HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Rachel and I bought masks in town and wore them around while we did our errands on Halloween, which is not celebrated much here in Australia. We got a some inquisitive looks and a few good smiles!!

We carved a couple little pumpkins, ate some sweet treats, tried out our scariest masked faces...but we only ever got one trick or treater!

and then I did a little trick or treating myself...also known as speed dating! Turned out to be more of a trick than a treat though...sorry no pictures, but I definitely had some good laughs. At first us women (I went with a few of Rachel's friends) seemed to outnumber the men by far, but by the time the 'dating' got under way the numbers had evened out somehow. Now, I can't say that I was actually anticipating meeting a compatible date much less a soul mate. And I didn't. But, you never know, right? We had 5 minutes with each of about 12 men who were anywhere from 24-45 years old, to 'get to know each other' and decide whether we were interested in further dates. It was suggested to me by a good friend that I ask my 'date' what he would do with his life if money wasn't an issue. This turned out to be great for conversation and maybe an inspiration to some of these guys! I got answers like acting, owning a music shop, air force pilot, motor bike racer etc. It was fun to see their faces light up at the thought of doing what they love to do. It was this question in fact that inspired me to go to Montana the first time and indulge in my love of cooking, hospitality and the outdoors. I also met a guy who I was surprised to discover goes salsa dancing every week - he has long curly hair, wears a motorcycle jacket, spray paints semi-trucks for a living, and lives alone with his cat - I would've never guessed. This was the only part of my dating experience that sparked further interest because they have salsa dancing at that same venue that this guy goes to every week. But, other than a few laughs, some awkward moments and hopefully a little inspiration, it was a lost cause... Or, maybe I'll finally pursue my dream of learning some sweet moves on the dance floor!


PUT-PUT GOLF!!!

To welcome November and enjoy a gorgeous sunny day, we miniature golfing! And what is miniature golf without a giant statue of an Australian gold miner? It must have been 10 years ago that I last did this. It brought back sweet memories of going in Colorado with my family as a kid. Lesson learned today, as Mark (a man who owns his own clubs and won today's match nonetheless) pointed out: putput golf does not reward skill.

The 18th hole

I was disappointed that the final hole didn't disappear our balls into a bottomless tunnel when we sank 'em. We had to retrieve it and return it ourselves just like all the other holes. Boring.

Love how Rachel's belly looks so big and round like the golf ball there.

Mark also won for craziest pose as the wanted 'MAD DOG'

MT. BUNINYONG

A view down across the tops of the Eucalyptus trees into Ballarat countryside. We saw another koala there on top of that mountain! They are hard to spot because they don't move much (but for travelling just 4 minutes each day!) so they look like any other large knot in the tree branch.




I won myself a cupcake and coffee for spotting the little guy. In fact if you can spot him in this picture there to the left with Rachel and her friend Leah and baby Mackenzie...well, you will also win a prize. HINT: he's in the trees.

and another self portrait with those silly shades