Since I came back from leave at the end of February, I have been working at breakneck speed. I’ve managed visits from Washington across two separate weekends, and spent several nights in the office until 10pm trying to catch up and stay on top of workload. It honestly feels a bit like a losing battle, although in a few more days, the 100 days-left-at-Post countdown will start. With that in mind, I have tried to focus at least somewhat on having fun and enjoying the time we have left in Canberra while it lasts. Here are some memories of doing that over the last several weeks.
In February, taking my mom to Australian Parliament House…
Five minutes was enough!
…followed by celebrating V’s birthday.
In March I got up early and went down to Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin to photograph the Canberra Balloon Spectacular…
Lake Burley Griffin
Every kayaker on the water made their way out, it was quite a sight!
…walked around Lake Burley Griffin and looked at the Beijing Garden…
…and commuted home from work at least once early enough to catch a sunset!
South Canberra
In April my matron of honor and dear friend J’s husband C came to Canberra on business. Although J could not make it because she had to stay in North Carolina and look after her daughters, at least we were able to have C over for a Sunday night dinner…
…and take him out to Weston Park to spot kangaroos, among a couple of other food and alcohol-related gatherings during his two weeks here.
Weston Park, Canberra
We also met up with some local, non-embassy friends and made a day of food and wine in nearby Murrumbateman.
Wily Trout Vineyard, Robyn Rowe Chocolates
Poacher’s Pantry, Shaw Wines
V successfully ran the 5K in the Australian Running Festival…
…and I attended the party of an embassy colleague who is about to pack out for his onward tour in a dry country, and needed “help getting rid” of all his alcohol…
Photo: AR
…and we also went to our first Aussie Rules footy game at the Manuka Oval. Unlike last time we went there to see the cricket when it was windy and cold AF, although it was summer and now it’s fall, we actually had a terrific time! It was sunny, warm, and the game was really exciting.
The footy! Greater Western Sydney Giants v. Fremantle Dockers
These days in Canberra are dear, and becoming dearer. I know that what today feels like everyday life will, in retrospect, be the good old days. So I am trying not to let the demands of work steal all of my time and energy. I am trying to make as many memories to hold onto of Canberra as I can in this fleeting, ever-changing Foreign Service life.
Collecting Postcards 
Great post 😄
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I forgot to comment earlier. The pictures are stunning — all of them. Your matron of honor missed a wonderful Sunday dinner I “think”. Did you and V prepare it yourselves and exactly what is featured on the large platter? The sides served in the pottery you found while in Ubeke? I ate half of a smoked kielbasa after seeing those photos … that’s all I had in the fridge! You are cruel 😄
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I am fortunate that my husband is a good cook and really loves cooking. So he is responsible for all the beautiful food shown! The large platter is spiced meat, and all the pottery is Macedonian. The painted dishes are from Uzbekistan and the rest is my wedding china. We like to mix it up. 🙂
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I just took another look – there is sausage, bacon wrapped pork with cheese, cevapi, and chicken shish kebab with tomatoes from our garden. 🙂
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Okedoke thanks for the details … it was quite a feast.
Seems I can’t put a “Like” since I’m not registered with wordpress … can only make a comment. No need to publish this, right? Must mention the gardens and balloon festival … so very nice.
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