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BetterMost Community Blogs => Our Daily Thoughts - The BetterMost Community Blog Network => Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs => Topic started by: underdown on April 29, 2010, 09:55:13 am

Title: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on April 29, 2010, 09:55:13 am
G'day.


I thought it was about time to start my own blog on BetterMost; and here it is !

All Raconteurs are very welcome. (A Raconteur is a storyteller, btw).

I hope it will be positive and happy, and a place to share ideas and the kind of friendship I have found on BetterMost.

And, hopefully, it will add something to the BetterMost principle of 'a catalyst for change'.


C'ya soon,
Underdown (aka Rob), Sydney, Australia.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Lynne on April 29, 2010, 09:58:19 am
Welcome to Our Daily Thoughts, Rob!  This is both long overdue and exciting!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on April 29, 2010, 09:36:23 pm
G'day Rob!

It's sooo cool that you're staring a blog!  Fantastic!

Can't wait to see your thoughts from day to day!

;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on April 29, 2010, 11:21:56 pm
Hey, its about bloody time you got your own blog.

Good on ya for getting it up and running.

Looking forward to your memoirs.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on April 29, 2010, 11:59:10 pm
Welcome to bloging on Bettermost, Rob.  Looking forward to reading your blog.  :D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on April 30, 2010, 06:14:37 am
If you post it, they will come!

 ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on April 30, 2010, 06:30:06 am
Thanks for your support, people.

Just waiting for it to be accepted and put up.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on April 30, 2010, 06:33:58 am
Acceptance, what we all want.

 ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on April 30, 2010, 10:17:37 am
Looks like you're good to go!    ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on April 30, 2010, 09:15:34 pm
Congratulations on your blog, Rob! :D

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: tampatalon on May 01, 2010, 01:15:33 am
Hey hey Rob :)

Steve
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 07:48:03 am
 
Thanks to you, too, David & Steve.  :)


Well, it's been a busy weekend, but now maybe there's time to get the ball rolling on this, yet another, blog.

Hopefully, it will be a little different; and, even more hopefully, interesting to some people without being controversial or political, and without too many moans and groans.  :)

I've heard a lot of people talk about seeing the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
I'd much rather see it as full, and the people of BetterMost have certainly helped to fill it up.

So, thank you all for your encouragement, and friendships that have grown with me.

Now I guess I'd better come up with some entertainment, hey?

(As soon as I process some pics, I'll waffle on a bit about the recent trip to Tampa and, of course, all the wonderful Brokies I met for the first time, 'live', and other people who made it special).

Rob  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on May 02, 2010, 11:32:47 am
I've heard a lot of people talk about seeing the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
I'd much rather see it as full, and the people of BetterMost have certainly helped to fill it up.


That's a great thing to say! 

And I'm looking forward to your posts about Florida.  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 02, 2010, 01:27:47 pm
Rob, glad you finally got your own blog.  Hope you enjoy putting your thoughts and stories out here.  I'm sure we'll all enjoy reading them and getting to know you better.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:20:17 pm
 
Thanks Mandy.  :)

The Tampa trip was so fantastic.
I took just over 400 pics but, of course, can't post them all, or I'd be in big trouble with admin.  ;D

So, these are some (reduced as much as possible) that condense it to highlights of the wonderful time I had travelling to the States, and meeting some very lovely Brokies.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:25:10 pm

About to board the flight in sydney. April 15th.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:29:40 pm

Picked up by Dev & Bob at Tampa Airport, and heading for their home, where they had so kindly offered to let me stay.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:35:17 pm
 
Arriving at Ybor, for the Brokie gathering.
Very excited, eyes wide, and not knowing quite what to expect.  :)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:37:29 pm
 
Sue was just as excited, and probably nervous because she nearly hopped on a tram (trolley car) to go sight-seeing.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:40:37 pm
 
But our slight trepidation was unfounded !

These Brokies were soooo welcoming and friendly.
It was almost overwhelming to be hugged so much, see so many smiles, and enjoy each others company.  :)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:43:00 pm
Matt (ZK) couldn't be with us, unfortunately.
But Chuck wanted to let him know that he still remembered their secret sign.  ;D
(I don't know what it means, but Chuck said that Matt would understand)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:44:42 pm

After dinner, some of us headed downtown to a Karioke bar.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:46:20 pm
 
Where Chuck entertained us by singing a couple of songs.  :)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:47:24 pm
 
And showed us how a pole dance should be done.  :-\

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:49:03 pm
 
Next day, Dev, Bob, Sue and I had lunch at a place that had rather large drinks.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:55:49 pm
 
'Tho Bob didn't seem to think they were anything unusual.
(Bob is Dev's husband, our honorary Brokie, and a really great bloke who joined in our adventures with gusto and was such a fun friend to be with).  :)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 02, 2010, 08:57:55 pm
 
Dang.
I've run out of time for now. (Work calls).
Be back later with more.  :-*
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on May 03, 2010, 12:47:49 am
I love the pics Rob! Thanks for posting them! :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:27:32 am
 
Phew ! Made it.  :)

Most of the Brokies met up again on Saturday afternoon at the Tampa Aquarium, much to the delight of some of its hungrier residents.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:29:43 am
 
Although, some of them just put on a show of beautiful colour.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:32:15 am
 
And the more intelligent ones just ignored us completely.  :P

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on May 03, 2010, 06:33:06 am
Hey Rob.  Love your blog and great pics!  Your were a wonderful guest.  So glad we finally met in person.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:36:04 am
 
Thanks, Dev.

And you and Bob (and the puppies) were absolutely the bestest hosts.  :)

It was so good to feel just like 'family'.  :-*
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:37:56 am
 
Remember the curtain of 'water' we went through to exit the aquarium ?

Debbie didn't even get wet !  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:40:41 am
 
And Channelside Plaza ?

The chocolate shop was sooo hard to resist.  ;)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:43:40 am
 
Dinner at the Japanese restaurant in Channelside was a fabulous experience.

We all had to behave ourselves, as the cook was weilding a meat cleaver and grinning wickedly at us.  :o

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:45:37 am
 
( I think he was pointing and saying .. 'You Brokies mis-behave and you finish up on here' )  :-\
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:48:25 am
 
The Plaza had a great band, and a lively atmosphere.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:53:16 am
 
Sunday night came all too soon, and after a great dinner at a steakhouse, we adjourned to Mandy's motel room for a good laugh (how about those Brokie smiles, hey ?), and a misty eyed aurevoir.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:56:09 am
 
Dev, Sue and I went alligator hunting, on the way to Cocoa Beach.  :-X

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:57:46 am
 
Where there was a pier ...

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 06:59:18 am
 
.... a view of Cape Kennedy (well, a long way away).

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:01:10 am
 
A Brokie cuddle   ;)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:03:09 am
 
 ... And a Ron Jon's (Dev made me take that one  :) )

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:07:06 am
 
Dev's brother, a real bonza bloke, took us around the waterways on his boat.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:10:28 am
 
There must have been a golf course nearby, because the houses had these huge wire mesh screens protecting their windows.   :o

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:13:43 am
 
Next day, we vegged out at 'home'. Did shopping. That sort of thing.  :)

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 03, 2010, 07:17:22 am
 
On Friday and Saturday, Bob & I went on a car trip to the North of Florida, across Georgia (y'all) and at least 2 miles into South Carolina so that we could say that we went there.

But the pics for that will have to wait until tomorrow.
I'm having a hot shower and an early night.

