Mel's 365 Day Photographic Journey

Photo 36/365

2008-06-30T11:08:00.003+10:00

I'm still trying to get over losing my hard drive. That has been the biggest pain in the ass ... ever! I cannot stress enough to people - back your system up!! Burn your photos, art work or anything else you feel is important to disc! Thankfully, I only lost 2 days worth of photos... but they were special ones, of Pook and Molly. *sigh*

Anyway.. here's photo 36/365 :) It received the most comments and was listed on explore for the day I uploaded it :) I was overwhelmed by all the response, it sure feels good getting great feedback from a hobby you love!

Photo 35/365

2008-06-05T12:11:00.002+10:00

I've been slack lately... been feeling under the weather since my blood sugar levels have been sky high :( We've had to increase my insulin a great deal to get them back under control.. yuckies! anyway... Todays picture is of my sweet Duckie girl.. who finally started laying eggs a few days ago!! :) YEAH DUCKIE!!!! She's finally a member of The Breakfast Club!

2008-06-05T12:04:00.001+10:00

On 5/5/08 my real player updated - when it was finished it asked me for my credit card number ONLY to verify who I was. I would never have signed up to anything with a monthly subscription - as I cannot afford such things. Anyway... after months of saving here and there to buy some camera gear - I finally had what I needed to buy the macro lense, adapter, lens cap, hand strap and a few filters from America.. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. I ran down to the shop where I have to load the money on my prepaid Visa card... I came back home and tried to log on to the site to check that the money had been added - To my absolute shock horror!!!!!!!!! My card has 8+ charges from Real.com - needless to say - I cannot get my camera gear now and I am devastated, angry, confused .. to top it off - there is NO international phone number I can ring for REAL.COM. :( My credit card said I have to contact real.com about it... :( They also told me any further money I load onto the prepaid card can be sucked out by REAL.COM.

After reading some of their forums - I'm not the only one who got sucked into REAL.com's little scheme. I'm not impressed at all.. but being in Australia isn't helping much.. there is really no international support.. I don't know what else to do.

DO NOT TRUST REAL.COM or REAL PLAYER!

Photo 34/365

2008-05-15T19:42:00.005+10:00

I am still dreadfully homesick. Despite being on antidepressants - I am having crying spells.. I just can't seem to shake it.. I don't think any medication can fix this.. my heart is broken over not being able to return home for a visit. All I can do is cry.

Photo 33/365

2008-05-14T14:13:00.003+10:00

Gather ye rose-buds while ye may;
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today,
Tomorrow will be dying.
- Robert Herrick

I'm feeling a bit flat today.. mentally. Physically - I'm feeling pretty good and proud of myself. I've been on the stationary bike and the treadmill this week. The treadmill used to hurt my back - but this time I found myself just breezing along on it :) yeah.. it is starting to make a difference!!! I have some blood work coming up - and I'm scared to death the numbers won't be acceptable. :( we will see I guess.

I'm pretty homesick lately :( I can't seem to shake it - I miss home.. I've sat and cried on more than one occasion about it. I used to be sad because financially I was unable to visit home - but now - physically it would be almost impossible to do so. At least right now anyway. I want to have faith that things will change.. but my illnesses are not ones that will ever get any better... so faith is a little far fetched.

:(

Photo 32/365

2008-05-12T20:26:00.003+10:00

I had to take a week or so to do some much needed things around the house. My girls are sure growing up :) They are so pretty! Duckie has yet to lay an egg.. but I think it's just a matter of days/weeks now :) She will be one of The Breakfast Club soon enough.

Todays picture is a very recent one of my girls, Betty, Lola and Miss Frannie. They faithfully lay us an egg each daily. :) They've made us some lovely tea cakes!

I'm a little more tired lately.. my schedule has been pretty full with doctor appointments and such. My pancreas has been a constant concern for me..I spoke with the GP about it today and he has arranged for some blood work to check the pancreas. Even if my numbers come back low - since I only have a quarter of a pancreas - they may be low - and the pancreas still be very angry. I think they are checking lipase? I think thats the name of the test. I'll check it out tomorrow when I get on the net.

For tonight though.. I'm tired and I'm heading to bed with my puppy.

peace
Mel

Hoax Email Virus Alerts and other things that peeve....

2008-05-02T09:35:00.005+10:00

One of my biggest online pet peeves is junk mail - not just regular junk mail like - the ones that offer to enlarge your breasts or other body parts, or that offer you a green card to work in the states. I'm talking about ones that are forwarded around the net.. the scams, hoax virus alerts, the sick cancer girl poem etc. One of the worse things you can do it take part in these - by forwarding these on - you are just as guilty as the one who created them. I have someone in my contact list who must be addicted to them. She has been on the internet as long as I have - perhaps a year longer. So I know she's aware of what they are - and how to check to see if one is a hoax or a scam.

I think you'd be pretty hard pressed to find someone who enjoys getting those forwards.. ESPECIALLY ... if you add the entire contact list of your mail program to it! What you are doing is basically sharing everyones email addresses around - and potentially exposing them to more crap unwanted emails. I find this particularly distressing, since I have one email address that I use to sign up for various forums etc around the net - and a private on that I ONLY use for close friends or heaven forbid - family. My contact who enjoys this crap - likes to email me these forwards on both of my addresses.. I feel a bit violated.. well, my privacy anyway! :) My private email address is no longer private when this happens.

Besides being a royal pain in the arse - some people may have restricted bandwidth or may be short on time in general - and can't spend 4 hours muddling through forwarded hoax/scam emails to find the 2 or 3 real ones.

