Free To Air HD VS Foxtel

I've been noticing lately that there's a television airing war going on between free-to-air HD channels and Foxtel.  While it all seems harmless, it's really brainwashing and getting a little too much when they air the adverts during family viewing time.  Foxtel really do have some great deals; ad-free movies and a sports channel or two with free installation.  However, I've found the free-to-air channels are just as good and all I did was go out to WOW Sight'n'Sound down the road and fork out $100 for a HD box, plug it in - according to the instructions in the front of the book - and scan in my channels.  

Easy-peasey... no monthly charges... no extra charges for me wanting to watch a movie... and most of all, if I didn't like the adverts, well, that's what the mute button is for.  

But you see, this free-to-air HD service is all very new to Australians; whereas it's been around for a long time in America.  One of my Canadian friends told me recently that they have 41 free-to-air channels and he complained that there weren't enough channels... um, pardon me?  We were stuck with only 5 or 6 until around three years ago and once you plugged in a HD box, well, you got another 9!  Yay!  And I only plugged a HD box into my television to improve my reception because it really sucked on all 5 channels... I ended up with ABC2, ABC3 and another 3 channels I didn't know existed; not including channel 31 (which I never received anyway because the signal isn't strong enough to be received here).  

Now, HD is absolutely everywhere; not only on the television... it's also on the radio.  If you've got a stereo system that's less than a decade old, you can get HD stereo.  And it can be picked up on your television too if you want to catch a show that's being broadcast in a different band from your radio... that's pretty swish!

So, who needs Foxtel when you can get all this for just a little over $100 and no hoock-up fee, no monthly charges and not extras for extra channels?  I don't... do you?  Of course this only my personal opinion of this.  If you enjoy cable television, leave a comment and let us know why.  Until my next post, keep safe and I'll still be here.

January's Something Different!

This is the first 'Do Something Different' for 2011, and seeing it's January, it's always something completely different when I come around to writing this one.  I didn't start off this year with a bang like I normally do; instead, I had such a quiet New Year's Eve that I nearly missed it because I sat around the house and watched dvds until midnight, called Mum down the coast, then gave Little Miss Stevie a cuddle and went off to bed after all the fireworks around the place settled down.

I did plan to get a lot of writing done; and with the rain that had been bucketing down since the beginning of school holidays, I had plenty of time to do just that; as well as a lot of reading.  So, there was one thing I got myself into.

I also wanted to get myself in Brisbane City more; but that would have to wait for a few months seeing our poor city underwent some big changes thanks to Mother Nature.  Once Toowoomba had an Inland Tsunami - which took out the Lockyer Valley and some townships between there and Brisbane - well, there wasn't anywhere for the water to go but here.  So, along with flowing downstream along the Brisbane River - with the floodgates of one of our main dams open - Brisbane was in for one of its biggest floods since 1974!  This flood destroyed, displaced and took with it plenty of homes, businesses, cars, boats and anything else that happened to be in the way; this included a popular restaurant which was - ironically - called 'Drift'... because that's exactly what it did down the river on its barge and pontoons; coming to rest where everything else did at Luggage Point.

This flood peaked at 4.6 metres and the clean-up began; and as I write this, is still going on.  People are still trying to piece together their lives and finding it harder as a lot of them lost everything except what clothes they had on their backs; while others had time to pack precious belonging and move them to higher ground.

Well, on a lighter note, we celebrated my cousin's daughter's first birthday at Mott Park, Holland Park and everyone had a great time.  The day was hot, sunny and windy and the kids were enjoying all the home-cooked food.  A pinyata was there to be smashed open by the kids as lollies fell out onto the ground... lots of fun by them.  The birthday girl enjoyed meeting new people and eventually got that glassy, tired look all kids do when it's nap time; and her Mum took her home while the rest of us tidied up the shelter; putting it back to its former boring best for the next lot of people.

On the same day, I went off to Rockaways and scored myself two vinyls that I had been looking for: The Eurythmics 'Revenge' album and INXS KICK in limited edition red.  Very cool; and both in vinyl!  I got home and had baked beans on toast for dinner as I had eaten way too much food that day.

Australia Day was very much a special day for all of us Aussie this year; especially Queenslanders due to the flood.  I spent a day and a half at Thornside with some friends celebrating a Pre-Australia Day... a bbq by the pool there and some drinks and staying up late chilling out.  It was great.  I had a lovely swim in the huge saltwater pool and loved every minute of it.  Then, the next day, I had an allergic reaction to Hot'n'Spicy Pringles and that was the end of me for about two days... I actually suffered a full-blown hangover; something I've never had in my entire life of partying.  I was dizzy, nauseous and very off-colour for about half the day.  I really didn't feel good at all.  But then, at dinner, I made myself a good pasta dish and pushed myself to eat as much of it as I could and the next day I felt good.  The one main problem was that I forgot I had a morning shift at that the Logan Art Gallery; and I had to call in and apologise for not showing up due to my ills that morning.  They said it was just as well I didn't show.  

