I guess I was a little ahead of myself last week. 20011 (?) Anyway, I do hope you are all safe and well. At the moment I’m listening to the update on the Toowoomba devastation. We drove to Charters Towers yesterday to get supplies and the water along the sides of the highway made me very uneasy, especially as the clouds were threatening on all sides. The road is broken in places and you can see the force of the water as it swept grass and branches before it. I was glad to get home again, until I heard the news. The scenes were horrendous.
I feel for those who are in the path of all this water, how are they managing to cope as they wait to see what is going to hit them? And those who have already been flooded—what will they find when they are finally able to return to their homes? Those who have lost everything in floods, fire or cyclones eventually realise that possessions are only that, but when you first lose everything it is hard to handle. Having lost our possessions in Cyclone Tracy I understand their loss. So I know that we do eventually recover from the loss, though I still miss some little pieces of my past—school photos, etc., which are irreplaceable.
What does soften the blow somewhat, is the unselfish caring shown by people, strangers who step in to help. It is typical of country people, who are used to hardship, to step in and lend a hand. Already donations are pouring in, and offers of assistance from people who want to help. This is a memory these flood victims will carry with them forever. Hopefully our Progress Association will offer some assistance towards helping our fellow Queenslanders.
The loss of livestock must be enormous too. For those that survive the floods, what fodder will they have, once the water recedes? The wet has extended as far as Tasmania but Queensland is suffering its worst floods. Maybe it is time to re think the dam situation in this state?
Undoubtedly, we will all eventually suffer from the loss of produce and grumble about prices, but it is the producers who will feel this disaster for a long time to come. Some will not survive. I feel for you all, it is not the start of 2011 I wished for.
Until next week...
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy 20011.
New year comes every year, but 2011 is a special year : It will start with 1/1/11 & after 10 days, 11/1/11. After 10 months, 1/11/11 & after 10 months & 10 days, it will be 11/11/11. Guess some maths major had time on his hands?
Sort of along the same lines. Did you know that the dates in 1993 matched the days in 2010? Does that mean that 1994 calendar will match 2011? Duh! I just checked and—yes it does. Knew I’d saved these diaries for something.I hope the new year brings good things to us all. At last the sun is shining and life is starting to get back to normal here, at least. What a devastating time Queensland has had. I hope none of you readers have suffered the hardships those further south have suffered.
I rang to find how our former Police Officer, Lynda Collin (nee Shand) and her husband Wayne were doing and am pleased to report that they are not in the flood zone. I imagine, though, they are both pretty busy with assisting those effected in their area.
During the holidays the grass around town has jumped up. Congratulations to our local Fieries for continuing to maintain the appearance of the town and give the town a positive image.
The locals are starting to trickle back from holidays away as work returns to normal. Unfortunately, along with the rain there has been plenty of problems with communications. The internet (satellite) keeps dropping out and I have to try and work around the problems. There has been no use trying to do anything until the weather settles. So many more are using the internet now that there are periods when overload occurs. Like when we were all sending those photos of the floods off to our friends and clogging the system. I’ve also noticed it happens on special occasions and special days when the reception is extra slow. It will be interesting to see what the solution to this will be. If the airways are already clogged I wonder how the Broadband cable will cope. And did those birds that dropped from the sky in USA fly into a clogged satellite path???
Have a great week. Don’t forget Fari returns on Wednesday 19th.
New year comes every year, but 2011 is a special year : It will start with 1/1/11 & after 10 days, 11/1/11. After 10 months, 1/11/11 & after 10 months & 10 days, it will be 11/11/11. Guess some maths major had time on his hands?
Sort of along the same lines. Did you know that the dates in 1993 matched the days in 2010? Does that mean that 1994 calendar will match 2011? Duh! I just checked and—yes it does. Knew I’d saved these diaries for something.I hope the new year brings good things to us all. At last the sun is shining and life is starting to get back to normal here, at least. What a devastating time Queensland has had. I hope none of you readers have suffered the hardships those further south have suffered.
