Australian Night Owl

Day 5 - San Francisco—Seattle—Anchorage

2011-06-25T23:48:00.000+08:00

16th February 2011

Alaskan Airlines at the gate at Seattle

Seattle - heading North

Through time and space to a far-away land...

40 Years - Remembering

2011-06-12T22:30:00.015+08:00

John Noel McCarthy

It is forty years since my brother was killed in Vietnam in 1971 (see earlier post). This year my reflections are on the loss of the future that was taken from our family and his own family.

Till we meet again...

...

Yosemite National Park (2)

2011-06-08T21:30:00.106+08:00

15th February continued...

Sentinel Meadows trail

Tim, our driver and very informative guide, took us to numerous outlooks and viewpoints for photo shots. As part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the National Park itself is huge, but the Yosemite glacial valley is only 7 miles long by just under 1 mile wide. The valley floor is flat at 4,000 ft a.s.l. with its nearly vertical granite walls rising another 3,000 to 4,000 feet, and the Merced River flows through this canyon.

We were taken to the village and given numerous options for several hours, to explore at our will. Daniel and I agreed to defer lunch and set out and find the trails for Swinging Bridge from where I hoped to photograph reflections of this magnificent scenery. Then we would go on to the Yosemite Falls. The next hours were some of the most memorable and precious of my lifetime. We walked an estimated 6 km or so on several trails, with beautiful and changing views at every turn, so it was not surprising that we took over 300 photos between us.

Yosemite Falls reflected in the Merced River,
taken from Swinging Bridge

River reflections

Walking towards Yosemite Falls

Cathedral Beach

Californian Red Fir

Meeting only the occasional person or two on the trail, we were able to experience this beautiful valley without the crowds of summer we had heard about. The scenery sparkled in the sunlight and clear air, with snow on the surrounding delicate meadows, and the sound of flowing water.

We heard, then saw our first woodpecker, tapping on the Red Fir trees paralleling the trail. It was strangely rewarding to actually experience something which may be common for those living in this country, but about which we had only been taught as a child. Later we walked through groves of Red Firs, a dramatically different experience from walking in the Australian bush or amongst eucalypts.

We saw deer, both in the bush and later around the village. As we left the Lower Yosemite Falls area, a cheeky squirrel accompanied us, racing alongside, leaping from log to log. I cannot adequately describe the true beauty and atmosphere of this place. Today is magic!

Yosemite Chapel (below Half Dome)

Loved this old bridge we passed on the trail

Merced River

Sentinel Meadows boardwalk, Upper Yosemite Falls in background

Upper Yosemite Falls cascading over Yosemite Point

We departed at 3:30 pm, ahead of a heavy snow storm which was reported to be moving in around 4:00 pm, so we could traverse the road safely. Overnight, the valley would be transformed into a new picture book for tomorrow's visitors.

Day 4 - Yosemite National Park (1)

2011-05-27T12:00:00.062+08:00

15th February 2011

Daniel and I enjoyed a superb day at Yosemite National Park. Before leaving Perth, I had booked a full-day tour with Incredible Adventures, a small group tour (9 plus driver/guide). At crack of dawn, we were picked up by our guide, Tim, and cleared San Francisco via the Oakland Bay Bridge. It had been rainy in San Francisco and a heavy snowstorm was predicted for late afternoon at Yosemite. However, on nearing the Park, blue sky appeared and remained cloudless for the next five hours. The snow on the ground sparkled in the warm sunshine and crisp, clean air.

Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Spires
from Inspiration Point

Deer in the bush

This scenic lookout gave us a clear view of the glacial valley of Yosemite National Park, with the Merced River running through it. Eighty-one miles of the Merced River runs through Yosemite National Park, including this stretch in the Yosemite Valley.

Very pretty to look down on, but it was only after walking several miles in this beautiful valley that I could truly appreciate the treasures to be found in this valley!

The tour continued through numerous scenic viewing spots throughout the park and valley. Being mid-winter, there were very few others or vehicles around. Such a beautiful place, almost entirely to ourselves.

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft)

Daniel at Tunnel View lookout, showing El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks
and Bridalveil Fall (below), looking out through Yosemite Valley


Tunnel through the mountain is 1000 ft long (320 m) through solid granite.

Bridalveil Fall

Yosemite Falls


Merced River

[To be continued with more photos on next post...]

Day 3 - San Francisco

2011-02-14T23:01:00.245+08:00

Beautiful soft rain and grey skies today; a fog covering various sections of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The floral displays in the garden beds and pots around the pier were magnificent, with colourful tulips in full bloom.

We explored Pier 38, delighting in Bubba Gump Shrimps, saltwater taffy in overflowing wooden barrels, and famous Ghirardelli chocolate stores.

The sea lions of Pier 39

We ventured out on a Blue and Gold 1-hour ferry loop around the Bay, with views of the City en route to the Golden Gate Bridge. The water became rougher and the wind stronger and colder as the bridge got closer and the rain closed in.

From a distance, much of the bridge was covered in fog, but as we closed in and stopped right under span, the sight of the stretching spans to left and right were awesome in size and detail.

Looking up, cars looked like matchbox toys. Looking down was the clashing and meshing of ocean and bay waters as they collided in a rip, inviting sea sickness. Just in the nick of time, the boat was underway again. Soon we passed Alcatraz, close to the island's shore, before returning to the docks.

Again we ate at Capurro's. Daniel had calamari which came with 9 crumbed baby octopuses which he gave to me. I chose Dungeness crab cakes and vegies.
...

Day 2 [continued] - San Francisco

2011-02-13T15:14:00.022+08:00

Steam tug Hercules

First sights of San Francisco included:

~A stroll along the historic Hyde St Pier, the old ferry pier which is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. A variety of historical ships are moored there for viewing - and for exploring.

~First glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, portions of its mighty structure rising through the fog.

~Musee Mecanique, one of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. For 50 cents, you can play them!

~Fishermen's Grotto, the fish markets, clam chowder, and fresh crabs being cooked on the street front, to be bought, cracked and eaten at stainless steel troughs right there on the footpath!

Tomorrow, more exploring, then on Tuesday we have our full-day tour to Yosemite National Park.
...

Alaska, USA - Trip with Daniel - Days 1 & 2

2011-02-13T15:00:00.000+08:00

Daniel and I departed Perth, Saturday afternoon, 12th February, and after 38 hours, it is still only Sunday, 13th February, having crossed the International Date Line as well as the Equator. With tail winds we made good timing to Auckland on the 'red-eye'.

I love Auckland Airport: Passing through the portal, complete with birdsong.

A 36-minute sequence of traditional Maori designs from six themes,
including ocean and night sky, is projected across Pou Manawa
using projectors and LED lighting.

The Jet Park Hotel where we had booked a day room had the most comfortable beds and pillows. Five hours' sleep, a shower and brunch of Eggs Benedict with a cappuccino had us feeling pretty good as we boarded the plane again for 12 hours' flight to San Francisco.

Air New Zealand again provided an excellent flight, with fresh, quality, well-prepared meals, and touch-screen in-flight entertainment, with a choice of over 70 movies. It was good weather with mostly smooth flying.

We arrived in San Francisco tired but feeling well. We've had a few learning experiences that are sometimes inevitable given all the factors that can lead to lack of concentration. The most costly was our first US dollars spent on the shuttle fare plus tip being composed of a handful of US notes that all look the same when tired, disoriented and surrounded by traffic and balancing suitcases. We realised shortly after that one of the two $1 notes included in the payment was actually a $100 note! The driver, who could speak very little English, gave us a big smile as he quickly drove away.

Feeling very thankful for the smoothly running trip and the pleasure of enjoying one another's company, we turned our attention to gratefulness rather than being upset for long. Settling in at the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf, we both agreed that we would not sleep now, but shower and go for a walk and lunch. So we had our showers and promptly fell asleep for an hour or so!

[to be continued...]

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

2010-12-28T00:20:00.005+08:00

My two grandsons are a delight in my life. Last week our Church held a large function in the community drama centre. In between taking my part with the music group, I assisted my daughter-in-law in keeping the energetic boys occupied.

Unfortunately, the air conditioner had broken down at the start of the heatwave, and the full theatre became quite uncomfortable. But John discovered a really cool way to pass time. He discovered the cold water cask in the foyer!

I thought, now this will keep him quietly out of mischief for a good half hour or more so I allowed him to carefully press the button on the cask and partially fill and recycle a few disposable cups. As he did so, he happily drank about six of the half-filled cups of water and his little tummy bulged out in front as he started to make little burps, then got the hiccups. His Mum was not impressed when he produced big four puddles and needed four changes of pants in the next half hour! I am told he filled two nappies on the way home. I still don't know how those little cups of water could produce so much output!

Sharon told me that that had not been such a good idea!

I am inclined to agree...but at least he didn't get dehydrated in the heat!

Life's Cycles

2010-08-10T19:51:00.000+08:00

...

On Saturday I dropped into Big-W for just a few minutes when an announcement was made that several display bicycles had been marked down to half price at the front of the store. For several months I had been watching a certain bicycle that I felt suited to my requirements, with a view to purchasing one when we moved to our new home with its surrounding parklands and cycleways.