And now this brings up to this weekend.  Just last Friday, I went out to the chiropractor and he put all my 'usual bones' back into place; and I went to Rockaways again and found myself two more vinyls to play on my turntable.  'So' by Peter Gabriel and 'Good Vibrations' by The Beach Boys.  Both great bands/artists and I can't wait to play them on my stereo.  Then, I dropped off to Mum's house and she gave me a book to review (a request really by a family friend to help get her son's name out there; I was more than happy to do this for him).  Then, Mum showed me three more books she was going to toss out and I picked up another two of them; yep I added to my collection when I vowed to keep my collecting under control this year... to read only what I've got in this room.  

Well, this is what I've been getting up to this month.  So, what have you been doing that's regarded as something totally different to your usual routine?  Feel free to leave a comment and let us know.  Until my next post, keep safe and stay dry.

Friday Hot Friday!

After Australia Day, I woke the next day feeling as though I was going to be sick; physically ill.  It was the first time ever that I had a hangover from something; but I wasn't quite sure what.  So, I made a list of what I had eaten and - with Mum - we put it down to the Pringles I had scoffed into; mainly the Hot'n'Spicy ones I had grabbed in the morning.  They were so morish and delicious, but so very bad for me; and now I definitely won't be going near them again!  And it took all day for that stuff to get out of my system.

So, then, once the day had passed and I had tried to keep my eyes open, I finally turned off the computer and air-conditioner and had a cool shower and headed downstairs; feeling better for it, but still stuffed.  I made myself some pasta and watched television, wrote in my journal and tried to keep awake until around 9:30pm - after 'Big Bang Theory' and then I went off to bed; I was so tired and falling asleep in my lounge chair.

This morning, I woke to my alarm and felt so much better!  I had had a great night's sleep and didn't feel as seedy as I did yesterday.  Just before I got out of bed, Mum called me and asked if I'd like to go to the movies, but I've got an appointment with the chiropractor... not my favourite person in the world, but at least I sleep well after he fixes my back, shoulders and hips.  I've been going to a chiro since I began working at aged 18 to help with my back seeing I was a mail clerk for a good part of my time at RACQ.  Seeing I sit a lot now as well when I write my books or read them, I still need to go to one.  

Anyway, there's clouds outside and rain isn't that far off.  I'll have to have a shower soon to go out and catch the bus to Springwood to take a wander around Rockaways to look at their $4.00 range of vinyls; seeing I bought two expensive ones last week.  Well, until I next post, take care and keep positive.  I'll still be here.

Happy Australia Day!

Well, I only got home about forty minutes ago from Thornside and I feel pretty tired and wasted.  This is normal for me when I go to a party at Geoff and Viv's place; friends of mine who used to live here at my unit complex.  They held a Pre-Australia Day Party and I was invited.  So, I took them up and went; sending Little Miss Stevie off to Mum and Dad's for the night so she wasn't left here in the heat.  

Viv picked me up at around 2pm yesterday and took me out for coffee; as we had another person to pick up but his bus had been late, thus making him miss his train from Robina to Beenleigh.  So, we had half an hour to kill; and went off to 'The Coffee Club' at Springwood to have a lovely coffee and something to eat in gorgeous surroundings.  I hadn't been there for years.

Anyway, we picked up Geoff's mate, Jeremy, and drove the scenic round to their house at Thornside; near the Bay, where Geoff was just getting home to.  We hung out after the initial tidy-up was done and settling in where we put some of our drinks in the freezer to cool them down quickly.  Geoff took off to pick up ingredients for dinner and we began on the nibblies as the sun went down and the stars came out... and one of the neighbours - Ralph - dropped by to hang out too.

By around 8:30pm or so, our bbq had been and gone with a great salad, veggie sausages, meat sausages, a cheese platter and plenty of food to go around; with more than enough leftovers for today and tonight.  Stories were swapped and we all had great laughs at a gecko that fell from the ceiling of the bbq area, onto our table, dodged around the plates, onto the seat I stood next to, clambered onto and around my leg, then made very quick tracks to the bbq plate (which was still quite warm) and bolted onto the bricks of the wall nearby.  That was either one very clumsy and stupid lizard, or one gutsy one; either way, we all thought he was really cute and he managed to terrify himself in more ways than one.

Afterwards, I took a lovely dip in the saltwater pool.  this inground pool is in the middle of the complex, well-cared for and has a large fence around it; and at this time of the year, everyone swims in it at night as it's nice and warm and just wonderful to look up at the stars overhead.  And that's just what I did.

After that, I had a quick shower and found that the shirt I used to cover up my very old togs and swim in was the only shirt I had brought with me!  So, I had to borrow a shirt off Vivienne for the night; and thankfully we're similar sizes.  I hung out my wet gear on the clothes line over night to dry and had to wear it home today.

We stayed up talking and taking weird photos, laughing at funny jokes and anecdotes and stories about all kinds of thing until around 1am and then I hit the pillow.  Before I knew it, my alarm went off at 6am... blech!  But I wasn't the only one up; in fact, Stu hadn't even been to bed!  He was wondering around the place sipping on some German beer and smoking all night and he was the first one who greeted me when I came downstairs.  I said that once the alarm went off, there's a slim chance of me getting back to sleep; and it's been like that since I was around 18 or so... especially since I'm on medication I have to be up at that time.  He said it's not good when I don't have a choice.

