Original Art for purchase www.melaniealfred.com (waiting for an image)
Quote of the Day.'The advice of Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist. "If you view travel as an adventure and a challenge -- including the long lines and delays -- then it can be fun," he says. His advice is to build in enough time to experience this adventure -- a cushion of time, "just in case there are delays." Avoid tight schedules and deadlines. After all, you're on vacation.
Comings & Goings
The MI Ts have gone on a road trip to Colorado. The G Family will be back downunder soon. Jarrah Kim arived safely. I'm heading North soon
As you know not all blogs are created equal....and not all blogs have a reader subscription icon, so what I want to know is how you keep them orderly on your computer.I know I am way behind in my blogroll, but that is about to be fixed. I have a folder in my favourites: 'All Blogs' this has subfolders: Blogs, Top 10 Blogs, Romantic blog, cottage blogs, aussie blogs and when I am wandering through cyber fields of blogs I just tab them in. But my goodness, it's getting way out of control. Sure I have my favourites, but there are so many inspirational blogs, and more blogs arriving everyday. There are folders for the people in the writing group I'm in, the RTB Group, the digital scrappers I have come to know, best friends....how do you keep up? or did you give up?
His name is name is Sam. His momma sent me this lovely picture. He loves to play. He sleeps under her desk when she is working. I am sure Max is happy now....
This amazing photograph is by Ryan Pierce He was rushing to get a place to photograph the mens 100/200 metre race. He made an on the spot decsion to stop and usetake this image of the full moon rsing behind the flame and smoke of the Olympic flame.
Photogrpah by Adam Pretty He se the remote camera up in the pool using snorkling equipment a couple of hourse before the races.
Photograph by Harry How With a remote camera in the ceiling of the stadium
My dear friend Miss A from way out west did a search for me...and found a site for CANON that enabled me to down load the instruction books for my camera. I have to learn what all the icons are for. Still waiitng on the tripod, hopefully tomorrow.
Actually, the first two viewings were great also. I thought the fun might have worn off for tonights 6:30pm session of Mamma Mia. With a 3rd friend. But it was great, fun and laughter and at a price that can't be beaten. After changing seats 3 times, well you see I made the 1st choice, then I wanted to sit on the other side of the aisle so I could stretch my aching left leg out into the empty space. Then I discovered that the arm rest of the middle seats lifted up. I moved back to where we had been, only I sat 2 seats in and managed to support my knee on the seat next to me...we settled down to a great couple of hours entertainment. I was surprised at the number of people who walked out as soon as the film ended, thus missing the great and hilarious performances at the very end. Dont leave....stay through the 2 songs..the 2nd is so funny! You will never look at Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth the same again
The Quilter (mother of TNG's 1, 2, 4 & 5 ) and I shared a BLAT (bacon lettuce avacado & tomatoe) sandwich with fries. I had peppermint tea. The place was great, with colouring books and toys. Amazingly friendly and helpful staff. The food was yummy.
This creative tower of chicken nuggets and chips was for TNG 1 & 2. Plus the full size milkshakes
Pink sparkly toes and pink PJs - talk about co- ordinated! My new perfume, selected by My LDG, I rather like it. Apparently Fidgi is not longer made..hmmmm
I thought for sure there would be a school teacher or 2, a diligent daughter (ooo she is away camping) or other erudite folk who would pick up my spelling errors in the Colour Me 8 post...
and yes 1 so far! Person, not error.
I apologise for offfending your reading serenity. What can I say? I was going too fast and I was in a whole lot of pain, and axomatically multi-tasking.
Miss A (I was born to fly/travel) needed an intense reworking of her resume; I was delighted to help out, and some web advice. The Whizz Kid came through and she has a great site now, strickly (haha gotcha!!) for work.
So now I am inspired and will be designing, arranging and choosing the elements for my website. Kind of like building a house (A_M) except it doesn't matter if it rains.
I am bed bound with my old ballet injury creating havoc, hobbling round the house using mum's walking stick, which I just bought back from Melbourne - good timing.
On Sunday 10th August 2008 I turned 8. Yes 8. I started counting again after my 4th open heart surgery in 2000, at Prince Charles Hopsital in Brisbane. I owe my life to God (He had ample opportunity to remove me) and the very skilled hands of Bruce Garlick. As well as his great team including Dr Hart...yes really. All the other theatre staff, ICU staff and ward nurses, physios and specialist Drs called in. All of these people and more, who cared for me, and motivated me.
