Today has been one of those rare — dare I say it — perfect days.
AND, it’s Australia Day, so c’mon people, HOW MUCH BETTER DOES IT GET?
Okay, obviously it could be better — I could be celebrating IN Australia WITH my boyfriend. But things have been pretty challenging for me and my family lately, and as a few folks have told me, “it could be worse.” And they’re right. So I’m taking hold of this fantastic day and loving every minute of it.
My perfect Australia Day in the USA
I’ve been itching to make a homemade version of Bakers Delight’s Cheesymite Scrolls and Zumbo’s Vegemite macarons for months. MONTHS. While both of those are on hold for a bit longer, I awoke to a jar of Vegemite teasing me and begging to be used. So I willingly spread a thin layer on toast and topped it with avocado and a fried egg. Mom nearly gagged when she smelled it. Gavin questioned my meal choice. But it’s Australia Day, and I wouldn’t be an Americaussie if I didn’t have some today of all days.
I can’t wait to make my own Cheesymite Scrolls!
After brekky, I drove to a local assisted living community where a friend who serves as the activities director had invited me to speak about Australia Day. Even though I am a HUGE talker and could go on for days (you knew that, right?!), I was afraid I only had five minutes of material. I brought in a few props from when I served as the Aussie Representative at church, along with several new items and some bullet points to discuss. As soon as my friend introduced me, I settled into an easy 30 minutes of sharing bits of Aussie culture with a room full of people. And bless their hearts, a few even asked questions and wanted to hear MORE. I walked away beaming, and the seniors seemed so appreciative.
And then I spent the rest of the day celebrating in a way that honored my time in Australia.
— I drooled over the latest edition of Donna Hay’s food magazine (the 10th birthday no less) until I decided to fork over the $10 and buy it. I can’t wait to get cooking.
— I did an hour or so of remote work. My time in Oz taught me that I want to move toward a remote work lifestyle, and I’m oh-so-slowly inching in that direction.
— I went to dinner with a great friend. Some of my favorite memories from my year in Australia revolve around good conversation with new friends and shared dishes. Super sweet Kelly and I hit up the local gastropub for their 3-course Restaurant Week menu. How could I pass up yorkshire pudding, perfectly cooked beef, fruity beer and dark chocolate espresso creme brulee?!
To my Aussies and lovers of Oz around the world, I hope you had a great Australia Day! ♥
Twitter Updates
Lovely post babe :-*
I thought your breakfast was great, but only questioned the Vegemite as I still have to try it 😛 Maybe in a couple of weeks when I’m there?
I knew you would be fantastic and enjoy presenting to them 🙂 I’m so happy my wonderful girlfriend had such a great chilled day *HUG*
I toast the bread and spread the Vegemite, and you poach the eggs. 🙂
It’s a deal 🙂
Assisted living home? That’s so sweet! Happy Australia Day! (wait, is that what people say there?)
I was packing up the flat to start the road trip on Australia Day, so I actually didn’t get to really celebrate it last year! But I think that’s what they say — I can’t believe I can’t tell you with certainty! Shame on me.
I think I would have to pass on the Cheesymite Scrolls!
More for me, Andi O:-)
Definitely sounds like the perfect day! Wish I could have shared it with you. Now that I’m home, I can’t wait to try my hand at baking (& even cooking!) of some Aussie-inspired treats. 🙂
I found a great ricotta pancake recipe the other day if you’re interested. Reminded me of brunches at Three Bags Full.
You are the cutest thing I ever saw with that Aussie teddy bear!
And I feel like someday I need to try this veggiemite stuff. I’ve heard it’s disgusting, but I’ll at least give it a whirl…for you 🙂
I’ll certainly be leaving the bakers delight scrolls to you – although I did finally taste some gluten free vegemite and my mother in law said by my horrified and disgusted facial expression it must taste fairly accurate 🙂
It sounds like celebrated in a much more “australia” way than I did. The real question is did you listen to the triple J top 100 🙂
GF Vegemite?! Who knew there was such a thing!
I didn’t listen to the top 100…and I didn’t last year either O:-) I hadn’t even HEARD of it until Australia Day 2011 was nearly over. So sad!
You’ve gotta try it once. I don’t expect a second time out of anyone 🙂 And the only way I’ve ever *loved* it was hidden with bread and cheese in the scroll.
Oh man, I’m going to miss Cheesymite scrolls. Must remember to eat some before I go abroad again.
I *finally* tried maccarons, but I need to try the real deal. I didn’t like the ones I had. Crazy swwet.
I’m taking it you didn’t have a Zumbo one? My mission to you is to try ONE before you leave and TWO Cheesymite Scrolls — one for you and one for me!