To make matters a whole lot worse - I've told this person about it before.. In fact - we had quite a blue after the poor cancer girl poem she sent me. I didn't seem to get it through to her, as I got another one a few days ago. This time - I replied to all.. I was so angry. The email was about a new virus ... supposedly.. called the POSTCARD virus. Anyone who has been on the new 2+ years should know this email is a hoax - intent on causing fear and panic amongst people who believe in it. It's sad.. and it's even more pathetic to pass it on.. The email goes on to tell me that she knows its a real threat because she's checked it out at Snopes dot com personally.. Um.. thats an Urban Legend website. If she had taken a few extra seconds to read the website she would have noticed what kind of site it was..

As if that wasn't enough - at the bottom of the email she added another personal note - that she had actually spoken to someone at Nortons Antivirus - and that they were gearing up to fight this deadly virus that 'burns' your entire SECTOR ZERO.. OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! not the dreaded Sector Zero BURN... Zomg! Also - that it was said on CNN and Microsoft to be the most deadliest virus to ever hit the net. lol Sector what? yeah, thats what I thought too.

Anyway. This is my rant for the week.

STOP SENDING FORWARDS AROUND THE NET PEOPLE.

The death of common courtesy... when did it happen??

2008-04-29T13:26:00.004+10:00

Over the weekend.. we went to the aquarium.*me, hubby and one of his sisters* It was my first real public outing since losing my leg in 2005. We had planned the day nearly 2 weeks earlier.. and since, I could hardly contain my excitement.

I knew there'd be a great deal of walking involved.. I was determined to walk to the entire day. I didn't want to be in the wheelchair. In fact, we didn't even take it.. probably not the best idea.. but with the rush of getting everything else ready - we didn't put it in the car. And besides.. I wanted to walk!

I made my lunch - a ham sandwich, of course.. fat free ham and f/f cheese.. and a small bag of cheese twists. I love those things!. a few pepsi max! gotta have those. I charged up my spare batteries for my camera. I was set.. prepared - or so I thought.

What I hadn't prepared myself for... was the repulsive, general public. I expected a little more common courtesy. Much to my surprise, I found out that there is NO such thing as common courtesy.

The aquarium is multilevel.. with various ramps, (evil)stairs, and lifts.. clearly marked - Disabled and Pram use only.. with another sign that stated - priority given for persons with special mobility requirements. I thought, having only one leg, walking with a prosthetic foot with the use of a cane - qualified me as having special mobility requirements.. My foot does not have an ankle that moves - so ramps or inclines can be pretty deadly for me. So in between floors, the first couple of times - we tried to take the lift.. only to find the line to do so packed with not just prams - but the entire party that went along with the pram.. Mum, the pram, 2-4 other children, Dad and sometimes 2-3 other adults as well.. the lifts have a maxium of 8 person.. I found myself having to stand in a line for a long, long.. and wait for the 2nd or even 3rd lift. Some people - had no prams at all.. no children either. They just didn't want to take the ramps or stairs.

We finally decided to try and take a ramp - leading down - thats much easier than trying to walk up a ramp we thought.. Sadly.. behind me was a couple with their 2 children. The entire way down the ramp - the children took turns either kicking my walking stick - or stomping on the back of my heels. Certainly the parents had to notice them tripping me up.. or .. maybe they didn't.. who knows.. but it was quite disappointing.

Oh well.. thats my rant for the week. People just have zero concern for others around them anymore. Common courtesy is a thing of the past... it's dead and gone.

Photo 31/365

2008-04-29T13:16:00.002+10:00

Wow... I can't believe this is my 31st photo entry!! Yeah.. only 334 more to go!!

I bought these lilies on Thursday late week. None of them were open - and it didn't state what colour or kind they were.. so they were a bit of a mystery.. I was pleasantly surprised when I found the first one open! They are just stunning. The white ones I had a few weeks ago were beautiful.... but these are breath taking! I adore the black polka dots on them! and the fact that the smaller ones have opened and are a yellow colour! soooo pretty.

I hope they last as long as the white ones. The one thing I noticed... whilst they are more beautiful than the white ones... they have zero smell :( The white ones filled the entire house with their sweet perfume. Oh well.. I love them just the same!

Photo 30/365 - The Alien Egg

2008-04-24T21:27:00.004+10:00

Well... here is Miss Lola's first egg - aka..The Alien Egg. It's so odd ... :) But I am proud of her anyway. She laid another egg today.. it's was speckled with white.. it looked like the inside of the egg was on the outside.. poor thing.. she is trying. I know she will get it right soon enough.

Anyway... 2 more sleeps before our outing to the aquarium.. I'm excited, to say the very least!!! I am so looking forward to it. The day itself will be cold and maybe rain.. but that won't bother us inside the auarium.. it may put a damper on eating lunch outside - or taking photos of Melbourne after.. We will see how we go :)

I'm off to bed for now.. I've been working around the yard for most of the week and I'm beat down tired!

cheers
M

YEAH !!!! Little Lola laid an egg....

2008-04-23T17:30:00.002+10:00

Or.. what is suppose to be an egg! It was a very good effort for the young girl - especially being the smallest in size of the four. Not to mention - having Betty screeching the entire time she was laying it.. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow as I am so tired I can barely stand this evening.. it will be a very early night for me. I got up this morning at 3am.... so I'm exhausted!!

Cheers :)

M

Photo 29/365 - A very angry hen!!

2008-04-23T11:42:00.003+10:00

If you ever wondered what a chicken looks like when they are truly mad as hell.. well - this is what they probably look like. Betty has been a naughty little chicken for the past week now.. It started with her usual bossing young Lola around. Then.. whilst G and I enjoyed a refreshing pepsi after some hard yard work - Betty decided to 'mount' Lola at our feet.

