I recently started another blog called Zarp Tangol. It has been moved to a new address now: zarp tangol
It is fairly new and still in its initial stages of being developed but you are welcome to have a look if you wish.
I've been doing the usual sort of things. Work, work, work but have this weekend free for a change. Its a blustering cold day outside.
My Ten pin bowling skills are starting to come right now. The Whatevers are back to being in a good position. So all is good!
Blog you later aligator.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
In the news
It seems that the David Baine case is still going strong. Witnesses are coming forward and saying all sorts of bad things about him. Hindsight is having a field day and even some of the original testimonies are being slightly recanted. It's getting so that a team of lawers from Boston Legal might have to take over and sort it all out. Denny will get to the bottom of it for sure providing it assures him with being able to sleep with one of the sexy females. Alan would also do well with one of his great award winning closing arguments.
More importantly there is a lot of talk,. warnings and advice concerning the swine flu virus which seems to had made it's way into New Zealand. Not the sort of illness I would wish to get that's for sure. I'm sure with the medical profession being clever charlies as they are will come up with a way of saying, Oi you, Swiney, get on you bike and get the hell out of God's Zone (New Zealand)or we'll kick your ass. Make it look pretty stupid any way.
Probably not the best time to make a pig of yourself right now.
Karori Cemetery has also had its share of publicity lately. An argument has broken out about people's rights to walk, or not walk, their dogs there. By law they ae meant to keep the dogs on a leash and clean up any doggie-do their pooches leave behind. The dog walkers are not happy with being forced to obey this law under the threat of a $300 fine. Nor are they too thrilled about locals taking photos of dog walkers that flaut the law, then sending in the photos as evidence to the dog control. Dog laws are always a contenious issue at the best of times but lately its looking as though things are squaring off for an all out battle with no bars held.
And there is also other bits and peices of news but you're probably best to get off your fat bum and go out and buy a newspaper.
More importantly there is a lot of talk,. warnings and advice concerning the swine flu virus which seems to had made it's way into New Zealand. Not the sort of illness I would wish to get that's for sure. I'm sure with the medical profession being clever charlies as they are will come up with a way of saying, Oi you, Swiney, get on you bike and get the hell out of God's Zone (New Zealand)or we'll kick your ass. Make it look pretty stupid any way.
Probably not the best time to make a pig of yourself right now.
Karori Cemetery has also had its share of publicity lately. An argument has broken out about people's rights to walk, or not walk, their dogs there. By law they ae meant to keep the dogs on a leash and clean up any doggie-do their pooches leave behind. The dog walkers are not happy with being forced to obey this law under the threat of a $300 fine. Nor are they too thrilled about locals taking photos of dog walkers that flaut the law, then sending in the photos as evidence to the dog control. Dog laws are always a contenious issue at the best of times but lately its looking as though things are squaring off for an all out battle with no bars held.
And there is also other bits and peices of news but you're probably best to get off your fat bum and go out and buy a newspaper.
laptop troubles
Had another set back the other day. My laptop went and died on me. Fortunately it was still under warrentee and could be fixed up free of charge. All going well now. Speaking of things going well, the turbines in Makara are up and runnig now. I think there is something like 60 of them altogether. Managed to take a few photos of them, but was a little far a way to get any good shots. I'll try tomorrow from a different angle and see what I can get.
Ten pin bowling is still proving to be a bit of a trial for me this year. Somethings just not right in my timing. It's quite frustrating because I know I am capable of doing a lot better than I am. It just not cricket (as they say).
There's talk now of extending the airport to (among other things) accomodate larger international flights from overseas to Wellington. The terminal looks like a pumkin patch. Rather silly actually. Something one cannot honestly be proud to have as a welcoming sign for the capital of New Zealand. First impressions are always important and whatever impression that gives must speak volumes of what overseas guests must think of whats to come.
Ten pin bowling is still proving to be a bit of a trial for me this year. Somethings just not right in my timing. It's quite frustrating because I know I am capable of doing a lot better than I am. It just not cricket (as they say).
There's talk now of extending the airport to (among other things) accomodate larger international flights from overseas to Wellington. The terminal looks like a pumkin patch. Rather silly actually. Something one cannot honestly be proud to have as a welcoming sign for the capital of New Zealand. First impressions are always important and whatever impression that gives must speak volumes of what overseas guests must think of whats to come.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
vidoes on utube
I finally had a chance to skype with bigbrother the other day. It went well to say the least. Glad that the internet thingy is all sorted out now. Having broadband has allowed me to do more experimental stuff such as the other day I uploaded videos onto utube. Not very interesting ones, just something to practice with. You're free to have a look at them if you wish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMHWCG7p0yw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7XZlBmUdXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOySfxOc91Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMHWCG7p0yw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7XZlBmUdXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOySfxOc91Y
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wandering the Streets of Sydney.
I was looking through my passport the other day and noted that I have now been to Australia 10 times (1991,1993,1994,1996,1997,1999, 2002, 2004, 2008 and of course this year – 2009) so it would be fair to say that the place has a certain air of familiarity about it for me. Some say that familiarity breeds contempt but I feel no contemptibly toward Sydney. It still holds a certain magic that makes me want to return year after year. Of course a lot of that magic includes certain blood relatives, to visit, friendly automobiles to ride in, people to meet, and guinea pigs and mischief kittens for entertainment.
