THE LAND DOWNUNDER

If you are a family member or friend, that receive my emails, or a member of one of my interent groups, or are a regular visitor to my blog, then you are aware that my son, Kirk, his wife, Tara-Lee, and my grandaughter, Eva, have just, within the past 2 days, moved to Australia to live, for approximately 2-3 yrs. After then, they plan to return to the USA, Missouri, to live for awhile.

Most of you have heard the story of how my son Kirk, came to meet his wife, Tara-Lee, a native and citizen of Australia. It was through the good old interent that they first came in contact with each other, started talking on a regular basis, and plans got underway for her to move to the USA, and "hopefully" marry Kirk once here. It was almost 1 year to the day, that they corrisponded via the internet, before she arrived in the U.S. By this time, we were sure that a wedding would take place not long after she arrived. Of course, Tara-Lee is a very smart young lady, and she did not come to this strange country, from around the world, without making sure that her ticket included a return flight. She sure didn't want to be stuck here with a goof ball guy, and his crazy family. LOL But, as we suspected, a wedding did take place on Sep 27, 2003, exactly 1 year to the day that they first began talking via the internet. Both of them said, upon their first meeting at the airport, "She's/He's everything I expected, and more!" It didn't take long for me, Kirk's mom, his Dad, brother, and sister, and the rest of the family, to fall in love with her, and welcome her into our family.

One of the happiest days of my life, and I know Kirk, and Tara-Lee's also, came on April 1st, yes, April Fool's Day, when their first child, and my 3rd grandchild, Eva Mirinda Morgan, was born.

From the time that Tara-Lee arrived, it has always been in the plans to one day return to Australia and live for a time, then back to the U.S., then back to Australia, and so forth. I know that sounds idealistic, but probably not so realistic. But, the time of leaving always seemed to be so far away, as if there were plenty of time. Well, we all know how time can seem to fly by, and on Wednesday, that day that use to seem so far away, arrived, and I and the rest of the family, had to watch while Kirk, Tara-Lee, and beautiful little Eva, borded a plane, and left the U.S. to live in Australia. The plans, at least long term, is that they will be there 2-3 years, before returning. I do not know when or if I will see him again. It was very difficult on our entire family.

Australia...a place that I've always dreamed of, as have many others, I'm sure. The land Downunder, of strange and exotic animals, rich in history, and magnificent scenery. Something most of us have only seen in the movies, read in books, or seen in pictures. But, the excitement in Kirk's voice, when I've spoken to him on the phone, only shows that he is now seeing all these wonders that so many of us have never had the opportunity to see. In his words..." Mom, it is SO awesome!"

So, I'm going to share with you some of the things I've found, on Mt. Gambier, the town in which Kirk and Tara-Lee are living, Australia, South Australia, Photographs, Travel, and much more. I hope you will enjoy seeing and reading about some of the places and things that Kirk is now being able to witness first hand.

Tara-Lee, being of Aboriginal decent, is very proud of her heritage, and her Aboriginal ancestry. She does beautiful Aboriginal paintings, and also pottery. You will find links to Burrandies, an Aboriginal art gallery, where she use to work, and will probably be returning to, now that she has arrived back home. In the article written on Burrnadies, you will be able to see pictures of her at work on her pieces. The music you are listening to is a "didgeridoo", a native Aboriginal instrument.

I do hope that you enjoy the links and other bits of information on Australia, that I've added to this blog. I hope you find it useful, and also very informative.