LAND DOWNUNDER

[serendipitous 0]

Man I've only been gone for like 3 days.. and you guys filled up another 3 pages!! And that's with my options set at show 40 posts per page hehehe.

Busy little people aren't ya

[hampster 0]

Welcome back Lynn ..

Where ya been lol you missed out on Aussie Recipes

Cheers

Paul

[Moonie 0]

Moonie.. [/b]My sweetie has an appointment Monday which would Sunday for me to have his fingerprints and police check. Thanks hampster for heads up about them accepting cash only. I sent him an email and the link to that form. He also has his doctor's apointment to check for the vacinnations. He does not have his packet 4 yet just his packet 3 so I hope it is ok that he does this blood test. I suppose he could just take whatever documention they give him to the "offical" medical appointment.

How did he go with his Police Check go good I hope..

Cheers

Paul

His police check went fine they told him they would mail it to him in 10 days or so, his doctor's appointment didn't work he said he waited an hour for someone to tell him that he would have to come back in four days to pick up the results he is moving to Warrnambool to stay with his parents until the interview so he won't be able to come back he will just have to do it in Warrnambool. I think his mom needs to spend time with him before he leaves. Mumsy can't believe her baby is leaving. He hates that place tho

[vylex 0]

Did I heard Sydneysider Elle?

*Raises had for my wife*

She is technically a St. Mary's girl though. I love Sydney. I always laugh when I read about Aussies talking about Sydney and it's busy / stuffy atmosphere. From my US perspective, it's a very laid back city LOL. I would compare it a little to Boston although you can't beat Sydney's harbour. GORGEOUS! I love Circular Quay and the Opera House. Neighboring Rocks is nice too. Ahhh, I can't wait to visit again at the end of the month!

Oh Paul, just so you know, Boston is in Massachussetts and not near it. Anyway, I see your time is coming close. You are so lucky! Savor the moment!

[Moonie 0]

I just noticed I had a serious run on sentence!

[Kath 0]

hi hampster glad ya liked th songs...did you add your fav...

moonie are you talking about the blood tests or the actual medical...the medical has to be done in melbourne...the blood tests can be done anywhere...glad the police check went well ..hope he told them he is going to his parents place...

hi seren how is ya fiance going with getting the stuff together...

vylex i compared sydney to melbourne the city is closed in but on the other hand we loved exactly the places you named...we went walking though the park just to escape the closed in part of sydney...as some would say nice place to visit would hate to live there....lol..but outside suburbs are ok lol...the aussie state rivalry is like ohio and michigan..lol..

nowt much more from me we got a nice sunny day here but they are predicting snow for us on thurs...i will believe when i see it lol

take care

kath

[meauxna 15]

Bugga I'm planning on flying into LAX for my POE

So how then will I get my EAD STAMP .

Paul:

You are coming over with an immigrant visa, correct? You are not looking for an EAD stamp at your entry; you want to get your immigrant visa endorsed. This is what gives you evidence of your new status: Permanent Resident. Please see the links in my siggy for important information about your work & travel permissions (Now That You Are A Permanent Resident).

The 'Arriving in America, The POE Drill' thread will aslo be helpful to you in explaining what happens when you first arrive.

[CarolineM 0]

OMG my husbands family is from Warnambool. His mum grew up there and his grandparents sstill live there.

funny.

[vylex 0]

vylex i compared sydney to melbourne the city is closed in but on the other hand we loved exactly the places you named...we went walking though the park just to escape the closed in part of sydney...as some would say nice place to visit would hate to live there....lol..but outside suburbs are ok lol...the aussie state rivalry is like ohio and michigan..lol..

Hi Kath,

Hahaha, I love the rivalry! I've never been to Melbourne but my cousin in Sydney absolutely loves it when she visited. That's her other favorite city. I've only been to Sydney but plan on visiting the other states on my upcoming visits.

I am looking forward to seeing it for myself one day.

[Moonie 0]

moonie are you talking about the blood tests or the actual medical...the medical has to be done in melbourne...the blood tests can be done anywhere...glad the police check went well ..hope he told them he is going to his parents place...

No just the blood tests so he can see what vacinations he may need. He can get that down in "the country" as he calls it. He just wasn't going to have it done and then drive to Melbourne just to pick up the results since they won't mail that information.

He said that the police report will be mailed to his parents house. So hope all is good.

Caroline He laughs at me how I saw it. I prounounce it real slow

[hampster 0]

Bugga I'm planning on flying into LAX for my POE

So how then will I get my EAD STAMP .

Paul:

You are coming over with an immigrant visa, correct? You are not looking for an EAD stamp at your entry; you want to get your immigrant visa endorsed. This is what gives you evidence of your new status: Permanent Resident. Please see the links in my siggy for important information about your work & travel permissions (Now That You Are A Permanent Resident).