We were not impressed by her actions.. I shooed her away from Lola. I know they have a 'pecking order' and all.. but she had gone too far. LOL

Then yesterday - I was doing some work around the house when all of a sudden I heard a very distressed Betty clucking and screeching. I ran down the pathway as fast as I could.. I found Betty on the ramp in the chicken coop - leading up to her nesting area. She and Frannie share the same laying area - Frannie lays in the morning between 7-9 am and then Betty usually lays in the afternoon 12-2pm. Anyway.. Betty is standing there clucking, screeching and flapping her wings.. she looks and sounds like a fox is after her and she's scared to death. I look in the coop - in Betty's laying area - and there is little Lola.. sitting sweetly .. she looked so innocent... like she didn't even know why she was there - much less why Betty was so angry and disturbed by it.

I talked Betty out of the coop, and watched young Lola for a bit. She was so adorable! She was sitting down - but gathering strands of hay - one piece at a time and pulling them up around her body.. It was the sweetest thing to watch.. poor little thing - she didn't know why she was there.. she got up about 30 minutes later - no egg. But she is preparing just in case. I don't know what they are going to do.. the three of them. All that space and they all want that nesting area! I think it's the prime location because they can sit with their little back up against the coop corner and still see the doorway. Probably the 'safest' place.. I hope they can work it out.. lol.. without too much clucking!

M

A Graduation ... well sort of...

2008-04-22T09:49:00.002+10:00

I ran across a video that made me cry.. Despite having spent the majority of 2005 in the hospital - I never thought about what happens to children who grow up spending most of their time at the hospital.. what happens when they become young adults. .. at what age do they stop going to the pediatric centres that they have spent their lives attending - or living in.

Anyway.. I watched this "Emotional Goodbye at Children's Hospital .. it's a 'graduation' ceremony for several young adults at a childrens hospital in Sydney.. they were old enough to move on to the adult care. One young man had been cared for by the same doctor there for 17 years!! it was an emotional video - but also happy in some ways. I love how they put on this ceremony for them.

For some reason - I couldn't actually link directly to the video - but if you follow the link - the story is about half way down the page with the video link :)

Cheers
M

Photo 28/365

2008-04-22T09:33:00.003+10:00

Wow.. can't believe I haven't posted here since Friday.. I had so much to do over the weekend.,.. and yet, it seems like I've done very little. The chickens are quite happy their little house was cleaned from top to bottom and they have new hay to scratch around in. G played around with Big Boop... when he was raking some hay around in the coop she was trying to get a look at what he was doing and he must have threw some hay her way - she went running away squawking and then crowed a little.

A few hours after that - G and I were enjoying a much deserved ice cold pepsi max at the picnic table.. when G said to me, "What is your chicken doing to Lola".... I looked down and much to my horror....... Big ole Betty had Lola on the ground and had mounted her :( umm... errr.... Betty is female and so is Lola.. so what on gods earth did she think she was doing to her? I wonder if thats normal? Betty sometimes does think she's a rooster I think... she is the oldest female and clearly at the top of the pecking order - so she may very have filled the void of not having a rooster in the yard. I made her stop - whatever her intentions were - they made me feel a little uncomfortable - but probably not nearly as uncomfortable as poor Lola. One day, I feel certain, she will avenge all the that has been done to her by Boop.

I managed to clear and sweep the entire length of the pathway and G cut the big branches I removed the from apple tree weeks ago. He cut and stacked them just inside the veggie patch out of the way :) So we did get enough done over the weekend to tire us.. I still need to pick up the rubbish around the yard and sweep the car port. There's so much to be done before the new fence goes up - and before that dreaded home visit by the OT.

Yesterday I went to the see the therapist - I hadn't seen her since about November last year.. she was simply amazed at how well I'm doing physically and above all - mentally. I told her I had just plainly had enough of all the 'bad' stuff - feeling sorry for myself, allowing myself to be the emotional dumping ground for that cousin of mine who only calls to tell me something horrible has happened to her - but never seems to have a shoulder or ear when I am in need.. the cousin who told me - "You'll never be as sick as me".... what kind of person compares illnesses like that?

I have taken my life back - from all ... I am the master of my ship.. I want to live again.

Photo 27/365 - It's Friday YEAH!!

2008-04-18T14:04:00.002+10:00

Yeah - it's Friday!! I was so thrilled to get this shot of Lola a few days ago. I was outside sitting at the picnic table watching the chickens scratch around. The other chairs are turned against the table because it's been so windy.. Lola - who is the most curious of the bunch - couldn't help but want to know what was going on above the table. So.. jumped up on the over turned chair's leg and kept poking her head above the edge of the table.. I managed to get this shot of her on her 3rd peek :) She's so adorable :) Lola will be the next in line to lay eggs, as her comb and wattles are much larger and more red than Duckies.

I probably won't be able to take many photos this weekend - we have so much to do in the gardens.. both front and back need a mow and be weeded..the chicken coop is in desperate need of some cleaning. And the entire length of the back fence line needs to be cleaning, weeded and cleared of any and all debris - to get ready for the new fence thats going in soon. I am so not looking forward to that day, as the chickens will have to stay in their coop... Betty has the loudest beak!!! if I sleep in or don't let them out on time she starts to squawking!!

Photo 26/365

2008-04-17T20:54:00.004+10:00

This photo was taken with the old camera.. but it's still one of my favorites. I love taking shots from this angle.. :)

We've made plans for a real outing!! 26 April we are going to the Aquarium in Melbourne, lunch on th Yarra (I have to bring my own though) and then take some photos around Melbourne if I'm not too tired.. and if I can still walk.

Me, hubby and his sister are going - we missed her birthday in Feb - so we are paying her way and her lunch :) There's much excitement because I have not gone to anything like this since I lost my leg... so its a HUGE thing.. I don't know how I'm going to make it the next week - I'm just too excited... Did I say I was excited enough?? I look forward to posting some good fish shots when I get back :) Hopefully, the 'aquarium' setting on my camera actually works :)

Happiness.. & Photo 25/365

2008-04-15T05:31:00.004+10:00

:) I knew I had wasted Sunday! My doctor appointments went really well. I'm absolutely over the moon with my visit to the dietitian's office.. The little changes I've made are still helping the weight to drop slowly... which is exactly how I want it to drop.