Coolly and casually not rushing, I joined several other shoppers who were also coolly and casually not rushing to check out these bargains. There stood two children's bicycles and—I couldn't believe my eyes—my chosen bicycle, reduced from $248 to just $100. My hands reached out and wrapped around the hand grips—my Prize in my grasp.

It must be about 17 years since I have ridden a bicycle. The early compulsory chunky helmets, the style of higher crossbars on ladies' cycles, and increasingly busy roads had taken away the desire to keep fit by cycling. Now, with changed circumstances, all I had to do was mount this bicycle and if it felt comfortable I had first option to purchase my bike at a super bargain price.

The surrounding little crowd was watching me, with a few comments in the air stating interest in it and one definite, "If she doesn't take it, I will have it for sure." All eyes were on me, this youthful spirit with the not-so-youthful body. It might have been a different story if I had mounted it from the left side, but I took it where I was, on its right. With my heavy handbag swinging wildly from my right shoulder I swung my left leg over the frame.

Uh oh; something had changed over those years. The joints were not so supple nor the balance as good. Maybe I could swing the leg back, get balanced and try again, but my left foot became tangled between the seat and parcel frame! Hopping about trying to free it and keep upright, the inevitable happened and CRASH, down I went on top of my handbag with the bike, foot still entangled, crashing down on top!

The crowd roared—or so it seemed to me! Several people hovered over me, untangling and helping me up, showing great concern and checking me out to see if I was hurt or in shock. They appeared stunned when as soon as I was on my feet I dropped the handbag, grabbed the handle grips, and tried again. Breaths were drawn and held...

Success! I straddled the bicycle and it felt good! Everything about it felt manageable and comfortable and my decision was made. The little crowd seemed uncertain whether to cheer, express disappointment, or concern for this mad woman.

Maybe my spirit is younger than my body...but I intend doing something about that now!

NightOwl's New Nest

2010-07-11T18:03:00.010+08:00

...
For friends (near and far) who may like to follow the building of our new home, I will post regular updates on a parallel blog named Nightowl's New Nest. This may be reached by clicking on the title of this post (above), by the link on my complete profile, or at http://nightowlsnewnest.blogspot.com

This is our vacant block viewed from the back to front. Across the road is our "bonus front yard" which the Council maintains.

Rain at last!
Being sandy soil, this heavy downpour had drained away next day.

For updates, see you at NightOwl's New Nest...

This one is for Barry!

2010-04-13T22:48:00.002+08:00

Earth Angel

It's time!

2010-04-05T23:20:00.006+08:00

...

Eight months down the track...

* I have started a new job at the same institution but in a different discipline, and have been both grateful and humbled by the struggles of re-learning everything at age 60;

* We have bought a block of land;

* And a house to be built on it;

* Sold our home after months of preparation, opening on the hottest day this summer;

* Carried out marathon clean-outs and decluttering;

* Packed more boxes of my books than everything else we own put together!

* Fulfilled numerous regulations, repairs and maintenance before departing;

* Moved throughout summer's worst heatwave;

* Celebrated our 36th Wedding Anniversary along with the removalist's van;

We are grateful to God for a new beginning at this stage of our lives, and we deeply appreciate our supportive, faithful friends!

When Angels are sent...

2009-09-19T22:23:00.006+08:00

...

Two of our lovely graduates with Leonie and me

June 2009: Just two hours earlier, we had received the news that under the restructure we no longer had places in our School. These beautiful young women didn't know that when they came to thank and hug us and have photos together. Truly these Angels were sent at exactly the right time!

Leonie and me (holding Nick - the graduand bear)

Jason is on the poster at the side!

It is times like this that are the best reward for our service in the School that has been our home for 19 years.

But other opportunities were to open...

When others care...

2009-09-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

A gift from some thoughtful friends
from half-way around the World,
this symbolic Willow Angel has
brought me comfort in the
disappearance and loss of
my two beautiful cats
in just 21 months.

My cats' names:
~Willow and Angel~

Still grieving our beautiful Willow

2009-08-12T00:56:00.006+08:00

...

It is 2 months now that our beautiful cat, Willow, has been missing. I can hardly bear that my previous cat, Angel, similar in colour and fluffy fur, also disappeared nearly 2 years ago. Both were sterilised, tatooed, inoculations up to date, and Willow micro-chipped. All our searching and asking has unearthed no clues.

Our heats ache with missing Willow's sweet and playful personality. She was a real lady. She had these cute little paws with tufts of fur sticking out between her toes. I keep wondering, does she live on in someone else's home or ...?

It's been a while...

2009-07-29T00:48:00.005+08:00

...
At last I'm back on board and intend posting to this blog regularly again. Change has been taking place, and will continue in just about every area of my life—mostly very good, but not without its challenges. God is good and faithful.

Barry wants me to be clear that I haven't changed him! That is, we've both changed as we've grown, but we're still a team!

Now massive decluttering is taking place. Yeah, it's all mine! Too many life events, too many interests, and working...and people will always be more important to me than housework. Barry says too many books, but you can never have too many good books. Besides, I haven't got the whole set yet...

I have developed my 30:30:30:10 Plan for decluttering:

30% chuck out
30% give away or sell
30% keep
10% can't make up my mind.

Now, to the future...

De-light!

2009-05-10T23:59:00.005+08:00

...

This piece of art took took my fancy!

Any idea what it is?

Time Out...

2009-04-21T22:48:00.009+08:00

...

..

Thank you for visiting Australian Night Owl.

It has been necessary for me to give time to other priorities for a period, but I intend to be posting regularly by the end of this month.

I have some interesting photos...so please do call back soon!

Business as usual...(don't mind me)!

2009-02-20T23:19:00.005+09:00

...
"Hello!" said the voice from the cubicle beside me.

"Hello!" I responded, wishing I had taken more notice of who entered the Ladies Room behind me.

"How are you?" the voice asked.

"Well, thanks," I replied, still trying to recognize the voice of someone who obviously knew me.

"What are you doing?" the disembodied voice enquired!

Now this was a dilemma. Who would want to know what I was doing! This was indeed a most unusual conversation! I didn't want to be rude, but I just may have to enquire about the identity of the mystery friend next door.

Fortunately, I was spared from this as the voice from the cubicle continued as she went about her business whilst conversing on her mobile phone!

Stone the crows! I didn't know her from a bar of soap – and I really didn't need to hear or be enticed into the private conversation she had publicly initiated either!

I retreated as fast as I could!

Good listeners

2009-01-31T23:16:00.002+09:00

...
Looking through my party pics, I noticed some wonderful expressions of the rapt attention of good listeners!

Barry, Phil and Robbie

Sharon & Daniel (and Buddy)

Kerrie & Christopher

David, Bev & John

Barry and Gail L.

Naomi and Gail V.

Roma and Helen

Sharon, Alister, Merv & Viv, Roma and Helen

Piet & Robyn, Ken & Julie

Ken, Hans & Robbie

Mary & Geoff and Raymond

Shirley and Viv
[Thank you to Shirley for taking most of these photos]

Bryan, Christopher, me, Daniel and Rina

Raymond, Alister (behind) and Roy
[Raymond has just had a bright idea!]

Me and Phil

[Multi-talented] Phil

Martin [appreciates good tucker]

A Night to Remember

2009-01-14T11:20:00.009+09:00

A wonderful night —
Surrounded by my family
And faithful friends through time,
Our son and daughter in law hosting in their home,
A balmy evening with a light sea breeze,
Birds flying in formation against a full moon,
Great food, lively conversation,
Memories relived, humour and laughter.
What an abundance I am so thankful for!

The Last Night of My Youth

2009-01-09T22:33:00.010+09:00

...

In a few hours I enter a new decade in my life, but I can hardly believe what I did today!

OK, so I'm not coping particularly well with the sudden onset of the first heatwave of the season, particularly the humidity. Nor the itching from the plague of summer insects that love to torture and devour me a mouthful at a time from the toes up!

All day I'd been hopping into a red hot car which had been locked up in shadeless car parks and the amount of lifting and carrying I did today pushed me to my limits. Circumstances contrived to test my patience, culminating in my failing repeatedly to secure a lid on a pith cool box which kept popping off. So what did I do?

I chucked a tantrum – threw a wobbly - had a conniption!

Right there in our driveway! I can't even remember when I last indulged in that immature behaviour! Not since I was a young mother, at least...

Fortunately, Barry arrived home from work at that moment and – wise man – recognised the need for his involvement and action!

A couple of good house bricks did the trick...

Happy Mieow Year!

2009-01-01T00:02:00.004+09:00

...

While my owner is rushing around this evening trying to fulfill all the New Year Resolutions she made at the start of 2008, I would like to contribute to your Happy Mieow Year with a useful list from my Cat-ionary:

CAT-IONARY (Author unknown)

Catacomb: Grooming device for Kitty. Good for removing cat-a-mats.

Catapult: What happens when the catacomb gets caught in the cat-a-mats.

Catnip: What Kitty will give you if you "pull" too hard with the catacomb.

