White Night Light - Melbourne

The weekend is near, and I can't wait!!! However, I am NOT doing what I should have been doing - driving to Manilla for a friend's daughters 1st birthday (born the same day as me)! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kloey!!!! Sorry I can not be there, but the 'ole' back just couldn't handle the 5 hour drive I'm afraid...

In following up on the recent trip to both Melbourne and then Hong Kong, we spent a night doing some night photography whilst in Melbourne. The plan was to meet some others in, or near, Fed Square, but when the tram pulled up short, it became evident this would be very difficult. The amount of people there for the event, was HUGE, and the following morning, the news wires were reporting in excess of 300,000 people!! there was a lot to see, too many people to get clear shots of things, but here is a sample of some of the local bits and pieces; enjoy!

Richmond Church Spire

Fed Square and the Eureka Building



Herald Sun Building (and passing traffic)



White Night Melbourne 'ART'

Yarra River and Melbourne CBD

So, what will I be doing over the weekend? Apart from resting the back, I am not really sure at this stage, but I am wanting to try a new 'style' of photography. This will be either tonight OR Saturday night, so stay tuned (if it works, and if it doesn't, forget this post...). Seriously, I will post a photo, even if it is a dismal failure!

Hoo roo for now...

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Wordless Wednesday No. 75 - A Photographers Kit Bag(s)

Photographers Kit Bags

Hoo roo for now...

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Friday Fill-Ins - And day ONE in Hong Kong

Friday Fill-Ins

1.  Life is SO cruel at times... This last week, I heard of a friends battle with cancer, whilst cancer took a mate from school.
2. A cold wind will soon blow, and cast a little spell. Causing all of the leaves to turn, and make them look unwell, and then a little few will fall, whilst others rather fell. (not quite a rhym, but close...)
3. I knew it was love when I first saw her, poor sweet Bronty.
4. When in Hong Kong last week, it lacked sunshine and blue skies.
5. A little nap is wonderful in the late afternoon, especially when soaking up the autumnal sunshine!
6. Steak and Chicken, as is Lamb, are my favorite things to eat for dinner.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to editing MORE photos from the trip away, tomorrow my plans include removing the Lavender Hedge out the front, and tidying the front garden and Sunday, I want to have a relaxing birthday, as my in-laws are throwing me a BBQ for lunch!

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As you know from Wednesdays Post, I have recently been to Hong Kong. In the first couple of days, we did a few 'tourist' type stuff, whilst on the Saturday, it was a day at the Horse Races at Sha Tin; I will post about that tomorrow (I promise) when I have edited those photos tonight!

After arriving late in the afternoon on Thursday, we caught up with my mate there, and we went to dinner that night; a Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. Dinner was great, we had a few beers, and then retired for the night quite late.

The following morning though, we had decided to go up to "The Peak", even though it was quite hazy! We walked to the Ferry terminal and caught the Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island. But, this time, instead of catching the tram up, we caught the bus, which took about 40 minutes or so, but it is actually well worth it (not to mention, it saves time waiting for the tram)! On a clear day, it would be much better, as it winds its way around the suburbs of Central Hong Kong, past Happy Valley Racecourse. We saw the 'Ding Ding's', a Double Decker tram, road workers working 'hard', and some pretty amazing architecture.


Aquarius

Star Ferry Crossing Victoria Harbour

 

Road Works

  When we arrived at the top, yep, not much to see, but I still had fun anyways, so we went and had something to eat at Bubba Gumps! Food was ok, just, but it hit the spot.



The Peak



There's Hong Kong (I think)



We then made our way to catch the tram down, which is an experience in itself, as it is steep, and in reverse! We then headed back to the Star Ferry for the trip across the harbour, and then onto some camera lens shopping. A busy day in the end!!



Descending The Peak

Hoo roo for now...

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Thursday Thirteen #20 - Avalon Airshow Special

Thursday Thirteen - Avalon Airshow Special!!

Recently, I went to the Avalon Airshow on the outskirts of Melbourne. We stayed in central Melbourne city itself, and drove out daily for the fly-ins, as we would not actually be there for the show itself. However, I was there on the Trade Day as well, so these photos are a mix of arriving aircraft, display practices, and of the trade day itself... Its interesting to see how 'the other half' commute in some of the photos as well!

1. 
   USAF F-16C Take Off
2. 
   Orion on display
3. 
   Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor
4. 
   Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor - Bomb Bay
5. 
   RAAF F-18F Super Hornet Landing
6. 
   Shooting over the fence
7. 
   Republic of Singapore Air Force
8. 
   Republic of Singapore Air Force Display
9. 
   COMULUX A319CJ Cabin
10. 
    COMULUX A319CJ Dining Area
11. 
    COMULUX A319CJ Interior Cabin
12. 
    RAAF - BAE 127 Hawk
13. 
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet CLIMBRAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet TURN

Hoo roo for now...

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Wordless Wednesday No. 74 - A Hong Kong Sunrise

"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"

"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"

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I've just returned from a hectic short trip, down to Melbourne and then onto Hong Kong. The weather, typically, in Melbourne went from clear blue sky's and sunny warm conditions, to that of pouring rain and cold, yet in Hong Kong, it was typically hazy. However, on our last day, we woke to the most stunning sunrise coming in over Victoria Harbour!

I will post some more photos tomorrow, mainly some aviation though, of the trip to the Avalon Airshow!

Hoo roo for now...

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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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