AussiePomm

Photo a Day Challenge - Day 42 Inside your Closet

2012-02-12T20:44:00.002+11:00

I had the most EXCELLENT thing planned for this post, but alas, it didn't OR wouldn't have worked given what I came home to this afternoon after the F-I-L's birthday lunch! We had a storm come through, and whilst the back verandah was mud/silt covered, the front bay window leaked (quite badly) with all of the Murano Glass getting wet and two cushions - both were works L did using x-stich and tapestry! Additionally, the window above my bed allowed water in, although it was only a very small amount on the deep window sill.

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Today, we had a birthday BBQ for the F-I-L, he turned 70! It was a wonderful day, a roast pork in the Webber, sausages on the BBQ, and salads to boot as well. there was, in typical family style, many desserts to be had; a Pavlova that S made and a three tired sponge birthday cake!!

Pavlova

Cake

With THAT many blowing out the candles, I might pass on some cake thanks...

A had set up a cricket pitch in the front lawn (but I suspect, it wasn't measured, but shhhhh...) and the kids all enjoyed a fun time using the hose to cool down in the summer (finally) heat and humidity!

The Cricket Pitch

Summer fun with a hose

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 41 Makes you Happy

2012-02-11T21:06:00.002+11:00

So, whats something that makes me happy? Well, friends do, of course without saying, as with really enjoying photography blah blah blah... But, thinking about it, I think it might be seeing, and knowing, that the lawns are done, THATS what makes me happy! Boring, I know, but there isn't anything better than a freshly mown lawn!

Aussie Backyard Spa-house

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I spent a lot of the day in the study/office, doing my tax. I would've done it sooner, but talk laziness and half the ANZ prohibited me actually doing it! ANZ had its part to play due to a technical glitch in THEIR systems which meant my statements were not available! But, they are now mostly done, I just have to get three statements from the bank, and my Group Certificate from work! And its looking like a good return as well!!

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Tomorrow is the birthday of the F-I-L, and I have a great present. BUT, tomorrow it is the farewell of JP as he's heading back to PRG to live and work. He will be missed by many here in SYD, but I hope I will be catching up in June/July when next I am in Europe! Farewell my friend, and Bon Voyage!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 40 Self Portrait

2012-02-10T21:04:00.005+11:00

I was thinking this one out almost all day... I ended up looking through, and I found a pic I could edit in Picik (which is about to close its relationship with Flickr). They have now, for the rest of the period, opened up all 'Premium' bits to all users, so I thought I'd play around!!

Bernie Floating Temple

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I had a good day at work today, and a good visit with the specialist. I had an interesting call on the way home, which I will see how it pans out next week and into the short-term. BUT, when I got home, I was horrified to see that the house two doors down has been purchased... Oh well, I hope the new residents have 'grown up' now they own a house!!

Hoo roo for now...

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photo a Day Challenge - Day 39 Front Door

2012-02-09T19:34:00.002+11:00

It is widely known, within the family, that when L won two stain glassed doors at an auction, I desperately wanted to use one of them as the front door. They were lovely OLD doors, and I just couldn't win the fight, so I sanded them back, repaired, painted and hung the doors on the bathroom and the laundry. Don't you think they're nice??

Laundry Door

BUT, as this is a 'Front Door' post, here is the front door, in a new colour scheme of which I must finish doing the remaining parts of the house... At LEAST I won the battle of what colour it was going to be painted, as L wanted something brash and bold (PINK or RED) but i was NOT going to do it, so it remained dark green until last year. Maybe its a bit boring, but I like it!!

Front Door NEW old COLOURS

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 38 Sun

2012-02-08T23:29:00.000+11:00

Sydney is going through a 'grey' month (summer), and there wasn't that much 'sun' to actually shoot. Not even a bit of blue was available, so I searched through the albums, using 'sun' as a search, and it returned the Sun Dial from the Hunter Region Botanic Garden!

Sun Time HRBG

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 37 Button

2012-02-07T19:36:00.004+11:00

buttons and buckle

'L' use to LOVE collecting buttons, primarily antique or unusual ones as can be seen in the pic above. They are all in the study room still, perhaps I could put them on eBay or something, who knows... For now though, they can stay!

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Today at work, was difficult... We are installing some equipment on our fuel systems (underground tanks and pumps on-site) that has the ability to run reports to user groups, types of fuel and even, CO2 emissions if needs be! The later will be important in many ways, but I like the idea of a single system that can report against many things... BUT, and I say this with a headache after a long day, it will only work IF the server talks to the computer when the computer can talk to the tank recoder that can talk to the server... It has taken a while to get it all going, and it will go live (hopefully) on Thursday, so fingers crossed, everyone will talk to everyone!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 36 Dinner (4/2/12)

2012-02-06T20:59:00.002+11:00

Ok, in keeping with yesterdays post of out-of-sequence photos, this was a pic of (what) dinner looked like at KW's b'day dinner at La Mono. Yes, it may resemble a lunch I had recently with L's uncle, but in essence, it was the same that we had on Saturday night!!

Dinner

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Today at work, we had an announcement (of sorts) about the direction of the organisation. It was, somewhat, exciting, daunting yet oh so very strange all at the same time... I think, in the long term, it may be good, but at the moment, I am a little shocked at what was said in some ways... But, I digress...

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Was there a game on today that I missed, who won?

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 35 10am (6/2/12)

2012-02-05T23:46:00.001+11:00

Ok, this post, and tomorrows are back to front in the way the photos were taken, apologies for this, but I had a rather busy weekend... So, looking into the future, tomorrow at work at 10am, I suspect I would have finished my coffee, and would be wanting another...

10am

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Today though, was a great day where I caught up (again) with some of the girls in the morning at Lake Parramatta. Everyone was there, and we enjoyed a hearty brunch of bacon & eggs, sausage, tomato and a hash brown. I also chose the orange (over apple) juice and a coffee (over tea) to finish it off.

In the afternoon, we had a farewell spotting afternoon out at the airport. It was a great afternoon, lots to talk about and new people to meet! The 'Eastern Suburbs Princess' came along to see Bronty, EB, DB's wife, was there as well with Stanley the Pugg, and both enjoyed a swim...

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 35 Stranger

2012-02-04T23:55:00.000+11:00

This pic is of a friends puppy... He's only had her a couple of weeks, and she is only 3 months old. But her temperament is as though she's been mis-treated by the previous owner, poor girl... She really is a sweetie, and after some bribery and corruption from treats, she started to become friendly. BUT, when I took Miss Bronty over, she became REALLY friendly indeed! They played, ran, Bronty was slobbery like no tomorrow, and everyone wore some of it!!!

Sophie

So, whilst not really a stranger, to HER, I was the stranger...

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 34 Hands

2012-02-03T21:35:00.006+11:00

I had an idea today as to what to do for 'hands', my hands, not that photogenic, I thought of having a 'hand' using a deck of cards, couldn't find a deck of cards, so I had to think for a bit... I was lost, so I rummaged through my flickr account for something. You know what, there wasn't much to pick from!

Now, Geoff Field (2dayFM news reader) is a friend of mine, and in March 2009, he did a promotion for a charity event, and Jeff Fenech (3 x World Champion, Australian Boxer) was there as well. I can't for the life of me remember now, but there was a few people there!! I also love it how Geoff (news reader) is wearing a pair of very fancy sunnies!!! Luckily for both Geoff's, he has padded boxing gloves to protect his 'hands'!!

The 2 G(J)eoffs

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In other news, today is KW's b'day, so I wish him a very happy birthday - I hope you've had a great day mate!!

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Its also STILL raining here in Sydney - I'm now officially over it! But, its forecast to be this way for some time to come :( so we had better get use to it I suppose!

Jasmine is curled up in a ball next to me on the lounge, whilst Bronty is snoring away in her bed... Its dark, no lights on in the lounge room and the cricket (20/20) is on the TV. For what its worth, Australia looks as though it will go down in this match against India :(

I'm also considering, and entertaining the thought, of a new car... Not that there is anything wrong with the Suzuki, I just thing that before it depreciates to much, I might update! I had a twin of it parked in-front of me today at work!

Suzuki Twins

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 33 Words

2012-02-02T18:31:00.007+11:00

Today I finished a game of 'Words with Friends' with Lynne, whilst I might add from her hospital bed with a 'dickie heart'!!! It apparently races away, for no good (or bad) reason, and it was her 3 ambulance ride in just 5 days!! That'll teach her to play WWF with me!!! hahahah

WWF Lynne W

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I got home yesterday, to a notice about going through a toll without my tag. When in fact, it was on my arm as I was on my bike! Today though, I got ANOTHER notice for a different toll saying I hadn't paid... Its a simple matter, put my tag number on the paperwork and send back, but OMG what a hassle I have to go through to do it!!!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 32 Your View Today

2012-02-01T18:56:00.002+11:00

Ok, its a new month, which means, a new list...

Feb Photo a Day

BUT today, I forgot to get a photo of my view from my office. BUT, also in my defence, it was raining for almost ALL of the day :) So, as soon as I got home I grabbed a pic of a section of the garden that has a lot of the same plants that are in the garden outside my office window... So, will that do?

Garden View

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 31 You Again

2012-01-31T17:57:00.002+11:00

The problem is, when YOU have the camera, how do you get a photo of you... AGAIN! Simple, you get someone else to get a shot of you, so here we have several from 2010...

Australia (Sydney)

Departing Sydney

International Air Space (EK419 B77W)

EK419 BKK-DXB

United Kingdom (Liverpool)

BPS Dinner Liverpool

France (Angers)

Angers Turf Conference Dinner

Italy (Florence)

Me atop Duomo

Vatican City (St Peters)

St Peters Square

Egypt (Cairo)

Egypt Pyramids

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Dubai Dunes Safari

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 30 Nature

2012-01-30T17:42:00.002+11:00

Hmmm... What is 'nature'? Is it Flora or is it Fauna?? Lets have a go at both!

Date - May 22 2010, Newnes. I thought I would go up to the Glow-worm tunnel... It is an easy drive out there, taking the turn-off from the Bells Line of Roads at Clarence Station (of the Zig Zag Railway. I use to camp and 4wd up here a lot, so it really was my 'old stomping ground'... That is, was! I was heading out to the 'Ruined Castle' when a small puddle presented itself. I had driven through a couple on this day, and this one looked no different. I drove, slowly, to the side when I slipped into the hole... And then I was stuck. Resting on my chassis rails I was spinning on all fours! Oh well, I got out in the end...

Newnes Tunnel Entrance

Dirty GV

Newnes Carpark

Wet Muddy GV

Date - April 15 2011 London. I was in London, after being in Ghent Brussels for a Turf Meeting. I had also met up with a mate, KW! I seem to be meeting up with a lot of fellow Aussie mates whilst overseas lately, but I digress... We were out and about and spotted these lovebirds having some 'fun' whilst walking towards the Tower Bridge...

Lady Beetle Blue

Lady Beetles01

Anyways, thats 'Nature' for you, both Flora AND Fauna!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 29 Inside your Fridge

2012-01-29T20:52:00.002+11:00

Well, its not all that exciting inside my fridge, and rather than having a separate 'beer fridge', not that I am a big beer drinker, it has some beers, mixer drinks (Coke to add to my Bourbon), left over salad from dinner tonight, and some cheeses... Eggs as well for my protein meals, and 2 x 3l of milk which will be lucky to last 3 days at best!

Inside your fridge

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In other news, today I got to meet some of the other girls from our DIG. J, who is home from Japan for a few months, as well as some other Sydney based mums and families, all met up for a brief get-together. I say it was brief as the ranger chucked us all out at 5pm! Its daylight savings for goodness sakes, whats with the rush to evict?

Even though I had my camera bag with me, I didn't take a single shot as I was in shock we were being 'booted' out, so apologies for no photos...

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 28 Light

2012-01-28T22:02:00.000+11:00

Last year, I went to Ghent in Brussels for a conference on Turf Management, hosted by the European Turf Society, of which I am a member. We visited the home of football in Ghent, K.A.A Ghent, where due to a lot of circumstances (namely old grandstand design) had issues with shading. To overcome this problem, many stadiums worldwide, using light booms to asset and promote turf growth. Here, the lighting booms were on and in full action, shedding lots of light onto the pitch...

K.A.A. Ghent (Light Booms)

I had a great time in Ghent, its a lovely city, and the Belgians are lovely people. A place I will definitely love to go back to!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 27 Lunch

2012-01-27T21:18:00.002+11:00

I forgot all about getting a photo of lunch today (bad me) as I wassomewhat busy looking at some sandston for a garden bed I am thinking of dong in-front of the spa house. But during the lookng, a watchin the people shift them, a littlespider came ono my arm/hand, and as thi really was at 'lunch' time, I HAD GRABBED A SHOT OF IT for a potential other post, but I will do it for this one instead...

Here is the original shot of it on my hand. I think it is called a jumping spider, and it has four eyes, which can be seen on the second photo...

Spider on arm

And, by the way, it was really tny and harmless!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 26 Colour

2012-01-26T20:10:00.002+11:00

Today is Australia Day, and is celebrated by all, generally with a BBQ. Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788 . There is also the Australian Day Awards, where extraordinary people are rewarded for what they have done, both to the community and to Australia as a whole.

It is also a day of throwing a 'snag' on the barbie, or lamb! Lately, Sam Kekovich releases a new video!

BUT, there is also another side to 'Australia Day', and that is to the indigenous - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, to which I would like to pay my respect to, both past and present.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Flags

So, its been a colourful day, both Sam's video and the colours of the flags above. I hope you have had a great Australia Day!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 25 Daily Routine

2012-01-25T22:49:00.004+11:00

Well, apart from the wake-up at 5.30 every morning, shower, breakfast (usually a coffee) I start the drive to work... I head towards the city along the M4, and at its end, I come to the intersection of Concord Rd...

