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Packed 1000 in an hour we did! It was a tremendous effort by us all of the Perth Southern River Stake, a wonderful afternoon where we learnt just how these small and unusual kits were used in third world countries. No western would-be Mum has had to go through such an ordeal in modern times. I was both proud and humbled to have been part of it. The news was published by The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's newsroom on April 15. Many friends were gathered in the great hall which we affectionately call The Barn to pack these kits. The event was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea. I am so blessed to be a member of the Lords' Church and the oldest worldwide Women's organisation - Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
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Relief Society sisters of the Perth Australia Southern River Stake packing birthing kits in the Stake Centre's 'The Barn' |
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| A few busy fingers.... |
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| We sisters with our packed boxes of birthing kits. I am fourth from the left in the front row and my friend Aileen is second from the right in the front row. A great effort |
The Newsroom stated:
They joined more than six million women in Church congregations worldwide in honouring the establishment of the Relief Society.
Relief Society began on 17th March 1842 in Nauvoo, USA. Today, its work continues in building faith, strengthening home and family, and providing relief. This is reflected in its motto, “Charity Never Faileth”.
Latter-day Saint women join its ranks beginning at the age of 18, mingling with women in all stages of life.
Amongst the Australian service projects, members in Adelaide and Perth observed the anniversary by assembling and then donating 1200 birthing kits to new mothers in developing countries.
The 171st Anniversary called for “a meaningful service project,” said Jan Addis, Adelaide’s Firle Ward Relief Society President. “A really important part of the work of Relief Society is to provide relief and give compassionate service, not just as we celebrate this milestone but right throughout the year.”
“Often the needs we meet and the help we give are focused within our own community, but for our anniversary project we looked at broader humanitarian concerns,” she said.
“We felt that the 200 birthing kits that we created would benefit women who are in great need of supplies and education. The women in our
ward (congregation) were very interested and happy to be involved.”
While the Adelaide birthing kit project was conducted on a ward level, nearly 100 members of the Relief Society of the Perth Southern River
Stake gathered in Thornlie to pack 1,000 birthing kits as part of their service project.
The Relief Society members in both cities were supporting the work of the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia), an organisation dedicated to improving conditions for women in developing countries who give birth at home, often on dirt floors.
The foundation provided the strict hygiene guidelines for assembling the birthing packs as it does for all community groups wanting to support its aim of reducing childbirth-related deaths.
An estimated 385,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from infections acquired during labour.
The kits contain a plastic sheet, soap, gloves, sterile scalpel blade, cord and gauze squares, and are principally designed for home birthing in remote and rural areas where the maternal death rates are much higher.
“As well as providing the kits, the foundation trains local women in the recipient areas to assist in safe childbirth delivery which has an enormous impact,” said Adelaide’s Jan Addis.
“We found it really uplifting knowing that an initiative like this is literally life-saving; we felt connected with women across the globe.”
“It was also good to remember that among Relief Society’s six-million-strong membership throughout the world, many similar service projects took place in conjunction with the anniversary.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the governing council of
Twelve Apostles has said, “Latter-day Saint women, strong in faith and testimony, have truly been given the errand of angels. Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion and to build the kingdom of God” (Daughters in My Kingdom, p. 25).
Relief Society is one of the oldest and largest women’s organisations in the world.
Members of the Twelve Apostles speak at the Staurday afternoon session of April General Conference 2013
Some homes have a father who is a worthy priesthood holder joined by a faithful, devoted mother who together lead in righteousness. Many homes have a different configuration. Regardless of your circumstances, you can center your home and your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the source of true peace in this life. Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there........Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes on the Savior. Acting obediently on those promptings strengthens us even more......We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time....As there is no Priesthood in my home I can pray for guidance, seek Heavenly Father's help and strive to listen to the Holy Ghost. I can obey Christ's commandments and have faith and hope that one day the Priesthood will be in my home! I am so blessed to have a home, somewhere to lay my head, to participate in service activities, seeking out more names for the Temple of my family, to attend to my calling and to love my family, doing what i can with my limited means for my grandchildren...great blessings indeed
and in times of trials and disasters...
Confused about what they had witnessed and concerned about further attacks, they made their way to a safer area and then to the Manhattan stake Church building at Lincoln Center. When they arrived, they found that dozens of other members in lower Manhattan had made the same decision to gather at the stake center. They called to let us know where they were. I was relieved that they were safe but not surprised at their location. Modern revelation teaches that the stakes of Zion are a defense and “a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”2...In contemplating these events, I have been impressed with the doctrinal difference between universal or world peace and personal peace.3...
Agency is essential to the plan of happiness. It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth, and experience necessary for our eternal progression. This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others. The very War in Heaven was waged over our moral agency and is essential to understanding the Savior’s earthly ministry....Think not that I am come to send peace on earth.”7 It is clear that universal peace did not exist on the earth during Christ’s mortal ministry, and it does not now....In the Lord’s preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, a number of very important principles are taught. With respect to those who do not repent, His Spirit (the Spirit of Christ), which is given to every person who comes into the world,8 “shall not always strive with man.”9 Also, “peace shall be taken from the earth.”10 Prophets have declared that peace has indeed been taken from the earth.11 Lucifer has not yet been bound and exercises power in this dominion.12 The heavenly aspiration of good people everywhere has and always will be for peace in the world. We must never give up on achieving this goal. But, President Joseph F. Smith taught, “There never can come to the world that spirit of peace and love … until mankind will receive God’s truth and God’s message … , and acknowledge his power and authority which is divine.”13... This principle is succinctly captured in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.”14 President John Taylor taught that peace is not only desirable, but “it is the gift of God.”15...President Heber J. Grant described the Savior’s peace this way: “His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness.”17 The peace to which I am referring is not just a temporary tranquility. It is an abiding deep happiness and spiritual contentment.16
I can find peace by praying and doing my best to dissolve contention between us in the home and by visiting the Temple as often as I can, attending Sabbath day meetings, giving service and striving for a loving and caring nature.
I said I would write and post more conference information after reading. I was looking for comfort and strength because I do not have the sealing power or the Priesthood power in my home, which I share with non-members!
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve recited a beautiful poem that had taken half his life to write and copied here. When he finished he spoke of the finches in his garden that were attacked by snakes and he wondered if evil had penetrated his Garden of Eden and thought yes, we have been warned time and again, and he added this statement that I hold to myself about my family:
'We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual. The family, the fundamental organization in time and eternity, is under attack from forces seen and unseen. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury. If he can weaken and destroy the family, he will have succeeded. Isaiah said, “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”That peace is also promised in the revelations in which the Lord declares, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”...The consummate power of the priesthood has been given to protect the home and its inhabitants. The father has the authority and responsibility to teach his children and to bless and to provide for them the ordinances of the gospel and every other priesthood protection necessary. He is to demonstrate love and fidelity and honor to the mother so that their children can see that love.' Well I have no Priesthood in the home, so its go it alone with me and Heavenly father. I think perhaps that is why Kemp and Martha were trying to get me to be sealed to Les. But that will not bring the Priesthood power into my home as the Temple President said. The priesthood holder needs to be living; marriage and sealing. After reading that bit of his talk and thinking no Priesthood holder here for me, I went around the house, room by room, except Danny's room which was locked, and banished the evil one as Moses did. I used the back veranda for Danny's room. But I do have my Heavenly Father and I know I have His protection. And I know that my family is being attacked by the adversary and making my life miserable, or it could do if I allowed it. And here is Elder Packer's beautiful poem:
“Unfinished Composition.” The first
part of that work goes like this: By Boyd K. Packer and read at the 183rd
General Conference April 2013
I had a thought the other night,
A thought profound and deep.
It came when I was too worn down,
Too tired to go to sleep.
I’d had a very busy day
And pondered on my fate.
The thought was this:
When I was young, I wasn’t 68!
I could walk without a limp;
I had no shoulder pain.
I could read a line through twice
And quote it back again.
I could work for endless hours
And hardly stop to breathe.
And things that now I cannot do
I mastered then with ease.
If I could now turn back the years,
If that were mine to choose,
I would not barter age for youth,
I’d have too much to lose.
I am quite content to move ahead,To yield my youth, however grand.
The thing I’d lose if I went back
Is what I understand.
Ten years later, I decided to add a
few more lines to that poem:
Ten years have flown to who knows where
And with them much of pain.
A metal hip erased my limp;
I walk quite straight again.
Another plate holds neck bones fast—
A wonderful creation!
It backed my polio away;
I’ve joined the stiff-necked generation.
The signs of aging can be seen.
Those things will not get better.
The only thing that grows in strength
With me is my forgetter.
You ask, “Do I remember you?”
Of course, you’re much the same.
Now don’t go getting all upset
If I can’t recall your name.
I would agree I’ve learned some things
I did not want to know,
But age has brought those precious truths
That make the spirit grow.
Of all the blessings that have come,
The best thing in my life
Is the companionship and comfort
I get from my dear wife.
Our children all have married well,
With families of their own,
With children and grandchildren,How soon they all have grown.
I have not changed my mind one bit
About regaining youth.
We’re meant to age, for with it
Comes a knowledge of the truth.
You ask, “What will the future bring?
Just what will be my fate?”
I’ll go along and not complain.
Ask when I’m 88!
And last year I added these lines:
And now you see I’m 88.
The years have flown so fast.
I walked, I limped, I held a cane,
And now I ride at last.
I take a nap now and again,But priesthood power remains.
For all the physical things I lack
There are great spiritual gains.
I have traveled the world a million miles
And another million too.
And with the help of satellites,
My journeys are not through.
I now can say with all certainty
That I know and love the Lord.
I can testify with them of old
As I preach His holy word.