C Y'all.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on May 03, 2010, 02:59:27 pm
great photos
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: dejavu on May 03, 2010, 03:18:01 pm
Ahhh, you did it, Rob!

Congratulations on your new blog.   :)


And great pictures.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 03, 2010, 08:36:57 pm

Dev, Sue and I went alligator hunting, on the way to Cocoa Beach.  :-X

 

Rob, did you SERIOUSLY get THAT close to an alligator???
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on May 03, 2010, 09:25:12 pm
Rob, did you SERIOUSLY get THAT close to an alligator???

Hey Mandy.....he kept on telling me to get closer to it, so he could get a pic of the alligator and me together........while he used a ZOOM lens. :o :o
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 03, 2010, 10:37:00 pm
Heya Sue, when I saw that picture, I was seriously praying that no other crazy fool was potentially endangered by Rob's insanity, but apparently I was wrong.  With a ZOOM lens, no less?  As if that's going to make the alligator move a little slower towards you as he's ripping your head and various other appendages from your body?

Rob, what Boomer did to you wasn't enough?  Were you hoping to go home with one more love bite as a souvenir of your journey?

Crazy bloke...   ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:06:37 am
Heya Sue, when I saw that picture, I was seriously praying that no other crazy fool was potentially endangered by Rob's insanity, but apparently I was wrong.  With a ZOOM lens, no less?  As if that's going to make the alligator move a little slower towards you as he's ripping your head and various other appendages from your body?

Rob, what Boomer did to you wasn't enough?  Were you hoping to go home with one more love bite as a souvenir of your journey?

Crazy bloke...   ::) ::) ::)

Huh. It was only a 5' or 6' baby. Probably weighed no more than Boomer.
Anyway, Sue found it and invited us to come see. And she didn't get any closer to it than we did.
'Tho I will confess, I was trying to encourage her to get closer for a good pic.  ;D
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:10:55 am
 
Friday and Saturday, Bob and I took a little trip to Georgia and beyond.
(actually, it was about a 900 mile round trip).

We set off from Spring Hill, on a road lined by moss covered trees.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:14:05 am
 
Then on a highway that was brightened up by spring flowers.
(Those pics look, to me, as though they are taken in a mirror. It took a while to get used to being on the right hand side of the road).

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:16:57 am

 Bob had washed the windscreen a few times, by now, so that I could take pics through it.

Then we arrived at Cedar Creek, a small fishing (tourist?) village on the Gulf of Mexico.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:19:38 am
 
Oh. I thought the bikini girl was in that one.  :-\

And we had lunch at a cute restaurant, overlooking the gulf.
(didn't see the oil spill).

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:22:36 am
 
We went 'way down upon the Swannee River'.
Actually, Bob turned around and we crossed it three times, just so I could get a pic or three.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:30:09 am
 
We visited the Florida State Capital.  (Tallahasse ?)
And saw the government building through a bit of late afternoon rain.
(That's why the pic is a little grey, notwithstanding the windscreen.)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:32:00 am
 
We made a slight detour, to pick up some cigars.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:34:50 am
 
(We also went via Cairo, but the pics didn't turn out very well).

Finally, arriving in Georgia. It didn't look much different to Florida, but the people spoke strangely.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Monika on May 04, 2010, 08:35:56 am

Dev, Sue and I went alligator hunting, on the way to Cocoa Beach.  :-X

 
:o
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:37:34 am
 
The motel, that night, was cool. Very well landscaped. Lots of snapdragons.

And breakfast was as good as the flowers.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:42:34 am
 
Next morning, we stopped off at Petticoat Junction for coffee.
Cherry pie was the closest thing available to cherry cake.
Just the thing for weary travellers.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:44:35 am
 
Next highlight was Savannah. Very historic, and really worth the trip.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:49:51 am
 
The Savannah tourist centre had a plaque outside, celebrating the American loss in a battle against the British in the War of Independence.  :-\

Kelda (if you can see it), note it mentions one of the the allies of the British were the 'Scotch' Highlanders ! (grrr).
(I guess they had to drink a lot of it to keep their 'spirits' up.  ;D
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:53:07 am
 
There are still some very old, picturesque cottages in Savannah.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:54:09 am
 
And restaurants.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:56:16 am
 
Including this one. The oldest in Savannah, dating back to the time of Moses and almost falling down, and where we had a great lunch.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:58:05 am
 
We headed out of Georgia over a large suspension bridge.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 08:59:05 am
 
... into South Carolina.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:03:36 am
 
Visited Telfair Equestrian Centre.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:04:57 am
 
And headed back 'home'.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:05:55 am
 
... the one in Florida.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:09:35 am
 
As the sun set on a great trip.
(And a huge 'Thank you' to Bob for taking me, and for being so patient every time I wanted to stop for coffee or to take pics).  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:12:11 am
 
Sunday was a very sad day.
Dev and Bob took me to Tampa airport for the flight home.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:13:12 am
 
Via Atlanta.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:14:44 am
 
And Los Angeles; by then, night-time.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:20:16 am
 
And over Hawaii.

I didn't know that it was so densely populated, and thought it had a lot of rainforest, but it was lit up from one end of the islands to the other.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:23:26 am
 
Then, as the dawn started to break over the Australian side of the Pacific  ...
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:25:16 am
 
 .... There it was.

 Sydney. And home.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:27:51 am
 
What a wonderful adventure.
And best of all .. meeting some very special people.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on May 04, 2010, 10:31:56 am
When you get by this way again, Bob and I would love to have you stay again.  You are a lovely gentleman and truly kind.  We finally we met and it all went by way too fast.  Maybe next time, you will stay in the States longer so you can see and do more.  So happy to have met you.  I love the Photos of your trip.  I wasnt expecting the pics from the airplane.  They were unique.  Take care dear friend.  Love reading your blog and am looking forward to more post here from you and others. 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on May 04, 2010, 02:15:15 pm

The Savannah tourist centre had a plaque outside, celebrating the American loss in a battle against the British in the War of Independence.  :-\

Kelda (if you can see it), note it mentions one of the the allies of the British were the 'Scotch' Highlanders ! (grrr).
(I guess they had to drink a lot of it to keep their 'spirits' up.  ;D
 

 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I'll know to take a big black marker pen to correct it if I ever go there!!!!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on May 04, 2010, 02:17:18 pm
Great pigs - partic loved the plane picsc
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 04, 2010, 09:17:55 pm
 
Sure am coming back, Dev. And next time will make it a longer stay if I can. But if I come to Tampa it would only be a short stopover. There's so much I'd love to see, all over North America. And that would probably take a few trips.

Funny, one of the people I work with asked me yesterday, out of the blue, if I was going back to the States to work there.
Mind reader ! I was pondering that just before he spoke. Or maybe it was because I was telling all and sundry how fantastic the trip was.
It would be great to do that for a year maybe, but I love where I live too much to leave it for very long, so it's unlikely.

Last night, I was chatting to a friend, here, who owns a few MacDonalds stores. He is upgrading the coffee machines after seeing new models in the States. Funny, but he was in Orlando the day we went to Cocoa Beach ! I hope he's not planning to change the coffee to the American style, of water and cream in place of the Italian espresso style made with all milk ! Still, maybe if they offered both, that would be good. I was getting to like the American style of coffee.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 04, 2010, 09:48:25 pm
You might be coming to work over here for a year?  Are you kidding???
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 05, 2010, 04:20:53 am


It would be great to do that for a year maybe, but I love where I live too much to leave it for very long, so it's unlikely.

