2 days ago
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sad news for Jamie
Jamie got word yesterday by mail that he had not been successful in his job application. The search for something else begins . . .
Lunar eclipse
Monday, August 27, 2007
Fun with old friends
Had a wonderful weekend this past weekend with friends from Edinburgh University, Abi and Liz, being in the area and Abi's fiance Daniel too. We'd seen Abi and Daniel when we were in London (almost a year ago now) but haven't seen Liz since we were home for Fiona and Mark's wedding in 1990.
They arrived at our place for lunch on Saturday and we spent a lovely afternoon eating and chatting on the back deck. Abi and Daniel have been holidaying for a few weeks in Victoria where Daniel has family but Liz had flown in for the weekend from Singapore.
On an absolutely perfectly glorious Blue Mountains Sunday morning, having delivered Jamie and Robbie at Valley Heights for RFS Cadet training, I tootled up to Katoomba where the visitors were staying at the lovely Lilianfels Hotel. Daniel took the opportunity to catch up on some reading while the girls and I did some touristy things - the Three Sisters of course, they were a short walk away from the hotel and then we got in the car and went to Leura for morning tea. There is a cafe there, the Wayzee Goose (or something similar) that has hot chocolate that's the consistency of custard - yuuuuuuuummm. From there via the Christmas shop (Liz made some purchases) we went to Wentworth Falls. The Falls had a rainbow on them and looked just stunning.
En route we'd been called by Ian and had arranged to rendez-vous with him and the kids back at the hotel so having gathered the clan and Daniel, we went into Katoomba for a late lunch. And to walk that off we went to Blackheath. There's a track near Govett's Leap that we used to take the boys along when they were little - it's sealed over so people in wheelchairs can enjoy the bush and isn't very hilly so it was a nice gentle walk - well, for some of us; Liz got sucked into racing Ishbel and Jamie - and Ishbel's imaginary friend Samantha!
Back to Lilianfels for hot chocs and then it was time to say farewell. Daniel and Abi are returning to Victoria today and Liz heads back to Singapore. It was wonderful to see them.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
the birthday party from hell
It was Ishbel's birthday sleep over party on Saturday night. 5 other little girls all arrived by 4:20pm and emptied the contents of their overnight bags onto Ishbel's bedroom floor.
By 4:25pm I was already stressed with people (Ian and Jamie - Robbie had arranged an escape and was staying at Harley's the night) getting underfoot and had had the first rude demand, "Want food!" from one of the little charmers. So, rather than delay any longer, I got on with putting pizza in the oven and they had their dinner not long after 5pm.
The demands continued from our little star - "Want fizzy!", "Want icecream!", etc. all evening and culminated in her asking for a toilet roll. She wanted it so she could make a french knitting dolly - Ishbel's class had been doing that last term with a toilet roll inside and lollypop sticks. I told this child I didn't have any so she and the child she had in tow went straight down to the bathroom and started unrolling the toilet roll. Last straw! I raced down after them and told them off. I really lost it when the instigator denied she was doing anything and tried to sheet the blame entirely to her passive companion.
Within the first 20 minutes or so of the party several of the guests had been in tears and were sporting injuries!
At least once during the evening some girls were excluded - three of the girls and Ishbel are in the same class and they excluded the other two for a while.
Fifteen minutes or so later I was ringing two sets of parents to tell them I'd yelled at their children and that Ian would be soon bringing them home. If I didn't know this child already, I would be banning her from the house in future!
Having got rid of the trouble-maker, the evening at least was much more pleasant although it was about 10:45pm when they all finally dropped off.
Next morning it was Ishbel's turn to grow horns. She had several temper tantrums and ended up missing out on some of the games we were playing - she'd be having a huff while we played something and by the time she decided she wanted to join in after all the others had played all they wanted and were ready to move onto something else - cue the next tantrum!
Before they all left we had to match up belongings and children. I got them to go and pack their bags. They all swore blind they had checked carefully and had everything they came with. Several trips between living room and bedroom later, I think I had all socks, undies and assorted bed toys packed in the right bags.
By 4:25pm I was already stressed with people (Ian and Jamie - Robbie had arranged an escape and was staying at Harley's the night) getting underfoot and had had the first rude demand, "Want food!" from one of the little charmers. So, rather than delay any longer, I got on with putting pizza in the oven and they had their dinner not long after 5pm.
The demands continued from our little star - "Want fizzy!", "Want icecream!", etc. all evening and culminated in her asking for a toilet roll. She wanted it so she could make a french knitting dolly - Ishbel's class had been doing that last term with a toilet roll inside and lollypop sticks. I told this child I didn't have any so she and the child she had in tow went straight down to the bathroom and started unrolling the toilet roll. Last straw! I raced down after them and told them off. I really lost it when the instigator denied she was doing anything and tried to sheet the blame entirely to her passive companion.
Within the first 20 minutes or so of the party several of the guests had been in tears and were sporting injuries!
At least once during the evening some girls were excluded - three of the girls and Ishbel are in the same class and they excluded the other two for a while.
Fifteen minutes or so later I was ringing two sets of parents to tell them I'd yelled at their children and that Ian would be soon bringing them home. If I didn't know this child already, I would be banning her from the house in future!
Having got rid of the trouble-maker, the evening at least was much more pleasant although it was about 10:45pm when they all finally dropped off.
Next morning it was Ishbel's turn to grow horns. She had several temper tantrums and ended up missing out on some of the games we were playing - she'd be having a huff while we played something and by the time she decided she wanted to join in after all the others had played all they wanted and were ready to move onto something else - cue the next tantrum!
