Hobart Lines Up To View HMAS Sydney

HMAS Sydney and crew blessed Hobart with it's presence and beauty this weekend, in conjunction with The 2015 Hobart Regatta. Tours of the ship were available at Macquarie Wharf2, while it's helicopters performed several displays for the Regatta crowd.

The crew of HMAS Sydney were awesome. They welcomed everyone to view their world and were very encouraging to look, ask questions, explore, ask us to be in your photos (this was a true suggestion as we boarded).

Master 8 had a ball trying on the gear and feeling the weight of the vests. Some of those vests are seriously heavy!

There was just a slight difference between Master 8's outfit and the officer behind in fit, so I guess it would be a while before they could take him into their fold.

There may be nothing pretty or colourful about the HMAS Sydney or any of the ships in the Royal Australian Navy, but the flags certainly brighten the scene and give it flair .... almost like it's own bling.

 The HMAS Sydney felt important and the crew spoke about their ship with pride and passion. Having been launched in 1980, HMAS Sydney is the fourth ship of this name and it has played an important role in Australia's Defence history. HMAS Sydney has deployed to the Middle East four times, with Desert Storm and the Gulf War, supporting UN sanctions against Iraq, East Timor and  Solomon Islands, and Iraq War all listed on its impressive resume. Being one of the four ADELAIDE Class Guided Missile Frigates in service it plays an important role in providing air defence, anti-submarne and anti-shipping warfart, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

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It strikes me now that the t-shirt is quite fitting given his prop.

Mt Wellington in view over the bow of HMAS Sydney

 There was a lot to see and some very expensive, technical equipment. The tour took about 50 minutes as we moved about the ship and explored from bow to the flight deck and the narrow corridors and stairs in between. We passed the Captain's chair and took in his usual view.      The crew were extremely friendly and informative as they answered every question.

Watching AFL: Make Sure To Block Your Ears

I remember watching AFL on TV when I was quite young . Actually, I probably wanted to watch cartoons, but my brother would have been in charge of the remote control, so good old Footy it was.

My brother was the reason I started watching AFL, and he was also the decider on which team to go for. It was, and always has been, Hawthorn. As far as picks go, his decision has served me well over the years.

As we come to the pointy end of the AFL season, with tipping all finished (not that it got me anywhere financially, but someone has to fund the winners), I am excited to see The Mighty Hawks vying for a spot in the finals.

I have been a somewhat complacent fan over the years, but the last few years have seen more involvement in tipping competitions and social gatherings on Grand Final Day. Both money and some friendly competition is always healthy in keeping the interest in sport fresh.

I will be in front of the TV supporting The Hawks, hopefully through to the Final, but no matter who is playing, you can guarantee I will be screaming like a banshee (much to the amusement of some and the embarrassment of the kids).

Bring on the footy jumpers and scarves, the chip and dip, and the kick of the football at half time. I look forward to this time of year - awfully Australian, I know.

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How did you become interested in your favourite sport? Is it AFL?

The Charms Of A Country Home

                       I love the feel and look of a traditional, old country home. The wide, 

                       heavy doors, the beautiful timbers, the old, thick glass, the chunky, 

                       ornate fittings and the look that seems to say "if you stay a while I could 

                       tell you a story or two".

 

Appreciation for The Olden Days

I love how a child's mind works. They can look at things in wonder and imagine shapes and what makes things work.

My children are particularly fascinated with things and happenings from the "olden days". For young minds that have known nothing but modern convenience, to hear that things haven't always been this way really opens their imagination.

My son was hesitant to sit on our toilet recently, as it was a little cold. He laughed when I told him that his Grandparents had toilets outside when they were younger. I explained that the toilet seat would have been really cold for them. He thought about this for a while as he did his business. "But why would they do that Mum" he asked in wonder. He could not comprehend why the toilet would not be inside the house.

My daughter thought the idea of riding a horse to school, as was quite common for some, would have been the best thing in the world. She is quite the romantic, and I can imagine her vision of herself making a grand entrance at school atop a big, shiny horse.

Both the children were amazed that when we were children, you needed to do your shopping before noon on a Saturday, or wait until Monday. Shopping hours have changed quite a bit since I was little with many shops open all weekend and some open til midnight or 24 hours.

I guess it shows how things don't remain the same for long. I thought of the time my parents grew up as "the old days", and now my children think the same about my childhood. I will continue to point out the conveniences of today's world, and share history and memories.

The olden days provide many lessons, give us appreciation for technology and convenience, but also show how things can advance and change.

Coal Mines - Touching History

 The Coal Mines at Saltwater River were a form of punishment for some of the worst convicts from 1833. The ruins of the mines and buildings are quite fascinating.
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