 

Anyway. Brokies might want to visit here, and I'd hate to be absent and unable to show them the best bits around Sydney.  :)

But who knows? The firm might want to set up a branch office there. They have interests in the UK, Middle East and India.
I have a couple of friends in Bahrain, but have never mentioned it. Don't think I'd enjoy that part of the world.
But the USA ? I might mention that.  ;)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: dejavu on May 05, 2010, 02:14:39 pm
Rob, I really enjoyed your latest set of pictures.  Especially the ones from Savannah (I've never been there, but it looks like it's a beautiful town).  And also the ones taken from the airplane, and of the bridges.  Oh, and the "entering Florida" and "entering South Carolina" signs.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 05, 2010, 06:48:02 pm

It really is a nice place, Deb. Quite historical, and the people around there are very friendly.
Hope you get to visit there one day.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: optom3 on May 10, 2010, 10:56:05 am
Welcome to the world of blogging. I have had such a good time this a.m starting right back at the beginning. Love all the pics and will just say again what a pleasure it was to meet you.
Hope there will be another chance sometime in the future. :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 07:47:02 am
Thanks, Fi, and ditto, of course.
Yes, there will be. Maybe in September ?  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on May 11, 2010, 07:51:37 am
Morning Rob!

Hope you're well!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:00:39 am
Phew. The week started off with a drama.

Sunday night, I heard a commotion outside on the verandah, and found the cat limping.
Brought him inside, where he lay down, panting, with his tongue sticking out, and looking very sick.
At first, I thought he had had a fight with another cat, hence all the noise, but there was no obvious injury, apart from a tender back leg.
Then he staggered, like a drunkard, over to his food bowl, just looked at it and lay down on the kitchen mat, and wet himself.
By now, I thought he might have been bitten by something, but Sunday night was not a good time to try to find a vet.
So ... all I could do was keep him warm, comfort him and wait, hoping he's be ok.
He seemed to pick up, gradually, and lay in my bedroom doorway for the night.

Next morning, after dropping my car off for a service, I came home to find a red bellied black snake on the back lawn. Only about 2'6" long, but big enough to have given the cat a nasty dose of venom. Luckily, it must have only managed to inject a small quantity.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:02:36 am

Hi Chuckie. Yes thanks. Very. Shoulder is nearly better. Only a couple more months, so the Doc says.

Hope you are well, too. (?).  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:06:41 am

Latest report.

The cat is fine.  :)

The snake isn't.

(The snake is now in a pickle jar, to show Friend, when she gets back, what happened to her cat).
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:13:31 am

Actually, I hate to kill anything, even snakes, but if anything happened to the cat, I'd be the one killed.

We spent a whole weekend building a fish pond, but it attracts frogs.
They're cute, but they, in turn, attract snakes. Particularly red bellies.
And the fish just want to hide amongst the water plants, anyway, so there's not much point having a pond.
Unfortunately, the pond will have to go.  :-\
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:14:32 am

Hiya, Dev.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 08:19:35 am

I've now bought an indoor fish tank.

Well, I can't 'dispose' of the fish as well. Or the plants.
But I'm not sure how the 2 water lilies are going to fit.

Anyone want a couple of water lilies ?  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on May 11, 2010, 09:41:36 am
Wow Rob, the cat was very lucky it was not killed by that bloody snake. Theres not a lot you can do to stop it happening again, the snakes are there, just keep any grass around the house cut very short, as usually they prefer long grass, and hopefully now if the cat sees one, it wont want to play with it.

What a shame you are getting rid of the pond. You have done a good job of it, looks good. But, it probably has attracted the snake, if not for the frogs, just for the water.

Maybe you need a dog, that might deter the snakes.

So, whats happening with the shoulder? You having surgery or what?

Give me a call, if you get the time.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on May 11, 2010, 09:51:20 am
What a story!! I hope the cat recovers okay. You too!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on May 11, 2010, 02:07:14 pm
Poor kitty. Glad shes okay.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on May 11, 2010, 03:14:19 pm
One of the many joys of having moved to New Zealand. No snakes and no deadly spiders. However, I cannot get use to treating possums as vermin. In Australia they could be a nuisance but protected and cute. Here they are hated and the ones I have seen seem to be bigger.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on May 11, 2010, 03:34:19 pm
Wow!

I'm glad kitty is ok!  Thanks for letting us know! 

You (and your friend) best be careful mowing that lawn!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 09:15:47 pm
What a story!! I hope the cat recovers okay. You too!

Oh, the cat is back to his usual hungry self. Not sure if he'll now keep away from the wildlife, or go looking for snakes to get revenge.  :-\

Must post a pic of him soon, before he gets hisself kilt !
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on May 11, 2010, 09:27:59 pm
Hey Rob, someone told me one time, that if you have black snakes, you wont have BROWN snakes.

Now dont take my word for it.....the only difference between the two, except for the colour, is that the brown ones kill ya faster.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 09:29:32 pm
Wow!

I'm glad kitty is ok!  Thanks for letting us know! 

You (and your friend) best be careful mowing that lawn!

Oh, I'm having a break from work today. Painted the new indoor fish tank stand, next is mowing lawns, cleaning up around the yard, installing fish in their new home, emptying the pond ... Have a dinner date tonight, and have to finish some office work before tomorrow. I'll be exhausted by then.   ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 11, 2010, 09:32:53 pm
One of the many joys of having moved to New Zealand. No snakes and no deadly spiders. However, I cannot get use to treating possums as vermin. In Australia they could be a nuisance but protected and cute. Here they are hated and the ones I have seen seem to be bigger.

Maybe you could use a possum chasing cat, Brian ?  At least he wouldn't get bitten (unless the possums are really big).
I'll post him over for free.  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on May 12, 2010, 01:13:19 am
Hey Rob, someone told me one time, that if you have black snakes, you wont have BROWN snakes.

Now dont take my word for it.....the only difference between the two, except for the colour, is that the brown ones kill ya faster.

It sounds like the brown snakes in Australia aren't very nice! lol

We have Eastern Rattlesnakes here in Indiana. They are kind of a brown color, I guess. Tan and dark brown striped. They'll shake their tail and let you know before they bite you! I've almost stepped on one a few times.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on May 12, 2010, 01:19:05 am
One of the many joys of having moved to New Zealand. No snakes and no deadly spiders. However, I cannot get use to treating possums as vermin. In Australia they could be a nuisance but protected and cute. Here they are hated and the ones I have seen seem to be bigger.

Those possums are so cute! I was driving home from a trip to Kroger the other night and I saw a possum wandering in the street with a soup can stuck on his head. I stopped and pulled the can off. He must have been rumaging through someone's trash. Poor little thing...
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 12, 2010, 11:35:59 am
It sounds like the brown snakes in Australia aren't very nice! lol

We have Eastern Rattlesnakes here in Indiana. They are kind of a brown color, I guess. Tan and dark brown striped. They'll shake their tail and let you know before they bite you! I've almost stepped on one a few times.

Wow ! Your snakes are very considerate.
Do they still warn you if you step on them, or do they skip that part ?
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 12, 2010, 11:40:06 am
Those possums are so cute! I was driving home from a trip to Kroger the other night and I saw a possum wandering in the street with a soup can stuck on his head. I stopped and pulled the can off. He must have been rumaging through someone's trash. Poor little thing...