Catamount: Any perch in the house, higher than a human's head.

Catcall: Signaling device used to open doors, fill food bowls and receive undivided attention.

Catty-corner: A good place to keep the litter box.

Caterwaul: What sometimes gets hit instead of the litter box.

Catkin: The results of an unaltered cat.

Cat's Cradle: Where Kitty sleeps, such as any bed, sofa, or other warm, comfy spot in the house.

Catwalk: Kitty's daily exercise routine, consists of short trips to the food bowl (with occasional detours to the catty-corner).

Catalog: Useful outdoor scratching post.

Catalyst: Litter, cat food, treats, toys, etc. What humans use to shop for Kitty with.

Catgut: Essential internal part of the cat, requires filling on an hourly basis.

Catsup: Mealtime. It fills the catgut.

Catnap: What cats do when they are not catsupping.

Category: The icky stuff that Kitty leaves on the porch step after eating the outside of a mouse.
Caterpillar: The lady in the white coat who says, "Now swallow the medicine like a good Kitty."

Catalyze: What Kitty tells you when you find the broken vase. "Meow - it was the dog, I swear it!"

Cataract: What the house looks like if you leave Kitty alone for too long.

Catatonic: What humans drink after seeing the house.

Catastrophe: An award Kitty receives for having the most beautiful behind.

Catfish: What Kitty does in your aquarium.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Christmas Cheer in the Local Community

2008-12-31T23:49:00.006+09:00

.St Mark's, Leeming (Uniting Church)

The goodwill from smiling faces as people paused for a minute or two during Christmas shopping made singing Christmas Carols very rewarding. It was even more fun when children joined in singing and playing percussion instruments.

Yep, I'm in there playing guitar and the chimes (yippee!). Good fun, but one time as I leaned forward to turn the music page, the guitar tuning pegs somehow tangled themselves in the strings on which the chimes hung. Just like a tangle in a fishing line, it was astounding how much twisting and threading was required to separate a simple meeting of the two instruments! I don't think anyone noticed, but as musicians we know these things happen and carry on regardless!

~ Blessings at Christmas to All ~

All I want for Christmas is... a Space Shuttle!

2008-12-22T23:25:00.008+09:00

..
The ultimate gift for a space enthusiast! For US$42, it could be mine.

I have always been fascinated by space travel, and a highlight in my life was a visit the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in September 2000. We climbed the LC39 Observation Gantry and viewed the shuttle Discovery on the launch pad. I had to pinch myself to believe I was actually there seeing this in reality.

I still relish every experience of our day at the Center with its magnificent exhibits and experiences. The day climaxed with a walk through a full-size Space Shuttle mock-up, complete with individually coded and fitted heat-resistant tiles.

So two Space Shuttles will be decommissioned and up for sale in 2010!

But Barry said no, I can't have one.

And why not?

"Well, where would you put it?" he asked!

A Smiley Face in the Sky

2008-12-01T23:08:00.010+09:00

...

After a hard day, the smiley face in the sky brought a smile to my face and a sense of perspective. It was fun to share the experience over the phone with my son, Christopher, in wonder and amazement.

We were experiencing, together with so many others, what astronomers call a conjunction to describe two or more celestial bodies appearing to come close together in the sky.

From information described by NASA and the Sydney Observatory, in the dark sky I could see the 'dark' part of the Moon glowing slightly with what is called "earthshine", the result from sunlight reflected off the Earth and onto the Moon. The Observatory says this fantastic celestial sight won't happen again until the year 2036!

Youch! I backed into a Cactus!

2008-11-23T13:04:00.006+09:00

...

This week I was aghast to learn, and through the most unlikely circumstances, that someone whom I respect had written to another several months ago with words that were accusing and pre-empting that I would not act with integrity. In the matter of life and death, the situation was not a big issue, but the written words stung as I couldn’t comprehend how they could see me in that light. Granted, they had known me for several years, though only in a work sense and certainly not well.

Fortunately, since then time has proven that they were wrong about their expectations of me.

But my nature is such that the written words stung and I fought off tears for several hours as I reflected on the circumstances at the time. This sort of thing has happened to me a few times through life – and probably a few times or more to every living person on this earth!

I have spoken of this to no-one, other than in prayer. As I worked through my feelings (which ranged from “get stuffed!” to forgiveness), I went through some soul-searching as I always do. Was there any truth that I was blinded to? I believe not, so was there something in my manner that gave this impression? Not intentionally, but if so, communication at the time would have cleared that up in a positive way.

Before I could move to a position of self-righteousness, my next thoughts swung to asking myself if I, too, have said things about others without knowing them well, or the circumstances! It can be so easy to “write someone off” if we think our spoken or written words will never be heard or read by them.

Something to think about, eh…?

Raising the Dead

2008-11-14T23:08:00.001+09:00

by Phillip Finch (Harper Collins Publishers, 2008)

This book is the most gripping and challenging I have ever read! It is the true story of the retrieval of the body of a young man who went missing at the bottom of Bushman's Cave in the Kalahari Desert 10 years earlier.

I remember hearing it on the news. On New Year's Day 2005, Australian Dave Shaw (an airline captain), together with his diving buddy, Don Shirley, and a full support team, were going to make an attempt to retrieve the body which lay at the bottom of the water-filled cave about 900 feet below the surface. I also remember counting the hours till we would hear news of the outcome of their mission, and then the shock of hearing Dave Shaw had lost his life.

As 'extreme' divers they used the most advanced diving equipment and a mixture of breathing gases. It was only in reading the book that I appreciated the planning and rehearsals that went into this dive and just how knowledgeable and experienced these men were. As 'extreme' divers they used the most advanced diving equipment and a mixture of breathing gases which they calculated and mixed themselves, often altering mixes for depth during the dive itself.

The book transported me on a trip into another world where I was conscious of every breath I inhaled as I read. It is, to me, an amazing true story of pushing incredible boundaries of human endurance, of mateship and trust, and of Dave's wife's unconditional love.

Just the thought of entering the cave through a crack in the rock below the pool of water, and into the depths in complete darkness other than the torches they carried, had my adrenalin flowing - and that was just the start of the dive!

Swimming Pool Surprise

2008-10-22T22:18:00.009+08:00

...
Some weeks ago, whilst pruning the raised garden bed behind our pool, Barry was frightened by some hidden creature which snapped through the foliage at him. A few days later the mystery was solved when we woke to find a duck and her 10 chicks happily taking swimming lessons in the pool!

It were fascinating to watch them mimick the actions of mother duck as she taught them how to catch insects and to get in and out of the water.

But our cute little family disappeared on the third day! The mother duck attracted me with her distress calls as 4 of her chicks had ducked through the small gap under the pool gate, one adventurous leader running around the shed followed by the other 3 little cheeping rebels. Mother duck could have flown out but didn't want to leave her other 6, and the cheeky rebel leader kept upsetting her by coming back to the gate then running off again with the other 3 still in pursuit. It would have been quite hilarious but for mother duck's distress.

I finally managed to herd the 4 renegades back into the pool area and shut the gate – but by afternoon the whole family had left.

The Special Couple

2008-10-12T22:19:00.009+08:00

...

Wedding of Christopher and Kerrie, 20th September 2008

A very special day!

Behind the Green Curtains

2008-09-15T15:23:00.011+08:00

.

Two meters apart — an intimate distance of just six feet! Neither knows what the other looks like but you know their sex and can have a reasonable guess at their age.

Between bouts of not caring where I am as my focus is on whether I will survive the next few hours, I come to know the intimate details of this life so awkwardly close to me yet out of sight. I experience his pain without feeling it, the anxiety of his loved one beside him without seeing her.

What image are they getting of me? Does it matter? While I wait, I pray. I pray that I might live to pray for this human behind the green curtain that I could almost reach out and touch, and his loved one...before I am again overtaken by my symptoms.

Next I pray for the elderly lady I can see, parked in the passage waiting for a free cubicle, with bandages hiding her injuries from a fall. Her loved one looks at me and we exchange a smile of understanding — whilst understanding little.

Those awful human sounds! Are they coming from behind one of the green curtains, maybe even mine?

My history, given again. Sorry, poor fellow-sufferer next door that you have to hear this and know my body intimately inside whilst you will never know it from the outside. It can't be helping you feel any better.

You hear more of my intimacies. I hear you being told you have a failing heart. You hear me vomiting as the vertigo takes over. I hear a compassionate, disembodied voice tell you your heart is beating far too fast and they are trying to slow it. You hear me being asked if I can bear the torture of the head-twisting, fast dropping technique of physio another time. I hear the fear in your loved one's voice as she asks when your heartbeat will slow down and is told it is taking longer than they would like...but there are good signs...

[This post is in appreciation of the wonderful, dedicated and caring staff in the Emergency Department of the Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia. It comes with a prayer for them as they do their work, and for those who lie beyond the green curtains.]

In Remembrance of Mark Priestley

2008-09-04T23:28:00.004+08:00

A gifted actor from Perth, Western Australia, and highly respected young man, Mark will be missed and remembered by many.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,

friends and workmates for comfort and peace.