The 'Arriving in America, The POE Drill' thread will aslo be helpful to you in explaining what happens when you first arrive.

Meauxna

Thankyou so much for your Insight and very helpful information.

My Wifee thanks you as well I call you the Wise One

Well it's now..

9 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes and 24 seconds until,

Friday, 13 April 2007 at 10:00:00 AM (Adelaide time)

till my Interview In Sydney for my CR1 Visa .

Your help make it easier for myself to understand things better lol

vylex....

Oh Paul, just so you know, Boston is in Massachussetts and not near it.

I know where Boston is in Massachusetts.. I weas being Coy

Anyway, I see your time is coming close. You are so lucky! Savor the moment!

And I will savor the moment at the time of my CR1 Interview In Sydney.

I just hope being a Friday and being the Thirteenth..

they will give me, My Visa that day rather than sending it to me,

in my Pre Paid 3Kg Priority Post Satchel

CarolineM..

The Wifee and I drove through Warnnambool

on our 6 day road trip to See my Sister in Mt Martha..

Prefer the Great Ocean Road.. was a wonderful trip,

full of love and laughter lots of photographs,

and spending time with, My Cheryl / Northerngirl Wifee.

Moonie...

His police check went fine they told him they would mail it to him in 10 days or so, his doctor's appointment didn't work he said he waited an hour for someone to tell him that he would have to come back in four days to pick up the results he is moving to Warrnambool to stay with his parents until the interview so he won't be able to come back he will just have to do it in Warrnambool. I think his mom needs to spend time with him before he leaves. Mumsy can't believe her baby is leaving. He hates that place tho

Mumsy

Well glad his police check went well.

I think Warrnambool have doctors and I.M.V.S. FOR BLOOD TESTING.

Last time I was through Warrnambool (feb 07) the had traffic lights,

hot and cold running water,

both inside along with flushing toilets lmao

And when he goes through his blood test he should also ask,

the Doctor to check for Kennel Cough.. why you ask ??

Well it is done by Institute of MEDICAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCE lol

Ok I have laughed so much my side hurts

Cheers

Paul

Edited April 3, 2007 by hampster

[Kath 0]

gawd i do some stupid things..lol...i know better than to go to another webpage when half way though typing a post lol geez

ok start again

whilst been in the states i have found numerous sites on the net that might come in handy for you aussies about to come over here...hope they are of some use to you...

link below of clothing sizes here in the states

clothing size charts in the U.Ss

link below to get your driving licence in the states.. you can also download and print out the handbook for the written test..have a good look at the headings to find out what you have to take as ID for your state..i know in ohio all i have to do is present my aussie drivers licence and take the written test then the driving test..in some states they want you to take driving classes...

getting driving licence in your state..in america

converting the temps..

Converting the temps from F to C and C to F

finding a job over here...job sites

sites that might be helpful finding a job

mobile company..i found cingular to be the one to be with...it cost 5cents to send a sms and 5cents to receive one..with some other companies they dont have the internations texting and the ones i found that did was 10cents to send and 15cents to receive...

cingular cell phones to call and text home

take care

kath

[hampster 0]

Thanks Kath for the informative websites

Another Wise person to thank

Cheers

Paul

[jodee 30]

Just wanted my fellow Aussies to know,..My hubby has now been gone 5 months. This time seems to of gone by so fast. Almost halfway done, but still don't to get to see him til July for his R and R, from that stupid sandbox, hes currently playing in,...

Jodee...*big sigh*

On another note,..my very best wishes to all those with upcoming interviews,.. Im sure you will all do great,..

And on the great state debate,...I'm a born and bred Sydney girl,...so NSW for me....though , when I did finally leave OZ,..it was from my adopted state of the NT,..Darwin to be specific....where i had spent 6 years....

Jodee

[hampster 0]

Jodee,

A fast homecoming for your Hubby over in the sandbox..

Wishing everyone here over in USA,

And all other people including All Soldiers come home safe and come home soon.

A HAPPY EASTER TO ONE AND ALL.. HERE ARE SOME EASTER RECIPES I FOUND.

Mini choc-chip hot cross buns

Serving size: Serves 10 or more

Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS

150ml milk, warmed

8g sachet dry yeast

1 teaspoon caster sugar

2 cups plain flour

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

50g butter, chopped

1 cup milk chocolate chips

2 tablespoons caster sugar

1 egg

Crosses

2 tablespoons plain flour

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

2 tablespoons water

Glaze

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons caster sugar

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to hot, 200°C. Lightly grease a 22cm square cake pan.
   