Anyway a couple of days during the trip Steve had to work so I went exploring on my own. Having a reasonable idea of where various places were I was able to get around without needing to leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind me (read the story of Hansel and Grettel for handy hints for on using breadcrumbs).
I found the easiest way to town, or beyond from Potts Point was to go via Kings Cross Station and catch a train to the Town Hall (then organise another train if you are travelling further). The station is in the middle of Kings Cross, so the walk there is usually interesting. Lots to see on the way.
Down town Sydney is very crowded and busy, which is how Wellington is getting these days. There is also a lot of traffic and busses and what have you. There is plenty to see and do if you are a visitor for the first time or just hanging round trying to kill off time, including monorail, heaps of shopping malls, Centre Point Tower and tourist shops. If you get the time there is always Circular Quay, where you can catch the ferry to Manly, the Zoo, Watsons Bay, or any of the other destinations that are on offer.
Another thing there is no shortage of is food. Nearly everywhere you look there is some eating establishment or the other, where it be in the form of a juice bar, café, Food Hall, revolving restaurant, Wendys, Subway, MacDonalds or sandwich bar. So if you are hungry a hot meal is never far away.
Well, that’s about all for now. I’ll go into it a bit more in depth later.
Blog you later alligator.
Anyway a couple of days during the trip Steve had to work so I went exploring on my own. Having a reasonable idea of where various places were I was able to get around without needing to leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind me (read the story of Hansel and Grettel for handy hints for on using breadcrumbs).
I found the easiest way to town, or beyond from Potts Point was to go via Kings Cross Station and catch a train to the Town Hall (then organise another train if you are travelling further). The station is in the middle of Kings Cross, so the walk there is usually interesting. Lots to see on the way.
Down town Sydney is very crowded and busy, which is how Wellington is getting these days. There is also a lot of traffic and busses and what have you. There is plenty to see and do if you are a visitor for the first time or just hanging round trying to kill off time, including monorail, heaps of shopping malls, Centre Point Tower and tourist shops. If you get the time there is always Circular Quay, where you can catch the ferry to Manly, the Zoo, Watsons Bay, or any of the other destinations that are on offer.
Another thing there is no shortage of is food. Nearly everywhere you look there is some eating establishment or the other, where it be in the form of a juice bar, café, Food Hall, revolving restaurant, Wendys, Subway, MacDonalds or sandwich bar. So if you are hungry a hot meal is never far away.
Well, that’s about all for now. I’ll go into it a bit more in depth later.
Blog you later alligator.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Revolutions of Lunch with a View
-Tuesday 24th March, 2009-
Had lunch with my cousins, aunt from South Africa and another from Richmond NSW in the Centre Point Tower in Pitt Street, large pointy tower in down town Sydney. There were renovations and repairs being done to the building so most of the tower was closed off to the public except for the viewing platform and restaurant and of course the opportunity for the thrill seeking tourist to ride to the top.
Funny I’ve been to Sydney quite a number of times but up to yesterday had never got round to having a meal in the Revolving restaurant. It’s quite high up and one would come quite a nasty cropper if one fell out of the window. Or at least I assume so (anyone who would like to disprove that theory is quite welcome to prove me wrong).
The bar etc in the middle of the restaurant and windows stay static but the area where you sit and eat slowly revolves, giving you a slow birds eye view of the city while you eat. It is fairly well priced considering the views and what they have to offer in the way of food, which you can help yourself to from the buffet (which includes prawns, shrimps and even kangaroo if you should be so tempted).
Afterwards we went for a walk around the Rocks, where the first convicts served their indefinite sentences then went our separate ways.
Had lunch with my cousins, aunt from South Africa and another from Richmond NSW in the Centre Point Tower in Pitt Street, large pointy tower in down town Sydney. There were renovations and repairs being done to the building so most of the tower was closed off to the public except for the viewing platform and restaurant and of course the opportunity for the thrill seeking tourist to ride to the top.
Funny I’ve been to Sydney quite a number of times but up to yesterday had never got round to having a meal in the Revolving restaurant. It’s quite high up and one would come quite a nasty cropper if one fell out of the window. Or at least I assume so (anyone who would like to disprove that theory is quite welcome to prove me wrong).
The bar etc in the middle of the restaurant and windows stay static but the area where you sit and eat slowly revolves, giving you a slow birds eye view of the city while you eat. It is fairly well priced considering the views and what they have to offer in the way of food, which you can help yourself to from the buffet (which includes prawns, shrimps and even kangaroo if you should be so tempted).
Afterwards we went for a walk around the Rocks, where the first convicts served their indefinite sentences then went our separate ways.
Blackwell Shiraz and the Lithgow Reunion
-The Blackwwell Reunion March 2009-
The reunion went well with plenty of relations from various parts of Australia as well as one from South Africa and myself representing the New Zealand side of the family. Met with allot of relations I had not seen in yonks and met others I had not seen before.
