Favorite Photos -1-

In 'my document' (yes I'm a PC not a Mac user) I've flagged a number of photos as 'favorites. I'm going to post them up, and say why they are thus marked. This will probably take a number of postings.

Here's the 1st group...

Harley - it's not the shot, it's the cat that matters

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L - I love black and white photos, love beautiful females, love shots with something about them.

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An old photo from Wendy's side of the family

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G taken at work, I like this one as it reminds me of working at S.A.G. in the UK.

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I loved W in this dress

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OK this dress is nice too - but this ones included as it's from our honeymoon

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So many generations of the family.

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It's the memory of the performance for this one - OK she was hot, but it was so obvious she was loving the dancing.

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The 1st ever photo of me and W together - taken in our 1st week together, in the rain at Bakewell.

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A pool party back in '99 - can't you just tell it was a great time.

More of my favourites later

Categories:

• favoritephotos
• cat
• L
• bellydance

Belt

After 13 years of hard service, being worn on a daily basis, today my trusty 'stallion' belt came apart.

This may appear a trivial thing, but in my drab old life it's a disaster, besides it keeps my trousers up.

So here it is - my trusty belt, with it's manly red yarn repair, ready to serve at least another ten years. And yes I did the repair myself (OK that may be obvious from how poorly it's made) - done whilst Wendy was out belly dancing.

Haiku - For cat lovers

The food in my bowl Is old, and more to the point Contains no tuna. So you want to play. Will I claw at dancing string? Your ankle's closer. There's no dignity In being sick - which is why I don't tell you where. Seeking solitude I am locked in the closet. For once I need you. Tiny can, dumped in Plastic bowl. Presentation, One star; service: none. Am I in your way? You seem to have it backwards: This pillow's taken. Your mouth is moving; Up and down, emitting noise. I've lost interest. The dog wags his tail, Seeking approval. See mine? Different message. My brain: walnut-sized. Yours: largest among primates. Yet, who leaves for work? Most problems can be Ignored. The more difficult Ones can be slept through. My affection is conditional. Don't stand up, It's your lap I love. Cats can't steal the breath of children. But if my tail's Pulled again, I'll learn. I don't mind being Teased, any more than you mind A skin graft or two. So you call this thing Your "cat carrier." I call These my "blades of death." Toy mice, dancing yarn Meowing sounds. I'm convinced: You're an idiot.

Categories:

• cats

Leaving

BORING POST ALERT

Big news for anyone who works at the West - and dead boring for the rest of you... Ian Law the 'Wests' CEO has resigned. He's been here for four year, and has made some sweeping changes.

We've bought radio stations, cinema chains, lots more newspapers, and have done it all with an ever decreasing number of staff. Job security has gone out the window - I can't imagine his leaving will make our fears any worse.

Certainly thanks to him the West has done really well during his time, with the share prices going up for the first time in ages - shame that one of the first things he cut was staff shares :-(

WA Newspapers chief quits to join PBL West Australian Newspapers Holdings Ltd's (WAN) managing director has quit the newspaper publisher to join Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd, in one of two key appointments announced by Kerry Packer's media group. WAN managing director and chief executive Ian Law resigned after three and a half years at the helm of WAN, accepting a role as chief executive of PBL's magazine division Australian Consolidated Press. Shares in WAN dropped 20 cents to $8.00 on the news as the company begins the hunt for a new managing director with Mr Law to leave in May next year.

Categories:

• work

Mmmm snacky

Right now I’m sat at work, Sunday afternoon, with a pocket full of dog biscuits – this appears to be a standard now we’ve got Mr Bingley. I just have to be careful not to thing they are a snack!

It was nice to learn that the new land that's been released to extend our estate is costing around five times what we paid. BTW - if you fancy moving in near us, this is a good place to start - you need to select suburb Helena Valley.

Lightning

The Merchants... was great yesterday - I'd give it 9.5 out of 10 - despite not getting a lot of the Indian references which made half the audience crack up.

We had a good lightning / thunder show last night. So we took Bingley out to get him used to it (one of the things our dog books recommend). Whilst we were at it I took a few photos...

Categories:

• photos

Wind

Crikey it's windy this Morning (weather report here). We were at a bar-b-q last night, and didn't get home until quite late. The wind was already howling, and poor bingley was out all alone in the dark. He didn't appear to mind though. Up early this morning, and took him to the vet for his last injections (until next year) - he should be safe from worms etc. for now.

Here's a few photos from the garden.

This afternoon we've got ticket for (link)

it should be good ...