"The Seven Network said Priestley was a brilliant artist and tremendous young person – loved and respected by his fellow All Saints cast members and crew."

Expensive Burnt Toast, Mark II

2008-07-21T23:43:00.009+08:00

Yep! It's happened again. The toaster timer was set which prevented auto-turnoff, and the toaster left unattended = totally incinerated toast! This time the fire bug shall be known as 'Professor Y'! Again the Firies attended – trucks, bells, whistles and all! Another expensive exercise and embarrassment!

Could these occurrences be the result of the constant pressure of continuing staff cuts and over-heavy workloads which means staff are too busy to stay and watch the toast? But worst of all, now the perfectly functioning grill-toaster has been removed – and the rest of us can no longer enjoy our cheese-on-toast or my favourite avocado on toast for winter lunch!

Is it a Boy or a Girl? Nope...

2008-07-19T21:11:00.008+08:00

...
...it's a *kidney stone*! And I think it has a twin!

*Awaiting confirmation of diagnosis.

Update July 21: It appears to be an only child – and I hope it stays that way!

Expensive Burnt Toast!

2008-07-02T17:17:00.012+08:00

...

It is not unusual to have fire alarms set off at work, followed by an evacuation. Whilst mostly false alarms, there have been genuine causes and alarms are always treated seriously. But recently a quirk of human nature was exposed and brought embarrassment to the perpetrator.

As smoke bellowed from the common room adjoining two 3-story buildings we, the newest fire wardens, joined the other wardens to make a systematic check of every office and laboratory to ensure everyone had heard and obeyed the blaring sirens and disembodied voice repeatedly commanding, "Emergency! Evacuate now!"

With an audience of dozens, and a scene that would delight any young boy, the big red fire truck arrived at the building, lights flashing and bells ringing, along with its emergency services tender, as the would-be fire bug (hereafter known as 'Professor X') retrieved his burnt offerings for lunch. A witness had checked the source of the smoke coming from the common room and found two pieces of blackened toast still cooking under the mini-grill. The toaster had been set for 10 minutes (thus overriding the auto turn-off) and the would-be diner had left the room to return to his research on physics and energy studies...

A Big Green Leaf !

2008-06-29T22:50:00.008+08:00

...

My contribution to the Big Green Leaf project, as suggested by

A Nice Green Leaf blogger...

Caladium, commonly called Elephant's Ears

Coleus

A friend's tree-fern, with trellis pattern from the sun

I am hoping someone will name the other plants for me, which slip my mind at the moment! [Thank you, Alice, for naming them.]

Can't help but LOVE the little guy...

2008-06-27T23:48:00.007+08:00

...

These pics are for you, Naomi and Alice!
(I only needed a little encouragement...thank you for visiting ANO!)

John McCarthy Ross - 1 year old, 21-June-08

2008-06-21T20:41:00.009+08:00

...

John quickly bonded with his favourite gift -
an aeroplane from his Uncle Chris and Auntie Kerrie!

Blowing out the candle on his cake, made by his Mum.
[His face painted as a lion!]

What a joy our wonderful Grandson is in our lives!

John Noel McCarthy, KIA 12-June-71

2008-06-12T23:05:00.012+08:00

...

3112702 L/CPL 3 CAV REGT.

It is 37 years since my only brother, John, was killed in action, age 26, just 3 weeks short of finishing his second tour of duty in Vietnam.

I am particularly grateful to have found the following excerpt in Armour, Issue 446 (May 2006) (Journal of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Assn. - NSW Branch):

I still grieve the loss of my brother in my life and that of our family. But the stories and memories of his wicked sense of humour live on, and it is a great joy that his name is carried on via our grandson, John McCarthy Ross.

I hope he never goes to war...

Cat Whispering

2008-06-08T20:11:00.007+08:00

...

Willow is not the same cat since her mysterious trauma. She jumps at any slight noise and her newly re-found kittenish, carefree behaviour have ceased in preference to seeking the security of squeezing herself into small places. She has three secret hiding places – in a cupboard, in a tight corner between a wall and bookshelf, and another which is still her secret! I think she has found somewhere where she is perfectly camouflaged.

Gentle and reassuring talk, encouraging some play, and singing to her seem to be slowly helping her regain confidence. But it's whatever Barry whispers into her ear that gets the best response...

Perth Zoo 4 - Reflections

2008-05-30T22:52:00.008+08:00

---

God's Artwork ~ Reflecting on my day at the Zoo

Watercolour...

Perspectives...

New directions...

Lively puddles!

Thank you for sharing with me, my day at Perth Zoo!

That's all, folks!

Perth Zoo 3 - Design in Nature

2008-05-27T23:59:00.007+08:00

Perth Zoo 2 - Australian Wetlands

2008-05-26T23:32:00.007+08:00

---
This exhibit is experienced by walking on a boardwalk through a huge free-flight aviary and lake complex. The water birds all appear very happy in their natural surroundings.

Black-necked Stork or Jabiru

(near-threatened species)

Australian Darter, Snake-bird

Brolga or Australian Crane

Pelicans

Perth Zoo 1 - Personalities

2008-05-24T22:52:00.012+08:00

Somebody's gotta keep watch...

while the 'roos nap...

the orangutangs share secrets...

and Permai gives herself a straw bath...!

Try that again...

2008-05-21T11:32:00.006+08:00

...

...and you won't know what hit you!!!

Willow has recovered - but is very wary. I hope in time she will return to being a playful, happy cat again.

Million Dollar Cat!

2008-05-19T00:17:00.006+08:00

Poor Willow! She had us very worried when she disappeared for 15 hours overnight! One moment she was a carefree kitten pouncing around the sprinkler holes in the garden, batting the insects that hovered above, delighting in life, then she disappeared! After a night of periodic calling and looking for her, she finally crawled home in the morning.

After 2 days in the veterinary hospital, a drip, investigation under anaesthetic, X-rays, and medication for pain and swelling and antibiotics, she could go home to be nursed back to health. We don't know what trauma she suffered, but she had to be treated for shock, bruising and muscle tears around the belly, and two huge, painful swellings on her rump, and minor cuts on her toe and ankle. Thankfully, she had no broken bones.

It was another 5 days before she could walk properly, but she has responded to lots of TLC and is healing well. She has become fairly withdrawn and extremely jumpy to sound and her playfulness and sense of fun are yet to return.

Whatever she experienced, sadly I think she has grown up...

Happy holidays at the happy farm!

2008-05-14T14:28:00.008+08:00

*
I am still trying to come to terms with the fact I've taken precious annual leave from work to stay home, rather than going away. But I've been working too hard for months and decided to take time to get rid of clutter, give the house a good clean, and to follow creative pursuits without feeling guilty!

First some sleep-ins, appointments, and a little veging out...but today I rose with enthusiasm, ready to tackle the first of the c's...

0800 hrs: Up, showered, dressed! Cool enough to wear socks which I carry to the kitchen to put on while the kettle boils. Sat down; only one sock and I know I had two! Retraced steps, again and again...abandon odd sock and start again.

0900 hrs: Vacuum cleaner clogged - got new bag and filter pad and returned to bedroom to fit. Last month's dirt and cat fur have by-passed the empty bag completely, requiring a major clean-up job before fitting new filter.... What? I had it right here beside me, but now it's disappeared. Looked under bed, shook out bed cover, retraced steps, retraced steps again – and found the lost sock had reappeared in middle of floor where filter pad should have been (now where did I put the other sock?). Vacuumed without filter.

1000 hrs: Coffee break and book to read: Where are my glasses? Looked for glasses. Kept looking for glasses! Retraced steps to kettle, to sock drawer, to laundry cupboard - still no glasses. Checked ironing board in family room - still no glasses - but found missing vacuum filter pad on the floor behind ironing board! Go figure!!

1010 hrs: Cleaned teeth and found missing glasses.

Don't even ask! Let's just say their whereabouts became very obvious when I looked in the mirror!

'Coz I'm The Mum!

2008-05-11T23:25:00.006+08:00

***

Christopher's delicious roast pork with Kerrie's macadamia nut and maple syrup sauce, whole baked apples with cloves, and roast vegetables!

For reasons of which I am both aware and unaware, last year's Mother's Day began my seeing Mother's Day as being a celebration for me. Now it is Mother's Day 2008 that I fully embrace all that Motherhood is to me.

It is 12 years and 3 days since my own dear Mum's graduation to be with God, and I thank Him for all the wonderful years I had her unconditional love, her wisdom, her mothering during my growing-up years, then her 'sisterhood' as adult soulmates and friends. I celebrate the outrageous laughter we shared with just the raising of an eyebrow, the knowing wink of an eye or fleeting facial expression. There were no thoughts I could not share with her, knowing there would be no criticism, but only understanding and encouragement to take the wiser choices.

It is now the blessings of my own motherhood of 31 years of tears and joys are flowing richly to me and I do not take them for granted.

Two fine sons who have given me two beautiful daughters;
My first grandson's impulsive pressing his lips and face
against my cheek with his first kiss;
A lunch of small home-made quiches brought to my home to share;
An invitation to dinner as guest-of-honour to share the roast (pictured);
And thoughtful gifts.