Well, the morning progressed as each person rose from their slumber and greeted the day in their own unique way.  I had some cereal and a coffee, then we all shared some hot'n'spicy Pringles, French Vanilla Peanuts (which tasted like Cocoa Pops) and German Beer... yep, a crazy, weird kinda breakfast to have, but it seem to suit our feeling of wanting to get rid of the seediness we all woke up with (well, okay, except Stu).  Then, Stu went home, got onto Facebook and told us that Obama was doing his State Union Speech and we all watched channel 24 until it finished 2 hours later!  Wow... talk about somebody who repeats himself over and over... but that's how it all goes I guess.

Next thing I know, it's almost time to leave.  And so, we all pack our stuff, check and double check we've got our stuff and then pile into the car and I was dropped off home.  It's been a mild 24 hours; but fun too.  Until my next post, I hope you enjoy your Australia Day - whatever you happen to get up to - as I'll be snoozing the afternoon away, no matter what, I'll still be here.

Long Day Saturday

What a day it was yesterday; and I mean it felt like it went for a few days and not only for one day.  From around 10am, I was out with my whole family at Mott Park at Holland Park here in Brisbane celebrating the first birthday of of Arrabella; my cousin's daughter.  Everyone showed up with food, chairs, their kids and cameras galore!  I had bought the birthday girl a card from the Logan Art Gallery and Natalie, my cousin, loved it.  She said she loves stuff like this; and was amazed at how much work went into it.  I told her about Rosa - the German lady who makes the cards at the LAG - and said that this one was the most lovely and best one I thought Arrabella would most suit.  

Well, the day was just lovely.  The sun shone hot and brilliant from the gorgeous blue sky, a strong wind blew all our recyclable plates off the table; as well as our plastic cups too, and sent our table clothes flapping like flags.  There was a Dora the Explorer Pinyata and all the young kids had a go at it; including my niece, Riley, who bent the metal spoon when she had a bash at it.  It was fun to see them all have a go as everyone took photos and films; and the kids dove for the lollies as they hit the grass.

There was plenty of food of home-made biscuits, cupcakes and butterfly biscuits too.  Then, out came the birthday cake; a carrot cake with a yellow cream cheese icing with flowers; made by Natalie.  It was a lovely cake; very moist and delicious!  Before long, a few hours had passed and all the kiddies were getting that glassy-eyed look of tiredness where it was past nap-time; and so we began packing up.  At around 1:30pm, we had a quick cup of coffee and helped Uncle Iain and Aunty Narelle with all the gear and we took off too.

But I didn't go home.  I asked Dad to drive me to Centro at Springwood.  I needed to go to Rockaways to look for a few vinyls; namely a 'Eurythmics' and 'Eagles' vinyl... one or the other; or both.  Well, I found the former and there were no 'Eagles' vinyls at all.  And the songs I wanted on this particular vinyl were all on side one for $10.  What a bargain.  Then, I decided to look for INXS' KICK album; and found one better!  I found their limited edition of KICK and bought that instead.  What a great day out we had.  A birthday party of a lovely little girl; who enjoyed jumping up and down and giggling her head off on my lap and two vinyls I've always wanted of two bands I've loved all my life!  A great day out indeed!  But boy, am I tired from it all! 

Interesting Week

Well, it's late and I thought it would be a good time to get my weekly blog out.  This week has been slow but interesting.  I've gotten my shopping done and wondered - beforehand - if I was going to get all my groceries seeing how the Rocklea Markets had gone under in the Brisbane Floods.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that all the shelves between Woolworths and Coles were fully stocked.  Can't say the same for Aldi though.

I found a great piece of old kitchenware for Mum at Life Line; it was a sugar bowl that looked exactly like my late-Grandma's.  It was in better condition and so I got it for Mum to use.  After washing it, and wrapping it in fresh paper, I gave it to her on Thursday night, and she loved it.  I also bought a Buddha statue for my home.  It looks very cool by the door.

Last night, the family got together at Gabe and Kat's place for dinner.  Riley was there and Gabe made sushi; and Mum took along baked custard; which we all nearly scoffed down in one sitting!  Gabe reckoned his sushi wasn't his best, but I disagree.  I loved it; as Gabe's always getting better at making it Riley and me talked about witchcraft, God and the hows, whys and wheres of the craft.  I was careful about what I said; but made it clear that there's a lot of reading, research and there's an initiation she must go through to be a witch.  The last bit put her off a little... but she was still curious as I mentioned the history of it was gory.

