This Wind Blows Dogs Off Chains

Grassy Grass Grass 
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie

Grass grass grass,
tree tree tree,
leafy leaf leaf,
one two three.

Birdy birdy bird,
fly fly fly,
nest nest nest,
high high high.

Cloudy cloudy cloud,
wind wind wind,
rain rain rain,
mud mud mud,

Doggie doggie,
dog runy run run,
quickie quick quick,
homey home home.

Bedy bed bed
sheety sheet sheet,
sleepy sleep sleep,
dreamy dream dream.

Dancie dance dance, singy sing sing,
grow grow grow,
biggy big big.

I love this song, chant, poem or whatever you wish to call it.  We first heard it in our Kindermusik class when Coop was only 6 months old.  It is a catchy little ditty and I often catch myself singing it.

I bring it up because it is such a windy afternoon and the "wind wind wind" line keeps going through my head.  I took the boys to the park after Tuck's nap to play and it was so incredibly windy that Tuck was almost knocked over! Things were flying around like mad and the temperature must have dropped 20 degrees! It is so strange because the morning was so gorgeous-- 80 degrees, the sun was shining and the sky was cloudless. We spent the morning outside and actually had to go home because we were so hot (oh, and because of a tantrum curtesy of Coop)!  Then we go out this afternoon and we are cold, the wind is insane and rain is on the way.

I asked someone if this is typical for Spring in Sydney and the answer is yes. These winds are called the Southernly Winds or the roaring forties, furious fifties or screaming sixties depending on your latitude.  These gale force winds are said to "blows dogs off the chains."

This Wind Blows Dogs Off Chains

Grassy Grass Grass 
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie

Grass grass grass,
tree tree tree,
leafy leaf leaf,
one two three.

Birdy birdy bird,
fly fly fly,
nest nest nest,
high high high.

Cloudy cloudy cloud,
wind wind wind,
rain rain rain,
mud mud mud,

Doggie doggie,
dog runy run run,
quickie quick quick,
homey home home.

Bedy bed bed
sheety sheet sheet,
sleepy sleep sleep,
dreamy dream dream.

Dancie dance dance, singy sing sing,
grow grow grow,
biggy big big.

I love this song, chant, poem or whatever you wish to call it.  We first heard it in our Kindermusik class when Coop was only 6 months old.  It is a catchy little ditty and I often catch myself singing it.

I bring it up because it is such a windy afternoon and the "wind wind wind" line keeps going through my head.  I took the boys to the park after Tuck's nap to play and it was so incredibly windy that Tuck was almost knocked over! Things were flying around like mad and the temperature must have dropped 20 degrees! It is so strange because the morning was so gorgeous-- 80 degrees, the sun was shining and the sky was cloudless. We spent the morning outside and actually had to go home because we were so hot (oh, and because of a tantrum curtesy of Coop)!  Then we go out this afternoon and we are cold, the wind is insane and rain is on the way.

I asked someone if this is typical for Spring in Sydney and the answer is yes. These winds are called the Southernly Winds or the roaring forties, furious fifties or screaming sixties depending on your latitude.  These gale force winds are said to "blows dogs off the chains."

Rain, Rain Go AWAY! Far away!

What a day!  From start to finish it has been nothing but drama. Well, drama in my book....


It has been raining for days.  Feels more like weeks, but has really only been few days.  Today, it DOWN POURED all day and the wind was blowing sideways. Umbrellas were abandoned on the street and in garbage cans, taxis were impossible to find and people were gathered in large groups under awnings and overhangs or where ever they could find a break from the rain.  I haven't experienced rain like this since living in Chicago.


