Tasmania, Australia. Tasmanian devils aren’t as scary as they look and aren’t known to be dangerous. They do not attack people, although they will defend themselves if they're attacked or trapped. Devils may look fierce but they would much rather escape than fight. They live for about five or six years, and the lucky ones can make it to about seven or eight years.

13 April - Day 61

Hi There!! When we were in Margaret River last month, we saw an Emu crossing the road. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture before it darted into the bush. It was the first time I have ever seen an emu in the wild. What an amazing animal. The emu is a large flightless bird, second in size only to the ostrich. Emus stand about 6 feet tall and can weigh up to 120 pounds. They can run up to 40 miles per hour, with strides up to 9 feet long. If necessary, they kick to defend themselves. Unfortunately, they only live 5-10 years in the wild.

12 April - Day 60

Meet Conrad!!
I got this little bear the first time that I saw "M" 9 months after we orignally met. "M" had a business trip to Singapore and I met him there. We stayed in the Conrad Hotel and this little guy was in our room. I have slept with him every night since and he has travelled with me around the world - Singapore, Doha, US, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin - the list goes on and will continue. This picture of Conrad was taken on our wedding day by the professional photographer : )

11 April - Day 59

Wow!! What a night! Our 7 course dinner (degustation) with matching wines turned out beautifully thanks to "M." We had such a great time preparing during the day and spending the evening with our friends. They were such gracious guests. All images are courtesy of "N" who takes amazing photos and made us feel as though we were in a magazine shoot. "D&A" brought the very tasty champagne which was paired with the amuse bouche. "J&C" really outdid themselves by bringing a flourless chocolate tort with fresh berries as well as a dessert wine and "S&C" also brought a delicious dessert wine. "S" was able to share some of his thoughts about the wines (due to his expertise as a Viticulturist) which was fantastic! It was so nice to have the table that "M's" Dad built for us completely full for the first time. I have to reserve most of my praise for my husband who did an outstanding job cooking and plating all of the food!! Every dish was prepared exactly as we had hoped - even the duck breast which he had previously never cooked. Here are a few comments left by our guests on their comment cards:
"Great chowder....I need that recipe!"
"Fabulous pork - really loved this, amazingly tender"
"The thai beef salad was a pleasant surprise. I've never enjoyed as much as I did tonight. The dressing was superb."
"Thank God the Duck wasn't tough! My vote is for the Duck."
"My favourite was the Lamb." "Lamb was the best." "The food was delicious and very hard to "judge" a best. I think my vote would be 1) Lamb."
"Great wine pourer...top notch!!!"
"Only a madman could have pulled it off. So lucky we had the right man for the job."
"You are both great cooks & hosts & it has been a pleasure"
The pictures of each dish are in serving order. There is also a picture of the chef and a very happy wife with her chef husband.

10 April - Day 58

Tonight, we have 7 friends over for dinner and are serving them a 7 course dinner with matching wines. Every course has been prepared and cooked by "M". He has done such a wonderful job. He served an amuse bouche of avocado and peach with a dressing in shot glasses. This was a surprise to the guests (not on the menu) and was paired with champagne. Photos of every dish will be uploaded tomorrow....stay tuned!

9 April - Day 57

The Australian Football League (commonly referred to as Footy) recently started a new season. “M’s” family runs a family footy league every year in which his Mum is the “Admin.” M & I are currently in last place. The most surprising thing about this game to an American is that it is a full contact sport played without pads or helmets!

Players may use any part of their body to advance the ball. The primary methods are kicking, handballing and running with the ball. There are rules on how the ball can be handled, for example players running with the ball must intermittently bounce or touch it on the ground. Unlike most similar sports, there is no offside rule, and players can roam the field freely. Possession of the ball is in dispute at all times except when a free kick is played.

There are 2 teams in the Perth area – The Fremantle Dockers & West Coast Eagles.

8 April - Day 56

Mangroves are found in the Northern Territory of Australia. We also saw Mangroves during our honeymoon in Thailand.

Mangroves are plants that live between the sea and the land, where they are flooded by tides.
One of the most interesting features of the mangrove is the pencil-like above ground roots that surround them like a small forest. These roots act as supports for the plants and are an extension of the underground roots. Mangroves have the amazing ability to turn salt water into fresh water, through their photosynthesis process by breathing air through these roots when they are exposed at low tide. They are totally submerged twice a day by the incoming tide and absorb water and minerals from the mud.
The white mangrove produces the only mangrove fruits eaten by Aboriginal people. However, the toxins are first removed by soaking them in mangrove mud for three to seven days until they turn black. They are then rinsed and boiled twice or roasted until the skin and black color is gone.