We had it in the Lithgow Hall. Quite a gathering of the clan, starting at about 5pm, carrying onto the wee hours of the morning. They had bottles of Blackwell Shiraz for us to try. I don’t think the Blackwell responsible for making this wine was related to us but it seemed fairly apt beverage to drink, considering the circumstances.
A good night had by all.
The next day we had a sausage sizzle at the same hall and then started back for Potts Point by mid afternoon.
The reunion went well with plenty of relations from various parts of Australia as well as one from South Africa and myself representing the New Zealand side of the family. Met with allot of relations I had not seen in yonks and met others I had not seen before.
We had it in the Lithgow Hall. Quite a gathering of the clan, starting at about 5pm, carrying onto the wee hours of the morning. They had bottles of Blackwell Shiraz for us to try. I don’t think the Blackwell responsible for making this wine was related to us but it seemed fairly apt beverage to drink, considering the circumstances.
A good night had by all.
The next day we had a sausage sizzle at the same hall and then started back for Potts Point by mid afternoon.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Certified for Danger
As if it was not good enough for the Wellington City Council to expect me to be committed, they also want us certifiable. Today I went one step beyond and became dangerously certifiable.
I suppose I should elaborate incase you get the wrong idea. Part of my job requires the occasional transport of goods that could be deemed as dangerous, or at least hazardous, so in keeping with legal requirements I was put on a one day Dangerous Goods Course. It dealt with, among other things, the dos and don’ts of such an undertaking, things such loading certificates, loading plans, what goes with what and what to separate from what and applicable signage etc. Next step is to get my license endorsed to show I am a dangerously certifiable driver.
Anyway enough of all that. Not long to go now before I am back among the Crows, Bats and Kangaroos. Yes it’ll be good to be back to Potts Point and mingle with the locals. Dad and I made a short tape over the weekend to show the rest of the family at the Blackwell Reunion. Took a bit of editing, but it turned out quite good for a low budget home movie.
Still waiting on Telecom to send that Splitter thingy. I’m sure it’ll get there before Christmas, this year or next. Travelling by an aging carrier pigeon, I imagine.
Well almost through the Hammer House of Horror DVD. Watched “The House that dripped blood” episode the night before last, quite full-on in parts.
That’s about all I can think of for now. The flu I was telling you about last time seemed to ease a lot on Sunday, but returned for Round Two yesterday. Today hasn’t been too bad. Let’s just hope it clears altogether by Friday. Still have the occasional coughs and dry throat. Never mind, could be worse, as they say.
I suppose I should elaborate incase you get the wrong idea. Part of my job requires the occasional transport of goods that could be deemed as dangerous, or at least hazardous, so in keeping with legal requirements I was put on a one day Dangerous Goods Course. It dealt with, among other things, the dos and don’ts of such an undertaking, things such loading certificates, loading plans, what goes with what and what to separate from what and applicable signage etc. Next step is to get my license endorsed to show I am a dangerously certifiable driver.
Anyway enough of all that. Not long to go now before I am back among the Crows, Bats and Kangaroos. Yes it’ll be good to be back to Potts Point and mingle with the locals. Dad and I made a short tape over the weekend to show the rest of the family at the Blackwell Reunion. Took a bit of editing, but it turned out quite good for a low budget home movie.
Still waiting on Telecom to send that Splitter thingy. I’m sure it’ll get there before Christmas, this year or next. Travelling by an aging carrier pigeon, I imagine.
Well almost through the Hammer House of Horror DVD. Watched “The House that dripped blood” episode the night before last, quite full-on in parts.
That’s about all I can think of for now. The flu I was telling you about last time seemed to ease a lot on Sunday, but returned for Round Two yesterday. Today hasn’t been too bad. Let’s just hope it clears altogether by Friday. Still have the occasional coughs and dry throat. Never mind, could be worse, as they say.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Of Cracked Mirror, Silent Phone and Runny Nose
It was Friday the 13th today, unlucky for some, busy for others like Jason from the movie series of the same date.
Been a little while since I last blogged, so there is a few updates I need to keep you up to speed with.
Broke the passenger wing-mirror of my car last Saturday and had to get another one installed, which wasn’t cheap, but having a mirror can be a help when it comes to merging, changing lanes or parallel parking (saves hitting the curb and having another dent in the wheel spats).
Had a slight mishap, broadband wise. I found out the other day that the phone would not ring when the modem was plugged in. You could ring out but if anyone rang, though they would hear the ringing noises their end, it would not make any noise my end; thus I missed out on quite a few calls, having been like that for over a week or so. Did not notice at first, though it did occur to me that I hadn’t received any calls for quite sometime (a little unusual, I normally get a least one phone call a night, whether from a friend, someone asking me to partake in a survey, or a company bulging money).
I rang telecom and after a lot of pressing this that and the other button on my key pad, as well as being transferred several times, I finally got some sense out of them. They said the problem was in the filter and they will send a replacement one out to me. Hopefully that will solve the problem. Until then I have disconnected Broadband and using dialup and other people’s computers, so please be patient for blog updates.
And finally, as usual, right on the cusp of deciding to do the old Trans-Tasman thing, my nose has started running. Hopefully it is just a passing thing, 24 hour bug or what have you. Last thing I need is to go over to the reunion all snotty and give my ozzy-rellies a taste of kiwi germs. Still, I’ve got over a week to get over it.
