Saturday, March 31, 2012

Chaos reigns


It is so good to be home again. Dogs are home from kennels and everything is back to normal. Chaos reigns again. The cats have been enjoying the luxury of a dogless house and have been taking advantage of having the full run of the house, upstairs included. Now, that Willow is back on deck I am working hard to stop her chasing Poppy and Frank. Funnily enough she doesn't chase Rennie, probably because Rennie doesn't run from her. Poppy and Frank do, so they run, Willow runs....after them.

Saw an amazing old German Shepherd in Emerald. We were once again stuck in a traffic jam (the result of only one bridge in town being operational) and I noticed his strange gait. Once he came closer it was evident why he was walking strangely....he had a huge rabbit dangling from his jaws. Thankfully it looked well and truly dead. I am convinced the dog was looking for the perfect place to bury the rabbit, all part of the plan to resurrect it in time for Easter.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Technology bites


It is fair to say that we have faced more than the usual number of challenges with technology for this training program. The best laid plans go astray and we really are flying by the seat of our pants adapting our needs as data sources drop out. Jennie is currently delivering a session on databases, from the iPad as the laptop spat the dummy. Council IT were unable to provide appropriate quantities of equipment so we tried to use our own. Council fire walls and security being what they are though, we are not allowed direct access. Mybe we look suspicious and they think we are going to access the Mayor's private calendar.

So, we survived yesterday's challenges and have our fingers crossed for today. Still issues, just a different set to deal with.

The most amazing thing is the Council staff....I have never seen such a bunch of hungry, mannerless people. Our food once delivered by the caterers is under threat, so we have taken to meeting the delivery girl at reception, bringing the food up to the training room, then storing it under the table. Can't leave it in the kitchen, and even had some food taken while we were sitting there with it. Incredible.

The disco glow from the tv at night is now under control. Bed time routine now includes throwing my jeans over the tv screen so that the legs dangle down and block the eerie blue glow. As for the air conditioner, that has to remain off, unless I want a matching green glow decorating the room.

We had a long day yesterday with an early start, then finished the day with a public session on iPads. Saw my first iPad 3. Woohoo!

Today we finish at 4.00 so we are hopeful of having a look around town for an hour or so after work. That will be nice. Need to track down a nifty little shoe shop that someone put us onto when we were in Bagara. Hope to report "mission accomplished" next time I blog. A friends red patent leather Celine wedges inspired me recently. Shame I would have had to kill her to steal them!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Emerald lives up to its name


We flew in to Emerald Monday afternoon. I was stunned by how green everything was and was also surprised to seee the amount of water lying across the paddocks, encroaching on farms and homes, flowing under bridges and creeks running at capacity.

On arrival we collected our hire car, checked in to the very new Mayfair Hotel, then headed out to look for food. After a huge, but uninspiring lunch at the Irish pub, we hit the road venturing out to Springsure to visit Janine at the library. We took with us an orange and poppyseed cake from the local bakery, which cost the princely sum of $6. Unheard of at home for a whole cake. We made it to the library in time for afternoon tea, so enjoyed tea and cake while talking to library clients and staff. A pleasant way to have a tour and see what challenges the library staff a facing.

The scenery between Emerald and Springsure is beautiful, with Virgin Rock a highlight. It made me realize just why the European artists like Eugene Von Guerard and Louis Buvelot were so inspired by the light and landscapes they saw on their arrival in Australia. It really is inspiring.

A highlight for me was the visit of the local Primary School with two prep classes joining us for storytime and craft activities.