Another alternative to having a pair of crime solvers would be to use my other character Adelaide (Addie) Jones. I don't know much about her yet, but I think she is a lot more like me.
Any thoughts?
Thursday 17 May 2007
Monday 14 May 2007
Question for everyone...
Which pair of characters would you most like to see in a crime story?
Female: average height; quite thin; long, wavy, red hair; reasonably good looking; would prefer a book to a gym; is the middle one of three sisters.
Male: Tall; regged looking; short, scruffy, blond hair; blue eyes; commonly found in flannel shirt, jeans and hiking boots; wears glasses and has an accent.
‘or’
Female: Plain to look at; brown, shoulder length hair; brown eyes; tall but thin; has a daughter; wears reading glasses; runs in the mornings; lives in a house overlooking a beach.
Male: Dark! Of Gypsy herratige; Olive skin; dark brown eyes; dark hair worn in a braid; has history with said female.
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Female: average height; quite thin; long, wavy, red hair; reasonably good looking; would prefer a book to a gym; is the middle one of three sisters.
Male: Tall; regged looking; short, scruffy, blond hair; blue eyes; commonly found in flannel shirt, jeans and hiking boots; wears glasses and has an accent.
‘or’
Female: Plain to look at; brown, shoulder length hair; brown eyes; tall but thin; has a daughter; wears reading glasses; runs in the mornings; lives in a house overlooking a beach.
Male: Dark! Of Gypsy herratige; Olive skin; dark brown eyes; dark hair worn in a braid; has history with said female.
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Crime Writing - Week 1
On Saturday I started a short course on Writing Crime Fiction and I promised my friends I would write my notes here so they can also have access to them.
Our teacher, who is a published crime writer, started by breaking down the areas that come under the umbrella term CRIME. They are as follows:
Mystery:
80,000 ish words
Police Procedural – any location, must have police officer/detective as main character.
PI – Private investigator (usually ex-cop or military police) – can’t investigate a current open case. Can go places that police can’t.
Amateur – Professional (Harry Dresden) or John/Jane Citizen (Miss Marple)
Our teacher, who is a published crime writer, started by breaking down the areas that come under the umbrella term CRIME. They are as follows:
Mystery:
80,000 ish words
Police Procedural – any location, must have police officer/detective as main character.
PI – Private investigator (usually ex-cop or military police) – can’t investigate a current open case. Can go places that police can’t.
Amateur – Professional (Harry Dresden) or John/Jane Citizen (Miss Marple)
Cozy/malice domestic – always has closed list of suspects and NO blood splatter type crimes. Always puzzle driven.
Capers/Heists/Kidnappings – bad guy perspective, possible comic or comic look at today’s society.
Suspense:
100,000 + words
Thriller
Legal
Medical
Political
Technological
Military
Spy
Suspense
Psychological
Romantic suspense
Female in Jeopardy
Action/Adventure – quest based, search for treasure
3 components to a crime story:
- The crime itself (always at the very heart of the story)
- The character/sleuth
- The Setting (can be an invented place)
Always start with a crime scene.
Victim
Place
Time
Weapon
Clues/Red Herrings
Set up a table of suspects. Suspects across the top and the following list down the side:
Relationship to victim
Alibi
Motive
Opportunity
Other Details
Whatever you do, don’t forget the victim.
Ask yourself what happened to make them the victim?
What could be left at the crime scene, be it deliberate or just overlooked by the criminal?
Till next week.
Medieval Fair 2007 - The Day
6th May 2007
Well the day started bright and early (7:30am) and the weather was showing some promising signs. Mum had been up slightly earlier than the rest of us finishing off the hem on my new surcote.
After getting ready (that’s 3 layers of clothing, doing something with my hair and finding my shoes), we headed off to pick up one of my best friends – Margaret – who was to be traveling with us to the event. Some may think us completely bonkers, but for the last couple of Medieval Fairs the two of us have made the effort to go in costume.
An hour and a bit later we arrived at Gumeracha (the town hosting this years event). Street parking was at a premium as the local footy club had pulled their support (use of the oval for parking) at the last minute. Something about not having their new roadway completed in time.
There was a definite market/fair like atmosphere that I don’t think I have felt at previous events. Must be something to do with the location.
I also successfully managed to avoid getting a rose (although they seemed to be going for the kids this year which is a really good thing). Thank Wassname!
Another friend, Nadia, managed to join us as we were having lunch, so the three of us headed for the market stalls and to watch the knights AGAIN!
On the whole a fun day was had by all. I managed to purchase a book on patterns for my Marudai. Its one that had been suggested to be by Margaret’s mum and cost me more than what it probably should have. It means that I can now attempt more patterns than the spiral one I have managed so far.
Till next time.
Guardian
Well the day started bright and early (7:30am) and the weather was showing some promising signs. Mum had been up slightly earlier than the rest of us finishing off the hem on my new surcote.