I know what He felt in Gethsemane
Is too much to comprehend.
I know He did it all for us;
We have no greater Friend.
I know that He will come anew
With power and in glory.
I know I will see Him once again
At the end of my life’s story.
I’ll kneel before His wounded feet;
I’ll feel His Spirit glow.
My whispering, quivering voice will say,
“My Lord, my God, I know.”
And I do know!Its a beautiful poem of a good man's life, one that believes in and loves the lord with all his heart, might, mind and strength! I am inspired to try and write one myself!
My hearing is so bad now that I have taken to watch and read this 183rd General Conference online as I did the last conference session in October last year. In the Saturday morning session President Monson spoke in his opening remarks of the conference of all the travelling he had done in six months since the last conference. Of special significence was the opening of the Tegucigalpa Temple in Honduras for the dedicated Saints in that land. Further Temples were announced to be constructed in Cedar City and another in Rio De Janiero. It seems at each copnference now more Temples are announced. I think we now have 158 Temples built around the world.
Ground was first broken for the Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple on Saturday, June 9, 2007—one year from the date of its announcement—at its originally chosen location adjacent to the institute building on the eastern side of the city. President Spencer V. Jones of the Seventy presided at the event, which was attended by invited priesthood leaders and their families—several of whom participated in the first ceremonial scoops of dirt with gold-colored shovels. Stake presidents from Nicaragua expressed gratitude that the temple would be only four hours away, allowing them to spend more time doing ordinance work than traveling, as had previously been the case.
President Monson went on to tell us that there are now 65,634 full-time missionaries now serving, 20000 who had calls issued and a further 6000 in the interview process since he announced the lowering of the missionary age in October. He marvelled how many of the youth had sprung forth to serve missions after that announcement. Because of the sudden spirt in growth, a further 58 mission fields have been prepared! We have all been asked to contribute to the mission fund and I am thankful that I have already started doing that about three pensions ago. I am awed that I anticipated our Prophet's words and the Spirit had been whispering to me and I heeded his whispers. There may be more conference addresses written in this blog as my reading progresses!
And as I write this, because of the rain we have had, the perfume of the bush drifts through my front door. It is deligthful and I want to jump in the car and head for Jarrahdale to wander through the trees near Wungong Brook as in my junior years.
Everybody has a bit of Irish in them so the Irish are always claiming. With a name like mine, Colleen Margaid O'Grady, one can see there is Irish in me! But I am only half Irish, the other half is British! Daddy was of Irish stock, Mummy was a Wakefieldian opf Yorkshire. That's why they split for the orange and the green don't mix see! It has taken my good Irish friend Aileen many years to get me to lay claim to being Irish, remember Saint Patrick's Day and love all things Irish! There's a warniong in my ears to remember to wear something green to Church tomorrow! Yes, Aileen. But I love all things British also, and American and Canadian and New Zealand and...well, I guess you get my drift. I'm doing my best Aileen but really, when it all boils down, I'm a true blue Aussie. Thanks Susan for posting this on your blog so that I could share it and think of my Irish ancestry
I’m a bit of a European mutt. But some parts of my family history are worth laying claim to. For example, I like the Irish in me. It balances the fierce and proud Scottish parts with a good-natured approach to life.
And I guess I look the part. One lady looked at me and asked if I were Irish. I didn’t understand at the time, because I have dark hair, and every Celtic dancer I’ve ever seen has red. However, did you know that among the Irish 43% have dark hair, 35% have medium brown hair, 10% have red and reddish-brown hair? I do have the skin of a red-head—freckles all up my arms—just not the glory of red tresses.
Sigh
I also don’t drink Guinness.
But I like the blessings.
“May all who love the Lord, love you, and those who don’t love you, may the Lord give them a limp so you can see them coming.”
St. Patrick’s day dinner is a bit of dilemma. I’ve had corn beef and cabbage. The owners of a mom and pop store where we worked during the college years invited us to dinner one day. They loved my hubby and I was part of the package. They served us corn beef and boiled cabbage. So yes, I’ve had it. Once.
I asked my DH if he’d like a special dinner this Sunday: Irish stew, soda bread, root-beer. He said a green menu was fine with him. He suggested kale and spinache. (serious!)(Do the Irish even eat vegetables other than potatoes?) The thing is, DH is more Irish than I am. Our surname is Irish. His brother and sister who had red hair had bright red hair (she still does); whereas mine had auburn (he’s now bald).
St. Patrick’s day is a good day to celebrate now that spring is finally here and the coming of all things green is certain. Besides, I like the story of the saint driving the snakes from Ireland (symbolically of course, when he brought Christianity to them). I’ve never been a fan of snakes. To me, the best snakes are the ones that live far, far away.
Anyway, as per DH’s request, we’ll have green drinks for breakfast (like most days) and raw pea soup for lunch (and maybe some soda bread with pistachios). I might even do something with potatoes (red ones—just don’t tell my Idaho kin). I’ll spread the green tablecloth and find other ways to overload the green. However, there will be no funny hats or t-shirts that say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish.” (Besides, my DH won’t need the prompt.)
And no green food coloring (as in green eggs and ham). I just don’t want to have a green tongue (or worse)–my Scottish side may object.
This Sunday, when the whole world is Irish, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door. And remember what they say, “When Irish eyes are shining—they’re usually up to something.”
Also, don’t tell my DH, but if he goes first, I just may just replace him with a red-head.. 
“May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent,” and the familiar, but good one, “May you be an hour in heaven before the Devil knows you’re dead.”
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| Cyclone Rusty before it crossed the Pilbara coast near Port Hedland |
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| Helicopter drops a load of water on the fire in Ellenbrook, Perth |
Its the truth. We have been told time and time again and the Scriptures are replete with warnings of the events of the last days before the Saviour comes and The Millenium is ushered in! So I write these happenings on my blog, and where I can, post pictures. Earthquakes of one kind or another everywhere in the USA including Alabama which is outside the earthquake zone. Do they have to re-zone Alabama? Britain suffers severe blackouts with many millions under threat of more because of the freezing weather and devastating power cuts. Oh My! We've had fires in Perth, the Pilbara got drowned with Cyclone Rusty, most beneficial though, and once again the eastern states is being washed out to New Zealand with floods and heavy rain. Perth gets a three-day heatwave, the temperature drops for a couple of days, then up it goes again. Newspapers diligently report all events and blame it all on Mother Nature, God not mentioned anywhere! And those beasterly easterlies almost drive me to distraction with that blasted iron gate that is difficult to open, suddenly swings back and socks me one, or hurtles forward and whangs me in the back and out onto the roadway! Danger zone. I searched my Blog for a poem I had written about these monstrous winds, but hadn't included it here, so will do so now among all the other stuff! Well, the Prophets have said prepare. Storehouse is looking healthy, water supply unhealthy, 72 hour a goer, spare finances slowly growing...and along with prayers, repenting and trying to overcome my sins and service am doing my best!
Are you? But bless Susan Dayley in her Blog Looking out my Backdoor who found a way to combat the freezing, prolonged, icy conditions of where she lives in the USA to make things more cheerful - planting bulbs indoors! I am going to try that one for my sunny windowsills.
EASTERLIES
Blast and blast! The east winds are devilish,
Dancing the dance of a demented dervish
The old iron gate, released of its bolt,
Swung back viciously, giving me a jolt.
The washing on the line swung like things frantic,
The pegs went flying at such an antic.The wind was so cold, it felt like iceAnd the sun glimmering down was not nice.Dust was whipped up in dizzy swirls,Sand blasts along in vicious curls.My coat flopped around like a mad disgraceAnd a flying cord slapped my face.Furious and temper and damming and beasterliesI sallied forth fighting the blasted easterlies. Over the past 3 days (up to March 1, 2013) we have seen multiple earthquakes occur in the western United States.
As it turns out, if you look up the earthquake epicenters on Google Earth -- you can clearly see each noticeable quake is very close to a known Volcanoes.
It appears we're seeing an uptick in earthquake activity near dormant and active volcanoes in the western US, cause as yet unconfirmed/unknown --- I'm personally leaning towards crustal displacement (global) happening due to the events along the Indo-Australian plate .
The plate breakup is causing unrest globally.
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Today, March 1, 2013 , a 2.7M earthquake struck Alabama, not normally an earthquake prone area. Earthquake Details- This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
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| Location | 33.717°N, 87.296°W |
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| Depth | 4.9 km (3.0 miles) |
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| Region | ALABAMA |
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| Distances | 11 km (6 miles) WSW of Cordova, Alabama
12 km (7 miles) S of Jasper, Alabama
39 km (24 miles) NW of Pleasant Grove, Alabama
40 km (24 miles) WNW of Forestdale, Alabama |
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Notice the depth. 3.0 miles deep. If you're a viewer of mine or have been following earthquakes in the USA for a while, you know what this means!
If you go to google earth, and look up the epicenter coordinates listed by the USGS , you'll see one of the largest drilling / pumping / fracking / injecting operations in one single area... Add in the dozens of large quarries, and multiple steam plants directly in the area as well...
Or: Defying Reality with Paper-Whites
It has been an unusually cold winter for my town (and to the towns and cities that stretch along the length of mountains that partially define our lives). Clouds rush against those mountains, and the snows dump on the settlements below. The spring storms found themselves falling upon the accumulated snow that fell first in December. It’s the first of March and my north-facing deck is still beneath a three foot drift that defeats the heart of my
Sherlock.
Temperatures rose once or twice last month to nip at the heels of the normal range for this time of year, but mostly stayed in the bone chilling zone. But I rarely accept situations that are less than ideal. I’m a doer. A naïve, reckless, enthusiastic one—who sometimes forgets to count the cost– but a doer nonetheless. With the aid of my
daughter-in-law, I have taken circumstances that deceptively seem beyond my control, and changed them.
