A year older

Another Monday morning.

Had a fairly busy weekend, due to a combination of things. Was meant to be working Thursday afternoon and evening, then off until today, but one of my colleagues cried off sick for the night shift so I was asked to do that instead. Pain in the arse really as I don't get paid any more to do it, and I lose a day off (Friday) as I was working until 8am then slept for pretty much the whole day. Feel obliged to do these things occasionally though – the more you do, the more times you can ask for other days off or whatever.

It was my birthday on Saturday, and Liz and Greg had a party in the late afternoon and evening for me and Jack, who turned one on Sunday. Had a few beers and Greg opened a bottle of whisky (JW black label) that he's been hanging on to for a special occasion. For twenty years. Admirable self-control. Of course, a moment like that had to be captured on film so their camcorder packed in immediately prior. I managed to get it on my camera which does video clips, although the microphone on a still camera is not really production quality. Better than nothing though.


First birthday in Australia.

Sunday was another busy day, but this time because of Jen's band. Marching practice started at 9am, lasted for an hour or two, then a rehearsal then off to some Fete to play. Apparently last year's one was really busy, but someone forgot to send out the 5000 flyers this year so it was a bit empty. And the guy who was meant to hire a tent for the band was on holiday so they all had to squeeze into the shade beside a building to try and avoid the midday sun.

The weekend was hot. Have already warned the family about their plans to visit in January – Saturday was probably the most unpleasant temperature so far since I've been here. Only 31 degrees I think, but the breeze was hot too. Hot air in the face when you're trying to cool down is pretty shitty. Humid too, and later on Saturday there was a short thunderstorm which was a bit of a blessing.

Also saw a big bastard of a preying mantis.

Big bastard

Decided to take up residence in our garage. About a foot and a half long (apparently usually 6-8 inches), and it sat in the corner of the entrance for a day or so, then hung from the top, about 3 inches above your head if you walked out (didn't try to eat me when I did though), then finally died and dropped onto the ground where it is currently drying up and being eaten by ants.


Big ugly bastard

Recharged my camera at long last so some pictures for a change.