For the first 8 1/2 months of 2005, I was unable to eat or drink and spent most of that time in hospital on i.v's feeding me. The pancreas was quite angry and everytime they would discharge me from hospital, sometimes within hours, I'd be right back in the ward. Even when I was home, all I could eat was jello and chicken broth - I dropped about 35 kilos(quickly), and they actually feared I'd starve to death.. thats when they put me on the protein shakes. They were yummy.. probably too yummy.

Into 2006 - I was deeply depressed.. I sat at home feeling sorry for myself - I wasn't living - I was waiting to die.. and perhaps, wanting and wishing to die as well. I mourned like you would the passing of a loved one, over the loss my leg.. well foot rather. I packed on a massive 60 kilos.

It wasn't until around July 2007, that I realised, WOW... perhaps I'm going to make it. Maybe I can go on.. and just how selfish I was being for NOT moving forward and making the most out of everyday I have.. after all, I was given a second chance at life... by the angels in the emergency room.. and those who lovingly cared for me in the ward, ICU unit, the physio's who taught me how to walk again - and those who still care for me today. I am fortunate enough to live in a country where I don't have to worry about.. whether I am going to be able to afford life saving treatment or medication. I am thankful.

So - here I am... 3 years, 4 months and 3 days later - I'm still alive... and even better - I AM LIVING.

After the dietitian appointment went extremely well - I moved on to the pain clinic. Apparently, whilst G and I moved the old tv unit (about 4 weeks ago)to make room for my big snazzy new plasma tv.. I pinched a nerve at the c8.. I think thats what he said.. it's the bone in the spine near the base of the neck. Since we moved the old big clunky tv - the last two fingers on each hand had suffered pins and needles.. really severe at times. Anyway, the exercises I've been given to help ease the pinched nerve has really helped. .. so I'm very pleased with that as well.

Oh my, I've rambled off in this post! so I'll just end it by saying.. I don't know why I dreaded yesterday - everything went really really well :)

-M

Photo 24/365

2008-04-13T22:27:00.001+10:00

Originally uploaded by pookado

I have spent the better part of today - dreading tomorrow. What a complete waste.. I am dreading tomorrow because I have 3 doctor appointments., starting at 1:00 -Dietian.. thats the one I fear the most. then 2:00 at the hospital Pain Clinic.. and topping it off with a 3:45 at the GP's office. I try to make appointments for Mondays - that way I cannot ring the day before, and cancel. At least I can take some comfort in knowing that once I finish the dietian and pain clinic appointments - I won't have to endure them for at least 3-6 months.

I had been doing so well with the weightloss.. I lost 12-14 kilos.. and then something happened and I gained 2 kilos back. I was devastated. Then I lost 2kilos and then gained 400g back. I know it's my total lack of commitment to any sort of exercise regimen... and the fact that I don't drink enough water. (Hence, the photo of the day).

Day 24/365 - I've missed few days here and there.. but, honestly I'm trying to keep up :) I'm loving my camera.. and I've saved up some money to buy some camera gear from the US. :) I can hardly wait to get my macro lens!!!!! I won't want to put the camera down for days!!

Anyhooo.. I better get some sleep before all those appointments tomorrow..

cheers

Please click on the map....

2008-04-11T18:17:00.004+10:00

Please please, someone click on the little world globe in the left side bar :) and add a pin where you are in the world.. I've been checking it every single day :( and no one ever adds one.

It is at the very bottom of the side bar stuff..
Please someone do it so I know someone is reading this garbage :)

Mel

Photo 23/365 - THE EGG!!!

2008-04-11T18:12:00.004+10:00

I think the picture tells it all - Miss Frannie has laid her first egg. I am thrilled by the girls little effort. It's a small brown egg, but perfect in shape and colour. I never thought a chicken laying an egg would make me so happy. I love my animals and I'm so thankful to have them :) Now... there is 2 hens in The Breakfast Club who are laying.. Still 2 freeloading.. but it won't be too long and all 4 will be laying. WOW that will be a lot of eggs.

I made 2 or 3 spelling/grammar errors in the above photoshop creation.. thankfully, I can go back and fix it as I saved the .psd file. :) Sadly, if I upload it to flickr - and delete the error one - I'll lose all my comments that I've already received on it.. so I may just leave it like that :)

Photo 22/365

2008-04-10T23:08:00.002+10:00

Roses - Photo 21/365

2008-04-08T20:33:00.001+10:00

Roses
Originally uploaded by pookado

My roses have died.... they were beautiuful when I bought them - and even now that they are dried up, they are still gorgeous. I spent a great deal of time today photographing them and the chickens, of course.

I wanted to blog today about the Olympic torch relay.. but I haven't the energy to search for the information to whinge about.. I'll do that tomorrow after some much needed retail therapy.

Beautiful Day - Photo 20/365

2008-04-07T18:31:00.004+10:00

Photo 20/365
Originally uploaded by pookado

Beautiful Day - G and I went to Avalon Beach to take some photos.. I was so happy to see these gorgeous pelicans enjoying themselves. The sky seem to mirror the ocean in an amazing blue colour. I was so happy we decided to go out today. I spent the afternoon in photoshop playing around with these photos.. I got so many, I didn't know which to choose...