You're such a kind person, David.  :)

... Say, I didn't know there were possums in the USA.   ???
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 12, 2010, 02:34:02 pm
We have possums here in Missouri too.  I live near a creek, and they'll just thump by in the middle of the night sometimes, and I hear them trudging along outside my bedroom window.  Never thought of them as cute, though.  I guess the Indy possums must outclass ours.   :D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on May 12, 2010, 03:15:33 pm
Maybe you could use a possum chasing cat, Brian ?  At least he wouldn't get bitten (unless the possums are really big).
I'll post him over for free.  ;D
No thanks. I will probably lose friends but I hate cats. Both my neighbours have 2 cats each and as the people who owned my house before me bred dogs, the cats have been having a free for all trying to establish territory in my back yard. I am researching ways of deterring them. In my Australian home I had lots of lizards and birds and I waged continual warfare on cats.
The poison of the red bellied black snake does not usually kill humans and they will usually slither away if you stamp up and down on the ground. However I preferred not to see them in my garden. On the other hand the Eastern brown snake is the 2nd most deadly land snake in the world (after the Taipan) and quite ferocious. A 16 yr old was killed in the suburbs of Sydney earlier this year.  You are advised to stay still as they react to movement (easier said than done). I never saw one in my garden but did occasionally while hiking. Your cat was lucky it attacked a red bellied black and not a brown.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on May 12, 2010, 03:44:04 pm
We have possums here in Missouri too.  I live near a creek, and they'll just thump by in the middle of the night sometimes, and I hear them trudging along outside my bedroom window.  Never thought of them as cute, though.  I guess the Indy possums must outclass ours.   :D

Well, I think just about everything is cute Mandy! I realize a lot of people don't think they are cute though. We have really cute squirrels here. We have the reddish brown squirrels with the big bushy tails. Now, if you drive over to Cincinnati (about a 100 miles east of here) you won't see the brown squirrels. They are gray! And much smaller. I think ours are cuter. :)

Rob, I think possums live just about everywhere in the eastern part of the U.S. They might even have them in the western half. I'm not sure. But I'm wondering if our possums are the same as yours. They are marsupials though, the females have a pouch. So maybe they are the same. You must not have ever watched The Beverly Hillbillies. Granny is always talking about her "possum stew". lol :P

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on May 12, 2010, 03:55:45 pm
Possum:


(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KSAB9xqp6_E/ReGWzQWa3dI/AAAAAAAAAHA/0WU3Fqh1v3o/s400/possum.jpg)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on May 12, 2010, 04:26:30 pm
I hate Florida opossums their tails are bare like a rat which grosses me out Yuk!   They're rodents and so are squirrels. Ours are the small grey ones David and their tails are not very bushy.  I think of them as "varmints" as Granny would say. Yuk.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on May 12, 2010, 04:34:03 pm
Australian possum
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/brianr44/Possum.jpg)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 12, 2010, 07:27:28 pm
Well, I think just about everything is cute Mandy! 

Dang, David, that's a pretty cool trick, thinking everything is cute.  Maybe you could head over to page 504 of the 'Jake Jake Jake!' thread, and let us know if you also think ostriches are cute.  If so, maybe scientists in the future could replicate your brain and heart and start inserting them in all human embryos.  What a wonderful world we would live in then.   ;D   
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 14, 2010, 08:00:30 am

This is the snake chasing cat today, looking none the worse for wear.
His name is Clive ... and he's still alive  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on May 14, 2010, 08:03:25 am

Behind Clive is the corrugated aluminium bridge to the verandah, that is supposed to be snake-proof.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on May 18, 2010, 01:24:43 pm
This is the snake chasing cat today, looking none the worse for wear.
His name is Clive ... and he's still alive  :)



Im glad Clive is still alive.  He's a very pretty kitty.  Looks like our Mittens, Ashley's cat when she was growing up.  Poor Mittens got killed by a coyote.  It was ashame.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: dejavu on May 25, 2010, 02:59:50 pm
Latest report.

The cat is fine.  :)

The snake isn't.

(The snake is now in a pickle jar, to show Friend, when she gets back, what happened to her cat).

Eeeewwwww!

Just catching up on your blog now, Rob.

I hate snakes.  Glad you did away with it and that the cat survived.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on May 28, 2010, 07:00:24 am
G'day mate.   How's Clive doing?  Im so glad Clive is still alive.  And how's it going with you mate?   I hope your looking after your shoulder.  You seemed to be so uncomfortable with it.  You must get the proper doctor care for it, so it stops hurting!  Love ya heaps

dev
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 28, 2010, 05:16:12 pm
Rob, where ya been, mate???
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on May 28, 2010, 07:22:20 pm
Rob, where ya been, mate???

Yeah....where are you Rob?

All I can think is that he has been sent out of town for his work.

Or.....he has been in hospital getting his shoulder fixed, and is unable to use his arm...I'm only guessing.

Whatever it is mate, I hope you are ok.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on May 28, 2010, 09:03:13 pm
Everyone's lookin' for ya, Rob! ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on May 28, 2010, 11:52:51 pm
Everyone's lookin' for ya, Rob! ;D


 :o       :o      :o       :o       :o       :o       :o      :o       :o       :o      :o      :o                   
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on May 31, 2010, 04:41:54 pm
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Memorial-Day.gif)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on May 31, 2010, 05:29:25 pm
Dang, I wish Rob would show back up again here.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on June 09, 2010, 10:17:22 pm
I am worried about Rob.

I have left several messages on his phone to ring me.....so far nothing.

I dont know what else to do.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on June 10, 2010, 12:53:16 am
Are you ringing his home phone? I have his mobile and car phone numbers from last October if they would help.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on June 10, 2010, 06:48:05 am
Are you ringing his home phone? I have his mobile and car phone numbers from last October if they would help.

I'm ringing his mobile number.....I dont think he has a landline where he is living.

I'll just keep trying.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on June 10, 2010, 09:33:32 pm
Sue, if you should hear anything, please update us!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Katie77 on June 13, 2010, 03:26:02 am
I dont know what else to do.

I've rang Rob's mobile phone several times over the weekend, left messages, sent a text.

I thought maybe he had lost his mobile phone, but then if he had he could still use the internet to post on here.

I dont know any other way to contact him, dont know his address, dont know where he is working.

I am very very worried.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on June 15, 2010, 03:23:12 pm
Yes, keep us up to date.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on June 19, 2010, 06:52:42 am
I dont know what else to do.

I've rang Rob's mobile phone several times over the weekend, left messages, sent a text.

I thought maybe he had lost his mobile phone, but then if he had he could still use the internet to post on here.

I dont know any other way to contact him, dont know his address, dont know where he is working.

I am very very worried.


If you hear anything from him please let us know how he's doing.  I  care about Rob like we all do and if you're worried then Im worried. 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on June 29, 2010, 04:35:30 am
Do you know enough information Sue, to doa  google search to find more information?
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on July 04, 2010, 11:28:43 am
Hiya Rob!

Happy Independence Day






(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: optom3 on July 13, 2010, 11:20:07 am
Dear Rob,
if you are reading any of this, please let us know you are O.K. I know people can go quiet for a bit, I am guilty of that, but was unaware until now how worrying it is for the rest of us here who care. xxxx
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on July 13, 2010, 12:35:20 pm
Yes, please tell us, when you can, why you went away, Rob.

We were sooooo worried, and none of us knew how to get in touch with you, where you lived, where you worked, a friend's contact number, etc. to find out.  Some of us thought the worst, and we didn't know what to do about it.  I, for one, was searching all over the Internet, trying to google you and reverse email you and all kinds of things, but for naught.  Sue was calling every number she had for you multiple times.

You're such a lovely, wonderful, charming man.  We didn't want to lose you, especially those of us who'd only just found you.

Please share with us what's been happening.