At the family nursery that she manages they had a close-out on paper-white bulbs. When I expressed an interest, she grabbed a bag and filled it. Then she gifted it to me with instructions. When I asked about potting soil, rather than repeat her instructions, that I had clearly not comprehended, she took me to a greenhouse to show me first-hand a large clear vase with paper whites blooming boldly above it. Then I understood.
So between her gift and about an hour of “planting” I brought spring into my home, despite the evidence to the contrary beyond my backdoor.
Each bulb was set inside a container that had a couple inches of pea gravel in the bottom. I had some decorative pebbles that served the first four containers. Then I slipped on my DH’s heavy boots and tramped out to my garden to scoop up pea gravel from around the boxes where the snow had receded. After the bulbs were set, I filled each with water to about ¼ up the bulb. You can also add the rocks up around the bulbs–but I liked the layered look. Within a week there were roots and green shoots. Within two weeks I had flowers.
Be sure to rotate them as (admirably so) they like to grow toward the sun.
I placed this one beside a mirror–because the other name for this flower is Narcissus–from the handsome Greek God that fell in love with his own reflection. Wisely, this flower prefered the light.
With these happy, tender flowers around me, spring arrived. (So there, bitter-cold winds.)
Because of the abundance my daughter gave me, I ended up filling several containers including tea cups and miscellaneous bowls. 7 bulbs were placed into a large glass bowl. Then I set them into a room with a southern window, rotating them from the top of a chest to a place in the sun to be distributed when their full bloom arrived.
They have tied me over through the single digit temps. This week there is to be a warming spike (finally) and the 40’s are predicted! The snow may actually melt from my patio and maybe Sherlock will find a sunny spot.
Oh, eek! Alarm. Nearby bushfires here in Western Australia and two earthquakes within the space of a few days that affect our nation and near our north eastern Australian coast. That is far too close to my nation. Is it getting ready for a big one which will affect Queensland and possibly New South Wales? The first was Vanatau at about the 603 range on the scale. This one today, reported by Dutchsinses, was much more:
Earthquake Details
- This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
| Magnitude | 8.0 |
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|  and one can see by the rings just how much of Australia was influenced! - Wednesday, February 06, 2013 at 01:12:23 UTC
- Wednesday, February 06, 2013 at 12:12:23 PM at epicenter
As for the bushfires, we h ave been warned time and again every summer, every spring after winter, to prepare our homes, our lands and ourselves for bushfires. Our city and shire councils work hard to educate the public ready fr these nasties and that includes earthquakes!
The Northam skyline last night! ...and a helicopter fills up with water to help douse it today!
BUSHFIRES have broken out along the Great Eastern Highway in Western Australia, including one across the highway from the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre at Northam, north-east of Perth.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said firefighters were working on several scrub fires along the highway.
Fires had also broken out on the corner of Northam's main street, Mitchell Avenue, and Mt Ommanney Rd. |
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We have Cyclone Narelle to give us a fright, but only category 4 so far and bushfires in the eastern states. Bad, bad news. The fires have been vicious these past few days. Three teenage lads were charged with deliberately lighting fires east of Sydney and a farmer's ute blamed for starting a fire in one farming area. What do I think of all this? Fear! I have family over there and its frightening. We have been warned time and again in the Scriptures and by our Prophets of what will happen in the last days before the Saviour comes. Many would wish not to know these things but we cannot stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich and pretend evrything is all right. We have been urged to prepare for such emergencies and that frightens me, for am little prepared for any emergency with a small storehouse and some water. I do have my 72 hour so am grateful for that! I've been working so hard on the grandkids stuff and my biography I am neglecting weightier matters! But all readers of my blog I urge to prepare for these disasters. And to repent and believe and have hope in Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer. He tells us if we listen, obey and prepare, we have no need to fear. In China there have been massive landslides. What else is happening around the world? Dutchsince, a group that I regularly get emails from, reports daily of fracking and earthquake movements in Oklahoma and Illinois, and I think Colorado. So the United States is not exempted either. These are warnings. And for some unknown reason, I cannot download any photos from my files on the computer. A slip up with my blog! Arrgh! Below is th enews reports on the Australian national disasters. The Salvation Army has stepped in and requesting donations for those who have lost everything. What is my Church doing over there? I will need to find out
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (category 4)
At 5pm WST on Friday 11th January, Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (Category 4) was centred approximately 475km NNW of Exmouth and 790 km N of Carnarvon, moving SW at 7 knots.
The cyclone is expected to move in a SSW direction but still pass to the west of Northwest Cape over the weekend.
Gales with gusts to 100km/h could develop in coastal areas between Mardie and Exmouth this evening, then extend south to Coral Bay later on Saturday. Winds are likely to increase in the Exmouth area on Saturday with damaging wind gusts to 125km/h possible overnight Saturday if the cyclone takes a track closer to the coast.
On Sunday gales may extend south to Carnarvon and winds along the west Pilbara coast should ease from the east later in the day.
Thunderstorms in western Pilbara could be squally with heavy falls. This activity will extend into far northwestern Gascoyne on the weekend.
Issued Friday 21:28 EDT
HOMES have been destroyed in Victoria and NSW, others are under threat and there are now fears that the relief of a cool change will bring a wind change that could make the bushfire situation even worse.
Two homes have been destroyed and two people injured in a bushfire in central Victoria as the state also battles fires in its north and southwest.
In NSW, at least one home has been destroyed at Jugiong and another 20 are under immediate threat in that area.
In Victoria, residents of the town of Snake Valley, about 30km from Ballarat, say two homes have burnt down.
"We have lost a couple of homes," a man, who did not want to be named, said from the Snake Valley Hotel.
Deans Gap fire south of Nowra. Picture: Dan Himbrechts
The grassfire has grown to about 500 hectares in size and is bearing down on the farming community of Carngham where most of the 400 residents have been evacuated.
A father and son, aged in their 50s and 20s, were treated for radiation burns at the staging centre at the Snake Valley Golf Club after they had driven from their home to safety.
Rural Ambulance spokesman John Mullen said the pair suffered superficial burns to their faces and hands and were taken to Ballarat Base Hospital for observation.
A CFA crew tackle the fire in Sunbury. Picture: Kris Reichl
A Country Fire Authority spokeswoman confirmed two homes had been hit by fire in the Chepstowe area, as the grassfire casts spot fires about one kilometre ahead.
An emergency warning was issued on Tuesday afternoon for the Chepstowe district, as the fire burnt through the area around the Beaufort-Carngham and Station Lane intersection.
A blaze at Kentbruck, which flared up last Friday, has burnt though 9000 hectares, but a westerly wind has forced the fire back on itself.
A fire burns near Ean Higgins property at Kydra River in Southern NSW.
"We don't believe this fire will be controlled today. This will reach into tomorrow due to the conditions in southwestern Victoria," Mr Lapsley said.
Northeastern Victoria was also on high alert with wind speeds getting up to 60km/h and temperatures reaching the low 40s.
"It is serious fire weather in northern Victoria, it is very serious fire weather in southern NSW," Mr Lapsley said.
<div class="iframe-alt"> (Frame content direct link: <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania&hl=en&ll=-43.021969,147.92181&spn=0.062499,0.196552&sll=-43.014689,147.911854&sspn=0.062507,0.196552&oq=Eaglehawk, tasmania&t=h&hnear=Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania&z=13&iwloc=near&output=embed">http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania&hl=en&ll=-43.021969,147.92181&spn=0.062499,0.196552&sll=-43.014689,147.911854&sspn=0.062507,0.196552&oq=Eaglehawk, tasmania&t=h&hnear=Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania&z=13&iwloc=near&output=embed</a>.)</div>
Victorian fire crews would be positioned at Wodonga and Wangaratta to help respond to fires in southern NSW if required as well as blazes in northeastern Victoria, including Corryong. The Elvis water bomber had also been moved from Essendon to Wangaratta, he said.
Victorian fire crews were also expected to help fight the growing blaze between Cooma and Bega in NSW.
The 64 Victorian firefighters who went to Tasmania on Sunday will return on Thursday and be replaced with a fresh contingent on Friday.
Jess posted this image of the Yarrabin fire on Twitter: View of the #Yarrabin fire from Cooma #NSWfires. Picture: Jess@Aristophania/Twitter
An emergency alert was sent to 1400 people in the area, in Melbourne's northwest, via mobile phones and landlines.
In NSW, homes are under threat as firefighters battle more than 130 blazes in 40C-plus temperatures and conditions officially rated as "catastrophic".
<div class="iframe-alt"> (Frame content direct link: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bega, nsw&hl=en&ll=-36.791691,149.749146&spn=3.373935,6.289673&sll=-34.925709,138.600812&sspn=0.053975,0.098276&t=h&hnear=Bega New South Wales, Australia&z=8&iwloc=near&output=embed">http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bega, nsw&hl=en&ll=-36.791691,149.749146&spn=3.373935,6.289673&sll=-34.925709,138.600812&sspn=0.053975,0.098276&t=h&hnear=Bega New South Wales, Australia&z=8&iwloc=near&output=embed</a>.)</div>
A southerly change is now blowing through, but firefighters are concerned that the associated wind change could tunr fire flanks into new fire fronts and send them towards other communities.
Sydney recorded a peak temperature of 42.5C.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that "we have been very fortunate" in the face of "dirty, hot difficult conditions".
The NSWRFS posted this image on Facebook from a Line Scan aircraft, showing the Yarrabin fire in the Cooma area. The red and yellow sections show the most intense part of the fire, burning quickly through grassland.
