Poppy Coin Contest

Closing date for entries now 25th of November


The Australian Mint has issued the first ever Legal Tender coloured coin - to commemorate Remembrance Day.

Last week I acquired a few - and one will be given away as the Prize to the below competition

This is the coin up close -

In order to enter you MUST write a short paragraph on WHY you would like the Poppy Coin (what it means to you etc). And then submit it - along with your name/blogging name - as a comment to this post.


The Rules:-

Must be PG-13! (if you feel that using a rude word is required then bleep it out - let's think of the potential that one day my Mum might read this)

You do NOT need to be a regular reader of this blog to enter (sniffle... but you COULD stick around and read more - just saying)

You can be from anywhere in the world.

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 so I can track you down later should you win.

If you find that Blogger won't let you post a message or worse - it disappears into the ether - then email me directly (you can find my email address under my profile)

The Winner will need to contact me by last day of November 2012 at the latest with their mailing address or there will be a redraw.

The Winning comment will be judged on or about the 20th of November 25th of November

***just in case the whole idea of writing something is wigging you out, I have included some examples on how you could frame your entry***

"I would love to win the Poppy Coin because it reminds me of the service my *insert name/relative/friend* here"

"Would be a cool thing to have in my memorabilia cabinet - along with my other Remembrance Day badges"

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



you can buy them HERE

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

 

 

 

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...

 

 

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 Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:37pm AEDT

A special $2 coin bearing a red poppy has been produced to commemorate the wartime sacrifice of Australian service personnel.

 

It is the first coloured coin produced by the Australian Mint and only 500,000 being made. The red poppy coin is being distributed by the RSL for a donation of about $10. There will also be a non-coloured version and both are legal tender.

Pax is feeling challenged

well.... at least I THINK these could be used as challenge coins... perhaps? maybe?

Although I only have a very hazy idea what a CC is - and perhaps these are too big and too heavy.

Anyshinycoin (as my friend Coffeypot would say)

I originally ordered TWO of these - with the thought that I would keep one for my collection and use the second as a future blog prize.

Through an accounting glitch I have ended up with FOUR of them (all duly paid for after I contacted the supplier and advised them they had oversupplied, but I loved them and would keep.. oh and here's my credit card info for the other two...)

Front & Back of the Medallions
Got them from HERE

They are quite heavy... but oh so pretty.  [Australian Army Rising Sun insignia on the front - Australian flag & slouch hat on the reverse]

And seeing that I now have THREE extras... do you think this is the sort of thing that would be of interest to someone that is currently serving "DOWNRANGE" - or would it be one more piece of heavy junk for them to drag about?

One of them WILL be used as a Blog competition in the next few months for my regular readers.  I just need some inspiration on what sort of competition to run.

Hmm....

Limerick comp?  "There once was a Pax from Downunder..."

Haiku perhaps? "Winter Pax rejoices..."

A Nordic Ode? "Bright the day, and kindness surrounds..."

Ehh... or maybe a Military Mentor might make mirthful merriment magically materialise (aka... someone send me a Silly Photo to Caption please!)

Seriously I am open to *most* suggestions

Pax's Dad

My Dad emigrated to Australia when he was 17 - assisted by the Big Brother foundation who paid for his travel across the waves and arranged for his first job in the Bush.

When he turned 18 he was required - as were all Australian males at the time - to join the Australian Army under the National Service Act (1951).  They were required to attend 99 days of full time training and then two years in the Australian Citizens Military Forces (rather like the Reserve forces or National Guard requirements of today).

My Dad has the best memories of this time - and he found me the below photo taken of him and some of his platoon. 2nd Lighthorse Division

My Dad is the tall one - 3rd from the right.

Photo was taken at the Holsworthy Army Barracks - 1951.

Love you Dad :)

ANZAC DAY 2012

Each 25th of April it is ANZAC day here in Australia - 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]

And each year I like to give my Blog readers a chance to win one of the limited edition ANZAC pins/memorabilia that are issued each year.