I rang to find how our former Police Officer, Lynda Collin (nee Shand) and her husband Wayne were doing and am pleased to report that they are not in the flood zone. I imagine, though, they are both pretty busy with assisting those effected in their area.
During the holidays the grass around town has jumped up. Congratulations to our local Fieries for continuing to maintain the appearance of the town and give the town a positive image.
The locals are starting to trickle back from holidays away as work returns to normal. Unfortunately, along with the rain there has been plenty of problems with communications. The internet (satellite) keeps dropping out and I have to try and work around the problems. There has been no use trying to do anything until the weather settles. So many more are using the internet now that there are periods when overload occurs. Like when we were all sending those photos of the floods off to our friends and clogging the system. I’ve also noticed it happens on special occasions and special days when the reception is extra slow. It will be interesting to see what the solution to this will be. If the airways are already clogged I wonder how the Broadband cable will cope. And did those birds that dropped from the sky in USA fly into a clogged satellite path???
Have a great week. Don’t forget Fari returns on Wednesday 19th.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Before Christmas Break
And the rain has moved on! Isn’t it wonderful to finally wake up to sunshine? The last storm certainly dumped us a bonus before it moved towards the coast. We got 3 inches Friday night. One of the down sides of progress was that those on the south side of the paved part of Torrens Street had about 4 inches flooding through the yard. Up side is that it washed all the nasties away from the house.
Our friendly fish venders who travel through here regularly were bogged on the Aramac road and stranded all night. Luckily they had their van or it would have been pretty uncomfortable. Bet they were glad when morning, and rescue, arrived, though.
How nice it is to see the Christmas lights around the town. Especially worth mentioning are those on the Police Station. It gives the town a welcome feel to see them flickering for the girls. Hope Santa is good to them. This will probably for the last Christmas as an official building.
The continuing debate about who is smarter—feline or canine?
A Smart Cat Story on today’s news.
A quick-thinking pussycat has saved his owners' house after a fire broke out in the kitchen while they were Christmas shopping.
Five-year-old Pepper has been hailed a hero for his actions - he opened a window, which allowed smoke to escape and alerted neighbours, who contacted firefighters and stopped the fire spreading to the rest of the house.
The cat had learnt to open windows so he could let himself out at night. He would hop on a kitchen bench and turn the latch with his paw.
Owner Sharon White, of Totnes in Devon, said Pepper showed off his window-opening skills at a dinner party.
"Everyone was applauding him, I think it spurred him on," she said.
"He can climb back in through the window by jumping diagonally on to the ledge as well so he really does come and go as he pleases.
"Pepper is still a bit spooked by the ordeal but is still managing to eat plenty of food."
The West Australian December 14, 2010, 7:31 am
Our friendly fish venders who travel through here regularly were bogged on the Aramac road and stranded all night. Luckily they had their van or it would have been pretty uncomfortable. Bet they were glad when morning, and rescue, arrived, though.
How nice it is to see the Christmas lights around the town. Especially worth mentioning are those on the Police Station. It gives the town a welcome feel to see them flickering for the girls. Hope Santa is good to them. This will probably for the last Christmas as an official building.
The continuing debate about who is smarter—feline or canine?
A Smart Cat Story on today’s news.
A quick-thinking pussycat has saved his owners' house after a fire broke out in the kitchen while they were Christmas shopping.
Five-year-old Pepper has been hailed a hero for his actions - he opened a window, which allowed smoke to escape and alerted neighbours, who contacted firefighters and stopped the fire spreading to the rest of the house.
The cat had learnt to open windows so he could let himself out at night. He would hop on a kitchen bench and turn the latch with his paw.
Owner Sharon White, of Totnes in Devon, said Pepper showed off his window-opening skills at a dinner party.
"Everyone was applauding him, I think it spurred him on," she said.
"He can climb back in through the window by jumping diagonally on to the ledge as well so he really does come and go as he pleases.
"Pepper is still a bit spooked by the ordeal but is still managing to eat plenty of food."
The West Australian December 14, 2010, 7:31 am
Monday, December 13, 2010
8th December.
