Aussieism's

A couple weeks ago, my in-laws came down to the country to spend the day with us. We had such a great time! During their visit my father-in-law Russ was talking about the Australian Open Tennis Tournament that just finished here a few weeks ago. During our discussion he was talking about one of the players and he said, "She sure showed jam tart". I looked at him and said, "WHAT?" He said, "She sure showed jam tart....you know heart." This was a fine example of Aussie Rhyming Slang. I have heard it before, but not this particular phrase. So a few nights ago, I pulled out my Australian Phrasebook that I got as a gift prior to moving here (thanks Margs) and I started seeing what other rhyming slang they have that I didn't know about. Here are just a few and what they mean:

Babbling Brook = Cook example: Give my compliments to the babbling brook
Dog and Bone= Phone example: Pass me the dog and bone.
Captain Cook= Look example: Let's take a Captain Cook.
Hammer and Tack= Back example: I need that hammer and tack.
Noah's Ark=Shark example: Look Noah's Ark!!!
Optic Nerve=Perve example: That guy is such an Optic Nerve.
China=Mate example: She's such a good china plate.
Frog and Toad= Road example: Let's hit the frog and toad.
Loaf=Head example: Use your loaf.
Reg Grundies=Undies example: I can see her Reg Grundies. (guess he was a famous Aussie)
Tit for Tat=Hat example: Don't forget your tit for tat.
Dead Horse=Sauce (like Ketchup) Example: Pass the Dead Horse.
Jam Tart= Heart example: She sure played with jam tart.

Now I haven't heard a lot of these, but I began quizzing Darran about them, and he sure has heard of and knew them all. As we kept looking through the book, and I continued quizzing Darran, I thought it might be fun to see if you can guess what some of these strictly Aussie words/sayings mean. If you want to play all you have to do is write down your guesses in the comment section. Good luck, here we go!

1. Ankle Biter
2. Crack on to someone
3. Get stuck into someone
4. Pash
5. Sticky Beak
6. Stir the possum
7. Old Cheese
8. Flash as a rat with a gold tooth
9. Cheap as Chips
10. Dunny
11. I'm chockers
12. Jumper
13. Rug up
14. Spewing
15. Chewie
16. Brekkie
17. Lippie
18. Lolly
19. Rellies
20. Esky

Okay, if you want to play, remember leave your answers in the comment section! Have fun and I look forward to reading your answers! Aussie Treats to those who get the most right! Yum!!! Now that's incentive to play! :) Good Luck!

Puppy post

Okay so it's been a while since we have posted anything on Diesel. I know that there are some of you out there that aren't dog fans, so if you are one of them...stop reading now. For those of you who are dog fans. Here are some of the latest of Diesel... As you well know, the beach is one of his favorite places to go! It has taken him a while to get in the water, and actually enjoy swimming across the Powlett River that flows to the ocean, but now that he has over come those fears, he loves to get in the water. We love him to get out because he does this. And when he does this, he moans as he shakes off the water. So funny to hear, but even cuter to watch.

Darran has become his new best mate. He loves to follow him around out in the yard, or around the house when he is let in. He also loves to go to the beach with Darran. They are two peas in a pod. Darran and Diesel playing in the Powlett River....Diesel just checking to see if Darran was alright.

It took me MONTHS, I say MONTHS to get Diesel to get in the car, and enjoy it. I can't count how many times we opened up the back of the car and just sat in the back with the boot open so Diesel could get used to the car and know it was safe. After that the only way he would get in the car, is if I would get in first and he would follow. I'm sure it was a sight watching me crawl over the 2 rows of seats to get to the drivers seat. Now...when we go out to get in the car he jumps right in, and this is usually where he likes to sit, until we have to tell him "back" so we can get in and drive. I know if he learned how to drive he would be off to the beach in no time flat! :)

I know I posted some of these photos before. But this is a new one, and I totally broke out in laughter when I saw it in the mirror! Can you just imagine the happiness and bliss he is experiencing while his lips are flapping in the wind??? Could this be a good way of keeping his breath - air fresh?

And lastly...this is Diesel today, I just took this picture moments ago. He is Mr. Bucket head at the minute. He had a bit of surgery done on Tuesday and came home with this nifty accessory. As you can see by the white lines in the cone, he has done his fair share of running into walls, and doors, and posts. Poor thing hates his cone, but has to wear it for another 10 days while his stitches heal. I guess it isn't too bad as he gets to stay in the house until the stitches come out, and his is loving every second of that! I had to take him to the vet today for a post opt appointment. Who knew? Anyway, I was kind of dreading going because when Darran took him in for surgery he wee'd all over the floor and I wasn't sure what he would do this time. When we walked in, there was another little dog in the lobby area and a kitty in a cage. Not good I thought. So I took him over to the opposite side of the lobby and he focused and followed each command that I gave him. We have been working really hard on following commands. Anyway, the little dogs owner saw what we were doing and commented, "I wish my dog would do that." I was so happy to hear someone say that about our dog! It was a big victory today!!!

Just a footnote to Jens previous post about the fires.
It is now the 16th Feb and the fires are still going but thankfully not as bad as a week ago. Fire crews have arrived from USA, Canada, NZ and Asialand to assist in bringing them under control.

So tragically, these fires have been declared 'Australia's WORST EVER natural disaster!! At one time 87 seperate bushfires were raging across the state.
to date, nearly 2000 homes, and just under 200 people have lost their lives, including an acquaintence of mine.
All this less than an hours drive from our house!!
The community support and relief effort has been incredible with nearly $100 million raised in a few days.
The individual stories of survival have been astounding, the stories of the heroes have been inspirational, and the tales of those lost have caused an entire nation to weep enough tears to quench this brown, hot, land!

The thing is, for us, a disaster of this magnitude is something that you read about happening in other countries, not just up the road from you! So many of us feel helpless that all we can do is donate money and pray. But then again, maybe that's what they need most from us. Our prayers.

The fires did not discriminate, they took, men, women and children, the elderly and entire families, lost. May all those who read this post, please take a moment to get down on your knees and offer a prayer of comfort to those suffering. Not just here in Victoria, but all over the world.

Amen.

Hot days and fires

As many of you know or have heard the state of Victoria here in Australia has been experiencing massive heat (130 on Saturday) which have sparked several fires...and also encouraged fire bugs to start some fires of their own. Thankfully the heat has dropped so the temperature is a lot more bearable. But, there are several fires that are raging, and people have lost everything...homes, cars, animals, farms, and even lives. The fires started on Saturday, and when we went to bed there were just 25 people confirmed dead. When we got up Sunday the death toll was 80. Last night when we went to bed it had risen to 130. I haven't turned on the news this morning, because frankly, I just need some time away from all the pictures, reports, interviews with those who survived and the sadness of the whole situation. But the police did say that the number could double what they have already found, as they have yet to get into some of the townships that no longer exists. There have been over 750 farms/homes that have burnt to the ground, there have been towns that have been wiped off the map they no longer have a building standing. As the Prime Minister (like US President) said when he came to visit the area yesterday, "It is hell on earth". It is a pretty sad and scary time especially for those who live in the bush. It is the worst bush fire in Victoria history. This all being said, we are fine, we are safe, and the fires are anywhere from an hour and a half drive away to three hours drive. So, say thank you to those of you who have contacted us via email, facebook, phone and blog to see if we are okay. We are safe and all is well here at Archies Creek. We just pray for those who have lost everything, who have been burned in the fire and who are trying to pick up their lives and move on and that they will be able to catch those responsible for starting the fires.

Darran just checked the new death toll...it is now up to 173....