Writers block.

It's been a while since I've blogged.

Why?

I dunno, I guess I have writers block!

I've been back in Melbs for about six weeks now. Man, where has the time gone?! Paul and I just returned from just under two weeks in Perth. He had a job, so I joined (as per usual). Our time was filled with visiting. It's been about four months since I'd seen our Perth people, so it was lovely to catch up. We got in some quality time with some good friends and family.

 I also taught myself (with the help of YouTube) to crochet. My sister and mother in law are the motivating force(s) behind this. Mum has been encouraging me to learn for months. But once my sister learned I decided I had to play catch up! I'm slowly, but surely improving day by day. So far I've whipped up three hats. I'll be hitting the post office soon to send a couple back home. Ultimately, I'd like to get some of my knitted/crocheted goods for sale. But at the moment I'd like to perfect my skill first. My flower crowns are still for sale! I've yet to get a website together. It feels a little like a chicken before the egg scenario. I'm not sure if it makes sense to spend money on a website before I make any money selling them. But if I don't get a website going I may never start making dough. 

Anyways.....
Here's a few photos from Paul and my latest mini-adventures in Perth!

Paul and I have walked past this Bon Scott statue more times than I can count. During our visit in Mn. we realized my Uncle Brandon's love for ACDC. We realized we were well overdue for a photo-op with the man, the myth, the legend.

Gratuitous crotch shot.

After our visit at the statue Paul had the gem of an idea to visit his plaque/memorial at the Fremantle cemetery.

This was on the ground just thru the gate.

Note: 

Empty Jack Daniels bottle, headphones, beer tops, and silk flowers mementos.

There was also a well dressed cherub in an Aussie flag bow tie.

Aussie cemeteries are quite beautiful.

A bit difficult to read, but this is his memorial bench donated by his family.

That plaque was insanely hot to touch in the Perth sun.

We took an awkward family photo on the bench.

Once we were back home Paul got a hair cut. The stylist accidentally cut it shorter than he wanted. I can't say I have any complaints. I was ready to see his beautiful face without all that hair covering it up. However, the Kris Jenner resemblance in uncanny.  

Welp, see ya later!

Mn. wrap up

I spent just under three months in Minnesota this summer. 

Paul was with me for the first eighteen days of the visit.

I'll share some of our highlights from his stay (that I haven't already shared).

 My nephew, Big Kev turned 15!

His Mom, Molly surprised him with a little surprise party!

We went to a super rad mini golf course/sculpture garden: Big Stone

I think it was $7 per person. This was one of my favourite outings. I would highly recommend it to Minnesotans/visitors. Make a day of it. You'll need a couple hours to wander around. 

This course includes:

Mini Golf

Animals-ducks/chickens/goats/horses + more

Sculptures

 Even little Mandy joined the family for some fun!

Dad's ball got stuck. 

Josh befriended a pig.

Paul saw a horse about a man.

I very cautiously fed a horse.

Take the time & go. We had a blast!

I also participated in the 5k, The Color Run with a couple friends.

It's the self proclaimed happiest 5k on the planet. We definitely had fun. Although, I must admit I'm not sure if I'd do it again. It was hard to keep any kind of jogging pace up. Most people were walking, which was totally cool. However, the randomness of walkers/joggers all over the path made it impossible to keep a jogging pace. BUT it was most certainly very fun. As we went thru the course we were doused in powdered color. 

Even my Dad came to show his support. 

He was not in the mood to get any color though!

Then came the clean up.

After we went to Caribou for a bite and a coffee.

Needless to say, we got a few looks.

After the color run we cleaned up for a BBQ at D&D's (not pictured). D&D are my best friend Katie's, Dad and Step-Dad. They quickly became my second parents years ago. They've always been so supportive thru all of my reckless phases. They often treat us to a delicious meal, and even better company. I think they love Paul almost as much as I do. 

After the BBQ we went to watch Justine play softball. My sister, bro-in law, nephew and two nieces came to meet us there. We had a little visit one last time with the fam before Paul flew out. 