Of course, this in one of the days we have to go out and have to be somewhere at a specific time.  Today, we had a vet appointment for Manzie at 10:00 am at the University of Sydney Vet School which is about 15 minutes by taxi or  a bit longer by bus.  I geared up the boys in raincoats and boots, shoved Manzie in our small, travel crate (necessary for all taxi rides) and headed out the door. I was, of course, already late because I  had the time wrong, but I figured I will just grab a taxi out front and be on our way. HA!  We got down to the lobby and looked out side and it was raining so hard it was like being in the shower. We waited out front for a taxi for about 10 minutes, but had no luck.  We did, however, have a very nice gentleman stand with us for a bit of that wait and hold his umbrella over the boys. How kind!  We decided to relocate to a different street to see if we had better luck with a taxi. We waited and waited and waited and taxi after taxi after taxi passed us by.  One stopped, but told me he wouldn't take Tucker because he was under 3 and needed a car seat- baloney! The law is under 2 has to have a car seat.  Then another kind lady came and shielded the boys with her umbrella for a bit before she had to take off to get her own ride.  Finally, a taxi stopped.  I asked the driver is he was okay with the dog in the crate and the driver actually had the nerve to ask me to put Manzie IN THE TRUNK!  Not the way back of a station wagon or mini-van, but in the trunk of a 4 door taxi.  I said, no and insisted on the ride anyway. I was done being patient and nice.  The driver was a little crabby and made some comments under his breath, but I prevailed and we made it to the vet very soggy, but safe.


Once there the staff was so understanding as to why were late. The receptionist agreed with me that the driver was crazy to ask such a thing.  We sat down to wait for our appointment and to calm down a bit from drama of getting there.


The doctors there are so wonderful.  They are thorough, knowledgable and kind.  After our discussion of what the doctors thought should be done, I asked for a quote for the care they suggested (Thank you, Dr. Kate for your advice).  They very calmly came back with a quote of $635. YIKES!  I very kindly replied, "Ok, so where can we make some cuts?"  After a bit of a discussion, I managed to talk them down to $165.  Phew! Even with that, I still have to give Manzie her injections at home and collect a urine sample from her. That should be hilarious. Will I take the soup ladle approach or the Chinese Take-Out container approach. Ah, you will have to wait and read more later.


Thankfully, on the way back, we got a nice taxi driver who had no problem with the dog.  He did put her in the back SEAT, but that was fine. He was friendly and we chatted a bit on the way home.


I have not been that happy to be home in quite some time. We were all soaked from head to toe, Tucker had passed out in the pram (imagine that) and the air-conditioning was on in the apartment.  I  carefully changed Tucker's clothes and put him to bed. Coop and I changed into dry clothes as well and then snuggled up on the couch with a tv show so that we could warm up.


I have to say that I completely agree with Tucker when he starts to sing, "Rain, rain go away..."

Rain, Rain Go AWAY! Far away!

What a day!  From start to finish it has been nothing but drama. Well, drama in my book....


It has been raining for days.  Feels more like weeks, but has really only been few days.  Today, it DOWN POURED all day and the wind was blowing sideways. Umbrellas were abandoned on the street and in garbage cans, taxis were impossible to find and people were gathered in large groups under awnings and overhangs or where ever they could find a break from the rain.  I haven't experienced rain like this since living in Chicago.


Of course, this in one of the days we have to go out and have to be somewhere at a specific time.  Today, we had a vet appointment for Manzie at 10:00 am at the University of Sydney Vet School which is about 15 minutes by taxi or  a bit longer by bus.  I geared up the boys in raincoats and boots, shoved Manzie in our small, travel crate (necessary for all taxi rides) and headed out the door. I was, of course, already late because I  had the time wrong, but I figured I will just grab a taxi out front and be on our way. HA!  We got down to the lobby and looked out side and it was raining so hard it was like being in the shower. We waited out front for a taxi for about 10 minutes, but had no luck.  We did, however, have a very nice gentleman stand with us for a bit of that wait and hold his umbrella over the boys. How kind!  We decided to relocate to a different street to see if we had better luck with a taxi. We waited and waited and waited and taxi after taxi after taxi passed us by.  One stopped, but told me he wouldn't take Tucker because he was under 3 and needed a car seat- baloney! The law is under 2 has to have a car seat.  Then another kind lady came and shielded the boys with her umbrella for a bit before she had to take off to get her own ride.  Finally, a taxi stopped.  I asked the driver is he was okay with the dog in the crate and the driver actually had the nerve to ask me to put Manzie IN THE TRUNK!  Not the way back of a station wagon or mini-van, but in the trunk of a 4 door taxi.  I said, no and insisted on the ride anyway. I was done being patient and nice.  The driver was a little crabby and made some comments under his breath, but I prevailed and we made it to the vet very soggy, but safe.


Once there the staff was so understanding as to why were late. The receptionist agreed with me that the driver was crazy to ask such a thing.  We sat down to wait for our appointment and to calm down a bit from drama of getting there.