After getting ready (that’s 3 layers of clothing, doing something with my hair and finding my shoes), we headed off to pick up one of my best friends – Margaret – who was to be traveling with us to the event. Some may think us completely bonkers, but for the last couple of Medieval Fairs the two of us have made the effort to go in costume.
An hour and a bit later we arrived at Gumeracha (the town hosting this years event). Street parking was at a premium as the local footy club had pulled their support (use of the oval for parking) at the last minute. Something about not having their new roadway completed in time.
There was a definite market/fair like atmosphere that I don’t think I have felt at previous events. Must be something to do with the location.
I also successfully managed to avoid getting a rose (although they seemed to be going for the kids this year which is a really good thing). Thank Wassname!
Another friend, Nadia, managed to join us as we were having lunch, so the three of us headed for the market stalls and to watch the knights AGAIN!
On the whole a fun day was had by all. I managed to purchase a book on patterns for my Marudai. Its one that had been suggested to be by Margaret’s mum and cost me more than what it probably should have. It means that I can now attempt more patterns than the spiral one I have managed so far.
Till next time.
Guardian
Monday 19 March 2007
Wedding project
No, Im not getting married!
As I said in my 'Bead Multitasking' post I have been working on something to wear to my cousins wedding at Easter.
I now have two possibilities in non-tarnish silver with green embelishments and am planning a third item that will possibly be non-tarnish brass with green/burgandy embelishments.
I wore the top I had bought for the occasion to a 21st party the other night and am not sure if Im happy wearing it to an event involving the whole family. Or I could always go the other extream and vamp it up a bit (just to annoy them). Its very earthy/elf like anyway, so I could easily do a collar type necklace to wear with it. Im also still trying to decide if I should wear it with jeans or a similar coloured skirt. The other problem with the top is that I can't really wear a jacket over it (due to the floaty wing-like sleaves) which I probably should do in Mt Gambier (one of the coldest places in South Australia).
I think Im going to need to go shopping on the wekend!
I did start to work on a brass and white pearl rosarie for one of my brother's girls last night, but I think I shall have to store that until after Easter.
I probably should go back to work now.
Until next time.
As I said in my 'Bead Multitasking' post I have been working on something to wear to my cousins wedding at Easter.
I now have two possibilities in non-tarnish silver with green embelishments and am planning a third item that will possibly be non-tarnish brass with green/burgandy embelishments.
I wore the top I had bought for the occasion to a 21st party the other night and am not sure if Im happy wearing it to an event involving the whole family. Or I could always go the other extream and vamp it up a bit (just to annoy them). Its very earthy/elf like anyway, so I could easily do a collar type necklace to wear with it. Im also still trying to decide if I should wear it with jeans or a similar coloured skirt. The other problem with the top is that I can't really wear a jacket over it (due to the floaty wing-like sleaves) which I probably should do in Mt Gambier (one of the coldest places in South Australia).
I think Im going to need to go shopping on the wekend!
I did start to work on a brass and white pearl rosarie for one of my brother's girls last night, but I think I shall have to store that until after Easter.
I probably should go back to work now.
Until next time.
Thursday 15 March 2007
Worldbuilding
Of late I have been playing around with a spot of world building (or island building to be more precise).
As yet I havn't named the island itself but I have been working on some of the cities/towns etc found on it. What I have done so far is as follows:
Merlnec-Arden
Twin city located near the entrance to the River Merlnec at the top of the Inner Harbour.
Arden is the smaller of the two cities and sits on the higher side of the river. It is where the wealthier members of the population live and also contains the council hall.
Merlnec has a much higher concentration of people (mainly working class) but is much poorer. There is a large library here that is open to all (except books can't be borrowed). There is also a warf stretching into the Inner Harbour and many of the Crafts practiced on the island have CraftHalls here.
Emmerdale
Small village located at a bend in Chandley Creek.
The people here are noted for their superior hunting and archery skills.
While the main common buildings, such as craft and meeting halls, are at ground level these people are skilled at building their houses higher up in the trees.
Belfus Creek
Town located at the widest inland point of Belfus Creek. The area here and on the opposite bank of the creek are suitable for growing grapes for winemaking. The people here have darker skin tone due to prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
Gilead
Busteling city on the far side of the island. Located in a valley with a river running down its middle this city is noted for its use of terraces for housing and farming. The people here employ blimp like airships as a means of moving from one area of the valley to another. These have not proved useable outside the valley.
Pala
Small town located on an island at the entrance to the Inner Harbour. Originally set up as a fortified outpost it is now home to a temple and place of study. Students who study here are given a token key to wear which enables them free passage throughout the island and ensures them food and a place to sleep without question (during the years they are studying under the masters at Pala).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Info:
There are two calenders in use. The generally accepted one which is much like that which we use, and the harvest one which has 3 periods (sewing, growing and reaping).
The most striking feature of this island is the vast mountain range which runs along its centre. It is heavily forested in most areas but some sections have been terraced or cleared to make roads.