And BTW, if you ever do this to us again, and I think Sue will back me up on this, we'll kill you ourselves.    ;)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 14, 2010, 03:15:29 am

It's mid Winter here, but the sun has been shining, and the spring flowers are starting early.

This is a silver wattle tree in my front yard. They are one of the Australian national emblems.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 14, 2010, 03:19:01 am

Oh. The flowers are a golden colour, not silver. The tree gets its name from the leaves, which are a silvery green.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 14, 2010, 06:48:14 pm
Thanks folks for your kind concern. I've been absent for quite a while.

I was recovering from a badly dislocated shoulder, using my right arm for any heavy lifting, and a couple of weeks ago snapped the main tendon in the elbow while trying to lift a big log. I’ve had to go back to using the left arm, but have to be very careful or it stirs up the shoulder. So, ‘tho I could still type, everything took a lot longer to do. The worst thing is it is painful to sleep on either side, and trying to sleep on my back produces back pain, tiredness, and ghastly snoring (that, thankfully, no one can hear). Consequently, time has had to be rationed to essential things, and I’m afraid BetterMost was not at the top of the list. Luckily, I mostly work from home, but I do have to drive to the city regularly. A surgeon told me last Tuesday that I should have an operation immediately to re-attach the tendon, but that would mean another 6 months recovery, and no driving for at least 6 weeks. If I wait until the left shoulder is properly healed, it will be too late to do the tendon. So, I have decided not to have the op, and to be content with a weaker right arm. No big deal. I’m still very healthy, and everything else works ok. Apparently, the most noticeable loss is strength to turn a screwdriver, so at least I won’t be so likely to screw things up.  ;D
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on July 14, 2010, 06:52:44 pm
Hello Rob,

I'm sorry to hear about your injury and pain.  I hope that you are making the right decision regarding your tendon,  only because the pain must be rough to deal with.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Shakesthecoffecan on July 14, 2010, 07:05:13 pm
Sorry to hear about you injury, nice photo too.

 :)

Do you all call this time of year winter? I learn somthing new every day.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: David In Indy on July 15, 2010, 04:02:32 am
I'm glad you are okay Rob. We were seriously worried about you! But Thank God you're okay. I'm really sorry to hear about your injury though.

I love the picture of your wattle tree. We don't have those here in Indiana. At least I don't think so. They must be a subtropical tree and/or native only to Australia. :)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 15, 2010, 08:20:42 am
Thanks for your thoughts, David.  :)

Yes, the wattle tree is an Australian native.
It was exported to a few other countries many years ago, as the bark contained tannin; used to tan leather.
There are a few varieties: Silver wattle, golden wattle, black wattle and a miniature version that has creamy white flowers.
Black wattle is named for the colour of its bark, but has yellow flowers. That one spreads lots of seeds and is considered a pest by landholders.
Generally, though, they are all beautiful in Spring, and inspired the well known Australian sports colours of green and gold.
They are very prolific in this region and many parts of Australia, and there are lots of them starting to bloom around the property at the moment.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: optom3 on July 15, 2010, 10:25:42 am
One of the few things I miss about England is the flowering trees. The bright pink cherry blossom. the mgnificent magnolia trees oh and rhodedendrons always a riot of colour. We also had a magnificent Japanese maple in our garden, with deep red leaves. Weeping willows, laburnum. I could go on for ever. !!
Oh and best of all, the stunning clematis which wove their way up the red sandstone cheshire brick of our farmhouse. Sigh ! Don't miss the weather thugh !
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on July 15, 2010, 10:57:54 am
When I was in the British Isles I was amazed at the diversity of the trees...here we just have aspen and evergreens primarily. Is wattle wood used for fencing in Australia, Rob?
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on July 15, 2010, 03:29:06 pm
I guess it could be used for fencing. Some varieties are used for furniture and historically bush huts were made of wattle and daub. There are at least 960 varieties of wattle in Australia. It can be very invasive in the wrong areas and become a pest. For instance the Cootamundra (a town in southern NSW)wattle  is very colourful but has become a pest in the areas near Sydney.
The Australian emblem is the Golden wattle or Acacia pycnantha. However it is a nuisance in Western Australia.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: optom3 on July 19, 2010, 10:29:48 am
You have educated me. Lots of very old houses in England, have walls made of wattle and daub. I had never given any thought to its derivation, now I know  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on July 19, 2010, 04:00:15 pm
Hiya Rob!

Hope that you're feeling better! 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: dejavu on July 30, 2010, 10:39:07 pm
Glad you're okay, Rob.  Sorry the shoulder is still hurting.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 10, 2010, 07:23:39 pm

Thanks for your wishes, folks. No drama with the shoulder and elbow. I finished up not having the operation on the tendon, and everything seems to work well enough, now. Just a bit of loss of strength, but nothing significant. The physio has been really helpful, and building up slowly with exercise is repairing the damage.

Spring is nearly sprung, here, with lots of wildflowers starting to bloom. Will take and post some pics, soon.

I know I haven't been around much, lately, but thinking of everyone.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on August 10, 2010, 09:08:05 pm
We're glad you're back, Rob.  All of us a bit sad and lost, but surviving just the same.

Friends seem to mean more than anything right now.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 10, 2010, 09:17:33 pm
Hiya Rob!

I'm glad to see you here!  Hope you stop by more often!  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 11, 2010, 10:27:53 am
I was thinking about folks today, and how, sometimes, life seems to be rather up-hill a lot of the time.

Then I had another thought....
Most folks believe that the world is round. A few think that it is flat.
I know it is round, but sometimes can't help wishing it were flat.  :)

But, if the world were flat, I guess we'd get less exercise, and finish up being weak.
And if we never experienced sadness, our spirits would wither away.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 11, 2010, 10:55:55 am
And if we never experienced sadness, our spirits would wither away.

I've never heard it said that way before.  I remember hearing something like "To fully understand joy, you have to experience sadness."
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 17, 2010, 08:29:17 pm
G'day Rob!

;D

Hope you're feeling better, buddy!

Have a beer!




(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/Grahamnorris67/P290709_1728.jpg)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 18, 2010, 08:18:34 am

Thanks, mate. Everything is hunky dory.
Hope you're feeling happy.  :)

And .. Wow. Everything in the US is BIG.  :o
 
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 18, 2010, 08:20:41 am

Thought for the day:

I always try to go the extra mile at work.

But my boss always finds me, and brings me back !

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 19, 2010, 06:51:12 pm

Thought for the day.

'If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs;

it's quite possible you haven't grasped the situation'.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on August 19, 2010, 08:55:57 pm
Hey Rob.  Glad you're doing well.  Take good care of that shoulder.  Cya the board!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 20, 2010, 10:59:12 am
Thought for the day:

I always try to go the extra mile at work.

But my boss always finds me, and brings me back !


 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 22, 2010, 08:28:33 am
Thought for the day:

I always try to go the extra mile at work.

But my boss always finds me, and brings me back !

 

That one was specially for you, Chuck.   :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 22, 2010, 08:30:54 am

Thought for the day.

Women prefer the strong, silent type.
*
*
They think they are listening.

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 22, 2010, 11:35:07 am
That one was specially for you, Chuck.   :)
 


 ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on August 25, 2010, 11:50:04 am
Thought for the day.

'If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs;

it's quite possible you haven't grasped the situation'.

 
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 26, 2010, 08:03:36 am

Thought for the day.

It's only illegal if you get caught.


(and, I guess,

It's only immoral if you're caught by someone who misses out ).  ;)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on August 26, 2010, 08:30:04 am
lol!   :laugh:
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on August 30, 2010, 08:50:34 am

  Stressed at work ?