Well, today, I was off to the Logan Art Gallery; and I almost forgot about it... silly me.  I was asked to come in an hour early as our trainee was being taken out to lunch for her last day of work.  So, I said sure and took off to catch the bus in a hurry. After a shower and a change of clothes, I got to the bus stop in plenty of time and found I waited almost 40 minutes for the bus to show... it really bad as I was about 10 minutes late for my roster; which made everyone late for lunch with Poppy.  Anyway, Linda Starkey and I hung around for an hour chatting and tallying up the people coming in.  However the afternoon shift was really dull.  Only four high school kids came in claiming they were bored, touched everything and then messed up the Children's Gallery.  Then, while I was at the toilet, they took off; leaving us to clean up after them.  Now, that frustrates me to no end; that kids of that age should know better, but they don't do anything to put anything away... I mean this place wasn't their bedroom.  I had to tidy up and put all pencils, scissors, lids on pens, putting the clipboards back and throwing out paper scraps and mainly just straightening up... it was a pigsty.  And I thought my house was messy!

Well, tomorrow, the family off to help celebrate my cousin's daughter's first birthday at Holland Park.  I'll upload photos on here to show how cute she is... she looks like her Mum. After the party - as it will only go for a few hours - I'll be off to Rockaways to look for a couple of vinyls.  One I'm into is The Eurythmics and the other is 'Hotel California' by The Eagles.  I hope I find one or both.  Until my next post, stay safe and I hope you're all recovering from the floods.  Until then, I'm still here. 

Drying Out

Well, at last, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley are all drying out from the most dreadful floods South-East Queensland has ever seen.  We've had the most rainfall since 1974 and a week on, the clean-up goes on.  Volunteers Queensland has been inundated with people who are showing up in Wellingtons with brooms, buckets dressed in hats smothered in sunscreen and ready to work from dawn til dusk to get Brisbane and Ipswich back to the way it was.  This flood has taken away to much and killed up to 20 people; with many more still missing.  But there's still hope in the air.  

The CBD is beginning to work again as the surrounding area of Southbank, Milton, Auchenflower and other inner-Brisbane suburbs are being cleaned up.  Schools are being cleaned up; getting ready for school to start next week.  And for the ones that can't open until a few weeks for now?  Well, they Education Department will place the students with sister schools until their schools are up to scratch.  But it will take up to year for this flood to be clean up and a lot of money; along with much more planning to make sure a flood like this doesn't destroy this much so quickly again.

Meanwhile, for the people who didn't have their houses taken by the flood, there are the problems of wondering if the shopping centres will have enough food to go around.  Will my next shopping day be like my last one?  Or will I have to go without some things?  Will Coles and Woolworths' shelves be half-empty, or will they be fully-stocked?  Who knows until I get there.  

This has been a really stressful time for not just people here in Brisbane; but anyone who has been affected by the floods all over Queensland.  And now, they're being affected by floods in Victoria; and my heart and prayers go to those people who are being displaced there by them.

The one place I find it's most distressing is in Rockhampton.  I received a phone call from a friend of mine the other day who lives out in Gracemere.  He told me that they weren't getting any food from Rockhampton; nor were any of the other regional centres.  Rockhampton got all the food drops and is inundated with so much food that its shops are too full from it all.. so they're selling food for less than a dollar; not thinking that there's people who are cut off from the town centre who can't get to them.  I really wish I could get onto somebody who can help get through to their mayor so they can get some food before they run out.  

Well, this is all from me.  This week hasn't been all that exciting personally.  I'm getting into reading two books, my laundry again and playing the piano is more enjoyable as it's dried out enough to play it now; and it doesn't sound horrible from the wet weather.  Otherwise, the citizens of Queensland and Brisbane are all taking each day as it comes... good things keep happening to us as we face our city going from a place of disaster to a place of beauty again.  Until my next post, keep safe and I'll still be here.

During this Week

This week has been trying for a lot of people with the floods all around, from up north to the inland Tsunami that ravaged the Lockyer Valley; and the massive flood that has devastated Brisbane City.  

While I live around 20 minutes drive outside the CBd, I also had my problems.  My house still has knocking pipes; but I'm getting that fixed soon.  We have had two really hot fine days where everyone around the place did all their laundry - and that was all of it!  I even washed my mattress protector and turned my mattress over; not that I don't do that anyway.  It's just that with all the rain that's been around, I haven't had the opportunity to get any of that done.  

Then, yesterday, I went to check the mail at the Post Office and around four or five of the Business-sized boxes had been vandalised.  I don't just mean spray-paint like last year where it can be taken off; I mean some destructive little gnat has gone there and kicked the doors in and tried to rip them off their hinges.  I gotta say, they tried really hard, and failed.  What was left of the doors were hanging off by one hinge; but still it was dreadful that this has happened.  This kind of thing always go one at this time of the year; just when kids are about to go back to school.  This is the time when they get very bored because everything they've been offered to do has been done by them over the holidays; however this time, it was different.  This time, all it did was rain.  This time, Brisbane City flooded and the kids didn't have the luxury of going in there to run around for the last week; and this time, kids on holidays have been stuck inside all week either watching television, surfing the net or bugging their parents.  But vandalising something as important and expensive as PO Boxes is just low.  Australia Post has to fix those boxes; and the rent on those boxes aren't cheap either - I should know, I have one - so why go around and destroy them?  The answer would be:  because they're bored.  Really?  Honestly?  If I said that when I was young, I was given something around the house to do; then I never said I was bored again.