This year it will be a double prize (pin AND Key chain)

The key-chain shows Simpson and his Donkey* (1915 - WWI) and the lapel pin commemorates the Bomber crew of the downed Lancaster Bomber "Stella Bowen" - lost 28th April 1944 (WWII)

The Reverse of the key-chain:-

Close up of the Lapel pin (sorry... a bit blurry)

Contest rules - you need to make a comment in this blog saying you would like to be in the draw.  On  the 1st of May 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 their mail address. They will have 1 week to contact me (by the 7th of May) or a redraw will occur.

So Please! SHARE THE LINK with all your friends that might want a bit of Australian ANZAC history of their very own

********
Simpson and his donkey* The story of the soldier who rescued wounded men on Gallipoli (World War 1) with a donkey has been told to successive generations of schoolchildren. Simpson's actions are regarded as the highest expression of mateship, and he remains one of Australia's best known historical figures. 

Private Simpson found himself at ANZAC Cove on 25 April 1915, and was killed less than four weeks later.

*********

And for my Adopted Soldiers downrange - I have one each of the below Slouch hat pin that I will post off to them this week.  Hopefully it will bring them luck

Pax is perplexed

... does THIS look to be a good thing to have?

Would *YOU* take it with you Downrange for fun and amusement?

IF yes - please to leave a message at the Sign of the Pax and let me know

Can be obtained HERE

Pax goes Nautical

So how about a competition to help make the Merry Season even Merrier?

And let's make the prize a Nautical one - how about an Australian Navy cap!

Bought it from HERE

So what do you need to do to win this very nifty hat?  - Glad you asked!

Tell us (in the comments section below) your best Military related Joke or Short Story

The Rules:-

Must be PG-13! (if you feel that using a rude word is required then bleep it out - let's think of the potential that one day my Mum might read this)

Can be a joke or story that happened to you - or one you are simply retelling.

You do NOT need to be a regular reader of this blog to enter (sniffle... but you COULD stick around and read more - just saying)

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 so I can track you down later should you win.

The Winner will need to contact me by 1st of January 2012 at the latest with their mailing address or there will be a redraw.


The Winning Joke will be judged on or about the 25th of December

Pseudo Stabby Love

Awww... how cool is this :)



1GB memory Bayonet Flash Drive

Found it HERE

Someone remind me if I can send this sort of technology Downrange or Not?

Or should I just invest in one for a competition prize some time?

**Oh - and I may be spending way too much time corresponding with Military types - found myself today trying to explain the importance of keeping my friends at-home addresses as secure as their Downrange ones... the word "Hopsec" just kind of happened...**

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.

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.

Spring has Sprung

Well... Downunder in Australia it has.  (Our Spring lasts from the 1st of September until the last day of November)

Some of the trees are now blooming and we are heading towards my favourite time of the year - when the Jacaranda trees bloom, coating the streets below them with a layer of purple petals.

Photo found HERE

Jacaranda time coincides with University exams so it is not anticipated by all.  For the Horticulturists amongst us - this is NOT a tree native to Australia, however it became very popular in the 1920's as an ornamental tree for street verges and gardens.

And despite the official decree that "Spring Has Arrived" - the Weather is still a bit nippy, with a forecast of down to 12 degrees celsius tonight (53.6F). So for we delicate sub-tropic dwellers it is still jumper (aka pullover / sweater), extra blankets and electric heater time.

Oh and you may recall I'm in the midst of renovations at my place (segueing slightly from the topic but still weather related - honest!)

These are my new (replacement) veranda doors.  And as soon as they went in I (with the help of Cozzles) gleefully ripped out the rest of the inbuilt sections of the veranda behind them, and had all the junk carted away. The Veranda balcony is now open to the elements and will - in time - become host to a small BBQ (Barbie!) and pots of climbing roses that I will endeavour to keep alive  (Pax does not a green-thumb possess).

I have since discovered a wee bit of a problem with painting the doors - necessitating that the installer returns and lifts both sliding ones OFF until I can varnish the raw areas; and will then return a day or two or more later to put them back up.

So guess who's going to be whining about the cold to you all?  [I have plans to tack up a blanket or two to the outside top facing to block the worst of the chilly breeze; and security-wise none shall pass the partial aluminum siding and shutters]. Luckily I am still on leave from work so I can get the varnishing done super quickly and then beg and plead and whine (no - I have no shame where frozen tootsies are involved) at the installer until he returns and replaces them.

