Blowin' In The Wind

Firstly I'd like to take no credit whatsoever for the above & below photos. I borrowed them from 'the news'.
Secondly I would like to say, at the risk of stripping any yearnings for home from any of my overseas readers, I thought it was only fair that I posted an update on the weather conditions here. Yesterday the skies were furious and Australia's south-east was under attack. There was chaos all over Victoria as winds got up to around 130kph! It was insane. A friend of mine returned to work saying she'd had to cling to a light pole to stop herself blowing down the street, while in front of her, two motorbikes were blown over on the road. Not only did Melbourne have a sort of 'Kansas' type feel, but then, when the SES is already going crazy with people & trees being blown all over the joint, a dust storm comes to the party too! The weather was far from enviable. On my walk to the station I learnt that umbrellas are designed to sheild you from rain that falls very traditionally - straight from above. I think umbrellas would look a lot different if they had been designed for the conditions in which I was trying to use one yesterday 'dirty, horizontal rain with a mission'. It was quite the miracle that my train was running on time and made it all the way home as almost every other line had lost signals and left thousands of people stranded for hours.

A little closer to home...

The ravaging weather took a hold of some of Sharon & Scott's roof tiles and sent them flying, cracking a few others on their way and threatening rain inside the house. Not only would this have been a problem in itself but the rain indoors may have put out the candles that were already compensating for a lack of electricity. With a 'muso's get-together' planned for last night it was all 'hands on roof' to get the problem temporarily fixed. This photo was taken from the warmth of my car where I was undertaking the important role I'd taken on as CHO - 'Chief Headlights Operator'. With safety my primary concern, I made sure the boys had the best visibity possible while they carted bricks and tarps out in the gusty wind and rain. No one was injured, which I considered a small success on my part.

Oh What A Night!

January brought with it a huge 'Paky Birthday' to Stephen! Being his 30th it didn't pass without a celebration of outstanding measures and therefore could not be left unblogged! Stephen hosted (and Sharon catered magnificently) for the ultimate birthday party titled 'Around The World In 15 courses'. It was planned down to the smallest detail with 15 dishes from all around the world served in miniature servings - each with that countries flag on top. The spoons served with the brazillian coffee were even collectors spoons from far and wide!

Even the decorations were worldly! (Note the "placemaps")


And we can thank my mum and her 'hats from around the world' collection for these beauties!!

Back in the summer of...

This was just a little slice of Summer I thought I'd share (& a day that represents the summer which I, at large, failed to Blog). The day was cloudy with a warm breeze. Perfect for losing track of time and playing on the beach. On this particular day Stephen, Tracey and I met my family for a bit of fishing and fun. We ate cheese and biscuits and stayed out under the stars until almost midnight. It was definately one of the best summer days this year.

Beep beep, Beep beep, YEAH!

Since the 19th of December last year it has been apparent that I'd be needing a new car - one that was less smashed. This one fitted the criteria nicely. Other than 'in one piece', I was after something white. I've never understood why white cars show up dirt less than black cars, but it's so true. If only this was the way with clothes as well - those white boots I've always longed for would be mine at last! Anyhow, I've taken a liking to white, it feels summery, bright and happy... and safe. Being one of the most visible colours (or shades) on the road hopefully people will stop at stop signs for me now.

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I've come to this realisation. I need my own computer. I imagine a world where all my photos are stored on a single hard drive, a world where my camera and my computer live under the same roof - my electrics united as one. Yes, a world where blog entries are no longer few and far between but follow on freely. I have a dream...

And so this is.... CRASH!!!

(Still catching up on some big things) A few days before Christmas, in the wee hours of morning, as I was driving Stephen & I to the station minding my own business, a big black jeep failed to stop at a stop sign. The result: Bye Bye Barina.


Once I realised that we were both okay, I can't say that I was all that sad about my car.

Another few shots.

Father & Son

These two friendly beggers happily sat at the door of our bus at one stop. We bought them biscuits & other treats as a thankyou for the photo.

Oh Lord Won't You Buy Me.....

I can see clearly now...

Pictures taken from our eye clinics (I can now diagnose a cataract and another thing that I can't spell - practically a doctor)





Me, about to go in and perform a few ops... or take photos of them anyway (I spared you those)

Wade In The Water Children

These kids used to live and work at the rubbish dump. They are part of a community that 2H has helped move into houses and start their own micro-businesses to support themselves. We took them and their familiies to the Waterpark for the first time in their lives. It was amazing to stand back and watch them go crazy and be carefree kids.

Bright Eyes