Tuesday a group of concerned locals attended the meeting with the Police officials to hear how discussions re closure of the Torrens Creek’s Police Station. Although the discussion is still open, and emails regarding local needs and concerns are encouraged, it is anticipated that the station will eventually close. As it was pointed out, the station was established when there was a vastly different transport system. Now, with cars and four wheel drives so much quicker than the horse, it is seen to be more necessary to have personnel out in the field. That , combined with the availability of official sites on the internet where registration, etc. can be handled, release officers for more intensive road patrol, and other duties.
Seems another page of our history turns.
Speaking of history. Here are some interesting dates for this week:
Monday 6th - William Arnott, biscuit manufacturer was born 1827,
Tuesday 7th— Sir Robert Lucas Tooth, brewer was born 1844. Interesting the brewer not the biscuit manufacturer got knighted, I think.
Wednesday 8th— the first Australian harvest was made in 1789.
Thursday 9th— “Breaker” Morant born in England 1864.
former Prime Minister born in Bordertown 1929.
Friday 10th— Queensland declared a separate colony in 1859.
Monday 13th—the first stage appearance of Dame Edna Everage in Melbourne, 1955
Tuesday a group of concerned locals attended the meeting with the Police officials to hear how discussions re closure of the Torrens Creek’s Police Station. Although the discussion is still open, and emails regarding local needs and concerns are encouraged, it is anticipated that the station will eventually close. As it was pointed out, the station was established when there was a vastly different transport system. Now, with cars and four wheel drives so much quicker than the horse, it is seen to be more necessary to have personnel out in the field. That , combined with the availability of official sites on the internet where registration, etc. can be handled, release officers for more intensive road patrol, and other duties.
Seems another page of our history turns.
Speaking of history. Here are some interesting dates for this week:
Monday 6th - William Arnott, biscuit manufacturer was born 1827,
Tuesday 7th— Sir Robert Lucas Tooth, brewer was born 1844. Interesting the brewer not the biscuit manufacturer got knighted, I think.
Wednesday 8th— the first Australian harvest was made in 1789.
Thursday 9th— “Breaker” Morant born in England 1864.
former Prime Minister born in Bordertown 1929.
Friday 10th— Queensland declared a separate colony in 1859.
Monday 13th—the first stage appearance of Dame Edna Everage in Melbourne, 1955
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Finally I’m back on line. Hopefully the problem is fixed permanently. It is scary how necessary the internet has become to my life. I guess it is another symptom of the instant gratification generation - and the loss of patience.
This is the last day of November. Only 4 weeks until Christmas and I haven’t even got my cards. The early rain has upset the shopping routine too. Couldn’t get into town last week and now it’s going to be a rush to get all the parcels off in time. Among the many emails waiting to be opened when I got back on line I came across the following message which I thought was worth passing on. Nice to know that other countries approve of what we are doing.
Powerful stuff. May we all learn from it.
This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and very well made. I hope that by passing this along to others, it will make a difference and if just one life is saved, it will all be worth the effort .
I think that Australia should be complimented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV. It is very moving and very life like, so it has a very strong impact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
Some Things are Sent to Try Us. (a character I met last week, with a bit of poetic license .)
He drove up from Isisford,
that’s due south from Longreach,
for a trip he'd carefully planned
in a boat off Mission Beach.
But now beside me at the bar
his ruddy face was bleak
as he explained his presence
here in Torrens Creek.
“This flamin' wet weather
keeps followin' me around -
rained so hard along the coast
I think the fish all drowned.”
His granite face impassive
stern lips gave a bare tweak,
“Now it seems I'm stranded -
be here for another week.
“The road's cut, the creek's up
between here and Barcaldine.
so I'll stay 'til it goes down
and we see some more sunshine.
He sighed and settled on his stool,
Then downed his amber brew,
“Guess I'll chill here awhile
before I can shoot through.
“The beer's good, company too.
lots of peace and quiet,
and actually the menu here
beats my no fish diet.”
His eyes twinkled, he waved his glass
and called for another round,
adding, “So if my wife calls for me
please tell her I can't be found.
