AussiePomm

30 January, 2013

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

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

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

Hoo roo for now...

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23 January, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 70 - Mirror Mirror on the wall

Mirror Mirror, on the wall...

Hoo roo for now...

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17 January, 2013

HOT in the city...

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

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

Landbridge

Mrs Macquaries Point

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

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

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

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

Hoo roo for now...

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08 January, 2013

Its getting HOT in here today...

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

CLOSED National Parks

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

5.30am temp

Forecast

Temps over 24 hours

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

Temp Model Forecast

Temps Forecast 8012013 with Wind Vectors

Temp Model Forecast with Wind Vectors

Hoo roo for now...

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02 January, 2013

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

Happy New Year celebrations - Sydney Style!!

The LONG line...

FIRST people through the gates

Running for best position

PART of the estimated 4klm long line

Some of the 9pm 'Family Fireworks'

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

Hoo roo for now...

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28 December, 2012

Christmas is done and dusted - but NYE is coming!

Well, the last few days have been an almost complete blurr!!! From Last monday, my last few days have been like this...

Saturday - the drive northwards to Newcastle didn't eventuate - due to time constraints, but I did get the Christmas shopping started!
Sunday - allowed me to complete it all, well, almost all of it... it was a 'chillaxe' sort of day!We also went to the 'Lights of Christmas' display at St Mary's Cathedral!
St Mary's Cathedral - Lights of Christmas

St Mary's Cathedral - Lights of Christmas Display
Monday - I had a flexday from work, which allowed me to do some last minute shopping... The day was HOT, and it also had a LOT of humidity! Which could only mean one thing... Afternoon storms! Alas, it was mainly west, and they went from Penrith to Richmond in the afternoon, and we didn't get any until the late evening...
Tuesday - Christmas Day, I drove west to mums, collected her and then went to the in-laws on the Nth Shore for lunch. It's always a good feed there, and the original plan was to have lunch outside. But the weather wasn't at all kind, with rain all day, heavy at times and some thunder thrown in for good measure!! I then drove back to Penrith, dropped mum off and headed for home to rest! It was late!
Blue and Silver Themed

Presents Time
Wednesday - Boxing Day, I had a skype call to MB in the USA. It was a great call as they had their Christmas morning together with J, and the following day to MB's daughters place (M) and to have the first Christmas with their grand-daughter, SR! It was also the first day of the Boxing Day Test Match where Australia are playing Sri Lanka in the Cricket. Its the long game (for those in the USA and other countries not familiar with the game, it is over 5 days! The shorter game, 'One Day Internationals' is over 50 overs each and more recently, the 20/20 big bash is 20 overs each)! I also, in the evening, went to my mates place (also a B) where we had gifts exchanged and a Christmas Dinner!! Was great to see the kids there enjoying the toys, and 'The Shed' in its element, B had done SUCH a lot of work on it!!
Thursday - was a Public Sector holiday, which meant that I have the day off, and in the morning, I had another skype call to the USA, this time, to MB, who was at M's place, and I got to see and hear SR again!!! She's so cute! We chatted for about an hour, and we spoke of Australian marsupials, namely the Tasmanian Devil and how it 'growls' as SR had been growled at by MB, and she was in a laughing mood over that (not to sure if the Tassie Devil would scare her though!). Didn't really do much at all that day, apart from watching the cricket of course!!
Friday - today, I am back at work today, boo hoo, but there is a bit to do about the place, as we prepare for NYE!

So thats about it for me, for now, I will come back and edit the Friday Fill-Ins when they are ready to go!!

Hoo roo for now...

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25 December, 2012

Merry Christmas!!

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

Hoo roo for now...

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21 December, 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - A Christmas Edition

Friday Fill-Ins - A Christmas Edition

Ahhhh - TODAY, is my last day at work for a WEEK!!!! I am lucky enough to have Christmas, Boxing Day and the 27th off work... Although I do have to come back in next Friday, I am also in Monday (NYE) for half a day...
I have SLOWLY been preparing to go shopping for Christmas presents... Sure, I have done a little, but I still have SO MUCH to do still!
Creating a perfect Christmas gift for someone, can be difficult at times... Not knowing if they would like it, need it... I really have no idea at times!
SO looking forward to a few days of relaxation over the Christmas period.
Kick start to Christmas will be a few days of madness shopping, then a relaxing evening catching up with some friends on Christmas eve for a drink or two.
The Mayan end of the world isn't happening, and thank goodness, what would have happened to Christmas!!??.
And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up with some friends before heading to dinner of fish 'n' chips, tomorrow my plans include a drive north to Newcastle area (instead of going to the Carols in the Domain and Sunday, I want to finish my Christmas shopping!

Hoo roo for now...

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18 December, 2012

Thematic Photographic - Industrial Disease

Ok, whilst this isn't 'quite' what this weeks Thematic is all about, go check out Written Inc for more, it IS still Industrial, and given the start up photo has a railyard in play, I thought I would go down that line...

I have always had trains as a hobby from when I was younger, and it has given way to aviation photography in some ways, but it is still there. And in these series of photos of trains, generally from another era, it shows the industrial nature that has/was needed for them to be built, as opposed to the sterile, 'slapped together' fashion they are now. There is also a photo of a 'V Set' that was demolished by a falling tree during a freak weather event. This too, shows the idustrial side to which the damage was caused and its removal...