Aussie Readers discussion

LOL!!

Well OK, this one is, but still a work in progress.



His last muster

He’s resting now in his old battered swag
while cattle doze not far from where he lies.
As other stockmen camp nearby and brag,
this man, prefers the quiet starlit skies.

The four week mustering is all but done,
when very soon he’ll take a well earned break;
far from the horses and the cattle’s run,
then rest his bones, that always seem to ache.

His best friend ‘Jess’ is hobbled for the night
he knows she will not wander far away,
then, wake him in the early morning light,
with gentle nudging and persistent neigh.

So as he’s drifting into restless sleep,
the visions of his darling wife appear,
while in his dream, her laughter now would creep,
because their love was more than just sincere.

His happy thoughts become a nightmare scene,
as deadly horrors through his mind now seep,
he sees their house and hears his darling Jean,
her life was lost amongst that burnt out heap.

That past event he still can’t comprehend,
while, even years of droving mobs along
just could not help his broken heart to mend,
because, for twenty years, her ghost has shone.

The neighs from Jess now wake the other men,
for as the dawn is breaking, he still lies.
He’s in the arms of his love once again,
together, as they walk beneath clear skies.

David J Delaney
27/10/2010 ©

Think about incorporating your WWW pics in a calendar and then sharing them with your family and friends next year. A new pic that's special to you ... on your wall gives you an opportunity to reminisce about your father when visitors comment.
There are templates that you can download that let you choose designs, colours and add comments.
Cheers,
Ann
http://annmassey.net/

Brenda wrote: "This is worth a read...I think it applies to a lot of us...:D

Twas The Month After Christmas

Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The..."

Thanks for this! You must be reading my mind. Fell into bed last night wondering why none of my clothes felt as comfortable as usual (denying like crazy all the yummy food I've consumed this last month or so).

Brenda wrote: "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm6ktY...

Check out this clip of Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye...it's amazing. It's so worth a look, and you'll sit there with a goofy grin on your faces while yo..."

What fun!

News just in. Brisbane residents are advised of possible flooding in the next two days. The mayor has said that six and a half thousand homes could potentially be flooded, on the scale of 1974. At least there is a bit of warning, unlike the people of Toowoomba. Precious items need to be put up high in the areas where flooding might occur, and people should pack a bag in case of evacuation. Pets aren't allowed in evacuation centres, so people who live in low-lying areas need to take their pets to higher areas to be looked after by someone now, in case things get worse, which it looks like they will. Our thoughts are with you, Queensland. My personal suggestion...fill up plastic bottles with fresh water now, so that everyone in the family can take one if you have to go. Don't drive anywhere if you don't have to, because things can suddenly get worse.

Hi, I'm in Qld , isolated by flood water and a bit scared but I'm praying for all effected and the people who's lives have already been claimed. Be safe!

Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm in Qld , isolated by flood water and a bit scared but I'm praying for all effected and the people who's lives have already been claimed. Be safe!"

Take care Michele and welcome to the group.

Thank you Gail

Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm in Qld , isolated by flood water and a bit scared but I'm praying for all effected and the people who's lives have already been claimed. Be safe!"
Oh my..please take care :)

I've spent the day running around looking for different spray paint and soaps XDD

Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm in Qld , isolated by flood water and a bit scared but I'm praying for all effected and the people who's lives have already been claimed. Be safe!"

Good luck Michelle...our thoughts are with you..x

I just cannot believe how bad it is...it's going to be worse than the 1974 floods now. Parts of Brisbane now being evacuated..Ipswich the same...predictions of 22metres for the river in Ipswich now...my brother and his family are high enough, but have people with them who's houses are not!

Thank you Brenda, I read the other thread and I'm worried for Mandy too! I never would have thought this would happen, it's horrific.
It's frightening how quickly your world can be turned upside down.

How are things going for you now Michele?

It's just dreadful..so hard to fathom for us down here. We just hope it doesn't get worse, and no-one else loses their lives.
Michelle, you and all other Q'ld people affected, take care...

