So you might have heard that we have been having some wild weather over here in Australia....
"ex"-cyclone Oswald has spent the last few days creating merry havoc on the Eastern Seaboard as it swept down the coast.
We have had immense amounts of rain; huge winds and flooding.
Photos of some of the areas HERE
My place is dry and undamaged by the rain or wind - however some of my friends are not so lucky. The Rivers are still rising as I type and we are unsure if their homes will be flooded out again (many of the same homes went under in 2011 which was listed as "once in 100 years flood").
And in other parts of Australia bush fires still rage... Ahhh Australia - Beautiful one day, Deadly the next....
Come on over and visit!
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
January 28, 2013
December 6, 2012
Power and Peace and Pax Oh My!
Just a quick update to prove to the Universe that I am still kicking.
This last week has been a busy one and it's only THURSDAY morning here!
Let's recap...
Sunday I flew out of Brisbane City airport at an awfully early time - headed to Canberra (Capital City of Australian and two States away) as one of my dear friends has been admitted to hospital. Stay was a short one - down Sunday and back Monday p.m. And possibly the less said about the hotel the better (the bed at least was comfortable - the staff service was dreadful - it's only really redeeming feature that it was within walking distance of Canberra Hospital). Oh - and please all avoid the "Quality Hotel Woden" and it's attached restaurant/bistro/gaming hall. - They have no idea about food or service. Example point - they serve all "cold" (for a relative factor of cold being "luke-warm") in the bottles they are sold in. When I asked "May I have a Glass please" they were confused and dumbfounded and milled about like cattle-struck-with-footinmouth. "No" they replied - we don't have glasses". Apparently they save on washing up bills this way...
Monday night - flew back to Brisbane - and when my friend dropped me home I noticed that something "Looked Odd" in my carport area. Due to the cleverness of the builders here the carports are not secure to the outside world. I store a few items in a cupboard there (cupboards that only hold items due for junking or giving away or were potting items for my plants. All low value stuff).
Any-theft-tales - someone has had a fun time going through my stuff stored there and taken off with some planting pots and a bag of candles and a few other small items. I suspect Kids because yeah... all really low value junky type things (although the china plant pot was a nice looking one it's got a crack all the way through it). So I'm not upset about what was taken - only that someone was rude enough to steal in the first place. So Monday night I ordered a new lockable metal storage cupboard - to be delivered later this week and I plan to reorganise everything in the carport & (lockable) laundry to make it a useful addition. Older cupboards are going to be given away (I need to keep the space tidy or the other residents can (rightfully) complain. So out with the old - in with the new - ya-booh to the would be future thieves of the world).
And we are up to TUESDAY. Early Tuesday I did a quick clean up / inventory of loss / toss of unrequired items in the carport. I stopped by 8.30am as it was to be the Hottest day locally for the last 11 years.
At 10am my friend (Miss M) and I headed off to the lovely air conditioned fasthold of IKEA as we both had items we needed to acquire. Nice half-day out including lunch and then I was dropped home at 1pm-ish. To discover that the local power authority had CUT OFF MY ELECTRICITY!
Much drama ensued - luckily I had help from a friend to field the telephone calls to the Utility companies and discovered that "Oh Gosh! We're sorry - we were supposed to cut off the power of the same numbered Apartment in the Building *Next Door* to her. Power guy must have read the wrong number". So two miserably hot and stress filled hours later (remember - this is the hottest day here for what seems like forever - it peaked at 39.5celsius which is 103fahrenheit) - and suddenly I was back on the grid. Can we just state that I now loathe, despise and abhor even more the local power groups?
Ahh.. now on to Wednesday... Delivery of new secure cupboard that... oh dammit... arrived in flat-pack rather than built (I apparently missed the fine-print at the order site). Okay.. okay... I can build this - I have the technology [on the SECOND hottest day locally yadda yadda yadda]. It is all built but I did almost have heat stroke at one point (who'd have thought how much hotter it gets when you are inside the damm thing with screwdriver and a colourful vocabulary!).
Once it was built I gave up and went for a cooling rest.