Daily Routine Concord Rd

Then, after driving through Five Dock where some very good family friends use to live, I go along Canada Bay on Wattle St, which by way of coincidence, is also underneath YSSY 16 approach! It is nice, sitting in traffic, along the bay with often runners doing their thing as well.. There is even the odd knack at times, but sharks have been known to be in the area!

Daily Routine Wattle Rd

I eventually make it to a parking spot near my office, which although my office is in a very nice heritage building, there are also some newer/modern ('80's) buildings as well!

And finally, working out my organisations CO2 emissions is one of the projects I am doing. It is now very 'automated' in that when I get data, it goes into the various files (tabs) I have, and the formula works it all out from there... Soon though, we will have a lot easier capture of the data as we are installing meters and sub-meters on our infrastructure, and I can look and run reports from the desktop, thus a truly automated system... YAY!!

Daily Routine CO2 Emissions Tables

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 24 Guilty Pleasure

2012-01-24T23:34:00.000+11:00

What is my guilty pleasure, well there are many, but of late (and I hope its not just a 'limited edition' but I simply love Cadbury's Cherry Ripe® (Dark Cherry)!

Now, I was never a fan of the original Cherry Ripe, but the Dark Cherry one is simply to yummy!!!

Guilty Pleasure

Cherry Ripe® Dark Cherry Introducing new Cherry Ripe® Dark Cherry - A delicious new chocolate bar with Dark Cherries and Coconut all dipped in Old Gold® Rich Dark Chocolate.

Available in 52g and 80g, Cherry Ripe® Dark Cherry delivers a rich new taste specifically formulated for adult indulgence.

Hoo roo for now...

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photo a Day Challenge - Day 23 Something Old

2012-01-23T21:26:00.001+11:00

Ok, this is going to be a little series of photos, but it all is something old, just a story about its renewal!!

You see, we have an old house. It was built in 1927. We purchased it though in 2005, and quickly removed the Liquidamber out the front. They are on Council's list of 'undesirable' trees!

Front Tree

Here in the second shot, you will see how the Frangipani has grown, the brickwork has been repointed AND tuck pointed (L would love it...). It is a similar angle to the shot above, although sans Liquidamber!

Garage Bay Window

And this last shot, taken on Saturday when I pulled out ALL stops to get gardens done to go out on Sunday. Lawns mowed looks good, right??

Something Old

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 22 Your Shoes

2012-01-22T23:16:00.000+11:00

The other day, I went out shopping for a couple of new tee's... I went to Kmart and Target, but by the end of the 'quick trip', I came out with 2 x pairs of jeans; 2 x tee shirts and a new pair of shoes!!

Your shoes

Not bad for a quick shopping trip hey!

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Happy Birthday to the other 'B' as well, as I went to his party and had a great time. It was a small interment party, but it was fun all the same...

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 21 Reflection

2012-01-21T23:21:00.002+11:00

OK, I will be straight up, I cheated (badly) on this one! I had no time today to set-up a shot I had thought of doing, so, I've had to resort to cheating using a fancy little iPhone app called "Water Photo". Its simple to use in that you can either take a photo OR use a photo, and it will make it look like the subject is beside a water... Its pretty impressive, no?

Reflective Lyre

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In other news, tonight I celebrated the other B's b'day in 'The Shed'! It was a great night, catching up with some of his old school friends whom I've not seen in a while. Happy Birthday B!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 20 Someone you Love

2012-01-20T23:05:00.001+11:00

Just because you're not here anymore, doesn't mean I love you any less...

Louise Wedding Day

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 19 Sweet

2012-01-19T23:52:00.000+11:00

Running a little behind, apologies.. But for the 'sweet' photo, I could have done lollies, cakes, desserts etc, but I also wanted to do something a little different. So I looked back into my photo collection for a specific flower thats in the garden, in fact, there's two specimens! The Brugmansia spp (Wiki link, so don't take it as gospel...)! My old Director at work, has recently re-wrote the app, and I think it is published now, I must ask him next time I see him!

Out the back, there is a single apricot coloured bush, that stands around 3m tall and equally round. When its out in bloom, it has the sweetest scent coming off it, wafting down into the rear living area and kitchen, whilst in the front yard, there is a double white one, which is equally as strong scented. the beauty of these though, is that they are at their strongest at night, which is good when in the spa you can smell it, and in bed at night, its wonderful!

Brugmansia

HOWEVER, it does also have a danger about it, as it is toxic...

All parts of Brugmansia are poisonous, with the seeds and leaves being especially dangerous. Brugmansia are rich in Scopolomine (hyoscine), hyoscyamine, and several other tropane alkaloids. Effects of ingestion can include paralysis of smooth muscles, confusion, tachycardia, dry mouth, diarrhea, migrane headaches, visual and auditory hallucinations, mydriasis, rapid onset cycloplegia, and death.
The hallucinogenic effects of Brugmansia were described in the journal Pathology as "terrifying rather than pleasurable".^[25] The author Christina Pratt, in An Encyclopedia of Shamanism say that "Brugmansia induces a powerful trance with violent and unpleasant effects, sickening afteraffects, and at times temporary insanity". These hallucinations are often characterized by complete loss of awareness that one is hallucinating, disconnection from reality, and amnesia of the episode; such as one example reported in Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience of a young man who amputated his own penis and tongue after drinking only 1 cup of Brugmansia tea. The Swiss naturalist and explorer, Johann von Tschudi, described the effects of Brugmansia ingestion on one individual in Peru:
Soon after drinking the Tonga, the man fell into a dull brooding, he stared vacantly at the ground, his mouth was closed firmly, almost convulsively and his nostrils were flared. Cold sweat covered his forehead. He was deathly pale. The jugular veins on his throat were swollen as large as a finger and he was wheezing as his chest rose and sank slowly. His arms hung down stiffly by his body. Then his eyes misted over and filled with huge tears and his lips twitched convulsively for a brief moment. His carotids were visibly beating, his respiration increased and his extremities twitched and shuddered of their own accord. This condition would have lasted about a quarter of an hour, then all these actions increased in intensity. His eyes were now dry but had become bright red and rolled about wildly in their sockets and all his facial muscles were horribly distorted. A thick white foam leaked out between his half open lips. The pulses on his forehead and throat were beating too fast to be counted. His breathing was short, extraordinarily fast and did not seem to lift the chest, which was visibly fibrillating. A mass of sticky sweat covered his whole body which continued to be shaken by the most dreadful convulsions. His limbs were hideously contorted. He alternated between murmuring quietly and incomprehensibly and uttering loud, heart-rending shrieks, howling dully and moaning and groaning.
Some municipalities prohibit the purchase, sale, or cultivation of Brugmansia plants.
In 1994, 112 teenagers were admitted to hospitals from ingesting Brugmansia in Florida alone. The concentration of alkaloids in all parts of the plant differ markedly. They even vary with the seasons and the level of hydration, so it is nearly impossible to determine a safe level of alkaloid exposure.

So there you have it, sweet!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 18 Something you Bought

2012-01-18T23:52:00.001+11:00

I wanted to post something that I may have bought today... But I had no purchases today... I thought about what I had bought recently, fuel... Boring... I've posted the bike before, so didn't want to do that again... So I had a look through my flickr account for some inspiration. I also wanted to post something I had not posted before...

So here it is. I was in Madrid (2009), it was late evening and I was, you guessed it, hungry, so I had some dinner... And, when in Spain, what else could you order other than...

Madrid Paella

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 17 Water

2012-01-17T23:14:00.002+11:00

February 2009, I had the opportunity to visit Doha Qatar for a job interview. At the time, L was back at home doing the injections for the last session of IVF... I normally gave her the injections, and she was having particular difficulty self-injecting!

One of the highlights of the visit, was a visit to the Villaggio Shopping Mall, which was next-door to where I would've been working! It is a typical shopping mall, right? NO! It had some very high-end stores, and it also had a Venetian style canal inside

Villaggio Shopping Centre Canal II

NOT to mention, an Ice Rink (frozen Water)

Villaggio Ice Rink

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 16 Morning

2012-01-16T23:53:00.000+11:00

I want to share a photo that was a FIRST for me... Airport/Aircraft SNOW!!!

VQ-BHL (A320) Sitting in snow at SVO airport

This is how I arrived into Sheremetyevo from London Heathrow! It was roughly 6.30am, and the sun didn't rise until WELL into the morning either! It was quite pleasing to the eye seeing this, as well as very strange as we don't get to see this in Sydney, or Australia for that matter! Come to think of it, I'm not even sure if we have de-icing equipment here at all!!! I shall have to have a look see next time I'm in Melbourne in winter!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 15 Happiness

2012-01-15T23:55:00.000+11:00

I was pondering about this one, post a photo of me, happy, or of something I take pleasure from... OR, post a photo of someone who's obviously happy... But instead, I thought I would post a photo (or two) of some of the pets that are happy.

First up, we have poor old Macc... Here he is but a pup, but he looks happy!

Happy Macc

Next, is Bronty... She's always happy to see me when I get home from work, or if I've been out! It doesn't last long though, as when she comes in and onto her bed, she's happily sleeping!!

Bronty

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 14 Something you're Reading

2012-01-14T23:48:00.000+11:00

I'm currently reading "We need to talk about Kevin". It is difficult reading in that it is in the 'third person' and the author has styled it in a 'letters' format to the father of their son (who's in a prison for mass murder)!

We need to talk about Kevin

I got this in London recently, and was reading whilst waiting for flights and communicating back home via 'Whats App' and SMS/Facebook... The later, communication, was a welcomed distraction due to the difficult style this book is in. BUT, having said that, it is a very good read!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 13 In Your Bag

2012-01-13T23:41:00.000+11:00

Well, I don't have a bag, so i could post nothing! But, instead (looking through the archives) I will post Ngong Ping's ONLY Plastic Bag, as its a plastic bag FREE village!!

Ngong Ping Village ONLY Plastic Bags

Well done Ngong Ping!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 12 Close Up

2012-01-12T22:52:00.001+11:00

I thought I would post something a little different today, I mean I could have posted one of the many macro's I have, but when looking through my photos, pondering what to post, I knew I had something from a trip to the Tramway Museum at Loftus. Here is the track that runs into the Royal National Park, it use to have mainline trains running along it, but thats long gone... Kind of sad really to not have the RNP serviced by Cityrail...

Tram Rail and Leaves

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 11 Where you Sleep

2012-01-11T23:30:00.000+11:00

About 18 months ago, I decided to get a new bed, both mattress and bed frame itself... The bed we had was already several years old, and I thought it time (now being by myself) it was time to renew..

I found a really nice bed frame (bed-head & bed-end) on eBay, whilst I did a great deal on a new mattress. The only problem with it all is that its LUCKY I am tall as when I sit on the mattress, my feet are NOWHERE near the floor!!!

New Bed Mattress

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In other news, today was my first day back at work after 3.5 months off work. There was/is a bit to catch-up on, but there was also a few emails that simply got sent straight to the trash bin!! But I got a fair amount of it sorted!

Tomorrow, is another day... Its also a 20/20 day!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 10 Childhood

2012-01-10T23:49:00.000+11:00

I looked and looked for most of the morning for some photos I had from growing up - all to no avail... I searched my networked hard drive, my desktop PC, nothing. I looked out in the garage as I thought I had an album, but NO, nothing, so I think they must still be with mum! But, I had a thought I had one in FB, so when I looked, BINGO, I found one!

Childhood

By the looks of it, and given my arm is in a cast, I think I was c. 14. I think I had broken my arm (if memory serves me right, it was a 'green stick' fracture up the fibular) out on a camp I was on. I wished I had a better haircut though on this day, but I do honestly think it was wind blown though!!! Oh the memories...

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 9 Daily Routine

2012-01-09T23:55:00.001+11:00

I really pondered over this one, as there really in no set routine! I mean there ARE some things which I won't mention for obvious reasons, but it really is more of a 'see how it goes' sort of thing! The only other thing I can think of is feeding the pets morning and night - a cup of kibble for Bronty whilst Jasmine gets a scoop of dry morning/night and a pouch of wet food night time only! Hardly photo worthy I think!

Paste on Brush

So there you have it, about one of the only things that IS part of a fixed, daily routine, brushing my teeth!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 8 Your Sky

2012-01-08T22:46:00.000+11:00

This is a belated post, of which day entries will be corrected, but I inadvertently forgot this day - Your Sky. Having said that, and to confuse you a little, here is what the sky will look like in the future on Wednesday 11th Jan whilst at the 20/20 Big Bash, where I will predict Sydney Thunder will get thrashed by the Perth Schorchers!

>br>Cricket Sky

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 7 Favourite

2012-01-07T23:38:00.002+11:00

Favourite, whats my favourite?? Well thats a 'how longs a piece of string' kind of question, but there is a lot of things I call 'favourite'! But, one of my MOST favourite things would be a nice, mown yard!

Backyard

This may seem a bit weird, obscene, maybe just freaky, but after lawns have been mowed is a sense of completion and you can sit back and enjoy... Its even better if there a shower of rain just after as well, but alas it was not to be with brilliant sunshine for the remainder of the day!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 6 Makes You Smile

2012-01-06T22:05:00.002+11:00

There's many a thing that makes me smile, some more than others, but I was perplexed today thinking about this one... Was it something today that made me smile? Something from a memory?