So, there you have it.  The things that happened this week - besides the floods.  I know it sounds like a boring week.  But really it's not.  I'm up to reading my third book, began following a few other blogs on different subjects and have begun a new game on Bookcrossing called: 'Who Wants...' and I name a book title and the first person to e-mail me their address gets the book.  The following pay, I post it off to them.  I do it once a fortnight; and so I don't have the problem of having to post off too many items this year.  I've also begun saving up for a holiday in a few years' time.  I can't wait until I have the money up; but until then, I'll keep where I want to go a secret until the time comes closer.

So, there you have it, my week all caught up.  So, until my next post, take care, keep dry and I hope you all have avoided the floods.

Brisbane River Flood Peak

The flood marker at the Power House, New Farm

At 4am this morning, the Brisbane River peaked at 4.4m.  I was awake at around 3:30 am and felt a little concerned about what was going on before in the city before going back to sleep.

However on waking up, the sun was shining again; however things were still going on in the river.  The Riverwalk that runs along the Botanical Gardens has had large 300 tonne chunks break away and float down the river; running into the pylons of the Gateway Bridge.  The good thing is that the pylons didn't move and the bridge wasn't damaged; seeing how heavy these chunks are and how fast they were traveling. 

'Drift' the famous restaurant was seen being taken by the currents of the Brisbane River by the Triple M Morning Crew (The Cage) watched it go as they sat out on their balcony and debriefed from the show that day.  They were said that it was a spectacular view seeing it going by; doing exactly what its name suggested.

This morning, 'The Cage' crew on Triple M asked the owner of 'Drift' if he was okay about it taking off down the river.  He said not really; but he couldn't really do much about it; and seeing he didn't have flood insurance didn't really help.  Anyway, he said, 'Drift' will be reopening at some point in the future somewhere around Stradbroke Island or Tangalooma.  First, though, they have to get the water out of the barge the restaurant sits on.

One of my friends has started up a group on Facebook for anyone who is without accommodation.  He and his wife live at Thorneside and are willing to take in people who need a place to stay until their houses are good to live in again.  If you're on facebook, and you're in one of the crisis centres look up Geoff Treagus on the search box and go to his groups; it'll be there.

A lot of people are still missing out in the Lockyer Valley.  There's 12 dead and a number of families missing.  150,000 homes and businesses around Brisbane and Ipswich are still without power.  But the good thing out of this is that the drinking water is still okay to drink; however the Brisbane City Council has said to use the water sparingly in case that changes.  The crisis accommodation is at the RNA Showgrounds, QE2 Stadium at Nathan (where the 1982 Commonwealth Games were held); and three more emergency accommodation places have opened:

• St Catherine Anglican Church, McFarlane Street, Middle Park
• Good New Lutheran Church, Horizon Drive, Jamboree Heights
• Salvation Army Church, Lalian Street, Middle Park

Residents are urged to bring their own supplies to these centres; or as much as they can.  The flood levels will stay around Brisbane for the next 14 - 18 hours before they recede; then the clean up will begin.  I hope you have all stayed safe during this time; and have found the centres you've needed to be.  Otherwise until my next post, stay safe and dry; and I'll still be here.

Today's Update

This morning, I woke to strange blue skies and the sun.  After so long having nothing but wet days and dull clouds, it felt really weird to have to grab the sunglasses to go outside.  But really, I got up early to go and get the paper before they were sold out; I bought two, one for Mum and Dad and one for me.  The front page alone spoke volumes as did the inside; all about how many people had been evacuated, how had suffered and who had died.

So far, 19,700 properties have been flooded, there are 50,000 homes without electricity and around 3,000 businesses are underwater in Brisbane.  And that's before High Tide has arrived today at around 3:15pm; where the Brisbane River will rise to 4.5m.

There's isn't much more I tell you.  We're thankful that the rain has eased for now; but we're in for more (as they tell us) over the next few days.  People have been stocking up on food and others have been volunteering to help with whatever they can.  Aussies are being Aussies, if we're not in the danger zone of the flood (or even if we are), we're all trying to help.

Triple M Brisbane (a major rock'n'roll station here in Australia) was broadcast nationally today in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and anywhere else they could to let people in other states know, who have relative here in Brisbane, that they're okay; and how the city is doing.  They even put out their phone number so they could all get in and phone to see which suburbs were evacuated.  So, that's all for now.  Until my next post, stay dry, keep safe and I'll still be here.

Flood Update

It's late and I've been watching the ABC24 News channel; and it seems they are showing the same pictures over and over... so I had to turn it off as it can do your head in if you keep watching it all the time.  What I can tell you all is that Brisbane City is suffering from the worse floods since 1974.  Today, the Brisbane River rose 2metres at high tide; and tomorrow it will do it again.  On Thursday, it will peak at 3metres as we have a King Tide and all the water from Monday will be coming out; as well as the water that was released from Wivenhoe Dam.  

In the Lockyer Valley, the death toll has risen to 10 people with 78 people - including families - missing.  The power grid is out across the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs and Toowoomba.  Major roads coming into Brisbane are cut, so is the Gateway Motorway and the Ipswich Motorway.  