Thank you Lord!
Now I embrace Mother's Day for me.

The NightOwl Hoots Again

2008-05-10T08:33:00.015+08:00

* * * * * * *
* * * * *
It has taken some self-discipline to hold back from posting and other computing pleasures whilst living out a very intense couple of months. It's been a time of many changes, a ridiculously huge workload, but has also held some of the most special moments in my life.

Some are for sharing, some are for holding close, but I am going to pick up on our trip last year to USA - Alaska, and the Cook Islands.

Thank you all for your patience - all 2 or 3 of you who might read this, and to my faithful encourager, Frances! I hope I haven't lost you all, having taken this break!

I will be back...

2008-04-01T00:12:00.004+08:00

Thank you for visiting Australian Night Owl.

It has been necessary for me to give time to other priorities for a period, but I expect to post again by mid-April.

Please do call again...

Farewell ~ Heath Ledger

2008-01-23T11:07:00.000+09:00

The shock news of actor Heath Ledger's death today has touched so many people in so many different ways, but I have not heard of anyone who was indifferent. Was it because he was a movie star, popular, famous, or because he was young, in his prime and his death was so untimely?

Perhaps all these things, but for the folks of Perth, Western Australia, he was a local, one of our very own, and a good Aussie bloke who valued and kept in touch with his family and mates back home, in spite of his fame and fortune as a movie star. Just weeks ago he was back in Perth enjoying Christmas holidays with his family — today we struggle with disbelief that he has gone.

Our hearts and sympathy go out to all Heath's family, and to those who personally knew and loved him. May you all be surrounded by the loving support and understanding from others during the difficult days ahead.

New Sub-Editor Self-Appointed

2008-01-18T23:47:00.000+09:00

New sub-editor, Willow, rearranges the desktop in readiness for work.

A Massage from the Management

2008-01-01T00:12:00.000+09:00

Good Evening!

I noticed that Her Royal Highness the Queen, gives a Christmas Message to the World — and as I don't expect to be treated any different from the Queen, I would like to address you all with my New Year Massage.

But first of all, I needed to do some research if I was to pass on words of wisdom. I googled 'Queen's message' and found out that one year the Queen said that she had had an Annus Horribilis. Well I can identify with her there too, as this year I also had such an experience! Fortunately, the Vet said it showed I didn't have a temperature!

Then it was in the Vet's waiting room that I learned a valuable lesson: it is better to forgive than carry a grudge, particularly in mixed company. It has been said that "Resentment has a way of coming back and biting you on the tail." That proved to be true — but I still think that's a stupid name for a dog!

Anyway, with a little assistance from my Personal Assistant, here is my New Year Massage:

May the year 2008 bring good food and fun times into your life.
May you give and receive lots of hugs and kisses from your family and friends.
[Don't forget to cuddle the cat!]
May you see the beauty in Nature and the wonder of God's Creation.
May you carry out some great exploration,
Attempt new challenges,
Keep an inquisitive mind, and never stop learning new things.
May you remember to count your many blessings
And to have a thankful heart,
May you be kind to others and helpful,
And may you know without a doubt that God loves you!

- Willow

I am THE CAT!

2007-12-14T23:21:00.000+09:00

Hello! Is anybody there?

Let me introduce myself! I am Willow, but you can call me Pussy-Willow for short. I chose my owner five weeks ago when she came to the Cat Haven; since then I've kept her very busy as my personal assistant and entertainment centre. I heard her say she was getting behind in her blog and that doesn't sound very nice at all. She was sitting at the computer at the time, so I thought I'd take a peek...

First I checked out the little red light at the top of the screen, then hit the mouse around a bit, and before you could miaow 'cat biscuits', here I am, on the screen!

All this walking on the keys has tuckered me out. I think it's time for another snooze...but...

I am THE CAT - and you must remember that!

Dinosaurs Alive!

2007-11-26T23:56:00.000+09:00

Dinosaurs Alive - 3D!

We ducked, screamed and threw our hands up in the air, trying to avoid being swallowed by the dinosaur which snapped at prey heading straight for us!

At the top level of Luxor's pyramid, the entrance to the IMAX theatre lured us with promises of extreme experiences. Climbing even higher via steps and a long, winding ramp, it felt like entry to a Disneyland ride!

The theatre's 7-story screen and 30,000 watts of sound from 6 sets of speakers created a realistic world from long ago, into which we were drawn. Wearing 3D glasses, and facing the screen quite closely from several steep rows of seats - almost vertically aligned - the effect was complete, and we knew when a bar came up and locked us in our seats it was too late to run! A disembodied voice warned us not to try and move from our seat, but if anyone felt giddy or wanted to leave at any time, they should just raise their hand...

That was fun!

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

2007-11-12T22:00:00.000+09:00

Still within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, we visited the Spring Mountain Ranch beneath the Wilson Range. At 3,800 ft, the area is much cooler than Las Vegas. Water for this once luxurious retreat and working ranch is sourced from some of the many springs in these mountains. This was also the area of the Paiute Indians.

Earlier, before being shown through the ranch, our guide had primed us to ask to see "the secret room". In the bedroom, what looked to be just another wardrobe door opened into a hallway. One step up while ducking your head, and following the hall led to a whole suite of luxurious living quarters.

Past owners of the ranch included Chester Lauck of the comedy team "Lum & Abner," German actress Vera Krupp, and famous billionaire aviator, Howard Hughes.

Red Rock Canyon

2007-11-05T21:14:00.000+09:00

Calico Hills (La Madre Mountains in background)

Calico Hills (fossilized sand dunes) — Turtle Head Peak

Mt Wilson cliffs (3,000 ft)

Joshua Trees

September 7

We included Las Vegas in our itinerary so we could take a trip out to the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the Mojave Desert. With my new digital camera, I was keen to photograph the area's unique geological features and colourful cliff faces of red, cream and gray layers of sandstone and limestone.

As part of a very small group tour, our guide was a senior local who interspersed geology lessons with local history, legends and stories of the desert and Las Vegas, which enhanced our half-day experience. At around 100°F outside, three or four bottles of spring water on ice (for each person), were very welcome after photo stops and walks. Later, packed lunch boxes which included the best filled ham or turkey sandwiches I've ever eaten, were handed out.

Next stop: the Spring Mountain Ranch.

Vegas Delights

2007-10-23T00:05:00.000+08:00

I love the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, a half-hourly free show ,
choreographed to popular music and lights in a man-made lake.

All this takes place on a surreal strip of highway entering from and
leading back into the Mojave desert!

September 5-7

This is our third time in Las Vegas, and again I feel it is amazing to arrive and experience—and a relief to depart!

Gambling holds no interest for us, other than to make our eyes, ears and minds boggle. We have forgotten the energy-zapping heat and gritty, blasting winds. The soliciting card pushers are more prolific and ’in your face’ than ever as we weave our way along The Strip. Fancy pushing cards into hubby’s face while his wife is on his arm! As if!

But there is something about the sheer size and boldness of the themed architecture of the hotels/casinos, and their fantastic light displays at night! There is so much to entertain and amuse without spending a dollar, let alone the availability of world-class shows.

Where else in the world can you walk into a Sphinx and sleep in an Egyptian pyramid? And this after watching an erupting volcano, riding to the top of the Eiffel Tower, watching gondoliers on the canals of Venice, walking among the statues and fountains of Italy, through King Arthur's Camelot and by New York cityscapes, with roller coasters zipping and screaming high above (and sometimes through) hotels.

Hotels with their several thousand beds are like mini-cities in themselves. A map of our hotel is essential to find our room. Once inside, with no sense of night or day, finding your room can be a challenge equal to a car trial without the car, as weary travellers interpret and misinterpret their bearings and multiple choices of lifts (elevators)! But it does get easier after a few days...

Against this backdrop, a much hoped-for meeting fell into place against many odds and did not disappoint – in fact it was my highlight!

Things to keep your hands off when in Vegas...

2007-10-22T23:21:00.000+08:00

So that's where they went!

Lux Bus to Vegas

2007-10-22T22:03:00.000+08:00

Driving through Mojave desert from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

September 5
After long flights, six hours in a luxury coach being pampered with creature comforts and plentiful refreshments was just the ticket!

Time taken to book in baggage and security check: 5 minutes.
Time taken to disembark and retrieve baggage: 2 minutes.

Hawaiian collage...

2007-10-12T23:13:00.000+08:00

Evening entertainment, Polynesian style

"I know your face, but just can't put your name to it!"

The water came further up than we've seen before ~

~ both at high and low tides.

Sunset at Paradise Cove luau

Hawaiian Aloha

Hanging out in Hawaii

2007-10-12T01:35:00.000+08:00

September 1-3
Hawaii is a great place to relax, recover tired bodies and feel romantic under the palm trees swaying in the Trade winds. The air is perfumed with tropical blooms, waves lap the shore, and our world is bathed in the honey-light of tropical sunsets.

We haven't swum yet - whilst Hawaiian beaches have warmer waters and wonderful tropical, balmy nights, it is our own Perth beaches that have spoiled us for white sand and clear waters.

