POLL: - Help with colour selection please!

I am about to change the colour scheme of the house... Something I/we wanted to do, and now I think is the time to do it... Also, as the painter suggested, to do it PRIOR to having the brickwork, repointed!

So here is the house now, in the classic Green & Cream scheme (which I detest!)

HOUSE 1, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HOUSE 1 Gabel Ends, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HOUSE 1 Entrance, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Now here I offer you some different combinations of colour schemes, AND I want YOUR comments/suggestions, and to even discuss this amongst yourselves and debate which one I will choose (please?)!

OPTION 1

HOUSE 2, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

OPTION 2

HOUSE 3, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

NOTE: Brickwork will NOT be painted, so please refer to window frames, doors, facias etc).

OPTION 3

HOUSE 4, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

So, what will it be??? Let the discussions begin!!!

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Still remembering...

I went to the cemetery today, to place some flowers, sit and ponder, remember even, but I thought I would share with you some photo's I took. At first, I thought I was 'strange' doing this, but from the perspective that some of you are no where near here, I thought, I am not being so strange after all... It really is SUCH a nicely landscaped area!

When I got there, there was a flock of Galah's searching through the turf, trying to find some seeds or something to eat:

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

This is the view across the little roadway to the lawn area:

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And then from where she is:

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Now, here she is... The headstone was put up the day I arrived home from England in May and the plaque (and a photo) will be there in about 6-7 weeks:

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Here is the seat that I sit on, as it is close, I can she her, I can rest, look, think and ponder about things...

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

On my way out, I went past a couple of other really nice areas, the Mum 'n' Bub Lawn and the River Gum Reserve, both as nice as each other...

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Visiting Lou, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Looking forward to a nicer day tomorrow, a better nights sleep, and hopefully, the weather plays nice and does NOT rain!

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Remembering a life lost to soon...

Today, mark's 3 months when my world came crashing down...

3 month's ago, I lost my love, my partner my life. But in the 3 months since, I have had to come to terms with so many emotions I never thought I would have to until I was old and grey...

But, in remembering the good things in life, and putting these down on paper... well, will a blog do?, I will remember for a long time to come.

When looking through the photo's I have, I came across this one that was taken on a trip Nth, to Brisbane, to look after the nephews for a couple of weeks. It was only now, that I see WHY this is so important... The number 15 that M is holding, it is the day that it all came crashing down in April...

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Here we remember our first trip to New Zealand, in the cable car (gondola) to the top of Rotorua. This was such a great trip, as it really was our first REAL holiday. Not a trip that was combined with a conference or a meeting of some sort for either one of us.

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And lastly, remembering some of the things the was enjoyable... Macc still misses his momma. He knew his place in the pack; there was me at the top, and then him and it was up to him to protect his momma. He did this on a couple of occasions as well!

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

It is now just over a week until I head off, overseas again, and this trip has been 4 years in the making. I am really looking forward to it, the conference, and I have added in a few extra destinations as well. After Chile, I am then off to Spain for a couple of days, the UK for about a week (and maybe a trip across the pond to Paris) before heading back to the real world called home. I can't wait to tell you of my travels.

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Please, do NOT hide your stuff!!!!

OK, I know it's a bit of an 'odd' title, but this has been, and still is, bugging the heck out of me! We all know that we don't want a burglar to take all of our precious things... BUT, hiding them ALL over the house is just wrong! Since that fateful day back in April, I have been trying to find 'L's iPod, all to no avail. I have looked in the strangest places trying to find it, and finally yesterday, I found it!!!! Now I am not going to say where it was (I think it is a good hiding spot, and just stupid) as I don't want the burglar to find it!!

Also, after a very sleepless night the night before last, I made a decision to get a good nights sleep last night... So, with camera in hand, I went into Sydney's Hyde Park to get a few snaps:

Hyde Park Sitting, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Hyde Park Fountain, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Baby Possum, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Baby Possum, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

I then headed over to Fleet Steps to get a couple more of the Skyline and the Sydney Opera House:

Sydney Opera House, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Sydney Night Time Skyline, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

I hope you enjoyed these shots. After taking them, I then headed down to a Sydney 'Nightlife' institution, 'Harry's Cafe de Wheels' for a pie, Chicken with cheese and tomato sauces... YUMM!

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A few visits...

On Saturday, I was on my way into Darling Harbour to a trade show for photographers and the like (seen many times in adds on TV, heard on the radio, so it had to be good...) and I was glad that I registered and got free entry! I called into A&S on the way to see if they wanted to come along as well. After a couple of hours (A had a 'hang-over') of hanging with the kids, and lunch, we headed in. NOT to mention, I decided to do this rather than attend to the forgotten garden, as rain was forecast. TIP: NEVER rely on the weather forecasters, it didn't rain!

Sunday, I went to the Cemetery to visit L. Nothing much has changed there, it is still a very peaceful location and all you can hear is the creek running a mere couple of meters away... The wording for her plaque is finished, all I have to do is send it to them to have it cast and installed. We have also decided in placing a photo of her as well. This will take some 6-8 weeks as it has to go to Italy to get done!

