The PM Visits

I’m writing this update as we watch the Oscars – feeling very American tonight. It’s been a horrendous weekend of strong winds and cold weather. Lots of trees have come down around the streets and workers have been out all day cutting, chopping and carting them away.

So the past few weeks have been busy, as always I guess. The embassy hosted a huge event where the Prime Minister and four state premiers came here to meet all the USA governors (equivalent to our premiers). We are not phased by the political players at the moment but Deb was able to get a nice picture with the PM at Blair House. Blair House is opposite the white house, and is where heads of state stay when invited by the President. PM Turnbull and wife Lucy stayed there and Deb worked a few days there managing the office.  

On the last day there was a photo opportunity. I worked the big cocktail function one night as a food watier which was another good opportunity to see canapés from an Aussie leading chef and also mingle with some of the political leaders. I did take the time to say hello to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and QLD Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk. Both were friendly and shared a few words. 

I also worked a few other receptions at the Amb residence in the kitchen as I normally do. Again, it was great experience and I always learn new things, new skills and hang out with some fun people.

 

So you are all wondering how Captain Batman is progressing. Very well I am pleased to say. I’ve flown about 6 hours now and the last two lessons have been most enjoyable as I feel like I’ve got a better idea of the basics now and actually enjoying ‘flying’. I’ve had some windy days which have been interesting as it adds a level of challenge to my coordination effort. I am able to turn better, fly level and doing more of the takeoff. It shouldn’t be long before I’m doing that by myself. Landing is a whole new trick and will take more time. I have now got my own headset and have fuelled the plane twice which is bit of a buzz – crawling up to put the nozzle in on top of the wing. The weather has been hit and miss  which is annoying to say the least. Anyway, 6 hours has gone and my next lessons will be learning how to handle stalls !!! Shitting myself but, gotta know what to do when things go a little pear shaped up there. Standby for that blog post.

We finally took a drive to the nearby Shenandoah National Park, a little over an hour away. We didn't think though as we should have checked the website first. It was the day after the strong winds and there were trees down everywhere. There is a long scenic drive through the mountains called Skyline Drive. It was closed. So we drove a longer way around to make the day worthwhile. We ended up at Harpers Ferry which is right in the bottom corner of West Virginia. This is the 'psychological' mid point of the famous Appalachian Trail. It's a tiny little civil war town and we grabbed some late lunch (very average burger I might add) before heading home. It was bloody cold but would be a pretty place in summer. I'm in no hurry to go back though. We'll check out Skyline drive another day and plan to rent a cabin up in Shenandoah in the summer.

I've also had a sharp haircut and feeling the cold weather a bit more around my ears!! I feel sorry for bald people now. But I like the short style and it will be better in a few days when the sides get a little length. I have a cool hair stylist and he can do magic with his hands. Thanks Enders at The Burrow.    The Burrow DC