The first one off to a 'real' fire

We got a call yesterday asking for crews to attend a fire at Wentworth Falls over the weekend. While my back is much better, I have some work to do to make it strong again and won't be back to the RFS for a couple more weeks. So that was me out. Rob was at work so we couldn't confirm his availability so Jamie got the guernsey. We are awaiting Bec, the Duty Officer, to contact us to let us know if one or both boys will be required tomorrow.

Jamie was to be at the shed by 5:15am. At almost 4:30am I was awake and went up to wake him. They went up to Hazelbrook in the PC (Sh*tbox) where they met the crew who had been out in the Cat1 (Big Red Truck) during the night and headed up to Wenty.

First task was working on deepening the containment lines by doing some more backburning. Then they were moved and were doing some blacking out - checking smouldering logs etc to ensure they don't reignite. While doing that they were told the fire was making a run back up the hill towards them so they had to beat a retreat to a containment line with several other brigades which they were tasked not to let the fire cross. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) had helicopters on the go and they managed to slow the fire down enough to eliminate the danger. During this time Jamie and the gang were hanging about doing nothing for 3 hours - "hurry up and wait" is the RFS motto! They were relieved about 5:30pm and sent home.

The NPWS had been doing a hazard reduction and initial thoughts were that the burn had got away from them, but Jamie says it looks like it may have been arson . . .

TGIF - Technical problems

As the system administrator at work, I'm seen by many staff as the computer guru and most of the time just fudge it because they know soooo little about working computers so this struck a chord (click on the picture for a bigger look):

What's everyone else doing?

There going bonkers on the internet in one way or another as this shows : Gary's Social Media Count

Away at a conference this week

Gillian and I have spent the last few days in Sydney at the SirsiDynix Asia Pacific User Conference 2009 in Sydney. (SirsiDynix provide the library management system which the Blue Mountains Library uses to issue and return books, catalogue them, etc.)

We have had an interesting and exhausting mix of business and pleasure.

We went to the theatre and saw an all-girl production of The Taming of the Shrew by the Bell Shakespeare Company (Gillian is still a bit traumatised!) and we tested iced coffee and hot chocolate at the Guylian cafe on Circular Quay (both highly recommended).

We had been to some of the libraries on the Library Tours so decided to catch everyone else up at the Customs House Library which is a really interesting building.

We also attended the conference dinner at the Overseas Passenger Terminal which has beautiful views of the Opera House.

As with any conference or other event there are some boring bits

and you have to take the good with the bad, but there were some compensations

and we have come away with some gems of information which make it all worth while.

TGIF - Microsoft Support

We've all talked to this guy . . .

Xavier's First Birthday

A good time was had by all.

And here's more photos : Click Here

Best friends

Awwwww

Then and Now

Josie in January

Josie today

TGIF - new mouse for women

I was sent this by a collegue and I'm not sure I should be indulging him . . .

After years of research, scientists have discovered that women do not like the standard mouse supplied with PCs.

Scientists found that there is no physical reason for their aversion; it is more of a Psychological problem.Some women reported that their mouse 'just didn't feel right' in their hands.

Based on the research, a new mouse has been designed especially for women.Various field tests have been carried out on the new design.

Customer feedback has been positive:

Julie from Hounslow said: It feels so much better. More comfortable, more like how it's supposed to be.

Susan from Chelmsford added: I think mice were originally designed just for men, but this new type is definitely made for women.

Hillary from Kent said: It fits right in with my lifestyle. I took to it like a duck to water, every woman should have one!

Sally from London said: It feels so natural.


Of course, we need to remember these were English women responding thus.

TGIF - Big slip

How on earth did they get this right?