The doctors there are so wonderful.  They are thorough, knowledgable and kind.  After our discussion of what the doctors thought should be done, I asked for a quote for the care they suggested (Thank you, Dr. Kate for your advice).  They very calmly came back with a quote of $635. YIKES!  I very kindly replied, "Ok, so where can we make some cuts?"  After a bit of a discussion, I managed to talk them down to $165.  Phew! Even with that, I still have to give Manzie her injections at home and collect a urine sample from her. That should be hilarious. Will I take the soup ladle approach or the Chinese Take-Out container approach. Ah, you will have to wait and read more later.


Thankfully, on the way back, we got a nice taxi driver who had no problem with the dog.  He did put her in the back SEAT, but that was fine. He was friendly and we chatted a bit on the way home.


I have not been that happy to be home in quite some time. We were all soaked from head to toe, Tucker had passed out in the pram (imagine that) and the air-conditioning was on in the apartment.  I  carefully changed Tucker's clothes and put him to bed. Coop and I changed into dry clothes as well and then snuggled up on the couch with a tv show so that we could warm up.


I have to say that I completely agree with Tucker when he starts to sing, "Rain, rain go away..."

A Beautiful Summer, I Mean Winter Day

We met some new friends in the park this morning. The kids had a great time building "fairy houses," throwing leaves and digging in the dirt.  We moms had a great time talking about Australia and reminiscing about home.  At one point the other kids were telling us that they were heading to Singapore after their month in Sydney.  Coop put up his hands and said, "Wait! Hold it for a second! That is where my dad is!"  It was so cute!  And it was so cool that he finally has finally met an age-mate that knows what Singapore is!  Coop then suggested a trip to Starbucks (that's my boy!).  After finishing up our drinks, we went back to the park to find the possum that lives there.  Our friends called him, "Fuzzy Bums."  We did not get to see Fuzzy Bums, but I am sure we will try again soon.

Here are some pics of the boys. 

 We came home and painted on the porch in the sunshine. I think Coop painted 10 pictures most of which were completely black.... :)  The dogs joined us on the porch to enjoy the sun as well.  

 Cooper decided to make "No Smoking" signs to hang all over the apartment. He is really bothered by all the smokers here. He says, "It is bad for the animals."  The other day he saw a pile of cigarette butts on the street and said, "Hey Mom, there are a bunch of orange things on the ground over there all together like a family."  Too funny.

And to top off the day, I baked a favorite of mine- Holland cookies.  I did it with conversions and everything! They were perfectly delicious!

I am so proud.

A Beautiful Summer, I Mean Winter Day

We met some new friends in the park this morning. The kids had a great time building "fairy houses," throwing leaves and digging in the dirt.  We moms had a great time talking about Australia and reminiscing about home.  At one point the other kids were telling us that they were heading to Singapore after their month in Sydney.  Coop put up his hands and said, "Wait! Hold it for a second! That is where my dad is!"  It was so cute!  And it was so cool that he finally has finally met an age-mate that knows what Singapore is!  Coop then suggested a trip to Starbucks (that's my boy!).  After finishing up our drinks, we went back to the park to find the possum that lives there.  Our friends called him, "Fuzzy Bums."  We did not get to see Fuzzy Bums, but I am sure we will try again soon.

Here are some pics of the boys. 

 We came home and painted on the porch in the sunshine. I think Coop painted 10 pictures most of which were completely black.... :)  The dogs joined us on the porch to enjoy the sun as well.  

 Cooper decided to make "No Smoking" signs to hang all over the apartment. He is really bothered by all the smokers here. He says, "It is bad for the animals."  The other day he saw a pile of cigarette butts on the street and said, "Hey Mom, there are a bunch of orange things on the ground over there all together like a family."  Too funny.

And to top off the day, I baked a favorite of mine- Holland cookies.  I did it with conversions and everything! They were perfectly delicious!

I am so proud.

It's Been a While

I haven't been able to post a blog for the last few days because eblogger hasn't been working.  Nothing major has happened, but lots of little things have.