Ipswich City itself is also flooded as badly as it was in 1974.  And all the mayors of our towns and cities have told us not to go out unless we really have to; even then, it's probably best to stay indoors.  And if we have to evacuate through the advice of the SES, it's best we follow that advice.  Otherwise, stay home and just keep our eye on the news. 

This has been one of the worse natural disasters that has hit this state in a very long time.  I'm keeping in mind all those people who have lost anyone to these floods, who are looking for missing family and friends, who have lost all their belongings and who are staying in evacuation crisis centres tonight.  They are all in my thoughts and prayers; as they've lost everything to something they had absolutely no control over so soon into the New Year; and until their lives are back to normal, nothing will feel right to them for a long time.  Until my next post, keep safe, stay dry and I'll still be here.

Today's Rain

I'm getting to hate this rain; there's been so much of it.  The fences around the unit complex are falling down and the swimming pool is full - almost overflowing actually.  I went for a walk out onto the footpath and took a filming of what it all looks like; and it's not good.  

I've been worried about a lot of things and have found it hard to get to sleep at night lately.  I haven't been to my parent's house as I really can't get over there or back in this weather; and so don't really know how bad their place is.  The piano is sounding really bad; as the moisture in the air isn't good for it, I can't get outside to do anything, I'm reading my third book this year and am running out of things to do inside that don't include making popcorn and getting out a dvd from my collection, putting a cd/vinyl or reading a book.

But then, there's all those people who have been devastated by the inland Tsunami, the floods up north and the rising Brisbane River; and I think my problems a really small.  I'm not sure if they are or not; but I think it's because I'm alone right now and don't really have anyone to talk to about this.  Also the last time this kind of flood hit Brisbane, I was only 3 months old.  But looking at the pictures from then I can get an idea of what this can do to our city.

Right now, I'm hoping my friends find higher ground, as do other people, I hope the rain goes away, I hope the Brisbane River doesn't rise much further... and I think that all we can do; hope.  I just feel so helpless at the moment; that I can't help anyone and I wish I could.  So, I hope the news links work well for you all on the sidebar and what I write for you here is okay.  I'll try to keep you all as up-to-date as I can.  Until my next post, stay safe, keep dry and I'm still here. 

Flood Crisis Worsens in Queensland

Yesterday, I turned on the television at around 6pm, I watched in shock to find that the Lockyer Valley, out near the Darling Downs, below the Garden City of Toowoomba was hit by an 8 metre wall of water.  Entire towns of Helidon, Withcott and Grantham were inundated by the water so fast that the residents were forced to climb onto the roofs of their homes and wait until they were rescued.

Cars from Murphy's Creek upstreams ended up in trees kilometres downstream; and houses were shifted off their foundations; looking like they had been bulldozered.  This sudden flooding took these people by such surprise that some have been found clinging to trees and 50 were up on higher land in the primary school.  Everyone in these communities have lost everything in such a short length of time and so soon after Christmas too.

However, there have been casualties of eight people; and there are still people to be found, and it's believed that 70 people are still missing.  

Our State Premier, Anna Bligh, has said that this is our darkest hour of the flood crisis of the last fortnight; and that what has unfolded in the Lockyer Valley will test our already stretched rescue teams.  

Queensland Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson said, "What hit Toowoomba could be best described as an inland instant tsunami.  We're doing all we can but we won't have a full appreciation of what's happened until during the day (Tuesday)."

I've been listening to the radio this morning and heard that Laidley, Forrest Hill and Gatton are going to be evacuated today as the water from the Lockyer Valley makes it way to the Brisbane River.  Today, the Brisbane River will rise 2 metres with the high tide; and 3 metres tomorrow.  Otherwise, until the next news on this flood crisis, stay safe, dry and I'll still be here keeping you all updated.

Bucketing Down Cats'n'Dogs!

Yep, it's raining so much around here, it's not hard to step in a poodle of water; or a river that's streaming down the footpath.  I had to roll up the legs of my old painting jeans and wear thongs/flip-flops to the post office just so that my good pair of sneakers wouldn't get soaked.  And all I wanted to do was post off a parcel to the USA.  On the way there, I found out my umbrella had sprung a leak in the most unlikely place:  right in the top handle piece where it opens out... water was running down it onto my hands.  I felt like a wet duck by the time I got home from the post office and the servo next door (I had to get some milk.  No way was I going out again just for milk today!).

Once home, I kept the house closed up because the rain has been coming from all angles and keeping the gutters and drains filling up.  The rain gauge was showing 61mm before I emptied it at 9:30am; and I'm wondering how much more we'll be getting.  But I'm more concerned about the north of Brisbane; as they're getting well over 100mm and a lot of roads have been closed up near Caboolture, Caloundra and around those areas.  I heard on the news that the Brisbane City Council has offered up free sandbags for people who are worried about their homes being flooded when the Brisbane River hits the high tide mark over the next few days due to the amount of rain we've had.  This is also because Wivenhoe Dam has had its floodgates opened as well and there'll be excess water.  