The Merchants of Bollywood is a dynamic stage production, bringing to life the glitz, glamour and splendor that is the Bollywood film industry. Filled with bangles and beads, colorful costumes, gorgeous sets and a dazzling cast of performers, the show revels in its history, as it pays homage to the growth of the worlds largest film industry. With a cast of over 30 singers, dancers and actors flown in directly from Film City, Mumbai - the home to the Bollywood film industry, The Merchants of Bollywood lavishly graces each and every stage it is performed on. It reveals the dynamics of its industry, through the gentle take of a young girl, her grandfather and the love they share for dancing. The Merchants of Bollywood features choreography by world renowned Vaibhavi Merchant, who has choreographed many of Bollywood's stars including mega-star Ashwarya Rai in recent smash-hit films including Bunty Aur Babli. Performed in English and Hindi, and produced by Bollywood's most highly regarded film and stage artists, the production features songs and dance from the smash-hit movies Lagaan, Devdas, Musafir, and Bunty Aur Babli to name a few.

Categories:

• photos

Employment

I'm looking for new staff again - any takers?

Categories:

• work

Michael update

Michael is fine after surgery. All done as key-hole surgery (through the neck and groin) - All going well he will be back home tomorrow.

Back to Hospital

It's 5:30am and we're all up, as Michael is due back in hospital today for the 2nd procedure following his heart attacks in October.

I call is a procedure as we're not totally sure what's being done. He's already had Angioplasty and a Stent Procedure which sounds like what he's in for today. It appears one of his arterys to his heart has stretched, and needs improving to ensure it doesn't collapse.

He's due at the hospital for 6:50 - hence the early start.

Pond

Today we take a quick look at the construction of our fish pond. We have nine fish thriving in it - and amazingly the cats don't bother them at all.

First dig a hole. The pond is 50% raised, to give us something to sit on.

The decking is removable, to make it easier to remove the liner if it's ever needed. The rear of the pond is raised to allow a waterfall.

Here the liner is in, and it's being filled.

The liner is held in place with pea gravel, between the two layer treated pine walls.

The water fall is being constructed

It was a hot day, so a cool down was needed.

Nearly full

The finished product, once the pump and trimmings have been added. The filter box is hidden in the bushes at the back.

Final clean up.

Comments

I've opened up the comment area on these postings so anyone can now add comments without having to register. Give it a try Dave. - I hope this isn't a mistake!

We are in the middle of applying for another loan to finance our holiday next year. Lots of places are offering us cash, the question is who to go with. Certainly anywhere will be cheaper than our credit card where the flight currently lies.

Grass Tree by request.

This is a grass tree which was planted with the help of Beth and Lydia during their last holiday over here. As you can see it's thriving, it's grown a huge spike every year since planted and even has two spikes growing at the moment.

BookCrossing

I've just released four books on BookCrossing - another idea I grabbed from rizlablue. If you've not heard of BookCrossing, take a look I'll keep you updated on where they get set free, and where they travel.

What is BookCrossing? bookcrossingn. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. (added to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in August 2004)

Leo has found a nice spot to sleep - on one of the shelves in our changing room. Unfortunately in is waking hours he started attacking the other cats. He's so placid when we're around, and then goes crazy towards the other cats.

Air Show

Wendy is working at the Perth air-show today held at the Pearce RAAF air base. She's manning an outpost on behalf of the City of Swan. I'm not totally sure what a road engineer has to offer at an air-show, but there you go.

The show is the first in about 10 years, and around 60,000 people are expected to attend. So the council are closing off one of the main roads to the air to add to the chaos. (Hope W doesn't see that one.

Best Joke Ever / Heart

(This I'm afraid is a blatent blog theft - but it is the...)

A man goes to a zoo.

It only had one dog.


It was a shitzu.

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My Heart Is Pink

In relationships, you like to play innocent - even though you aren't. Each time you fall in love, it's like falling for the first time. Your flirting style: Coy Your lucky first date: Picnic in the park Your dream lover: Is both caring and dominant What you bring to relationships: Romance

What Color Heart Do You Have?

Late night

Pauls birthday, so we all tried a new restaurant in Riverton the High Road Hotel. Got lost trying to find the entrance (lots of non joining rooms), and then total confusion as we tried to order - no one knew if it was table service, including the waiter (with a bit of an attitude).

However the food was fine, and the company was of course great.

Happy birthday Paul.

Book Club - a brave brave man

I've joined a book club which we saw advertised on the Helena Valley shopping centre notice board.

