07 March, 2013

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 Avalon Air Show XII
    USAF F-16C Take Off

  2. Avalon Orion
    Orion on display

  3. Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor Avalon Air Show V
    Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor

  4. Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor Avalon Air Show IV
    Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor - Bomb Bay

  5. RAAF F-18F Super Hornet Avalon Air Show
    RAAF F-18F Super Hornet Landing

  6. Airshow Spotter
    Shooting over the fence

  7. RSAF Chopper Avalon Trade Day
    Republic of Singapore Air Force

  8. Republic of Singapore Airforce Team Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    Republic of Singapore Air Force Display

  9. COMULUX A319CJ Cabin Shot II Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    COMULUX A319CJ Cabin

  10. COMULUX A319CJ Cabin Shot Avalon Airshow Trade Day
    COMULUX A319CJ Dining Area

  11. COMULUX A319CJ
    COMULUX A319CJ Interior Cabin

  12. RAAF - BAE 127 Hawk
    RAAF - BAE 127 Hawk

  13. RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet CLIMB
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet CLIMB
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet TURN
    RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet TURN

Hoo roo for now...

------

06 March, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 74 - A Hong Kong Sunrise

Hong Kong Sunrise
"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"
Hong Kong Sunrise
"Sunrise over Victoria Harbour"


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...

------

20 February, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 73 - Blast from the past

Family 2008
Family Photo 2008

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...

------

19 February, 2013

Feeling a little 'overwhelmed'...

Beach Soccer (Jimbaran)
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...

------

05 February, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 72. - Straight Lines at Night

Art Gal by night

Art Gallery of New South Wales


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...

------

30 January, 2013

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

Jayden mucking around
Jayden mucking around
Jayden and Mum
Jayden and Mum


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...

------

23 January, 2013

Wordless Wednesday No. 70 - Mirror Mirror on the wall

Mirror mirror on the wall
Mirror Mirror, on the wall...

Hoo roo for now...

------

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
Landbridge
Mrs Macquaries Point Lawn
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...

------

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!

Heat wave 8 January 3013
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!

Heat wave 8 January 3013
5.30am temp
Heat wave 8 January 3013
Forecast
Heat wave 8 January 3013
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!!

Temps Forecast 8012013
Temp Model Forecast
Temps Forecast 8012013 with Wind Vectors
Temp Model Forecast with Wind Vectors

Hoo roo for now...

------

02 January, 2013

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

Happy New Year celebrations - Sydney Style!!

NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
The LONG line...
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
FIRST people through the gates
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
Running for best position
NYE 2012 - Mrs Macquaries Point
PART of the estimated 4klm long line
NYE 2012 9pm Family Fireworks
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...

NYE 2012 MidnightNYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight
NYE 2012 Midnight

Hoo roo for now...

------