“I'll veg. out for awhile
play a round of golf - or more,”
swung his imaginary club
then he hollered “Fore!”
He seemed to be reconciled
to this unforeseen delay
separating him from family
500 kilometres away.
.
This is the last day of November. Only 4 weeks until Christmas and I haven’t even got my cards. The early rain has upset the shopping routine too. Couldn’t get into town last week and now it’s going to be a rush to get all the parcels off in time. Among the many emails waiting to be opened when I got back on line I came across the following message which I thought was worth passing on. Nice to know that other countries approve of what we are doing.
Powerful stuff. May we all learn from it.
This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and very well made. I hope that by passing this along to others, it will make a difference and if just one life is saved, it will all be worth the effort .
I think that Australia should be complimented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV. It is very moving and very life like, so it has a very strong impact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
Some Things are Sent to Try Us. (a character I met last week, with a bit of poetic license .)
He drove up from Isisford,
that’s due south from Longreach,
for a trip he'd carefully planned
in a boat off Mission Beach.
But now beside me at the bar
his ruddy face was bleak
as he explained his presence
here in Torrens Creek.
“This flamin' wet weather
keeps followin' me around -
rained so hard along the coast
I think the fish all drowned.”
His granite face impassive
stern lips gave a bare tweak,
“Now it seems I'm stranded -
be here for another week.
“The road's cut, the creek's up
between here and Barcaldine.
so I'll stay 'til it goes down
and we see some more sunshine.
He sighed and settled on his stool,
Then downed his amber brew,
“Guess I'll chill here awhile
before I can shoot through.
“The beer's good, company too.
lots of peace and quiet,
and actually the menu here
beats my no fish diet.”
His eyes twinkled, he waved his glass
and called for another round,
adding, “So if my wife calls for me
please tell her I can't be found.
“I'll veg. out for awhile
play a round of golf - or more,”
swung his imaginary club
then he hollered “Fore!”
He seemed to be reconciled
to this unforeseen delay
separating him from family
500 kilometres away.
.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November 2.
In keeping with the good news month, our water continues to flow—red. But I have been informed by Ms Keating, the shire’s Health Officer, that an engineering firm, Base IGI, is studying the water situation in Prairie, Stamford and Torrens Creek in an attempt to improve the quality provided. Meanwhile, boil your water until the pump’s fixed.
After losing our Post Office this year we are now told that we are in danger of losing out Police Station as well. A meeting is called for Wednesday, 25th of October to ‘gauge public opinion about policing services in the community’. Despite the short notice, it should be an interesting meeting. For those unable to attend but would like to have input
email PolicingSmallerCommunities@police.qld.gov.au or phone Acting Inspector Joe Kitching on 47268704 within the next week.
A more comprehensive meeting will be held next month, with more adequate warning of time and venue.
So Near and yet So far.
The Aramac—Torrens Creek has always been a bone of contention.
This north-south road cuts the trip south by a day (when weather conditions permit) and affords the Aramac end quicker access to health facilities, especially now their hospital has closed. It also offers the traveller some wonderful sights. Animals, birds and changes of scenery that tourists who are brave enough to travel that road can dine out on their experiences for ever.
Aramac took the initiative and began working at their end, sealing it to make an all weather road. Working steadily through the past couple of years they have sealed up to 30ks from the junction with the Flinders Highway.
Prior to the elections this year, funding for the road’s completion was withdrawn and now, with the wet season approaching the road has been closed to traffic twice already. With a warning of a more serious cyclone season this year how will those living down this road cope? Dept. Main Roads has still not, as yet, responded to my call.
I’ll end this cheery snippet of rural life with this truism:
Two of the greatest qualities in life are: Patience and Wisdom
In keeping with the good news month, our water continues to flow—red. But I have been informed by Ms Keating, the shire’s Health Officer, that an engineering firm, Base IGI, is studying the water situation in Prairie, Stamford and Torrens Creek in an attempt to improve the quality provided. Meanwhile, boil your water until the pump’s fixed.
