I really do not lack for news from the US–granted some of it may not be reported from a US angle but I can usually get snippets of US news from the Australian papers. Thank goodness we now can get CNN and Anderson Cooper and some of the other favorites that we got used to watching in the states!

What does surprise me sometimes is how fascinated some folks seem to be with our political process and all that goes with that. Now the fascination is with the new First Lady and not only does she grace the cover of all of the US magazines now she is also on many of the Australian publications as you can see from the photo. I don’t think this a bad thing—-i just find it interesting!!!

We had a lazy day today—-it stormed early this morning and the power went out for a couple hours so we just kind of chilled out and waited to get our day going till later and then watched movies and read for most of the day. We skyped a couple of people and caught up on things with them. Chris just went back to the bedroom to cool off and I will be headed that way soon. It has started raining again and I hear my “water catchment system” for our leaks (a cooler which has now expanded to include a dutch oven, a pitcher and a bucket as the leaks increase) being filled with little drips! I will be glad when the rain is over but I have a feeling we still have a bit to go! I think we have had more of a rainy season this year than they have had for a few years –kind of like our first winter in Iowa with record cold and snow….hmmmm…what does that mean???

Anyway, another week is starting and I plan to watch the Academy Awards right along with you guys tomorrow at noonish my time. I think we get coverage here because Hugh Jackman is hosting and it makes me happy. We have seen several of the movies nominated and it will be fun to see who wins all the categories! So think of me if you take the time to watch! I will be right along there with you!