So... on to today - THURSDAY. Good start - have managed to enrol in to a Justice of the Peace class that I have been wanting to take for a while. It's 3 days next week - after which I sit for the exam and if successful - will be able to witness documents and assist the local community as a volunteer notary. (Plus it will look just FINE on my CV for future job applications)
As for the rest of the week... I am hoping it will not be as eventful. Tomorrow (Friday) I am off to visit my Mum & Dad and make sure they got through the heat wave okay. Saturday I will be assisting Miss Cozzles with belt sanding/grinding the rest of the glue off her floor so that tiling can take place later this month. [yes yes... still very hot here so we will be taking lots of rests and guzzling our weight in water]
Sunday I believe I am off to a Sci-fi event in the city. Sunday night I plan on collapsing and recovering....
Now whoever wished me to have an "Interesting Week" - do you think you got your value from it? :D
This last week has been a busy one and it's only THURSDAY morning here!
Let's recap...
Sunday I flew out of Brisbane City airport at an awfully early time - headed to Canberra (Capital City of Australian and two States away) as one of my dear friends has been admitted to hospital. Stay was a short one - down Sunday and back Monday p.m. And possibly the less said about the hotel the better (the bed at least was comfortable - the staff service was dreadful - it's only really redeeming feature that it was within walking distance of Canberra Hospital). Oh - and please all avoid the "Quality Hotel Woden" and it's attached restaurant/bistro/gaming hall. - They have no idea about food or service. Example point - they serve all "cold" (for a relative factor of cold being "luke-warm") in the bottles they are sold in. When I asked "May I have a Glass please" they were confused and dumbfounded and milled about like cattle-struck-with-footinmouth. "No" they replied - we don't have glasses". Apparently they save on washing up bills this way...
Monday night - flew back to Brisbane - and when my friend dropped me home I noticed that something "Looked Odd" in my carport area. Due to the cleverness of the builders here the carports are not secure to the outside world. I store a few items in a cupboard there (cupboards that only hold items due for junking or giving away or were potting items for my plants. All low value stuff).
Any-theft-tales - someone has had a fun time going through my stuff stored there and taken off with some planting pots and a bag of candles and a few other small items. I suspect Kids because yeah... all really low value junky type things (although the china plant pot was a nice looking one it's got a crack all the way through it). So I'm not upset about what was taken - only that someone was rude enough to steal in the first place. So Monday night I ordered a new lockable metal storage cupboard - to be delivered later this week and I plan to reorganise everything in the carport & (lockable) laundry to make it a useful addition. Older cupboards are going to be given away (I need to keep the space tidy or the other residents can (rightfully) complain. So out with the old - in with the new - ya-booh to the would be future thieves of the world).
And we are up to TUESDAY. Early Tuesday I did a quick clean up / inventory of loss / toss of unrequired items in the carport. I stopped by 8.30am as it was to be the Hottest day locally for the last 11 years.
At 10am my friend (Miss M) and I headed off to the lovely air conditioned fasthold of IKEA as we both had items we needed to acquire. Nice half-day out including lunch and then I was dropped home at 1pm-ish. To discover that the local power authority had CUT OFF MY ELECTRICITY!
Much drama ensued - luckily I had help from a friend to field the telephone calls to the Utility companies and discovered that "Oh Gosh! We're sorry - we were supposed to cut off the power of the same numbered Apartment in the Building *Next Door* to her. Power guy must have read the wrong number". So two miserably hot and stress filled hours later (remember - this is the hottest day here for what seems like forever - it peaked at 39.5celsius which is 103fahrenheit) - and suddenly I was back on the grid. Can we just state that I now loathe, despise and abhor even more the local power groups?
Ahh.. now on to Wednesday... Delivery of new secure cupboard that... oh dammit... arrived in flat-pack rather than built (I apparently missed the fine-print at the order site). Okay.. okay... I can build this - I have the technology [on the SECOND hottest day locally yadda yadda yadda]. It is all built but I did almost have heat stroke at one point (who'd have thought how much hotter it gets when you are inside the damm thing with screwdriver and a colourful vocabulary!).