Thanks to all my visitors and those that sent cards, flowers and made thoughtful caring gestures. I seem to recall huge choc dipped strawberries, a bag of mandarins, a beautiful single daffodil and much more. An apple to ensure I would return home and a bowl of hand made paper diamonds...all to invoke chinese good fortune.
Dr Garlick replaced the mitral valve, which had been replaced twice before. The 1st pigs valve had cracked after 9 years and this one split ( I seem to recall?)
This time an artifical vlave was inserted and also the same brand for the aortic vlave, thus ending my long-term joke about the only thing incompetent about me was my aortic valve, I had been diagnosed with AI way back when they found the Mitral Stenosis. Some 30 years ago.
My valves tick. Or rather they click as they open and close, metal on metal. It took me some 2 years to not hear them, though 6 months is usual. I get migraines from repetitive sound so I'd been worried about that. When I travel I can go through the screening processes okay. However if the palne is quiet or the engines not yet running, I worry that the passenger next to me might hear me ticking. It is quite audible to people close to me. So I talk to them, as truely the last thing you want to hear these days when you are on a plane is something ticking...let alone someone.
Rhumatic fever as a child is what caused the damage, and though it remained undiagnosed until I was pregnant with my 1st child, the affects were present right thought my childhood and teen years. The damage is physical for sure, but has a huge impact emotionally. It also effects the entire family, and others around the patient.
It had taken my beautiful mother and I decades until we resolved the spin off issues from my illnesses. Menigitus at 6 months had added to the pressures and general health damage.
Thus I delight in being 8!!!
I have some medically directed limitations: 1.no bunging jumping (hmm like I'd want to ) 2. No deep sea diving...can probably live without that.
I am genreally very well. I have learnt the fine art of health maintainence and resting. I have learnt to apply wisdom about pushing beyond my known limits and when not to.
I still loathe being cottonwooled, or hovered over, fuss about and silent whispering with 'knowing' looks. My committment to self management is high. And yes, I confess I have been know to argue with Drs or ignore their advice. We usually talk it through. Here I must thank my GP, the very patient Dr JK for his on going medical management, also the staff of the clinic. Alos my Medical Cardiologist Dr Wayne Stafford.
My Surgeon.
Dr Bruce Garlick, MBBS (1st Hons.), FRACS.
Bruce Garlick has been practising as a consultant cardiac surgeon, since completing his training in 1998. He graduated from the University of Queensland in 1987 with first class honours. Bruce undertook general surgical training at Royal Brisbane Hospital (FRACS) before commencing cardiothoracic surgery training at The Prince Charles Hospital. In 1997 Bruce relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, where Bruce completed his cardiothoracic training. He spent 18 months as a Fellow of Harvard Medical School in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Bruce spent a further 3 months at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England as a Fellow in Heart and Lung Transplantation. Bruce specialises in adult cardiac surgery, with the bulk of his work being involved with coronary revascularization and valve surgery.
The Alfrfed is Victoria's leading Trauma Center: they used to land the helicopters across the road in the park, and transfer patients to an ambulance. Now they have built a heliport over the road, thus cutting down possible delays. I am sure this saves many lives.
all kinds of goodies. Thanks to the friendly helpful staff.
minimax was pure delight The large white milk jug I bought travelled well and arrived unharmed. The secret seems to be to stuff your sox etc into whatever china ware you are packing in your suitcase. Then pack above and below and around with soft clothes, several layers.
I had been asked to bring hot jam donuts home for the monthly family dinner.
The Donut lady was great. When I explained I had to fly 2 hours north with these things she carefully explained how to reheat them. She also told me where they could be bought 'raw' up here. She is used to bulk orders and donuts to travel.
*after all this trouble and effort and the associated excitement awaiting the donuts.... 'they' declared these were the wrong ones. I resign. I am no longer the interstate food courier.
...mans best friend came in many shapes and sizes at the market. I mean as visitors not being sold These 2 are brother and sister...um Oscar & ? ...no not Lucinda? sorry can't recall
'Sweeties Pie' shop 37 - almost an outside corner Call Roxanne for catering ideas and gluten free products (03 96993947).
The girls were friendly and helpful. for all your planned weak moments drop in and drool.
