Friday, January 24, 2014

Touring Tasmania - Day Six: Bruny Island - A day of Food and Adventure.

During our first family trip to Tasmania I had already had my mind made up to take the Bruny Island Safari even before the family set foot on the Apple Isle... not only am I am self-confessed foodie but so too is my husband and our kids have been raised to appreciate food.  I am really not sure what the family actually thought I was obsessed that we were going.....

AND THANK GOD WE DID!!!

From the minute we were picked up from our designated location, our tour guide Scotty made us feel welcome.  Once everyone booked was onboard and accounted for the fun began.  From important local information, history and the humorous stories of his past experiences and adventures we made our way from Hobart to Bruny Island.  More importantly he made us all interact and get to know each other by involving us all in conversation.

The places that we visited for tastings were amazing... the Bruny Island Cheese Company, our first stop, got the tastebuds rocking and of course we purchased some of the amazing cheeses that we sampled.  Scotty soon realised why the Murray family came prepared with an esky!! 
 


 
The Bruny Island Berry Farm was very interesting and we were amazed at the amount of berries that Graham was growing although sadly January isn't berry season.  The morning tea was delish especially the freshly baked scones served with jam and cream.  A necessary purchase of "Jostaberry" jam was made. 

Lunch was also a treat, local produce and freshly caught fish served at Hotel Bruny - the staff were friendly and very helpful.  Not only was the lunch yummy, so was the Tassie wine and we came away with some souvenir wine glasses. 

Next stop was Get Shucked - fresh oysters.  I like oysters, couldn't really say I was a fan... but that was before today.  I now have a new found love of oysters as does my 15 year old son who has never eaten one.  He not only tried the tasters but went into the shop and purchased two massive oysters, one for him and one for his dad.  I do believe an oyster monster has been born!!  Get Shucked also make their own Homemade Worcestershire Sauce which is delish.  Needless to say 2 dozen oysters and a bottle of sauce made their way into our ever filling esky.





 

A quick stop waiting for the ferry to return the local store was interesting and also boasting the use of fresh local produce.  None of us were hungry, trust me we hadn't stopped eating all day but the lure of the Wallaby Pie was too good to resist.  Yes we purchased and ate and enjoyed.

Our last stop was Nutpatch Nougat Chocolates was a hidden treasure.... I definitely felt like "a kid in a candy shop".  The chocolates produced were amazing, the tasting of different chocolate was amazing and we left privileged with the fact that we had a bag full of these perfectly crafted little masterpieces in our possession. 

Besides the food.... yes we did take notice of the beautiful scenery rich in history and wonder.  Resolution Creek, where Captain Cook came to shore which also had squeaky sand that was so soft to walk on, Cape Bruny Lighthouse and it’s museum, the National Park, the Rainforest, the wildlife including the white Wallabies and all the coastlines were magnificent. 

For such a small island amazingly our day was full of much more than expected and we had a fantastic time.  For our first "foodie" adventure we had the best time and today has definitely been a highlight of our Tasmanian holiday.

Finally I have to say, and my family will agree, Scotty - you rock!!!  You made our day so memorable, enjoyable, relaxing and very exciting.  Not your average tour guide there was never a dull moment even though you filled our heads with information and made our imagination run wild.  It was a pleasure to meet you and spend the day in your company.  We all extend our thanks to you for an incredible day.

Friday, January 03, 2014

Burgers for lunch


During our tour of Canberra we went to Grill'd for lunch in the City Centre....  we only wanted something light but obviously that's not really available here.

 
I had the "Hot Mama" beef burger.

 
Grandma had the "Almighty" beef burger.

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Happy New Year 2014



We farewelled 2013 quietly.... we were heading off to Canberra the next morning so no big parties for us.  Importantly being together as a family is very special to us.


Dinner was a nice relaxed steamboat dinner just the five of us. During dinner others in our neighbourhood were letting off fireworks.



The Murray family wish you all the very best for the New Year...
 
May you be surrounded by family, love, happiness and lots of laughter.
 
Jo Noel Ollie and Alex xxxx

Friday, December 27, 2013

A favorite haunt - Hastings....

When we don't really know what to do we tend to find ourselves climbing into the car armed with a picnic basket and heading down to Hastings for fish and chips and generally a walk along the pier to blow away the cobwebs.

We got to eat the fish and chips......


But it was too windy and somewhat chilly so we didn't get to go for the walk along the pier.


Sunday, December 08, 2013

Are you happy?