Hopefully soon, I'll be able to buy better software to edit my photos. I like photoshop - but I think it's a little advanced for my skills.. or lack thereof. I also have Paint Shop Pro(an old version) - but that strips the exif(?) information from the photos. I think thats what it's called. I am in desperate need of a lens adapter for my camera - so I can buy a macro and a telephoto lens. I wish I had known that I needed the adapter before I bought the camera - G would have probably bought it for me then! I get so excited at the thought of new camera gear lol It's very sad. I should start a camera gear fund because I'm so poor.

Photo 19/365

2008-04-07T18:07:00.003+10:00

This one is for yesterday - I spent most of the day sleeping because I wasn't feeling well.. when I did get up, I just fumbled around in photoshop. So, this is photo 19 out of 365.. Posting a photo and a few sentences a day is a lot harder than I thought it would be. My hat goes off to all those who blog every day - sometimes more than one entry to their blog. I honestly don't know how they find the time and the energy for it. I am going to buckle down and spend more time on it. I think it would help if I knew someone was reading this garbage I'm posting... or at least looking at my photography.

I wonder who these people are - who blog daily.. where they are.. and most importantly, why they blog. Hmm..

That dreaded exercise bike is calling out to me. I honestly do hate that thing.. that thing I begged for.. that horrid thing I researched and picked out myself. acckk

Protecting all children on the net..

2008-04-05T16:24:00.015+11:00

Please watch your children on the net people - know who they are talking to... take the steps you need to protect them - and then... go back and take several more steps. Don't allow those vile, nasty monsters who lurk on the net into your homes - they are there.. waiting to find a vulnerable child.. If it's not your child, it will be 'someones' child! More has to be done to fight these monsters.

If you think it can't happen to you or your child - someone you know, their child.. watch this video.. This young woman is 19 years old now - 5 years after her horrific ordeal she is able to speak out about it. She is there telling her story because there were internet laws and special taskforces in place to protect children on the net from pedophiles.

If there are no such laws in place where you live - ask why not - demand protection.

What a courageous and brave young woman she is for telling her story.

Everyone can a difference - make a small donation to PROTECT. So they can continue to protect children from abuse, exploitation and neglect. I can't think of a better way to spend money than to protect a child, can you?

TRUTH about child exploitation Video from Promise to Protect.

Photo 18/365

2008-04-05T14:23:00.008+11:00

I spotted this vine wrapped around several blades of grass - and immediately thought it looked like a hostage situation. The poor unsuspecting grass never stood a chance againts the vile, savage green vine. It was twirled around and around the entire length of the grass. The vine has won.

It's Saturday - the plans I made for today - like always, aren't going to be done. The plan was to pick up precriptions from the chemist, tidy up the backyard and clean the chicken coop. I managed to pick up the medicines from the chemist.. grab some bread from the shops.. and I'm home sitting infront of this computer. Oh,.. and I'm baking an english tea cake. Its smells marvelous!

The backyard and the chicken coop will have to wait until tomorrow. I just can't manage to drag myself from the comfort of this warm chair.

Photo 17/365

2008-04-04T19:38:00.006+11:00

I really enjoyed photographing these flowers. I had run out of things to photograph so I picked up some fresh cut flowers from the supermarket. The smell of the car on the way home was amazing.. a mixture of roses and carnations - it was heaven! I put them in a lovely vase beside my bed. I took many photos of them.. they are starting to wither and die now.. but I've decided to get some more.. it's something I may start to do on a regular basis. They made me feel special, even though I bought them for myself. If I sit around waiting for someone else to buy me flowers - well.... I'd be sitting for a while!

Missed yesterday :( Photo 16/365

2008-04-04T19:26:00.011+11:00

Ooops.. I missed yesterdays photo blog entry.. so I'll do two for today. I took this photo today of Betty.. she sure is Miss Diva when she wants to be. She never lets up on poor Lola.. Every chance she gets she peeks at her and chases her away.

I don't know why she hates her so much. I guess because she's the smallest of the four. Someday Lola will seek her revenge on the aging Boop.

I wanted to get out tonight and take some night shots of Geelong...but the likelihood of that happening is very slim. My hands have given me a lot of grief today. My shutter finger went numb for a while. :(
*sigh*

I hope to get out and take some photos over the weekend if the weather permits.

Bad Daddy - Photo 15/365

2008-04-02T02:09:00.004+11:00

Bad Daddy - Photo 15/365
Originally uploaded by pookado

I spent the afternoon chatting with my sweetheart, Maggie. She hasn't been feeling well for a few days. G decided to buy a new brand of dog food.. and her usual stomach of steel, just couldn't handle it.

I love it when you talk to them and they turn their head from side to side... as if they are trying their hardest to take in every single word you are saying to them. Such amazing little creatures.. so loving and kind.

Maggie turns five years old in 8 days! I can't wait.. I'm going to buy her some new bling, toys that squeak, a new blanket, and anything else that catches my eye. We have a new pet shop here in Geelong.. it's HUGE!!! and they have the cutest dog clothes :) I'll make sure and post pics of everything she gets :)
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If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown>

Photo 14/365 - Your Soul is Alive..

2008-04-01T13:47:00.004+11:00

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.

~ Eleonora Duse

Photo 13/365 St. Mary of the Angels

2008-03-31T19:51:00.006+11:00

I tried to think of just what I did today - hmmm... lets see.. I sat in the car for what seemed to be hours waiting on G at the doctors office. I can't really complain - he did sit at my bedside for most of 2005. Then we went to the hospital to pick up some medication for me - whilst they filled the prescription we drove around and around looking for Camera House. We never did find it - but we are 'almost' sure it's actually inside the mall area and not on the street.

We went back to the hospital and picked up the medication and on the way out of the city we stopped by this beautiful church so I could take a few pictures. I've been wanting to photograph this beauty for years and just never got around to it. Of course, as soon as I pulled the camera out those nasty clouds found us... I'm starting to think the camera is jinxed or something. The weather has been terrible since I got the thing.