Today though, yes I did have a smile, several times actually, but I digress! Today was at Inner City Golf, where BF was using a voucher he got for Christmas. He had a lesson with the Pro, whilst M and I waited so as we could 'play' our round! We got to pick 'where' we'd play, and I suggested it HAD to be the home of golf - St Andrews! We had 2 hours to do our thing, and whilst it was good, very good, it really wasn't the same as the real thing. It was difficult to gauge the greens in particular when it was time to putt! But, we had a good time, so that bought a smile.

I headed home to rest up a bit, and the cricket was on, day 4 from the SCG here in Sydney. Earlier in the day, Sachin Tundulkar was trying for his 100th 100 in the SCG's 100th Year of Cricket... He was bowled by Australian Captain Michael Clarke and caught in the slip cordon by Michael Hussey for 80 runs, and yes, that also made me smile.

But in looking through my pictures, since it is a 'Photo a Day' thing, I was drawn to back in the archives so to speak, to Bali in 2007. I've posted this photo a couple of time before, but the smile on this old ladies weathered face, is infectious, in that it made me smile, both on the day, and yes, today as well... So this is my 'Makes You Smile' day! Happy Smiling!!

Monkey Forest Lady

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 5 Something you Wore

2012-01-05T23:52:00.001+11:00

Here we are at day 5 - something your wore... I thought about this today, should I take a photo of what I wore today? Nup, it was sticky hot/humid and didn't feel like it (not that it was photo worthy either mind you...). I could've simply posted a photo of the 'Mambo Loud Shirts' I have, but thats been done before so I didn't think it would really be right to re-post... So, I'd like to share a photo I have from my recent trip instead!!

Anfield, LFC

Here I am sitting in the corner of 'The Kop' at Anfield, home of the Liverpool Football Club. As you can see, I have my leather jacket on, as with a tee-shirt, sleeveless jacket a scarf as well! The only thing you can't see is the beanie I wore as well as the gloves!!! It was cold!!

Heres a bit of the history of 'The Kop', and more importantly, Anfield Ground.

In 1985 the Heysel tragedy claimed 39 Juventus fans' lives and a change was brought about to football. Anfield changed two years later with a more 'at-home' ground made. The Kemlyn Road stand was given a fresh look with coloured seats and a police-room was built. In 1989 after the Hillsborough disaster the Taylor Report stated the all grounds in the country would be all-seater. This recommendation in itself led to the demolishing of the most famous stand in the game - the Kop.
The last set of major changes that have taken place have all occurred in the nineties. The Kemlyn road stand was finally demolished and re-built as a huge double decker cantilever stand. The plans to build the stand had been made much earlier but two old ladies living in Kemlyn Road refused to move out of their house and the plans were put on hold. When one of the old ladies died the other finally moved out and the plans were put into action. The stand was officially opened on 1st September 1992 by Lennart Johansson and named the Centenary stand. The stand includes executive boxes and function suites as well as some 11,000 seats.
The Kop was rebuilt in 1994 after the Taylor report and became all seated. It was the end of an era for Anfield although in the circumstances a move that had to be made. Today the Kop holds just over 13,000 seated fans and can on occasions produce a similar noise to that of years ago. It may never be the same again but the legend lives on.

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 4 Letterbox

2012-01-04T23:37:00.000+11:00

Today's theme, is a letterbox, but alas, mine is a boring kinda letterbox though! And, I had this grand plan today of getting a few different types, from the pic below, 'rustic', to modern (and this may also include 'bad taste' to cheap and then practical being the Post Office Box... But the day got away from me, and I had to catch up with a mate up from Melbourne, so this is all I got...

406 A

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 3 Something you adore

2012-01-03T23:38:00.000+11:00

Ok, so for today its suppose to be something you adore... But in life, there's often things you adore that you don't see... Things you adore, that you can no longer touch... Things you adore you once use to smell... But for me, all of these are true in some way or another...

So for now, whilst I can't seem to think of anything in particular, I will have to put a member of my current 'family'... Bronty!

Bronty

She's really come to be a very special member of my family! Theres no denying her cuteness, her personality in the way she 'speaks' when being directed to her bed, and yet she's so cute lying in her bed, on her back with all four legs in the air... Isn't she just 'adorable'!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Day 2 BREAKFAST

2012-01-02T10:00:00.005+11:00

Ok, it may not look good, but its an omelette... Honest it is!! With ham, tomato and cheese...

Omelette fail (still tasted good)

Yesterday, I spent most of it with my left foot up resting. By the end of the day though, 2 x Panadine Forte, I was somewhat 'zombish' and ended up in bed rather early... Today though, although my foot is still somewhat sore, it is a bit better - at least I can walk (a little) on it!! So, an omelette for breakfast, was quick and easy to do!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Photo a Day Challenge - Here we go!!

2012-01-01T09:49:00.000+11:00

Ok, this is a new meme a friend of mine is doing, looks alright, so I will give it a go as well... Here's the 'agenda' for January...

Photo a Day

So, for today, its a photo of me (with Ray Meagher (ok, ALF from Home & Away))!

Ray Meagher - Palace Theatre London

Hoo roo for now...

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Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T02:40:00.001+11:00

Although this year, I did not get out into the city to see the fireworks to welcome in 2012, I did manage to see some out at Penrith, at Panthers no less!! However, as it was a VERY last minute decision, i was camera less.... Oh well, never mind! But this is how Sydney showed off, just HOW to bring in the New Year!!

NYE 2012 Sydney - Photographer Unknown

Hoo roo for now...

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11 Years Ago today...

2011-12-17T00:01:00.001+11:00

Today, would be our 11th Wedding Anniversary...

Wedding Ceremony

Hoo roo for now...

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Happy Birthday Lou

2011-12-11T00:01:00.002+11:00

Happy Birthday Lou...

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Nothing more to say really...

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End of an Era - Kandos Line Closure

2011-12-03T23:38:00.003+11:00

4486/4473 to Kandos

Today I had to be at Central Station early, for the 3801 Ltd Special train trip to Kandos for the End of an Era - Kandos Line Closure! Today though, it would not be 3801 doing the duties, but a pair of Alco's 44 class locos - 4486 & 4437.

The route for the day to the Central West, would have stops at Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith before heading up the Blue Mountains for Katoomba and Lithgow.

Once we got to Charbon Colliery Junction, one loco was taken off and we became a push/pull due to insufficient space at Kandos Station. The line many years ago went to Mudgee and beyond, but Kandos will now suffer the plight with the cement mine's closure and no more services will run. Its a shame really...

Diesel Haulage up the Mountains

Inside the carriage

Forward View

Zig Zag Railway

When we arrived, I think most, if not ALL of the town was there to great us. 3801 Ltd was doing a 'gold coin' donation for a shuttle down to Clandulla and back whilst we from the big smoke went and had lunch in one of four locations in town! We headed to the RSL Clud for a 'Roast of the day' (which was Pork) which was yumm!!

Kandos Main Street

Kandos - End of the line...

Car 4 Guard - Penny for your thoughts...

The return saw us a little late, which meant WE had to wait for the XPT from Dubbo (bound for Sydney) to pass before us at Wallerawang!

We arrived back into Sydney (late) at 9.35pm and Central Station was decorated for Christmas!

Central Station Christmas Decorations

Hoo roo for now...

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Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

2011-11-30T23:44:00.005+11:00

Tonight, I went to dinner with some friends form up in the Mountains, (we were suppose to be on a heritage train trip this Saturday - but illness has stopped S) at a Brazilian restaurant in Norton St Leichhardt. The restaurant is called Rodizio.

The atmosphere is very nice, and the decor is really comfy... And THEN there is the food! S had found a deal on 'Spreets', and it was for the 'all you can eat BBQ (Churrasco). Basically, lumps of meat are cooked on a giant skewer and goes from table to table. You hold the slice with your tongs on the table, whilst the staff carve it in front of you... Anyway, I got some pics with my iPhone, and I will let them do the talking, its only a pity they can do the smelling!

Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Garlic Bread - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

SKOL Brazilian Beer - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Prawns - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Salads - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Chicken and Chorizo Sausage - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Succulent Lamb - Rodizio Brazilian in Leichhardt

Hoo roo for now...

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2011 - NSW LGSA Excellence in Environment Awards

2011-11-29T22:56:00.005+11:00

Today, was a day of mixed emotions... It was the 2011, NSW Local Government & Shires Associations Excellence in Environment Awards...

I sit on an award category for L's Memory for individual achievements... The nominee's for this year's award were all very worthy of the award. However, when I read through them all, there was for me, a clear winner and truly represented L. And, this year, the winner did not know she was even nominated let alone the winner!!! When her named was called out, there was a small scream of absolute astonishment of winning!! By the time she came to the podium for the award to be presented by myself and the Minister for the Environment, she actually had tears... It was a wonderful thing to be part of.

Awards 2011

After the awards presentation, we were invited to lunch, which had a selection of two hot mains, a Lamb dumpling casserole, and a chicken & choritzo pilaf thing which was AMAZING! To the sides, cuss cuss, salads, potato salad and so on. There was also a cheese and fruit platter. The view for lunch over looked the wonderful sights of Circular Quay, Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

By the end of the day, and it was a hot day, (and after copious amounts of water), I got the opportunity to watch the Adel concert from the Royal Albert Hall (I purposely didn't put a certain word in-between Albert and Hall as she had worded it!). it was a wonderful concert, and I actually think she is pretty true vocally in live, as she is on the recorded media. She is a wonderful performer, both in her singing and in her talking to her audience.

Keeping myself busy, and tomorrow is a busy day ahead looking at a set of French Doors a friend may be purchasing for access to his newly built decking. But, that's for another day!

Hoo roo for now...

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Puppy Pre-Skool Graduation

2011-11-28T21:33:00.003+11:00

Bronty has been doing puppy pre-school for the last four weeks, tonight was her graduation. For the most part, she's actually been pretty good. However, tonight, she was a right little cow!

Granted, as it was fancy dress (not thinking that did me any favours) and she was wearing a new collar (doubles as a check chain), so there was a lot of strange already... LET alone, her 'fancy dress'!!!

Now I thought I was being 'original' in a Christmas theme... Seems as though three of the other four pups were also in Christmas attire!!!

First we have Atilla, (Chihuahua x Pomeranian) dressed as an Elf

Atilla (Chihuahua x Pomeranian)

Sooky (Cavalier x Poodle)

Sooky (Cavalier x Poodle)

Rhino - (Staffy)

Rhino (Staffy)

And finally, Miss Bronty (Great Dane)

Bronty (Great Dane)

I think the bell cat collars I used ended up annoying her, which made her non-compliant when it came to her obedience!

Hoo roo for now...

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Painful Knee.... AND, an update...

2011-11-24T10:24:00.005+11:00

Overnight, when visiting the bathroom, I got out of bed and as soon as I put weight on my right knee, I just about hit the roof in pain... I don't know what I've done to it, but my goodness its sore... Its still sore some 8 hours later! I've taken some pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications, but its only just touching it, so I think I might have to go visit the GP!

In other news, its also ~~wet~~ very wet here at the moment... Its also colder then it normally is! Oh well, at least the rain is watering everything... right?

I am looking forward to going on a Heritage Train trip on Saturday week. It is on the Kandos line, a line that is about to close, and it will be hauled by an old '44' class loco. There will be pics from the day that evening!

Bronty is growing, she's now well into the 20kg mark. She is great at Puppy Pre-Skool as well! She is a bit of a character, in that she has learnt how to avoid going outside at night! When she can be trusted to not pee in the house (she's almost there) then she can stay in, but for now, she go's outside for a couple of hours! I do take her out, walk up the back and when she 'ewe's' I commend her for whizzing, but sometimes she has little accidents near the back door (open) from time to time...

Bronty

Hoo roo for now...

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Eye Bank Presentation

2011-11-19T18:54:00.003+11:00

Below, is the presentation I made today at the 'Gift of Sight' Memorial Service for the Eye Bank, after donating L's eyes after she died...

