30 January, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 71 - In the Navy...

Jayden mucking around
Jayden mucking around
Jayden and Mum
Jayden and Mum


Next Monday, my nephew Jayden will enter the Australian Navy as a submariner... On the recent Australia Day long weekend, we had a 'farewell party' (of sorts, and also celebrate this great country we live in), and these photos are just a bit of fun, as my sister bought a 'party outfit' of sailors suit, as he doesn't actually have his uniform yet!!

We have gone from the heat of last week, c. 46c, to now having floods right along the East Coast of Australia. It isn't as bad as two years ago, but the flood scene is still devistating to see. Fortunately, in Northern NSW, the flooding and damage is minimal, unlike areas north like Grafton in particular, or right along the Queensland Coast.

Hoo roo for now...

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23 January, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 70 - Mirror Mirror on the wall

Mirror mirror on the wall
Mirror Mirror, on the wall...

Hoo roo for now...

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17 January, 2013

HOT in the city...

The heat wave in Australia, and more so the Eastern and South Eastern area, is still continuing... Today is another warm day, and tomorrow is forecast to get warm as well (I am not complaining, I like the heat, I just wished we had some rain here as well...). The downside, of course, is that there are bushfires, and there are currently 90 bush and grass fires across NSW of which 18 are not yet contained. The amount of property that has burnt, houses lost, and stock killed, is just horrendous. And to think, only SOME of these have been started naturally (lightning and the like) where as others have been purposefully lit by idiots, who recklessly have no concern for their actions...

Whilst the lawns may not look like this at the moment, now that we are allowed a little latitude in water restrictions, but thankfully, it is a little greener now...

Landbridge
Landbridge
Mrs Macquaries Point Lawn
Mrs Macquaries Point

Having worked outside for most of my working life, the elements offer up some interesting signs; heat, cold, rain and what I hate the most, humidity! But in all, I do like the heat the best, as I also hate 'layering' up on the clothes!


In other news, I have had some issues lately with my hand, arm, shoulder and neck. I went to the GP last Thursday, and went for an X-Ray. On the Friday, when I went back to the GP, I was then sent for a CT Scan, as the results showed some issues relating to C3-6. The resulting CT Scan though, only offered up MORE problems, and at the same time, quantified the other issues! It was confirmed that I have a bulge on the nerve root at C6, and I also have arthritis in C3-6, and there is bony problems also at C6.

What the CT Scan also showed though, was that I have a lump on my thyroid, and a recommendation for a dedicated ultrasound be completed. When I spoke to my GP on the Saturday morning though, we decided to go with conservative treatment for the neck and pins and needles in my arm, physio instead of the nerve block at C6 (ouch), we also discussed what options the thyroid would entail. So next Saturday, I am having a blood test, TSH, KFT, ALFT, CBG and a PSA for good measure. Then, pending the results, a plan of action will be drawn up...

So, go in with problem A, and come out with problem B!

Hoo roo for now...

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08 January, 2013

Its getting HOT in here today...

Its widely reported in the media here in Australia, Sydney and NSW moreso, that we are getting a heatwave today. With a forecast top of 43C (110F), a lot of provisions have come into play! The National Parks & Wildlife Services (NPWS) have closed ALL of the National Parks, for safety of its visitors and staff/RFS that may have to evacuate and/or fight fires. I think this is an excellent move by NPWS, and I hope that its an 'over-reaction' in the end!

Heat wave 8 January 3013
CLOSED National Parks

This morning, the temperatures were still quite mild, and the charts are suggesting that it will warm up from around 3pm, which is when it will be the hotest. Luckily, the air-conditioner will turn on during the day at home!

Heat wave 8 January 3013
5.30am temp
Heat wave 8 January 3013
Forecast
Heat wave 8 January 3013
Temps over 24 hours

In these charts, you can see where the heat is coming from; Central NSW and Australia. In the second chart, the Wind Vectors shows how the winds are blowing this hot air into Sydney, so on a day with HIGH temps, LOW humidity and stong gusty winds, its a perfect storm for bushfires, so PLEASE, stay safe, and don't go outside unless necessary! Even the RTA signs along the roads are suggesting IF you're out driving, to take water with you!!

Temps Forecast 8012013
Temp Model Forecast
Temps Forecast 8012013 with Wind Vectors
Temp Model Forecast with Wind Vectors

Hoo roo for now...

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02 January, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 69 - Happy New Year (Sydney Style)

Happy New Year celebrations - Sydney Style!!

NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
The LONG line...
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
FIRST people through the gates
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
Running for best position
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
PART of the estimated 4klm long line
NYE 2012 9pm Family Fireworks
Some of the 9pm 'Family Fireworks'

We then sat around, ate some dinner, had something to drink and enjoy that atmosphere, and a little before midnight, went to set up along the front fenceline to get the following shots...

NYE 2012 MidnightNYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight

Hoo roo for now...

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