The first and probably the biggest is Cooper's new found ability to SWIM! Yes, our little Cooper who for so long wouldn't even get his head wet has taught himself how to swim.  One day he was just playing in the water and the next day he was swimming. Well, actually it went a bit more like this. We were playing in the pool and a little boy named Max was playing in the water as well.  Now Max could swim just a bit- he was kicking and moving his arms and actually getting somewhere. Cooper literally studied him for about 10 minutes then jumped in the pool and kicked his feet and moved his arms. That was a seriously, major proud mama moment.  He has become a little fish.  I posted a video on Facebook for those who are interested.

Our little swimmer

Funny thing is happening. Cooper is beginning to change the way he speaks.  I do not know the technical term, but he is beginning to get a lilt in his voice as he talks.  Sometimes he will come up to me and say something like, "Can we go swimming today?" And instead of sounding like an American, he sounds, well, Australian.  Very cool.

Cooper got a camera. My mom sent him one of her old cameras. He is SO thrilled. He has probably taken a gazillion pictures by now.  He was especially excited about the case it came it because it was "just like Nana's" but then he proceeded to tell Nana that she actually sent the wrong camera because this one "is not big enough" and to "please send another one."  Kids sure don't hold back do they? Coop had his camera on the train yesterday and he leaned forward toward Tucker and said, "Hey buddy, do you want to take a picture?" And he proceeded to "teach" Tucker how to take a picture. Tucker, as you can imagine, was so happy!

Tucker with the camera

Now, we cannot forget about little Tucker.  He has made some big strides as well. He is now giving kisses.  What is more adorable than an a 22 month old giving kisses?  He does it with a little "smack" at the end.  The kisses are mostly for me (yay!), but he gives quite a few to his favorite stuffed dog as well.

Speaking of his stuffed dog... Tuck has not had much interest in stuffed animals. In fact, when handed a stuffed creature, he would typically throw it across the room. So needless to say I was surprised the other day when he was crying and crying and his blanket did not make him feel better nor did a drink of water, but DID work was his stuffed dog. Now he cuddles it and kisses it and insists on sleeping with it at night.  He also really likes Coop's stuffed wombat which apparently says, "RRRROWRRRR!" as do koalas and kangaroos according to Tucker.

Tucker has some new words!  Some are new, but some are renewed I guess.  He says, "All Aboard!"  Perhaps it is not that clear, but we all know what he is saying. He has said, "Cooper" a few times although it comes out more like "Pooper."  He LOVES saying "bye bye." In fact, he says it at every train stop to all the passengers who are getting off the train. Most are great about it and say "goodbye" too.  Others, well they are lame-os and say nothing.  Tuck also claps at each train stop in anticipation of getting off. You know, lately, I feel like clapping too when we are done with our daily train trip to quarantine!

We received not one, but two packages this week. Holy smokes! I have always loved getting mail, but this was better than ever.  My mom sent one- with the camera, some art supplies, trucks, shirts for the boys, but the best was the PEANUT M&Ms. Oh my word!  They were (yes, they are all gone and I did not share them) amazing!  She also sent some Goldfish Crackers (which you cannot get here and if you could they would probably suck), but I am saving those for the boys for a another day.  Oh yeah, red pepper flakes upon request- they do not have them here in a "pure" form- they are all mixed with salt- ick! Pizza shall have flavor once again!

My dear friend, Malia or Minnie, as Coop calls her, sent a package as well.  There were a bunch of toys for the boys, a great book, some bath crayons, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies (mmmmmm) and SWEDISH FISH!! Again, so yummy and so already gone.  Home never tasted so good.... Thanks Minnie!

Cooper drawing in the tub

The only other thing to talk about is our walk in the rain. We decided to don our raincoats and go splash in some puddles.  What better way for two boys to spend a rainy day?

It's Been a While

I haven't been able to post a blog for the last few days because eblogger hasn't been working.  Nothing major has happened, but lots of little things have.

The first and probably the biggest is Cooper's new found ability to SWIM! Yes, our little Cooper who for so long wouldn't even get his head wet has taught himself how to swim.  One day he was just playing in the water and the next day he was swimming. Well, actually it went a bit more like this. We were playing in the pool and a little boy named Max was playing in the water as well.  Now Max could swim just a bit- he was kicking and moving his arms and actually getting somewhere. Cooper literally studied him for about 10 minutes then jumped in the pool and kicked his feet and moved his arms. That was a seriously, major proud mama moment.  He has become a little fish.  I posted a video on Facebook for those who are interested.