L C P - BA, Grad. Dip. Ed (Geog), M Environmental Management & M.B.A. (Env Mgt)
(11-12-1969 – 15-04-2009)
L C P was the eldest daughter to M & J. She was the eldest sister to C & P, A and S and O and Iand aunty to their children. L was to become a pseudo mother to Macc the Greyhound and Jasmine, our feral cat at home. She was also my wife and confidant…
L came into my life in 1996, where we met through a friend, and soon became not only good friends, we became soul mates. She was a kind-hearted person and had all the time in the world for her family and friends.
L was educated, passionate towards the environment and sustainability. She studied at the University of NSW in a Master of Environmental Management and later at the University of Southern Queensland completing her MBA with a major in the Environment. She was also passionate towards Local Sustainability in her role as Manager Sustainability at P Council. She had, on behalf of Council, been recognised locally, within Australia and Internationally for her work, and had won the NSW Local Government & Shires Association - Excellence in Environment Awards in 2003, which saw her attend the Aalborg +10 Sustainability Conference in Denmark. The NSW LGSA have since established the award for Individual Excellence in Sustainability Award! Council has also established an annual staff scholarship award for further education in sustainability.
By default in my own studies, I soon entered the field of sustainability, and we would often trade phone calls and emails about various subjects through the day for work.
It is often said in the area of sustainability, to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”, and this became very aware to me on that fateful night of 15 April 2009…
But first, I would like to take you on a journey, our journey, that ultimately resulted in us all being here together today… We’ve all lost someone we loved, and we’ve all either donated tissue to another person in order for them to regain sight, to improve sight or to reduce pain, OR you have received that tissue, and are here today able to see thanks to that donation.
In 2004, we started IVF treatment in order to become parents. I am already a father from a previous marriage, but L failed to fall pregnant. She started hormone treatments, FSH (Follicle Stimulation Hormone) and finally two rounds of egg collection, the first resulting in 16 and the second with 14 follicles or eggs.
She suffered the trauma of recurrent miscarriages, but true to her nature, she set adversity aside and we commenced the next treatment cycle. Naturally, yes she was devastated, and she tried hard to hide this, especially at work.
It was our last treatment cycle where L desired more than anything else, to become pregnant. She naturally wanted a ‘pigeon pair’ and we discussed the options available – either a single or a double fresh transfer. There is anecdotal evidence that fresh transfers are more successful over frozen transfers, so we decided to proceed with a double.
A few weeks later, she commented that she felt pregnant, nausea had returned stronger than ever, lethargy and so on, and in the wee hours of March 10th, my birthday and three days before a routine blood test, a double line appeared on the dipstick.
However, March 31st, she suffered a small bleed and the fear of a miscarriage again returned. I booked us in for the ultrasound scan the following day, April 1st. It was in this ultrasound, that our lives turned momentarily upside-down… As soon as the probe was inserted, I immediately noticed not one, but two heartbeats in two embryonic sacs. L had succeeded in being pregnant with the twins she wanted! At this stage, we had thought everything was against us, confirmation blood test Friday 13th and twins confirmed on Aprils fools: - what else could go wrong we thought!
Easter was celebrated with family, and at the Easter Show, being RAS members availed us to see a little section every day, as opposed trying to see it all in a single day. The nausea had escalated, as did the lethargy, but she remained strong. However, I did want her to ‘slow down’ as she was also complaining of shortness of breath… I remarked, almost ordered in fact, that the following day she take some rest, and I will take her to the GP for some time off work.
The following morning, I went and made L some vegemite on toast and a cup of tea and returned to bed whilst she, tried, to have some breakfast. Shortly after, she went to the bathroom, and whilst returning, she called saying that she felt faint… When I got to her, I was able to grab her arm and assist her as she collapsed in the hall… this was the last I recall of her voice as she, with the benefit of hindsight, struggled for breath…
Fast forward to later that evening, some 12 hours or so later, I was still very much in a state of shock, when I received a phone call. It was the Eye Bank requesting the donation of her eyes. Whilst this wasn’t really discussed between us, we were both far to young to die at this stage; I subconsciously knew what I had to do. I couldn’t make this call on my own, as I felt L was only ‘on loan’ to me, as she was Michael and Julies daughter. I called them to seek their thoughts, and if my memory is correct of that evening, I think I may have then called Lou’s siblings. We came to the conclusion that we will donate her eyes, as it is something that was fundamental to L’s being in her work of Sustainability. That is…To Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
TO REDUCING someone else’s pain of blurred vision or blindness…
TO REUSE L’s eyes to restore someone’s vision…
TO RECYCLE tissue to assist in another person ability to return to seeing and working and doing things they enjoy in life, I thought L would be happy.
Some weeks later I received a letter from the Eye Bank that in fact, two people, one 70 and the other 77, had received the donation of her eyes, and that they are now able to return to a life of vision thanks to our donation.
It was later, as a result of an autopsy, that I found out that L had died from a DVT that made its way to her lungs, a Pulmonary Thromboembolism, and whilst I would’ve liked to have donated more of her organs, it was not possible given the suddenness of her death.
The donation of organs, be it eyes or other internal organs, is a decision that must be made between families and then respected by those who have to make that decision when it is often the hardest time to make such a decision. The coordinators at the Lions Eye Bank are not only warm and compassionate group of individuals, but they are also some of the finest medical professionals within the industry. They not only know how to handle the delicate balance of one families grief, but also one families gratitude of finally being able to receive treatment. I would like to thank them for the professionalism and compassion they demonstrated on the day L died, but also last year for my first Memorial Service I attended and for inviting me to tell you my story.
Finally, I would like to also thank my wonderful friends whom have supported me this past year. To M and J, and to all of L’s family for their ongoing love and support, for without that, I would not be the person I am today. I love you all…
Thank you…

Afterwards, I had some of the ladies there approach me and we had a chat. One of them, was actually a recipient, and commented on how hard it must have been to prepare 'my story'... It was hard, but additionally, it was also comforting and a sense of 'closure' as well. We enjoyed a cuppa and some cakes, there was also scones with jam and cream. As it was a VERY hot day, I also had a cool OJ, and a plate of fruit before leaving...

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 55 - Special Visitors...

2011-11-16T16:50:00.003+11:00

A day, when TWO special visitors came to town...

One OLD...

John Travolta's B707

The other, very NEW...

BOE001 Boeing 787 YSSY

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 54 - Sculptures By The Sea

2011-11-09T00:01:00.001+11:00

JUST a couple of words.... This series of pics is from the art installation along the Bondi - Bronte coastal walk, "Sculptures By The Sea"...

Sculptures By The Sea

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 53 - Mambo Loud Shirts

2011-11-02T12:34:00.005+11:00

Mambo Shirts Mosaic

1. Mambo Loud Shirt, 2. Mambo Loud Shirt, 3. Mambo Loud Shirt, 4. Mambo Loud Shirt, 5. Mambo Loud Shirt, 6. Mambo Loud Shirt, 7. Mambo Loud Shirt, 8. Mambo Loud Shirt, 9. Mambo Loud Shirt, 10. Mambo Loud Shirt

Hoo roo for now...

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52 - Avalon

2011-10-07T15:01:00.005+11:00

Ok... It has been done before, and people have even done a book about it, so I thought I might give it a go as well... There may be times when its a little 'quirky' but it will be (basically) a different location from within Sydney (mostly) every week... I will try and get these up of a Friday, but it could be anytime over the weekend really!

So, today marking week 1, where do we start... With 'A' of course and that's an A for...

AVALON

Avalon is a northern beachside suburb of Sydney, in the state of NSW, Australia. Avalon is located 35 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD, in the Pittwater Council LGA and is otherwise know as the Northern Beaches region.

History

Avalon was named after the mythical Avalon, a legendary island in Celtic languages mythology. According to legends, Avalon was an earthly paradise and the final resting place of King Arthur apparently!

European Settlement

The first land grant in the area was 60 acres (240,000 m2) to John Farrell in 1827. A 400-acre (1.6 km2) land grant was made to Father John Joseph Therry in 1833, who fought hard for the recognition of the Catholic Church in the colony. He built a church in this area but his plans for a settlement never eventuated. In the 1920s, the area was still known as 'Priest's Flat'. Arthur J Small handled a subdivision in 1921 and chose the name Avalon.

Commercialism

Avalon features RSL, bowling and sailing clubs; a supermarket, shops, cafes and a cinema. Sport & Recreation.

Avalon Beach is a surfing beach and has a 25 metre salt water rock pool at the south end. Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club members patrol Avalon Beach.[3] Several former surfing world champions are also past or current Avalon residents.

Avalon Soccer Club, established 1982, has over 80 teams and 1000 registered players. Avalon Junior Rugby League Club has contributed several players active in the Australian National Rugby League. Avalon also has a small nine hole golf course.

Culture

An episode of the American TV show Baywatch, was shot at Avalon Beach in the late 1990s. Producers of the show, seeking to relocate from their Californian base due to cost constraints, proposed a full relocation to Avalon. However, following complaints from residents (supported by former world surfing champion and local property owner Mark Warren), the series moved instead to Hawaii.

Quintessential Australian - Avalon

Lifeguard Board - Avalon

Rock Pools - Avalon

Rock Pool - Avalon

Wiped Out - Avalon

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No.52 - Spring has sprung

2011-10-05T09:58:00.011+11:00

Aphids on Rose

Strelitzia spp

Passiflora

Hoo roo for now...

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Moving...

2011-09-26T23:56:00.000+10:00

Ok, so over the weekend, I moved - or at least, I WAS moved! we had to vacate our office at work, due to mainly an office relocation as repairs were needed elsewhere. BUT, these changes are only a temporary thing alas...

A short time ago, when I went to China actually, my office was stripped bare, dampness was repaired and then it was re carpets and painted. I came back from China, and unpacked. In that very same week, it then became clear that again the packing boxes were needed as we were about to move, this time, up to the other side of the site! We will be here for at least 3 months!

So, Friday I spent the afternoon, packing, sorting repacking my boxes. I only had 3 of them, as well as my PC. Now a lot of my files are all electronic, in that I scan everything and then save as a PDF. And, yes, every single morning I get an email from the server saying that I need to make space as my allocation is nearing its capacity! I mean, fair go, I've been here for over 10 years now, and I have a lot of files already, and I think the allocation is a paltry amount, can't you give me some extra space? Anyway, I digress...

After unpacking, the carpenter was still working in the building, we settled down to work... We were still having the bathroom fixed with a new toilet, roll holder towel roll etc, and there was some noise about the place. BUT, now, it is dreadfully quiet in that we are the only two in the building, we've locked the door to the outside but it is a really nice place to be in! Closer to the city for starters, but a renovated sandstone Gatehouse - really nice! If the weather was nicer, I'd take a photo and post, but its returned to winter here, and its Grey and overcast!

Hoo roo for now...

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Reinvention...

2011-09-26T08:35:00.003+10:00

Every now and then, we have to have a good hard look at ourselves, and think, am I OK? Well, over the last week (and a bit), I HAVE done this, and I am taking steps to fix things... Re-invent myself if you like!

Aalborg Sunset 11-25pm.jpg

There are more subtle changes, if you like, but I have also made a monumental step forward as well - or at least I think anyway! This was hard to do, but even so, harder to maintain! But its done now, and there is no going back. I will however, make a small purchase for a 'replacement' for another spot, as I do feel kinda naked without it, but I am sure that this will pass!

I am also having a new outlook on things, and last night/this morning, I have made steps to rid myself of negativity and hurt. This was in the way of an SMS, and I feel good about my decision!

So, where to from here...? Onwards and upwards is all I can do or say! I have made mistakes in the past, and whilst I can't turn back time (sing darl, just like Cher) I acknowledge that I've made them... BUT, I certainly have a new direction in where I want to go and what I want to achieve!

NOW, its all about re-connecting, I have a lot of blogs to catch up on (these will be done over this next week as I am just about finished setting up my RSS feeds again on new laptop), people to see and old acquaintances to find. It's going to be a great journey!

Hoo roo for now...

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Interesting stuff!

2011-09-22T12:23:00.005+10:00

Last night, I had an interesting phone call where I've been asked to do a presentation about organ donation. Basically, it will be 'My Story' and the circumstances behind making the decision when I did. BUT, I am grateful in the knowledge that 2 people have benefited from the decision I/we made!

However, I went for a bit of a walk earlier today, and there was simply some magnificent colour about early this year!

Spring Walk 2011

Here are some closer looks at some of the specimens, the colours are simply stunning, and will come along as well over the Spring.

Spring Walk 2011

White Tulip

Spring Walk 2011

Along some of the pathways within the Gardens, there are a lot of Clivia spp lining them, and they look truly wonderful - both the orange AND the yellow...

Clivia Pathways

Clivia Yellow

Even looking to the skies, the good old Grey Headed Flying Fox's are about...

GHFF

Hoo roo for now...

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Just some videos...

2011-09-21T05:28:00.003+10:00

Video day today... First up is the 'Jedi Kittens Strike Back' series...

Then we have Declan from X-Factor, yeah a little cooky, but he did a great job on this song in the first of the live performances!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Award Judging 2011 and something technical!

2011-09-19T22:08:00.003+10:00

Today, apart from being on a flex day, I sat on the judging panel for L's Award. This year, the nominee's were all very good, and the panel were all fairly consistent so it made it a pleasant experience to 'make the call'!

I also, finally, managed to clear everything I put onto my WD networked hard-drive, so as I can reformat it so as my MacBook can see it. BUT, as soon as I plugged it into the Mac, there it was, folders sitting there and even a file I left there as a test... SO now, I need to move everything BACK onto the networked hard-drive and enjoy it all, all over again!! I will also be getting an 'Airport Express' which will extend my wireless network at home, it will also have my sound system connected to it so I can play music from any of my PC's to it, and I will also be able to stream movies as well to the TV! This is getting all way to technical at home now, as I can move shows from TiVo to a PC, watch movies from Internet anywhere in the house, stream music from any PC and even the music L stored on the x-box just before she died!!! I won't know what to do with it all once its all set up!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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End of an era - a Passionfruit era!

2011-09-18T21:52:00.001+10:00

Well, today, it was an end of a very passionate era, I removed my passionfuit vine! These were put in JUST after L died in 2009, so they had done their time only being good for a couple of years! They may have gone an extra season, but the Lemon Myrtle, Blood Orange, Lemonade tree AND the Kaffia Lime tree were all suffering, so it was time to go.

It had stretched over some 15-18m along the colourbond fence. The last neighbours next door, after a spat of an argument concerning their dog getting into my yard, threw the vine BACK over when it was full of fruit! Silly them!

Passionfruits

Anyways, my last bucket of fruit is going to be delivered to a old crafty blogging friend of L's, whom I've also become friends with since... I sent her a txt asking about her Vanilla Ice-Cream supply is like due to the vine removal, and, well lets say the reply seemed very keen to get some! So I am off to the Shire on Tues afternoon!

Last crop

Hoo roo for now...

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Vale Macc

2011-09-17T11:11:00.002+10:00

Friday, late, I said 'goodbye' to my lil mate Macc... He was 8.5

Happy Macc

A smiling Macc with Slow Joe

He was a great dog, pet and family member whom, was always there with a smile, a waggly tail and jumping high at the back door. He was gentle, with the kids, and to all his visitors as well...