Once it was built I gave up and went for a cooling rest.
So... on to today - THURSDAY. Good start - have managed to enrol in to a Justice of the Peace class that I have been wanting to take for a while. It's 3 days next week - after which I sit for the exam and if successful - will be able to witness documents and assist the local community as a volunteer notary. (Plus it will look just FINE on my CV for future job applications)
As for the rest of the week... I am hoping it will not be as eventful. Tomorrow (Friday) I am off to visit my Mum & Dad and make sure they got through the heat wave okay. Saturday I will be assisting Miss Cozzles with belt sanding/grinding the rest of the glue off her floor so that tiling can take place later this month. [yes yes... still very hot here so we will be taking lots of rests and guzzling our weight in water]
Sunday I believe I am off to a Sci-fi event in the city. Sunday night I plan on collapsing and recovering....
Now whoever wished me to have an "Interesting Week" - do you think you got your value from it? :D
November 9, 2012
Show your pride!
I love buying things from the Military Shop - mostly so that I can either send to my overseas Vetern friends; or to my Adopted Soldiers from Soldiers' Angels.
This month they have a really nice fridge magnet that I must acquire at least one of for myself
I am sure I will find a few other bits & pieces in their online catalogue too.
Oh! and I have acquired an extra Poppy Coin. Legal Australian two dollar coin with a red poppy on it's reverse. On the 11th of the 11th I will be putting up a blog competition for it so please stay tuned for that
This month they have a really nice fridge magnet that I must acquire at least one of for myself
 |
| you can buy them HERE |
Oh! and I have acquired an extra Poppy Coin. Legal Australian two dollar coin with a red poppy on it's reverse. On the 11th of the 11th I will be putting up a blog competition for it so please stay tuned for that
Updated to add....
Gosh I would love to own one of the below special Poppy medallions. They have them in Silver (which I can *almost* afford but not really justify) and Gold (which is too $$ unfortunately). Maybe I will bookmark the page and when I am back in employment I can celebrate by purchasing one.
 |
| Available from HERE but I don't know for how long... |
October 27, 2012
Red poppy coin released to honour lost diggers
I will be looking about for a few of these coins. Perhaps one can be used for a competition prize...
By Andree Withey
Updated
A special $2 coin bearing a red poppy has been produced to commemorate the wartime sacrifice of Australian service personnel.
August 8, 2012
Even better than Musk Sticks!
Yum Yum Yum- Vegemite toast is planned for breakfast here (the faster version of breakfast when you just don't have time to cook and savour some bacon)
Since Vegemite is an acquired taste (more so than the sugary pink stuff aka musk sticks aka "Argh! she's trying to poison me!"*) it's best to give all my overseas readers a bit of a primer on how to best eat it.
If you are one of my current Adopted Warriors (via the Soldiers' Angels group) and would like to try this culinary delight please drop me a note and I will cheerfully send you some
*allegedly 9 out of 10 US Forces test subjects had this response
And in news to hand - Baconnaise : the new taste sensation?
Since Vegemite is an acquired taste (more so than the sugary pink stuff aka musk sticks aka "Argh! she's trying to poison me!"*) it's best to give all my overseas readers a bit of a primer on how to best eat it.
 |
| Disclaimer - I could not track down the legal owner of this photo. If *you* are that owner please contact me so I can attribute |
If you are one of my current Adopted Warriors (via the Soldiers' Angels group) and would like to try this culinary delight please drop me a note and I will cheerfully send you some
*allegedly 9 out of 10 US Forces test subjects had this response
And in news to hand - Baconnaise : the new taste sensation?
September 23, 2011
Pax's 200th Blog Post and a Prize
***edited to add - If you find that blogger won't let you leave a comment to enter the competition please email me your interest @ paxford AT gmail DOT com and I will manually enter your name into the draw***
The Meepings first began way back in the mists of time (well... 22nd of November 2005 actually) and was created as a base for my "serious" posts (and then promptly forgotten for a few years - whoops!), with the silly stuff and meme's (oh jeezss the amount of stupid memes) taking up room on my LiveJournal account. Over the years I lost interest in LJing and moved over to Blogger as my primary means of communicating with the world at large.
