Farewell ~ Heath Ledger

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

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

A Massage from the Management

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!

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!

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

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

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

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...

So that's where they went!

Lux Bus to Vegas

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.