Moonage Daydreams

emotions

2008-10-07T21:14:00.002+11:00

Today has been an emotional one for me, I am suffering terrible with hayfever amongst other things. Tommorow my youngest is turning 11 and getting grown up but still very emotional. Her sister will be 14 next month and they disagree on so many things that it does make life a little difficult. I came home and they where arguing over what to have for dinner. more problems as the evening wore on, with the older daughter caught red handed by me taking money from my wallet and then lying about it. until i managed to tell her i knew that there was $20. missing. I dont recall having these hassles with my mum and i certainly never recall stealing any money. I dont want to distance her from me but i hate that she doesnt ask me for stuff and has to steal behind my back. How do i stop this from getting any worse. I have my own worries, great job, great amateur photographer but i do miss having someone close in my life. I thought I had reconnected with my family 2 months ago but seems that it hasnt really happpend and they seemed to think I pushed them away after I left home at 19. I did nothing of the sort, went out of my way to travel for 6 hours a few times a year and visit, only to find out that they had come to town and not even called me. I feel they have a one sided small town view of things. Just to find a genuine real guy to share my life with, that is not to much to ask but way to hard to find. Well thankfully i am used to doing stuff on my own and it doesnt stop me from going overseas and doing all sorts of stuff on my own or with my kids. well I am off for a weekend away soon, yeh it will probably be full of couples and families all happy stuff. But i will get lots of photos.

comparison photos

2008-09-30T19:24:00.006+10:00

badger creek rework

Badger Creek original

Canon
Model
Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
Aperture Value
f/16
Colour Space
sRGB
Exposure Bias Value
-0.67 EV
Exposure Programme
Shutter Priority
Flash
No Flash
Focal Length
42 mm
ISO
200
Metering Mode
Multi-Segment
Shutter Speed Value
1/3 sec
Date/Time
Sun 21 Sep 2008 09

Trees with contrast adjustment

Trees in yarra valley, straight from camera

Model
Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
Aperture Value
f/14
Colour Space
sRGB
Exposure Bias Value
-0.67 EV
Exposure Programme
Aperture Priority
Flash
No Flash
Focal Length
42 mm
ISO
200
Metering Mode
Multi-Segment
Shutter Speed Value
1/160 sec
Date/Time
Sun 21 Sep 2008 10

Daydreaming

2008-09-13T10:01:00.005+10:00

Old Truck done in HDR and Selective colouring

Love handles

Glenmore Rd Hills

I have been to busy lately to add anything to my blog, working, taking photos, socialising and running around after my kids. I will add a few of my latest photos.

Spring cleaning the house has slowly started and I have an assessment session with a personal trainer this afternoon to start my spring training, my fitness has gone down hill the last couple of years since my carpal tunnel surgery.

2008-07-06T18:55:00.006+10:00

Rock Frame

STRANGE ROCKS

freindships

2008-06-15T23:45:00.002+10:00

finally I know that the person I considered one of my best freinds, isn't that. As I previously mention I have hardly seen her in the last 6 months and mostly when I was the one who contacted or visited. I sent her a msg last night about a singer I had gone to see and how bad they where. I got the reply oh I have some news. I decided to call in to see her. The news was to say she was getting married in 2 weeks and that her partner had proposed 2 months ago and all was organised. Yes I am happy for her but I am angry that had I not contacted her I would not have known. twice in the last 4 weeks we have been at our childrens school function and yet she didnt bother to say anything, the most I got was a hello. As I said previously how much one sided effort do I put in or do I just walk away.

Kuching/Sabah travel diary

2008-06-09T08:56:00.005+10:00

Friday, 2nd May 2008

Headed to the airport after work and had trouble finding the longterm carpark that was near the airport. I have not much voice and can't stop sneezing so after checking in had coffee with a freind who had come to see me off, thanks Wayne. Then went in search of tissues. Boarding was delayed by 15mins due to a boarding pass machine malfunction so the flight left 1 hour late which worried me as Ih ad to catch a connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching. I slept twice on the flight a total of 4 hours of an 8 hour flight. food on the plane was very asic and I only had one glass of wine and some orange juice, plus lots of water. I watched a couple of movies in flight and really enjoyed the Movie staring Steve Carel , the comedian with the big nose. Can't name the movie thought but it was a chick flick.

Saturday, 3rd May 2008

I had no time to check out anything at Kuala Lumper airport as I had to rush from one end of the airport to the other to catch my connecting flight. Woohoo it is my birthday today so I intnd to enjoy it. I arrived in Kuching at 10 at the Mederka Palace hotel a very ornate looking hotel on the inside but the room is very tiny and bathroom even tinier marble bathroom and marble everywhere in the lobby. Exchange rate is $1. AUD = 2.77 Malaysian ringit.

I had a latte at the hotel coffe shop then wnadered down to the tourist bureau and the waterfromt and the old marketplace. The locals are all freindly and saying hello. I wandered along the waterfront which has changed a lot since i was here 30 years ago, ll the old buildings have been torn down to make way for a prominade which stretches for a few KM's. Groups of young locals congregate along the waterfront, decked out in there westerm fashions all resting or chatting on mobile phones. On the other side of the river you see the Astana (palace) built in 1870 then the new Gov't building that is being built plus the old fort. Lots of jetties with small boats to take you on trips along the river. At 3.30 I stopped at James Brooke Bistro on the waterfront and had late lunch of ginger beef which was 18 ringit washed down with a carlesburg beer for 6 ringit.

I then wandered through a local shopping centre and a local tried to sell me some miracle cream that would remove dead skin cells and supposedly sunspots and freckles for only 10 ringit, I declined to buy this. I got back to my hotel at 6pm and sat in the English pub bar downstairs in the hotel. It has all manor of things english. I had 2 glasses of chardoonay for 21 ringit and it tasted exceptional nothing like the chardoonay i drink back home. being in a different country may have contributed to it tasting better. I have thoroughly enjoyed my birthday so far. Traffic certainly is more than it was 30 years ago. Cars & scooters/motorbikes seem to travel at 70-80km's with what seems little road rules. besides the odd 1980's toyota corona and a 1970's volvo most cars are brand new little 4 door daewoo ty pe cars none over 10 years old also the 4x4twin cab utes are popular. wearing of thongs, t shirts and shorts are the go on scooters and motorbikes. I did see one old harley with the guy in full leathers. Time for me to head to ed and get some sleep.

Sunday 4th May 2008

Up at 6am to get early morning photos of trees in front of the hotel in Padang Mederka and some buildings. Then back to room to relax ujntill 8am and then down to the Aurora bistro for my buffett breakfast. started off with yoghurt and fruit, coffee, followed by poached eggs with a little scrambled eggs as well and tomato and toast washed down with an orange juice. So many items on the buffet many so much for my dieting.

Mostly Asian guests at the hotel with a sprinkling of westerners. I noticed at breakfast only 1 oher westerner eating alone, but no wasn't going to chat him up. My cold is turning into stuffy sinus and chest but I will not let it ruin my holiday.