Mid 2009 saw me begin my tentative forays in to the world of Military Support and regular postings here. I learnt, over time, what my adopted troops might like, and what might make them smile; and I was blessed to make contact with some amazing people across the Globe, many of whom remain my good (if distant) friends today. And over the years some really amazing gifts have reached me too!
So in celebration of the 200th post - and as thanks to my friends and readers (many one and the same!) - I would like to run a very special competition.
Well... the prize is very special - the competition just run of the mill.
This medallion celebrates the 110th anniversary of the formation of the Australian Army.
To Enter to win this Medallion all you need to do is post a reply to this blog entry saying "YES I WANT TO ENTER" - or words to that effect.
The Competition will run until the 8th of October and will be a simple "name drawn from hat" method of picking the winner.
Rules
You do NOT need to be a regular reader of this blog to enter (but once you get here - stick around! I can be really amusing at times :D)
You can be from anywhere in the world. All that I ask is that you respect that this item represents my Country's military, and is to be treated as a prized possession.
If you win - you will need to supply me with a mailing address. I promise to hold the information safely and never share it beyond my Post Office.
If you leave your entry under the "Anonymous" tag - please be sure to add your name or nickname at the bottom.
The Winner will need to contact me by October 14th at the latest with their mailing address or there will be a redraw.
The Meepings first began way back in the mists of time (well... 22nd of November 2005 actually) and was created as a base for my "serious" posts (and then promptly forgotten for a few years - whoops!), with the silly stuff and meme's (oh jeezss the amount of stupid memes) taking up room on my LiveJournal account. Over the years I lost interest in LJing and moved over to Blogger as my primary means of communicating with the world at large.
Mid 2009 saw me begin my tentative forays in to the world of Military Support and regular postings here. I learnt, over time, what my adopted troops might like, and what might make them smile; and I was blessed to make contact with some amazing people across the Globe, many of whom remain my good (if distant) friends today. And over the years some really amazing gifts have reached me too!
So in celebration of the 200th post - and as thanks to my friends and readers (many one and the same!) - I would like to run a very special competition.
Well... the prize is very special - the competition just run of the mill.
 |
| Front |
 |
| Reverse |
 |
| Actual size - approx 2 inches |
This medallion celebrates the 110th anniversary of the formation of the Australian Army.
Our Country became a federation in 1901 (when the Six States agreed to join together as one nation).
To Enter to win this Medallion all you need to do is post a reply to this blog entry saying "YES I WANT TO ENTER" - or words to that effect.
The Competition will run until the 8th of October and will be a simple "name drawn from hat" method of picking the winner.
Rules
You do NOT need to be a regular reader of this blog to enter (but once you get here - stick around! I can be really amusing at times :D)
You can be from anywhere in the world. All that I ask is that you respect that this item represents my Country's military, and is to be treated as a prized possession.
If you win - you will need to supply me with a mailing address. I promise to hold the information safely and never share it beyond my Post Office.
If you leave your entry under the "Anonymous" tag - please be sure to add your name or nickname at the bottom.
The Winner will need to contact me by October 14th at the latest with their mailing address or there will be a redraw.
August 22, 2011
Pax enquires...
Would there be any interest in a competition for an Australian Army wool beanie hat? (heh.. I had to google to find out what other countries called it - see the footnote!*)
I realise it's not yet even nippy in the Northern zones of the world but it might be something unusual and interesting to acquire.
I obtained two of these hats from the Australian Military shop a few months ago. I had a few styles of hats to choose from ( I am sure that one or two of you will be happy to know that I sneered at the berets on offer - hehe) however the beanies won out.
Hat one has gone off to someone that is occupationally follicly-challenged (ie. he's a marine) and it will hopefully keep his off-duty noggin warm in the upcoming wintry months.
Hat two is still here and looking for a new home. It is black wool with an embroidered Rising Sun badge with the words "The Australian Army" underneath.