'TheChocolateLover' is that you? Make sure you visit stall 34 - it's on a corner.
friendly folk and fabulous viewing I don't eat chocolate ( I am a declared Chocolate Free Zone) However I could appreciate the work gone into the crafting of the roses etc email Pierre@thechocolatelover.com.au
There is an abundance of Deli's. All stacked to the rafters with fabulous continental delights. Yes! This is HRH from Saltbush Castle - stocking up the royal pantry.
Milling amongst the locals and the tourists - dressed casually but there is always one way to identify HRH.
The mercury plunged to minus 5C at Warwick while Coolangatta recorded its lowest minimum temperature in more than four decades – 1C.
Even the normally balmy Hervey Bay could manage only the same overnight low as chilly Toowoomba – zero degrees – while centres including Stanthorpe, Dalby, Oakey, Maryborough and Gympie were all below freezing.
At Brisbane Airport, early morning travellers and workers shivered through 2.6C temperatures.
The city, where the temperature
Weather bureau senior forecaster Vikash Prasad said snow probably would have fallen on the Darling Downs had the air not been so dry.
"The minimum temperatures in some areas were certainly close to record lows," he said.
"Coolangatta's 1C minimum was the coldest since 1964 when the airport recorded 0.4C.
reached a minimum of 4.1C just after 6.30am, wasn't much warmer.
The mercury plunged to minus 5C at Warwick while Coolangatta recorded its lowest minimum temperature in more than four decades – 1C.
Even the normally balmy Hervey Bay could manage only the same overnight low as chilly Toowoomba – zero degrees – while centres including Stanthorpe, Dalby, Oakey, Maryborough and Gympie were all below freezing.
At Brisbane Airport, early morning travellers and workers shivered through 2.6C temperatures.
The city, where the temperature
Weather bureau senior forecaster Vikash Prasad said snow probably would have fallen on the Darling Downs had the air not been so dry.
"The minimum temperatures in some areas were certainly close to record lows," he said.
"Coolangatta's 1C minimum was the coldest since 1964 when the airport recorded 0.4C.
reached a minimum of 4.1C just after 6.30am, wasn't much warmer.
Based in Melbourne Australia, registered business, we have entered into eBay since 2006,and have became one of largest auction store for Digital Gear - particular in SLR Digital Cameras, Compact Digital Cameras as well as other electronics. OZ seller + Local Warranty + Competitive Price + Various Packages.
These guys have been great to deal with. Hopefull the camera will arrive on time, and in 100% great condition.
hot news: Stephanie Rice through to 200m IM final.
Jones wins breaststroke gold, record
AAP - August 12, 2008, 1:11 pm
Leisel Jones claimed a long overdue first individual Olympic gold medal in the 100m breaststroke in Beijing.
The Australian claimed redemption from her heartbreaking campaign in Athens four years ago by blitzing the field at the Water Cube.
Jones clocked an Olympic record of one minute 5.17 seconds to win by more than a second and a half from American Rebecca Soni (1:06.73) and Austrian Mirna Jukic (1:07.34).
Jones has taken a stranglehold in women's breaststroke since the Athens Games and thoroughly deserved her momentous victory.
It was Australia's third gold medal in the pool this week and Jones's sixth Olympic medal overall. more
Given the progress I have made with my photography, see previous post.... I have bought a new camera.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS: Zoom is just the beginning
Finally we have the update everyone had expected at PMA, the new PowerShot S5 IS digital camera. The S5 IS features an eight megapixel 1/2.5" (5.8 x 4.3 mm) CCD sensor and a twelve times Image Stabilized zoom lens..read more of the review...more
Features at a glance:
12x optical zoom lens with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and UD lens
Optical Image Stabilizer
8.0 Megapixel CCD
DIGIC III with advanced Noise Reduction technology and Face Detection for stills and movies
Red-Eye Correction in playback
2.5” high-resolution vari-angle LCD
Long-play VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie
22 shooting modes including full manual control and 0cm Super Macro
High ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
Compatible with Wide/Tele/Close-up converter lenses and Canon EX Speedlite flashe
I am working on developing my photography skills. Photographer friend Tobaira has been impressed, even amazed, at the images I have been able to get from my phone camera. Here are a couple of examples...
I visited the Bib Stillwill MINI Garage in Melbourne Nicholas was wonderful at showing me around. You can get an all up MINI for $150,000 or a base line manual for a mere $36,000
Miss V and I travelled down to the now chic port area of town and visited the Sandbar Café.
Right on the foreshore, this delightful little place has two levels and when the tide is out there is a third. the beach.