I’ll let you all know how I’m getting on, I know how much you are all concerned about yours truly especially a certain cute pair of guinea pig bloggers from NSW; AKA Wiggley and Ginger. A big hello to you guys!
Big brother went back to Australia on Tuesday, early morning flight. We had to get up at 4am. Wasn’t much traffic that time of the morning but the airport seemed fairly busy, considering the time. Guess there were a number of flights taking off about the same time. Had a latte with him then went to work. Felt a bit tired during the day, for some strange reason but managed to get through it without falling asleep, which is a real plus when your job involves a certain amount of driving.
He left his copy of Hammer House of Horror with me to watch, have to remember to take it back with me next Friday (would I forget a thing like that? Me with the memory of an elephant with Alzheimer’s.) Also have to remember the Open All Hours DVD that my Uncle Gordon lent me last time. Some sort of list may-hap be of an advantage me thinks.
I’m still having a bad-run with tenpin bowling. My average is not good, nor the handicap. Have to think of some new strategies, such as bowling in a way that wins games, not loses them. Still, its only early I the season, or have I already made that excuse before?
Just before I sign off I though you might like to know I wrote another story for Editred. Well, two actually but the first one is the one I think turned out better. Read and enjoy, blog you all soon.
Running on empty
Been a little while since I last blogged, so there is a few updates I need to keep you up to speed with.
Broke the passenger wing-mirror of my car last Saturday and had to get another one installed, which wasn’t cheap, but having a mirror can be a help when it comes to merging, changing lanes or parallel parking (saves hitting the curb and having another dent in the wheel spats).
Had a slight mishap, broadband wise. I found out the other day that the phone would not ring when the modem was plugged in. You could ring out but if anyone rang, though they would hear the ringing noises their end, it would not make any noise my end; thus I missed out on quite a few calls, having been like that for over a week or so. Did not notice at first, though it did occur to me that I hadn’t received any calls for quite sometime (a little unusual, I normally get a least one phone call a night, whether from a friend, someone asking me to partake in a survey, or a company bulging money).
I rang telecom and after a lot of pressing this that and the other button on my key pad, as well as being transferred several times, I finally got some sense out of them. They said the problem was in the filter and they will send a replacement one out to me. Hopefully that will solve the problem. Until then I have disconnected Broadband and using dialup and other people’s computers, so please be patient for blog updates.
And finally, as usual, right on the cusp of deciding to do the old Trans-Tasman thing, my nose has started running. Hopefully it is just a passing thing, 24 hour bug or what have you. Last thing I need is to go over to the reunion all snotty and give my ozzy-rellies a taste of kiwi germs. Still, I’ve got over a week to get over it.
I’ll let you all know how I’m getting on, I know how much you are all concerned about yours truly especially a certain cute pair of guinea pig bloggers from NSW; AKA Wiggley and Ginger. A big hello to you guys!
Big brother went back to Australia on Tuesday, early morning flight. We had to get up at 4am. Wasn’t much traffic that time of the morning but the airport seemed fairly busy, considering the time. Guess there were a number of flights taking off about the same time. Had a latte with him then went to work. Felt a bit tired during the day, for some strange reason but managed to get through it without falling asleep, which is a real plus when your job involves a certain amount of driving.
He left his copy of Hammer House of Horror with me to watch, have to remember to take it back with me next Friday (would I forget a thing like that? Me with the memory of an elephant with Alzheimer’s.) Also have to remember the Open All Hours DVD that my Uncle Gordon lent me last time. Some sort of list may-hap be of an advantage me thinks.
I’m still having a bad-run with tenpin bowling. My average is not good, nor the handicap. Have to think of some new strategies, such as bowling in a way that wins games, not loses them. Still, its only early I the season, or have I already made that excuse before?
Just before I sign off I though you might like to know I wrote another story for Editred. Well, two actually but the first one is the one I think turned out better. Read and enjoy, blog you all soon.
Running on empty
Saturday, March 07, 2009
CSI New York PC Game
I have for sometime been a fan of the CSI PC Games. In the past I have found them intreguing enough to while away the hours: sifting through evidence, checking finger print and DNA matches and interviewing witnesses/suspects, as well as getting the low down on techincal info from the Crime lab experts. With that in mind the new CSI New York game caught my eye as a must have addition to the others" CSI, CSI Dark and CSI Miami(the last one being my favoirte).
I have only played about half of the first mission but from what I have seen so far the game seems to have gone down hill abit. In the first three games you became very much a part of the investigation with the freedom to pick and choose who you interviewed, what you asked and where you conducted your searches etc. The vibe I have picked up so far is that you are very much restricted to a set pattern of where to go and as for the animation, though I will say has improved as far as scenery etc the people you interact with don't bother moving their mouths when they speak, which use to happen in the previous games.
There are of course a lot of new and improved things that I do like about the game such as the realistic x-rays in the mortuary and the idea of tracing the outline of a pool of blood to get DNA matches. There are also items you can pickup and show to witnesses/suspects as promps for furthering info on the crime. Of all the changes I think the idea of tracing a line from one side of the screen to the other without touching anyother items to make a computer match to find out more info on a suspect. Before hand Grishim would do all that sort of thing for you on his laptop or you could use the Lab Computer system instead. I also miss the original cast.