The Competition will be open to anyone in the world, and will be shipped via airmail delivery.
So Let me know if you think a competition would be fun - and what sort of competition it should be (and no... the "how many renovation disasters are currently besetting Pax" guessing game is not on the allowed list - since they are Legion!)
Remember - it's NOW UP TO YOU!
I will keep the suggestion list running for two weeks and then advise the outcome.
*The woolen beanie has a variety of names, depending on where you are. In Canada, these ubiquitous hats are called tuques. In New Zealand, Australia and England, they are still referred to as beanies. In the United States, they are called knit caps, toboggan caps, stocking caps, skull caps, winter hats, ski caps, chooks and sock caps, according to what part of the country you are in. The Amish of Pennsylvania call the woolen beanie a sipple cap. In India, it is simply a monkey cap.
I realise it's not yet even nippy in the Northern zones of the world but it might be something unusual and interesting to acquire.
I obtained two of these hats from the Australian Military shop a few months ago. I had a few styles of hats to choose from ( I am sure that one or two of you will be happy to know that I sneered at the berets on offer - hehe) however the beanies won out.
Hat one has gone off to someone that is occupationally follicly-challenged (ie. he's a marine) and it will hopefully keep his off-duty noggin warm in the upcoming wintry months.
Hat two is still here and looking for a new home. It is black wool with an embroidered Rising Sun badge with the words "The Australian Army" underneath.
The Competition will be open to anyone in the world, and will be shipped via airmail delivery.
So Let me know if you think a competition would be fun - and what sort of competition it should be (and no... the "how many renovation disasters are currently besetting Pax" guessing game is not on the allowed list - since they are Legion!)
Remember - it's NOW UP TO YOU!
I will keep the suggestion list running for two weeks and then advise the outcome.
*The woolen beanie has a variety of names, depending on where you are. In Canada, these ubiquitous hats are called tuques. In New Zealand, Australia and England, they are still referred to as beanies. In the United States, they are called knit caps, toboggan caps, stocking caps, skull caps, winter hats, ski caps, chooks and sock caps, according to what part of the country you are in. The Amish of Pennsylvania call the woolen beanie a sipple cap. In India, it is simply a monkey cap.
July 24, 2011
A Quick lesson in Aussie Slang
A friend of mine asked about a good name for a new puppy (an Australian Shepherd) and I stumbled upon this website.
Since there any number of phrases here that even I didn't know about you might find it Ed-u-ca-shinal should you ever travel the great Outback and Never Never.
So below is a random selection - enjoy!
Amber fluid : beer
Aussie salute : brushing away flies with the hand
Back of Bourke : a very long way away [not to be confused with "Behind Burke": which is a very safe place to be]
Battler : someone working hard and only just making a living
Black Stump, beyond the : a long way away, the back of nowhere
Captain Cook : look (noun) ("let's have a Captain Cook")
Cobber : friend
Corker : something excellent. A good stroke in cricket might be described as a 'corker of a shot'
Dag : a funny person, nerd, goof
Digger : a soldier
Dinkum, fair dinkum : true, real, genuine ("I'm a dinkum Aussie"; "is he fair dinkum?")
Dinky-di : the real thing, genuine
Drongo : a dope, stupid person
Esky : large insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues etc.
Flat out like a lizard drinking : flat out, busy
Furphy : false or unreliable rumour
Galah : fool, silly person. Named after the bird of the same name because of its antics and the noise it makes.
Gobsmacked : surprised, astounded
Hottie : hot water bottle
Jackaroo : a male trainee station manager or station hand (a station is a big farm/grazing property)
Jillaroo : a female trainee station manager or station hand
Kangaroos loose in the top paddock : Intellectually inadequate ("he's got kangaroos loose in the top paddock")
Knock : to criticise
Larrikin : a bloke who is always enjoying himself, harmless prankster
Lend of, to have a : to take advantage of somebody's gullibility, to have someone on ("he's having a lend of you")
Matilda : swagman's bedding, sleeping roll
Mug : friendly insult ("have a go, yer mug"), gullible person
Never Never : the Outback, centre of Australia
No worries! : Expression of forgiveness or reassurance (No problem; forget about it; I can do it; Yes, I'll do it)
Not the full quid : not bright intellectually
Ocker : an unsophisticated person
Oldies : parents - "I'll have to ask my oldies"
Pash : a long passionate kiss; hence "pashing on"
Piker : Someone who doesn't want to fit in with others socially, leaves parties early
Plate, bring a : Instruction on party or BBQ invitation to bring your own food. It doesn't mean they're short of crockery!