11am and I have just come back from a walk to the city mosque and toan old shopping complex, where i bought some shoes. I know I said I wouldn't buy shoes but at 6 ringit what a bargain. So far in total i have only spent 165 ringit. I am sitting in the hotel lobby drinking lots of water and watching people come and go. the humidiy is playing havoc with my chest cold.

2pm and I ventured out again after a rest, I walked along Jalan Mcdougall past St Thomas Anglican church down past the brigly coloured cinema complex. A lightening and thunder show happened for a few minutes followed by a massive downpour of rain for 30 mins, I managed to stay under the shop walkways to keep the camera dry. I looked in a gallery at some beautiful silk paintings and spoke to the artists. A large silk painting cost 1200 ringit which realy equates to less than $60 Aud. but i had no way of carrying it or being a sunday of posting it home.

Walked down to the warerfront again and went to the crowne plaza shopping centre to try and find a chemist I just wanted some panadol and something for my chest cough. No chemist on duty on sunday so could only get panadol for the sinus headache. Cannot buy cold and flu medicine without the chemist permission.

I looked at lots of silver jewellery expecially rings but alas i dont have skinny little Asian fingers so nothing would fit. i purchased a Kuching (cat city) t shirt for my youngest daughter .

3pm saw me back at the waterfront at the James Squire bistro again, drinking more carlesberg and this time trying the spicey chicken laksa. which was divine. I was going to do a sunset cruise at 5pm but didnt have enough ringit money and only place that would change travellers cheques on a sunday is my hotel and I didnt want to walk that far and back again. Money changers dont take travellers cheques only change cash. after a few drinks i wandered back to my hotel and went up to the roof top pool to swim and get some sunset pictures. sunser was at 5.30 pm. Sunset over the distant clouds wasnt great due to the dark clouds.

8 pm finds me back in the English bar at the hotel, deciding i will really celelbrate my birthday and have a blast. I could have gone out somewhere else but with my chest getting worse decided it would be easier to just down lots of chardoonay and crawl back upstairs to my room at the end of the night. at 7pm I was the only one in the bar besides the Malaysian band that was setting up ready to play.

To be continued.

Botanic Gardens

2008-06-08T23:32:00.003+10:00

How Long

2008-05-18T16:10:00.002+10:00

How long can you continue to make what appears to be a one sided effort to keep in contact with someone you have been good freinds with for 7 years. I live only 2 min drive from her and it seems the last 12 months She has visited me once and I have visited her more times than I can remember. I see her occasionally at school functions and get a hello but she is always in a rush. Is it time to just stop making all the effort and leave it up to her to contact. This is the same person that made a promise that we would have a girls only trip to sabah in 2006 and then turns around and goes with her partner and her boss. Well didn't matter I went to Sabah and had a bloody great time on my own.

A special note from my 10yo daughter.

2008-05-14T07:00:00.002+10:00

I love you, I am slow but I love you so much
I would walk a million miles to be with you.

Mum you are as pretty as a flower and smell like perfume,
I would do anything to be with you.

My Kuching/Sabah adventure

2008-05-10T20:52:00.011+10:00

Textile building

HDR treatment

Bamboo Forest

Sunset in the clouds

over Kuala Lumpur

Sutera harbour sunset

Rafflesia Flower

worlds largest flower

Gamera River Wetlands at sunset

Shutters in Kuching

Aussie Muscle cars

2008-04-27T19:10:00.004+10:00

Anzac day

2008-04-25T18:43:00.005+10:00

Flight Lt Elizabeth Marchant

Today i went into the city and watched the anzac parade and took some photos, none are great as i was using my kit lens and it was very sunny. After this I went to the camera shop and bought my new lens the Sigma 18-200mm OS to take on my trip. I took about half a dozen shots with it before I came home and it is a very nice lens very solid. Below is one of the images with the new lens. On my wish list now is the Sigma 10-20mm but that will wait till after my holidays. This time next friday i will be frantically checking my bags are packed and getting ready to head to the airport for my 12.15am flight.

4 weeks to go

2008-04-01T21:38:00.004+11:00

4 weeks till my holiday and I cant wait. need to get a bigger suitcase. dog needs his kennel cough injection and i need to make sure my bikini and camera gear is ready.

More of my work

2008-03-30T21:06:00.004+11:00

Taken At Ballarat Airport old Army Barracks

Abandoned house at Bacchus Marsh

Rose from Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

2008-03-23T22:04:00.002+11:00

Orton Effect

2008-03-15T23:30:00.001+11:00

Sabah/Sarawak

2008-03-10T10:15:00.002+11:00

I am off on holidyas to Sabah and sarawak in May. This is a long awaited birthday present for myself. I am flying out at 12.15 am on My birthday and will be there by 10 am so I will have the rest of the day to celebrate. I am going on my own as you may have noticed i spend the majority of my time doing things on my own, have been doing this since i was 19 and it means I can do what i want and go where I want. I was in Sarawak in 1978 so it will be good to o back and see if it has changed at all. I am now counting down the weeks till I go. Work has been so busy that i will be well and trully ready for a break.

2008-03-09T22:32:00.001+11:00

current photos

2008-03-09T22:05:00.010+11:00

stevensons falls at Marysville

Buxton Poplars

Finderst St Station with Eureka Tower behind

Manchester Unity Building

Southgate and Eureka Tower

City Facade in HDR

Holy Door

more pictures

2008-02-14T21:41:00.005+11:00

Mt Macedon

Macedon

Apollo Bay

Ballarat outing

2008-01-28T17:24:00.001+11:00

Do I give up

2008-01-28T17:16:00.000+11:00

I have been taking photos for a couple of years, not all that I take are good but I always thought there where a few good ones. Freinds of mine have been very appreciative of my work and one in particular got me a paid gig to take photos for a presentation to a government department which she said went down wonderfully. Then I come across other people, some are other hobby photographers who cant seem to say a kind word about any of my work can only pick faults with it. It has left me wondering a few times whether I am wasting my time with photography as a hobby. I get a lot of enjoyment getting out and about to take the pics and the process them so should i just continue and keep the pictures to myself. My life revolves around my job, my kids, my dog and what little social life I can muster up so there is not much else for me to enjoy.

Queenscliff

2008-01-18T14:23:00.000+11:00

Fort Queenscliff Keep

This one I left the building dark and left the sky as it was.

This one i increased the saturation a lot and darkened the sky but this caused a Halo between the buildings and the sky.

I went to queenscliff yesterday and took a few photos. I have played around with one so far and have created to different versions. See above.

2008-01-12T19:03:00.000+11:00

This weekend

2008-01-06T10:06:00.000+11:00

I survived 3 days back at work but there was not a lot of work to do. Picked up my kids on riday night and came home as started feeling yuk, upset stomach and throwing up. felt a bit better yesterday and went out for a while to try and stay cool in airconditioned shops. kjids got very cranky and we ended up at the beach at 5pm for a couple of hours which was ok, water was nice and cool. by 10pm i was sick again, nore upset stomach and throwing up. Today i will have to e extra careful what I eat if I eat at all. Im so tired as I got not a lot of sleep. I have to take the kids back accross town to there dads later today that wont be fun.