Anyhow I'm sure I'll get use to it after awhile. I don't play many computer games, so it is a real pain when the ones I do play end up not as good as I had hoped. At present I only own about half a dozen games: CSI,CSI Dark Motives, CSI Miami, CSI New York, Starship Titanic (Douglas Adams-will blog about this later), Abes Oddysse - Oddworld, Last Express (murder mystery on a trian), Neverhood, Riven and The Crystal Key.
Blog you all later.
I have only played about half of the first mission but from what I have seen so far the game seems to have gone down hill abit. In the first three games you became very much a part of the investigation with the freedom to pick and choose who you interviewed, what you asked and where you conducted your searches etc. The vibe I have picked up so far is that you are very much restricted to a set pattern of where to go and as for the animation, though I will say has improved as far as scenery etc the people you interact with don't bother moving their mouths when they speak, which use to happen in the previous games.
There are of course a lot of new and improved things that I do like about the game such as the realistic x-rays in the mortuary and the idea of tracing the outline of a pool of blood to get DNA matches. There are also items you can pickup and show to witnesses/suspects as promps for furthering info on the crime. Of all the changes I think the idea of tracing a line from one side of the screen to the other without touching anyother items to make a computer match to find out more info on a suspect. Before hand Grishim would do all that sort of thing for you on his laptop or you could use the Lab Computer system instead. I also miss the original cast.
Anyhow I'm sure I'll get use to it after awhile. I don't play many computer games, so it is a real pain when the ones I do play end up not as good as I had hoped. At present I only own about half a dozen games: CSI,CSI Dark Motives, CSI Miami, CSI New York, Starship Titanic (Douglas Adams-will blog about this later), Abes Oddysse - Oddworld, Last Express (murder mystery on a trian), Neverhood, Riven and The Crystal Key.
Blog you all later.
Friday, March 06, 2009
friday the 13th
Only a week to go until Firday the 13th of March 2009. They say that Friday the 13th is meant to be an unlucky date, but it has never really been proved. Most times you will find that it is not any more unlucky than say Saturday the 14th or June the 9th or even July the 18th...well that one is especially lucky, after all it was the day I was born. Just imagine if I had never existed, then this blog would never had exisited and then the fabric of the spacetime continum would be all stuffed up. Micheal J Fox would have to get into his Delorium and zoom up to 88 miles an hour to get things back on track again. That's assuming he could find the Doc and work out a way to fix the flux compassitor thingy. Anyway I digress.
Big brother has been over for almost a week and seems to be having a fairly good time. The weather has been on our side for most of the time, though at present it seems to be raining cats and dogs. We went out last night for diner at Floriditas Cafe & Restaurant and had a look round an arts exhibition in Able Smith Street. Had a coffee today at Aunt Daisy's Boathouse Cafe in Titati bay, then went see the exhibit at the Portrait Gallery - AKA Shed 11 Queens Whalf.
Big Brother bought over a couple of DVDs for us to watch "The Hammer House of Horror Collection" and "Hollow Men" which we are slowly getting through.
Blog you all later.
Big brother has been over for almost a week and seems to be having a fairly good time. The weather has been on our side for most of the time, though at present it seems to be raining cats and dogs. We went out last night for diner at Floriditas Cafe & Restaurant and had a look round an arts exhibition in Able Smith Street. Had a coffee today at Aunt Daisy's Boathouse Cafe in Titati bay, then went see the exhibit at the Portrait Gallery - AKA Shed 11 Queens Whalf.
Big Brother bought over a couple of DVDs for us to watch "The Hammer House of Horror Collection" and "Hollow Men" which we are slowly getting through.
Blog you all later.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Working for the kiwi dollar part one
Well if you are a regular reader of this irregular blog you will probably know that I work for a local cemetery, Karori Cemetery, that is. It’s one of New Zealand’s biggest cemeteries, about 100 acres in area (or 40 hectors in the metric system, to be pedantic) and has about 100,000 people buried in it. There are two chapels, three counting what is known as a mortuary chapel which was at one time frequented by the Orthodox Jewish community for services before funerals. This has become somewhat redundant as they mostly have services elsewhere before arriving at the cemetery.
The Small brick Chapel was built in 1909 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary this November. As the name suggests it is not very big and only really caters to small groups such as the immediate family and friends while the main chapel is somewhat bigger and can easily hold a large crowd.
But enough of chapels and crematoriums, what I was originally going to tell you about is what sort of jobs I do there. Mainly I am involved in almost everything except doing cremations. My responsibilities range from general driving duties to interments and sometimes working at reception, taking bookings, attending enquires and showing people where this that and the other grave.
The cemetery is divided into various sections according to creed and religion. The largest of these sections is made up of Roman Catholic and Church of England, followed closely by public (Interdenominational). There are also sections for Chinese, Russian, Greek Orthodox, Orthodox Jewish and liberal Jewish. Scattered throughout the cemetery are graves for stillborn babies as well as infants (up to the age of three or four, restricted only by the size of the child) and a number of religious orders (Marist Fathers, Sisters of Mercy, the order of the society of Mary, etc.)