Well I'm afraid. I have 3 young children and we've been cut off with flooded roads, I'm hoping the power stays on, that we have clean water and enough food, unfortunately 1 town has lost their treatment plant and will be out of clean water by morning I'm afraid of that and I'm worrying about them and everyone else too. I have been in tears all day.
I'm afraid we're not high enough, I won't be sleeping tonight.
We didn't receive any warning sms we were warned by a friend, the sms was to get out and go to higher ground. We were going to the car park of the supermarket because it's was the only high ground we could think of that we could reach quickly, only to find all roads flooded and it unreachable as well as that the Bruce Highway and all other routes out blocked too so we had no choice but to return home and since more rain we can't get back into town at all and the shop down the road had been bare from many others stocking up.
I'm admittedly pretty scared but I know my situation is nothing compared to many others and I'm scared for those in the main path of the flood and I'm extremely saddened by the loss of lives and the pain felt by their loved ones left behind.
The promise of worse weather coming just adds to my concerns, about everyone, about if were high enough and how long we will be stranded.
But I can't get the poor people in Toowoomba out of my mind, my heart goes out to them.

Oh Michele, you poor thing...of course you are scared! It's terrifying...do the authorities know you are there? Are they going to evacuate you? Stay safe, we are thinking of you..

Michele, I wish there was something I could say that would help. Know that we are all wishing you well and hoping things really don't get worse. How are the kids coping?

There are so many others that are in direct threat of the flood so we aren't top priority which I completely understand and also the weather is so bad they can't get in to get people out. We have to bide our time.
It's huge, the damage massive and I've never, ever seen anything like this before and I hope I never do again. Thank you Brenda, let's all will this weather away and I hope wholeheartedly that Thursday isn't as bad as they say it will be and that by some miracle the coming flood waters claim no more lives and do no where near the damage expected.

No that's a problem we have very shotty reception here, I just want all of this to be over.
Thank you Carmel
I worry about everyone else poor Brisbanites, (though it's for safety reasons which is good, everyone knows black outs are a pain) they're losing their electricity on top of everything else. Again my blessings to everyone dealing with this insane weather and what it's brought with it.

Laura wrote: "Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm in Qld , isolated by flood water and a bit scared but I'm praying for all effected and the people who's lives have already been claimed. Be safe!"
Oh my..please take care :)..."

Thanks Laura I sure will try

Stay safe Michele, my Daughter & grandkids are at Lowood & this arvo left their house for a friends on higher ground, all are OK at the moment.

Thank you David,Thank fully Wivenhoe Dam is now under control so they say, that's a good sign, Lowood is super close to that, I'm very glad to hear they are all ok. The emergency radio station is abc local radio and is available online and would be available to them on am frequency in Lowood . I'm glad they're safe

http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/seast...
http://www.abc.net.au/emergency/flood/
If you have loved ones in Qld and they're in a state of alert you may want to past these onto them or you maybe interested.
What they're expecting to happen is pretty disconcerting check out the "Flood Modelling" maps here http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/#maps
If you know anyone in these places you may want to warn them.

Michele. Is your house in an area that was flooded in 1974? How far are you from the river, and how many metres is your house above the level of flooding in 1974? Do you have neighbours close by? Get as many plastic bottles as you can filled with fresh drinking water. It won't be much good if you have to leave, but as long as you're in the house you need water on hand. If power gets cut because of the flooding, the pumping stations might not work. Locate as many torches as you can and test them, so you know where they are in case of blackout. Eat what's in the fridge first, in case the power goes off. Save canned food and biscuits until later, as they will be OK without power. Keep your mobile phone charged up, in case of blackout. Remember less than one per cent of houses will be flooded, so if you are on high ground, the best thing is to stay home, as driving around is the most dangerous thing to do. Check the website to see if your suburb is under threat. If it is, you could start putting things up as high as possible, and packing a small backpack with a few things...clean undies, toiletries, and a USB stick with your most precious pictures on, a torch, an umbrella, your phone and keys. The thing is, most people won't be flooded, but they will be affected by possible power cuts, which could lead to water shortages. So how close are you to the Brisbane river?