Anyway... I wasn't able to get any really great shots of the church. I will make a point to go back when it's sunny and nice. I also forgot the name of it :( I believe it was ... St. Mary of The Angels. I will also check on the name when I go back.

The Diva is scratching at my arm - its time to watch tv and cuddle.. She can tell time ya know..

A Day Along The Coast

2008-03-30T02:01:00.005+11:00

Photo 12/365 - Queenscliff Pier

I finally got G out of the house for a little while. I had asked him earlier in the week to go with me to take some photos. I don't mind going alone - but when I'm looking through the lens I tend to not pay much attention to whats going on around me.. that can be dangerous for many reasons. So, when I asked earlier in the week - he said if I waited until the weekend he'd go with me. I packed us some sandwiches and drinks, gathered all the camera gear and off we went. He suggested we go to Queenscliff and since I'd never been there that was ok with me. It was pretty cloudy, but I still managed to get a few nice shots. I tried playing around with different settings on the camera that I hadn't used.. despite the rain following us down the coastline - it was a nice afternoon. G seemed to enjoy himself as well.. WOW... G, there is life besides World of Warcraft!

The colours of the blog is starting to grind a bit on my nerves - so I'll be changing it in a little while - or at least tomorrow some time!!

Photo 11/365

2008-03-29T08:57:00.006+11:00

I spend a great deal of time photographing this particular bush/flower. There's a very good reason for this at the moment. You see, the chickens are free-ranging during the day - they have a hen house they sleep in during the day - but at the moment, the hen house it'self isn't in an enclosure. We do plan on building a huge wire cage around the hen house so they are free to go in and out of the hen house without an fear of predators. So.. Betty, Duckie, Lola and Frannie have managed to not only eat every single bug in the yard - they've eaten what was left of the grass and flowers. I don't have much left to take photos of. G is loving it - as they are like having a bunch of little lawn mowers running around the backyard. This bush/flower has really big thorns on it - so the chooks don't go near it.

Photo 10/365

2008-03-27T21:26:00.009+11:00

Now that I've finished that insane ranting below lol I'll post my photo 10/365 I have a 'thing' about barb wire. I never pass up a chance to photograph it, the rustier the better..

This was taken at the base of the You Yangs Reginal Park. I was actually taking a photo of a single tree in the middle of a large field when I noticed the fence. The fence then became the focus of my attention. I loved it and told G that it would be the best photo of the day.. For me, it was :) - M

The Soap Box Rant of the Week!! Keeping it Real!!

2008-03-27T20:03:00.007+11:00

I am starting to see a growing trend on Flickr, and I think it downright stinks.. I've been a member there since late 2004/early 2005.. and, wow! has it changed.

Anyway.. back to the rant - I've noticed people who have absolutely fabulous camera set-ups.. aren't happy to take great photos and just post it to the 1,000+ groups they are members of.. no, they have to first take the great photo into photoshop or other editing program and totally crap it up. I don't mean that their photos are 'crap'.. not in the least. I would never call someone else's photos or art 'crap'.. and who am I to judge that. I'll give you an example of what I'm ranting on tonight.

Whilst surfing through a group that I'm a member of.. I noticed a few pictures from this one member.. he has an amazing camera.. but every single photo of his is over-photoshoppped.. I don't mean he's just resized them, cropped, changed the contrast etc - (I use photoshop too, I always crop and resize and sometimes I even add a drop shadow to the edge of the photo to make it look nice on the web..) I mean he's added elements that more than likely were not even in the original photo.. like rainbows, puffy clouds and grass the greenest I've ever seen.. etc. I found it amazing that every single place this guy goes to take his photos - he just happens to be there when theres been a storm, or theres one coming and WOW what do you know, ......... there's even a rainbow to boot!! Whats even more amazing is that he has people commenting like. "wow blah blah, what an amazing capure, awesome shot, you've got a great eye" etc..

What this guy has.... is the ability to use photoshop. I am so harsh on this guy because he's submitted photos of Geelong - where I live. I know what places look like around here.. he's altered them tremendously. It's cool to do this if you state that the photo has been altered using photoshop.. but to publish them to groups that state, "No heavily photoshopped pictures allowed.".. knowing full well what you've done is just not right.

I just cannot understand how people can do this sort of thing. I just could never do it.

So, for the record - I always crop, resize, add my name(a must) and a drop shadow to most of my photographs.. If I don't state that it's been altered in any other way - it hasn't. Just keeping it real..

M

A few days rest.. Pic 9/365

2008-03-26T11:38:00.006+11:00

Photo 9/365

I took a few days and got some rest.. I felt so bad that I packed the dreaded hospital bag. Thankfully, I haven't had to use it in a while. I'm feeling a little better today - probably because I'm heading out to do some retail therapy. :)

Photo 9/365 is of my favorite girl in whole world!! Maggie. Before this picture was taken, she was sitting on the pink pillow with the sunlight coming through the blinds onto her little face.. She was, as always, adorable. When I'd talk to her, she would turn her little head from side to side. I love when dogs do that. I tried to reach for the camera without her knowing.. no such luck... as soon as she heard it turn on, she went into cllllazzzy-attack-puppy mode..and the game was on. She attacked the camera, me and then went for Nanna Molly.

This was the only photo of the pook that turned out ok.. the rest were just of white blurs of fur and teeth flashing by. She's such a nut sometimes.

Well, I'm off for that therapy now - I'm hoping to find a nice camera bag.. I want a colourful one.. perhaps an orange one :) that would suit me just fine. All the ones that I've been able to find so far have been black, or grey.. or black with grey trim. Grey with red trim, or red with silver/grey or black trim. :( Y-U-C-K! Why are they all so boring?