   
2. In a medium jug, combine milk, yeast and sugar.
   
3. Leave in a warm place for 5-10 minutes, until mixture is frothy.
   
   
4. Sift flour and cinnamon into a large bowl.
   
5. Using fingertips, rub in butter until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
   
6. Stir through chocolate chips and sugar.
   
   
7. Whisk egg into yeast mixture.
   
8. Add to flour mixture and mix to soft dough.
   
9. Turn onto lightly floured surface.
   
10. Knead 10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
    
    
11. Place in lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
    
12. Stand in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
    
13. Punch dough down once with fist to release gas. Knead lightly.
    
14. Divide dough into 32 equal pieces.
    
15. Knead each piece until smooth.
    
16. Shape into rounds. Arrange in pan.
    
17. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel
    
18. and stand 20 minutes, in a warm place,
    
19. until doubled in size.
    
    
20. Crosses: in a small bowl, mix flour, cocoa and water to create a smooth paste. Pipe crosses on buns. Bake 12-15 minutes, until they sound hollow when tapped.
    
    
21. Glaze: in a small saucepan, combine water and sugar.
    
22. Stir over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until sugar dissolves.
    
23. Bring to boil, without stirring.
    
24. Reduce heat and simmer 1-2 minutes,
    
25. until mixture thickens slightly. Brush over hot buns.
    
26. Transfer to wire rack to cool.
    
    

Chocolate rocky road cups

Serving size: Serves 10 or more

Cooking time: Less than 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

small, new paintbrush

100g dark chocolate, melted

12 x 2.5cm paper cases

1/3 cup (100g) finely chopped Turkish Delight

2 tablespoons toasted pistachios, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

METHOD

1. Using the paintbrush,
   
2. paint chocolate thickly inside each paper case.
   
3. Reserve remaining chocolate.
   
   
4. Place paper cases on a tray.
   
5. Chill for 5 minutes until chocolate sets.
   
6. Peel away and discard cases.
   
   
7. Meanwhile, in a small bowl,
   
8. combine Turkish Delight, nuts and coconut.
   
   
9. Spoon Turkish Delight mixture evenly into cups.
   
10. Drizzle with remaining chocolate and chill until chocolate is set.
    
    

Top tips

Substitute mini marshmallows for Turkish Delight

and pistachios for peanuts, if preferred.

You may need to paint a second layer of chocolate

in the cases to achieve a thick coating.

Barbecued beef burger

Serving size: Serves 4

Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

500g beef mince

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Spray oil

4 damper rolls, halved, toasted

1/3 cup tomato sauce

4 butter lettuce leaves

4 slices tasty cheese

4 large slices canned beetroot, drained

2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 red onion, thinly sliced (or sautéed if preferred)

Oven fries to serve

METHOD

1. In a medium bowl, combine beef,
   
2. onion, parsley, egg, garlic and season to taste.
   
3. Mix well.
   
   
4. Shape mixture into 4 even-sized patties.
   
5. Place on a tray.
   
6. Cover and chill 20 minutes until firm.
   
   
7. Spray a barbecue grill plate with oil.
   
8. Preheat on medium.
   
9. Barbecue patties for 3-5 minutes each side until cooked through.
   
   
10. Meanwhile, spread one side of each roll with tomato sauce.
    
11. Top with lettuce, patty, cheese, beetroot,
    
12. tomato and onion.
    
13. Top with remaining half of roll and serve with chips.
    

It is important that your patties ]

are firm when cooking them on a char-grill

so as they don't fall apart. If in a hurry,

cook them on a flat plate.

Spiced ginger and caramel bites

Serving size: Serves 10 or more

Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

125g butter, chopped

¾ cup brown sugar

1 egg

¼ cup honey

1¼ cups self-raising flour

1 cup plain flour

3 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons mixed spice

¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

CARAMEL ICING

1/3 cup brown sugar

40g butter

1½ tablespoons milk

½ cup icing sugar

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C. Lightly grease and line 2 baking trays.
   
   
2. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer,
   
3. beat butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
   
   
4. Beat in egg and honey. Sift flours, ginger, spice and soda together.
   
5. Lightly fold into creamed mixture.
   
   
6. Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls.
   
7. Arrange on prepared trays 3cm apart. Flatten slightly.
   
   
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
   
9. Cool on trays for 5 minutes before transferring
   
10. to a wire rack to cool completely.
    
11. CARAMEL ICING.
    
12. Meanwhile, combine sugar and butter in a medium saucepan.
    
13. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.
    
14. Add milk and bring to boil. Remove from heat.
    
15. Stir in sifted icing sugar until smooth.
    
16. Allow to cool until icing is of a spreadable consistency.
    
    
17. Spread icing over tops of cold biscuits.
    
18. Set aside until icing sets.
    
19. Store biscuits in an airtight container.
    
20. Enjoy
    

Cheers

Paul