We stayed the night at the Novotel on Collins last night as we were in town for Bombardiers Social Function - a river boat cruise.

I found this card on the desk as we came into the room and just had to share it........

I know that I haven't been blogging of late but we have just been seriously out of control busy!

The year is drawing to a close and there is end in sight for the madness.

Speaking of staying in the city... an odd occurance for me as I am usually in the country or interstate.  This was the view from our room this morning.....



The morning started with beautiful buffet breakfast in the Lane Cafe and Bar.  Both Noel and I were surprised when we came accross some real honeycomb available for the taking.



After leaving the hotel, we finally started our Christmas shopping at Westfield Airport West before heading to the airport to pick up Noel's parents who had been away on holiday.





Monday, September 09, 2013

Travelling again.....

Yes I am away again... this time travelling for work to the South West of Victoria.

I am away auditing this week with external auditors.  The morning started with a pick up in Bulleen and then it was off to visit two of our concrete plants, one in Timboon and the other in Terang.



Some 387 kms later I arrived with two auditors at out hotel.... and I must say I am knackered.... an early start lots of driving and two audits today..... I hope the bed in cumphy in the hotel tonight.

When you go to bed with plaits in your hair.....



Last night there was a girly moment in the house where I plaited Alex's hair while it was still damp from the shower.....  Alex was a little apprehensive about it but I convinced her it would look good in the morning.

I think she looks gorjus xxx

Sunday, September 08, 2013

Happy Anniversary Mam and Dad

Last Wednesday was officially Mam and Dad's wedding anniversary but they were still in their travels but on their way home.  Unsure what to get them for their special day we decided that we would catch up today, meet for lunch which, unbeknown to them, we had decided to pay for.

We all love Indian so decided to go to Shavan's in Mount Waverley - not because we had been there before as we hadn't but it was basically one of the few Indian Restaurants open for lunch.  Shavan's is the sister restaurant to our local one in Frankston, Kasturi's.


We had a choice of the al a carte menu but decided to have the South Indian Buffet (but did end up ordering a few meals that are family favourites such as Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh.)

I know that we all enjoyed the food and it was brilliant to catch up with Mam and Dad.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Green Bamboo

Yes Green Bamboo...... Green Bamboo Massage is probably my favourite shop at "The Hub" Karingal Shopping Centre.

Alex and I had to go to a couple of the shops in the afternoon and it was nice that my Princess wanted to come shopping with.  Oliver was at Tynen's for the night and Alex was actually going to Sarah's but we managed to steal a couple of hours together.

We had quite a bit to do this afternoon so we were kind of on a mission until we walked past Green Bamboo, started discussing massages and then double backed to get a 40 minute neck, shoulder, arms and back massage.

Highlight..... it was Alex's first time of having a massage......

Did Alex enjoy... YES!!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Work Travel again

I am spending this week travelling with work..... travelling from Kilmore to Axedale, middle to West Victoria.  This trip involves me conducting pre-audit meetings with Managers and then assisting them when Karen, an external auditor from Lloyds, actually audits them against WorkSafe Victoria criteria.  So these audits are focussing on our Safety committments within Hanson.  14 in all - this week will see number 9 and 10 completed.


I never thought that I would like auditing as I have not had much exposure to it and had already formed a negative opinion.  BUT I love it.... it's a fantastic way for me to learn more about all parts of our business and for those that know me - know that I love to ask questions.


It was a beautiful day in Axedale today.... the sun shone lifting the ice from the ground.  The audit went well with no issues recorded.

We went for a walk around - of course I cannot resist photos.
 
Making big rocks into little rocks.....


The crushing plant.....





This is one of our little Tonka's....... a baby 50 tonne Dump Truck who is in the workshop as it has blown a turbo..... waiting to be fixed.



Have I ever told you guys that I love my job?? Well I DO!!!

Due to the early finish we (Karen and I) decided to travel back to Kilmore and stay the night guaranteeing us a little sleep in and no long drive to site in the morning.

Destination: Kilmore Motel

 
It's an older style motel but it's clean and has a comfy bed plus Vivienne always makes you feel welcome :)


Sunday, June 23, 2013

A blast from the past......................... trust me a surprise!!

Sunday always bring a full day during football season and this week was no different.  Except that we had 5 games - ALL teams - playing at home plus of course dinner service.

Happily serving in the canteen I here a "Look at you gorgeous!!".  I turned around only imagining a customer talking to one of the other mam's helping out to find my cousin Speedy standing there. 