Feeling so crap that im not even wanting to go out and take photos, that is how i judge if im not well.

2008 YEAR OF EXCTEMENT

2008-01-01T13:17:00.000+11:00

New years day is here, a day for me to relax and ponder the year ahead. Day before I go back to work after having 10 days to relax. This year I am going to make every attemtp to be even better than the last year. I came into last year single with high hopes and well with lots of dates and one shortlived relationship I have decided that this year I have no expectations. I have a happy life and I have my hobby which is photography, if someone comes into my life for whatever reason as a freind, lover or partner then great but I will not stress about it. No longer am I anywhere near bus stops I avoid them at all costs.

I realise that life is for living and that it can all be taken away to easily, an acquantance of mine was told last month that her husband has at most 3 years to live, he has cancer throughout his body and no treatment will cure it. Imagine having 3 children under 15 and knowing you wont be around to watch them grow up, when i heard this news it made me so sad, made me realise that my problems where nothing just little hickups in life compared to this.

Last year I didnt acheive all the things I had listed, I got the guitar and started playing again only to realise my carpal tunnell syndrome has effected that. I didnt get my motorbike licence or buy a bike I just couldnt afford to and after a freind having a very serious bike accident I am rethinking that one.

I an going to save some money and have that holiday I have wanted and needed for a few years, It may only turn out to be a week away in most likely Sabah (Borneo) but a week is better than nothing.

My job is great and that is something I acheived last year finding a great job and great people to work with.

Well enough for now it is way to hot and stuffy and im tired from staying up for new years eve.

2007-12-30T21:12:00.000+11:00

Hanging rock reworked in photoshop

Today was spent heading out the door at 8am and heading up to the macedon area, firstly going to Clarkefield which is home to the coach and horses inn and stables which is beleived to be one o the most haunted buildings in victoria. It wasnt open so luckily i didnt get to go inside. Took a photo but it wasnt that stunning.

Next I headed over to Hanging Rock which is a volcanic formation and the setting for the book by Joan Lindsay called Picnic at hanging rock. Whether the story was true or not I still remember seeing the film in the 1970's and climbing the rock I got the eerie feeling that the movie gave accross, now where did those 5 girls dissapear to. I had my Latte fix before climbing the rock and then when finished it was midday so stopped for lunch at the cafe as well, what a beautiful lunch it was, corn and zucchini fritters with a avocado dressing. I left there and attempted to photograph the whole of the rock, there is only one road you get a good view of the whole rock.

I left Hanging rock and headed to the Mount Macedon memorial cross, took a few photos of the cross. by this time it was very hot and I decided to indulge myself and stopped at the memorial cafe and had a glass of hanging rock chardoonay on the deck overlooking the views. This was so relaxing and is something i love doing, heading out to new places and tasting the local produce and wine and just relaxing and taking in the surroundings. Yes i know it would be nice to have someone to do this with but all my reinds are married/ in relationships and have kids so they don't have the time to do this with me. As for doing it with a partner, after the last short lived relatinship where i booked a nice weekend away at castlemaine at a B & B and ended up that night with crippling stomach pains and the guy involved sat watching tv and then went to bed.
I found out the next week that it was a lung infection. Needless to say that night was the finish of what was slowly turning into for me a boring shortlived relationship and his lack of compassion for me that night just nailed the ending of it.

By 3pm the heat had gotten to me so i headed home to airconditioned comfort and to relax for the night. Also to catch up on emails with a freind, he knows who he is.

2007-12-29T20:48:00.000+11:00

editied version 3

edited version

2007-12-24T10:10:00.000+11:00

Herronswood House

Picture taken yesterday by me.

Herronswood House

picture taken yesterday by my 10yo daughter.

Merry Xmas

2007-12-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

Merry Xmas to all.

Yesterday I recieved my first xmas gift from my good freinds Steve, Bernadette and her kids. They gave me a beautiful silver necklace with a crystal pendant. Bernie said this was to make up for me no longer having a necklace I can wear, I was given one a few months ago by a then guy I was seeing, given to me with what i thought where true intentions only to find out couple of weeks later that he was not as caring or sensual as i first thought and the minute i got a little annoyed with him about his inability to let me know when he wasnt going to turn up to prearranged dates it ended.

My children gave me there gift today, a big basket full of bath items, such as bubble bath bah scrubs etc, as I love having relaxing baths this is very welcome. For me thought the giving of gifts isnt such a big deal its about showing or feelings for the ones we love.

Have a great xmas everyone.

For Lois (bw)

2007-12-18T20:18:00.001+11:00

For Lois

2007-12-18T20:09:00.000+11:00

photography

2007-12-18T19:55:00.000+11:00

my freinds I must direct you to a good freind of mine. i took a great pic on the weekend but it laked oooomphf. sadly i cant upload the pic that he photoshopped for me but pls go look at his website you will not be dissapointed.

www.stolkphotography.com

please have a look

life at the moment

2007-12-13T20:31:00.000+11:00

work is very busy, social life is quite, love life hmmm what is a love life. Spending as much spare time as i can out taking photos which i love doing.

Photo editing

2007-12-08T11:22:00.000+11:00

Portsea Sunrise

Copy adjusted using curves to darken the image

Original only cropped.

I am spending some time trying to teach myself more about photo editing, mot getting very far but have worked on an image i took the other week. Wil post both the cropped original and the version i jsut reworked.

Latest photo efforts

2007-12-02T19:36:00.000+11:00

Red Door Series

Sorrento Sunrise

Lavendulla Farm

what a month

2007-12-02T19:24:00.000+11:00

November was a busy and not so healthy month for me, almost mirrored last years october. Started out with me having cramping in my bowel stomach area and a bloated stomach. All was fine until 2 weeks later when i was due to go to Castlemaine for the weekend, the friday at work i suddenly at 3pm got the bad pains in my left side of stomach again, the people at work told me to go home and rest. by late that night the pain was only mild and so the Saturday morning i woke feeling ok and headed of to Castlemaine, stopping along the way to take some pictures. After having a nice steak and veges at the local pub i headed back to the B & B for a quiet night but by 10pm i was in so much stabbing pain i was screaming. Nothing I could do I couldnt drive and local hospital was closed for the night so i had to sit it out till it subsided enough at 2am to get some sleep and heading straight home at 8am the next day in no mod for taking pics. Monday i went straight to my docs and she referred me to a specialist and he sent me immediately for scans last week and i will see him on tuesday for the results. He is not sure what it is but is looking at the bowels and my lungs. So I should know what it is this week. Still have pain if i take a deep breath or sneeze and sometimes when i eat.

Will add some of my latest photos next.