We got him, originally, from the RSPCA. We were waiting for a dog from the Greyhound Adoption Program, but having a cat, it would be difficult. BUT, the President gave us a call wondering if we'd be interested in a puppy from the RSPCA. I went over (L was studying) and was greeted by Macc and his brother, and after walking past the cat enclosure and the rabbits, he was soon to come home with us...

Macc and co...

Over the years, he did get into some interesting situations...

Sleepy Macc

Macc-on-bed

Comfy would you like to try

He LOVED a trip in the car - even if it was to the cemetery to visit L

Macc looking for mum

Over the last couple of months, he became ill, and in July, I thought he was going then. He had an enzyme that started to attack his large muscle groups. However he pulled through and recovered. However, on Monday, he was back at the vet's after a return of symptoms over the weekend. He stumped his vet, but on medications, returned to health! That is until Friday when it became so bad, the vet referred him onto the ARH again.

Macc @ Animal Referral Hospital

In the end, he had a heart issue, enzymes were through the roof, protein was through the floor, he had a cancer somewhere and a growth on his Pancreas and Liver, fluid on his lungs, heart and lower organs... He was most unwell...

So farewell mate, you'll never be forgotten!

Macc

Hoo roo for now...

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They grow up just too darn fast!!

2011-09-16T05:37:00.000+10:00

The other week, Fathers Day actually, we had a family lunch and whilst I didn't manage to get a group shot like I normally like to, I did manage (over the course of the lunch) to get individual shots of the nephews and niece... And they simply are growing up WAY to fast!!!

Looking here at Mr M and his brother Mr W, now both at school and doing really well, it seems like only yesterday that L and I were up in Brisbane looking after them for a week... Although, I still remember the day that Mr M (who was in trouble) emptied his ENTIRE wardrobe and drawers and piled it behind his door so as we couldn't get into his room... Funny to look back on now!!

Mr M - 9

Mr W - 6

Then, there's Mr R and his little brother Mr J who really are very similar! Although, I think Mr J looks like his cousin Mr W at the same age!!! They are a funny pair, and I really like how Mr J is so laid back as casual...

Mr R - 4

Mr J - 2

And then there's Miss R and her little brother Mr J... She is a real little tomboy I reckon, and she gets in with her cousins and plays like there's no tomorrow! And don't let that cute little face of hers make you go all mushy, she's a little bruiser!!! And, Mr J, her little brother, well, who can resist a face like his???

Miss R - 4

Mr J - 2

Hoo roo for now...

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Oh man... Macc AGAIN!!!!

2011-09-15T05:27:00.002+10:00

Well, that was a great start to the week... Macc was once again in at the Vets, not as critically ill this time, but still quite ill... He once again started to become lame in his rear legs, although this time he also had significant amount of pain as well.

Saturday night, when getting home from a catch-up dinner with my old next door neighbours whom I had not seen for around 22 years, I let Macc inside. He was 'limping' but he had difficulty laying down, he would not get comfortable and was crying almost all of the time. This had me worried, and it took him a long time to settle. I had one of his pain medications left so I gave that to him. He also positioned himself right in front of the heater I might add! So, I thought it may have just be arthritis!

Sunday morning though, he was back to normal, not a sign at ALL of the nights prior symptoms... However, Sunday evening after taking L&M over to Toongabbie to look at a car, we let him inside and a return of symptoms; although no where near as bad!

Monday morning, he was again quite bad, thus the trip to the local vet. When we arrived, he was quite sore, and his normal vet 'Uncle Allen' was not in, but his sidekick Jim was there to see Macc. The case notes from his visit tot he ARH in July was there, and it was 15 pages of notes, results etc, so he was paraphrasing reading, whilst checking Macc. We came to the conclusion that he needed to stay for a little while, run some bloods and see what happens. Whilst listening to his heart though, Jim noticed that instead of the normal two beat rhythm, he only had a single beat... This was not sounding good. They also found that, after a LONG time waiting for a urine specimen, that he has a kidney infection as well! Anyways, two days in the vets (only charged for a single day though) and all his medications, he's back home nearly $500 poorer!!!

This is encrypted: ***

So apart from that, I am looking at firming up travel arrangements in December, I was thinking of Bali or Vietnam originally in late December, but it now looks as though the UK will be an almost certainty! This was to have included a stop-over in Japan on the way through, this may now not be happening.

Hoo roo for now...

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The return begins...

2011-08-26T09:01:00.001+10:00

Date - 24 August

The morning began, without breakfast today, as we needed to check out and get to the airport for the flight back to Hong Kong. We checked out, not a problem, but as we exited the hotel we were almost swamped by local taxi drivers who wanted our business... The bus direct to the airport is only a 3-4 minute walk up the road and the safer option we felt given the chaos on the roads here!

I politely said no thanks to the first couple of guys (all asking at the same time I might add) and we walked on... Then, another guy standing a few meters away asked, and this got a firmer response of NO back from me... now, I am normally a fair guy and replies are generally polite, but this morning I was either not in the mood for the constant repetitive questions that was going on about the same thing, all within earshot of each other, and when the last guy didn't take nicely to the firm 'NO' and said goodness knows WHAT to me in Chinese, I gave him the universal sign of NO THANKS being the 'Bird' back to him... (the middle finger)!!! Well, the garbage that came out of his mouth, both in Chinese and English, is way to unsavoury for this blog, so I will not tell you what he said, but he finally got the idea that he was not going to get the fare from us!

We got to the bus, paid our fare and whilst waiting on it, they squeezed us into a seat... The ride was, often slow, but uneventful in getting us to the airport on time. NOW, the Chinese have a very strange way of operating a dual operation, single terminal here in Xian... You see, the last 10 or so gates are International designated so no problem here right. Well, to get to them, you have to pass through a gate that has immigration officials there serving no purpose other than stopping you going through to check-in until a given time! That time, was of course, uncharacteristically late (for Chinese) and we were left standing around for an extended period of time. Once through, there was very little in the way of shops, including places for breakfast, so we simply sat around and chatted a little... The flight was uneventful across to Hong Kong as well.

Once we arrived in Hong Kong again, there was a slightly smaller line to clear immigration, We were only here for around 24 hours, so it was a quick trip to the hotel, and to hit the streets for some shopping. However, it was sad to hear that along the way, taxi from Kowloon Station to the hotel, that DW had lost his iPhone! We tried to locate it via phone finder (great app), but it was nowhere to be seen using GPS. We even tried calling it, but when it took the girls (four) in reception to have a conference about doing it and how, we walked away!

We eventually caught up with CJ in Hong Kong for some shopping. He showed us around some great shops. Both J and I got battery grips for the cameras, but unfortunately, D and us got separated and as we had no way of calling/SMS'ing him, we caught up much later that night.

Date - 25 August

After a restless nights sleep, we had an earlyish morning to get a couple of things done. D had purchased a new phone and needed to go back to the 3 Shop (around the block) to get the PUK code fixed. So he and I walked around, but when we got there, it would not open until 11am!!!! So we left it, grabbed some bread/pastries from a shop (with an OJ) and went back to the room for breakfast. After checking out, we hailed a cab to get us back to Kowloon and back to the airport for some spotting... Maybe!

Unfortunately, when we got back there it was SO hazy, which meant we would not be able to see much. We headed up to the Skydeck, but due to haze, heat and glare, we headed back inside!

When we were heading in, J had noticed a couple of things and wanted to clear immigration and get some pics, so he headed off through terminal 1 whilst D and I grabbed a coffee. After which, we headed through immigration through Terminal 2, which was a much easier exercise than through T1!

After grabbing a couple of shots etc within the terminal, we boarded our MH flight and returned back to Kuala Lumpur. It was an uneventful flight and clearing immigration in KUL was a breeze!

When we arrived at the hotel, and as it was also Ramadan, they were having a feast and a buffet in the dinning room. It was well after the sun setting, and there was a lot of people there, but the food smelt amazing! We dropped our bags in the room and headed for dinner. The food was as good as it smelt, and the array of choices was simply amazing indeed!

After a hotel massage, I headed for bed, not that I could sleep that much as we needed to be up at 4am to get ready, breakfast and be across at the airport for an early morning flight back to Sydney!

Date - 26 August

Breakfast in the hotel, was a typical continental breakfast, with a slight twist of Malaysian style as well. We checked out, and caught the bus to get across to the airport. On the way, there was a young lady who was not at all well, and within about 2 minutes of the bus leaving (and it took all of 10) she had a bag and was throwing up into it. She was very discreet about it, so it must be a common event for her. Again, immigration clearance was easy, and we were into KUL locating our gates for the return flights We were out at the satellite terminal this time, so a short trip across on the driverless train and we were there. We said our farewells to D and boarded our flight back to Sydney whilst D got his flight back to Melbourne.

It was a great trip, of which I would happily do again. Xi'an was a fascinating city, if only it had blue skies, and Hong Kong is marvelous and will most definitely revisit!

Hoo roo for now...

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Xi'an City Tour (LOTS of pics!)

2011-08-23T22:05:00.008+10:00

Today, it was a 'tour day' in that we would see many things, The City Wall and Drum Tower, local (an famous) Jade factory, the Terracotta Warrior Replica/Restoration (under licence) factory, the City Pagoda and then the Terracotta Warriors them selves before a Chinese Dinner and Show to finish the day off... It was a busy day!

DRUM TOWER/CITY WALL

We were only in the van for a little bit and we hit the typical Xian traffic, but not to long in it and we were at the City Wall & Drum Tower. It was a fascinating monument, and the only intact wall of its type in all of China! The Drum Towers as well were in excellent condition. We had a very good English speaking guide, who told us all about the history of the wall, and how it guarded the city. There was even some armament pieces along the top of the wall itself! We then headed into the Drum Tower, and we were told all about the Chines Feng Shui - it was very interesting indeed!

Drum Tower - City Wall Xi'an

Armourment Drum Tower - City Wall Xi'an

JADE FACTORY

A little further into the industrial area of Xian, we arrived at the Jade Factory where they do intricate carvings into statues, bangles, bowls and more... No matter what you can think of, they can do it here. An interesting fact, I at least, learnt is how to pick out fake jade from the real jade! I will now be testing it in the future! The lady here also told us the differing qualities of jade; its hardness, colour and translucency! I bought a little piece for someone...

Carving Jade - Xian

PAGODA

This was a very spiritual place, where our guide could only take us through a very small section given she was not of the Buddhist faith. But our guide here spoke lovely English and took us through the many areas within... It was both fascinating in its construction and in its material and landscaping. In one of the rooms we entered into, in is customary for the gentlemen to enter via the left foot whilst the ladies the right - and NOT to touch the entrance 'step' whilst stepping over! Now I almost always step with my right (being right handed) so I found this a little awkward! It was also OK to take photos of the Buddha, just not from inside... In another room, the walls were richly decorated telling the story of Buddha, and it was all done in natural coloured jade!!! It was beautiful... Even walking through the grounds, past the Monastery buildings, and the tombstones of the many elders within once passed... Finally, we were back at the van, with Melody waiting for us with the driver...

Pagoda - Xian

Buddha - Pagoda Xian

Buddhist Monastery - Xian

Paper Art Buddhist Monastery - Xian

TERRACOTTA FACTORY

When we arrived here, I was a little concerned for it being just a rip-off place for the real deal... But, I later found out that in fact, they were under licence to restore and manufacture pieces for the site! We were shown how the models were moulded, tidied up prior to firing... Then they showed us the life sized replicas actually taken from the real ones (using a mould) and displayed! They even do some restoration works as well! We were also shown around the ceramics area, and then into the furniture section, where exotic looking cabinets were deeply coloured and lacquered, and whilst NOT my taste, I can (now more so) appreciate the work that goes into them.. Finally, they also make to order here, 'seals' or stamps! You pick the animal from the year to which you were born (Monkey for me) and then you write your name for the man... He then translate it into Chinese characters and carves it into a stone, both in mirrored image AND in relief... So when you 'stamp' it, it is the right way!! I got mine done as did DW, so I will make a stamp and use it soon!!

Moulding Mini Warriors

Mini Warriors

Coloured Warrior

Life Sized Replicas

Carving my Seal

TERRACOTTA WARRIOR MUSEUM

Firstly, this was to be our lunch spot prior to entering the Museum itself. We had a three dish meal, with rice, and a soup. The meals were great, hot (spice) but very tasty... J was learning still how to use chopsticks, but he relented (in the end) and got a fork/spoon - he DID try very hard though!!

After lunch, we entered into the Museum's shop, where "Lucky for you today, Mr Yang is here today - he's not often here, but very lucky for you..." Yeah right, I didn't come down in the last shower you know!! BUT, i still bought the book and got his signature in it... Gullible? ANYWAY, we got our tickets issued to us, and headed through the gates and onto the line to get driven across to the museum... It would've been a 20-30 minute walk otherwise! Once inside the Museum, it was VERY apparent... We had bought the wrong lens - we should have had the 50-500mm with us! Oh well, work with what we have...

I can not begin to tell you the actual size and scale of Pit No. 1, it is just MASSIVE! It is the larger of the 3 that are on display and words really can not give it justice... The pits are also very deep and the Warriors within them are simply inspiring... We were told, many times, to watch ourselves for both wallet pickers and scalpers trying to sell 'rip-off' statue sets... I had one guy ask, and I politely declined... I became firmer and firmer when he persisted... Others after that, I ignored as if I could not hear them... We walked around Pit No. 1 and we saw an archaeological group doing a study and working on an area in the middle. These areas are yet to be opened, but you can see where the walls of the pits are and the arching roof tops as well - there is still so much to do here!