  Thought for the day that you can pin above your desk.


     'I am NOT tense.

        ...  Just very, very alert !'

 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on September 08, 2010, 07:06:09 pm
HI Rob hope you are well.   I  like your thoughts for the day.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on September 08, 2010, 07:18:51 pm
Stressed at work ?

Thought for the day that you can pin above your desk.

'I am NOT tense.

...  Just very, very alert !'


Reminds me of a sig line I've seen on DCF....

"We're not obsessed, just intensly focused!"
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on September 29, 2010, 08:56:08 am
Hiya Rob!

Haven't seen you about in some time!  Miss you and your sayings of the day!

Hope you're well!


I'm thinking about placing a video on YouTube, I've discussed it on my blog...

give it a read (please) and let me know what you think on my blog!  Thanks!


http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13511.msg588144.html#msg588144
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on September 29, 2010, 03:23:55 pm
Yeah, Rob, where have you been?  I left you a couple voicemails a few weeks ago, but got no callback.  Hope you are doing okay.  Take care.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on September 29, 2010, 05:32:29 pm
Rob you disappeared again. Hope you are well.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on October 18, 2010, 07:10:36 pm
Rob you disappeared again. Hope you are well.

I second that!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on October 18, 2010, 09:23:41 pm
Rob called me last Thursday night, and we chatted for about an hour and a half.  He is doing well, but is busy with various challenges at his work right now.  Said he'd have to get back on here soon and see what's going on.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on October 18, 2010, 09:24:59 pm
Thanks for the update, Mandy!

 :-*
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on October 31, 2010, 11:16:01 am

Hello Bob!


Happy Halloween!


(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on November 01, 2010, 09:44:33 am
Hey Rob, lovely talking to ya last week.  Hope you figure out that romantic situation of yours to your satisfaction.  Your love life sounds about as complicated as mine's been lately.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 02, 2010, 08:05:38 am

Hi Mandy.

It was good to chat at the weekend, of life, and love, and other walrus things.
Actually, it's not at all complicated. More like non-existent.
Oh well. I have friends, and friendship is never complicated.
An old friend smiled at me the other night, for the first time in a long while.
And that was nice. It was too unexpected to react, and smile back, 'tho.
Guess I was a bit tired from driving Sydney to Melbourne and then Brisbane in 6 days.

Hope you're having a great time.
I'm still tossing up the pros and cons of going to LA next month, but still very busy.
Should be possible sometime in the next couple of months or so.
Maybe around Christmas, when things are quiet ?

My web hosts had a huge problem over the weekend, with the new cloud system that was supposed to mean better reliability by spreading the load via another, multi-host, company with a few different locations in Oz. Not much effect for me, as I'm still developing and on their own servers, but really serious for those with established e-commerce sites. One of their clients runs a security monitoring business site, and they were posting some rather vitriolic comments on the blog page. Result was the hosting company aborted the plan in disgust, and for fear of losing their customers. Good thing I want to get everything working 100% before I go live. (Fingers crossed  :) )

I'm getting sleepy. Already wandering into dreamland.
Must go, before I start mumbling about things I should only dream about.  ;)

Cheerzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 02, 2010, 09:21:15 am
Christmas is quiet?

 ???  :laugh:
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on November 02, 2010, 01:27:14 pm
Christmas is quiet?

 ???  :laugh:
In the southern hemisphere, Christmas comes in the long hazy days of summer when everyone and thing slows down
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 02, 2010, 06:29:30 pm

Yep. People close their offices, forget work for 2 or 3 weeks, and eat and drink themselves silly.
A lot head for the beach, or away on a trip somewhere. Anywhere no-one can reach them.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on November 03, 2010, 12:37:41 pm
Christmas is quiet?

 ???  :laugh:

I got news for you guys.  Even in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas can be quiet for those without family to share it with.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 04, 2010, 12:39:53 am

I'll be a loner at Christmas, too.
Hey, maybe we could get together a few brokies who are in the same boat, and I'll come on over?  :)
Christmas might be the only break for me for a while.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 04, 2010, 04:02:56 am

Want to progress at work ?

Do you think that Knowledge, Hard Work and Attitude will get you there ?

Well, let's see.

If we give a percentage number to every letter of the alphabet, as in  A = 1%, B = 2%, C = 3% ... etc, we find that :

Knowledge = 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
Hard Work = 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
& Attitude = 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

... Not bad.

But, hey !

Bullshit = 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103% !
and Ass Kissing = 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = a whopping 127% !

Sooooo. What are you going to try ?  ;)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 16, 2010, 08:13:01 am

Hmmmmm. Things have been very quiet in this blog for a while.

Oh well, I'm to blame. Was going to put in a few pics of my trip to Melbourne.
Didn't take any on the trip to Brisbane, but that was sort of rushed.
'Never enough time'.

I'm off to Melbourne, again, tomorrow. Not driving this time. Flying down and back in the one day, to catch up for a couple of hours with the company I visited in Brisbane. All very exciting stuff that I'll have to report on when I get back.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on November 16, 2010, 10:14:39 am
Thanks for the update, Rob.  Best of luck!  Let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:32:42 am

Hi,

The trip to Melbourne, yesterday, was good. Lots to see and do, there.
I think Melbourne has a lot more character than Sydney, and the sight-seeing is different.
Lots of decorative old buildings, trams and greenery.
It was mostly business, which was very successful. It's only an hour or so flight, but it was a long day.
At least they are paying  ;)

Last time I was in Melbourne, I drove down, and had a chance to go see the rhododendrons at the Nicholas estate (developed from the Aspro fame and fortune). The gardens are quite excellent, 'tho not quite as good as they used to be. Maybe because I was on my own, this time. I'll post a few pics.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:38:51 am

Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:39:51 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:40:58 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:42:34 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:44:00 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:45:38 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:46:59 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:48:07 am
.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 08:49:13 am
And the forest trees aren't bad, either.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2010, 09:18:46 am
That's all the pics, for now. I took a couple of Melbourne city street scenes on my mobile, but will have to process those.
Right now, I'm bushed and heading for the shower and bed. Have a big day tomorrow. Places to go, people to see, etc. (I must be really wicked, hey ?)

Might have to go up to Queensland again, soon, too. Not business. My daughter was preparing for her law phd submission, and was recently told that she needs a tricky brain operation. She is one of those people who always has a very brave and cheery exterior, and smiles through it all, but, underneath, I know she is scared. So, all I can do is be her Dad, love her, and tell her everything will be ok.

Think I'll go make a cuppa before bed.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 18, 2010, 09:22:24 am
Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting them! I'll be thinking of you and your daughter. Hope the operation is smooth sailing!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on November 18, 2010, 04:04:22 pm
lovely pics.....
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 23, 2010, 09:33:32 pm
Wow!

Great pics Rob!  Thanks for sharing them with us!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 25, 2010, 11:24:28 am
(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/Thanksgiving/thanksg2.gif)

Happy Thanksgiving Rob!