On the whole it is a fairly peaceful place to work, away from the hustle and bustle of suburbia & the Metropolitan chaos, as well as traffic. Surrounded by trees and bush it is a perfect place for people to walk their dogs and there are a number of dog walkers who have go to know us all well throughout the years. Most like to stop and chin wag along the way. It is always nice to meet new dogs and greet the ones who are familiar.
Like any job it has its good points and points that are not as joyful as one would hope them to be but still none the less part of the job anyhow. At first I suppose the work we do there takes a little getting use to and probably not everyone’s ideal way to make a living. Things such as disinterments (the process of exhuming caskets for one reason or another), picking up bio tissue for the mortuary (a contract that the cemetery has with a couple of local hospitals) and dealing with the bereaved are things that people are either cut out for or not. Some things no matter how long you do them are tough to deal with, these include attending funerals where the deceased has committed suicide or was a young child/infant or stillborn baby. Older people you can sort of understand as they have had a full life and the funeral seems to take on a more celebration of life motif.
Sometimes I head out to Makara Cemetery, which we also look after. It is more modern type of cemetery, that is to say the graves do not have the concrete surroundings. Most of it is lawn so it is a lot easier to maintain. This is also arrange in different sections (Roman Catholic, Interdenominational, Assyrian, Muslim, Serbian, Greek, Tung Jung, Pon Yee, Pooh Far Servicemen, Pacific Island, Orthodox Jewish and Progressive Jewish. There has also been a site established for Natural Burials (the article mentions that there have been three natural burials so far, but this has increased since the site was last updated, I think we're approaching our sixth or seventh and interest in it is still growing all the time).
This is also a peaceful place to work, perhaps more so than Karori, because of its rural settings. Sheep and cows graze in the pastures and horses have in the past been a frequent site. Several years ago a rooster wandered around, running up to the mourners whenever a service took place. Helped take the tension off I suppose. It’s no longer there though.
Well I suppose that’s really all I can squeeze into a blog entry without making it too big. I’ll write some more later.
The Small brick Chapel was built in 1909 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary this November. As the name suggests it is not very big and only really caters to small groups such as the immediate family and friends while the main chapel is somewhat bigger and can easily hold a large crowd.
But enough of chapels and crematoriums, what I was originally going to tell you about is what sort of jobs I do there. Mainly I am involved in almost everything except doing cremations. My responsibilities range from general driving duties to interments and sometimes working at reception, taking bookings, attending enquires and showing people where this that and the other grave.
The cemetery is divided into various sections according to creed and religion. The largest of these sections is made up of Roman Catholic and Church of England, followed closely by public (Interdenominational). There are also sections for Chinese, Russian, Greek Orthodox, Orthodox Jewish and liberal Jewish. Scattered throughout the cemetery are graves for stillborn babies as well as infants (up to the age of three or four, restricted only by the size of the child) and a number of religious orders (Marist Fathers, Sisters of Mercy, the order of the society of Mary, etc.)
On the whole it is a fairly peaceful place to work, away from the hustle and bustle of suburbia & the Metropolitan chaos, as well as traffic. Surrounded by trees and bush it is a perfect place for people to walk their dogs and there are a number of dog walkers who have go to know us all well throughout the years. Most like to stop and chin wag along the way. It is always nice to meet new dogs and greet the ones who are familiar.
Like any job it has its good points and points that are not as joyful as one would hope them to be but still none the less part of the job anyhow. At first I suppose the work we do there takes a little getting use to and probably not everyone’s ideal way to make a living. Things such as disinterments (the process of exhuming caskets for one reason or another), picking up bio tissue for the mortuary (a contract that the cemetery has with a couple of local hospitals) and dealing with the bereaved are things that people are either cut out for or not. Some things no matter how long you do them are tough to deal with, these include attending funerals where the deceased has committed suicide or was a young child/infant or stillborn baby. Older people you can sort of understand as they have had a full life and the funeral seems to take on a more celebration of life motif.
Sometimes I head out to Makara Cemetery, which we also look after. It is more modern type of cemetery, that is to say the graves do not have the concrete surroundings. Most of it is lawn so it is a lot easier to maintain. This is also arrange in different sections (Roman Catholic, Interdenominational, Assyrian, Muslim, Serbian, Greek, Tung Jung, Pon Yee, Pooh Far Servicemen, Pacific Island, Orthodox Jewish and Progressive Jewish. There has also been a site established for Natural Burials (the article mentions that there have been three natural burials so far, but this has increased since the site was last updated, I think we're approaching our sixth or seventh and interest in it is still growing all the time).
This is also a peaceful place to work, perhaps more so than Karori, because of its rural settings. Sheep and cows graze in the pastures and horses have in the past been a frequent site. Several years ago a rooster wandered around, running up to the mourners whenever a service took place. Helped take the tension off I suppose. It’s no longer there though.
Well I suppose that’s really all I can squeeze into a blog entry without making it too big. I’ll write some more later.