Rage on : to continue partying - "we raged on until 3am"
Reckon! : you bet! Absolutely!
Rock up : to turn up, to arrive - "we rocked up at their house at 8pm"
Schooner : large beer glass in Queensland; medium beer glass in South Australia
Shoot through : to leave
Spit the dummy : get very upset at something
Tea : supper
Thongs : cheap rubber backless sandals
True blue : patriotic
Ugg boots : Australian sheepskin boots worn by surfers since at least the 1960s to keep warm while out of the water. Also worn by airmen during WW1 and WW2 because of the need to maintain warmth in non-pressurized planes at high altitudes.
Ute : utility vehicle, pickup truck
Veg out : relax in front of the TV (like a vegetable)
Walkabout : a walk in the Outback [...] that lasts for an indefinite amount of time
Weekend warrior : army reservist
Wowser : straight-laced person, prude, puritan, spoilsport
XXXX : pronounced Four X, brand of beer made in Queensland
Yakka : work (noun)
Since there any number of phrases here that even I didn't know about you might find it Ed-u-ca-shinal should you ever travel the great Outback and Never Never.
So below is a random selection - enjoy!
Amber fluid : beer
Aussie salute : brushing away flies with the hand
Back of Bourke : a very long way away [not to be confused with "Behind Burke": which is a very safe place to be]
Battler : someone working hard and only just making a living
Black Stump, beyond the : a long way away, the back of nowhere
Captain Cook : look (noun) ("let's have a Captain Cook")
Cobber : friend
Corker : something excellent. A good stroke in cricket might be described as a 'corker of a shot'
Dag : a funny person, nerd, goof
Digger : a soldier
Dinkum, fair dinkum : true, real, genuine ("I'm a dinkum Aussie"; "is he fair dinkum?")
Dinky-di : the real thing, genuine
Drongo : a dope, stupid person
Esky : large insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues etc.
Flat out like a lizard drinking : flat out, busy
Furphy : false or unreliable rumour
Galah : fool, silly person. Named after the bird of the same name because of its antics and the noise it makes.
Gobsmacked : surprised, astounded
Hottie : hot water bottle
Jackaroo : a male trainee station manager or station hand (a station is a big farm/grazing property)
Jillaroo : a female trainee station manager or station hand
Kangaroos loose in the top paddock : Intellectually inadequate ("he's got kangaroos loose in the top paddock")
Knock : to criticise
Larrikin : a bloke who is always enjoying himself, harmless prankster
Lend of, to have a : to take advantage of somebody's gullibility, to have someone on ("he's having a lend of you")
Matilda : swagman's bedding, sleeping roll
Mug : friendly insult ("have a go, yer mug"), gullible person
Never Never : the Outback, centre of Australia
No worries! : Expression of forgiveness or reassurance (No problem; forget about it; I can do it; Yes, I'll do it)
Not the full quid : not bright intellectually
Ocker : an unsophisticated person
Oldies : parents - "I'll have to ask my oldies"
Pash : a long passionate kiss; hence "pashing on"
Piker : Someone who doesn't want to fit in with others socially, leaves parties early
Plate, bring a : Instruction on party or BBQ invitation to bring your own food. It doesn't mean they're short of crockery!
Rage on : to continue partying - "we raged on until 3am"
Reckon! : you bet! Absolutely!