Before they all left we had to match up belongings and children. I got them to go and pack their bags. They all swore blind they had checked carefully and had everything they came with. Several trips between living room and bedroom later, I think I had all socks, undies and assorted bed toys packed in the right bags.
Finally they were gone by about 12:30pm, Ian Jamie and Robbie were home from soccer and I could dart off to the peace and quiet of my book group!
Never again! Next year it's two friends down the local chinese.
Never again! Next year it's two friends down the local chinese.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
jobs
jamie has gone for his job interview. he does not know if he got the job yet but he hopes he has. he went for a job at the local pool.
And my second trauma of the day!
When I got into work this morning, already frazzled by my encounter with the vet, I was met by a very tentative Gillian. She'd been reading the new US Library of Congress subject headings which librarians use to catalogue and index books. Every so often they change the headings.
Gillian's anxiety was over telling me what they had done to Scottish literature. Instead of the heading Adventure stories - Scottish they have changed it to Adventure stories - English. And Scottish poetry is now English poetry - Scottish authors. And on it goes . . .
Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!!
I very nearly went home with a migraine.
Gillian's anxiety was over telling me what they had done to Scottish literature. Instead of the heading Adventure stories - Scottish they have changed it to Adventure stories - English. And Scottish poetry is now English poetry - Scottish authors. And on it goes . . .
Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!!
I very nearly went home with a migraine.
Dog op
The dog is at the vet today being 'de-sexed'. It's going to cost us around $250 but when I got there this morning I had the option of paying $130 more again. There was an $80 blood test and $50 to put an IV drip in!!
Naturally I questioned the necessity of both, not wanting to put our little girl in danger, but also not wanting to fork out any more than we had to. The receptionist appeared unable to give me a straight answer and got the vet for me. Turns out the both were not necessary in this case. I told him I felt I was being had though.
Anyway, we left Bella barking her head off and we will be able to collect her later this afternoon.
Naturally I questioned the necessity of both, not wanting to put our little girl in danger, but also not wanting to fork out any more than we had to. The receptionist appeared unable to give me a straight answer and got the vet for me. Turns out the both were not necessary in this case. I told him I felt I was being had though.
Anyway, we left Bella barking her head off and we will be able to collect her later this afternoon.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Birthday party
We had a little afternoon tea party on Sunday afternoon - for Ishbel but also for our friend Janet whose birthday it is today. Ishbel and I made a couple of cakes - my third and fourth attempts - and iced them with polka dots and ribbon.
We invited Karen and Dan and our friends Sharon and Holly, Janet, Steven, Kate and Georgia and Kim, Graham and Nick.
From the cat
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
From the dog
Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The dog
Bella seems to be settling in OK.
The no-dog-on-the-furniture rule lasted all of, oh let's see, 2 1/2 minutes!
The first night she slept in her basket next to my bed - she'd been padding around and barking at the cat so I got her and put her in her basket and said, "Stay". And she did - all night. The last two nights, however, she has ignored the stay in bed command and has been up on the bed with Ian and I. :O
Ishbel was up at 6:15 or so this morning - usually she doesn't surface until about 7:30. I'd told her that she'd need to get up earlier if we were to take the dog round the block. So, yes, she was up with the birds and constantly asking when we could leave - I told her I'd prefer not to go in my pyjamas.
The no-dog-on-the-furniture rule lasted all of, oh let's see, 2 1/2 minutes!
The first night she slept in her basket next to my bed - she'd been padding around and barking at the cat so I got her and put her in her basket and said, "Stay". And she did - all night. The last two nights, however, she has ignored the stay in bed command and has been up on the bed with Ian and I. :O
Ishbel was up at 6:15 or so this morning - usually she doesn't surface until about 7:30. I'd told her that she'd need to get up earlier if we were to take the dog round the block. So, yes, she was up with the birds and constantly asking when we could leave - I told her I'd prefer not to go in my pyjamas.
Ishbel's birthday
It was Ishbel's 7th Birthday on Saturday and we got a little dog.Ishbel was at another little girl's birthday sleepover on Friday night so we went up and got the dog after dropping her off so it would be a surprise for her the next day when we brought her home.Getting the dog has been a few weeks in the planning. We had just started to think about getting a dog when a colleague asked if anyone wanted a dog; her son was going into the army, can't take the dog with him and his father won't keep it. I went to take a peek the following Sunday en route to book group. She seemed very sweet so I arranged to go up again the following Sunday with Ian, Jamie and Ishbel on pretext of taking important paper work to Felicity. We wanted to see how the dog would react to a child. Having passed the test (she seems pretty placid), we said we'd take her for Ishbel's birthday. None of the kids knew beforehand - except Robbie who guessed on Thursday night.The boys have been banging on about getting a dog too - only they want something substantial, a Border Collie for Jamie, a German Shepherd for Robbie. They were none too impressed when we came home with a little Jack Russell cross. However, she redeemed herself by playing fetch with a tennis ball up and down the hallway.Ishbel was delighted when she opened the front door and there was Jamie holding the dog with a red ribbon round her neck. The dog was called Momo but that was immediately changed to Bella - much to Jamie and Robbie's disgust - they'd been plotting all night to call her Hera - Greek goddess - a little dog needs a big name they reckon!
First post
I went to a training session at the State Library in Sydney on Tuesday called Library 2.0. It's all about the newer web-based technologies and how libraries can use them. A library in America set up a 23 step learning program for their staff to learn about such things as blogs, wikis and RSS and it is available to anyone to use. I am doing step 3 here - create your own blog.
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