Thirty homes were threatened by a fire 12km east of Cooma - 20 in the Kybeyan Valley and 10 around Mount Forest Road in the Cooma-Monaro area.
RFS Riverina spokesman Matt Apps said firefighters aimed to shore up containment lines on Tuesday night particularly at Tarcutta and the Wokolena grass fire and were watching a southerly change.
"The wind change makes it unpredictable," he said.
Adam Marsters posted this image of the NSWRFS state opeartions centre in Sydney on Twitter. Picture: Potter Media
But by the early evening the Hume Highway was reopened in both directions with the immediate threat to the village passing.
However, RFS spokesman Brendan Doyle urged people to remain vigilant.
"If the southerly wind changes, that may push the fire back on to the town," he said.
<div class="iframe-alt"> (Frame content direct link: <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Carlaminda, NSW&hl=en&ll=-35.982451,149.529419&spn=2.235857,6.289673&safe=off&hnear=Carlaminda New South Wales&t=h&z=8&iwloc=near&output=embed">http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Carlaminda, NSW&hl=en&ll=-35.982451,149.529419&spn=2.235857,6.289673&safe=off&hnear=Carlaminda New South Wales&t=h&z=8&iwloc=near&output=embed</a>.)</div>
At Wandanian, south of Nowra, the Princess Highway was closed in both directions on Tuesday night as a southerly wind change saw a large bushfire burn out of control.
"It is too late for people to leave the area," the RFS said.
"These people should prepare their homes and themselves for possible fire impact."
The NSWRFS also posted this Facebook image of a grass fire 30km north east of Conargo that has so far burnt 1000ha and is moving towards the township of Jerilderie.
Three youths were taken into police custody on Tuesday afternon after a suspicious fire in Shalvey in Sydney's west.
Firefighters contained the blaze, which affected about 10 hectares of bushland.
A total fire ban will remain in place across NSW on Wednesday.
An aerial photograph of the Yarrabin fire burning in the Cooma Monaro area. Picture: NSW RFS
Latest from NSW
In Tasmania, residents and tourists stranded on the Tasman Peninsula for five days have finally been led out of the devastating bushfire zone as fire crews continue to battle blazes across the state.
For locals led out of the Forcett-Dunalley region, it was the first time they had seen the devastating impact the fire has had on their community.
But they have been warned the continuing danger of fires, asbestos and contaminated water could keep them from their homes for weeks.
Firefighters continue to battle 40 bushfires around the state, with five blazes still considered a major threat.
A fire at Montumana in the North-West is causing most concern, an emergency warning sparking the evacuation of residents from the holiday hamlet of Rocky Cape and the closure of the Bass Highway.
Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown and emergency services minister David O'Byrne said it may be weeks before residents can return to their homes as regions, particularly Dunalley, were riddled with asbestos and contaminated water.
The first convoy of vehicles that were stranded for four days on the Tasman Peninsula finally make their way back to Hobart after leaving Port Arthur. A fire truck goes against the out-coming traffic after spot fires flared up near Forcett. Picture: Toby Zerna
Mr O'Byrne said Workplace Standards had already started working on a clean up plan for areas that were riddled with asbestos.
Premier Lara Giddings said the Department of Health and Human Services was working on getting protective clothing so that residents could visit their homes for the first time.
The calls came as a team from Victoria arrived in Hobart to help search burnt out properties in the Dunalley region for the bodies of people police fear may have perished in the fires.
Billie Hasett, 9, visits what is left of her school in Dunally, Tasmania. Picture: Newton Matthew
Ms Adams said there were about 100 people still unaccounted for.
Police will not release the names of the people they are most concerned about.
Rumours circulating on social media that bodies were being removed from properties during the afternoon were denied by police.
The Insurance Council of Australia said claims from fire victims in southern Tasmanian had reached more then $40 million.
But the damage bill is expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Tasmanian Fire Service continued to warn Tasmanians about the threat of bushfires with the status of a number of blazes around the state consistently changing.
About noon, the Forcett-Tasman Peninsula fire flared up near the township of Eaglehawk Neck.
Residents were warned it was too late to flee the fire and urged to seek the refuge at the local jetty and beach.
A convoy of trucks that had been sent to the region with emergency supplies was then left stranded.
Shortly after a new fire front emerged near Beaconsfield in the state's north before quick action contained the danger.
Serious fires continue to burn uncontrolled in Mathinna, in the north east, near Bicheno on the East Coast and near Giblin River in the remote south west.
Authorities hope a cool change today will help efforts to contain the fires.
Mr Brown said bushwalkers near the Giblin River been relocated by helicopter to a safer region and Parks and Wildlife personnel continued to monitor the area.
Ms Giddings announced the establishment of the Interim Bushfire Recovery Committee yesterday to oversee recovery efforts.
I've decided to do more with my blog, just one small part of my resolution. I need to get to know how to manage it better, like dividing what I have written so far into categories and ideas, news and poetry and such. And I need to learn how to connect to other blogs and how they can connect to me. More readers so to speak. Well, I'm just saying...
I also want to break down the contention between my family members. Its there, its real and its very sad when one is blamed for something one wrote but was taken the wrong way. Satan at his worst no doubt!
New Year was quiet and blissfully cool after several days of a dreadful heatwave with temperatures 40 plus. Ugh! My son finally was able to get the air cooler going, which almost sent us all to sleep as the cool air wafted into each room! I spent some of the time in that coolness writing in my journal the story of a young man on a station in the outback that I had met years ago. One whom I saw as being honest, hardworking, had integrity. He moved with his family to this station from the interstate, taking the role of manager to get a certain station back into production. It was badly degraded, cattle and horses were in an appalling condition, vehicles rattling and stalling from lack of mechanical welfare, fences in great disreapir and broken, watering points sadly neglected as were the buildings of the homestead complex. He really had a job on his hands. I visited the placed for a week a few weeks after they had arrived and witnessed the mess, to my horror, of what had once been a grand and very productive station. This young fellow rolled up his sleeves and called in the troops - extra helping hands. His lovely wife rolled up her sleeves and along with the care of her two youngsters on School of the Air, found a governess for them and got stuck into it. One could see where changes had taken place. Watering points received first attention, then the fences. In one short week while I was there, cattle were mustered and sprayed for cattle tick, drafted and culled, getting rid of the too old, separating the bulls from the heifers, organising steers for fattening and so on. Horses had already been rounded up and given extra feed to cope with the job. Vehicles were lined up in the old shearing shed and under an overhaul plan. Two new Toyotas were purchased by the boss so the young man could get on with the job. In the homestead and numerous other buildings, rooms were scrubbed, curtains hauled down and either dispensed with and replaced with new ones, or washed, years of grime and gunk scrubbed from the windows. The lawns, which had grown at sputnik speed, the young lass mowed herself, returning them to a smooth green, pot plants appeared to be displayed under the cool verandah. In places things were looking homey. Many items, old food products and such, were carted off to the station tip from the huge storehouse and new items were being replaced on the scrubbed shelving.
I felt that this family would go far. The leaseholder was pleased with his manager, who later went on to win cups, to add to his already large collection, at the local rodeo. The manager was a rodeo rider of some skill. I left and returned to the city. Photos I had taken were sent to the family after development. A few weeks later, to my distress, I received the message from his wife that this young man had been killed in an automobile accident. His boss had purchased him a new Landrover this time and he was driving it back to the station from the town when it rolled and flipped, killing him, leaving a young widow and two young children! Sometimes life seems to dole out some very hard knocks but Heavenly Father was ever watchful. I often wonder what happened to the young man's wife, a lovely person, for she had moved back interstate with the two youngsters, leaving no forwarding address.
Another small resolution is to try and find her.
Yesterday I posted the words of the poem/hymn Christmas Bells by Henry Wardworth Longfellow. I do not have his book, but have often borrowed it from the library. Christmas Bells was written into this little book some years ago. I have had the diary since my birthday in 1991, given to me by a little lad as a birthday gift. it is filled with poems, prose written by authors, short and powerful paragraphs, words from famous and influential people including our own Prophets and much more. All is handwritten. Who can ever forget the few words written by Tolstoy in War and Peace about life or words that the Gnostics wrote milleniums ago? Like a hoarder I gather them up. As I flick through its pages Elton John's Candle in the Wind greets my eye a goodbye song to England's rose in 1997, William Wordsworth's famous little poem Daffodils. There is stuff crammed in there about wars and William Churchill's mighty words 'we will fight them...' Words on and from our warriors, allied and our own, there is the The Ode - we shall not forget. This charmer is a treasure trove of memories. I love this one from the Allies during World War II 'If it moves, salute it, if it doens't move, pick it up, and if you can't pick it up, paint it!' Where would we be without our memories? A grandchild will inherit this little diary
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| Arlington Cemetery December 2012 |
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| Praque South Checkoslovakia |
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The tallest tree in Europe of 230 feet
in Lisbon, Portugal |
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| Puetro Del Sol December 2012 |
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| Munaro island, Venice |
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| Moscow December 2012 |
Today is that special time of the year when all families gather together wherever they can to celebrate Christmas together. Some for breakfasts, some for the main Christmas dinners, others for a barecue tea. It is a wonderful time of the year for all true believers in the Saviour Jesus Christ, for all Christians in our western society. Mine has been a very quiet Christmas day. One son lives in Queensland but visited his wife's family in Sydney for this ocassion. An other son had to work on this day, out in the outback in the mining game. He rang with his Christmas message, a true delight. Another son has familial problems at the moment but messages were left. The fourth son but third born, is house sitting but came home for lunch. We shared a steak dinner together. Best wishes were left on my mobile which was wonderful, a granddaughter sent her love through her father. Small things in a world of turmoil, chaos, that even at times seems devoid of love. But there is love! One of the brethren and his family from my church were going to hav e me for Christmas dinner. A disaster occurred when a mean neighbour belted up the family pets. His children are devastated at this vicious attack. I called it off, look after your little ones was my plea. My heart was stressed about the recent killing of a number of small children in a Connecticut school. what sort of a Christmas are the parents and friends of the deceased having? Prayers for them. Christmas trees in cities around the world, showed what many thought of Christmas. Wreaths left on cemeteries at Arlington in the USA showed another thoughtful people caring and with the true meaning of Christmas. A neice's home burnt down a couple of days ago, donations poured in to almost overwhelm her. She is married with a number of young children. Family and friends filled with the Christmas spirit had reached out when the message was broadcasted around online, by phone. For the past few days a hymn, which some years ago I always thought was a poem, has been going through m y head. Henry Wardsworth Longfellow's (1807-1882) Christmas Bells. In our hymn book it is 214 minus a verse dealing with war. Here for the benefit of readers of this block is the complete poem/hymn. I can easily liken the missing verses to our day with its wars, rumours of wars, peacekeeping forces in troubled countries, societies gone awry with troubling changes, families torn apart by jealousies, gossips, troubles, perplexities and a host of other problems. These too with cannons booming from their accursed mouths, are wars as satan does his best to destroy us all. But the last verse of this beautiful written work spell peace, if we can only listen and hear. In our hymn book it is titled I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day. The three verses in italics are the ones not in our hymn book. A beautiful hymn and poem with John Baptiste Calkin credited for the music.