Broadband etc
Well I’ve finally got Broadband up and running so I guess there is no excuse for procrastinating about the blogging. I signed up with Telecom.
Its present promotional feel good joining up with us deal offered a free modem as long as you signed up for a minimum of 12 months. Also they were offering half price broadband fees for the first three months (as long as you were a new customer). An offer too good to refuse-as the mafia would say.
Rang them up and chose a single PC modem which they sent but changed my mind and opted for a wireless modem instead, so I could use the internet anywhere in the house.
Because of the house having a monitored alarm Telecom said they would have to send out a technician to do some rewiring so that it would not like interfere with the alarm, or something, or whatever. (hope that is not too technical for you). I rang our alarm suppliers and told them that Telecom would be doing some work which required them to do an alarm test. Unfortunately they got the wrong info and sent a technician up who did the job Telecom was meant to do. Think it may have worked out cheaper than what Telecom was going to charge, but that is still to be seen. I rang Telecom back and told them not to bother sending out a technician as the work had already been done.
Had a little trouble trying to set everything up, wouldn’t except the account number, so I rang up a support person who talked me through a manual setup over the phone. Have to admit that the internet is heaps faster and it looks as though I will probably be able to get a lot more work done.
Big Brother is going to be over tomorrow for a nine day visit, so there will be plenty to blog about in the next week or so. Can’t take much time off work but there’ll be plenty of time to entertain him after work and also I’ve got next Thursday and Friday scheduled for annual leave. He leaves on the 10th of April, 10 days before I am due to start my holiday in Sydney. What with broadband and all I’m sure I will be able to put a lot more on my flicka sight, which is a might lacking at present.
On the tenpin bowling side of things my game is still off and scores are getting worse. Must be going through a bad slump. Never mind its only early in the year, plenty of time to improve. I hope.
Oh I almost forgot, a bit of an update on the recycling front, there is talk of keeping the green recycling bins after all, which is good news for the environment.
Well that’s about all I can think of for now. Blog you later Alligator.
Its present promotional feel good joining up with us deal offered a free modem as long as you signed up for a minimum of 12 months. Also they were offering half price broadband fees for the first three months (as long as you were a new customer). An offer too good to refuse-as the mafia would say.
Rang them up and chose a single PC modem which they sent but changed my mind and opted for a wireless modem instead, so I could use the internet anywhere in the house.
Because of the house having a monitored alarm Telecom said they would have to send out a technician to do some rewiring so that it would not like interfere with the alarm, or something, or whatever. (hope that is not too technical for you). I rang our alarm suppliers and told them that Telecom would be doing some work which required them to do an alarm test. Unfortunately they got the wrong info and sent a technician up who did the job Telecom was meant to do. Think it may have worked out cheaper than what Telecom was going to charge, but that is still to be seen. I rang Telecom back and told them not to bother sending out a technician as the work had already been done.
Had a little trouble trying to set everything up, wouldn’t except the account number, so I rang up a support person who talked me through a manual setup over the phone. Have to admit that the internet is heaps faster and it looks as though I will probably be able to get a lot more work done.
Big Brother is going to be over tomorrow for a nine day visit, so there will be plenty to blog about in the next week or so. Can’t take much time off work but there’ll be plenty of time to entertain him after work and also I’ve got next Thursday and Friday scheduled for annual leave. He leaves on the 10th of April, 10 days before I am due to start my holiday in Sydney. What with broadband and all I’m sure I will be able to put a lot more on my flicka sight, which is a might lacking at present.
On the tenpin bowling side of things my game is still off and scores are getting worse. Must be going through a bad slump. Never mind its only early in the year, plenty of time to improve. I hope.
Oh I almost forgot, a bit of an update on the recycling front, there is talk of keeping the green recycling bins after all, which is good news for the environment.
Well that’s about all I can think of for now. Blog you later Alligator.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Finally got a new one
Good news everybody, I have finally bought a new computer. Its a Toshiba L300/800 notebook (laptop). All up and running and is a lot better in all respects to the former slow stuffy old thing that was driving me crazy every time I tried to do anything harder than write an email. Though I can't really complain, I did get a lot of use out of it and managed to create some nifty stories, not to mention this blog which I created with it.
The new computer seems to have a bigger screen so one does not have to squint to see what's going on. Also allows a wider scope for working with programs that have lots of menus (like photoshop), which use to get in the way.
Next thing will be to set up Broadband then I'll beable to blog to my hearts content, well into the night without worrying about phone lines being tied up, etc.
Well I'd better get ready for ten pin bowling. See if I can match or beat last weeks scores.
The new computer seems to have a bigger screen so one does not have to squint to see what's going on. Also allows a wider scope for working with programs that have lots of menus (like photoshop), which use to get in the way.
Next thing will be to set up Broadband then I'll beable to blog to my hearts content, well into the night without worrying about phone lines being tied up, etc.
Well I'd better get ready for ten pin bowling. See if I can match or beat last weeks scores.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
trip all booked
Booked my flight for Sydney today. Departing Friday 20th March 2009 – Sunday 29th March 2009. Should give me plenty to blog about and spend a bit more quality time with Steve, Juliana, Ginger and Wiggley, Vincent and some rellies I haven’t seen since Adam was a boy
My endeavours to sort out a new computer for myself have proved somewhat fruitful and I have narrowed my options to a short list of three possibilities.