We then headed into Pits No. 2 & 3, where the different levels of hierarchy were displayed. Pit No. 2 was more the Chariots and so on, and Pit No. 3 the Generals and Lieutenants! Again, these two pits were simply stunning, amazing, awesome and so on, but in the Pit No. 3, they also had some of the Warriors in glass cabinets for a closer examination. To have seen them when they came to Sydney earlier in the year was NOTHING to seeing them in the flesh, and I am so lucky and privileged to have seen them. I want to come back again and see them again, in my time and with my longer lens, as you could easily spend a day here instead of just a couple of hours that we had...

Terracotta Museum - Pit No. 1

Terracotta Museum - Pit No. 1 Archaeological Study Group

Terracotta Museum - Pit No. 1

Terracotta Museum - Pit No. 2

Terracotta Museum - Pit No. 3

Time was now, pardon the punn for where we are, marching on and we really needed to move on as we were going to have tea up in the Tea House! There was a vast array of different blends for different purposes... Now I was desperate for a coffee, but I still had a 'cuppa tea' - my flavour was a Lychee blend and it was lovely. The tealady told us about the way they are blended, she then washed the leaves and made us our tea. It had to brew for a specific timeframe, mine was slightly shorter for DW's, and true to form, it was delicious! I am very much a tea with milk and sugar, but this was simply black tea, NO sugar at all!

Tea House Teas

Tea Lady

CHINESE DINNER & SHOW

Time was NOW marching on, and we needed to rush back into the city for the Chinese dinner/dumpling and the show before heading back to the hotel...

Chinese Dumpling Dinner

Sunshine Grand Theatre - Show

Hoo roo for now...

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2011 International Horticultural Exposition - Xi'an

2011-08-22T23:59:00.000+10:00

Ok, firstly, sorry this post has NO photos until my CF card gets fixed, as the photos are on that and when transferring them from the card to the laptop, it became corrupt... But for now, its just a summary...

It was an early morning start, breakfast at McDonalds across the road and another point to what we wanted... It was ok, in the end, and the coffee wasn't to bad! We then headed back across to the hotel for the driver to take us out to the site, some 45 minutes away!

Now, driving in China, Xi'an, is an experience in itself. Firstly, it is on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car for us Aussies, and this made the experience even more ~~scary~~ exciting! Getting out of the hotel carpark in itself took a matter of minutes and what seemed like at least a dozen 'beeps' of the horn! These Chinese like to 'beep' their horns a lot!!!

Traffic in Xi'an was, peak hour, chaotic... But there was no real difference to normal chaos and peak hour chaos! And whilst the road MAY have had 3 lanes, there was often at least 5 (or more) lanes of traffic! Did I tell you, I was unlucky enough to get 'Shotgun' seat?

With all of the chaos of the driving skills of the local Chinese, and the apparent option of using indicators and multiple and prolonged use of the horn, there was very little signs of accidents! In fact, the only one we saw was between two trucks trying to get out of a service station! And the truck that was cutting off a turning semi-trailer came off second best!

Once out of the 'inner-city' and onto the freeway, there was more obstacles... freeway, pedestrians and YES, a bloody horn (although extended this time)! It was incredible that, whilst cars are doing 100klm/hr + that a person would even try to cross the road let alone at their own speed!!! Oh, and then there was the street sweepers, humans with thatch brooms walking, YES WALKING along the gutters and center island sweeping away whilst traffic passes them by within a few centimeters at excessive speeds blissfully unaware...

It became apparent, to me in the front maybe, that our driver was becoming concerned as to where to go... Ok, he was following the brown signs pointing us in the direction of the Expo, but he stopped a couple of times to make sure he was on the right roads... And whilst we entered into the Chan-Ba Ecological District, it was far from being in an Environmental area. The smog was thick, and getting thicker, and the litter around the area along the roads was plentiful. Whilst yes, the area did seem to be going through a 'revival' of sorts and new apartment buildings were springing up everywhere, there was also teams of, generally, older women weeding the gardens along the way. This was also the case when we were in the line waiting to get in where a team of about a dozen ladies were pulling out some Chaster Daisy's!

Our driver, upon arrival into the HUGE carpark, gave us his card (in case we got lost?) and wrote down (not that I could understand WHAT it was he said) where to go when we came out. We bid him our farewells and headed for the security line to enter. Once through, we crossed a bridge that was simply fantastic with a cabled suspension bridge like appearance. There was also gardens beds with lots of colour and lights which would look amazing at night! The over use of colour, whilst intense and repetitive, looked great at the same time.

The International Horticultural Exposition 2011 Xi’an (International Horticultural Exhibition + Permanent International Horticultural Exhibition) covers an area as large as 418 hectares, 188 hectares of which are water. So after finding an information place that spoke/understood English, we headed over to get some bikes to get around the site... We basically headed around in a clockwise rotation, dodging the local Chinese who were giving us some 'interesting' looks (what, you've not seen three Caucasian guys riding bikes before??) to say the least!! It was a great system in that the bikes had a rear wheel lock and you had a key... you pull up at an exhibit, lock your bike and walk away!! The trouble we encountered was that at the start, we would go from a small garden to another constantly locking, in the end, we rode to a precinct locked and walked around from that! Much easier indeed!

The first area we stopped at was about the size of an average Australian block of land (c. 700m2) and typically Asian influenced... Surprised? Not really! They were great landscapes, and well maintained given the thousands of people trudging through every day! It was then off through the European zone, full of large French Topiary, Italian Fountains and Swiss Villages. Walking through the Swiss Village, we had lunch at a Noodle House!

At the far end of the village, there was another fountain show to music, but due to the thickness of the smog, capturing it was very difficult. This was in the main central lake and across was the Pagoda. Back on the bikes, we then headed through some open parkland's to a Sand Sculpture area, where apart from the exhibits there, there was also an opportunity for the kids to build their own sandcastle!! There was also a dog exhibition area (lunch? lol) but the line for this was a little long. And for me, it was all about seeing the Horticulture! Once again, we were on our bikes heading around towards the Pagoda. This area was intense, and FULL of people. I think it was the main draw card. The area also held the glasshouse which we walked past, and the line for this, which zig-zagged many times, at one point had an estimated wait time of an hour... And by my estimate, that was only a third of the line!! We rode on...

Similarly, the line for the Pagoda was also very long, and why would you pay an additional fee to go in/up when you could barely see past 100m? So we simply went atop of the 'lookout' hill opp and got an overview of the ~~park~~ smog from there! NOW, had it been a beautifully clear blue sky, it would have been AMAZING! But alas, it was not the case... As we got down from the lookout, we then took the boardwalk pathway across the lake, where people were on boatbikes, there was lots of Lotus and Water Lillies and the like. There was even stalls selling traditional wears etc along the way! We again rejoined the masses of people milling around this busy area, and whilst we knew exactly where the bikes were, there was literally hundreds of green bikes and to the untrained eye, it would have been a nightmare to find. We got to ours, unlocked them and we were once again on our way. We rode on...

We soon found ourselves in an area that resembled a 'service' area, we weren't lost as the road we were on is a loop, and the many staff/volunteers were giving us the 'look', yes Aussies on bikes look. We followed a pathway, that by the map, was to take us via a hotel, but we were quickly waved at on approach NO NO NO!!! So we had to do a bit of a back-track. We rode on...

We rode past the small zoo area, full of Yaks and a couple of Panda's. Again, a recurring theme emerged, a VERY long line to get in... We rode on...

Our final area to stop at was an area that seemed dedicated to that of Thai, Japanese (again) and Sri Lankan. It had a very Buddha like feel about it and lots of incense burning around it. Gardens through here were typically raked stone Zen looking, also with over sized Bonsai's. Again, the use of colour, and in this areas case, texture, was equally as fascinating as what we saw earlier in the day. It also, for some strange reason, had a spiritual feel about it. By this stage, our 'Expo Passports' were getting a hammering (all of the Areas had a 'Visa Stamp' to collect). It had been a long day, the legs were getting tired and the head was pounding. I had tried to keep fluids up, water, but the more I drank the more I lost in sweat. It was very humid! We rode on...

Finally, after a full circuit of the park, we were back at our bike pick-up point... We locked up our rides, took back our deposit slips where they calculated out our charge (15CNY/hr) and deducted it from the deposit (200CNY) and headed back to the entrance... We walked on...

Once back in the carpark are, I called the driver and he confirmed where he was located... It took us a little while to find him though, as he had started to walk over to where we were walking out of! In the end, we were reunited all the same and we ~~braced ourselves~~ enjoyed the drive back to the hotel... A long, but very enjoyable day was had!

Hoo roo for now...

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Xi'an - China!

2011-08-22T23:16:00.003+10:00

OK, this IS a little late, but I am 'back dating' so as to keep it all in order, OK!

We arrived into Xi'an thanks to China Eastern Airlines. This was an interesting adventure, in that it was my first time on the carrier and the first time into China itself! True, I had been to Hong Kong, but mainland China, this was all new! We managed to clear immigration quite quickly, although the young lass at the counter was quite efficient in checking all of the documents! She corrected a couple of misplaced/aligned strokes of the pen to make sure that she actually 'worked', but who am I to complain!!!

We caught the bus into the center of Xi'an, and the hotel was a mere 3-4 minute walk. And my goodness, the swarm of cabbies that greeted us was amazing! We politely said no... No... NO I lost count just how many times I said this, but they just didn't seem to get the message!

Checking into the hotel, which was right opposite the Bell Tower, was also hassle free, and we were up on the 6th floor. When we opened the room we had a great view outside to the Bell Tower! We quickly unpacked, and thought about what to eat for dinner... And would you believe it, we had McDonalds opposite!!! It was more of a matter of quick and easy - it was late and we were tired...

So in the morning, we woke early, and (again) headed over to McDonalds for breakfast as it was not included in the tariff. We then came back to the lobby, spoke to concierge, and we had a driver for the day to take us out to the 2011 International Horticultural Exposition. It would take some 45 minutes to get out there, and it was nice to have someone doing the driving... It was CHAOS out there!!!

Bell Tower - Xi'an Night

Bell Tower - Xi'an - Day

Until I get my CF card data recovery done (it got corrupted whilst transferring pics to laptop), I will post about the Expo at a later date...

Hoo roo for now... ------

Doing the Kai Tak Trek...

2011-08-21T01:17:00.003+10:00

Today, we did the 'Kai Tak Trek, in that we headed for the infamous, Checkerboard! It was the navigational aide for the arrival path for the old Kai Tak. It could certainly do with a repaint nowadays, AND inclusion to the Heritage List!!

After this epic walk (in the heat) we then headed off to the new airport for a bit of spotting and cool... The Airport Express got us there in relative style, and if nothing else, it was cool!! We shot some interesting aircraft, most of which we don't get at home, but every time a Cathay A330 came in, it was cameras down...

The 'Checkerboard'

'J' spotting...

Pufy Cloud

Stormy Cloud (didn't happen though)

9th Green Marriot

Hoo roo for now...

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A day in Honkers...

2011-08-20T01:28:00.005+10:00

Today, was always going to be an interesting day... It was just HOW interesting! It started off with the sorting for washing, a calculus error, and then out and onto the long sardine can called the train!! It is actually a good service, better than Cityrail CityFAIL back home!

We eventually got to Hong Kong Central, and made our way down to the Pier where the Big Bus Tors stand is located, purchased tickets and on we went. It was another WARM day here, and both J & D stayed downstairs in the AC whilst I went upstairs. Once we got going though, there was a nice cool breeze! we saw the sights, many, and we reached our stop at the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak. This is a well worth visit, so I will let the pics tell the story!

On the buses...

Property anyone?

Signs!!

St Mary's, Hong Kong

Shopping Strip

Legs!!!!

Bamboo Scaffolding

Ding Ding

Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Tiffany & Co.

Hoo roo for now...

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A gondola to a Buddha and Night at the Harbour!

2011-08-19T02:00:00.003+10:00

This will be quick as its late, and I am tired (even after a nap this afternoon!)!!

Today, we went out to Ngong Ping for the Gondola up to the Big Buddha. It is a wonderful trip up, as last time I was here it was foggy, so I was really happy to see clear(ish) blue sunny skies! It also offers some fantastic views across over the airport!

Hong Kong Airport

Once at the top, we headed over to the Po Lin Monastery Gate, and then onwards to the Big Buddha.

Water Lilly

Where are we??

Po Lin Monastery Entrance

Big Buddha

It was a very hot day, and glary on the eyes!!! We then headed out to the HAECO facility, after some advice from a local mate, but as it looked like some incoming clouds, we thought it best to head back into town... We had a nap before heading into Hong Kong itself but thanks to a VERY long line for 'The Peak' we headed across the Harbour on the Star Ferry!! Here is a panorama I got tonight!

HKG Harbour Panorama

Hoo roo for now...

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Travel Day - KUL to HKG

2011-08-18T01:44:00.004+10:00

Today was an early start, and was to be a travel day between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. It started early, and after a quick breakfast at the hotel, we headed (via taxi) to the airport... It was hazy, warm and humid, and it was 6am!!

We checked in easily enough and cleared immigration whilst chatting too some girls heading back to Brisbane... We eventually got to the gate to find that the scheduled B772ER had been swapped for an A333 instead! J stayed with the bags whilst D &I went to get a coffee... I swear, it would have been quicker going to Hong Kong and getting the coffee's there!!!

We soon boarded, interesting in itself, with lots of people and well behaved kids. There was a tour guide, well, we'll call him the 'Telly Tubby' as he was prancing around organising everyone like nothing else!! It even carried through onto the plane!!

Anyways, we were held for a little while (all up, c. 60 minutes) but eventually we headed out to 14R past the 'Observation Deck' (which was behind glass...).