Well, must go and crack another macadamia...

Perth to Hawaii

2007-10-12T00:15:00.000+08:00

Sunset - on flight to Hawaii

August 31, 2007
After two beautiful flights totalling 15 hours (21 hours in transit), we arrived in Honolulu just 3 hours after we left home. That is, we left Perth in August, arrived and left New Zealand in September, then reached our first destination in Hawaii back in August!

By another trick of the International Time Zone, we will be away for just 33 days but will receive 3 months of in-flight magazines!

Air New Zealand excelled again with service. Perth to Auckland leg was all seats full, but Auckland to Honolulu only two thirds full and we could move around and stretch out. It makes a huge difference on a long flight. On this leg, the flight attendant handing out immigration cards for USA was explaining to passengers continuing on to Alaska that they'd need to fill in immigration cards for Canada. I quietly informed him Alaska was part of USA, in fact the 49th State, which initially caused him some confusion. But he back-tracked and apologized to the passengers he had mis-informed. From then on whenever he served us he'd good-naturedly say, "Ah, the troublemakers!" and we'd all have a good laugh. This attendant proved to be a real asset to his crew mates and passengers, with his friendly banter, sense of humour and attentive service.

Home from travels...

2007-10-06T12:16:00.000+08:00

...up from jetlag we have almost caught, and return to circadian rhythms are trying!

AustralianNightOwl currently hooting at 7.00 am but falling off perch at 11.00 am and 6.00 pm! Disconcerting to early-bird husband but pleasing to cat receiving multiple meal times!

Please by stand for postings new on our travel...

Welcome to our World

2007-08-14T00:27:00.000+08:00

...with love from Grandma

...and Grandad

Looks just a little bit like his Grandma?

Congratulations Sharon & Daniel!

2007-07-31T00:42:00.000+08:00

To Daniel and Sharon – a son
John McCarthy ROSS
born 21st June 2007

First photo, under an hour old, John weighed in at 10 lb, and is
a handsome baby with his full head of thick hair.

[And I didn't say that just because I'm his Grandma...
...at least I don't think I did!]

Well done, Sharon and Daniel!

Y Y Y

Last Shopping Trip – with my sons!

2007-05-13T23:47:00.001+08:00

...

Time: Some 15 years earlier than my last post.
Place: Another supermarket.
Company: My two sons, then in early teens and extremely self-conscious in public.

Me, spying a familiar face as we pass in the aisle: “Oh, hello, nice to see you!”
Familiar Face: “Hi to you too!”

We pass one another again in the cereal aisle, exchanging nods and smiles.
Sons: “Please don’t stop and talk, Mum! Anyway, who is she?”

Next aisle, we face and pass one another yet again, like jousting knights riding trolleys with squeaky wheels.
Me: “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you; how are you?”
Familiar Face: “Well, thank you. How are you?”
Sons (aside): “Mum, you don’t know her – don’t keep talking to her.”
Me, to sons: “Yes I do. I typed assignments for her some time ago.”

We arrive at adjacent checkouts.
“Family well?” “Yes, great; yours?”
“Yes, good thanks.” “Well, see y’later.”

Outside, there she is again, in her car ready to drive off. As she lowers her window, on impulse I ask, “Did you get a good mark in your final assignment?”

[Now-not-so] Familiar Face: “OK, now I KNOW that I DON’T KNOW you!”

[Sons, shrinking in total embarrassment, silently vow to devote the rest of their teenage years seeking revenge!]

"Who do you think I am?"

2007-05-03T23:30:00.001+08:00

...Scene: Supermarket, locked in a checkout queue. I spot Jim further back in the queue.

Me: “G’day Jim!”

‘Jim’: “What did you just call me?”

“Jim!”

“Do I look like Jim?”

“Yes, you do.”

“Do you think I am Jim?”

“Well I did, but now I [am extremely embarrassed and] see I have made a mistake!

‘Jim’, to at least four people standing between us in the queue: “Do I look like Jim?...I don't feel like Jim...I wasn't Jim the last time I looked..."

Help! Get me out of here! Whew...my turn at last…

Formally Relaxed!

2007-04-30T20:00:00.001+08:00

...
Entering data into the new and clever data base software has been interesting — even more so as the developer has a laid-back approach...

How about a Sextillion or 70?

2007-04-28T23:30:00.003+08:00

...Night skies in the great Australian outback are simply awesome! Sleeping under a sparkling dome of a sextillion or 70 stars has always been a soul-reviver for me. Memories return of laying in my warm sleeping bag next to slow-burning embers of a campfire, breathing the fragrant scent of the bush, and trying to keep my eyes open as long as I possibly could to watch 'falling stars' or spot a satellite or two tracking across the heavens. All too soon sleep would take over, but periodically throughout the night I would wake for a moment to glimpse the changing position of the stars with the rotation of the Earth.

I recall when as a child growing up in Melbourne in 1957, I stood with my grandparents, parents and brother and watched Sputnik as its trajectory took it directly overhead.

Launched by the Soviet Union on 4th October 1957, Sputnik was the first man-made object to orbit the Earth, which it did in 98 minutes. It was only the size of a large basketball.

Experiencing this historic event sparked in me my life-long fascination with the heavens and spaceflight, and my spiritual heart beats faster as I ponder distance in light years, the wonder of creation, of our planet Earth, and my minute yet unique part of history. I yearn for my tiny contribution to make a difference.

Attention all dogs!

2007-04-11T15:56:00.001+08:00

...
Dogs, just in case your owners can't read...

R.I.P. (Rest In Pieces) Murray!

2007-04-03T22:12:00.004+08:00

...

Here lie the bones of Murray the Cod

Who died not from the hook on a fisherman’s rod,

But thrived for years in a fish lover’s tank

Until this week when he keeled over and sank.

Poor Martin did all for his pet that he could –

And with herbs and a sauce he sure tasted good!

~ Noella Ross 2007 ~

Moose in town - Anchorage

2007-04-01T15:15:00.001+08:00

...

These photos were taken at noon on 4th March, by a friend in Anchorage, Alaska. The moose were trying to find shelter close to his condominium from the strong winds which were creating a wind chill factor of -35°F (or -37°C).

It was really cool to get these while we, on the other side of the globe, were melting down in temperatures around 42°C (108°F)!

10 lines from me

2007-03-15T00:49:00.002+09:00

...

I must remember to remove my glasses before I put eyedrops in my eyes!

Hot Night Delight!

2007-02-24T22:35:00.002+09:00

...

At the end of a hot summer’s day, what better way to cool the body for a good night’s rest than a spot of stargazing from under the Southern Cross, afloat on the cooling waters of the backyard pool, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze… I am a tiny dot in this wondrous Universe, yet I have my place in it.

Fire Training

2007-02-23T11:33:00.001+09:00

At work I attended the hands-on demonstration in Bush Court on how to use a fire extinguisher.

We froze the bases of several trees with generous amounts of carbon dioxide.

Now I know what to do next time I have a hot flush — just pull the pin and aim...

Healing Flow

2007-02-08T01:20:00.003+09:00

...
Tonight I attended a short remembrance service at the hospital chapel, along with about 30 others who were also grieving the loss of a family member at the palliative care unit in the past few months. The Chaplain, gifted with a deep understanding and sensitivity in this area, had the knack of touching hearts and releasing feelings so healing could flow.

It was good to have supper together, bonded by our shared experience of bereavement, and to have faced the challenge of returning to these familiar buildings and garden which had become so indelibly imprinted on our lives.

The quiet love and support from the beautiful staff and volunteers knows no limit! Religion is irrelevant—this is God’s Perfect Love
lived out for the dying and the living at this place.

End of an Era...and a New One Begins

2007-02-06T23:46:00.001+09:00

...
Ten weeks ago, on November 29, my Father died at the age of 85. So ends an era in my life, yet whilst grieving, there is a feeling of completeness and peace. Dad lived a full life and had prepared himself and his family for this time. There were some rough passages in the last years, but with excellent palliative care in his last days, he departed this life in dignity and peace.

Now with our first grandchild due in June, one generation makes way for a new generation. Come to think of it, Barry and I have now moved up the rank to next in line! Ah, but there's a lot of living to be done before then...

~To Staff and Volunteers at Palliative Care Unit,
Hollywood Hospital, Nedlands:
You are God's finest Angels~

Through Times of Change

2006-11-16T23:48:00.005+08:00

...A strand of DNA

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to harvest,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild,
A time to cry and a time to laugh,
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4 NLT)

And sometimes it all happens simultaneously!
Such is my life; always colourful, never boring.
Praise God!