No person may carry a weapon here.
The island is governed by a matriarch (known as Kelda), her consort and a council of delagetes from each of the settlements.
The role of Kelda is usually passed from mother to daughter until there are no more suitable daughters in a family line. The council then seeks a suitable candidate from other families.
There is a fast for 3 days starting at midnight on the day the last of the harvest is brought in. This is followed by a 3 day celebration to give thanks for the harvest.
There is an Ox like animal used in the fields and for cartage between the various places on the island. There are also many varieties of bird and aquatic life.
Serious crimes include:
- Acts resulting in death or perminant disablement of another member of society.
- Damage to the general food stores of the land on which they are grown.
- Deliberate damage to wares or tooles produced or used by a member of one of the specialised crafts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am also toying with the idea that the island is housed entirely within a glass ball on a specially built stand on the mantle of some run down house in the suburbs (a sort of snowglobe) . The people on the island can't see out but we can see in.
Please if you have any suggestions for a name for this island do drop me an email. I was at first considering calling it Haven or Lyonesse but decided these had been overused.
Also if you have any other suggestions or find any fault with my island so far please let me know.
As yet I havn't named the island itself but I have been working on some of the cities/towns etc found on it. What I have done so far is as follows:
Merlnec-Arden
Twin city located near the entrance to the River Merlnec at the top of the Inner Harbour.
Arden is the smaller of the two cities and sits on the higher side of the river. It is where the wealthier members of the population live and also contains the council hall.
Merlnec has a much higher concentration of people (mainly working class) but is much poorer. There is a large library here that is open to all (except books can't be borrowed). There is also a warf stretching into the Inner Harbour and many of the Crafts practiced on the island have CraftHalls here.
Emmerdale
Small village located at a bend in Chandley Creek.
The people here are noted for their superior hunting and archery skills.
While the main common buildings, such as craft and meeting halls, are at ground level these people are skilled at building their houses higher up in the trees.
Belfus Creek
Town located at the widest inland point of Belfus Creek. The area here and on the opposite bank of the creek are suitable for growing grapes for winemaking. The people here have darker skin tone due to prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
Gilead
Busteling city on the far side of the island. Located in a valley with a river running down its middle this city is noted for its use of terraces for housing and farming. The people here employ blimp like airships as a means of moving from one area of the valley to another. These have not proved useable outside the valley.
Pala
Small town located on an island at the entrance to the Inner Harbour. Originally set up as a fortified outpost it is now home to a temple and place of study. Students who study here are given a token key to wear which enables them free passage throughout the island and ensures them food and a place to sleep without question (during the years they are studying under the masters at Pala).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Info:
There are two calenders in use. The generally accepted one which is much like that which we use, and the harvest one which has 3 periods (sewing, growing and reaping).
The most striking feature of this island is the vast mountain range which runs along its centre. It is heavily forested in most areas but some sections have been terraced or cleared to make roads.
No person may carry a weapon here.
The island is governed by a matriarch (known as Kelda), her consort and a council of delagetes from each of the settlements.
The role of Kelda is usually passed from mother to daughter until there are no more suitable daughters in a family line. The council then seeks a suitable candidate from other families.
There is a fast for 3 days starting at midnight on the day the last of the harvest is brought in. This is followed by a 3 day celebration to give thanks for the harvest.
There is an Ox like animal used in the fields and for cartage between the various places on the island. There are also many varieties of bird and aquatic life.
Serious crimes include:
- Acts resulting in death or perminant disablement of another member of society.
- Damage to the general food stores of the land on which they are grown.
- Deliberate damage to wares or tooles produced or used by a member of one of the specialised crafts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am also toying with the idea that the island is housed entirely within a glass ball on a specially built stand on the mantle of some run down house in the suburbs (a sort of snowglobe) . The people on the island can't see out but we can see in.
Please if you have any suggestions for a name for this island do drop me an email. I was at first considering calling it Haven or Lyonesse but decided these had been overused.
Also if you have any other suggestions or find any fault with my island so far please let me know.
Friday 9 March 2007
I think Im slowly going nuts!!!!
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick
Even though im not really a fan of Philip K Dick I felt this quote was rather appropriate for the kind of day im having.
Im trying to get to the bottom of my pile of a hundred odd bank statements so that each and every one of them balance. At least I haven't had a great deal else that had to be done today.
Also today, ive got some things in my folder her at work that I need to transfer to my USB today. I couldn't at lunch because my boss didn't go out anyware. I have sent copies of all the relevant files to one of my other email addresses just in case I can't plug my USB in. I might print a couple of bits off to use tonight.
I really need to sleep in tomorrow morning.
After that I need to get some things ready to email (eg footy tipping sheets to Jannie, Graham and Auntie Val).
Probably should get back to work now.
May the grass be always greener
and the sky a sparkling blue.
May your friends be always at your side
and their love for you be true.