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on November 28, 2010, 07:44:47 am
Not sure what's wrong but hope your daughter is okay...
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on November 28, 2010, 05:37:55 pm
Hi Rob.  Ill be keeping you and your daughter in my thoughts and prayers. 
Nice pics of Melbourne. 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 29, 2010, 08:55:24 am

Thanks, folks, for your kind thoughts re my daughter, Robyn.  :-*

Just to explain. Robyn had a shunt inserted for hydrocephalus shortly after she was born.
It is still there, but now causing brain problems as it disintegrates.
She has been advised to have an operation to fix the problem, however, due to the fact that surgeons now have to warn their patients about any risks that could possibly be involved (due to their own risk of litigation), she is very reluctant to have that done.
So .. she is delaying, and researching, in the hope of finding an alternative treatment.
It's quite worrying for her, and her family.
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 29, 2010, 09:30:08 am

Oh. I went out on a first date, tonight. First time in many moons.
Just for coffee, at a restaurant, to see if there was any 'instant attraction'.
There wasn't, 'tho. I don't think either of us had our heart in it.

Oh, bu**er.  :-X  .. Just spilled half a mug of tea over the desk !!

(* grumble, grumble ... half a box of tissues ... grrrr *)

Must be time for bed.

Sweet dreams.  :-*
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on November 29, 2010, 03:21:21 pm
Fingers crossed that your daughters search comes up with something she is happy with....
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 30, 2010, 07:11:44 am
Hello Rob!

I hope your daughter's research turns up some answers for her! 

As for the date, sorry there wasn't a big attraction, but hey, you took the chance for it!  There are some who never try.  Keep trying!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 04, 2010, 08:22:44 am

Well, things are moving for my daughter. My GP gave me the name of a guy he just happened to be at Uni with, who is now an associate professor in neurology in Sydney, specialising in her particular problem. Said to just mention his name as they are still buddies.  ... And some people say things don't happen for a reason !

The GP thought I should have a few heart tests as a checkup, and I was seeing him with the results. Seems the ol' ticker is 'nearly normal', whatever that means. (Probably that I need more exercise). Apparently, all the tests were great, and I should live to be at least 100. And by then, of course, medical science will be able to patch me up for another 100, and after that ....  Could go on forever !

Hmmm. I'm going to train as a heart specialist in the second hundred.
Just think of all those rich retirees wanting to stay alive !  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 07, 2010, 10:48:39 pm
Glad to hear that all is good!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on December 08, 2010, 05:48:20 am
fingers crossed your contact comes up trumps!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 08, 2010, 07:50:15 am
Card is in the mail, buddy!

Not sure if it will make in there by Christmas, but it's on the way!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 11, 2010, 08:14:14 am
 :)

Thanks Chuck.
Hey, I can't reciprocate, 'tho.  :-\

Oh well, guess I can think of something else.

Have a great time in LA, mate.
Say G'day to everyone for me ?
I'm really sad that I can't join you, this time, but have plans to come over next year.   :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 12, 2010, 09:02:18 am

Hmmmm.

I was on my way to the shower, and bed, but thought I'd pop in to BM to catch up on what has been happening,
in the 'recent posts':

Hmmm. There's a Brokie meet going on in LA. Not much reported in BM from there.
The rest are sadness.

I wish there were some happiness in here.

Just now, I really need sadness like a hole in the head.
My daughter is coming down to Sydney to see a U2 show that she has recently seen twice in Brisbane.
Her prognosis is not good, and I think she wants to see her favourite band as many times as she can, while she can.
She is keeping her spirits up really well, and is just so happy that U2 are on tour here.

I have a new client company that seems to be doing very well (the last one went broke on me), so all is good.

And Christmas is nearly here !  ;D   'Joy to the world', and all that kinda stuff.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on December 12, 2010, 12:02:28 pm
Hey Rob, thanks for calling this morning.  Sorry, I was knee-deep in SOS pads, cleaning house and couldn't get to the phone.  I think it was my turn to call, so I'll try you tomorrow eve your time, my early morning, okay?

So, you wish there was some happiness in here, huh?  Here ya go:

I've been quite happy and content, even fascinated, by life lately.  During the night, we had our first snowfall here in St. Louis.  I could smell it through my open window over my bed, and got up at 5 to look out, just like a little kid, and went outside in my slippers and sat on my porch swing and watched it fall to the ground, perfectly virgin and beautiful.  Not a single sound or sign of life, except for the breeze making all the flakes twist and turn on their way down.  It's moments like that, that are almost transcendent.  They give me peace, and fill me up with joy in order to support me during the rare times that aren't quite so joyful.

Have been dating a lot lately.  Men are an endless source of fascination for me.  Of the 6 I'm dating regularly right now, they all have vastly different personalities, which makes it all the more interesting.  Tonight I'm making dinner at my house for an old boyfriend that I haven't seen in 11 years.  He's mid-divorce, and I was the first friend he wanted to see.  He's a teacher, and a drummer/guitarist on the side.  He's written 13 new songs recently, and wants to play them for me first, so I am quite flattered by both those facts.  I'm sure it will be quite a blast from the past.  Again, something else that gives me peace and joy...  Old friends sitting on my couch, sipping wine, listening to music, holding hands, and smiling.  My 13-year-old couch, god love it, has this magical power of making the rest of the world and all the bad stuff, disappear.  I wish I could figure out how to clone it; I'd make a million:)

Is that enough happiness to tide you over for now, cause I could go on and on...

I'm sorry to hear your daughter is ill, apparently very ill.  I'm also sorry that I don't know what she is suffering from.  Can you enlighten those of us here who don't know please, if it's not too painful?

Take care of yourself, Rob.  Talk to you tomorrow, mate.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on December 13, 2010, 09:47:04 am
6!

Wow! Get you Ms Mandy!

And hugs to Rob!
xx
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 14, 2010, 07:43:55 am
6!

Wow! Get you Ms Mandy!


 :laugh:

And no time for one more.  ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 14, 2010, 07:45:17 am
Awwww. Thanks for the hugs, Kel.  :-*
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 14, 2010, 08:03:04 am

I'm sorry to hear your daughter is ill, apparently very ill.  I'm also sorry that I don't know what she is suffering from.  Can you enlighten those of us here who don't know please, if it's not too painful?


Oh, it was on page 21. At the bottom.
And thanks for everyone's concern. She has an urgent appointment with a specialist in Brisbane (near where she lives) on Thursday, so she couldn't come down for the concert, and a second opinion coming up in Sydney, with a professor.
I'm sure everything will turn out ok with the right treatment. It's just a tad scary at the moment.

Oh well. It's bed-time again.
I'm giving up going to bed at midnight, but still have to get up at 5.30 (sigh).
Sweet dreams.  :-*
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 15, 2010, 07:01:11 am

Yay. I received a Christmas card from Chuck, today.

Thanks, Chuck.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 19, 2010, 02:43:46 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 25, 2010, 12:08:35 pm
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg)      (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg)

Merry Christmas Rob!!!!

Hope you have had a happy holiday season,
and that the past year has been a great one for you!


May 2011 bring you more great things!




(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg)           (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 31, 2010, 12:00:43 pm

(http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab267/Aspoiledbratt/New%20Year/737.gif)


Happy New Year Rob!

I hope that 2011 brings you
great things and happy memories!

(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Florida%20Trip%202010/FloridaTrip006.jpg)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on January 01, 2011, 01:00:27 am

 ;D

Thanks, Chuck.
Yes, many happy memories of 2010.  :)
And more to be made this year, too.

I think 2011 will be a really good year.
An old friend called in just a while ago for a cuppa, and to wish me a Happy New Year. Gave me a start when I heard someone drive in. My thermometer is registering 43 degrees C, or about 110 F, and I was in my birthday suit !  :o
(Lucky it was someone used to seeing me in my birthday suit).
It's good that we can still be on easy, friendly terms, even tho we have gone our separate ways.

Welcome to a Happy 2011. The year for making lots of nice memories.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Brokeback_Dev on January 01, 2011, 01:29:49 am
Happy New Year !!!!