Due to the location there is no interruption to the view of the bay.
We chose a table and then went to make out selections. We agreed on bacon and egg burgers. When they came they were light and non greasy. Very tasty. The salad was on the side and also very fresh and tasty.Service was quick and efficient.
Arriving in Torquay we booked a table for 2. Later that evening as the restaurant filled to indoor capacity, we were glad we had.
A charming waiter showed us to our window seats, we had a view of the terrace and the outdoor seating area. We felt that during the summer the tables would be in great demand.Growlers are just across the road from the foreshore and perhaps receive a cool sea breeze.
We chose from the Specials of the day and the porterhouse steaks were perfectly prepared, topped with mushroom and a side sauce, mine especially made by the chef.
We caved in - with not much struggle, and ordered 2 sticky date puddings. These arrived on huge plates top with a strawberry and drenched in a divine caramel sauce.
We asked our waiter why the restaurant was names Growlers and he did not know but set off to find out for us.
Returning to us he said this was what he had been told but he didn’t know if it was true: years ago on the same site there had been a Mexican restaurant. They had an old dog out front and he growled at all the guests as they arrived. Hence Growlers.
"for the ethical force with which he has pursued the indispensable traditions of Russian literature"
When Alexandr Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970, he was already an outcast in his native country, the Soviet Union. After the novel "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" and a few short stories he had not been permitted...more
Every good reader has a book. You own it as much as the author does. You knew it was yours the first time you read it. Again and again over the years, you've turned to this book when you needed solace, inspiration, or perspective. Each time you've read it, each time you have opened at random to a page, you've found something that speaks directly to you. It's your book, after all.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is my book...more
* * *
Tribute from BB in India
Russian literature lost it living legend, Solzenitsyn, yesterday. Imprisoned, exiled and scorned during the Communist era, he died happily as he wanted – in new Russia, in the summer, in the countryside – to touching tributes by Russians and rest of the world. .....He excoriated communist materialism and capitalist materialism, and was steadfast to artistic truth andenduring human spirit –in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, Russian patriotism, ideologically close to Putin and Gorbachov. I still remember the sensations of reading “A Day” and “Cancer Ward” – bleak, slow, ordinary - but how could someone be so authentic, so true – how could he make me, far in away in tropical India, feel as one with his characters ?!
I waited in a cool breeze by the edge of the river. I was intrigued to see automated digitaltimetable displays .
My tram would be along in just 4 minutes.
It was after 4pm so the stop was becoming crowded with workers leaving early, and dawdling high schoolers in uniform.
My tram arrived – on time, and I climbed on board.
.Bundled along with the crowd I found myself at the rear of the vehicle and made my way forward. I had a daily ticket so I didn’t need to access the ticket machine. No conductors these days.
Suddenly a man (who sub sequentially turned out to be an Irish traveller) stood up and gave me his seat. I was rather surprised, but very grateful for his kindness. As we travelled he talked with the girl next to me, about his travels around Australia. When the local news reported an Irish tourist was missing I made sure to find a photo on the web; so I could be sure that it was not the same young man.It was not.
When I rose to exit the tram I turned and made eye contact and said a firm thank you.
The Bad
I was out locally (I cant recall why now...oh yes I remember, I went to the supermarket to buy warm socks) and as I came back out of the 1st shop - which by the way didn’t have the socks I wanted - I was somewhat accosted verbally by a rather scruffy looking individual - male, tall, non descript, grubby - who demanded to know if I had any spare change. I must have look startled so he tried to press this momentary advantage by asking for "just a dollar'. An elderly lady looked to me for support as she also said no, and we exchanged a few words of speculation as to just what might be done with any forthcoming dollars. I Swerved away from the beggar as he dashed past me. He demanded a dollar from everyone near me and then everyone he went past as he scurried along the footpath.
I turned and entered an arcade and visited several shops there, and then finding myself now in a small mall, I browsed through that. I left from the opposite side to where I had entered, and crossed a busy road, between cars and trams.
No sooner had I gained the other side then the dollar-beggar came up beside me again.
Once again he asked if I had any change, even a dollar.
“You already asked me” I said making brief eye contact. “Why don’t you get a job?”
His reply was not what I expected “I don’t have time” he said as he turned and rushed through the doorway of the local betting shop.
The Ugly.
I don’t have a story for this , and I hope I won’t. Probably the ugliest thing I have encountered is the ugly low readings on the thermometer.
