Thursday, February 19, 2009

Another update on Australia






Thanks, again for all your concern and good thoughts. I've heard from Amelia and she is fine. She has also gotten in touch with her friend in Churchill. He is also fine. His home was spared. The fires came within 1.5 kilks of his house but he's okay.

Amelia told me that there are still five out of contol fires and one has spread to the area where she lived when I visited her.

Keep those good thoughts and prayers comming. Thanks!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Book Review

I love to read. I’ll read just about any kind of book except war stuff and bodice rippers. I’m also very curious. Some people might say nosey. But I’ll stick with curious. I like to learn new things and find out about the world. It’s healthy, don’t you think? When someone wants to tell me about themselves or their lives, I’ll listen. Even though I think most of the human race are idiots, that doesn’t make them uninteresting.

One human who I don’t think is an idiot, I think she’s brilliant, has not only offered to tell me (and the rest of you) all about herself, but she conveniently WROTE IT ALL DOWN in the most delightful, sometimes sad, always fascinating book!

D.J. (Denyse) Kirkby had a most interesting child and early-adulthood. Her book, From Zaftig to Aspie, reminds me of an Advent calendar. Each chapter is like opening up one of those little doors on the calendar that reveal a treasure. She grew up in a time where free-love and hippies were the norm. She had opportunities to do things that staid city kids never did - happy, delightful things. She also grew up in a time where certain things were not discussed or brought to light – sad, dreadful things. Denyse doesn’t flinch when describing unpleasantness nor does she skimp when telling of the joy in her growing-up. She writes boldly and honestly. Her book is a fascinating delight to read. I cried when she found out why she was “different” from others for all of her life because even though I know that D.J. has Asperger’s Syndrome, I felt her relief in finding out the reason for her “difference.”




D.J. is working on several more books. I know I’ll read ‘em all. Currently, I’m awaiting the arrival of her fiancés (Christopher I. King) book – Motorbikes, Ducks and Crispy Sweet Apples. Anyone who reads “Chopper’s” blog will know that the book is going to be wickedly funny. I don’t think he could help being any other way.So, with the economy the way it is, buy D.J.’s book (and Chopper’s) they are investments in your intelligence and well-being. Seriously. You won’t be sorry.


To order - Motorbikes, Ducks and Crispy Sweet Apples

Friday, February 13, 2009

Udate!



Suspect Arrested in Australian Wildfires
By TANALEE SMITH,
AP
posted: 16 MINUTES AGO

MELBOURNE, Australia (Feb. 12) - Authorities charged a man Friday with lighting one of the wildfires that killed a total of more than 180 people in Australia, and whisked him into protective custody to guard him from public fury.
Police said the suspect was charged with one count of arson causing death and intentionally lighting a wildfire near the town of Churchill that killed at least 21 people. It was one of hundreds of fires that raged through southeastern Victoria state Feb. 7, leaving 7,000 people homeless and razing entire towns.


The koala in the picture is going to be okay. She's at a rehab center healing from burns on her paws.

I haven't heard from Amelia in a couple days so I don't know if she got in touch with her friend that lived in Churchill but I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Thanks everyone for your good thoughts, donations and prayers. When I was in Oz, everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) that I met, asked me about my feelings and/or did I know anyone who was lost at the World Trade Center in 2001. They then told me the horror and pain they felt about this horrible attack on the United States. This was 5 years afterwards! Five years, and Australians still felt emotional about something that happened half a world away. Now you can see why, Australia and her people are part of my heart.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Send some good thoughts, please!



You know that I have a deep affection for Australia and her people. Please send good thoughts, positive energy, prayers and contributions (if you can) to the people of Australia affected by these devastaing bush fires. While Victoria is burning, Queenland is flooding.

With everything else going on in the world, I think we've seriously pissed off Mother Nature in the last few years.

Thanks everyone!



Sunday, February 1, 2009

I finished the walk ...


Actually, the whole team finished and we're all still alive!

Here's us starting ...


The Intracostal at 8:30 AM. 45 degrees F, 7.2 C air temperature. Some of the walkers on the way back.

Another shot of the Intracostal for everyone up north or who's having winter!

The team at the finish line! 10:00 AM, 67 degrees F, 19 C

The South Florida Chapter of The Susan G. Komen Foundation raised over 1.4 million dollars for breast cancer research during this event. YAY US!

Thanks everyone!