They are: Pavillion DV5110ax
Toshiba A300/M01
Sony Vaio Aw Series Notebook
At present I’m leaning toward the Toshiba because of its specs. Seems the best in its price range f or now. I’ll make the final decision next week and blog you all about it.
The only problem is that, like most modern Laptops, it does not take have a dial-up connection and only works on broadband, so I won’t be-able to use the Internet on it until I get broadband installed, which may take a couple of weeks, so I am told.
Never mind I can always use my present Laptop until I get sorted out. Or get Broadband connected before I buy it.
On the counter productive side of things, it has been proposed that Wellingtonians will lose their free recycling bin and instead be forced into buying special recycling bags instead.
Apparently there will be different bags for different articles of recycling (eg one for paper and another for bottles etc). Not sure how that is going to encourage everyone to keep recycling. I’m sure the powers that be have got it all sorted out though.
Also I had my first ten pin bowling game of the season for 2009 last Wednesday. Our team “Whatever” still has three people, though one pulled out because of work commitments and has been replaced by former team member who use to play with us a couple of years ago. Didn’t do too badly with the scores = 149, 151, 169 (156 average).
My endeavours to sort out a new computer for myself have proved somewhat fruitful and I have narrowed my options to a short list of three possibilities.
They are: Pavillion DV5110ax
Toshiba A300/M01
Sony Vaio Aw Series Notebook
At present I’m leaning toward the Toshiba because of its specs. Seems the best in its price range f or now. I’ll make the final decision next week and blog you all about it.
The only problem is that, like most modern Laptops, it does not take have a dial-up connection and only works on broadband, so I won’t be-able to use the Internet on it until I get broadband installed, which may take a couple of weeks, so I am told.
Never mind I can always use my present Laptop until I get sorted out. Or get Broadband connected before I buy it.
On the counter productive side of things, it has been proposed that Wellingtonians will lose their free recycling bin and instead be forced into buying special recycling bags instead.
Apparently there will be different bags for different articles of recycling (eg one for paper and another for bottles etc). Not sure how that is going to encourage everyone to keep recycling. I’m sure the powers that be have got it all sorted out though.
Also I had my first ten pin bowling game of the season for 2009 last Wednesday. Our team “Whatever” still has three people, though one pulled out because of work commitments and has been replaced by former team member who use to play with us a couple of years ago. Didn’t do too badly with the scores = 149, 151, 169 (156 average).
Sunday, January 18, 2009
new wee stories
I've written some more very short stories for Editred
Under the weather
Mother and the Birds
Guinea Pigs
Crocodile tears
Under the weather
Mother and the Birds
Guinea Pigs
Crocodile tears
New Year
Well start of another year, or should I say the new year is well on its way. I haven't done much in the way of blogging lately as you can no doubt tell. Last one was about two months ago.
Christmas came and went without much in the way of action and I had a fairly quiet new year's eve.
Work's still the same as ever, still plenty of it about, death is a 24/7 365 day sort of thing without mush in the way of breaks.
Planning to buy a new computer this year so hopefully that will give me plenty to blog about.
Uploaded a few photos to flicka - account name is lesdigipics if you care to have a looksy.
Got an invitation from one of my cousins in Australia for a family reunion in March, to be held in Lithgow = blue mountains NSW, so I'll be going over there again fairly soon. Give me an excuse to catch up on my brother and the guinea pigs etc.
Should be starting up the old tenpin bowling in the next couple of weeks. Last year we missed out on the major trophies so we'll be back this year with vengeance. As Charlie Brown once said: winning isn't everything but losing is nothing. Or words to that effect.
I made a new years resolution to keep up with the blog. Not off to a good start, but the year's only really just begun, and I make no appy polly logies to thee or thine for that.
Tommorow's a public holiday - Wellington annaversay, so that'll give me a chance to sleep in and take it easy.
You'll be pleased to note that I am now over all those ailments that were vexing me toward the end of last year.
Christmas came and went without much in the way of action and I had a fairly quiet new year's eve.
Work's still the same as ever, still plenty of it about, death is a 24/7 365 day sort of thing without mush in the way of breaks.
Planning to buy a new computer this year so hopefully that will give me plenty to blog about.
Uploaded a few photos to flicka - account name is lesdigipics if you care to have a looksy.
Got an invitation from one of my cousins in Australia for a family reunion in March, to be held in Lithgow = blue mountains NSW, so I'll be going over there again fairly soon. Give me an excuse to catch up on my brother and the guinea pigs etc.
Should be starting up the old tenpin bowling in the next couple of weeks. Last year we missed out on the major trophies so we'll be back this year with vengeance. As Charlie Brown once said: winning isn't everything but losing is nothing. Or words to that effect.
I made a new years resolution to keep up with the blog. Not off to a good start, but the year's only really just begun, and I make no appy polly logies to thee or thine for that.
Tommorow's a public holiday - Wellington annaversay, so that'll give me a chance to sleep in and take it easy.
You'll be pleased to note that I am now over all those ailments that were vexing me toward the end of last year.
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