I sold one of my photos

2007-11-14T06:43:00.000+11:00

One of my photos that I have on Redbubble has been purchased as a card. My first sale and im happy. Funnily enough the picture was taken on my panasonic point n shoot camera a few years ago before i bought my Canon 350d digital slr camera.

more cars

2007-11-12T20:09:00.000+11:00

Hot Rods and Mustangs

2007-11-02T21:41:00.001+11:00

Life is good

2007-10-27T19:23:00.000+10:00

GRANNYS BONNET

I pulled the muscle in my neck last week and took 5 days before it was better, still feels bruised but i can move my neck and arms without pain now.

Have booked in time off from work in January so looking at taking my kids to perth for a weeks holiday, kids and I havent had a holiday since we went to Noosa 5 years ago so it will be a welcome break.

Some pictures i took today with my macro lens.

2007-09-24T19:04:00.000+10:00

Geelong Pictures

2007-08-26T19:31:00.000+10:00

Love, what is it.

2007-08-11T07:06:00.000+10:00

what is love, I have no idea. I know the love I have for my children and they have for me but it is not the same as being in love and being loved. It has been such a long time, at leat 8 years so I truly have forgotten what it feels like. Will i ever feel loved again, that I don't know. Will I ever allow myself to fall in love again, that I also don't know. yes i know a couple of months ago i though i had found my soul mate and felt a love towards then but I never actually got to meet them so maybe that wasnt love at all.

Yes I am an emotional person, yes I have feelings, feelings I know my best freind has no idea bout. She lives in her ideal world and I dont think she would have any idea of my deep down feelings she mostly sees the happy me, and if i am ever with her and not that happy she doesnt seem to notice.

well to coincide with my feeling down and unloved the weekend is wet and horrible, can't even get outdoors with my camera which always cheers me up. Can't even take my dog out as its to wet. Have also had to many bills this week so I can't even go and do some retail therapy.

Where is my online freind from Queensland who always could cheer me up. I havent not heard from him in about 5 months, maybe his work has got so busy he doesnt have time. it is 7.15 am on a saturday, maybe i will jsut go back to bed.

Arthurs Sear & Coolart homestead

2007-08-05T07:47:00.001+10:00

Coolart Homestead

The Stables

Saturday was spent not getting up till 9am, after a late friday night out with my girlfriends. I went and did some shopping and then at 11am headed down to Arthurs seat, day was very overcast and dark clouds with the odd hint of sushine. I got to Arthurs seat and had a look around, considered going to kings falls but as rain was looning I didnt want to get myself or my camera gear wet so will go back there another time. Headed back to Arthurs hotel at 1pm and settled in for a long lunch and to read a book on eating well. Decided that eating well doesnt mean depriving myself and forgiving quality over completely low fat. Enjoyed a lunch of Linguine Calabrese and a soft drink, then had winter crumble with a little cram for desert and a coffee.

Then at 2.30 i headed through Red Hill to Coolart homestead and wetlands at Somers. only had 2 hours to look around so didnt get to walk the wetlands but will go back another time. Headed home at 5pm to put my feet up for the evening and relax with Ziggy (pup).

2007-08-05T07:47:00.000+10:00

Pain

2007-08-01T22:27:00.000+10:00

My heel spur is giving me greif again, senidng pain up my leg into my knee. I have stopped the gym workouts but that hasnt made a difference but that is not hurting all the time. The other problem is carpoal tunnel, i have it in my left hand and i had this operated on november 2005 and it has been fine since, surgeon told me at the time that chances are i would also get it in my right hand but that he couldnt do anything until it had actually happened and gotten as bad as the left hand had at time of surgery ( I could hardly use my left hand). Carpal tunnel is constant tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist, especial numb when your asleep and first wake up. Surgery means unable to use the hand properly for at least 4 - 6 weeks, as i am right handed this would mean i am unable to write. I use the computer and do a bit of writing in my job and cant afford to be out of action for 6 weeks, it has been occuring only occasionally but the last couple of days i have noticed it more constant. What to do I dont know there are no tempory quick fixes. I will have to battle on till i have it gets completely unusable and i hope that is after i have been at my jopb for 12 months and i can take some time off. I really like this job so dont want to do anything to jeopardise it.

Not grining this week

2007-08-01T07:01:00.000+10:00

Trivia final last night and we were 3 points from the winners and came 3rd. so we dont get the trophy but its a fun night and with so many teams its a close competition. Think i need to find a new freind with lots of knowledge to join us.

Work is going great although the last day of each month is frantic with the sales guys trying to get as many sales as possible and get as much of the orders out the door for invoicing, which means i come absolutely exhausted, then going out to trivia afterwards. I woke this morning and truly I could have gone back to sleep for the day.

Other things in my life are quiet, kids are not quiet but hey they are kids.

well enough for now, kids will be home soon and i have to get ready for work.

Winners are grinners

2007-07-25T07:26:00.000+10:00

Lasr night was the weekly trivia night at the local pub, my team the Terriers made up of some people i met there a couple of months ago and myself won last night. Woohoo a bottle of wine and a voucher for the bar for next week. Next week is the final and if you win you get $500. plus your tewam name on the trophy.

I was wanting to go away for the weekend but seems my freinds are to busy with their own lives to even spare a little time to come and check on my pooch and feed him. I will just have to go somewhere for a day trip and be home on saturday night. Then I will have to find dog freindly places to go and stay, only trouble being I like to go ut taking photos when i go away and the pooch can be distracting.

Time for me to go to work.

2007-07-22T10:10:00.001+10:00

Dinner time

2007-07-21T19:15:00.000+10:00

Week in review

2007-07-21T08:05:00.000+10:00

starting Monday where i went to work as usual, but as it was the 5 year anniversary of my dads death I was rather quiet and subdued that day, one of the bosses even asked me if i was ok cause i was not my usually bubbly self. I explained to him why and he understood. Tuesday night was sopent at trivia night again with my new teammates the Terriers, kids came along and answered 2 questions so fun was had by all. we finished only 5 points behind the winners.

Thursday at work was busy unloading a big shipping container of goods, that took a while and lots of muscle powr by all of us, except for Lana who stayed at her desk answering the phones and making sure she didnt break a nail.

Friday was spent counting all the stock we had received, that took a long time. Trhen a drink before we all went home for a restfull weekend.

Today I woke at 4am and didnt really get back to sleep. I am about to head out and finish taking the pictures for my paid assignment ad put them onto a memory stick and hand them to my freind when she drops in later in the day. There is a thick fog this morning so that will make the pics a bit moody.

As for dates, I dont even want to know about them, maybe its me but according to my freinds who know me it is nothing to do with me So guys out there get real and at this point in time unless your can prove me wrong about your intentions and how you treat people I dont want to know you.