It looks like I was lucky to get in, as they only have 12 members and only accept new ones when someone leaves.

They/we meet once per month (3rd Tuesday), discuss the previous book, and distribute the next book. The books are selected in round-robin basis, as is the persons house that they/we meet at.

The only problem is I'm currently the only man in the group. I knew it would probably have more women than men, but it was scary turning out to be the only guy. However they really made me welcome, and said they'd really hoped to start getting the numbers balanced out.

This months book however turned out to be the childrens book The Red Tree (all be it award winning). We've been given instructions from the person who picked it to spend some time reading it (don't just read once) - a good thing as the book only takes about 5 minutes to read the text. It has however got some impressive illustrations.

Categories:

• books
• bookcrossing

DVD's

Ever wondered what type of DVD's Wendy and I watch and have bought - No I didn't think you would have - heres the list anyway.

And then... some wise words

• Now that food has replaced sex in my life, I can't even get into my own pants.
• I saw a woman wearing a shirt with "Guess" on it. So I said "Implants?" She hit me.
• I don't do drugs. I get the same effect just standing up fast.
• Sign in a Chinese Pet Store: "Buy one dog, get one flea..."
• I live in my own little world. But it's OK. They know me here.
• I got a sweater for Christmas. I really wanted a screamer or a moaner.
• If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
• I don't approve of political jokes. I've seen too many of them get elected.
• There are two sides to every divorce: Yours and sh*thead's.
• I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
• I am a nobody, and nobody is perfect; therefore, I am perfect.
• Everyday I beat my own previous record for the number of consecutive days I've stayed alive.
• How come we choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
• Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing section in a swimming pool?
• Why is it that most nudists are people you don't want to see naked?
• Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.
• Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mum's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been"

Categories:

• dvd

Leo the thief

Email from W to R:::

Mam left a message saying she couldn't find the bone we left out on the kitchen side for Bingley. When I called her - she had found it in our bedroom. It looks like Leo is a bit of a cat burgler when it comes to food left unattended.

Categories:

• bingley

Sting

Bingley was having a great day today - we took him for a walk in Darlington, and finished with his first ice-cream (shared with Robert). It was his first walk off the lead - he was no problem, as he doesn't like to go more than a few meters from us anyway.

However when we got back, he managed to get his paw stung by (we believe) a wasp. He's always routing around looking for things to stick his nose in. You should have heard the noise - he really knows how to whimper. So we found the sting, still in his paw, and gave him some cold water to stand in. However the next thing his face (or his jowels anyway) began to puff up, and his skin went very red. So we had a mad dash to the emergency vet, who was so far away that by the time we got there Bingley was looking a lot better.

So $80 later, and a yelp at the injection, he was as lively as ever once again. It's never easy is it.

Categories:

• bingley

Videos

Here's a couple of videos (sound helps)...

Cookie town - our own production, most people will have seen this one...

Something about this vid tickles me.

Got Google Earth? - here's our house...

Categories:

• cats

Swim

Cookie escaped once again - making a cat proof garden is a lot harder than you'd think! Wendy eventually managed to corner him in a neighbours garden, and got him back with only superficial scratches.

Then we had the fun of trying to teach bingley to swim. Not that we want him in the pool, but we do want him to know where the ledges are if he falls in. He didn't enjoy it this morning!

More swim pic here

And here's beautiful Leo...

Categories:

• cats
• bingley

RDO

RDO - Rostered day off, something us hard workers get for having to work weekends. And today is one! Woo hoo - no work.
Here's todays itinery

• Walk Bingley
• Fit reversing assistant to car
• Get the pool ready for the weekend
• Type this blog - and here I am, watching cr*p on TV, whilst I jot these few notes.

The car reversing assistant was bought from eBay... It turned out a lot harder to install than I expected, due to the difficulty of getting the radars installed in the rear bumper - their was no room at all. However I'm very happy now it's in. The Verada has a huge boot and rear bumper, both of which can't be seen when reversing.

	Here's the control box for the pool - it started out really neat, then we added lots of lights (the blue transformers), and a couple of timers, and then the main control box fell to pieces (that's it leaning). They charge a bomb for these units, which are basically just transformers and a simple timer. I replaced the timer with a $10 unit from Bunnings and patched together the transformer.
	The pool needed five bags of salt, plus a heap of other chemicals to get it in shape again. It's now at around 26 deg C. so it will be lovely to swim in tomorrow.
	Nice temperature - 26 deg.

Categories:

• work