Even though im not really a fan of Philip K Dick I felt this quote was rather appropriate for the kind of day im having.
Im trying to get to the bottom of my pile of a hundred odd bank statements so that each and every one of them balance. At least I haven't had a great deal else that had to be done today.
Also today, ive got some things in my folder her at work that I need to transfer to my USB today. I couldn't at lunch because my boss didn't go out anyware. I have sent copies of all the relevant files to one of my other email addresses just in case I can't plug my USB in. I might print a couple of bits off to use tonight.
I really need to sleep in tomorrow morning.
After that I need to get some things ready to email (eg footy tipping sheets to Jannie, Graham and Auntie Val).
Probably should get back to work now.
May the grass be always greener
and the sky a sparkling blue.
May your friends be always at your side
and their love for you be true.
Monday 5 March 2007
Bead Multitasking
As the title suggests Ive currently got several projects on the go at once.
1) My black and red japanese braid to be combined with beads and chain maille.
I first off decided to do the maille part out of black (enameled copper) wire to make the whole item very black and red. That was until I managed to visit Beads on Parade ( located in the Norwood Mall Shp 13/ 166a The Parade Norwood 5067) who have just go in a range of the most stunning wire I have ever seen.
To be continued... Interrupted by BOSS!!!!!
Vivid wire its called. And they have some georgous colours. Besides that they have non-tarnish silver and brass in both 20 and 18 gauge. So now this necklace will have silver chain maille parts.
2) Another project im working on is something that I can wear to my cousins wedding this easter. I have found a maille pattern I would like to try, only problem is that I can't make the several different sized jump rings needed for it. Now I have to go hunting for some brass rods in different thicknesses so I can get dad to build a device for me to make them on.
There used to be a shop just around the corner from us that sold brass rods that were the perfect length but they have moved onto Seacombe Road now. I will have to find my way through there this weekend to see if they still sell them. Failing that I shall head to Bunnings.
3) Im finnishing off a cross-stitch as well. Its a wedding sampler that I was going to give to a girl I went to school with when she got married, but I didn't get it finished in time and wasn't invited to the wedding. SO Im changing the names and date on it for my cousin's wedding present. It will be finished by easter even if I have to bring it to work and do some at lunch time.
Getting projects 2 and 3 finished are my top priority at the moment. I am not doing anything else this weekend apart from completing these projects (besides getting something to make the jump rings on).
I probably should get back to work now, even though Ive only had half a lunch break. I need to get February balanced by tomorrow. The boss want's to get the transaction report letters out by tomorrow night.
Until I find myself wandering through the forest again....
1) My black and red japanese braid to be combined with beads and chain maille.
I first off decided to do the maille part out of black (enameled copper) wire to make the whole item very black and red. That was until I managed to visit Beads on Parade ( located in the Norwood Mall Shp 13/ 166a The Parade Norwood 5067) who have just go in a range of the most stunning wire I have ever seen.
To be continued... Interrupted by BOSS!!!!!
Vivid wire its called. And they have some georgous colours. Besides that they have non-tarnish silver and brass in both 20 and 18 gauge. So now this necklace will have silver chain maille parts.
2) Another project im working on is something that I can wear to my cousins wedding this easter. I have found a maille pattern I would like to try, only problem is that I can't make the several different sized jump rings needed for it. Now I have to go hunting for some brass rods in different thicknesses so I can get dad to build a device for me to make them on.
There used to be a shop just around the corner from us that sold brass rods that were the perfect length but they have moved onto Seacombe Road now. I will have to find my way through there this weekend to see if they still sell them. Failing that I shall head to Bunnings.
3) Im finnishing off a cross-stitch as well. Its a wedding sampler that I was going to give to a girl I went to school with when she got married, but I didn't get it finished in time and wasn't invited to the wedding. SO Im changing the names and date on it for my cousin's wedding present. It will be finished by easter even if I have to bring it to work and do some at lunch time.
Getting projects 2 and 3 finished are my top priority at the moment. I am not doing anything else this weekend apart from completing these projects (besides getting something to make the jump rings on).
I probably should get back to work now, even though Ive only had half a lunch break. I need to get February balanced by tomorrow. The boss want's to get the transaction report letters out by tomorrow night.
Until I find myself wandering through the forest again....
Thursday 1 March 2007
Car and Cold and Braiding
Well I finally managed to get my car last friday (minus its rear spoiler). It turned out to be one of those days where I basically didn't get a lunch break. It was after 2pm when I was able to go and collect the car because I had to wait till the others at work returned (so there would at least be someone here to answer the phones). Earlier on in the day my cousin had called to say the spoiler had arrived but that there was a noticeable difference in colour, so he had sent it back to be redone.
Once I had got it back to the office Mary, my boss, decided she wanted to see what it looked like, so down we went to the carpark to have a look. 15mins later we were back, so then just as I put my lunch in the microwave, Garry (our other financial planner) decided he wanted to look and for me to take him to collect some lights he had ordered. Fortunatly we didn't have to go far. By this time its after 2:30pm. Finally I managed to get a chance to eat my lunch.
