I must go down to the sea again....

[Lord Jim]

Okay, well now it's almost 2:30, and it's a big 56 degrees....

But at least it's sunny out; we're gonna bag the beach, (probably too chilly and windy) and just head over to a really nice play ground a couple of blocks up the road....

And then come back and fire up the 'cue....

[The Hen]

I LOVE outdoor family time.

I used to enjoy running the Hatch ragged outside to ensure that when bedtime came, she would be asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Unfortunately on many of those days, I was found by my ex, tucked under her bed with her 'book of the night, on the floor next to me, fast asleep as well.

So much for quality 'adult' time.

At least I had the energy to run around like an idiot the next day with the Hatch again.

[Gob]

Cool and overcast here, we're hoping for rain. Hatch and boyfriend have not yet emerged. Another day of walking the blind dog and the killer happy on the beach, and chilling out in our living room, reading books and watching the tide go in and out, bliss. I got ten hours kip last night. I!ve done four books in two days now reading; " American desperado, My life as a cocaine cowboy," shaping up as a good one.

[alice]

Though that's in " merimbula news" that happened many thousand miles away from here in South Australia Ray.

Thanks for the merry thoughts though!

Just to be totally pedantic, even though no-one will really care - that actually happened in Western Australia.
Which is the exact opposite end of Australia to where Gob, Hen and co are, wayyyyyyyyyyy across the other side of the desert. Almost a whole different country (as Western Australia's like to think they are separate - even their legislation is often slightly differentto the rest of Australia)
So it would be someting like putting a toe in the ocean in California and worrying about a shark attack that had happened weeks earlier in Africa


PS - have a great holiday you lucky bastards.
I'm obviously working in the wrong Govt department!!!!!!

[Gob]

Heh, cocky little fuckers these rainbow lorikeets. They will come and sit on your hand to feed if you show them you have seeds for them. Totally fearless.

[RayThom]

But don't forget, them sharks can swim.

Well, at least I'm getting a nice geography lesson in case I ever visit the land of Oz.

[loCAtek]

Okay, well now it's almost 2:30, and it's a big 56 degrees....

But at least it's sunny out; we're gonna bag the beach, (probably too chilly and windy) and just head over to a really nice play ground a couple of blocks up the road....

And then come back and fire up the 'cue....

Yea, meanwhile in the Valley, it hit 90°. ...and if you hit the roadway by bicycle, the asphalt makes it close to 100° dude!

Sympathy points: 0

[BoSoxGal]

Cool and overcast here, we're hoping for rain. Hatch and boyfriend have not yet emerged. Another day of walking the blind dog and the killer happy on the beach, and chilling out in our living room, reading books and watching the tide go in and out, bliss. I got ten hours kip last night. I!ve done four books in two days now reading; " American desperado, My life as a cocaine cowboy," shaping up as a good one.

My idea of a PERFECT holiday!

[rubato]

"...
So it would be someting like putting a toe in the ocean in California and worrying about a shark attack that had happened weeks earlier in Africa South Florida

... "

yrs,
rubato

[Gob]

Bliss! The others are heading out Tilba-Tilba for a trip. I'm left at home with the dogs, a full box of tea bags, left-over curry from last night, and a copy of "Where the bodies are buried," by Christopher Brookmyre. It looks like rain.

http://www.tilba.com.au/

[Gob]

Heh, just had a long hot soak in the spa bath. Luxury!

[The Hen]

And to finish it all off, a delightful family meal at Zanzibar. Brilliant! Both the food and the company. Now to bed to try and make the dawn service in the morning.

Lest We Forget.

[Gob]

Our American chums are going to love this! Hen gets back into work today, and gets an e-mail off her boss begging her to take more leave...

Here's the (abridged) exchange;

Hi there (Hen)
Have you thought of how you might manage this excess leave going forward?


Dani

Hi Dani –
Usually, once every two years I take a great whack of leave to go back to the UK to visit my husband’s family.
My last visit was done primarily on Flex leave due to an excessive Flex credit.
I am now reducing the Flex credit I have accumulated I will be able to use my leave credits for my future leave.
I intend to be going to the UK for an extended break in August/September 2013. I would need to take around 8 weeks off.
Cheers (Hen)


Dani,
Any leave planned for this year?

Hen,
I have a week coming up in August. I can also take leave in caretaker.


Dani,
That’s good. I know D will be off getting married at some point in caretaker, but if we can work something out it would be good for you to take another week or even cash some in?


Hen,
Cashing in is always an option. One I hadn’t thought about. I’ll think about it.

[BoSoxGal]

Take a whack of leave to come visit Plan Bers in the States!

eta: I meant to include: BITCH!

[Sue U]

I believe the international phrase you're looking for is "jammy cow."

[oldr_n_wsr]

What is "caretaker"?

[The Hen]

Yes, I am a bitchy jammy cow. But it has taken more years of not taking leave to get me into this sad spot of having to make up a holiday to reduce my credit.

Oldr, Caretaker is a Period of administration every Aussie Government enters just before an election until a clear winner is announced. It can last from a month to several months, depending on how close the result is.

During that period, the Government is effectively in a "holding pattern" and unable to take any decisions, unless complete disclosure to the current opposition occurs.

As my job is focused on providing information to the Government to allow them to decide what to do, during that time, other than auditing and returning or destroying all Cabinet Submissions and Decisions, I really will have fuck all to do.

[MajGenl.Meade]

[Guinevere]

One of these days I will post pics of the views from my house: out the front, just across the street, a tidal pond with tons of wildlife. Out the back, Massachusetts Bay, also just across the street. Four beautiful and entirely different beaches within 5-15 minute walks.

Being a fire-y personality -- my zodiac signs are all intense fire signs too -- I've realized that being near the water is necessary to my soul and my well being and my internal (and external) balance.

[Gob]

Sounds wonderful Guin.

There are many free web hosting photosites which you could link from,

http://picasa.google.com/

http://www.webshots.com/

http://www.flickr.com/