CHRISTMAS BELLS (Henry Wardsworth Longfellow)
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
And I thought how, as the day had come,
The bells of all Christendom
Had rooled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Till, ringing, singing on its way,The world revolved from night to day,A voice, a chime,A chant sublimeOf peace on earth good will to men!Then from each black, accursed mouthThe cannons thundered in the SouthAnd with the soundThe carols drownedOf peace on earth, good will to men!It was as if an earthquake rentThe hearthstones of a continent,and made forlornThe households bornOf peace on earth, good will to men.And in despair I bowed my head;
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!'
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!'
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| Kings Park Road |
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| Point Peron |
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| Quinns Rock |
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| Rockingham |
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| Como |
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| South Perth |
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| South Perth |
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| Kings park Road |
Well, we had such a fury of weather conditions on Wednesday the 28th of November with pelting rain, vicious winds from the south west which I call the roaring 40s and freezing cold. I was glad I was home and feeling warm and snug. This is a blessed house because I can feel that warmth and know I am safe. I watched it all through my large, plate glass loungeroom window, many times I couldn't see the hills, at other times the clouds were practically sitting on them and again, one part of the hills had disappeared under the curtain of rain, while another part was clear, but dark and gloomy. The power suddenly went off at about 3pm and by dusk I was lighting candles, which I have quite a few for emergencies, and telling myself welcome back to Perth Colleen, for power blackouts in adverse weather conditions are the norm. I tried reading by candlelight while lying on my divan, and I thought of those in earlier days where candles were all that was available to t hem for lighting. Danny and Narelle went off somewhere and by the time they came back, still no power. They retired and I continued to read Bernard Cornwall's A Crowning Mercy! I took my candles to my room about nine to be in a more comfortable postion, for I had to admit, I was nearing the end and wanted to know the outcone of the newylweds and their bid to get to France to claim an inheritance. A great yarn for this wild night as it turned out to be, following on from the day. I am certain that my prayers for safety for me and mine were certainly heeded. I sincerely admire the strength and courage of all those rescue workers, particularly SES and Synergy, that are out in such weather and at all times to see to the safety of us all. I pray for their safety also. Many a time I have I witnessed thes epeople and other groups who respond immediately when needed. I also admire and appreciate the media and its resources that report of such things and then repeat of where the population at large can find help if needed. And another lot to be commended are the City Councils across our metropilitan area and the Shire Councils of the countryside, who regularly publish on their home pages online what to do in emergency sitatuions and how to be prepared for them. And last of all, read the Scruiptures, for that's where we are also told to be prepared!
WA News gave this report of how widespread the damage was and how lucky we really are, or as I should really report, how blessed we really are, but these adverse weather conditions are really the Lords' warning. Who is really listening and getting their lives in order, repenting and learning to love and rely on the Saviour? I say and write such things all the time!
WA News Reports:
A man has died after a large tree fell on his caravan in Waroona overnight.
The man is believed to have been inside the caravan, parked at the Lake Navarino Forest Resort camping area about 100 kilometres south of Perth, when a large tree fell on the van about 3am.
Three people were trapped in the caravan after the tree fell.
A four-year-old boy was killed at the same camping site in 2005 after a 30-metre, white ant-riddled, redgum tree fell on his family's tent while they were sleeping.
Rough seas have left a barge carrying 1800 tonnes of construction equipment grounded near Cervantes.
A spokeswoman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the barge was being towed by a tug from Perth to Barrow Island when the connection between the tug and the barge came undone about 7.30pm on Wednesday night.
Although an emergency connection was initially established, it also came undone about 4am.
The Department of Transport's oil spill response coordination unit is monitoring the barge.
The unit's coordinator, Matt Verney said it had grounded approximately three kilometres north west of the Cervantes town jetty.
The owners of the vessel have begun salvage operations.
"Efforts are currently focused on minimising the risk of pollution and also response preparations," Mr Verney said.
As well as construction equipment the 90 metre barge was carrying heavy vehicles, aerosol paint cans and 1000 litres of diesel fuel and 1000 litre of hydraulic fluid.
A small boat carrying four people also had to be rescued after attempting to brave massive ocean swells off Rottnest Island.
The small vessel had broken down in near six-metre swells and, after being spotted by a ranger, was towed back to Rottnest's main jetty with all four passengers safe and well.
Despite warnings of the dreadful conditions, the 21-year-old skipper told police he had wanted to get home to Perth and thought there was a calm period to venture out.
In fact the boat's engine stalled 2 kilometres from shore, and he needed rescue.
Meanwhile thousands of school leavers look set to be stranded on Rottnest Island on Thursday, as weather conditions prevent ferry services running.
Seven metre swells are forecast for the waters off Fremantle.
Across the state bout 7500 homes remain without power this morning as gusty winds continue to lash the metropolitan area and South West of the state.
Damage has been widespread – Wanneroo, Stirling, the CBD, Rockingham, Cockburn and Mandurah were the worst hit.
The severe weather warning for the metropolitan area has been cancelled.
The left northbound lane of the Kwinana Freeway remains closed between Canning Bridge and the Narrows Bridge, due to a storm surge from the Swan River currently flowing onto the left lane.
Authorities are urging drivers to be extra vigilant this morning, with fallen trees, debris and localised flooding closing some roads and traffic lights blacked out throughout the metropolitan area.
The State Emergency Service has responded to more than 220 calls for help in the metro area.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services expected the number of calls for assistance to increase dramatically at first light this morning.
At the height of the storm, more than 50,000 homes lost power.
Western Power crews have worked through the night in the wet and windy conditions, restoring power to the worst affected suburbs in the Perth Hills, where many homes are still in the dark.
Repair crews are responding to more than 500 faults this morning, more than 200 reports of fallen wires, which remain the top priority for Western Power crews.
A deep low pressure system continued to affect the South West of the state overnight, with widespread damaging winds of 100km/h, and gusts of up to 125km/h reported.
Wind gusts of up to 117km/h were recorded at Rottnest Island yesterday, with Cape Leeuwin recording 111km/h and Cape Naturaliste recording gusts of 107km/h.
In its 7am update, Western Power said there were widespread faults on the network, mainly caused by debris and tree branches flung into powerlines.
The suburbs and towns worst affected by power outages this morning are Orelia, St James, Belmont, Bassendean, Bayswater, Yokine, Myalup, Busselton and Kewdale.
Current warnings
The Bureau of Meterology advises that as at 4.43am, a deep low pressure system lay to the south of the state.
Those living south-west of a line from Mandurah to Katanning to Israelite Bay should take action and stay safe with more bad weather on its way.
The bad weather will continue to move south of a line from Cape Leeuwin to Katanning to Israelite Bay by later this morning.
The warning applies to people in, near and between Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Katanning, Albany and Esperance and surrounding areas.
Dangerous surf conditions are likely, which could cause significant beach erosion.
Businesses, schools hit by storm
Avon Vale Primary School will be closed today after receiving significant structural damage yesterday.
Samson Primary School received significant damage to to the roof of an undercover area.
When the storm hit the metro area yesterday, the newly renovated Terrace Hotel and under-renovation Beatty Park Aquatic Centre reported damage.
Who to contact:
- If your home has been badly damaged by storm call the SES on 132 500
- In a life threatening situation call 000
- For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213
- For information about road conditions contact Main Roads WA on 138 138
- To report downed powerlines call Western Power on 13 13 51
a sad little yarn from Kerri Sackville's blog. Do hope her friend is better now....
Life & Other Crises: A Sign: A friend of mine has had a serious accident. His wife is one of my dearest friends, he too is a very close friend, and my heart is breaking ...
I have written one post and now I write another! it's about the title of my blog. Dad wrote a book years ago, published in 1969 and titled O'Grady Sez and he had a lot to say about Australia, our language and life in general in a humorous way. Many years later I wanted to have my say in a different way, so titled my blog Sez O'Grady. Where Dad wrote with humour, I write about things and my poetry, and publish articles of events, my Church and anything else that interest me. We are father and daughter, but vastly different writers! For example, his little book has a tongue-in-the-cheek look at everything in Australia. A short piece for your perusal:
6 Pokin' around |
| Dad by Rafty in the 1960s |
Australia is a very large island. It is inhabited. The natives are known to be peculiar people, fond of beer and profanity, who speak English with a strange accent and object to criticism. Most of them live in coastal settlements and eat meat. They like very young sheep and half-cooked cattle. Their sheep and cattle are provided by scattered inland tribes who are known as 'bushies'. You get the picture? Well, I was a 'bushie', now I'm a 'city slicker'! I don't write like that. just read this blog and see how I write. Disasters and love, poetry and adventure with articles and photographs adding to the written melee. Well sez o'grady, that's me! Good onya Dad for leading the way.