I unfortunatly can not enjoy the new car smell at the moment though. Ive got a cold and can't really smell anything much.
And my mouth tastes like sea water. At least my head doesn't feel like it is going to cave in yet.
I have got to work on a catalogue (or even a website) of what jewellery I currently have for sale and can be ordered. If anyone has any enquiries about my jewellery or The Bead Forest direct them to thebeadforest@gmail.com
Currently Im working on a necklace that is a variation ona chain maille design I saw on the web once. The original had Silver Byzantine chain and Gold Box chain joined together at the front in a sort of 'S' shape with three flat beads holding the curves where they should be. I will be replacing the Box chain with Japanese Braid in black and red (black with a red spiral pattern) and have not yet decided if I should do the Byzantine in silver look or black wire. I have some flat red beads that will look nice as the dividers.
I probably should sign off now and get back to work.
So, till next time
The Guardian
Once I had got it back to the office Mary, my boss, decided she wanted to see what it looked like, so down we went to the carpark to have a look. 15mins later we were back, so then just as I put my lunch in the microwave, Garry (our other financial planner) decided he wanted to look and for me to take him to collect some lights he had ordered. Fortunatly we didn't have to go far. By this time its after 2:30pm. Finally I managed to get a chance to eat my lunch.
I unfortunatly can not enjoy the new car smell at the moment though. Ive got a cold and can't really smell anything much.
And my mouth tastes like sea water. At least my head doesn't feel like it is going to cave in yet.
I have got to work on a catalogue (or even a website) of what jewellery I currently have for sale and can be ordered. If anyone has any enquiries about my jewellery or The Bead Forest direct them to thebeadforest@gmail.com
Currently Im working on a necklace that is a variation ona chain maille design I saw on the web once. The original had Silver Byzantine chain and Gold Box chain joined together at the front in a sort of 'S' shape with three flat beads holding the curves where they should be. I will be replacing the Box chain with Japanese Braid in black and red (black with a red spiral pattern) and have not yet decided if I should do the Byzantine in silver look or black wire. I have some flat red beads that will look nice as the dividers.
I probably should sign off now and get back to work.
So, till next time
The Guardian
Monday 19 February 2007
Medieval Fair 2007
I have just heard that there is going to be a Medieval Fair this year. It will be held in Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills on the 5th and 6th of May. If anyone is interested the website for the event is www.medieval.gumeracha.com.au
It looks like the whole town is going to get involved in the event so it should be a really great weekend. The programme is not up on the site yet but it looks like it may be by the end of February.
This means I only have a short time to make adjustments to my costume. I might consider changing the sleeves and adding a belt of sorts. Will have to have a look at my patterns to see what I can find and probably give mum's newer sewing machine a workout.
Plus I have to get the rest of the tribe organised with costumes!
It looks like the whole town is going to get involved in the event so it should be a really great weekend. The programme is not up on the site yet but it looks like it may be by the end of February.
This means I only have a short time to make adjustments to my costume. I might consider changing the sleeves and adding a belt of sorts. Will have to have a look at my patterns to see what I can find and probably give mum's newer sewing machine a workout.
Plus I have to get the rest of the tribe organised with costumes!
Thursday 15 February 2007
New Car
I have bought a new car!
After looking around for a couple of weekends I decided on a metalic red Mitsubishi Colt.
I am now just waiting on delivery. When I signed the purchase contract they estimated it would be the 17th of Feb (Saturday) that it would be ready for me to pick up. After speaking with my cousin (who works at the dealership where I bought the car) yesterday it may not be ready until Monday or Tuesday.
I have organised my insurance to start on Monday.
I am waiting to hear back from the dealership now re more accurate delivery date.
Am still trying to decide on a name for the new car. Haven't even decided if its male or female.
Oh well im sure ill know once I get it.
Its a long week waiting for it to be ready to take home.
After looking around for a couple of weekends I decided on a metalic red Mitsubishi Colt.
I am now just waiting on delivery. When I signed the purchase contract they estimated it would be the 17th of Feb (Saturday) that it would be ready for me to pick up. After speaking with my cousin (who works at the dealership where I bought the car) yesterday it may not be ready until Monday or Tuesday.
I have organised my insurance to start on Monday.
I am waiting to hear back from the dealership now re more accurate delivery date.
Am still trying to decide on a name for the new car. Haven't even decided if its male or female.
Oh well im sure ill know once I get it.
Its a long week waiting for it to be ready to take home.
Thursday 11 January 2007
Sydney and New Years
Those of you who know me know I spent the hols in Sydney with my sister. She is currently living in a flat on the third floor of an appartment block in Mosman. The city itself is over the harbour bridge from where she is.
As expected it took us two days to get there.
