The trip to work

Here's a 3 minute video of my trip. As Marie said, it's more interesting than I thought it would be.

The way there is via Pacific highway, then back home on the back streets and the path.

The school fete

A day at the school fete. We went on every ride, and even the jungle gym. Had two huge slices of watermelon.

<-- the best slide ever

2 happy customers -->

<-- one of the cutest boys

what's he thinking? -->

Emily's 2nd birthday!

<-- beware the cake monster behind

Emily and Anna watch closely -->

Aramageddon today

<-- the road to Armageddon

the normally busy Pacific Highway -->

Just as soon as Ken warned us about environmental problems, and then we have this. Waking up, it appeared as though the whole place was on fire, on we'd had an atomic attack. Turns out it was dust. I can't get the taste out of my mouth.

<-- they stayed inside for most of the day, until the dust blew over

at the local cafe days before -->

Ken Livingstone former mayor of London

<-- only Dave can bs his way into photographing 2 of the most moderately powerful people around Ken Livingstone and Clover Moore.

Proof that I was there. -->

On the way home yesterday, I rode uphill, slowly, much to the annoyance of a large BMW 4WD. Rounding me, his turbos whistled loudly, the revving engine testament to his testiness at being delayed by some seconds. He reached the top of the hill at speed, then turned left onto the highway and stopped. Friday night traffic heading North is more stop than go, so I passed him soon after.

The transport needs of a city is an interesting problem, and former Mayor of London "Red" Ken Livingstone was in town last Wednesday to give local mayor of Sydney Clover Moore a few tips. London has been renewed. From gridlock of cars shrouded in smog to a reduced free flow of cars, and increased alternative transport. In a speech from the heart, Ken also touched on environment, obesity, and the downside of consumerism.

The focus of the talk was the problems facing London. Car usage in the city had reached a critical level, and producing a gridlock. Public transport was underutilised.

A congestion charge was introduced on cars entering London. Overnight, there was a drop in car trips by about 40%. Now those, who really need to use their car, can drive in freely flowing traffic.

Only unemployed and pensioners used the buses, which were old. A new fleet of buses was renewed so now all kinds of people use them. Business people and even rich people use them, as they are now more convenient than a car. New unified ticketing means you only need a single Travelcard, which is more convenient and cheaper since one ticket covers buses, trains and trams. Bus trips have increased from 4 million to 6 million per day. As we all know a single bus can replace around 50 cars. Rail capacity also has also been increased by around 50% to cover for the reduction in cars.

With the reduction in cars, bikes are now being seen on the streets again. The number one problem for wealthy English speaking countries is obesity, and cycling is a simple way to achieve people's exercise needs, while getting to work at the same time.

A reduction in greenhouse emissions of 36% can be achieved simply by lifestyle choices, without any need for new technology. Producing electricity locally would cut down on losses during transmission from remote stations. Red Ken also reeled off some statistics concerning the rising oceans. 15% of Bangladesh will be underwater, and 4% of the resorts around the Mediterranean will be desert. Without action on emissions, this will get worse.

Earlier speaker Anthony Albanese said improved transport is also a social issue. He pointed out that many people spend more time in their car, than playing with their children.

Personally, I just hate breathing car exhaust outside my front door, and that there are almost no pedestrian crossings. Dear Ken, I hope you get back in again. More power to you!

Coffs Harbour 4-9-09

<-- A good time had

by all -->

Nice beaches, plenty of time in the water. Despite turning purple, Ollie complained bitterly when it was time to get out.

The trip up was hell, but on the way back we took all day, with plenty of stops.



<-- storm boy looking for pelicans

a long lunch stop at Taree -->

Kindi farm 2-9-09

<-- beautiful Louis

making friends -->

Ollie spent some time checking out all the animals, but still found time to go off with his ride on trucks. The larger animals poked their heads through seeking food pellets, but scaring the kiddies away. Lucky for the birds who sat calmly.





<-- The golden goose

some very cute animals -->

Holly and Lola's 29 Aug

<-- a nice time had by all

I know what you're thinking -->

Rara with one of the guests of honour -->

<-- hey there

Get out

Once in a while.

<-- At Olympic Park, Newington Armory. Ollie, Andy, Anna, Zane, Sohi, Rob, Michelle, Em, Marie, Louis, Jen and Pete

taking it easy -->

<-- Lunch with Paul and Chris

Paul and Ella -->

Louis christening & Ollie's 2nd birthday 9 Aug

<-- Mum, Millie, David, Fil, Louis, Me, Marie, Baka

in the church -->

Huge thanks to Angela and Steve for putting on the after party at their place. A nice time had by all.


<-- in church

the happiest boy around looking at 2 cakes -->

Visit to Perth 30th July

<-- dog surfing

new slippers -->

Slightly hellish flight on the way over. Arrived late. Ollie still awake of course.

Had lovely time. Thanks v. much to Maryanne, Peter, Julia and Peter.

Every home is brand new. The nature strips are all immaculate. The train to town is close, as is a wide strip of dunes and the beach. Went for a walk every morning with Peter, the dog, Ollie, and sometimes Julia and Peter Joel too. Went for a ride with Julia and Peter. Of course all the bike paths are marvellous there also.

<-- in the kitchen

at the starting line of the interschool race, Julia on the left -->

<-- getting artistic

Louis at 1 month

<-- still sleeping a bit

at the midday snooze -->

At Fils

<-- the cousins

flying -->

Gabrielle's confirmation Anna's birthday

<-- and Louis's getting bigger

a fine speech -->

<-- Uncle Vince ducks from the girls

Ollie going for a ride & kip -->

Home again

<-- Milk ..

.. drunk! -->

Marie was allowed out of hospital after 30 hours, as everything is fine. Had a couple of home visits from the midwives, who've checked up on us. How nice to be home!


< --A bit like a cross between Napoleon and his cousin Tomas.

Starting to investigate things -->

At home

<-- Ollie, Baka, and Louis

Marie and her 3 boys, plus Baka -->

Baka very kindly minded Ollie while we were in the hospital.