She came from the land down under - home of Crocodile Dundee and The Crocodile Hunter...although I never saw her wear croc, eat it, capture one and none of her children have that name. She also never said "shrimp on the barbie" and there isn't a beach in all of America that can compete with Bondi Beach, so I have learned. She (as her mum would say, "She? A Female Cat?" Which means one is not ever to say "she" but to call the person by their name) so...The Aussie came via Singapore - which, as it turned out, was just a speed-bump in her life, but it led her to us...as in the U.S.
She rode in like a hungry Dingo in pursuit of a baby - made quite an impression, too! She introduced us to Vegemite, Pavlovas, Lamingtons, Passion Fruit Syrup, Lime Cordials, Date Pudding, Tim-Tam-slams and Anzac Biscuits...along with assorted words and phrases that have now worked their way into our vocabulary...knackered (tired) ...rocking up (coming over)...tarted up (with full-makeup on)...good value (a good person) and many more. She also instructed us on the beauty of freshly ironed sheets(!)...influenced the reorganization of my entire house and taught me that a junk drawer was not a necessary item...along with the junk! (Alas, that one didn't stick!) The Aussie made me a better person...and now, after 4 short years she is gone - like the wind - to China!
Her kids are already enrolled in school in Beijing and will no doubt be fluent in Mandarin by Christmas! I fully expect the Aussie herself to be fluent in fake handbags, wallets, coats, boots and other sundry items by the time the mister and I arrive...yes, we're planning to go and visit, as you know we are quite good at IMAGINARY trips...and on my imaginary trip to China I plan to buy imaginary fake handbags - (just in case my friends at Customs are reading this)... I like to think of China as being one big Archie McPhee's...wall to wall or should I say, border to border(?) of crappola...that thought makes me so happy!-
The Aussie, is now in China, landed this morning. She pronounces it Chiner, seems to be unable to say her "A's"...a forgiveable offense. We'll miss the Aussie...and her family. They are all good value.