Day one: Tuesday 26 Dec 2006
Left home sometime around 8am and headed up the freeway through Lamaroo and eventually on to Hay (although Im not too sure which towns we went through on the way there), where we stayed the night. Scenery: boreing! I was nearly asleep by about 2:30pm. Had to keep waking myself up. Tried to jot down some notes on our trip but couldn't find anything decent to say except 'straight road with some trees, mainly dead'.
The cabin we were in for the night was small but ok. Mum and Dad had the main bed, I camped on a seriously hard bunk and my sister slept on the couch (although she couldn't be bothered unfolding the sofa bed part so she literally slept on the couch).
Day two: Wednesday 27 Dec 2006
Not so good start to the day. One of our maps showed the road we needed to take as the road the caravan park we were in was on the other showed we needed to go back into Hay and out another road. We chose the first one and added about 40km to our treck.
We decided to head into Sydney by going above it and coming down. Something to do with peek hour traffic. It took about 2 hours to get through the mountains after Bathurst.
We ended up on one of the M tollroads coming into Sydney itself. That's when our car decided not to like us. About 40km out of North Sydney and just after we had gone through the pay by cash toll booth the engine light on the car lit up. So of course dad thinks the worst (as he always does).
We eventually made it to Karen's flat safely, took our stuff inside and went for a walk down (and I mean DOWN) to the end of her street to get her car. She had left it closer to the ferry when she headed off to the airport on christmas eve.
Day three: Thursday 28 December 2006
We were going to visit the Zoo today but because the car was playing up we decided to leave this till tomorrow. Instead we went round the street to the little car service place that we spotted. They were shut for the holidays. Funny thing though, we bumped into someone else that was looking to see if they were open. We talked with these people for a few minutes in which they jokeingly suggested that the people in the area don't get their cars fixed if they break down, they replace them. Shows how upper class the area is.
We ended up calling the NRMA who came very quickly and replaced the alternator, which turned out to be the problem.
Car fixed, we decided to go for a walk to look at the shops along the road at the top of Karen's street. Found a really cool gift shop and a bead shop (unfortunatly their stock was expensive). I bought a book on peyote stitch and some beads that I will eventually make into a necklace for mum.
Karen cut her work day short and took us for a drive to a nearby beach she likes, to see where she works and to her nearest shopping mall. We had dinner at Manly beach and watched the ferry come in and leave again. I got some nice phtos of it in the sunset.
Day four: Friday 29 December 2006
Its really hot and humid today. We are going to the zoo anyway. Despite getting to the gate before 9am (which is when the place opens) we had to park some distance away and walk back.
We were about the10th family in line on the line we chose and there were 2 other lines with similar numbers of people in them. The first stop once we were inside was to find a coffee. Then it was on to this really cool environmentally friendly house they had set up (although im not too sure about having that many creepy crawlies in glass cabinets is a good thing).
There is a massive central food hub in the middle of the zoo that looks like some sort of asian longhouse. I think they made it that way to tie in with the new elephant enclosure they have just recently opened.
There is a huge area blocked off for construction. They are building a new area for all the marine life they have (seals, penguins, dolphin etc). We decided not to go on the skyrail thing.
My cousin Janet, her partner Frank and their 7yo daughter Nelle are travelling down from Jindabyne to see the New Years stuff with us. This means a house reshuffle. Mum and dad in the second bedroom; Karen, Nelle and I in karen's room and Janet and Frank in the loungeroom. That's 7 of us in a small apartment.
Karen went out to dinner with a friend so we all went to a nearby Thai resteraunt. Small and cheep but not too bad.
Day five: Saturday 30 December 2006
Today we took the ferry from Mosman South into Circular Quay then the train to Bondi Junction. From there we caught a bus down to the beach and walked all the way around to Clovelly beach. It might be only 3km but we were all stuffed by the time we got there. At one stage we walked on this really narrow path around a cemetary that was pearched at the top of a cliff. Prime real estate! There were some nice headstones and most were very old.
When we eventually got to Clovelly beach we caught a bus back to Bondi Junction. That was the most terrifying bus ride I have ever been on! It doesn't help that the bus had to go down some very narrow streets where it only just fit between the cars parked on both sides. We worked out why the roundabouts are flat here. Its to allow the busses to go straight over them.
Unfortunatley the bead shop we spotted by Bondi Junction was shut by the time we got back. Time for a coffee, afternoon tea, a look at the shopping centre and back on the train to Circular Quay.
Then back to Karen's where she cooked us dinner (3 versions of the same dish as we all don't like different things) and then we all flaked out. Nelle, Karen and I watched Ice Age 2 and the others just rested.
Day six: Sunday 31 December 2006
Janet, Frank, Nelle and Karen got up early to go for another walk. 6am is too early when you are on holidays! It meant though that we were up, showered and dressed before they returned. We all went down to Balmoral beach (the nearest one to Karen's flat) for breakfast and Nelle went for a swim.