Happy Easter 2008 - 8/365

2008-03-23T23:03:00.004+11:00

Happy Easter 2008
Originally uploaded by pookado

Photo 8/365

Happy Easter to you! :) Hope you had a wonderful day and didn't eat too much goodies!

I took the picture a few days ago and then spent hours playing in Photoshop - hope it brightens someone's day.

Cheerio
Mel

Ahh oh well !

2008-03-23T20:31:00.014+11:00

Oh well.. Frannie must have gotten her days mixed up. There was only one egg in the hen house today, Bettys, of course.. I checked all around the yard thinking perhaps she had, in the spirit of Easter, hidden the little gem for me to find. She's either a really good egg hider, or she just didn't lay me that Easter Egg we had talked about for weeks. I'm sure the neighbours were thinking, "Haha, look at that crazy American outside in her p.j.s looking for eggs." I guess it wouldn't have been so bad if there were children with me - or anyone else except for the 4 chickens. But of well, at least I entertained them for a little while. :)

Easter Eggs - 7/365

2008-03-23T05:06:00.019+11:00

Photo 7/365

Good morning.. Fingers crossed everyone, today will be the day Frannie lays her first egg.. It's Easter after all. Her comb and wattles have progressively gotten redder over the past few weeks. So thats a great sign that eggs are just around the corner.

I've also noticed since the really bad heat - they appear to not feel well. I'm going to try some sugar in their water and see if that perks them up. And, I'll do some more searching around the net for advice on how to help my 'Breakfast Club' girls out.
Ok.. I've come to a conclusion about this 365 day photographic journey. I'm going to have to change the rules a little bit. I was going to post a picture everyday - that I had taken on that specific day. I have found out, being on day 7, now.. that it may be impossible for me to
post a newly taken photo every single day.. for several reasons.. 1. I may just be too sick to get out and photograph anything. 2. The weather may not be so kind. 3. I'd waste so many other great photos from the days when I was able to get out.. So... I'll post as least 1 photo every day of something I want to share.. something I need or feel like talking about. It may be an actual photograph or something I've made in photoshop etc. I stand a better chance of keeping the blog going if I change the rules to suit me a little better :) I'm still surprised I'm on day 7 already. 365 should go by fast. *rolls eyes*

I'll post a picture of Frannie's Easter Egg - if the blessed event occurs :)
cheers - M

I hate the holidays - all of them.. 6/365

2008-03-23T00:09:00.010+11:00

Pic 6/365

I spent most of the day playing around in photoshop. It's been so long since I've done anything creative - or at least put forth an effort. Photoshop has come a long way since I used it, and I think it's going to take some getting use to.
I didn't take a single photo today - I know it's bad.. but ever since hubby and I moved the new tv in - I've had pins and needles on the sides of both my hands. The pinky finger and along the sides of the hand goes almost numb. Today is was quite bothersome. I guess I pinched a nerve or something. That old tv weighed as much as small car! The nice new plasma is slim and seksy. We love it! :) I was so happy when the old clunker bite the dust. I had wished that for several years.. and even thought about 'helping' it along.
I hate the holidays, all of them. They remind me that I have no family. Well.. I have family, but I use the term 'family' very lightly. It's too painful to think about most days. When I do go to that place.. I'm not the strong woman of today - I'm the scared, neglected and abandoned child. No amount of therapy or medication can take away that pain. Don't get me wrong - I'm not playing the sympathy card.. Just telling it like it is.. Anyway.. My photoshop pic shows the mood I was in today - the message is good - but there's a lot of darkness surrounding it.
I hate the holidays..

Sweet Nan - 5/365

2008-03-21T23:53:00.002+11:00

Sweet Nan
Originally uploaded by pookado

Photo 5/365

Just like yesterdays blog entry.. I'm pushing this one even later than last nights!

I didn't feel well today - spent the morning sleeping until around noon. When I did manage to go outside to take photos.. the old girl came with me. She always loves the camera.. and quite happily sat and smiled for a few. Well.. more than a few. Tomorrow I'm going to make a mosaic with all her photos :) It should turn out lovely. I'm also working several graphic projects that I hope to post over the Easter weekend.

The weather has swung around and it's now brrr cold.. so I'm going to snuggle into bed and get some more sleep :) xoxo Mel

Suns Up! 4/365

2008-03-20T23:42:00.003+11:00

Suns Up!!
Originally uploaded by pookado

Photo 4/365

I'm barely making this blog entry tonight. I think it may be best if I try to do my blog in the morning.. I can barely keep my eyes open as I type this.

Anyhow.. I took this photo this moring opposite side of the bay - I was on my way home from taking photos in the city when I noticed the sun was just peeping from under the clouds. There was even a lovely picnic table to sit on to enjoy the glorious morning.

I'm off to bed.. Cheerio - Mel

Catch Up...

2008-03-20T05:29:00.004+11:00

I will be posting Photo 4/365 later today in an attempt to 'catch up'. I fell asleep early last night before I could post my wednesday blog. I know, shame on me :)

Cheerio
- Mel

Farewell to an artist.. & Photo 3/365

2008-03-20T04:00:00.007+11:00

Eastern Beach - Geelong, Australia
Originally uploaded by pookado (Wednesday)

Photo 3/365

I was having trouble deciding what would be my photo of the day, until I read the newspaper - it was clear that I had to blog one of my Geelong Bollard pictures.

So I've had too cheat a little with my 3rd photo just a tad, as it was not taken on the day. This one is very dear to me for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the very last photos I took just days before 13 Jan 2005.

Those of you who know me, know what I'm talking about.. and for those who don't - Well.. I had been sick for some time in 2004 and gradually worsened into early 2005. On 13 January 2005 after picking up my husband from work, he commented on the ride home that I didn't look well. I told him I'd been having a really bad day - mostly spent in the bed. Half way home, I started having trouble breahting. My husband turned the car around and took me sraight the to emergency room.