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Me and my family in the long ago. That's me at the right end
with the nappy bag |
It is very hard to forgive AND forget. I am writing my biography, or is it autobiography? Having heaps of photos have heaps of reminders of events and times throughout my life which trigger that which is not photographed. I had a hard life, sometimes abused by others. But those of the more modern era don't think this has happened to me. I wonder why not? In a way, the way they treat me is a form of abuse by not understanding and scorning me. When I write, I try to write the truth. Does one cover up the truth, gloss over it? No! That's telling a lie! Today I am so blessed for I have the Truth in my life and follow my Saviour, my God, diligently, believe in His supreme sacrifice and believe in my Heavenly Father whose daughter I am. Is that hard? He has commanded us to forgive. Okay. I forgive Mum for the life she made me lead for her own purposes, some of them quite selfish. I forgive my husband, or ex I should say, who thought only of himself and not of his wife and kids, though played it 'big time' when others were around. He was the home devil and the street angel. I left and put all these things behind me, it is past, gone, not ever to be lived again, but....A big word that BUT! I have four sons, precious they are. They and their wives and nearly eight children, my grandchildren are very precious. Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley urged us to write in our journals, write our books of rememberence and I often wondered why I should write about those times. I was not a member of the Church then so why is it important? Well, I guess...um....if one reads what happened back in those dark days and what happens in the more modern days since I become a 'Mormon' - nickname only, one would see a vast difference in this lady then, and in this lady now. There were fun times in the days of yore, good times as well as the devastatingly painful times. The only thing that never changed was my love for those who have been a part of my life throughout my life. Hmmm! I've got over the early growing up years of my life and am close to my siblings. I have to work on the later years This below was written of another 'Mormon' Prophet George Albert Smith who served as an Apostle from 1903 and as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1943 until his death in 1951:
God will forgive whom he will forgive. As for us, we must forgive all men. He could do that, and then refer the matter to God. As he forgave I am sure he forgot. When one who forgives can forget, then truly that man (or woman) is an unusual man, indeed a man of GodI guess I just have to keep working on the forget bit, and leave it all in Heavenly Father's hands. Just keep writing. And guess what, I am gradually getting through the dreadful 1970s! My kids and grandkids will read what I write one day, but not the world. Now God, help me get on with it and forget.
A CHRISTIAN VIEW a new blog by Steve Finnell
What do you do with such children? How did they get to be like the way they are, filled with resentment and fury? what was their desire as teenagers in a toy shop? Games? Often my heart goes out to these apparently neglected children. How can one think that they weren't neglected? A thriteen year old is still a child, no matter what the world may think. that young lad still has a lot of growing to do in mind as well as in size. What about his parents? Or is it a parent! So many troubled kids because of the social revolution, emancipation of women, and easy divorces, much that can be good of these events, but most went haywire with this so-called new found freedom. Marriages aren't worked at anymore. Children aren't taught correct principles anymore. Have a spat and a divorce is easy, words that spring to spiteful lips in the heat of the moment. And all the time the youthful ones are listening. With wsuch things happening now, what about the next generation? Its a frightening thought. And yet, there are those who work at their marriages, love and nuture their children, teach correct principles, and these youngsters stand out. May the Lord have mercy on us for having to put a 13 year old behind bars! Well anyway, that's what O'Grady sez.....
FOUR youths have been questioned over a massive fire that gutted a north Queensland shopping complex.
No one was injured in the blaze on Greenfield Boulevard, Mackay, but it destroyed most of the Toys R Us, Clark Rubber and Autobarn stores.
Emergency services received reports of the fire at about 11.45am (AEST) on Saturday and it took more than three hours for the blaze to be contained, with the Department of Community Safety (DCS) saying the main fire was put out at about 3pm.
Police said four juveniles were questioned over the fire and two boys, aged 10 and 13, were still assisting with inquiries on Saturday evening.
Officers will remain at the scene overnight as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
A public safety order is still in place because of concerns about toxic smoke from burning chemicals in some of the shops.
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A nearby shop worker, who did not want to be named, said witnesses saw four teenagers being arrested in the car park.
"They (the teenagers) were in our shop this morning. We hunted them out. They were being horrible in here," she told AAP.
"Officers have put those young people in a paddy wagon."
The DCS said a fire investigator would be brought in to work out how the blaze started.
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13-year-old boy charged with arson remanded in custody over Mackay fire that destroyed Toys R Us, Autobarn and Clark Rubber
Mackay shopping centre fire that destroyed Toys R Us, Autobarn and Clark Rubber. Picture: Catherine Woodworth. Source: Supplied
A TEENAGER charged with arson over a major blaze in Mackay will spend four days behind bars before his next court appearance.
The inferno destroyed Mackay's Toys R Us, Autobarn and Clark Rubber stores on Saturday.
The 13-year-old boy, who was remanded in custody after a closed hearing today in the Mackay Children's Court, has also been charged with shoplifting, endangering property and wilful damage.
He will appear again on Friday.
The fire at North Mackay engulfs the Toys R Us store. Picture: Seven News
It happened at Church. The Relief Society lesson was from the Teachings of Presidents of the Church George Albert Smith. Title: The Power of Kindness. Words that President Smith wrote caused me to pause and think throughout the lesson. When a child goes astray, instead of berating him or her, try a little kindness. He gave the story of a mother travelling on a train to be beside the bed of her sixteen year old youngest son who was ill with pneumonia. He had run away from home. She sat with him and loved him back. This mother said that her son belonged to her, God gave him to her and that our Heavenly Father expected her to use every possible means to enrich his life, so she watched over him. I thought about that. She was right. God gave my sons to me. I am expected to enrich their lives. They are mine, I went down into the valley of death with my hand in God's to have them. Their wives didn't. That is a different kind of love. It is a partnership with me and God. No one else. Hell may prevail, adversity may rear its ugly head, wives may argue, which I hope they won't, but that does not detract from the fact that my sons are mine! As such I expect them to lead full lives, loving their wives and rearing their families and dealing honestly with their fellow men. I love them dearly. And no one can take that love away from me, no one no matter what happens, they are mine. I am sure there are many other bloggers out there who would agree with me. Soon I will have an adopted daughter, a real, honest-to-goodness daughter. She is mine, because of the sacrifice given to help her long ago, rescuing her from a terrible fate. The same goes for that lovely lady as well as my sons. I am grateful for that lesson, teaching of kindness in its variety of ways.
 |
Dad aged 12 in Hamilton, New Zealand
with his favourite dogs. This is William
Davis |
 |
William Davis in Wellington, New Zealand in 1939 prior to sailing to Cairo via Fremantle
|
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As we knew him and loved him.
Dad as Leonard Brown in Coolgardie, 1959
and father of six children all with the surname Brown |
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| Dad at his job as crane driver at Ulyru in central Northern Territory in the 1980s |
A writer Jayne Fordham takes on her rightful name! How we mere humans can stuff things up sometimes with our name changes. For example, take my beautiful stepfather, a man in a million and loved by all. For years we knew him as Leonard Brown and loved him. then the secret was let out, his birth name was William Davis. That rocked everybody so how come this name change? Well, he was in the New Zealand fusiliers at the outbreak of WWII, as William Davis of course, and set sail from Wellington bound for Cairo via Fremantle.William Davis' last journey. He and a another mate went to Armadale for they were invited to a party. They caught the trains of course, but someone forgot to tell them that the trains didn't run at night. Ohhh crumbs. So the ship sailed at 5am in the morning without them. The pair of them scarpered south to where Dad had a relative on a farm, Leonard Brassel. That's where the name change took place and Brownie as his friends called him, took on a new identity; Le4onard after his uncle and Brown because it was a common name. Dad met Mum in Meekatharra where he was droving sheep for the army. Yes, he joined the Western Australian Army in 1942 and they new of his name change and advised him to keep the Brown, There you go. Mum, having left her first husband and with one kid and a half a kid on its way, was hooked. They had six children giving a total of eight! And now the interesting part again. Both those children of the first husband all grew up as Browns until it was found out in their adult years that their names were actually O'Grady. So their school and work records were all in Brown as welll as one marriage. My! So we took on our birth name of O'Grady, having had to legalise them proper like. Life wasn't meant to be easy, but somehow....Quite a number of members of our family have had different names to confuse themselves and everybody even further. So never mind Jayne, I mean Lauren, its up to us to set the record straight - eventually!
Agh! I’ve thought long and hard about this and I’m sorry to be a pain in the butt, but the time has come for me to revert back to my real name, Lauren.
When I first adopted the pseudonym Jayne Fordham, (Jayne is my middle name and then I just made up Fordham) it was for online purposes. I started blogging about books online and then joining up to a range of social media sites and I was cautious about using my real name. Though I did make it clear I was using a pseudonym.
Why did I use a pen name? Because I’m a psychologist during my day job and I am aligned with various registration bodies, I work for the Health department and I work with people who are dealing with sensitive issues. I purely adopted a pseudonym for confidentiality purposes. Though I’m sure savvy online researchers could make the link to my real name somewhere, I didn’t particularly want to make it easy. Then, I started self-publishing and it was only natural for me to continue using my pen name.
So what’s the problem?