After that we went back on the ferry to Circular Quay (past all the people starting to get their spots to watch the fireworks) then around to Darling Harbour. We wandered up into the Rocks area. Not all of the shops were open (being New Year's Eve and all) but we did find the Ken Duncan gallery. Really cool photography! I bought a calender. There was a nice Irish shop (I love most things Irish). We also saw the cutest teddy bear shop. Not unlike the one on Goodwood Road (in Adelaide) just smaller. We also made our way to the Queen Victoria Building. There is this huge clock showing different scenes from Australian history in the middle of one section of the building. Since it had just been Christmas there was also a tree that was 3 floors high. And covered with Austrian crystal.
Back in Darling Harbour we had dinner and had a look around at a couple of shops.
I didn't realise you could do double exposure photos on a digital camera. But I managed to get my camera to somehow.
We made it back to the last ferry of the evening and headed back to Karen's place for the fireworks. We all went down to the 9pm ones then Janet, Frank and Karen went to the midnight ones. Nelle fell asleep and mum, dad and I had a decent view from the loungeroom window.
Goodbye old year, hello new.
Day seven: 1 January 2007
We headed off today to follow Janet, Frank and Nelle back to Jindabyne. We went over the harbour bridge, then wound our way through a couple of streets (Frank took a wrong exit and we had no choice but to follow) until we got onto the tollroad that would take us out of Sydney towards Canberra. Two tollbooths and a long tunnel later we made it out past the airport. By this time the rain was bucketing down and we could hardly see the road in front of us.
We made it to Jindabyne at about 3pm, had a quick look around at the couple of shops there and then headed out the road to Janet, Frank and Nelle's house. They have a beautiful 2 storey house 20km out of Jindabyne. The scenery is perfect. And so quiet. I camped in Nelle's room with her for the night (on half a single bed - the other half had stuffed toys of varying description on it, including an eewok).
Day eight: 2 January 2007
After a decent coffee for breakfast (mum had taught Janet how to use her coffee machine) we packed up and headed off cross country to Horsham. 9 hours of boreing countryside and a book on Micronations later we eventually arrived at mum's sister and brother-in-law's place in Horsham.
Here we spent a rather enjoyable evening (although I got stuck discussing the share-market with my uncle).
Day nine: 3 January 2007
After breakfast we headed off for home via Bordertown (where dad's sister lives). We made it there just in time for lunch.
Once we got home we unpacked all our gear and headed back to Marion to get a couple of things.
All home safe and sound.
Till next post.
As expected it took us two days to get there.
Day one: Tuesday 26 Dec 2006
Left home sometime around 8am and headed up the freeway through Lamaroo and eventually on to Hay (although Im not too sure which towns we went through on the way there), where we stayed the night. Scenery: boreing! I was nearly asleep by about 2:30pm. Had to keep waking myself up. Tried to jot down some notes on our trip but couldn't find anything decent to say except 'straight road with some trees, mainly dead'.
The cabin we were in for the night was small but ok. Mum and Dad had the main bed, I camped on a seriously hard bunk and my sister slept on the couch (although she couldn't be bothered unfolding the sofa bed part so she literally slept on the couch).
Day two: Wednesday 27 Dec 2006
Not so good start to the day. One of our maps showed the road we needed to take as the road the caravan park we were in was on the other showed we needed to go back into Hay and out another road. We chose the first one and added about 40km to our treck.
We decided to head into Sydney by going above it and coming down. Something to do with peek hour traffic. It took about 2 hours to get through the mountains after Bathurst.
We ended up on one of the M tollroads coming into Sydney itself. That's when our car decided not to like us. About 40km out of North Sydney and just after we had gone through the pay by cash toll booth the engine light on the car lit up. So of course dad thinks the worst (as he always does).
We eventually made it to Karen's flat safely, took our stuff inside and went for a walk down (and I mean DOWN) to the end of her street to get her car. She had left it closer to the ferry when she headed off to the airport on christmas eve.
Day three: Thursday 28 December 2006
We were going to visit the Zoo today but because the car was playing up we decided to leave this till tomorrow. Instead we went round the street to the little car service place that we spotted. They were shut for the holidays. Funny thing though, we bumped into someone else that was looking to see if they were open. We talked with these people for a few minutes in which they jokeingly suggested that the people in the area don't get their cars fixed if they break down, they replace them. Shows how upper class the area is.
We ended up calling the NRMA who came very quickly and replaced the alternator, which turned out to be the problem.
Car fixed, we decided to go for a walk to look at the shops along the road at the top of Karen's street. Found a really cool gift shop and a bead shop (unfortunatly their stock was expensive). I bought a book on peyote stitch and some beads that I will eventually make into a necklace for mum.
Karen cut her work day short and took us for a drive to a nearby beach she likes, to see where she works and to her nearest shopping mall. We had dinner at Manly beach and watched the ferry come in and leave again. I got some nice phtos of it in the sunset.
Day four: Friday 29 December 2006
Its really hot and humid today. We are going to the zoo anyway. Despite getting to the gate before 9am (which is when the place opens) we had to park some distance away and walk back.