Rock up : to turn up, to arrive - "we rocked up at their house at 8pm"
Schooner : large beer glass in Queensland; medium beer glass in South Australia
Shoot through : to leave
Spit the dummy : get very upset at something
Tea : supper
Thongs : cheap rubber backless sandals
True blue : patriotic
Ugg boots : Australian sheepskin boots worn by surfers since at least the 1960s to keep warm while out of the water. Also worn by airmen during WW1 and WW2 because of the need to maintain warmth in non-pressurized planes at high altitudes.
Ute : utility vehicle, pickup truck
Veg out : relax in front of the TV (like a vegetable)
Walkabout : a walk in the Outback [...] that lasts for an indefinite amount of time
Weekend warrior : army reservist
Wowser : straight-laced person, prude, puritan, spoilsport
XXXX : pronounced Four X, brand of beer made in Queensland
Yakka : work (noun)
April 25, 2011
Lest we Forget
It is ANZAC day here in Australia (25th April) - where the citizens of Australia and New Zealand stop and remember those that have fought for us in the wars; and those that will never return.
The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzac's [wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day]
For more details on the origin of the day please go read the blog of Major Pain (One Marine's View) who has written a great blog entry "The ANZAC Day tradition - Lest we forget" - you can read it HERE
And every year just before ANZAC day our veterans and military can be seen selling Poppy pins and commemorative badges; and our stores sell ANZAC biscuits (check the link for the recipe). I try to get at least a poppy pin and one other to wear on my blazer. This year my parents gave me the Rising Sun badge below that I will treasure.
I have two slightly smaller slouch hat pins that I will be sending to my Downrange USA adoptee's. I am hoping they will value them (sending the smaller ones via the post means - I hope - that it won't freak the USA/Military mail people out too much. Seems metal in the mail = EEEK!!!)
And I have the Slouch Hat Badge above (stick pin version) that I would love to give away to a reader of this blog.
Contest rules - you need to make a comment in this blog saying you would like to be in the draw. In a week's time I will write every one's names on a strip of paper and have a friend draw one from a hat.
Entrants can be ANYWHERE in the world (Downrange, Australia, New Zealand, USA etc) - the winner will be announced on my Blog and they will be required to supply me with a contact email so I can obtain their mail address. They will have 1 week to contact me or a redraw will occur.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzac's [wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day]
For more details on the origin of the day please go read the blog of Major Pain (One Marine's View) who has written a great blog entry "The ANZAC Day tradition - Lest we forget" - you can read it HERE
And every year just before ANZAC day our veterans and military can be seen selling Poppy pins and commemorative badges; and our stores sell ANZAC biscuits (check the link for the recipe). I try to get at least a poppy pin and one other to wear on my blazer. This year my parents gave me the Rising Sun badge below that I will treasure.
I have two slightly smaller slouch hat pins that I will be sending to my Downrange USA adoptee's. I am hoping they will value them (sending the smaller ones via the post means - I hope - that it won't freak the USA/Military mail people out too much. Seems metal in the mail = EEEK!!!)
And I have the Slouch Hat Badge above (stick pin version) that I would love to give away to a reader of this blog.
Contest rules - you need to make a comment in this blog saying you would like to be in the draw. In a week's time I will write every one's names on a strip of paper and have a friend draw one from a hat.
Entrants can be ANYWHERE in the world (Downrange, Australia, New Zealand, USA etc) - the winner will be announced on my Blog and they will be required to supply me with a contact email so I can obtain their mail address. They will have 1 week to contact me or a redraw will occur.
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
- We will remember them.
March 25, 2011
Who's downrange?
and no.. this is not the start of a "who's on first" joke*
Troops in Afghanistan...
Australia... 1,455 troops on the ground
USA...... 78,430 troops on the ground.
Well I'm kind of embarrassed.... surely if all our nations support the concept of assisting Afghanistan's population to develop into a more Democratic type society (where woman are valued more than camels; and love of country can be as prevalent as "duty to the clan")... then why arent' the rest of our countries pulling more of the load?