In other news :-

Milsupport for my four adopted troopers is going fairly well.  I managed to send off one of THESE to all my guys. Hopefully it will make them smile whenever they use it.

R.A.K parcel of some Aussie sweeties (aka candy) went off to a new acquaintance.  It was a gesture of Good Will and Troop Support and (sorry... having to pause sligthly so I can have a giggling fit..) Kindness, however it caused a bit of a stir  and therefore Musk Sticks are back on the "Pax must NOT" list [along with various 'Miss Manners' notes like "do not use the word 'sweet' when referring to Marines - it makes them grumpy"; and "do not send Drakkar Noir to anyone that doesn't like Musk Sticks" (however I'm a bit puzzled as to why & how research on that last rule occurred)]

My monthly donation of Coffee vouchers via the Green Beans "Cup of Joe" has been made. This is a really worthwhile and affordable Troop support program and you can find details on how to participate HERE.

And lastly the Competition for the Australian Army insignia hat is still open to entries until this Saturday.  Just please remember to include your name on the entries for them to be valid.

Pax offers a Prize

About a fortnight ago I asked if anyone was interested in winning a woolen Australian Army hat.

Well the answer appears to be yes, however there was only one suggestion on how to judge the competition (rhyming Aussie slang contest).

Unfortunately that idea, while it is amusing, would mean I have to wade through the attempts (with possibly one too many references to Pax having "Kangaroos loose in the top paddock") so how about we try the old standby method of:-

You post a reply to this blog entry saying "YES I WANT TO ENTER" - or words to that effect, and then I will have my BFF Cozzles draw out one name from a hat in a weeks time.  Making it fair to all.

Rules

You can be from anywhere in the world. All that I ask is that you respect that this hat 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 September 20th at the latest with their mailing address or there will be a redraw.

And...... GO!

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.

The Meepings gets a Mascot!

I would like to introduce you to my new Blog Mascot - Digs the Digger Bear

Recognise the badges?

Your very own Digger can be found here

Digs is wearing the uniform of the World War 1 Australian army.  Including the famous "Rising Sun" lapel and hat badges.  He is also wearing my Australian/American friendship badge; and my Soldiers' Angel badge - both seemed to feel right to add to his uniform.

This is the very same style of uniform that my Great-Grandfather wore when he proudly marched off to war.  Sadly he did not return to Sunny Australia - he lies in an unknown grave far from our shores.

A "Digger" was a nickname for the ANZAC troops - begun during WW1.  There are many & varied explanations on what it means (see HERE for more details)

Digs and I will be heading off on a few photographic adventures in the upcoming months.  Starting with the Douglas MacArthur Museum - right here in Sunny Queensland.  Hopefully the Curators won't mind me bringing my Teddy in for a photo op.

Aussie Troop support...

I have been asked a few times why I support the USA troops instead of my home-grown Downunder lads and ladies.

Well.... it's really so much easier to find reputable support groups already set up in the USA (such as Soldiers' Angels / Green Beans Coffee / AnyMarine) -  and I know, from personal experience and from Friends recommendations, that these groups are run efficiently and with respect for the troops and their operational security.

Since Australia has only about 1550 troops deployed at this time, home grown support groups are not as easily found.  I don't have personal contacts within the Regiments (much to my Mothers joy, my days of dating the Uniform'd are past) so finding an insider that coordinates needs, wants & contacts is almost impossible.

And our official Defence website Troop Support has only the option of sending emails* off into the ether OR buying premade postcards that you can then dispatch to an official Australian defence address that will forward them on to Downrange.  (*the email address has a number of stipulations and information re. spam attacks so I'm a bit doubtful of it's efficiency)

In the interest in seeing just what the postcards can do (who they can reach - will there be a reply/response? - what time line will that take?) I have just purchased a 10 pack of Official (and rather ugly looking!) postcards.  Once received I will send them off - bearing happy troop support messages and report on the outcome (who knows! I might find some Australian "over there" in need of a steady supply of Aussie Musk Stick sweeties!)

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..]



http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/afghanistan/map.htm

 and to leave you laughing (?) - *THIS* is Who's on first

Pax would like...

one of these (so long as it comes with a six-pack of crew ;D)

Spotted in Brisbane city this morning :)