Five years

2007-07-15T20:17:00.000+10:00

end of a long week and tiring weekend

2007-07-01T21:03:00.000+10:00

Well what a week that was, don't want to go through that again for a long time. My daughter had her surgery and she is fine. Friday was end of financial year at work and I was run of my feet as where all the other people at work. friday night was spent watching the bombers beat melbourne at a locla pub until late. I also happened to call my sister on her mobile friday night and surprise surprise her and hubby where in melb for the weekend and were not going to call. she made out she was busy but I ended up spending a couple of hours with her shopping, its about the only thing we have in common.
Saturday night I went to the movies with a freind who is seperated and going through stuff with her ex coming back to town and disrupting things. This morning i took ziggy to puppy school which was early and then spen the rest of the day feeling abosolutely stuffed after 2 weeks of being sick and going through emotional rollercoster but Brad and I are still connecting, at the moment with no expectations or promises know we have a bond and will be freinds for now and see what happens. I never walk away from someone I truly care about. Time for me to get some rest before another busy week ahead.

A new day

2007-06-28T16:49:00.000+10:00

Today was spent getting up early and not going to work but taking my daughter Simone to hospital to have surgery. The surgery didnt start untill 11am and she didnt finish until 12.30 so I had a lot of time to read and think. I read this great article about a women in her 40's who had spent most of her life in relationships or married but not finding her souldmate, it was till she turned 40 she realised that she didnt want to settle for a maybe relationship to think it would make her happy she wanted to find her soulmate and sure enough in her 40's she met and married her soulmate. I have said for a while now that I have met guys that I could have had relationships with, that they were nice enough guys but there was never that true spark and that I would prefer to walk alone if i couldnt be with my soulmate. I beleive I have found my soulmate but circumstances have intervened, I do truly think that it will be worked out and we will meet. Time and patience and love is what I have and he knows that. XXX

Day by Day

2007-06-27T07:40:00.005+10:00

Another night, of fitfull sleep, another day of looking like crap from lack of sleep and tears for my father amongst the tears I feel for Brad. I still understand that its 5 years since my dads death and i have never let myself truly greive. I dont know if I will ever be able to let go and greive. He was the only one who beleived in what i had acheived with my life, unlike the rest of my family who think i was the poor struggling sibling. My mum still rings me and asks if i need money, money is a luxury and not what i need, true love and caring and respect is what I have always wanted. I had this breifly with my first husband but deep down I new we where to different and it would never last.

My children I am the proudest of. My youngest is having surgery tommorow, not for anything major but to a 9yo surgery is a scary thing. I am taking the day off to be with her.

How I managed to do any work yesterday I dont know, I went to work with no makeup on, not much of a voice and puffy red eyes. Of course the first thing the other girl Lana asked me was, what is wrong you look really tired and troubled. True romantic that she is, she wont't beleive or let me beleive that all is lost.

Ok time to spend another day at work.

2007-06-27T07:40:00.003+10:00

Another Day

2007-06-27T07:40:00.001+10:00

Another Day

Truly wonderful

2007-06-26T18:11:00.000+10:00

A truly wonderful person crossed my path 2 weeks ago, although I had 2 weeks of really connecting mentally with this person, seems the timing was not to be and things beyong our control have intervened. I do hope that we can still be close freinds. Out of all my freinds there is no one that I have told a lot of my inner feelings to like I had felt comfortable telling this guy. My heart now will stay closed to anything other than good freinds, that soul connection that I felt like I had never experienced before doenst happen everyday so I say, no more bus stops I sh all forever walk alone in the path of love. The Greenday song, Boulevarde of broken dreams is what im feeling right now. well i will move on and find that special person.

To my beautiful father, if only you knew that I have made a life for myself and the girls out of what you saw as a marriage in ruins, you wanted to do anything you could for us and y ou where so cruely taken away before you got a chance. I hope I have made you proud with how the girls have turned out so far, you will always be in my heart and soul.

For her Beloved poppy (My Dad)

2007-06-24T19:12:00.000+10:00

ALWAYS IN MY HEART

I was walking up the stairs to heaven
And I accidently let go
I was sad because I was happy to see you again
Now my dream has gone
I'll never have it again

I miss you
And I know you miss me
But your always in my heart

If i could have just one more day
I would be so happy
I couldnt wait
I miss you
And your the one I love

I miss you
And I know you miss me
But your always in my heart

I'll never have someone better to love
There's no one else there
I really know that your still in my heart
But i love you so much
When I hear your name I cry

I miss you
And I know you miss me
But your always in my heart
your always in my heart.

Written by Simone (9yo)

DISCO INFERNO

2007-06-24T07:21:00.000+10:00

Last night there was some clever disco moves by people on the dace floor in my back yard, actually its a slab of concrete left from an old garage that was knocked down. The was the macarena, the nutbush, and lots more. Boy do my legs ache this morning from to much dancing. Thankfully my head doesnt ache, due to Trentham estate 2/3rds sav blanc which is low alchohol.

My girlfreind had a fantastic time celebrating her 40th birthday with freinds. I am glad I could help out, considering my 40th came and went 3 weeks after i seperated from my husband and just before my dad had his stroke and passed away.

Whilst partying last night I was Sending and receiving txt from a trully wonderful person who is taking me horseriding next Saturday, I'm hoping I dont fall of the horse and injur myself but I am sure I will be fine. Funny how I was about to delete my online profile and give up completely on dating and just stay single and in to my life walks, or streams (via internet) a guy so totally different to anyone I have encountered before. I have not had a smile on my face as much as I have had the last week.

Its 7.15 am and I am expecting my kids and Ziggy (pup) back soon as ziggy is starting puppy school at 9am this morning. once puppy is finished this morning I will be coming home and going back to bed, I am sticll sick with a cold and very tired from partying last night.

WOW

2007-06-21T19:48:00.000+10:00

Omg, Omg, Omg in 8 days I am going horseriding for the first time in my life followed by a picnic, wow I grew up on a farm and we didnt have horses so have never been on one. This will be so great. What a very nice idea for a first date, never in my life have I been asked on such a nice date. I have 8 days to get rid of this cold and feel much better.

In the meantime I'm hosting a birthday party for a freind who is turning 4o, middle of winter in Melbourne and we will be under a marquee in my backyard dancing and drinking and having fun. Anyone who knows melbourne in winter will think I am mad.

My job is going great, keeping me very busy so busy i hardly have time for a 2nd cup of coffee during the day.

That is enough to report for now, seems this year is going to be a fantastic year like I hoped for.

Triplet falls

2007-06-18T20:06:00.000+10:00

what a week.

2007-06-16T18:23:00.000+10:00

had a very busy week, started off with public hloiday monday and the puppy getting hurt accidently by my 9yo daughter but he is now fine. busy week at work.

Spent this afternoon in the dandenongs testing out my macro lens, have realised that im not fantasstic with the manual focus and it was very foggy and very cold. a couple of pictures turned out ok though.

New Toy

2007-06-10T15:21:00.000+10:00

I came home yesterday with the much awaited macro lens, Sigma 105mm F2.8. So far im doing lots of practicing on anything and everything i can find. I might even see what my puppy looks like in macro. I can't wait still spring and all the flowers are out and the macro will get real good workout.

This new toy and the puppy plus my job and kids are keeping me so busy I hardly have time to do nothing. Certainly no time to worry about being single.

I will post some macro pics once i have processed them.