Sorry we missed your call Rob.  It sure was wonderful to hear your voicemail. 

Hope you had a very Merry  Christmas!

We bring you wishes for a healthy and happy 2011.  May it be prosperous and bring good news about your daughter.

Love,
dev and Bob.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on January 01, 2011, 07:58:54 am

Thank you for your wishes, Dev.

Will try to catch up later. The satellite 'phone is on the blink, and I'll call when it is fixed.
 :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on February 02, 2011, 06:31:26 am

Wow. I haven't been in this blog for a whole month !
Have been over visiting Chuck, sometimes, tho.

Sydney is HOT HOT HOT. And the office is hot and sticky. In the bad way.

Paradise compared to Queensland, 'tho. Those courageous folks are just cleaning up after huge floods, and now they are being hit by the biggest cyclone to hit Queensland in living memory, and they've had some beauties. Spare a thought for them?
Following the cyclone will be more floods, of course. And the ground is already soaked, so that will mean more devastation.

We've also just seen news on TV of the ferocious blizzards in the US. So bad, in some parts, that it must make life almost unbearable. I'm feeling for you guys who are caught up in it.  :(

We'll all survive if we keep smiling.   :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on February 02, 2011, 01:52:51 pm
The weather everywhere seems to be insane.  Guess we can blame global warming, but that certainly doesn't help the families affected.

Spring can't come soon enough here in St. Louis -- this ice and snow bites, but it's nothing at all compared to what so many others are going through...
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on February 05, 2011, 05:36:23 pm
We'll all survive if we keep smiling.   :)

 ;D


Good to see you back, Rob! 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on February 14, 2011, 08:59:04 am

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/b5295cbf.gif)


(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/2676.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/Val_mini4.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/valentine2.gif)


Happy Valentine's Day, Rob!

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on March 06, 2011, 04:10:56 pm
G'Day Mate!

Just checking in on ya to see how you are!  Hope things are going well with you down under!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on March 15, 2011, 08:50:50 am
*waves to Rob*

Ohhhhh.........March 15th!



(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/marge_simpson.png)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on March 17, 2011, 06:56:40 am

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)

Happy St.
Patrick's Day
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on March 17, 2011, 01:25:52 pm
Rob, where've you been, mate?  Join us again!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on April 24, 2011, 11:43:30 am

(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Easter_Front.jpg)

Happy Easter, Rob!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on July 11, 2011, 05:38:23 pm
Happy birthday, friend!!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 14, 2011, 09:17:57 am
Thanks for the birthday wish.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on July 14, 2011, 11:23:03 am
Happy Belated Birthday Rob - and nice to see you around.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 14, 2011, 08:51:20 am
 Hi Bettermostians.

Now don't say 'And just where do you think you've been?', coz it's a long story.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on December 14, 2011, 09:29:57 am
i think most of us will have missed the Christmas Post to Australia!?

Any news at all about where you have been!?!  ;)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 18, 2011, 07:03:44 am

Hi Kelda,

Well, if I start explaining, it'll take all night. I've mostly been very busy, 'tho.
 :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: optom3 on December 20, 2011, 09:01:19 am
Hi dear man, popping by trying to play massive catch up with long lost friends. I have been less than active of late. Hope all is well with you.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 21, 2011, 07:46:32 am

Hi dear Fi,

Nice to 'see' you after such a long time.

Hey, that makes 2 of us who had to catch up with 'long lost' friends.

I've been missing everyone.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on July 02, 2012, 09:10:54 am

 Hi there, Bettermostians.  :)
 
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on July 02, 2012, 09:58:10 am
Hi, friend! Missed you...how's the winter going?
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Mandy21 on July 02, 2012, 10:10:48 am
Thanks for popping by, Rob.  Think it's your bedtime now, if I'm not mistaken.  Sleep well, my long-lost friend.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on July 02, 2012, 10:44:43 am
 ;D

Good to see you back, you've been missed!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Kelda on August 02, 2012, 11:46:10 am
Hi Rob!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on December 25, 2012, 07:32:20 am

 HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
 :) :)


Thought I'd share the Christmas card sent to members from the Rural Fire Service.

Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 25, 2012, 06:33:05 pm
Hello Rob!  Good to see you here,  and I hope you had a great holiday!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: brianr on December 25, 2012, 07:26:22 pm
Happy Boxing Day, Rob
Glad the rain reduced the fire risk and filled up your water tanks. Apparently Sydney had the most rain in one day since July. That is not a problem in Dunedin. They get excited if a bushfire burns out 1 hectare over there.
I was glad it was much cooler on Christmas day but did feel sorry for all those who planned picnic lunches which as you know is popular over here. Apparently it was warm and dry in Dunedin in fact warmer than Sydney so they would all be feeling the heat. In Dunedin everyone says how it is hot if the temperature goes over 20'C ;D
The hottest day I have experienced there was 28'C although the record for the city is 32'C. Even then it would only last one day then back to the normal cool weather.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on December 31, 2012, 08:39:48 am
It's New Year's Eve here in NJ, but with the time difference, it's New Year's Day by you!


(http://www.vuhelp.net/attachments/christmas/10044d1355921302-top10-happy-new-year-2013-wallpapers-december-2012-2013-8879929-new-year-2013.jpg)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 18, 2013, 08:20:13 am

Hello all.  :)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 18, 2013, 09:21:47 am
Well, look what the wind blew in!  ;D

Welcome back Rob!  Good to see you!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 18, 2013, 03:13:26 pm
Hi Rob! Where you been? Here and there?  ;)
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 20, 2013, 08:39:44 am

Why, thank ye both very kindly.  :)

I'm going to do some posting in here on Fridays, as that's now a regular day at home.
In between cutting grass, and weekend shopping, and gardening, of course. I'm practicing for retirement, and sort of easing into it for a year or so. Don't want to jump straight in to all that extra work people find to do when they retire.
The garden has expanded quite a bit, but there always seems to be a blank space, somewhere, that needs some veggies or flowers or whatever.
A friend with a green thumb has helped and put in a lot of work at weekends.
It has been very wet, here, in the past week or so, but we really needed it after a long dry spell and some nasty bushfires not far away.
Green thumb friend is moving house, soon, and won't be able to visit, so I might have to hire a helper, again. Wonder if I could pay in vegetables?  :-\ (no, just kidding).

Oh well, time for bed. Last day of the week in the boiler room, tomorrow.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 20, 2013, 08:54:59 am

Oh, and I guess I'll have to fill in the missing history, Lee.
It's been a long time.
Haven't been there; mostly here. (Or is that mostly there and not here ?)  ;D

And I was supposed to be going to bed.
CYa.
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: CellarDweller on November 21, 2013, 09:01:36 pm
Good to know you'll be back on a regular basis!!
Title: Re: Rob's Ranch for Raconteurs
Post by: underdown on November 24, 2013, 09:48:42 am

Of course. But probably not always on Sunday night after midnight.
What a weekend. Friday and Saturday were a wash-out (literally), 'tho I wasn't afraid to go outside in the storms.
It was actually more scary in the house, which rattled and shook a few times from the thunder. Felt more like an earthquake.
The poor garden, after most things just survived the long hot spell, had half dried up plants looking like the remaining greenery was turning brown from foot-rot !
Oh well, it's all a blessing. The rainwater tanks are almost full again, ready for summer, and the fire fighting volunteers are having a well earned break.
Friend came to visit and helped out with things, and did most of the cooking. I'll probably miss that when I'm back to toast and Vegemite, on weekends.