Hmm. It seems my online world is slowly merging with the real world. I recently attended a convention and met a bunch of people whom I’ve spoken to online, they know me as Jayne and greeted me by this name. This is perfectly okay because that’s the name I’ve put out there.
But I realised I just don’t feel like a Jayne and I’ve met people whom I’ve chatted online with for quite some time who were quite surprised when they met me. When I initially chose the pseudonym, my mum told me Jayne Fordham sounded like an old person’s name! Even though she gave me Jayne as a middle name!
For the most part, my friends and family look at me like I have three heads when I say I write under a pseudonym, probably because they don’t completely understand the nature of my work. But I’ve developed an online presence over the past 2 years and I’m starting to make progress with my writing and putting feelers out for publication so I feel like now is a better time than any to revert back to my real first name, Lauren, and to continue using a pseudo- surname.
Hence…
Lauren Murphy!
I feel much more comfortable using my real first name and the surname is much more closely linked to my family history which sits far better with me than a name I made up on the spur of the moment when I created my book blog.
As a reader, I can see how annoying and confusing pseudonyms can sometimes be, so I'm sorry!
I’m still the same person; I haven’t made up anything else about myself- just to put the record straight! It’s just now I get to use my real name! YAY
How will this affect my future written work?
I intend to publish any future writing under Lauren Murphy.
The only exception will be the continuation of the Elite series, which I will continue to publish under Jayne Fordham- because it would be a nightmare to change the name halfway through the series.
And if you still call me Jayne by accident, i won't hold it against you!
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
Oh blast! Mitt Romney was beaten, ony just and Obama is back in for another four year term. This is frightening to say the least. I could never reconcile myself to the fact that Obama was a good President. He certainly did nothing for the welfare of any of the military and he was and now is still their Chief! Heavenly Father no doubt has a wise and glorious purpose for this occurring. Why am I so fussed? Because whatever happens in the good old USA affects Australia economically and no doubt politically. This is what the First Presidency of my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has to say and despite my disappointment, I heed their words
News Release — 6 November 2012
First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Congratulate President on Election Win
Salt Lake City — The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement Tuesday:
We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.
After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.
We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors.
Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online
Barack Obama beats Mitt Romney to claim second term
New York voters undeterred by Sandy related complications
New York's storm-hit residents cast their ballots in tents with voting equipment powered by generators. Deborah Gembara reports.
Reuters7 November 2012
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Supporters of
Barack Obama cheer after networks project he was reelected at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
The Democrat headquarters in Chicago are celebrating wildly, while the Republican watch party in Boston is in stunned silence.
The President claimed the 270 electoral college votes he needed to win when the key swing state of Ohio, always predicted to tell the story of the election, carried him over the line.Counting has not yet ended and it seems the President will gather more than 300 votes to stamp this as an emphatic victory.
Supporters cheer at Barack Obama's election night party in Chicago. Picture: APSource:The President's win in Michigan gave the President's team the first indication that victory was in sight.
Michigan and Ohio are where the US car industry is based, and his win suggests his successful 2009 auto bailout has made a huge difference in this election.
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney react to results in Boston, Massachusetts. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
Perhaps most remarkably, President Obama also appears to have a good chance of winning Florida, which carries 29 votes and was widely expected to be carried by Mr Romney.
Counting has not yet concluded in key urban areas of Florida, which are known to be Democrat heartlands. A loss in Florida would be humiliating for Mr Romney.
A supporter reacts to voting results displayed on a television screen during Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's election night rally in Boston. Picture: APSource: AP
The Democrats will also retain their majority in the US Senate, and the Republicans will hold the lower house, meaning no changes to the status quo.
It seems, at the early stage, Mr Romney may also carry the overall majority of votes in the election, but the swing states were what mattered.
Mitt Romney supporter Loris Tangvik, centre, looking sombre as she watches the election results in Billings, Montana. Picture: APSource: AP
Mr Romney has likely gained North Carolina, but appears only scraping ahead in Virginia.
He was also counting on Iowa, where the campaign season started, but the President also snatched that from him.
This is so unbeleivable! In this day and age everyone should know of the carrying of extra water out in the bush, whether driving or doing a windmill run, checking bores and tanks or just driving from one place to another. The outback bush of Australia is a hard taskmaster, it pays to learn it well. That this poor young man should dehydrate then die so quickly and its not even summertime yet is heart rending. There were adverse weather conditions though, if the previous blog entry of the weather is checked out, with severe heat expected and high winds, along with thunderstorms in all the central portion of Australia from the top of the Northern Territory down to South Australia and the border country. For poor Mo there was no thunderstorm to alleviate his suffering. I do hope and pray that a lesson will be learned from his untimely death, so that he didn't die in vain, be prepared with penty of water when outback. Len Beadell, Tom Kruse and other such bushman, always travelled with the necessary means to get them out of sand dune bogs and carried plenty of water. Please, please station people, police and others, issue warnings to everyone no matter whether they are travelling in summer or winter to be prepared for adverse weather, bogging and breakdowns, to have what is necessary to help get out of a bog and to carry plenty of water.
Mauritz 'Mo' Pieterse dies of thirst and heat exhaustion on 10km walk after car bogged in extreme temperatures
Man perishes after desert stranding
A young man has died in the Simpson desert and another is in hospital after a desperate trek for help.
Sky News7 November 2012
Mauritz "Mo" Pieterse was on what was supposed to be a morning routine check of a spring near Ethabuka Station with friend and contractor Josh, 30, when their car was bogged in a sand dune.
By late afternoon locals realised the pair had not returned and turned out in force to find them. Around midnight, neighbours found Mo's body.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said Greg Woods from neighbouring Carlo Station made the horrific discovery.
Mauritz "Mo" Pieterse was located in the Simpson Desert in Queensland.
"He (Josh) was quite a mess when they found him," she said.
"They had trouble getting him in the car. He was disorientated.
"He had no saliva, he was crying and he said 'I've got to get back to Mo."'
A Facebook image of Mauritz.
The woman said Mr Woods spent the next few hours with "the man's life in his hands" until he was airlifted to Mount Isa Hospital.
Now the grief-stricken Pieterse family, who live in WA, are getting ready to fly to rural Queensland.
"He was the best son ever," Mo's mother, Geraldine, said through tears this morning.
A file image of Queensland's arid south-west near Birdsville.
"He was a gentle giant... he was the sort of kid helped me even to do the ironing. He would hug you and was never shy to show his affection."
She said Mo loved his conservation work and that she trusted his judgement.
"We don't know exactly what happened yet but we're sure he would have made the right decision and looked after the other person he was with," Ms Pieterse said.
The men got bogged near Ethabuka Station in far western Queensland. One man died as they tried to get back to civilisation. Pic: Google Maps
His younger sister, Jani, and father, Tjokkie, remembered Mo as a passionate and enthusiastic nature-lover.
"He was absolutely dedicated to conservation," 23-year-old Jani said.
Local policeman Tim Farran said the pair were both experienced in their work in the bush.
"It was just a series of small mistakes that led to one big one," he said.
"The desert is a beautiful place, and we do look at it through our windows and it looks really nice, but just because it's the 21st century and we have modern technology, don't think it won't kill."
Mr Farran said the other man, 30-year-old Josh, was in hospital and in a stable condition.
Mo's 4WD has been recovered as investigations continue into the 25-year-old's death.
Workplace Health and Safety are liaising with local Ethabuka Station police to investigate the cause of Mo's death, the young man dying while on a work trip to perform maintenance work on a nearby spring.
Mo Pieterse's employer from Bush Heritage is also being interviewed.
A Workplace Health and Safety spokeswoman said she was unsure if investigators were yet at the rural location but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
So here are the lists and happy gathering.....
Foods Suitable For Food Storage
START WITH A 1 MONTHS SUPPLY, THEN INCREASE TO THREE MONTHS AND SO ON TO ACHIEVE A YEARS SUPPLY. NEVER GET INTO DEBT THOUGH.
IDEAS: Storing foods in drums can cause problems as they will rust in the climate. You only need to store what you and your family will eat. The list is a guideline only
Honey
Sugar Wheat packed in dry ice in plastic buckets with sealable lids Rice packed in dry ice in plastic buckets with sealable lids. Freezing a bag for 24 hours before storing does away with dry ice. Same for any grains. Pasta packed in containers in their original packets Peas, Legumes, Lentils and other types packed in separate airtight plastic bags. Some of these can be sprouted providing fresh, nutritious food Various Nuts Tinned butter Milk – Long Life or Dehydrated Tinned Vegetables Tinned Fruit Dried Fruit Jellies Baked Beans Jam Tomato Paste Fruit Juices Sauces Snacks Flour packed in airtight plastic buckets Herbs and Spices Bleach Washing Pdrs Toiletries Toilet Paper Vegetable Seeds There are other foods and various necessary items no doubt, store what is suitable for each individual or family
Water - 2 litres per person per day. Will store in 2 litre containers, 40 litre containers and any other similar means. 1 Teaspoon Bleach per 2 litres for emergency cleaning of water. Purification Tablets - Available from Chemists or Army Surplus Stores
Purification Tablets are a necessity in storehouse. If in doubt to the quality of the water, boil it first.
ONE FOR THE MONEY
By Elder Mervin J Ashton. Available in the Church library
He states: ‘The winds and waves will periodically interfere with our chosen course, even in financial matters; but the laws of the gospel can bring us back on course and guide us to peaceful waters.’
SO BE PREPARED TO THE BEST OF YOUR FINANCIAL ABILITY
IT IS A FAMILY AFFAIR!
1) Teach family members early the importance of working and earning
2) Teach children to make money decisions in keeping with their capacities to comprehend
3) Teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare
4) Teach family members that paying financial obligations promptly is part of integrity and honesty development
What to do!