Flooded Brisbane Streets in 1974

This rain is supposed to stick around until Autumn; and petter out by Winter.  We've had this kind of thing before - just as bad - in 1974 when Brisbane flooded really bad.  However, I don't remember it because I was only a few months old and we didn't live that close to the CBD.  But this weather pattern was around at that time; and it caused all kinds of havoc everywhere; just as it's causing the same kind of havoc now.  

So, if you're on holidays and coming home, please be careful while you're driving our wet roads.  If you've suffered through the floods in Emerald, Rockhampton, Townsville, St. George, Injune, Warwick or anywhere else we haven't heard about yet, I hope you can return your homes back some kind of normal as soon as possible; and celebrate a belated Christmas at least (seeing a lot of you didn't get a chance to do that).  Otherwise, if you're staying put, don't go out unless you absolutely have to... and even then, be careful how you go; even on foot can be disastrous.

For me, the next few days, I'm going to be sticking around the house, reading some mighty fine books from my Mt TBR, playing the piano, listening to music and watching dvds at my leisure.  This is my idea of a good day in out of the rain; but I'd much prefer to read a book outside... such a bummer I can't right now.  Until my next post, take care, stay dry and don't go out unless you absolutely need to.  

Bad Luck?

It's barely a month in to the new year and already I'm hearing about bad luck a-brewin' around the place.  If it's not bad enough to walk under ladders and letting black cats wander in front of you, now it's bad luck to leave your Christmas Decorations up after 6th, January.  Is it really that bad to do this?

I've looked this up on the net and a few sites told of the Christian beliefs of the Twelve Days of Christmas and what they originally meant; and have dwindled to unfortunately, as I never knew the meaning of them until I read them here.

Then I found another site where it was written that the decorations were taken down on 6th, January because a long time ago, they were brought in from outside.  The Holly and Ivy were used to decorate people's homes and to provide a safe-haven for the tree spirits throughout the mid-winter until it was time to let them go outside again on 6th, January.  If you didn't put them back outside, the vegetation wouldn't be able to start growing again; thus Spring wouldn't start over again as it's supposed to.

Until 19th Century, people used to keep decorations holly, ivy, box, yew, lauren and mistletoe up  until 2nd, February, which is Candlemas Day, the end of the Christmas season; 40 days after the birth of Jesus.  Also, the Three Wise Men aren't included in the Nativity Scene until Candlemas Day; and the scene traditionally isn't taken down until 2nd, February.

Also, during the reign of Queen Victoria, all the decorations were taken down on the twelfth night and generally burnt.  So, even though these superstitions are long gone, and our decorations are now made from glass, paper, plastic and foil, we still feel uneasy about leaving up past the 6th of January.  Have you taken down your Christmas tree as yet?  Or is still sitting in living room decorated?  Mine's still up but the decorations are put away.  Until my next post, take care.  

It's A Friday!

At around 5am, I was woken by a sudden opening up of the heavens.  It was amazing how loud it was; even on the tile roof.  But I got up and check the bathroom window to make sure it wasn't getting in; and as I did, I glimpsed the sunrise.  It was lovely, golden and very pretty; unlike the rest of the day.

Well, when I got up an hour or so later, it was still raining, but not as heavily, and I dressed quickly to get myself out and to the bus stop early.  But as it came closer to leave, the rain became heavier; and I was beginning to have my doubts about leaving.  However, I needed to get to Garden City to pick up a prescription, have a look at some sales and, basically, get out of the house!  I was beginning to go stir crazy being stuck here because of the dull days.

I took some photos of the cars driving past in the rain and made sure I had all my money, cards and Go Card with me before getting on board the bus; which was early.  As it was about to pull away, on of my friends - who lives in another unit complex - jumped on and we chatted about what we did over Christmas.  She went to Africa to visit family and I told her about Dad.  As the bus traveled under the bridges at Mt Gravatt - near the offramp of the South-East Freeway, we heard a clang.  It was loud enough to make the bus vibrate; but the driver didn't seem to worry about it.  But we wondered about what it was.  

Anyway, once at the shopping centre, the rain had stopped, but the place was still dripping from it all.  So, we walked inside and she chatted about how nice the centre was overall.  We talked about how crowded it had gotten over the Christmas Shopping period and that it was thinning out now; and then said our farewells as she went off to work and I had my list of stuff to buy. 

I purchased a book at QBD, some shampoo and conditioner, eye shadow applicators and make-up sponges at Priceline.  Then, I went to the Book Cafe for a coffee and found a book written by Umberto Eco there that I didn't have.  I had to get a prescription filled at the Terry White Chemist and then I wandered through the music section of David Jones and found a c.d. that I wanted to purchase over Christmas but couldn't because I didn't have the money.  Now, I do.  Anyway, I had a choice between Jamiraquai and Bon Jovi.  So, I asked to listen to the former and it a little slow for my taste; I like his faster works.  But Bon Jovi has all their greatest hits and a few more new tracks.  So, I bought that instead.  