After softball Paul had the sneaky idea to check the driving time to Taylors Falls, Mn.  from Blaine (where we were). I'd been dying to get there with him. But it was really hard to find the time. It ended up being about half the drive time from where we were that evening vs leaving from my Dad's the next morning. We decided to take the punt, and make the drive after such a long day. I'm so glad we did.  As kids my Mom often took us there for family weekends. Taylors Falls has always held a fond spot in my heart. Because of that I was looking forward to sharing that special place with Paul.

Old man rock.

 We only had one day and one night there. But we tried to make the very most of our time. We woke up early Monday and hit a few of my favourite spots. Then we had to drive home so Paul could pack for his flight the following afternoon :(

This trip was bittersweet for Paul and I.

Obviously it was incredible to spend so much time with family/friends. However, it meant that Paul and I would be separated for two months while we waited on my visa. Little did we know it would only take five weeks to be approved! I'm happy I had that time back in Minnesota.

After Paul left I kept myself insanely busy. I thought once Paul went back to Oz things would slow down. I don't know what I was thinking.

Most days I would: wake up//eat brekkie//pack a bag//be out all day.

I ended up doing a ton of driving, which is exactly the opposite of what I said I'd do before I left. I'm sure I'll say it again next time. I never understood just how busy visits home are when you've moved away. Some days I drove to see three different groups of people. By the end of my stay I started saying no to driving to people. I have a really hard time saying no. Nevertheless, it was great to have quality time with my loved ones. But I have decided we won't be coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. By the end of my trip home I was a bit stressed. I'm not quite ready to drive from sunrise to sunset again in only two months.

LaLa Land.

On our way back down under we had a layover in La.

We chose to extend that layover from 4 hours to two days/one night.

We touched down just before 11am. 

Thursday to do list:

Margaritas-check

Tacos-check

Beach-check

Beachside nap-check

In the evening our lovely friend Katie drove out to La to see us.

Neither of us had seen her in over a year. She did fly to Mn. from Fl. to see me before my big move. Her and her husband just recently moved to Ca. She fought thru three hours of traffic to come see us for a dinner date. We ended up talking/laughing for hours. Then we realized it was midnight & we're old. We were all three exhausted. Katie set out on her drive home (hopefully with less traffic). Until next time, my love! 

Conveniently enough, La is always our layover destination. 

I foresee many more La dinner's with Mr. & Mrs. Dockter.

On Friday morning we mulled over what to do for entirely too long. We're both very indecisive. We also just want to make each other happy. We end up saying "it's up to you" back and forth about a million times. Until finally I make a decision :) It was finally decided that several cabs would cost more than just renting a car for the day. So rent a car we did,

Friday to do list: 

Hit coffee bean-check

Take a scenic drive-check

Griffith observatory-check

Unfortunately, in La there is almost always traffic. A few mile drive can take several hours. We only had time to drive to and from the Griffith Observatory. But we are very happy we did. We drove from Venice to the Hollywood Hills and back. Our drive was filled with plenty of sights to be seen. We drove past several landmarks. We even saw the Scientology center. I looked for Tommy Cruise, but alas, he was nowhere to be found. Paul thought he was probably inside for a boards meeting.

The Laugh Factory: This is one of the most famous comedy clubs in the world.

Crossroads of the world: This was in the movie Argo, Paul spotted it.

We also drove past Charles Bronson Avenue.

 Mr. F was pleased as punch about this!

 We spotted Wee Man being arrested...well kind of.

 Griffith Observatory: This was a few minute drive up the Hollywood Hills for a breathtaking view of La. There is also a wealth of information about the galaxy. It was free of charge. We will definitely be going back when we have more time. I would certainly recommend it to friends.

We found this James Dean statue, with an ode to his movie: Rebel without a cause. I instantly thought of my Dad. This is one of his favourite movies, and coincidentally we were just talking about the flick the night before our flight.

Downtown La.

 That tiny white spec in the distance is the Hollywood sign.

 This was on the ceiling in the Griffith Observatory.

We <3 La.

How rad is it that a liquor store is called Bogie's?!

Although, short our stay in La was sweet.

We can't wait to get back! If not for the glorious weather, for the company of Mr. & Mrs. Dockter.