After losing our Post Office this year we are now told that we are in danger of losing out Police Station as well. A meeting is called for Wednesday, 25th of October to ‘gauge public opinion about policing services in the community’. Despite the short notice, it should be an interesting meeting. For those unable to attend but would like to have input
email PolicingSmallerCommunities@police.qld.gov.au or phone Acting Inspector Joe Kitching on 47268704 within the next week.
A more comprehensive meeting will be held next month, with more adequate warning of time and venue.
So Near and yet So far.
The Aramac—Torrens Creek has always been a bone of contention.
This north-south road cuts the trip south by a day (when weather conditions permit) and affords the Aramac end quicker access to health facilities, especially now their hospital has closed. It also offers the traveller some wonderful sights. Animals, birds and changes of scenery that tourists who are brave enough to travel that road can dine out on their experiences for ever.
Aramac took the initiative and began working at their end, sealing it to make an all weather road. Working steadily through the past couple of years they have sealed up to 30ks from the junction with the Flinders Highway.
Prior to the elections this year, funding for the road’s completion was withdrawn and now, with the wet season approaching the road has been closed to traffic twice already. With a warning of a more serious cyclone season this year how will those living down this road cope? Dept. Main Roads has still not, as yet, responded to my call.
I’ll end this cheery snippet of rural life with this truism:
Two of the greatest qualities in life are: Patience and Wisdom
November 9th.
The annual Torrens Creek Golf Hambrose was played at the beginning of November, quite a bit earlier than usual. The weather stayed fine for the 17 contestants who came to test their skills for the prize of a Christmas Ham. Winners were all locals, Bruce and Liz Grimmer and Pete ? walked away with the goods this year. Well done, guys.
Despite the downturn in tourism due to the higher valued Australian dollar, The Exchange Hotel has been busy hosting busloads of tourists.
One group from Mackay, Golden Oldies, are regular visitors who have ties to the west and travel here annually. They enjoyed a break and a meal on their way further west to Mt. Isa.
Another Oz Tours bus brought some fun-loving sightseers for the night, and naturally they had to leave their mark on the highest point of the famous graffiti bar. To the appreciation of the local patrons.
And the 150th Melbourne Cup was a fun run for those who decided to watch in in company. I’m a bit sorry that Bart didn’t get his 13th win, but isn’t it wonderful how the old cup goes from strength to strength. This win will ensure more overseas contenders and bring in more big bucks. Too bad I didn’t have my money on the winner, and I had picked a couple of ones that were “certain”.
Lateral Thinking (Will this become a new fashion?)
Now I ask you...Who stands and looks at a pair of men's briefs and sayshummmm...I can make a nice summer top from these!! On the other hand...$6 for a three pack is a good price!! Only in America.
The annual Torrens Creek Golf Hambrose was played at the beginning of November, quite a bit earlier than usual. The weather stayed fine for the 17 contestants who came to test their skills for the prize of a Christmas Ham. Winners were all locals, Bruce and Liz Grimmer and Pete ? walked away with the goods this year. Well done, guys.
Despite the downturn in tourism due to the higher valued Australian dollar, The Exchange Hotel has been busy hosting busloads of tourists.
One group from Mackay, Golden Oldies, are regular visitors who have ties to the west and travel here annually. They enjoyed a break and a meal on their way further west to Mt. Isa.
Another Oz Tours bus brought some fun-loving sightseers for the night, and naturally they had to leave their mark on the highest point of the famous graffiti bar. To the appreciation of the local patrons.
And the 150th Melbourne Cup was a fun run for those who decided to watch in in company. I’m a bit sorry that Bart didn’t get his 13th win, but isn’t it wonderful how the old cup goes from strength to strength. This win will ensure more overseas contenders and bring in more big bucks. Too bad I didn’t have my money on the winner, and I had picked a couple of ones that were “certain”.
Lateral Thinking (Will this become a new fashion?)
Now I ask you...Who stands and looks at a pair of men's briefs and sayshummmm...I can make a nice summer top from these!! On the other hand...$6 for a three pack is a good price!! Only in America.
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