Once I was booked in - my hands and feet started turning black. I could barely breath and at this point I was screaming in pain. I vaguely remember my husband yelling for help because of my feet.. and me telling him I was dying. Fifteen minutes after getting there - I died.. I was revived several times before stabilising and was then put on life support. My husband was told to prepare for the worse. He told them they didn't know me very well. I have very little memory of the ER and the two weeks that followed.

Two weeks later, I 'woke' up in the ward with a very beaten-down looking husband at my bedside. He proceeded to tell me what had happened to me and what was now happening. Both my hands and feet were still black and blue from lack of oxygen and blood flow. They appeared to almost be frost bitten? My pancreas had swollen 4 times it's natural size and had basically smothered me to death. It was clear within days that I had suffered a great deal of nerve damage to my hands and feet during my body shutting down. They discussed with my husband the possibility of amputating both my hands and feet. He was shocked and told them no - to give them more time to heal. He said I was too much of strong, independent person to be left with no hands and feet. I had several procedures to try and get the blood flowing back into my limbs. Thankfully both my hands were saved and today show only a slight sign now and then of those terrible days. Sadly, they were unable to save my left foot - which was amputated just above the ankle on 4 Feb 2005. I was up and walking with a prosthetic foot within 2 weeks as I didn't much care for the wheelchair. I do, however, spend the "bad" days either in the wheechair or in bed altogether.

So - this picture was taken on 10 Jan 2005. Despite being very ill, I was just getting the photography bug. So, I made myself go out this day and try to enjoy the waterfront of Geelong. I fell in love with the many bollards that are sprinkled along the shore. There are more than 100.

For those who many not know what a bollard is:

1. Nautical. a. a thick, low post, usually of iron or steel, mounted on a wharf or the like, to which mooring lines from vessels are attached.
b. a small post to which lines are attached.

I felt inspired by the bollards and admired the artist who had created them. They are special.

I was deeply saddend on Wednesday to hear that the artist who created the bollards, Jan Mitchell, had lost her battle with cancer. She was 68. She was an artist and a lover of creativity. She loved our beautiful city, Geelong, and was a dynamic and passionate advocate for the Geelong region.

So - this is for Jan Mitchell, a truely magical gem. Geelong will sadly miss her, We will always be thankful to have been touched by her unique artistic visons.. and I will continue to love the big wooden bollards.

- Melissa

2008-03-18T17:02:00.001+11:00

Maggie Girl
Originally uploaded by pookado

Just checking to see if this works - I'd been having trouble linking my Flickr and Blogger accounts. I found a post which said to use the Blogger API where you choose what type of Blog you had. So... fingers crossed this works.

Btw.. this is my Maggie. The sweetest thing on the earth!!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!! & 2/365

2008-03-18T08:04:00.013+11:00

Photo 2/365

I don't know what kind of bug this is - I found him crawling in and out of holes in the apple tree. He didn't seem to mind having his picture taken. Betty waited patiently, watching me snap away. Betty is one of my hens, and she was so ready to taste this little fella. After I finished the photos I put the piece wood on the ground and Betty promptly 'took care of him'.

I'm going to try really hard to keep the 365 Days Project going. I think it will be a really great way of keeping track of what I was doing, thinking etc.. and the best thing about it is.. I get to take photos and share them with anyone who wants to see them.
Did I mention it was H-O-T? It’s been terribly hot for a few weeks. In Victoria – we can literally have all 4 seasons in one day. I’ve seen it happen! Usually at this time of year though, we’d be heading into winter. I’m hoping this is the last of the hot summer days.

Yesterday, I heard parts of Geelong hit close to 41 degrees Celsius. In a tin-roofed house and crappy air conditioner, the temp got to 34-36. There is no use even using the air conditioner at night, as it isn’t big enough to cool the entire house or reach the bedroom. So, overnight the house cooled very little, if any at all. Even with the fans on high, the air felt stagnant and hot against skin. If I wasn’t waking because of the heat, the neighbourhood dogs were barking, which of course, led to Diva Maggie growling & barking.

So, after several attempts at sleeping, I finally gave up and got out of bed. The lounge room thermometer read 32 degrees Celsius. I closed all the doors leading to the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen and turned the air conditioner on full blast. It took a little while, but the temperature is now a nice cool 22 degrees Celsius. They are forcasting a cool change sometime after lunch.. I certainly hope it comes!!!

xoxo Mel

"Hairy Lady Bugs" & 1/365

2008-03-17T17:53:00.040+11:00

Photo 1/365

Yeah!! I finally got the new camera I wanted! And I absolutely love it. I got the Canon S5 IS. It had the features I was looking for and being very much a noob to the world of photography, it was all I really needed. Getting one with too many bells and whistles would only confuse me. It doesn't take much some days. I love the macro and super macro features on my camera. Hopefully, I'll be able to save up and get a macro lens and adapter soon. Then I can get really up close to the little things in life.

I was entertained by a lady bug the other day for about 2 hours! This particular Lady Bug was very hairy - something I'd never seen before.. Are they usually hairy? Maybe I never got close enough to see the hair before. Well this lady was in dire need of some waxing. I'll post a picture of it another day.

The picture above is 1/365 - it's of a tiny little flower in my front yard. I'd been starting at it for weeks, thinking, "that would be a great photo".. and I was right, it turned out lovely. Make sure to click on it to see the larger size if you can.

On a side note - I'm very disappointed that I can't link my Flickr and Blogger accounts. So I can blog straight from the photos I've uploaded to Flickr. One of the main reasons I signed up to blog on Blogger. I will continue to search through the forums for an answer. I did notice there were quite a few people with the very same problem - but, sadly, no one had an answer.