Four legged freind has arrived

2007-05-26T17:03:00.000+10:00

My samoyed puppy arrived home last weekend and he has made himself right at home. His name is Ziggy. Spent today puppy proofing the back yard which i have to finish tommorow, why did i have to have a big backyard. Will put a photo up as soon as i cant get Ziggy to stand still long enough.

RIP Fishies

2007-05-09T07:43:00.000+10:00

I got woken up this morning by my 9yo telling me that out fish in the fish tank where dead. sure enough they where. We had gotten the fish 3 years ago and i had taken the approach of not to much fussing with them, occasionally and i mean very occasionally I would empty out half of the water and top up with fresh and clean al little algae of the sides. but last weekend the tank was looking very dirty on the glass and the gravel was dirty and the water not so clean and the fish food had run out, I went off to my local pet store and enquired about a complete clean out of the tank. They advised me this would be fine and to use a sponge to clean the tank, rinse the gravel in clean water, put in clean water with the water conditioner and then put the fish in ther plastic bag on the top of the water to acclimatise them to the new temperature of the water in the tank. I did all this and put new plants in the tank. This process i did on saturday. they where fine yesterday morning being tuesday morning, then my youngest had said they need feeding and the old fish food was empty so i tole her to use the new one. Then we come to this morning when all 4 fish are dead. As we are getting a puppy in 2 weeks i will give the tank a break in the garage for a while before we get any new fish, I also wonder that maybe my decision to be really good and clompletely clean the tank was what killed them.

Winter trees

2007-05-09T04:15:00.000+10:00

This picture was taken 3 years ago on my panasonic point and shoot camera and it is hanging on a freinds wall. I love the symetry in the line of trees . Must go back to that spot and take another pic with my digital slr.

Missed Chances

2007-05-06T12:30:00.000+10:00

How many chances do you give some one to meet you, when they made the arrangements and then either had an excuse or forgot they had said they would meet. I think 2 chances is enough. They would want to do something spectacular to make me bother to agree for a 3rd attempt at meeting. Luckily I don't sit at home waiting for there calls, I am not that stupid.

My allergy and my eyes

2007-05-02T07:04:00.000+10:00

For the last 3 weeks i have been suffering for the first time i can recall from hayfever allergy, it flares up every few days and it affects my eys making then itchy puffy and red. I am taking allergy tablets when it happens which seems to work for a while. Whilst this has been happening my eyes have become very dry and also for the last few weeks i have been constantly having to put special drops in my eyes to try and releive the dryness and have been back to my optometrist to be told it was no better and if it isnt improved by friday when i see her again i will have to go and see an eye specialist as the dryness can leave pits on my eyeball which then allows for infection to get in and told hold and can lead to major eye problems.

I also suffer and have done for at least 25 years from an allergeric reaction to cats, which is similir to the hayfever allergy im having at the moment but slightly worse in that if effects my throat and my asthma causing me to have trouble breathing, it hasnt stopped me from having freinds who have cats it just means i alter the amount of time i spend inside there homes and they understand this.

This cat allergy has now been used as the excuse for a guy who was going to meet me for a blind date on friday night to cancel. What if this sperson was to be my destino (a freinds word), who is to now know whether there could have been that attraction, and if so other things like my cat allergy and the fact he has a cat could have been sorted out in some way but it is now not going to happen.

Oh well its my birthday tommorow and nothing is going to spoil that. Cake at work for afternoon tea, dinner with my kids. Dinner with some freinds tonight to celebrate and a quiet weekend spent on my own.

Newcomer to household

2007-04-24T07:32:00.000+10:00

We have a new male member moving into our household next month, he is 56cm tall, white and has a fluffy coat and will eventually sit when told to. Yes we are getting a puppy, a Samoyed. As yet we havent decided on a name but only have a couple of days to do this and 3 weeks to et a kennel and other asorted stuff ready.

My job is going great keeping me very busy and my social life, im keeping myself very busy and active. seeing a lot of foreign movies, last one was very riviting, german film The lives of others. have a birthday party on friday night and then my birthday next week.

Botanical Gardens

2007-04-20T07:27:00.000+10:00

Lat sunday I took my kids to the Botanical Gardens, its a favourite spot of ours. Sadly the lake is very low and in one part completely dried up but the gardens are looking green.

So that was easter.

2007-04-10T07:42:00.000+10:00

Easter weekend has been and gone and how unexciting that was. Didn't get out taking photos except for the picture of my easter chocolate and coffee treat. Went to the movies a couple of times and saw 2 french films, first one I saw on friday was Priceless with Audrey Tatou which wasn't to bad, then yesterday I saw The Singer which starred Gerard Depardieu. Gerard is a passable singer and the film was good, I didnt appreciate the women with the big arse who tried squezing in to a seat near me and tipped my drink out of the drink holder, she didnt even apologise. The easter bunny of course didnt come but im not a huge chocolate fan anyway, would rather eat a small pice of quality chocolate.

Tonight im off to a trivia night at the pub, I went last week on my own and managed to only be 7 points off the winner all the other teams had at least 5 people, a freind and her mum are coming with me tonight so may do better. Time to get myself ready for work, not feeling like it today I have really irritated and sore eyes and the sniffles so would love a day just sleeping, funny how i had 4 days of easter to feel crap and stay in bed al day and I didnt and now feeling crap going back to work. I like my job so its not as if im trying to get out of work.

Easter Saturday

2007-04-07T19:56:00.000+10:00

Melbourne Flower and Garden EXpo

2007-04-06T10:40:00.000+10:00

Hot Holdens

2007-03-27T20:37:00.000+10:00

Was out last sunday driving around and spotted a group of hot Fj's & Fx holdens in a park, so naturaly I had to stop and take some pictures. Here are those pics.

Dandenongs Revisited

2007-03-17T19:27:00.000+11:00

Red Dahlia

Dahlia

Horses

2007-03-15T21:33:00.000+11:00

HORSES

If a horse is your only mode of transport and you have
been bitten by a few,
does that mean you will avoid all horses
and walk for the rest of your life,
Or will you approach all horses using different ideas
Until you find the way that works
and then find the horse that suits you,
When you have the choice and not
necessarily accept the first one that allows you to ride it.

Yarra Valley

2007-03-12T17:39:00.000+11:00

Parterre Garden at Aolwyn

Aolwyn Gardens

Gulf Station

I spent yesterday out int the Yarra Valley, on my own of course as all my freinds where busy with ther partners and kids. Started off with a look at Chateau Yering winery, had a look a photography exhibition they had called The Kids Are All right, which featured Australian bands and singers from the 1970's and 80's. Even had a picture of Bon Scott and aungus Young at Altona Tech School.

Chateau Yering Gardens

Chateau Yerring Restaurant

CHATEAU YERING GATE

After Chateau Yerring I stopped off at historic Gulf station, The house is very small by today standards. They had there own butcher and dairy amongst other things. I took a few photos there although inside your not allowed to take flash photos as the walls are very fragile and made of hession and paper.