The whole "it's unpopular with the voters" crap just has to stop. YES! War is unpopular - but how about the idea of "get in - get it done - make the world safer for our children and our children's children?" [yes yes.. Pax has *often* been accused of having a simplistic view of world politics - she also believes in the maxim of "many hands make light work". Please direct all vitriol in the comments box..]
and to leave you laughing (?) - *THIS* is Who's on first
Troops in Afghanistan...
Australia... 1,455 troops on the ground
USA...... 78,430 troops on the ground.
Well I'm kind of embarrassed.... surely if all our nations support the concept of assisting Afghanistan's population to develop into a more Democratic type society (where woman are valued more than camels; and love of country can be as prevalent as "duty to the clan")... then why arent' the rest of our countries pulling more of the load?
The whole "it's unpopular with the voters" crap just has to stop. YES! War is unpopular - but how about the idea of "get in - get it done - make the world safer for our children and our children's children?" [yes yes.. Pax has *often* been accused of having a simplistic view of world politics - she also believes in the maxim of "many hands make light work". Please direct all vitriol in the comments box..]
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| http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/afghanistan/map.htm |
January 26, 2011
Australia Day
It's Australia Day today so how about some photos?
These were taken by my Mum & Dad on their various travels out bush.
These were taken by my Mum & Dad on their various travels out bush.
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| Somewhere in Central Queensland - 2009 (during the Drought) |
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| One of the Possums that live under my parents veranda |
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| Carpet Snake - also at my parents place. Luckily it didn't stay around for long and did not (we think) snack on any of the possums |
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| Gatheume Bay, Broome, Western Australia |
January 12, 2011
Updates on the Brisbane Floods
I'm still safe - still at home. Got up early this morning and checked online - work's official decree was that only essential travel should be undertaken and since Library's don't fall into the category I didn't try to get into the CBD to work.
Good thing too... since the public transport system is going to be shutting down from 1pm AND much of the power in the CBD has been shut off. B's workplace have predicted that their building lobby will be about 1.8metres under water when the peak flow hits this afternoon.
It's a frustrating feeling - watching a force of nature head your way and knowing that there is nothing you can do to avert it. I just hope that my friends who are in the flood path are now safe.
Good thing too... since the public transport system is going to be shutting down from 1pm AND much of the power in the CBD has been shut off. B's workplace have predicted that their building lobby will be about 1.8metres under water when the peak flow hits this afternoon.
It's a frustrating feeling - watching a force of nature head your way and knowing that there is nothing you can do to avert it. I just hope that my friends who are in the flood path are now safe.
January 11, 2011
Pax may learn to paddle...
You might have heard on the news that Queensland Australia is going through some fairly intense floods.
This was yesterday (10th January 2011) up in Toowoomba - which is 127kms (79miles) from my home in Brisbane
The whole Brisbane valley region area is on flood alert here - with continuing rain, run off from upstate (including the water from the ranges), overspill from the nearest dam and even high tides, it's going to get worse before it gets better!
Mr B & I are quite safe as we live on a bit of a hill away from the river and creeks. No idea if the roads will be passable for me to reach work tomorrow.
Mr B works in the CBD which is *right* next to the river - so we suspect he won't be there tomorrow either.
My Dad has been in touch via mobile phone so I know my parents and eldest brother are okay (their home is on a ridge so they should be fine). Other friends are either safely at home or preparing to pack up and move to higher ground.
More news here
Edited to add this handy dandy comparison map
This was yesterday (10th January 2011) up in Toowoomba - which is 127kms (79miles) from my home in Brisbane
The whole Brisbane valley region area is on flood alert here - with continuing rain, run off from upstate (including the water from the ranges), overspill from the nearest dam and even high tides, it's going to get worse before it gets better!
Mr B & I are quite safe as we live on a bit of a hill away from the river and creeks. No idea if the roads will be passable for me to reach work tomorrow.
Mr B works in the CBD which is *right* next to the river - so we suspect he won't be there tomorrow either.
My Dad has been in touch via mobile phone so I know my parents and eldest brother are okay (their home is on a ridge so they should be fine). Other friends are either safely at home or preparing to pack up and move to higher ground.
More news here
Edited to add this handy dandy comparison map
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