Well, by the time I headed out of David Jones, I spotted the bus sitting there at the stop... how good was my timing?  I ran up to it and jumped on, touching my card to the box.  In no time at all, I was back at the Park Road stop and heading off to the Slacks Creek Post office to check the mail.  While there, I bought a box to post off a set of books to the US on a book spiral I've taken part in on Bookcrossing which had arrived at my door in October; and I have finally finished the book just last night.  All I need to do is get the next person's address and send the box off via sea mail and they can enjoy all seven books of vampire romance.  

Well, for a short week, this week has felt pretty long.  I think it's the weather that's done it.  Until next time I post, take care.

Grey Skies Above Us

Yep, it's raining again.  Over the last few days, it's been raining off and on; and we've had storms grumble pass, pound over us and cause me to unplug the computer, television and radio and just pretty much sit and read a book... yeah, there was that much lightning around.  So, love or hate it, the rain looks like it's here for a while.  Exactly what have you been doing this school holidays?

For some of us, it hasn't been all that great.  From just before Christmas, floods inundated Emerald, Townsville, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Chinchilla, Warwick and St. George and Injune.  That covers an area that's about the size of France and Germany put together... and they say there's more rain coming.  After such a dry spell, it's nice to see the stuff, but not so much in such a small amount of time.  And the news of this has reach across the world to so many countries, they're all willing to lend a helping hand to get people back on their feet.  

Mt To Be Read!  

I'm hoping to get some serious reading done while it's raining like this.  It's good weather for it; and I do enjoy cracking the cover of either a best seller or a classic and getting myself lost in the pages between them.  It's just something I've always loved.  And fortunately, with my other blog My Reading List I'm hoping to read and review more books than ever this year; well, more than 20 anyway.  Last year, I was stuck when I tried to read 'Under The Dome' and it took me 3 months to  get 3/4 the way through before giving up on it.  Well, I'll never do that again.

Another school holiday thing I love to do - once the weather fines up - is gardening.  I promised myself to fix up the garden; but every time it looks like it's going to look good, rain comes and makes everything soggy again.  Well, I guess I can't win them all.  I'll just keep on mowing the lawn and making sure the weeds are pulled out by the fences to make it look neat.

Movies and dvds are another thing I love to do when it's raining; and I've been meaning to see 'Tron: Legacy'... but I think I'll wait until it comes out on dvd.  It's just something I'm not too excited about as I love to watch movies on my surround sound home theatre system now and they sound brilliant.

Well, I guess,  that's all from me about the school holidays.  I'm never bored here with what I do.  And - even though the house is a little messy - I do enjoy getting into my painting, knitting and playing the piano.  Hope you're enjoying your holidays in this grey old weather.  What have you been doing?  Until my next post, take care.

New Year 2011

Well, it's the first week into the new year and I didn't make any resolutions.  Last year, I couldn't think of any as I sat out on the fly of the caravan with a notepad in my hand and pen in the other.  So, I went without; and got so much done!  This year, it's pretty much the same and I'll be getting a lot done.

This year, I do have some plans to work more on my garden and enjoy what I have already; instead of pining after what I don't have.  Seeing in the last year, I have been learning a lot of patience with myself and others, I will be putting that into action with what I'll be doing with my year this time.

There's a lot of writing to be done on my books, a lot of reading to accomplish and a lot of Bookcrossing I have to catch up with; not that I'm behind.  Last year, I was very active, and this year, I'll be active again; just I'll be doing fewer activities and enjoying the act of Wild Releasing as I have so many books that need to be set free.

This year, I've got a lot of paintings that need to be finished; and some collage too.  It's something I began working on late last year; and totally enjoyed, and won't let go of just because I have more writing to do or piano practice... or anything else for that matter.  And as John Lennon said: "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans".

So, this year, I'll be taking more photos for 365project and backing off from Farmville (as it's taken up a lot of my time; and really it's not a competition on what level I'm on, it's just a fun game for me).  I'll be reading more and enjoying more of life and getting into going to art openings at the Logan Art Gallery (which I haven't been to any for the past four or so years all because I've used the excuse that I don't like crowds.  Really, it just bites into my routine and I don't want to break this little rut I've put myself into.

This year, I'll be changing over my wardrobe again; and so hitting the charity stores and looking seriously at which kind of fashion I'll be into that I can wear out anywhere and which kind I can wear out nice.  Yes, I don't buy new clothes, books or handbags; everything is preloved and second-hand or on sale at really low prices.  This year is the year I really begin on looking good too with taking up a good exercise regime too; Zumba to begin with and then once I've gotten into the steps, I might even swallow my pride and go to a gym (I've never liked going to them as I've felt like I'm being judged by people there).  If I decide it's not for me, well, at least I've tried them out again.

There's a lot of things I want to try out this year - just like I did last year.  And there's travel involved.  I want to go to the GoMA and see more art exhibitions and enjoy being in a crowded place without feeling like I'm suffocating.  And yet, I love the city of Brisbane because it's not too big and not too small; but it has grown a lot over the last few years too.

This is the year I've planned for myself.  I hope I get in and can make it work; and not trip over anyone who might be interesting enough to catch my eye as well.  So, what are your plans for this year?  Have you got any resolutions; or don't you believe in them?  If so, share yours with us.