We were about the10th family in line on the line we chose and there were 2 other lines with similar numbers of people in them. The first stop once we were inside was to find a coffee. Then it was on to this really cool environmentally friendly house they had set up (although im not too sure about having that many creepy crawlies in glass cabinets is a good thing).
There is a massive central food hub in the middle of the zoo that looks like some sort of asian longhouse. I think they made it that way to tie in with the new elephant enclosure they have just recently opened.
There is a huge area blocked off for construction. They are building a new area for all the marine life they have (seals, penguins, dolphin etc). We decided not to go on the skyrail thing.
My cousin Janet, her partner Frank and their 7yo daughter Nelle are travelling down from Jindabyne to see the New Years stuff with us. This means a house reshuffle. Mum and dad in the second bedroom; Karen, Nelle and I in karen's room and Janet and Frank in the loungeroom. That's 7 of us in a small apartment.
Karen went out to dinner with a friend so we all went to a nearby Thai resteraunt. Small and cheep but not too bad.
Day five: Saturday 30 December 2006
Today we took the ferry from Mosman South into Circular Quay then the train to Bondi Junction. From there we caught a bus down to the beach and walked all the way around to Clovelly beach. It might be only 3km but we were all stuffed by the time we got there. At one stage we walked on this really narrow path around a cemetary that was pearched at the top of a cliff. Prime real estate! There were some nice headstones and most were very old.
When we eventually got to Clovelly beach we caught a bus back to Bondi Junction. That was the most terrifying bus ride I have ever been on! It doesn't help that the bus had to go down some very narrow streets where it only just fit between the cars parked on both sides. We worked out why the roundabouts are flat here. Its to allow the busses to go straight over them.
Unfortunatley the bead shop we spotted by Bondi Junction was shut by the time we got back. Time for a coffee, afternoon tea, a look at the shopping centre and back on the train to Circular Quay.
Then back to Karen's where she cooked us dinner (3 versions of the same dish as we all don't like different things) and then we all flaked out. Nelle, Karen and I watched Ice Age 2 and the others just rested.
Day six: Sunday 31 December 2006
Janet, Frank, Nelle and Karen got up early to go for another walk. 6am is too early when you are on holidays! It meant though that we were up, showered and dressed before they returned. We all went down to Balmoral beach (the nearest one to Karen's flat) for breakfast and Nelle went for a swim.
After that we went back on the ferry to Circular Quay (past all the people starting to get their spots to watch the fireworks) then around to Darling Harbour. We wandered up into the Rocks area. Not all of the shops were open (being New Year's Eve and all) but we did find the Ken Duncan gallery. Really cool photography! I bought a calender. There was a nice Irish shop (I love most things Irish). We also saw the cutest teddy bear shop. Not unlike the one on Goodwood Road (in Adelaide) just smaller. We also made our way to the Queen Victoria Building. There is this huge clock showing different scenes from Australian history in the middle of one section of the building. Since it had just been Christmas there was also a tree that was 3 floors high. And covered with Austrian crystal.
Back in Darling Harbour we had dinner and had a look around at a couple of shops.
I didn't realise you could do double exposure photos on a digital camera. But I managed to get my camera to somehow.
We made it back to the last ferry of the evening and headed back to Karen's place for the fireworks. We all went down to the 9pm ones then Janet, Frank and Karen went to the midnight ones. Nelle fell asleep and mum, dad and I had a decent view from the loungeroom window.
Goodbye old year, hello new.
Day seven: 1 January 2007
We headed off today to follow Janet, Frank and Nelle back to Jindabyne. We went over the harbour bridge, then wound our way through a couple of streets (Frank took a wrong exit and we had no choice but to follow) until we got onto the tollroad that would take us out of Sydney towards Canberra. Two tollbooths and a long tunnel later we made it out past the airport. By this time the rain was bucketing down and we could hardly see the road in front of us.
We made it to Jindabyne at about 3pm, had a quick look around at the couple of shops there and then headed out the road to Janet, Frank and Nelle's house. They have a beautiful 2 storey house 20km out of Jindabyne. The scenery is perfect. And so quiet. I camped in Nelle's room with her for the night (on half a single bed - the other half had stuffed toys of varying description on it, including an eewok).
Day eight: 2 January 2007
After a decent coffee for breakfast (mum had taught Janet how to use her coffee machine) we packed up and headed off cross country to Horsham. 9 hours of boreing countryside and a book on Micronations later we eventually arrived at mum's sister and brother-in-law's place in Horsham.
Here we spent a rather enjoyable evening (although I got stuck discussing the share-market with my uncle).
Day nine: 3 January 2007
After breakfast we headed off for home via Bordertown (where dad's sister lives). We made it there just in time for lunch.
Once we got home we unpacked all our gear and headed back to Marion to get a couple of things.
All home safe and sound.
Till next post.
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