Kuala Lumpur "Observation Deck"

Once in the air, breakfast was served, which was an omelet, sausage, tomato mushrooms (Fungi) and bread, with fruit salad and a Creme Brulee! It was very yumm!!!

I managed to get a little sleep as well, as there wasn't any PTV, and the seating was, well lets say, COLOURFUL!

MH Breakfast

We eventually entered into Hong Kong airspace and started our decent into Hong Kong. It was, despite the menacing clouds, quite clear and sunny (and warm and humid)!!!

China Sea somewhere

Approaching HKG...

We got to the ~~dog box~~ hotel, and unpacked and headed around the corner to get a local SIM card for our phones (and iPad), before crossing the road to the train into Kowloon for the light show... It was a bit of a let down, but as I am tired, I will edit photos and post int tomorrow!!

Hoo roo for now... ------

A day in KUL

2011-08-17T01:15:00.005+10:00

OK, today was supposed to be a day on the tour bus (Hop-on Hop-off, to familiarise ourselves with KL. We also planned on going atop of the Petronas Towers. We did the bus thing, got on at stop 1 (around the corner from Hotel) and got off at stop 22, Petronas Towers... Got to the area to buy tickets, only to find that there was no more tickets for the day... How cranky we were!!

Royal Crest

Old Steam Engine

Well, disgruntled as we were, we jumped onto the bus again, and headed for the KL Tower. There was no issue at all here for us, we paid to get up to the top of the tower and (apart from the hazy) were not disappointed from the 360 degree views!! It was amazing to say the least!

After we got down from the heights, we NEEDED a coffee, found a little coffee shop and headed out to the verandah to sit and rest... Then OUT from the trees they came, the monkeys!!!

Monkey Feeding

Monkey Family

Monkey KL Tower

When we got back (eventually) I went to the front desk to enquire about wanting a swim in the pool under renovation... The previous evening, the duty manager said he could arrange another location, but today it was an offer of a dinner or a massage... Needless to say, I took up the offer of the 60 minute massage!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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The trip to KUL...

2011-08-15T21:19:00.001+10:00

OK, the trip to KUL was fairly uneventful, except for the change in tyre prior to being pushed back, but that only made us 20-30 minutes late... But once in the air, service was fine, food was good, I had the lamb curry for dinner, as did J, and then the chicken roll prior to arrival! We met up with D in the airport, and eventually got to the hotel for a late dinner and bed!

Sunset

Yesterday, we caught the monorail and headed up to KL Sentral (Little India) and explored the area of it sights and scents... Here are some pics!

MonoRail

Back Lane KL Sentral

Fountain Roundabout KL Sentral

Main Drag KL Sentral

Patronas Towers Day

Eventually through the day, there was a storm, some lightening and thunder, and we dodged it pretty much. After dinner, we headed over to the Petronas Towers for some night shots as well...

Patronas Towers night

So, that was our first day in KUL, more tomorrow!!

Hoo roo for now... ------

WW No. 52 - Grasshopper on Camellia

2011-08-10T05:05:00.000+10:00

Grasshopper on Camellia

Hoo roo for now... ------

Getting use to the 7D

2011-08-01T06:48:00.000+10:00

OK, now I know that I am no photography expert, but the learning curve UP from my trusty old Canon EOS 400D to the 7D has been a steep one. I have had a bit of 'coaching' from the side (thanks guys) and I am slowly getting use to it. However, the biggest thing I have issue with, is the location of the power on/off switch! On the 400, it was operated by my right thumb, and on the 7D, it is on the other side of the body... So yesterday, in an emergency to get a shot, I found out on numerous times, that I needed to turn it back on, DOH! But, this is only a minor thing to get use to!

Whilst out yesterday, mainly for an afternoon of lunch and spotting with some mates for the USAF C-17 arrival, I also got out the macro filter and shot some stuff; Mouse Eared Chickweed - which is of course, a weed growing in a lawn nearby...

Mouse Eared Chickweed

USAF C-17_03

Hoo roo for now...

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A walk around the 'Gardens'...

2011-07-29T12:30:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I've told you I got a new camera, (7D), and today I got a little bit of time to give it a bit of a going through... I got to walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens a little and get some shots... This first series is of the built environment (some) and what surrounds the Gardens... The City CBD overlooking the Gardens must offer some spectactular views and vistas for the city workers, whilst the Herb Garden recently had the Pavillion finished after a lot of years without it! Then, lastly, Victoria Lodge is a quaint little house...

Sydney CBD

Victoria Lodge

Conservatorium of Music Side

Herb Garden Pavillion Finished

Here are just some of the Gardens themselves... The Palm trees on the old 'Flower Bed Lawn', and Echinacea Flower which was the only plant/flower in the bed, and the Brachychiton that, whilst on a lean, is getting a little support...

Sydney Palms

Echinacea Flower

Support

And finally, a little of the 'ornaments' within the Gardens... There are a LOT of statues and memorials and so on, so to see but just a few is nice, a little at a time! There is a couple of 'Seeds' made from Bronze, and then a Bronze Statue of 'Satyr', which resembles a goat rear and the head of a human!

Bronze Seed

Bronze Seed 01

Satyr

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 51 - Sharp

2011-07-27T09:09:00.000+10:00

Sharp

Hoo roo for now... ------

Macc Update and my new 'toy'!

2011-07-25T19:29:00.004+10:00

FIRSTLY, an update on Mr Macc... He's now, doing very well after a final clearance that all is good... If I say to him, 'c'mon in the car' well he jumps up off his bed and is all excited... IF, on the other hand, I say to him 'c'mon mate, time to go outside' then he hangs his head, and hobbles to the door... So, as he is milking it for sympathy, he's getting better!

Yesterday, I finally updated my body - my camera body! I had been looking around now for a long time, and after a lot of research (looking at Hong Kong prices as I am about to go overseas) they were not that much cheaper at all than local! Harvey Norman were having a sale of up to 20% off DSLR's, so after calling a mate, the deal was done!! I am now the proud owner of a brand spanking new Canon EOS 7D! Whilst similar to my old Canon EOS 400D, there is a LOT to learn with the new layout and so on. My first stop for a shoot, obviously, was out to the airport for a bit of spotting, but alas, these shots were not as good as I'd like... But the afternoon was more of a social gathering more than a shoot!!!

BUT, this afternoon after getting back from the ARH, I fiddled around with the settings, got out my cleaning kit and gave my lenses a clean, and headed out into the garden to see what I could achieve! So this is my first (edited) shot from my new 7D...

Callistemon

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 50 - Macc in Critical Care

2011-07-20T08:00:00.011+10:00

Whilst this is meant to be a WW, it will also have some words today! This past week, macc came down ill...

Macc @ Animal Referral Hospital

Last Thursday, I got a call from my lovely neighbours that Macc was crying in the backyard, so I left work and came home, collected him and took him to my local, wonderful, vet. He did a thorougher consultation, made a couple of phone calls, and referred me onto the Animal Referral Hospital. When I arrived, they took him immediately into the emergency room... The original theory was a clot in his leg, this was later not proved.

Well, he spent 5 days in the ICU, and was only allowed home conditionally, if I was here to make sure he was supervised. He was not to run, or get excited... His discharge notes included:

Right Forelimb Lameness
Cervical Hyperaesthesia
Left hind lameness
Severe Rhabdomyolysis
Low Thyroid levels
Query Leptospirosis and Toxoplasma

He is now on the mend, slowly, and is more than comfortable at home, either on my bed or on the spare bed...

Hoo roo for now...

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WW No. 49 - Why Trains, Tall Trees and HIGH winds don't mix

2011-07-13T12:44:00.000+10:00

V13 DCM8028

V13 DCM8028_CU

Hoo roo for now... ------

Blog Lovin... (Award??)

2011-06-30T23:24:00.000+10:00

A very dear blogger friend of mine got this award, and I thought it was a great idea, so I thought I would do the same...

Basically this means we pass along the award, to be shared or just so you know, that I read you every day and your Blog makes a difference in my life....

So now I will do my duty and list 15 blogs that I read. Thank for making my life more full because of what you write.

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.

Thanks to Dackel Princess for originally posting HER award and allowing me to do the same... I had been reading your blog for many years now, and it was great finally meeting you in Berlin last year... You were also there for me, through the most darkest of darkest times in my life, to which I will ALWAYS be indebted to you...

2. Share seven random facts about yourself.

Whilst I have a Greyhound, my dream dog is a Blue Merle, Great Dane bitch... One day...
I suppose, and it's widely know, I like to travel... I calculated out my 'miles' the other week for a presentation I was giving. When I got home, I stumbled on a website that does it a lot easier than the way I did it!!
Coffee is my arch nemesis... I love it, instant, brewed whatever, just give me coffee... NOW!!
My favourite flower, is really something exotic... Strelitzia
I am driving my THIRD Suzuki... I have had one Suzuki Sierra, and two Grand Vitaras!!
I have been in the horticulture industry, primarily turf related discipline, for 27 years!!! OMG!
Ex gymnast/trampolinist, swimmer and footy player... Where did it all go pear shaped (body shape - its more of a beer gut nowadays!

3. Pass the award along to 5 deserving blog buddies.

Play along.... Go on, its free!!!!

Hoo roo for now... ------

Blast from the past: - Aalborg 9 June 2004 Sunset (11.25PM)

2011-06-30T10:13:00.002+10:00

I thought I would go back into the archive of photos I have, and see what's in there... AND, as the WW yesterday was a 'sunset' theme, this photo I took in Aalborg, Denmark came to mind...

Aalborg Sunset 11-25pm.jpg

We were there for a conference, Aalborg +10 I think it was, and it was late into the evening... We had not long arrived, that day or the day before, I can't remember, but being the first time that far up into the polar cap, the days were long... VERY long! It was I think either the second or third night that we found that there was darkening curtains that blocked OUT the light, so after that we actually got some sleep!!!

I am now quite comfortable with the length of the days in Northern Europe, and I actually enjoy them! How times have changed...

Hoo roo for now... ------

WW No. 48 - Spotting Sunsets

2011-06-29T09:57:00.003+10:00

Fishermen Coming Home

YSSY Evening Arrival

Afternoon Spotter

Hoo roo for now... ------

V Set Retirement Tour

2011-06-24T23:35:00.001+10:00

On Saturday, early, I went on a train tour of the Sydney Metropolitan System, but it was an unusual trip in that the retiring interurban train was used and went on some lines that they do not use. The tour was being run by the Sydney Electric Train Society - SETS

HERE is a CityRail network map if it helps track our route!

I first drove from home to Granville, as there was trackwork on the line west from Granville, so there is a higher chance of getting a train from here; and lots of parking!

Anyways, I caught a train from here to Strathfield, which is where the tour was to start. I waited here for S and L, friends of my brothers up in the mountains who I have come to be friends with and we also all go to the footy together, which was later in the evening!

The crowd gathered on the platform, and from some sources, the train that was to be used had a good ‘spit ‘n’ polish’ from the sheds it was in over night. It was a 4 car, V Set!

V13 SETS Tour 25062011

From Strathfield, we headed west to Olympic Park. We were given a notice that there will be NO cab rides, photo stops will be plentiful and that times will be strictly adhered to as we were actually incorporated into the wider, more complex, CityRail timetable.

From here, we then headed out of Olympic Park and onto the Bankstown Line (Orange on map) stopping at Punchbowl and Erskineville along the way. It was hard for the organisers and station staff, as passengers at these stops often tried to board the train. After Erskineville, we headed into Central for a crew change (which is always the case for a train into/out of Central) before heading through the City Circle (Town Hall and Wynyard ONLY) and over the Harbour Bridge stopping at Milsons Point (red/yellow line), which had a great view back over the Bridge. Here, some of the passengers got out and headed down to a vantage point to get some pics of the train in the Lavender Bay rail yard (VERY rare) but we stayed on, as the route it takes to get down there was part of the journey not often taken! We headed up to Waverton (neck – siding) and then down to the Bay. This gave some great views back toward the Bridge overlooking Luna Park. We had a stop here, but were not allowed to get off the train due to OH&S.

Harbour Bridge Milsons Point

Harbour Bridge Lavender Bay

We made our way back up to the Waverton Neck and then doubled back to Nth Sydney and Milsons Point to pick up our wayward passengers before heading back over the Bridge and through the City Circle (Town Hall and Wynyard ONLY) again into Central (crew change) and heading out towards Cronulla (Blue line) for lunch. There were numerous stops along the way here and as the train was not allowed to stay in the platform (or in the rail yard there), it headed back to Hurstville to fill in time! Stephen caught up with a friend of his at Strathfield, and he sat with us on the trip, so we walked along the corso in Cronulla to get some fish ‘n’ chips for lunch. I mean, when at the beach, is there ANYTHING else to eat? Now Cronulla is a wonderful place, lots of cafes, restaurants and the like, L & I use to often go here for breakfast of a Sunday morning, but the consensus was for the fish.

Cronulla Rock Pool

Cronulla Beach Lookout

STOP Cronulla

Anyway, lunch was ok, company was great and that was the main thing! We walked back along the corso to be greeted with the train just pulling in. We were to now head back along the blue line into Central and around the city circle, this time, taking in Circular Quay, St James and Museum, where at Museum, we stopped for a photo opportunity, before heading back to Central, (yes, another Crew Change) and heading along the Airport East Hills Line (Green) all the way out to Campbelltown and Macarthur, which was the end of the line for electric trains. We were here for a little bit, the raffle was drawn (I didn’t win) and we were now on our way again through a mixture of lines… Green, blue and then purple and finally silver stopping at Rhodes! It was a complex trip here. Again, plenty of stops along the way, but at Rhodes, we had a group photo. As it was an association (which I am not a member of) I raced around the back of the guy taking the photo (President I think) and took some as well. I said to him that I will also get a photo of the group with HIM in it and took his camera. I also got some with mine as well. I will be forwarding it across to him as well… I think I will join...