Today, I went and visited my friend, F, and her daughter in hospital. Poor little 2yo T is in as they try to clear a blockage... She has been in a fair bit of pain, understandably, for a while, and it was picked up in a sleep study done a few months ago. She was blocked up all the way through her bowel, colon and through her intestines! Any wonder she was in pain! They were admitted LAST Monday, with a 'probable discharge by Thursday. Well, now it is 'hopefully tomorrow', but lets wait and see...

SO, tomorrow WILL be a day of catching up on the garden, at least, I hope so!

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A short trip to Melb & more travels afoot...

I have been meaning to post about my recent trip to Melbourne for the Awards where 'L' (and her work) were nominated for her Annual Report! Whilst they did not win, they got two Silver Awards though and lost to the overall winner on the night! It was a fabulous night all the same! Whilst I was 'down south' I got to go out to St Kilda, caught a few good shots, shopped along Acland St (well know for it's bakeries... YUMM!) and visited Uncle P & K!

St Kilda Jetty, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

St Kilda Bench, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

There was even a fantastic 'Pirate Ship' too!!!

St Kilda Pirate Ship, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

In other news, I finally finished organising my trip to the Turf Conference in Santiago today. It is going to be a much bigger trip than originally planned as I am now going to Auckland, Santiago, (12 nights), Madrid (5 nights), London (5 nights) and then home via Bangkok. I have sent across my registration details, and as it will be winter in Santiago, the Conference Tour I have booked myself onto, is up into the Andes Ski Fields!!! I can't wait to go, it is a mear 3 weeks away!!!

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Thank you...

Firstly, I have to say 'Thank You' to McDonalds for providing the free 'hot-spot' so as I can do this blog...

Secondly, I also have to say a big 'THANK YOU' to my lovely neighbours, D&L, whom presented me with dinner last night, Spaghetti Bolognaise.

A special 'Thank you' (not) for the weather... You see, I finally had the energy/inclination to do something in the yard today, in an effort to make it look as though someone cared for/lived in the house... No sooner had I started, and then it started to rain... Since getting back from the UK last month, I think I could count on one hand the amount of days that we have had sunshine, is it no wonder I am depressed?! So, I went back inside... After scanning some documents for insurance purposes, I got a very good email from my Tax Accountant, our returns (last year, and there is only 6 days left of this fiscal year...) were complete and ready for signing... So 'Thank You'!

After signing the paperwork, I headed to see L, and against the signage at the entrance, shhhh, I took Mr M along for the ride! He was such a good fellow in the back of the car, always wanting his head out the window. So from Mr M to me, he says 'Thank You' for the car trip!

And finally, 'Thank You' goes to the SIL for inviting me over for dinner and to watch the State of Origin football... The regular interstate rivalry continues tonight... Shucks, is that the time, I had better scoot along!

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What's Happening??

What's happening I hear you ask... Well, a lot!

Firstly, with regards to my last post, it did not last long... On Wednesday, I had a 'moment' which meant I had to leave, there and then at lunch time. I simply could not stay any longer, I was not really in the right frame of mind to be at work, but more so, I had to be at home, in bed, and I found myself just looking at some photo's... I have ow booked myself in to speak with someone, and talk about how I am feeling, desperately lost, no enthusiasm and barely sleeping or eating.

A return to more regular blogging WILL return shortly, and I will let you know what happens after my visit this afternoon...

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Back to work I go...

Well, its happened... I have gone back to work!

I went to work yesterday, although it was incredibly hard, and it was as though it was only the day before I had left! There was nothing changed on my desk, no pile of stuff to do but the only problem I had was that whilst I was away, they had updated the PABX phone lines and I had to reset my password & Welcome message!

It was hard to get out of bed, not so much that I didn't want to go, but that it was a cold morning... Truth be know, I didn't really want to go, but it was something that had to be done... Everyone was great, and whilst there was only a couple of people 'dancing around' the issue (and I reminded them that it was not necessary), all went well.

I had to drop off my car to the mechanic to have some work done on it yesterday afternoon, which meant, for the first time in ages, that I had to get a train to work. I did not pick a very good day to do this, as it was the first day of a really cold snap, which made it even harder to get out of bed, out of the house and walk to the station. The walk was good, fresh VERY fresh, but pleasant enough. There was this old chap on the platform who I noticed he seemed to know everyone who walked past. That was until I noticed a young lady leave him rolling her eyes and shaking her head; but still had a smile about the conversation they had just had. He went from discussing the safety of upcoming planned track work (to the young lady), to his non event fishing day (he would rather go to the station and talk to strangers???...) where he knows of this little spot where no one else knows... Sounds a bit fishy to me (pardon the pun).

First thing I noticed when stepping onto the train was the fact that there were seats available... This was almost never the case when I was commuting by train before! The only thing I did notice, and was not overly impressed with, was as the train filled up on its city bound trip, was a guy in a couple of rows ahead of me sitting in the middle of a seat not moving to let anyone else sit there... A bit rude I think, do you?

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Just Stuff Really...

