Another camera lesson....

It was such a nice day today I decided to do a Pasty run to Crystal Brook. If you haven't tried a Crystal Brook Pasty, you are missing out on one of life's delights. After a lunch break in the sun reading the paper, I headed up the highway again to turn off at Weeroona Island. I found this good camera spot half way accross the causeway to the island. No traffic so I was free to set up the bike, walk away and take a few shots. I have been reading about photographing bikes in a magazine just this week and it has helped with my compositions. The day was completed with a nice meal out with Gary and Ali, nice food nice company.......good day all round.

Norton 961 SE Commando First Look...........

Triumph were rebirthed a few years back and they have a great range of bikes.

Now we see that someone has rekindled the Norton bike......I hope it is a success as it looks very slick. Here is a copy of an article written in an online bike magagzine

"It now looks like September could see the first of the new Norton 961 SE Commandos rolling off the production line. Although very similar in appearance to the ‘Kenny Dreer’ machine, it has been totally re-engineered and now boasts fuel injection.The motor remains a pushrod Parallel Twin and is expected to give 80-85 hp in its final form. The frame too remains as per the prototype, BST carbon fiber wheels, Ohlin’s forks and twin rear shocks; along with Brembo brakes also mirror the original. Only 200 of these new machines will be built, all coming with a numbered plaque, costing £15,995. Stuart Garner and his team though are remaining tight lipped about future models, proffering to concentrate on fulfilling the orders for the new SE model and establish confidence that the historic brand is back as modern day manufacturer before promising further models!"

lady-bird lady-bird fly away......

Found this bunch of ladybirds at the edge of a reservoir........Questions come to mind, why are they called "ladybirds" when clearly they are not birds. Also not all of them can be ladies, only about 50% of them. Should they be called "peoplebirds"??? Drop of the "birds" as they are clearly not birds, so would that make them "Peopleinsects"?
Then you wonder, what do you call a bunch of "Ladybirds", is it a gang, a clutch, a swarm a herd or a flock? If I was an aphid living near that reservoir I would be very worried, I would be packing my bags and moving to another weed down stream........Maybe it was just a Woodstock for da birds........but then again if they are really a gang, I have been associating with them and could be thrown in the slammer if I do it 5 more times.

Back to the Peterborough MC Museum

Yesterday we took Tracey and Paul to the Motorcycle Museum on their way back to Bribie Island. I have been there before so only took photo's of the new bike on display. I really admired the workmanship and detail in this old bike which has been restored beautifully. Love the drop down bars and pinstriping paint work. Work of art really........

missing in action......

In the words of Arnold, "I'll be baack...."

they do not discriminate.........

I was in town yesterday and i saw a man and his dog. No big deal you say, you see that every day. The dog was happy as a lark leading the way, pulling on his lead. Every now and then the dog would look back at the man with love in his eyes. Total devotion, happiness and companionship was shared betwen them. The dog did not seem to notice or care that his master was different. His master was the unkempt batchelor, the lonely guy you see shuffling along in his walking frame heading to to the shops or perhaps back home. The person you would avoid because he was a bit slow and, I'm ashamed to admit this, not the person you would want to be seen with, incase others thought he was your friend.
This is when I noticed my failings and appreciated the dogs doting affection. He did not care, he loved his master, this man who shared his world with him. Dogs are wonderful creatures, much better than us two legged creatures.

Quote of the day.....

Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.

Henry A Kissinger

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ‘The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Hilltop Hoods...concert comments

Last Saturday night I went to the Thebarton Town Hall to see the Hilltop Hoods. I was in the unique circumstance of going with the whole family, and partners. We had a great night and it's refreshing to go to a venue and see the crowd, 99% young people behaving in a mature manner. There was the few nincumpoops who had overindulged in whatever beverage and were increasingly becoming dance experts, therefore bumping and grinding sweaty limbs over all and sundry in close proximity. Mosh pit behavour.......It was amazing to see the mass use of mobile phones to record the event, dollars rolling in for phone companies.....The two support acts also hip hop were brilliant, but I was waiting paitently for the Hoods. When they finally started their session it was a whole new experience, with fantastic lighting and visial back drop of animated digital story line. I was glad they sang their more popular songs from previous albums as well as some of the new gear. Moving to their much loved songs the crowd literally went wild, arms waving, feet stomping and the whold place a rocking. I glanced at the ceiling expecting to see some of the plaster or lighting crash to the floor, exciting stuff.
This group are Adelaide born and bred and have a close relationship with their Adelaide fans and this came accross like the familiarity of meeting long lost cousins. If you haven't heard the Hilltop Hoods give yourself a treat and listen for their music..........Hillatop Hillatop Hilla Hilla Hilla Top.