Michele wrote: "http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/seast...
http://www.abc.net.au/emergency/flood/
If you have loved ones in Qld and they're in a state of alert you may want to past these onto them or you maybe in..."

Thanks for those links Michele.

Oh thank you so much for the Danny Kaye video links - what a great way to catch joy! We all need something to smile about while we're fretting about loved ones.

What an incredibly talented man ... loved him in Hans Christian Anderson!!

http://www.authorsden.com/annmassey

Your welcome Mandy, I hope you're safe!
Hi Jan,
Thank you, We've taken every precaution,torches and candles, bottles of water ready, mementos water tight and up high along with pretty much everything : )
I'm in Caboolture, I think the threat here has passed, we're remaining on watch but mainly praying for the people in the suburbs suffering right now.
Lot's of people are in danger south of me.
I can only try to explain that I saw what happened here with the rapidly rising water and the warnings to get out were too late and no one knew where to go, everyone was out in their cars trying to get out only to be turned around at every turn and I was panicking along with everyone else and from what it seems this is what is now happening down there. People are being told to evacuate only to find they're stuck. Others houses are completely submerged, people are frightened.
If what they say is true the over flow of water is still yet to hit, I just hope the people there are as prepared as they can be and my thoughts are with them.

It's interesting that they tell you to go to higher areas, yet the roads you have to cross are already flooded! This means everybody is out in their cars...clearly one of the most dangerous places to be!

I see from the map, Michele, that you are a bit further north than the areas which are expecting the worst. But be careful when venturing out...with all that water about it can still be hazardous.

I am, the flooding that happened up here has thankfully dissipated in our area and thankfully my house wasn't flooded not all here were as fortunate. We can be grateful for the break in the weather, I only hope it doesn't make people complaisant when there's a torrent of water expected by this afternoon, I just wish them the best.
"This means everybody is out in their cars...clearly one of the most dangerous places to be!"
Yes exactly and I'm hearing the same thing happening on the radio down there.
It's a horrible situation, what we experienced here is a blip compared to what's going on down there.
I'll be praying for them and Mandy too. The amount of people that have come together to help is wonderful to see.
I'm not going to clog the thread with any more of my jibberjabber : )

Michele wrote: "I am, the flooding that happened up here has thankfully dissipated in our area and thankfully my house wasn't flooded not all here were as fortunate. We can be grateful for the break in the weather..."

Your 'jibberjabber' is very welcome, Michele...at least we know you are ok..:) It's so horrific everywhere, so the good news from you is very welcome!! Stay safe...

Yes...*calls* Mandy, are you out there? How you going? Keep us posted please....:)

Hi Brenda, Just got home from work. My place is OK. My parents who live on Cabbage Tree Creek are still a little concerned but their house was built higher to the regulations that were put in place after the '74 floods so we are hopeful for no damage although others around a bit nervous. My concern at the moment is my Dad who is a volunteer skipper with AirSea Rescue. He's been out all day in the rescue boat with the water police/coastguard etc. I'm not sure what they are doing or when he'll be home.

We are feeling it at work because of the number of people who are cut off. Longer hours and possible cut in supplies. Stuff like that. My sister's friend lives in Rocklea snd they have a 2 storey Queenslander which they have spent the past 5 years renovating by themselves. The water is now halfway up the stairs to the top level. The ground floor is completely flooded. They are just devastated.

Jeez I hope you guys are ok

Oh dear, Mandy...so glad you are ok, and your parents house too...so sad to hear about the Queenslander..it's just awful. Your dad is one of the amazing volunteers...they are so fantastic, and are all doing a wonderful job under horrific circumstances. I'm sure he'll be fine..will need a good feed, and sleep when he gets home. Take care Mandy... :)

All the best to you and your family Mandy.