Our little swimmer

Funny thing is happening. Cooper is beginning to change the way he speaks.  I do not know the technical term, but he is beginning to get a lilt in his voice as he talks.  Sometimes he will come up to me and say something like, "Can we go swimming today?" And instead of sounding like an American, he sounds, well, Australian.  Very cool.

Cooper got a camera. My mom sent him one of her old cameras. He is SO thrilled. He has probably taken a gazillion pictures by now.  He was especially excited about the case it came it because it was "just like Nana's" but then he proceeded to tell Nana that she actually sent the wrong camera because this one "is not big enough" and to "please send another one."  Kids sure don't hold back do they? Coop had his camera on the train yesterday and he leaned forward toward Tucker and said, "Hey buddy, do you want to take a picture?" And he proceeded to "teach" Tucker how to take a picture. Tucker, as you can imagine, was so happy!

Tucker with the camera

Now, we cannot forget about little Tucker.  He has made some big strides as well. He is now giving kisses.  What is more adorable than an a 22 month old giving kisses?  He does it with a little "smack" at the end.  The kisses are mostly for me (yay!), but he gives quite a few to his favorite stuffed dog as well.

Speaking of his stuffed dog... Tuck has not had much interest in stuffed animals. In fact, when handed a stuffed creature, he would typically throw it across the room. So needless to say I was surprised the other day when he was crying and crying and his blanket did not make him feel better nor did a drink of water, but DID work was his stuffed dog. Now he cuddles it and kisses it and insists on sleeping with it at night.  He also really likes Coop's stuffed wombat which apparently says, "RRRROWRRRR!" as do koalas and kangaroos according to Tucker.

Tucker has some new words!  Some are new, but some are renewed I guess.  He says, "All Aboard!"  Perhaps it is not that clear, but we all know what he is saying. He has said, "Cooper" a few times although it comes out more like "Pooper."  He LOVES saying "bye bye." In fact, he says it at every train stop to all the passengers who are getting off the train. Most are great about it and say "goodbye" too.  Others, well they are lame-os and say nothing.  Tuck also claps at each train stop in anticipation of getting off. You know, lately, I feel like clapping too when we are done with our daily train trip to quarantine!

We received not one, but two packages this week. Holy smokes! I have always loved getting mail, but this was better than ever.  My mom sent one- with the camera, some art supplies, trucks, shirts for the boys, but the best was the PEANUT M&Ms. Oh my word!  They were (yes, they are all gone and I did not share them) amazing!  She also sent some Goldfish Crackers (which you cannot get here and if you could they would probably suck), but I am saving those for the boys for a another day.  Oh yeah, red pepper flakes upon request- they do not have them here in a "pure" form- they are all mixed with salt- ick! Pizza shall have flavor once again!

My dear friend, Malia or Minnie, as Coop calls her, sent a package as well.  There were a bunch of toys for the boys, a great book, some bath crayons, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies (mmmmmm) and SWEDISH FISH!! Again, so yummy and so already gone.  Home never tasted so good.... Thanks Minnie!

Cooper drawing in the tub

The only other thing to talk about is our walk in the rain. We decided to don our raincoats and go splash in some puddles.  What better way for two boys to spend a rainy day?

The Sun

A few notes about the sun.


The sun actually shines here. All day long.  It comes back everyday.  Even when it is raining, the sun is shining somewhere nearby and rainbows are commonplace.


I am not used to the sun after 10 years in the Pacific Northwest. There, when the sun actually does shine, it is an event. You feel that you don't have a moment to waste because it may be a very, very long time before you see that thing called the sun again.


It is strange to know that the sun WILL shine tomorrow and the next day and the next. 


I think I can get used to this thing called the sun.

photo courtesy of my mom

The Sun

A few notes about the sun.


The sun actually shines here. All day long.  It comes back everyday.  Even when it is raining, the sun is shining somewhere nearby and rainbows are commonplace.


I am not used to the sun after 10 years in the Pacific Northwest. There, when the sun actually does shine, it is an event. You feel that you don't have a moment to waste because it may be a very, very long time before you see that thing called the sun again.


It is strange to know that the sun WILL shine tomorrow and the next day and the next. 


I think I can get used to this thing called the sun.

photo courtesy of my mom