Inner Strength

2006-09-24T21:08:00.002+08:00

...
Since my trip to the Eastern States, family and work have been quite intense and taken my focus, but I intend posting regularly again. Thankfully, God is dependable in providing my inner strength and peace.
~~~

If you can start the day without caffeine,
if you can get going without pep pills,
if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
if you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
if you can understand when your loved ones are too busy
to give you any time,
if you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when,
through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
if you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
if you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
if you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
if you can face the world without lies and deceit,
if you can conquer tension without medical help,
if you can relax without liquor,
if you can sleep without the aid of drugs ~
Then you are probably The Family Dog!

~Author Unknown~

The Attitude of Three Hairs

2006-08-15T23:23:00.001+08:00

There was once a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today," so she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she had only two hairs on her head.

"HMM," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today," and she did and she had a grand day.

The next morning she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw she had only one hair left on her head.

"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and it was a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Remember you may not be able to control what someone says or does or some of the situations that life throws you, but you can sure control the way you react.

~Author Unknown~

Landed...

2006-07-19T10:30:00.001+08:00

...The heavily loaded Boeing 767 soared smoothly home. Two and a half weeks have passed since I set out from Perth, and now as we fly westwards, we break through Melbourne's winter blanket of fog and low gloomy clouds, towards Perth's winter crisp blue skies and warm sunshine. There is still little or no rain in a drought that extends throughout the country, and which is desperately in need of extended soaking rains.

Sandwiched in the middle seats over the wings I could see nothing, but I was compensated by comments of a young lad of about 5 years who was sitting with his mother across the aisle and behind me. The bright young boy was fascinated by and giving a running commentary of every aspect of the flight to his weary mother who soon tired of answering. How I would have enjoyed sitting next to him, interacting and sharing in his enjoyment of flying!

Maybe when I'm zipping around the skies as an old-age baby-boomer traveller, he will be on the flight deck, weaving us through the stars...

To sleep or not to sleep – that is the question!

2006-06-29T00:39:00.001+08:00

...
Tonight I fly to Sydney on the 'Red Eye Special', four hours across Australia from coast to coast in the wee hours of the morning. Most people try to get a few hours' sleep, but it may be more comfortable for them if I try to stay awake. Can't risk another 'dream scream' on Qantas!

Treat anyone?

2006-06-27T22:57:00.001+08:00

...

The first good rains of winter after the long, dry summer and autumn have also brought some surprises. The power lines are heavy with dust and blackouts have occurred; electricity surges have been common this week and we've blown four light bulbs in our house in just over a day.

This evening, I stood at the front door a number of times, calling for our cat to come in from the dark and rain. Another light blew, outside the front door, and though I could hear Angel I couldn't see what was causing him to drag his feet. Then, with a sudden spurt of energy he leapt over the portal and into our darkened hall, frenzied feet scrambling and slipping on the tiles.

Shutting the door behind him, I entered the lit dining area ahead of him, innocently joking, "What's all the fuss about, puss? Where's the mouse?"

With perfect timing and all the characteristics of a good discus thrower: rhythm, precision and power, Angel executed his final turn and let his prize fly neatly through the darkened door into the light, to land right at my feet!
His trophy gifted to me?

… a bedraggled soaking-wet RAT!!

Yikes!!!

In the Karri forest

2006-06-18T15:54:00.001+08:00

...Beautiful Karri Valley Resort on Lake Beedelup near Pemberton,
less than 4 hours South of Perth.

We have just returned from three restful days in this peaceful garden of God's creation. One day we kayaked to the hidden corner of the lake, close to the base of the Beedelup Falls, the next walked the track around the lake to the falls. Birdlife was prolific with waterbirds, cockatoos and parrots to name a few. This area is one of three National Parks (Brockman, Beedelup, Warren) in the Pemberton area, through which the Bibbulmun Track passes.

Thirty-five years on

2006-06-13T22:20:00.002+08:00

...I have by good fortune come to learn of the existence of a mural "Touched by Fire", by Vietnam veteran Derek Walsh. The mural is 12-metres long and depicts the Australian experience in Vietnam. The picture above is just a small section. The art "shows the faces of those 504 young Australians who paid that terrible price in defence of their country".

On June 12, 1971,my only brother was killed in Vietnam in the last weeks of his second tour of duty. He was only 26 years old. Though 35 years have passed, I miss what might have been had I had my brother around to be part of my life. My adult sons grieve the loss of their uncle in their lives too, even though they were born several years after his death. It is sad John never knew them nor had the chance to interact in their lives and enjoy recognising some shared family traits!

John lived life fully and left a plethora of memories of wonderful practical jokes, often embarrassing for Mum and Dad but amazingly hilarious to his little sister (me). He would be delighted if he knew the re-telling of his antics has given much joy to my sons as they grew up. As they don't have a sister, I thought it safe to include tales of his original ideas for teasing and tormenting me, which they took special delight in hearing! And so my brother's memory lives on perhaps even more admirably after death.

But I can't help wondering what it would have been like if he was still here...

Fast Food Fattens Feathered Friend!

2006-06-13T14:52:00.000+08:00

This morning, while on leave, Barry and I had breakfast at McDonald's. Hopping heavily under the outdoor tables was a willy wagtail, by far the plumpest I have ever seen. Now what does that tell us about a regular diet of fast food scraps!

An Encouraging Word

2006-06-12T20:12:00.002+08:00

...
Several words of encouragement lately, one sincerely given by an unknown visitor to my blog (thank you, Leslie), have fanned the flame of my desire to express and share myself through blogging. After another bumpy patch in life, it's time to declare the bruises healed, and get going again!

Here is an entry that I had begun but not completed:

8th May
Remembering Mum—it is 10 years today since she graduated from this world to her reward. Dad and I visited her grave and we shared memories. I miss her physical presence but still feel our closeness in spirit, and need only the stop and think, "Now what would you say to me in this situation, Mum?", to hear her understanding voice in my mind, or to recall her wisdom, loving attitude or humour that she had communicated with me so many times during our close friendship of my lifetime.

Each year Mother's Day falls on or within a few days of this anniversary. I am filled with gratitude for the gift of my Mum, but am now more aware that I am the focus of Mother's Day for my two grown sons. That is both joyful and painful...

Today was a good opportunity to tell Dad that I loved and appreciated him and was grateful for these last 10 years when we have grown in our relationship in new ways. God is good!

Forgiven - but not forgotten!

2006-04-25T12:39:00.001+08:00

...
At last Angel has forgiven me
for what he believes was my 'dirty trick'.

He is greeting me again when I come home from work,
but he won't come out from the bushes…

'till I have walked away from the car…!

Yikes!

2006-04-11T00:27:00.000+08:00

It is said cats have very long memories, and it is going to take Angel a long time to forget my introducing him to the new car.

One of life's small pleasures is to find Angel waiting at the top of our driveway each day as I come home from work. Like many pets, he knows the sound of my car's engine and gives the impression that he has waited expectantly and is very glad to see me return.

After several days of no show or welcome for me in my new car, I thought I would introduce him by way of a tour of its interior. He walked and climbed throughout, sniffing the upholstery and each fitting, then tested it for size by stretching out on the back window ledge. He finally decided to claim ownership with an attempt (albeit very short-lived!) to sharpen his claws on the upholstery, and prepared to exit.

'A successful exercise,' I congratulated myself, as he unhurriedly stepped from the car with great cat decorum, tail held high and firm to show his approval and that he was in control of the situation – for all of several seconds, till I shut the door and somehow set off the alarm system! The sudden, loud, shrill wailing sent Angel flying off into the bushes, dignity shed with a sharp kitty expletive!

I tried apologizing, but the family's laughter did nothing to help, and I had to suffer feline dirty looks for the rest of the day...!

My Dad's Gift

2006-03-25T21:15:00.000+08:00

I did not know this time last week
It would come up my drive, this silver streak;
More class, more doors, more power to steer
And lots more room in boot and rear.
March seventeenth this gift was given
And at my home it is now livin'.
So filled with joy I might implode,
I am the Princess of the Road!
So each time as the motor I start,
I will thank my Dad with a grateful heart.
For not only am I blessed by my Father above,
But my Dad has said, “You are worthy of my love.”

Thank you, Graham!

2006-03-01T23:35:00.002+08:00

...(Photo used with permission)

Graham, tonight you celebrate 25 years' hosting of Radio 6PR's Nightline. Congratulations! I am one of thousands of listeners who celebrate many, many years of sharing several evenings a week with you. Thank you to your beautiful wife, Merle, and your sons for their sacrifice so that others' lives can be enriched.

Your compassion, generosity of spirit, and wonderful sense of humour draw folk to you and you have become a friend and companion-on-air to so many, including myself. As a broadcaster and Baptist Pastor, I believe your openness, healthy larrikinism and compassionate attitudes help break down barriers and open a way for many to know God.

Graham, may you host 6PR's Nightline for many years to come. Together with many others, I continue to pray for you and your ministry through radio.

A Hairy Moment

2006-02-04T22:41:00.002+08:00

...