Hoping all you Queenslanders and northern NSW folk are safe. My cousins in Grafton are currently flooded in. Take care all.

All the best to those affected by the floods. Can't imagine what it must be like for you all. Please take care, we are all thinking of you and sending money - I know it cant really help to replace what you're losing but its all we can do.
And prayers - we're sending prayers.

Best of luck to your parents Mandy (-:

My thoughts are with all those in flood affected areas. Please know we are all thinking of you and will offer as much support as we can. (((hugs)))

Carmel wrote: "Yeah Maggie, for all of us that aren't directly affected, every bit of financial support we can give will help the recovery response. Red Cross have asked that the best way for us to help at this s..."

Thanks for that link Carmel. My hubby says most home insurance doesn't include coverage of flood so practical financial assistance and a shoulder to lean on for some emotional support is what will really help.

David wrote: "Best of luck to your parents Mandy (-:"

+1!!

Thought I would post this here as amoung all the bad news I received some welcome news...I am quite 'chuffed' one of my 'Aussie bush' poems 'Old life Dreams' was accepted for publication by the Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D Ranch www.CowboyPoetry.com this is a very widely read & subscribed to American site & magazine & as I understand it, have strict guidelines & are very selective on who they allow to be published on their site/magazine.

David wrote: "Best of luck to your parents Mandy (-:"

Thanks David and everyone. They are fine and so is their house. Dad's out again with airsea rescue today. They are monitoring the mouth of Cabbage Tree Creek (I've attached a map. Cabbage Tree Creek is the little blue line below Shorncliffe and Deagon. Brisbane River mouth is where it says 'Port of Brisbane'). The debris from the Brisbane River is flooding out into Moreton Bay and back into the many creeks and waterways that line the coast to the north. Dad and crew are keeping an eye on the bigger pieces of debris and towing it back into shore where possible. The other smaller boat of the Sandgate airsea rescue was taken by trailer up to Ipswich yesterday and is taking part in the search for bodies.

Food and supplies in the shops are running low. It's unsettling to go into the local Woolies and see the dairy, fruit and vege shelves empty with signs saying 'sorry no stock due to floods). I've spent the morning ferrying Mum and a couple of other oldies in my unit block out to get some supplies. I feel a bit silly stocking up on food etc but with practically the whole bottom half of Qld under water and our big fruit and vege distribution centre in Brisbane totally flooded and everything destroyed it only makes sense that we will have problems with fresh food in the short term and massive price increases in the long term.

Everyone is itching to help where they can. You find yourself talking to total strangers exchanging stories and news. There seems to be a universal determination to take part in the clean up. There is a central volunteering website (www.volunteeringqld.org.au) which already has hundreds of thousands of people registered to help when the waters go down and the roads are open again.

Just as a bit of light relief the bronze statue of our beloved 'King' of rugby league, Wally Lewis, which sits at the entry to our big football stadium (which is itself flooded) has been 'dressed' for the weather. I love it!

Good news they are OK Mandy, I think many of us are in for a bit of a forced diet.

Great to see that unmistakable Aussie humour at work again & I'm 100% sure Wally would be laughing too.

David wrote: "Good news they are OK Mandy, I think many of us are in for a bit of a forced diet.

Great to see that unmistakable Aussie humour at work again & I'm 100% sure Wally would be laughing too."

Yeah all the footy players have been volunteering at the depots where they supply the sandbags.

I hope you guys in the far north have a lot of fruit veges up your sleeves cause I think you'll be feeding us for a while!;D

Thanks for all that info Mandy (love Wally Lewis' statue too!!) It's so frustrating being here, watching it all on TV, knowing we can't do a thing to help! I said to my hubby this morning, it makes you wish you had a trade of some sort, so you could go and help! Even talking to my brother and his wife in Ipswich, and knowing they are ok, still I'd love to be able to help out. So information like you have given us, helps! Take good care, Mandy :)

i love the wally lewis pic. and i'm glad to hear you are ok.