After this I went to a property that was open for the Australian open garden scheme called Aolwyn. Huge expase of gardens with several different themed gardens including a parterre garden, considering the drought there was lots of flowers and green due i think to bore water and rainwater.

Stopped at Yarrawood winery at had a late lunch at 3pm and tasted some wines. Lunch was a very nice Olive and parmesan fingers with a glass of their 2002 tall tales chardoonay. After this i headed back to town to go to fitzroy to the rainbow hotel to listen to a band, caught up with a new internet guy called Chris and had a great laugh with him, espeically about his 2- 1 drinks to toilet ratio which he claims was due to his drinking light beer but I have told hime next time we catch up he can drink heavy beer just to prove his theory.

Survived

2007-03-10T13:32:00.000+11:00

Well its the Moomba long weekend and I have survivied the first 2 weeks of my new job, I am realy enjoying it and they are a great bunch of people to work with.

Now have to concentrate on getting a puppy, the breeder we had been to see hasnt got back to me so obviously she doesn't want to sell the pup she has. Will have to contact another breeder and find out when theya re having a litter.

Not a lot planned for the weeknd, catching up with a freind tonight, out to see a band tommorow night. rest of the time willbe spent gardening and cleaning the house.

Somewhere over the rainbow.

2007-02-28T07:06:00.000+11:00

I was awoken 30 mins ago by my radio alarm, to the news that Australian Music Legend Billy Thorpe had passed away 30 mins earlier after a heart attack at the age 60. I only saw him perform once but I hasve always enjoyed his music and one of my most favourite songs is his version of Somewhere over the rainbow. This song has always brought a tear to my ey and more so since the death of my father 5 years ago, now when I listen to it I will also shed a tear for Billy. Bily loved to play his music the way I love to listen to it, LOUD. Im sure he is still rocking on loud n proud wherever his soul is.

Joyce the Voice

2007-02-25T00:44:00.000+11:00

Happy birthday to my freind Joyce, the lead singer with the band Sacred. I went to her 40th birthday party tonight and what a blast, a bit of music and tv trivia, some great songs from joyce and her guitarist and a room full of great people. its amazing a room of about 50 people and some kids, most who had known Joyce a long time and some who like me have only known her a couple of years. I could count the number of my freinds, real freinds not acquantances to 10. she has so many more than that, oh and she has a cute cousin. ooops did I just write that.
Its almost 1pm and I am sober and wide awake, nothing on tv and only country music on the radio oh how bad that is.

one more day before I start my new job, I cant wait to get started. get busy learning all the things I need to know and getting to know the other staff. It is now time for me to be number 1, instead of everybody else.

Working 9 - 5

2007-02-21T13:31:00.000+11:00

Let's celebrate. I got a job today, working as reception, admin assistant to sales team. I start on Monday. I went to the interview and half way through the interview I got offered the job, They originally weren 't paying enough but once they offered the job and I asked them to confirm the pay they asked me waht pay I was expecting, I told them what amount of pay I was earning as a casual admin person and sthey said they couldnt afford that so I said a figure that was the minimum I would accept and the Employer immediately said yes we can afford that.

Now i can pay off my credit card, get the puppy we are looking at and buy that extra photography gear ive been wanting. I will be so busy I wont have time to worry about being single.

Dight Falls revisited

2007-02-19T14:55:00.000+11:00

Dight Falls
©

Yarra River

Yesterday

2007-02-17T23:27:00.000+11:00

well last night was a fizzer, the guy I mentioned is only after a casual fling and thats not me. Oh well as I said time to just enjoy life and not worry about it. If something happens it will happen when i least expect it.

Friday again

2007-02-16T07:37:00.000+11:00

I ended up being asked out for a drink on Valentines day, which was nice. A guy i had met once last year and for whatever reason at the time we had a missunderstanding and we didnt speak until now, when he contacted me. A really nice, genuine guy but, yet again a guy who is not ready for a relationship, and he is smart enough to say to me that I'm in a different space that im wanting a long term relationship which he cant do at the moment. I have also just noticed that he has taken his profile off RSVP, you basically do that if your met someone and want to be exclusive or you decide you dont want to be dating, i have no idea which is his reason but we are catching up again today so maybe I will ask. I am qwuiet happy just to be freinds, and I am not silly enough to think I can change his mind about a relationship.

I didn't get the job I went for the other day, could have done the job easily and I am getting realy pissed of. I work one evening a week with some people, have worked with them for 10 years but its voluntary not a paying job. They can't understand why I havent been snapped up for a job.

Comercial Crap Day

2007-02-14T07:45:00.000+11:00

Yes it is valentines day, why the hell cant people show their love for 365 days of the year, are they that stupid that they can only show how they feel one day of the year. Would love to be a flower grower, florist or chocalte maker at the moment reaping in the money from all the suckers out there.

No I dont expect to receiveor send a Valentines card, I am single and have no one that im interest in and even if I did I wouldnt wait for today to write something soppy and stupid and send it to them.

Every day of the year should be a day for lovers.

Planning ahead

2007-02-13T13:17:00.000+11:00

Im just thinking about my birthday in May, I have a freind who sings in a band so im thinking of asking her how much it would cost to hire the band for the night and then the cost of hiring a venue. Not sure this will be cheap and again I didnt celebrate my 40th birthday a couple of years ago due to my being just seperated and my father sick . I wouldnt need a big venue as there would be only about 30 people invited. The band may not be an option but maybe I could ask her to just sing and play guitar on her own. maybe I could book a local restaurant.

I almost forgot to update on my foot, I saw my doctor on friday and i have a Heel spur, she said nothing can be done for it can take 18 months to get better. grr, cant imagine how a piece of bone growing into my heel will get better. Oh well I will have to manage, it doesnt hurt all day, more when i first wake up and then in the evenings when im relaxing.

No more bus stops

2007-02-13T12:17:00.000+11:00

I still havent photographed a bus stop, tram stop or train station. I figure if I dont photograph them then I will not be left standing at one. Ok so you can see a picture of tram tracks but you will notice there is no tram stop in the picture.

I have a job interview tommorow so will see how that goes, its for a toy and hobby co. Be good if they sell jigsaws, which is my other fave hobby besides photography.

Heronswood, The Briars and Cruden Farm

2007-02-11T11:52:00.000+11:00

Cruden Farm Walkway

Dame Elizabeth Murdoch

Yesterday I started of my day with a visit to Heronswood historic home and gardens at Dromona, there I caught up with a photographer from the Get a life website, a nice guy his name is Naghee. Heronswood was designed and then built in 1971 for William Hearn, the first law professor at Melbourne University, the style of the house is Gothic Revival. The third owner was Justice Higgins a federal Attorney General. We spent an hour or so chatting over coffee and photographing the gardens and house. I then left Heronswood and Naghee headed home to Melbourne, I went to The Briars another historic home which I didnt bother going inside but took a couple of photos in the surround gardens.