The mention of the delightful delicacy of pig's trotters on a talkback radio interview jogged a memory from my childhood with my brother. During school holidays Mum would take us into town - Melbourne city in the 1950's - for a treat. Those were the days when newsreels ran continuously all day in small cinemas, screening cartoons, news clips and a longer feature, and you could come in or leave at any part of the cycle. Passers-by might drop in to escape the summer heat for an hour or two, as would office workers during their lunch hour, bringing their sandwiches. Eating while watching was an accepted practice, though done reasonably discretely.

Money was tight, but Mum knew where she could buy an economical meal of pig's trotters, cooked and sold ice cold in their own jelly, and they really were delicious. Carrying one each in our own individual bag, we'd feel our way into empty seats in the dark cinema, settle, then reach into our bag to pull apart and eat our pig's trotters.

Yes, I remember very well the last time we ate pig's trotters at the newsreels. It was the time when I reached into the gelatinous treat in my bag, produced a pig's trotter, and in a clear child's voice in the dark, loudly announced to all and sundry: "Yuk! Mine's got hairs on it!!"

When I have no answers...

2006-01-31T22:57:00.001+08:00

...

From The Message Bible

Job 38: 1-41
And now, finally, GOD answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
"Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.

“Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, "Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'

"And have you ever ordered Morning, "Get up!'
told Dawn, "Get to work!'
So you could seize Earth like a blanket
and shake out the wicked like cockroaches?
As the sun brings everything to light,
brings out all the colors and shapes,
The cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked--
they're caught in the very act!

"Have you ever gotten to the true bottom of things,
explored the labyrinthine caves of deep ocean?
Do you know the first thing about death?
Do you have one clue regarding death's dark mysteries?
And do you have any idea how large this earth is?
Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer.

"Do you know where Light comes from
and where Darkness lives
So you can take them by the hand
and lead them home when they get lost?
Why, of course you know that.
You've known them all your life,
grown up in the same neighborhood with them!

"Have you ever traveled to where snow is made,
seen the vault where hail is stockpiled,
The arsenals of hail and snow that I keep in readiness
for times of trouble and battle and war?
Can you find your way to where lightning is launched,
or to the place from which the wind blows?
Who do you suppose carves canyons
for the downpours of rain, and charts
the route of thunderstorms
That bring water to unvisited fields,
deserts no one ever lays eyes on,
Drenching the useless wastelands
so they're carpeted with wildflowers and grass?
And who do you think is the father of rain and dew,
the mother of ice and frost?
You don't for a minute imagine
these marvels of weather just happen, do you?

"Can you catch the eye of the beautiful Pleiades sisters,
or distract Orion from his hunt?
Can you get Venus to look your way,
or get the Great Bear and her cubs to come out and play?
Do you know the first thing about the sky's constellations
and how they affect things on Earth?

"Can you get the attention of the clouds,
and commission a shower of rain?
Can you take charge of the lightning bolts
and have them report to you for orders?
What Do You Have to Say for Yourself?

"Who do you think gave weather-wisdom to the ibis,
and storm-savvy to the rooster?
Does anyone know enough to number all the clouds
or tip over the rain barrels of heaven
When the earth is cracked and dry,
the ground baked hard as a brick?

"Can you teach the lioness to stalk her prey
and satisfy the appetite of her cubs
As they crouch in their den,
waiting hungrily in their cave?
And who sets out food for the ravens
when their young cry to God,
fluttering about because they have no food?”…

Job 39: 26-29
"Was it through your know how that the hawk learned to fly,
soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts?
Did you command the eagle's flight,
and teach her to build her nest in the heights,
Perfectly at home on the high cliff-face,
invulnerable on pinnacle and crag?
From her perch she searches for prey,
spies it at a great distance."…

Job 40: 1-5
GOD then confronted Job directly:

"Now what do you have to say for yourself?
Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One,
into court and press charges?"

Job answered:
"I'm speechless, in awe--words fail me.
I should never have opened my mouth!
I've talked too much, way too much.
I'm ready to shut up and listen."

Copyright © 1993, by Eugene H. Peterson

Of Quendas and Skinks

2006-01-29T00:26:00.001+08:00

Unusual experiences are all in a day's work when your office is on a university campus away from the city. Greeting and side-stepping a quenda before entering the office is definitely more pleasant than dodging cars and pedestrians.

The quenda wetland is on private hospital grounds adjacent to the university and its conservation is a joint project between both institutions. The quenda (a species of bandicoot, which until fairly recently was on the threatened species list) frequents both campuses. One used to occasionally join staff for lunch in a bushy outdoor area, but he hasn't been seen him since Ross stopped bringing his banana sandwiches!

Back at home, this poor little skink came inside to explore and found himself tied up in a tumbleweed of cat fur which had gathered on the hall tiles. His appearance was that of a cottonball with legs and tail! After I spent a good ten minutes carefully disentangling each of his little legs and toes, I placed him gently outside, glad that he hadn't been stressed enough to lose his tail.

Please don't feed the seagulls...

2006-01-16T22:05:00.002+08:00

...

The jetties at Fremantle Boat Harbour are one of Perth's most loved places to relax and revive from the heat of the Summer's day.

After work this evening my husband and I headed down to Cicerello's for a serve of their world-famous fish'n chips, wrapped up in paper and eaten with the fingers. We chose a table outdoors on the verandah overlooking the harbour, and were entertained by the gentle boating activity. The fish'n chips sure tasted good! We lingered to soak up the salty sea air, revitalizing ourselves with a gentle visit from the Fremantle Doctor [cooling, afternoon sea breeze]. Then the sun set and we watched a 'floor show' of changing hues of colour on the clouds and their reflection from the water.

A million dollar experience, right here on our doorstep, and costing just $10.50 with free parking! Just one thing though...

The Scream!

2006-01-04T23:25:00.008+08:00

OK, this is just too good not to record on my blog. The following article was published on 'Inside Cover' of The West Australian newspaper on 19th September 2005:

"A WA [West Australian] woman aboard a Qantas flight from Tokyo to Perth made quite an impression on passengers and flight crew.

"Noella had already flown 14 hours from Alaska and was determined to get some shut-eye on the final leg.

"She had no idea that as she drifted off she would soon cause terror at 30,000 feet.

"'My sleep was deep enough to have a very vivid dream,' she explained. 'I dreamed the plane had landed in Perth and was being locked up in a hangar for the night and because my friend and I were still sleeping we'd been overlooked.'

"In the dream Noella decided to take a deep breath and scream as loud as she could so airport staff would know she'd been locked in the hangar.

"I did and when I woke flight attendants had gathered around me," she said.

"Passengers the length of the plane heard the enormous scream and went into justifiable panic."

Unreported was that this occurred in the middle of the night when most of the passengers were sleeping. The flight attendants were very attentive, and good natured enough to forgive me for the busy time they had attending all the call lights and settling everyone down again!

Making the Most of a Soggy Bottom

2006-01-04T00:35:00.001+08:00

Today, to finish off my end-of-year break from work, I plotted a treat of several hours at a popular outlet and clearance centre. Starting with a good-sized cappuccino coffee, I settled comfortably on the coffee shop lounge chair and reached into my bag for my book. Horror of horrors! I brushed the cardboard coffee cup and upset the entire contents into my lap, soaking shirt, thighs and bottom! Hot rivulets of coffee began streaming on the soft vinyl lounge beneath me.

After mopping up, I nonchalantly made haste to the centre's restrooms, leaving a dripping trail behind me. But dozens of shoppers' eyes directed their attention to my soggy mess when one of the coffee shop staff chased after me, loudly calling: "Hey! Did you know you've left your handbag behind!"

Wouldn't you know it, there was a long queue for the rest room, and by the time it was my turn I had been observed and contemplated by all. Sympathetic looks queried: "Have her waters broken?", changing on noting my maturity to: "Poor soul must have a problem with bladder control". More eyes kept joining the end of the queue as it edged towards the few cubicles and I knew there would be no privacy for rinsing out the spill.

Now I am not one to retreat from life's challenges, so I considered only two options. I could (1) buy a change of clothes from one of the clothing outlets, or (2) visit the clearance bookshop where I could happily lurk and be entertained amongst the shelves and tables of books till I dried out.

Two hours later I returned to my car, head held high, stained but dry, and with a nice little pile of good books. Cost less than a new set of clothes too.

Beginning the Rest of My Life

2006-01-02T22:27:00.001+08:00

New Year 2006 has begun with none of the drama of other years; 2 days down, 363 to go!

A year ago, only 6 hours into 2005, I had already dealt with two emergencies. After a distress call at 2 a.m., I made a trip to the hospital emergency department to collect our younger son, now stapled together following another dramatic event initiated by the fearlessness of youth. A few hours later, followed a phone call from my elderly Father with pain, delirium and other distressing symptoms caused by having swallowed a live red back spider a day or two earlier. Most likely it had bitten him internally, perhaps several times, on the way down. And so the year continued...

Highlight of 2005 was exploring a bit of England, a tour in Europe, and stopovers in Dubai with my husband, our older son and new daughter. We had some great times and made some great memories. I experience trips in thirds: one third the excitement of planning and anticipation; one third the actual experience; and one third the reminiscing, when even the bad bits, relived with a bit of creativity and humour, become highlights to relish and share with friends.

Unplanned was my undertaking 2 trips to Alaska, one in March, the second in August/Sept. By the most direct route from Perth, Western Australia, this is 40 hours in transit each way. I expect I will write more about this in future blogs.

I go into 2006 giving praise to God for His love and many blessings in my life.