Wordless Wednesday No. 73 - Blast from the past

Family Photo 2008

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Ok, just to explain, a little, about this pic... I came across (again) this pic recently when clearing some files on a HDD. An important thing about this one in particular, is it is, possibly, the last 'family' photo taken, as not too long after it was taken, Pa fell ill, and later passed, and then 12 months later, L also suddenly passed as well...

So, it is important to have one in every family; that 'annoying uncle' that likes to take a family photo, right?

Hoo roo for now...

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Feeling a little 'overwhelmed'...

Beach Soccer (Jimbaran) - 2007

Have not 'really' been in the 'mood' for posting this last couple of weeks, as there is a lot going on; work, will I have a job and so on... It seems as though for one reason or another, deleting positions is an easy thing to do. So I have been researching all available options to me, having LOTS of meetings with other staff, and searching out opportunities. At the end of the day, I DO think I will be ok, what ever way it pans out...

Having said that, I also feel like picking up my ball, and going home, which is why I have picked the photo above of the beach soccer game, on Jimbaran Beach Bali.

In other news, a short trip to both Melbourne and Hong Kong is on the horizon, which will be a good distraction at the same time! I will get to catch up with friends and colleagues in both cities! In particular, an old school friend of mine, who moved from Sydney to London and is now settled in Hong Kong, it has been YEARS since I have seen him! I will also be having a meeting in Hong Kong, and a site inspection of the Sha Tin Racecourse!

Otherwise, not much else has been happening, just plodding along...

Hoo roo for now...

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Wordless Wednesday No. 72. - Straight Lines at Night

Art Gallery of New South Wales

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The other night, I was out with a mate and wanted to try something a little new, and different. We had supplies, we had a location and we had the time... But, alas, we did not have the skill, so it was a dismal failure (on this occasion...). However, I will try again soon enough, with the correct stuff!

Plans for a new car are also on hold, for now, so it will mean that the good ole Suzuki will keep on keeping on (as it always has). It just means that passengers in the back seat will have to make do with Bronty's nose art on the windows and a little dog hair on the seat! Oh well... Luckily, for her, she is still cute and adorable!

Plans are also well underway for an upcoming trip to Hong Kong, where I will make a visit to the Races to inspect it turf track. I know the Course Manager there, and this will be a great opportunity to catch up and have a chat about the turf research programs going on in Asia.

Hoo roo for now...

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

Jayden mucking around

Jayden and Mum

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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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Wordless Wednesday No. 70 - Mirror Mirror on the wall

Mirror Mirror, on the wall...

Hoo roo for now...

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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!

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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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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

Temp Model Forecast with Wind Vectors

Hoo roo for now...

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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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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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Merry Christmas!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Hoo roo for now...

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