Childhood memories flashed through my mind, remembering some special and sad moments that I had actually thought I had forgotten as I have grown.


With all going on, the surprise catch up was the highlight of my day.......

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Nana's birthday.....

We all celebrated Nana's 68th birthday tonight even though her actual birthday is on Monday.  We went to the Seaford Hotel for dinner, which I will have to say that the meals were very average with one meal, a lamb souvlaki even turning up without the lamb!

As usual great to catch up with Mam and Dad.  It seems so long between time spent together.  They come to watch their grandchildren play football but with our commitments it's very hard to spend time with them.

Wonderful to see Sean, Vicky and the boys again.  Sadly we don't see them enough either.

Thankfully we surprised Mam with a decadent birthday cake I cannot take credit for.  It was an "Original Sin" from the Cheesecake Shop but it brought smiles to Mam's face.

Most of the Murray clan........


4 of her precious grandchildren......

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Jo's busy as usual

This week sees me auditing down in the Gippsland region of Victoria, leaving home Monday I should be returning tomorrow.  I have been focussing on two of our 6 sites in the area, Morwell and Lakes Entrance.


It takes just under 4 hours to get to Lakes Entrance from our house.

The auditing is an external one, conducted by Lloyds covering the WorkSafe Victoria criteria.  It has been very interesting and a huge learning curve for me as I haven't had much to do with auditing before.  The audit went well.... phew.

Dinner was spent with Cassie and Jason Wigg.  Jason is the batcher at Lakes Entrance and a good friend from a week long training session we both attended a few years ago.

We went to the the Water Wheel Beach Tavern at Lake Tyers and I really enjoyed. 

Jason and I shared the Seafood Platter for 2.......


A great night with great friends as usual.......

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Another weekend over.....

Either I am getting old or the weekends are just going very fast.

Tonight saw another Sunday finish for what was a busy weekend. 

Football being the major focus today with Round 5 - both kids played away.  Alex played Frankston Dolphins at Overport Park and her team won.  Ollie played at Mount Eliza and lost.  They are a few players down at the moment but their spirits are still high.  During awards Ollie recieved an encouragement award.

The football club has a good buzz this year with family volunteers, a few fundraising events and the dinner service going well.  Tonight Spaghetti Bolognaise and Garlic Bread was for dinner followed by Mixed Berry Cream Cheesecake.


Spaghetti Bolognaise for the footy club - great effort by Noel for all the preparation.  Brilliant work as usual.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Karingal Bulls Senior Football Club Ball

Tonight I went off to the Karingal Bulls Senior Football Club Ball without Noel as it's not really his thing..... so I went with another member from the Junior Executive Committee, Kevin, the president.

Yes I dressed up for the event... although a little worried about wearing a dress when everyone normally sees me in club colours and tracksuit pants.
 
 
Obviously taken prior to hair and make up...... but eveyone else was going out so I needed a quite photo to prove I can wear a dress.
 
It was a good night at the Frankston RSL -  nice to be around friends, good food (although only fingerfood) and have a night out especially as dancing was involved.   The DJ had a few ladies upset with his choice of music albeit some very daggy but we all survived in the end. 
 
Many went out afterwards, but even with the encouragement I went home knowing that this Junior's mam would have a huge day Sunday.........

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter 2013

We have been camping since Wednesday now and the kids, especially Alex, were a buzz with questions about whether or not the Easter Bunny would find us in the bush.  Once again I had to remind her that the Easter Bunny finds children everywhere.

We also lost a tooth in the aftenoon - Alex for the second camping trip in a row had managed to summons the Tooth Fairy as well!!

So last night with the tooth sitting in prime position of the camp table in the kitchen tent.  This was easier than expecting the Tooth Fairy to manoevre the jumble of the kids' tent.

Bedtime came and with kisses and further reassurances that both the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy (ironically two opposites - teeth falling out and free extra sugar) would locate the Murray's both Oliver and Alexandria went off to bed....

Sunday morning.....



 

As you can see the Easter Bunny did find us on Easter Sunday.....

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.....

Saturday, March 02, 2013

Cooking for School Homework

My little pumpkin is grown up so fast.

Her she is doing homework.....


Home Economics Homework!!

Alex needed to make Special Fried Rice, take a photo of it, list ingredients and voila homework complete.


I love the fact that Alex takes so much pride in her school work - in fact in everything that she does.  She is enjoying High School and is coping very well so far.

 

The outcome of the homework:


YUM!!
 

blogger templates | Make Money Online