V13 Museum

VSet Tour Party RHODES01

We left Rhodes back to Strathfield where we all said our goodbyes and exchanged details etc. S, L and I were going to the footy (ANZ Stadium is in at Olympic Park) so we caught a train to Lidcombe, where we went across to Dooleys Club for a quick drink and so as S could catch up with some friends. Again, we jumped on a train and headed into the stadium at Olympic Park. This was to be a game that was rumoured to be, a bit of a white wash for the Swans, and that we would lose convincingly. Collingwood are the team to beat, but, and the end of the second quarter, we had a 30 odd point deficit! However, the third quarter, we fought back and we actually got in front at one point, but Collingwood were just that little bit TOO good, winning by a goal (6 points). It was a fantastic game all the same… I eventually got home around 11pm… I didn’t do any processing of pics, and headed straight to bed after feeding both Macc and Jasmine!

Hoo roo for now... ------

WW No. 47 - Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon)

2011-06-15T08:46:00.004+10:00

Circa 28 August 2007, and as it is forecast RAIN tonight, I will not be able to get another shot of the Lunar Eclipse due tonight... So this is dedicated to it happening above us tonight!

Lunar Eclipse 28 ~ 08 ~ 2007 Sydney

Hoo roo for now... ------

Vivid Sydney - Sydney Opera House

2011-06-10T11:27:00.005+10:00

Last night was spent with a trip into the city (well, actually, I STAYED in the city after work) for Vivid Sydney...

I met up with M at Central Station, and we walked (briskly; it was cold) over to World Square where we had Japanese for dinner before heading to the car for the drive down to the Rocks for Vivid. In Campbell's Cove next to us was a fire and music show, blah, and further around in Circular Quay was Customs House but it was just to bloody cold to stay out any longer... So I got a heap of pics of the Opera House and various stages and, well here it is...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hoo roo for now...

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Weekend Wrap Up...

2011-05-30T05:12:00.002+10:00

Well, it all started (again) on Friday, another bust-up with the ANZ Bank!

You will recall that this is not the first time, Banks... ARGH! being the first, whilst on only Thursday, FML FML BANKS FML FML was the second. However, on Friday afternoon when I got home, another ltter addressed to L was sitting in the letterbox! This one though, was a DOOZY in that it was a final letter of demand for the letter I received the day before!!!

It ended up with a 2.5 hour long call to the ANZ Bank, and the resulting response was that I will get a call today (sometime). My reply was if I do not get a call by 5pm, then come 9am Tuesday, I will be on the phone to the Ombudsman... We'll see! In the end, I had a major headache so I took a couple of pills and had a drink (which was not a good combination by my own admission) but I slept from around 7pm through to 3.15 and then again to around 8am...

Saturday though, I spent driving here and there and back again it seemed trying to get some All Terrain (A/T) tyres for my car. This was proving to be a very difficult exercise as they do NOT have them in the major brands in my size (235 60R 16). The calls I made said that they can get them, but they also wanted a deposit to order. I was not prepared to put a deposit down IF it was not a tread pattern I wanted, so I looked elsewhere. I eventually, 3pm, found a place near home, that the guys across the road mentioned to me about! A LOT cheaper as well, and a pattern I was happy with!

After having them fitted, I got the car detailed at the local Crystal Carwash, they had a special for wash, interior and a polish for just $69! AND, as part of the deal, you get a Coffee AND the daily paper, so added bonus!!

Saturday night, I had dinner up with M, and we sort of watched the footy, Parra lost to the Knights, but that was OK as the Bronco's lost the night before, so we were even! We also looked at the possibility of a holiday later in the year, where to is the question though!

New A/T Tyres

Clean Car after it got detailed

Free Paper & Coffee

Sunday morning, a planned spotting outing was called off as it was dark and grey and rain forecast... So I headed up to the north past Dural to drop off some stuff at a mates place. On the way back, I stopped in at Hargraves Nurseryland as I wanted to get some Camellia's for the fence line behind the spa house. They didn't have the ones I wanted though, and I SHOULD have gotten another variety there, but that was an after thought... Next week though I will be back out there. They have a deal on, that any plant over $14 is 50% off. These are $30 pre-sale, so a bargain! I will need 10, so I will go out on Saturday and get 5, and then again on the Sunday, get the other 5. WHY? because on the bottom of the receipt you get a 10% discount of whats been purchased OFF your next visit! So if I get 5 Camellia's on Saturday at $30 each, that will reduce to 5 x $15 $75... On Sunday it will be $75 - $7.50 bringing it down to $67.50... BARGAIN!!!!!

BUT, I did almost buy this bit of garden sculpture... Maybe on the weekend...

Garden Art that makes me smile

BUT, I will NOT be buying this outdoor setting!

'Nice' Garden Furniture?

Hoo roo for now... ------

FML FML BANKS FML FML

2011-05-26T21:59:00.001+10:00

Ok, it’s no secret that I've been having issues with the ANZ Bank lately, which it is nothing financial, just the fact that they can’t organise a P... in a brewery!!!

Background:

The CC's were in L’s name and me as the secondary card holder; only because of the way the names were on the account (Ladies First)... On the day L died, the CC was cancelled, which is standard procedure, and processed an application on the spot issuing ME a CC...

Now at the ANZ we have a 'Break Free' account, (Professional Customers) and this was in both names.

NOW, in mid March, I called the bank as my cards were nearing the expiry date AND as I was going overseas, I did not want to get stuck without a CC. I was told that they were issued, they won’t be issued until I was away, they were issued two weeks ago... LIES LIES LIES!!! The ultimate part that Pee'd me off was the fact they cancelled them on the Thursday afternoon of the 5 day Easter weekend!!

Anyway, after numerous calls, meeting the Manager at Martin Place etc, I was told that the problem was that the computer (pft, yeah right) made the glitch as the accounts (DUAL names) conflicted with my sole name on the new CC! My response/argument to that was how as L was the sole name (there wording and methodology) on the CC that was cancelled 15/4/09 AND that this was a card that was already attached to the Break Free?!?!

ANYWAY, today was the penultimate stuff by them in that they sent L a Statement for a CC she'd applied (and granted) last month, and that it is already OVERDUE and needed to be paid IMMEDIATELY! When I called the number, I was shifted, and then shifted and finally got to a person that tried to answer the problem, the Deceased Members department... Oh, that’s right, this is the department that have YET to remove L's name OFF the accounts, as instructed by the Supreme Court of NSW Probate (November 2009) and by my Solicitor July 2010 and my ME March 2011!!!

Sorry that I have had this rant, but I am now SO over it... I have a letter of offer from a new bank to take over the Mortgage, I have a new CC that links to my Emirates FF...

Hoo roo for now... ------

Tonsillitis - PURE EVIL!

2011-05-19T05:38:00.003+10:00

I've been a little, 'Down and Out' these last couple of days... It started last week, I started to feel a little 'weird' in that both my throat was a little sharp, but also I could tell my breath was not as fresh as it could be (no matter HOW many times I brushed...)! And, whilst in Melbourne, it really started to play a nice (sic) little song indeed!

So, when I got back from Bernie's funeral, I literally fell apart... Housework on Sunday was a very slow affair, I did get some done but no where NEAR the amount I wanted to get done! I went to work on Monday, as I had a meeting in the afternoon, but that got cancelled as the consultant I was meeting, was... well... SICK as well!! So I have been off work for the rest of the week... I have also had the flu on top of it as well and of course the trifecta is that the blood pressure is UP again (as with headaches)!!!

Tonsils

Hoo roo for now... ------

Remembering - Bernie John P, aged 94

2011-05-10T12:22:00.005+10:00

I've JUST received some very sad news of the passing of a dear old friend, Bernard John P Snr in Richmond Melbourne aged 94. I only met Bernie a year ago, but it was one of those friendships that was such an 'instant' hit with both him and his wife Jessie. Both Jessie and Bernie have been in my thoughts over the past year and a bit, and recently, Jessie was the one whom I had heard was ill with the flu. And, from the message I received this morning, it was the flu that has won with sub-zero temps in Melbourne today.

Bernie P, Dennis W, & the Late Bernie P Snr

Jessie, you are in my thoughts and prayers over the coming days/weeks. See you on Friday...

Hoo roo for now... ------

Banks... ARGH!

2011-05-05T05:21:00.002+10:00

I have JUST about had enough of my bank... Which bank, nah not them, but the ANZ...

ANZ

You see, it all started when L and I took out our mortgage, we did like so many other couples, did all our banking in dual names in a single account. When L died in 2009, the bank had to cancell the Credit Card, as a result of L no longer being here, but SET UP a new one in MY NAME. We had whats called a 'Break Free' package, but I am now feeling as though its impossible to 'break free'!

You see, mid March before going overseas, I called the bank asking about my CC as they were about to expire, and I did not really want to get caught out overseas. i was told that they were sent out, and to give it a day or two as they should not be to far off... The day before I left, I again called the bank and was told that they would not get produced until two weeks before the end of the month that they expire... When I got back, and this is now the Thursday before the five day Easter/ANZAC weekend, I was told that they WERE sent out and as a result, the cards I have now would also be cancelled... I was furious and requested to be put through to the complaints department where 'A' would look into it further...

Wednesday after the long weekend, I again spoke to Amanda who said that she would issue NEW cards and that they would be at a local Branch on Friday. When I presented myself to the Branch on Friday, they were not there (furious) and two and half hours later I was leaving the Branch with the assurity that they would arrive on Monday and that the MANAGER would walk them across to work.

Needless to say, monday afternoon I still had NO cards, and again I was on the phone to Customer Relations Dept, where I wonce again raised the matter...

I cancelled my CC, I transferred as much as I could in a single EFT due to limits per day, with a view over the next three days transferring the remaining funds and close my everyday account. I also started to look for a new Mortgage providor.

In a follow up phone call on Tuesday, it was noted that the cause of these issues was the fact that the ANZ had not removed L's name off the accounts, EVEN THOUGH when Probate was issued, they were instructed (via court documents) to remove it... This has now been done TWICE! Apparently, the computer system does not recognise that a product (CC) in a different name to the other products within the 'Break Free' package, even though MY NAME is on both!!! All I can say is USELESS!

Needless to say, I am now in the middle of shopping for a new bank... A bank that can, actually, BANK! Its funny though, just how acurate the ANZ adds are in all of this, do you agree?

AND, then there's these...

NOW, this final one, I just found as funnily accurate... And I told the Managers of this as well...

Hoo roo for now...

------

Domesticity, Environmental Rant, Footy and a Wedding!

2011-04-29T04:46:00.003+10:00

Last night, I needed to get stuck into the study room; it had become somewhat of a dumping ground. BUT, more importantly, it has files that I needed in order to do the last two years of L's tax! Her last year working and the last year of the investment property she had. I was also throwing out and clearing the amount of PAPER that has amounted! I just find it incredible that in today's environmental/sustainability world, we can not move to electronic statements and the like, especially from financial institutions and from Share Companies! But anyway, there's my rant for the day...

Today is going to be a busy one, and I am hoping that the bank will have my credit cards ready, if not, then I will be moving to another institution as there is no reason as to why they should not be at the Branch for collection... Time will tell!

Tonight is also footy night, with the Swans v Carlton, to be played at the SCG! I've only been to a single game at the SCG, mainly been to the ANZ Stadium, so I am looking forward to it. However, I am still waiting for my membership card to arrive so as I can GET IN! I am sensing that a call to the office, that assured me it would arrive in time. It means though, that I now have to leave work, drive home only to drive (or train) back into the city to go to the footy and then head back out home AGAIN!!!

I was hoping for some clearing, dry sunny weather over today and tomorrow, as the lawns really do need to be mown. Perhaps, as it is a busy weekend with footy tonight, a 101st (21st + 80th) party on Saturday night, that I might be able to get it done on Sunday afternoon... Time will tell! Not tio mention, though, that I am entertaining a friend who is up from Melbourne for the week, and he's bought the weather as it is nice and clear down there (so I was told yesterday it was 22c and scattered cloud)!!

Also, rumour has it there's a little wedding on tonight, my invite must have been with my Credit Cards; lost in the mail... What are you doing for the wedding, watching, or wide berth?

Hoo roo for now... ------

Thursday Thirteen #14 - Moody

2011-04-28T05:10:00.002+10:00

Lately, I have been increasingly... moody! I have no reason and I've been finding myself either wanting to simply stay at home, or be somewhat solitary...
Small things are irritating me, like why is it raining, I need to mow the lawns...
Whilst I am my own person, I am also having difficulties in trying to be in SO many places for SO many people... I'm tired all the time...
WANT to go back to who/where I was mid last year OR earlier this year, but I am finding myself in a rut, and I don't know why...
Where I use to be a 'Happy-go-lucky' kinda guy, I am now wanting things to either hurry up and end OR for them to start (so as they can end)...
I am no longer finding pleasure in 'the little things', going out for a coffee is a task rather than an adventure...
Housework is amounting, and I HAVE to get it done...
I STILL need to do L's tax from 2008/09 and then 2009/10 for the investment property...
I am even enjoying the late night shopping channel, blah...
Whilst still wanting to 'escape' I do not want to be seen as 'running away'...
I enjoy photography, but difficulty in finding the subject/composition of what I want to take...
Subconsciously, I am not thinking the bigger picture is swamping me, when in fact, I should be planning and executing...
I need to set goals, and follow through to reaching them... First up, FOOTY on Friday night!

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Hoo roo for now... ------