Then I went on to Cruden Farm in Langwarrin, for late afternoon/evening of Jazz and a glass of wine. Cruden Farm is owned by Dame Elizabeth Murdoch, The farm was purchased by her late husband in 1928 where she came as a 19yo bride. It is only open to the public a couple of times a year for fundraising events. Whilst wandering around the gardens I spotted Dame Elizabeth sitting on the verandah of the house she was chatting to the public who where all wishing her a very happy 98th birthday for this coming thursday, I also wished her a wonderful birthday and asked her if I could take her photograph. With som many people wishing to speak with her I had to be quick and didnt think to change any settings on the camera but I am happy enough with the photo and most pleased that she allowed me to take it. The music was delightful, the crowd was huge I heard almost 1000 people but not sure about that, the wine was fantastic although I only had 2 glasses as I was on my own and had to drive back home. I arrived home at 8pm tired but happy that my day had been wonderful. Some of the many many photos I will post here. Of course my love for flower photos and the amount of beautiful and varied flowers in Dame Elizabeths gardens means I will be here for hours going through them.

Fuschia Ballerinas

The week so far

2007-02-08T13:35:00.000+11:00

Have had a quiet and intersting week. I had to have xrays and ultrasounds on my left foot on monday, my foot has been very sore and i had trouble walking on it last week. I am seeing my doctor this afternoon to get the results. Hope its nothing to serious. Tommorow I am seeing the employment agency to see what more I can do about getting a job, I am currently sending off at least 6-7 applications a week.

Saturday I am going to spend the day down at Mornington Peninsula, will go to Heronswood and take some photos of the gardens and buildings, will also take some photos around the area and then I will go to Cruden farm late afternoon to take some photos and to enjoy and evening of Jazz. Sunday night I may go to twilight jazz at the zoo, and will try and do some more gardening.

Night photos

2007-02-04T19:23:00.000+11:00

NAB building view from New Quay

Indian Tram

Sunset at New Quay

Reflections on the Yarra

City lights with a full moon

School starts

2007-01-31T11:13:00.000+11:00

The 2007 school year has started today. My oldest child has started at secondary school, I dropped her of and waited around to listen in on the first assembly and had a quick tour of the school. I still remeber 7 years ago when she first started primary school, as soon as she got into the class room on the first day she told me I could go now. No tears or tantrums from her and certainly none from me. This year will be a big adjustment for her but I am sure she will cope. My youngest started into grade 4 today and was very excited to be going back to school.

Why is it guys that you meet can be totally rude and not even have the decency to say after you have met them, sorry but your not what I expected and I dont wish to speak with you again. Its not hard and its about honesty. Well their loss anyway, if they are that shallow then forget it who needs them, I certainly don't.

Time to start doing some work on the gardens and the house, the new landlord takes over in 9 days and I have permission to put up a gate, get a dog and plants some shrubs to create privacy from the neighbours, the landlors will pay for the gate and plants but I will be doing the work. As for a dog, the kids and I have a couple of breeds that we like , one is the soft coated wheaton terrier and the other is a samoyed. I emailed a breeder yesterday about the terrier and almost died when she replied with cost of the pups, $1500.00. wiull have to contact some other breeders and also contact the samoyed breeders. It will be great having another dog around the place, my previous dog died 6 months before I seperated from my ex husband so it has been 6 years. Dogs are such loving and loyal creatures.

Australia Day

2007-01-26T08:23:00.000+11:00

Well it is Australia Day, I have a quiet day planned, do some gardening later and just relax. My youngest child will be back for a little while, she has been away this week on holidays with her best freind and my older daughter has been away with her father.

I have been out every night this week, dinner and photography on monday night. Martinis and relax at my freind Peters place on tuesday night. Meeting and catch up with some freinds on wednesday night. Yesterday i spent the afternoon in the city looking at a couple of photography exhibitions at the NGV and Federation Square, then met up with some people from an online social group,Getalife. I already new a couple of the people and the others I didnt but I had a wonderful time. We started out at the Melbourne Hotel, which in a former life was the City West police station and jail. Then we moved on to a fantastic place called the Word Warehouse,
had great food for dinner and they have a DJ and a dancefloor so of course I did a little bit of dancing, its all good exercise.

Time to go and have a coffee and some breakfast.

Night photos

2007-01-23T10:05:00.000+11:00

Bolte Bridge

City and docklands at night

Spent last evening in Williamstown taking photos, then met someone for dinner and we where then going to take some sunset shots and some night city shots. We missed the sunset by about 5-10 minutes. Managed to go into the city at the back of New Quay under the Bolte Bridge and take some pics. My first night time shots so they are not fantastic but I will be out again with the photography group in 2 weeks for a night time shoot so will be asking lots of questions.

Federation steps

2007-01-15T19:23:00.000+11:00

Friday evening at Altona Beach

2007-01-13T12:47:00.000+11:00

Altona Sunset

Kite Surfer

Friday night was spent at Williamstown having diner and then on to Altona beach to photograph the kite surfers and the sunset. Im not happy with my sunset pics they just dont look great but im sure one of my photography freinds can explain what ive done wrong.

The new year

2007-01-09T18:17:00.000+11:00

Jelly fish

So far the new year has been great, spending time with my kids and also time to myself taking photos and going to the movies to see Eragon. Also busy sending of job applications so hopping to have a njob before to long. I have also started to work on the backyard, have put up a gazebo and moved my bbq and have a new outdoor table and some chairs on layby. Planted some new plants in pots to jazz up the area and put up some party lights so I will be able to invite my freinds over for a bbq as soon as they are all back from their holidays. Break out the martinis I say.

I spent today with my kids and a freind of my youngest childs, we spent the day at docklands, docklands park and then had lunch at New Quay. Then after all that we took a ride on the city circle tram where I enthralled them all with stories about the old buildings that had ghost in them. The kids also spotted lots of jellyfish in the water at New Quay.

Also been busy getting my oldest daughters books and uniform for starting high school this year.

Sacred

2006-12-31T10:15:00.000+11:00

my blog
I went out last night to hear a freinds band play there debut gig. I had not hearrd them beforee. My freind Joyce is the lead singeer and my god what a bboice shee has, it bblew me away. they played all original material and it was fantastic. I told her next time I will take my camera and get some band photos for her. More info on the band Sacred can be found at
www.myspace.com/sacredonline

Well today is New years eve. I have made no plans for tonight, I think i will just have a quiet night at home but who knows i may change my mind later in the day, once i have woken up properly. Most of my freinds are away and the singer I was just talking about has a wedding to go to later today, wedding in the botanical gardens and then reception in the city and rain has been forcast for later today.

Xmas in Mildura

2006-12-30T14:50:00.000+11:00

Mums garden

Ancestral Home

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I spent 4 days over xmas in Mildura staying with my mum. I was bored stupidd as usual, xmas day was spent at my sisters with my extennded family and I might as well have not been their, ignored mostly and nothing I said or have done is good enough. I managed to only take a couple of photos. One photo is off the ancestral home buiilt by my great grandfather and where my mum lived until she got married, it was sold long before I was born so I have never seen inside..