I have now been home since last Friday, and I have been really busy in that time... Paying bills, catching up on house work and getting ready for this trip to Melbourne for the ARA Awards. Somebody had her Annual Report nominated for an award, and whilst it did not get up, the organisation that one the category (Communications) actually won the top award for the night! So they were beaten simply by a better report... It was wonderful to have been short listed with the type of organisations that were in the room really! Melbourne is a lovely city, lots of Heritage and I will get some photos to share...

I left Sydney this morning in a real 'Pea Soup'... She was so heavily fog bound that the airport was closed for a while, but we were able to get out as a couple of others did, due to it lifting a little. I did hear that delays were felt all across the network by several hours. Upon arrival, I went to get my car, and found out that I will be driving around in a much bigger version. I would normally post some photo's, but guess who forgot to pack the lead that uploads them off the camera...

In other news, I will be calling the Spa company when I get back as I am NOT a happy camper at the moment... When I got back from overseas, I started it up, put some chemicals in and got it underway. When I went to check it a little while later, one pump was not working. Now here's the thing, BOTH pumps have been replaced in the nearly 12 months we have had it! But in more concerning matters, it is now 'tripping' the fuse, so there has to be something major wrong with it. Luckily for me, it is still well and truly under warranty...

Talk soon, and take care...

A little lost and ready for home...

Over the last couple of days, I have been feeling somewhat 'lost'... Not knowing what to do, where to go and generally, feeling as though ALL I want to do is stay in my hotel room and do NOTHING! Kind of lonely I suppose.

However, even though I have spent a lot of time in here, I have still been getting out and about and seeing the greater part of Central London. I went to the Portobello Rd Markets (what a mistake this was); too many GOOD things that I could not take home, AND simply WAY to many people! I think I have come to not like being in crowds...

1. Portobello Rd Markets, 2. Portobello Rd Markets crowds, 3. Portobello Rd Markets crowds II, 4. Portobello Rd Markets Silver, 5. Portobello Rd Coloured Houses, 6. Coloured Terraces Notting Hill, 7. Notting Hill Gate Stn, 8. Big Ben 6pm, 9. Ch 4 UK, 10. London Eye, 11. London Eye Side, 12. Westminster

I also got a couple of shots of both Westminster and the London Eye, but my shots of the Tower Bridge did not turn out like I had hoped, so they will not be posted! In case you're wondering about the '4', it is for Ch 4 here in the UK, and it is made from Umbrellas!

I am starting my trip home in just under 24 hours, so this will be my last London post until I get home. Then there will be some major 'redecorating' and so on, so stay tuned...

Cya!

Kew Photo Mosaic

Instead of clicking on the MOSAIC below, click on the linked text below to see a full sized photo...

1. Kew Tree Top Walk, 2. Kew Palm House WIDE, 3. Kew Palm House, 4. Kew LARGE Seed, 5. Kew Funny Seed, 6. Kew 3 Sedd Pods, 7. Kew Large Seed, 8. Kew Seed, 9. Kew Allium, 10. Kew Seeds Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Not much has really changed within Kew, but I do seem to be having a recurring theme throughout this trip, Sculptures. You will remember that back at Burghley I visited the 'Sculpture Garden', and now at Kew Gardens, the first thing I got to see when through the gates, was MORE sculptures, this time, from Willow Twigs.

There was an amazing array of different sculptures and things, but I also got to walk around the gardens. Much of it I saw back in 2004, so I did not go back into some of the exhibits, but more so walked around and enjoyed the Gardens. One thing I did go back to look at, was the 'Tree Top Walk', which on this trip, is a more permanent structure. In 2004, it was more of a scaffolding mess, where as now (see pic above in mosaic) tends to blend in more with the surroundings. It is built of a rusted steel (which blends nicely to look like tree trunks). I was going to go up, but the lift was unserviceable, and I did not at all feel like climbing the steps as I was a little sore, so I enjoyed the view from below.

The following day, I took "The Original Bus Tour" around Central London. This was a great trip, a little cold which was not so pleasant and against the forecast, but I got to see all of the sights. Due to it being extremely overcast (typical London?), I did not get a good pic, so I went for a second trip the following day. Thank goodness for a 24 hour ticket! I will do another mosaic tomorrow with those pics!

Is a Church a good place for a shop?

Stamford, is a place that is full of Church's... There are so many, that in fact, some have closed. One was a working 'Historical' museum of sorts, but this one, just blew me away. Is it just me, that this is not a good use for the now disused church, OR is it ok to use it for a set of shops? I think that if they had concealed the shops in some way (as opposed to them being so 'in your face', then maybe it is ok. But, from what I heard, inside make no resemblance to what it was originally...

They even moved a lot of headstones to make way for the carpark for the shopkeepers...

So, is this ok, a good use of a church, or could they have done better with concealing the shopfronts??

Off to Kew Gardens next, stay tuned...

Burghley Gardens: - Stamford

I had a trip to a lovely countr estate, Burghley Gardens. Its sort of a sprawling open gardens type of place, until you come up to the house!

Before we headed into the 'Orangary' for lunch, we took a stroll through the "Sculpture Garden". So here is a photo essay of the walk...

Magnetic rock that you throw your pennies at...

Of course, I had to have a formal lawn shot...