1) Pay an honest tithing
2) Learn to manage money before it manages you
3) Learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters
4) Use a budget - learn about budgeting
5) Appropriately involve yourself in food storage and emergency preparedness program
LONG-TERM STORAGE ITEMS
Food Shelf-life estimate in years
Wheat 30+
White Rice 30+
Corn 30+
Pinto Beans 30
Dried Apple Slices 30
Macaroni 30
Rolled Oats 30
Potato Flakes 30
Powdered Milk 20
These will last these years if properly packaged and stored around 24°C
There you are readers!
Its a very cold day of 17 degrees, too cold I feel for November, though it has happened a couple of times before and I wanted to write some things on my blog. Weather report states Perth for Sunday: Partly cloudy. Scattered showers, heavier in the southeast. Isolated thunderstorms. Winds W 20 to 30 km/h. Mostly sunny. Winds S 20 to 30 km/h turning SE 15 to 25 km/h during the day. A feirce storm erupted while at Church this morning and a good Brother was giving the Gospel Doctrine class. He was wearing Mylink for me to hear what he was saying, but the hail and rain was so heavy it drowned him out on Mylink! Then we had a combined meeting of Relief Society, Priesthood, Young Men and Young Women and the hall was packed. Stake Welfare on the Stake High Council Louis Barlow hit us with Self Reliance and being prepared in a great way and using the Queensland floods and the Sandy disaster in New York as his examples for being ready. I was able to respond to the Queensland floods and how diastrous they were for people who were not prepared and the panic buying it caused even among the saints! But I was feeling rather anxious, bad when you have an ulcer, reviewing the current depleted storehouse and lack of suitable water storage and so forth where I am now. I then felt reassured, for the Lord knows all this and how hard I try. And its time to try harder again. Afterwards I approached Martha Scheltema, 1st Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency for Joy, the President, is away looking after her dying Mum. Last week I gave Martha the list of ideas for food storage, how to keep water, and the one showing how long food will keep. From that a decision was made that I would email it all to our librarian and get her to print out 100 copies for Relief Society and Priesthood next Sunday. Furthermore, starting from the December newsletter a suggested item for the storehouse will be given for that month. Now I feel heaps better, get the word out. So all my blog readers, check your cupboards, and being Western Australia, don't worry about stocking up the freezer for our power blackouts are notorious, unless you have a generator of course. I've got the word out to some of my family, but not to others and that worries me. We cannot be complacent about this thinking it will never happpen to us. New Yorkers thought that, so did Queenslanders. For the storehouse a little bit each money day goes a long way and only store what you eat and eat what you store. The next blog entry will be those lists. Meanwhile, here's the latest from New York.
Cold front threatens New York recovery after superstorm Sandy
New Yorkers battle cold, exhaustion to wait for fuel
People waited for upwards of 20 hours for the chance to buy fuel even as state officials announce plans to truck in nearly 28 million gallo...
Reuters4 November 2012
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But on the bright side, power was restored to nearly all of Manhattan on Saturday after flooding plunged the lower half of New York City's most densely populated borough and famous skyline into darkness.
Manhattan will no longer resemble "some sort of ghost town or horror movie", said Bob McGee, a spokesman for utility company Con Edison.
Crews were also working to restore supplies to schools, set to reopen on Monday, and to polling places for the presidential election on Tuesday (Wednesday Australian time).
However, 40 per cent of those who lost power, or somewhere under 900,000 people, continued to experience widespread outages that could last for as long as another week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters.
Rockaway residents gather around a fire following superstorm Sandy at Rockaway Beach in the Queens borough of New York City. Picture: AFP
For many, that meant no heating just as temperatures are dropping in the New York area, with a windy, rainy autumn storm forecast for Wednesday.
On Long Island, 550,000 people are without power, down from 1.2 million people initially, Cuomo said.
Overall, 2.5 million customers remain without power across seven states that were in Sandy's path, the US Department of Energy said.
As New Jersey police raised the state's death toll to 22, increasing the overall US total to at least 103, the biggest hurdle to recovery continued to be a severe lack of petrol.
Crowds wait for free gas at the Bedford Avenue Armory in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Picture: AFP
Huge lines of cars and people on foot clutching canisters snaked back from petrol stations as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced fuel rationing on an odd-and-even basis.
Meanwhile, New York officials announced the deployment of military fuel trucks offering 10 gallons (38 litres) of petrol to drivers free of charge.
Cuomo said the critical situation should ease rapidly because delays in the arrival of fuel ships had been remedied.
New figures from the federal Energy Information Administration said 38 per cent of petrol stations around New York were still out of order, sharply down from 67 per cent on Friday.
Police organise people who are waiting for gas at a station on 96th street on the Upper East Side as the city experiences a gas shortage while recovering from superstorm Sandy in New York. Picture: AFP
The good news included the New York City subway system being 80 per cent up and running.
The transit authority ended the suspension of fares that had allowed New Yorkers to ride free during the calamity's immediate aftermath.
New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg also announced that one million school children would be back in class on Monday, although 65 schools were out of service due to damage or because they were being used as temporary shelters.
The US military said it had given emergency officials one million meals to distribute to the needy in New York and New Jersey and would bring a further million next week.
NYC power supply up, but fuel rationedNYC power supply up, but fuel rationed
Power has been restored across Manhattan, but a petrol shortage is slowing recovery after Hurricane Sandy.
Sky News4 November 2012
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But frustrations were increasingly boiling over in the worst-hit neighbourhoods.
Martina Melendez salvages a surfboard from a flooded bungalow following superstorm Sandy at Rockaway Beach in the Queens borough of New York City. Picture: AFP
People sort through donated clothing on a street corner following Superstorm Sandy at Rockaway Beach in the Queens borough of New York City. Picture: AFP
People stand on destroyed boardwalk debris from superstorm Sandy at Rockaway Beach in the Queens borough of New York City. Picture: AFP
The lights of New York's Lower East Side and Chinatown neighborhoods are framed by the Manhattan Bridge. Select neighborhoods of Manhattan are beginning to recover power.
Well, that's New York. Search the blog and you will find Queensland last year
Hurricane Sandy turned out to be a vicious storm leaving millions without power, many injured, thousands homeless and many deasd. Warnings were given daily on Facebook by friends who live near or in the area. Meanwhile in Perth today, or should I write Kelmscott, we suffered from gale force winds coming from the north and a cold and cloudy day. Some places reported thunderstorms. Elsewhere in the USA in West Virginia they were suffering from snow storms while in places of new Yorks floods occurred and so did devwstating fires. Why do I always post such things? Because the Lord has warned us and forewarned us time and again about the calamities that will beset the world in the last days before the Saviour comes and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ. In those warnings he told us to prepare for such things, spiritually and temporaly. But at the end of it all, He provided hope with aid givers including Mitt Romney, and a rainbow, a perfect arc in the sky. The information about Hurricane Sandy is posted below and taken from Perth Now. Americans seem to take such weather horrors in their stride. I worry about my family, who do not know as much as I do and don't really want to know. How would they cope in a severe weather condition, whether it be floods, fires, gales, cyclones or a deep freeze!
31st October 2012 Perth Now8.15pm: The Twitter troll who became an online villain after several false tweets about the destruction of Hurricane Sandy has apologised and resigned from a Republican congressional campaign.
Twitterati had heaped criticism on ComfortablySmug after the micro-blogger claimed the New York Stock Exchange was flooded and that Consolidated Edison was shutting off all power to New York City during the storm.
Both "breaking" news posts were refuted by authorities, but not before being retweeted hundreds of times, sparking panic as the massive storm devastated the US east coast and claimed dozens of lives.
After going silent for several hours, ComfortablySmug offered "the people of New York a sincere, humble and unconditional apology".
The Buzzfeed online news site had earlier identified ComfortablySmug as a 29-year-old hedge fund analyst and the campaign manager of New York Republican congressional candidate Christopher Wright.
6.25pm: NYC will be open for business on Wednesday. ''The financial markets will resume, as will businesses in all 5 boros,'' New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg tweeted. He also urged New Yorkers to share cabs with 4000 yellow cabs the first to hit the streets as of 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Superstorm Sandy
A car is upended on a mailbox on Surf Avenue in Coney Island, New York, in the aftermath of Sandy. Picture: APSource: AP
6.15pm: Buses returned back on the road for limited service from 5pm Tuesday, and are expected to be almost at normal strength by Wednesday morning, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York tweeted.
Superstorm Sandy
This photo provided by Metropolitan Transportation Authority shows people boarding a bus, as partial bus service was restored on Tuesday. Picture: APSource: AP
6pm: Limited air travel is expected to return to the New York City metro area on Wednesday. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Newark International Airport in New Jersey will open at 7am with limited service,
CBS News reports
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has spoken of his devastation over the destruction caused by super storm Sandy. "The Jersey Shore of my youth is gone," he tweeted. "It was an emotionally overwhelming afternoon for me as a son of this state."
"We will rebuild the Shore," he said. "It may not be the same, but we will rebuild."
"Tomorrow we start recovery. We can be sad but, sorrow should not replace resilience."
Chris Christie
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie holds a media briefing on damage and recovery efforts. High winds and a massive storm surge caused major destruction to the Jersey Shore and throughout the Garden State.Source: Getty Images
5.30pm: Eight young Aboriginal athletes from the Northern Territory, far north Queensland and regional NSW are pushing ahead with plans to run the New York marathon on Sunday. The marathon is going ahead despite devastation left by super storm Sandy.
The squad - Korey Summers, Justin Gaykamangu, Marius Clarke, Kieren De Santis, Grace Eather, Emma Cameron, Jurgean Tabuai, Nat Heath and Amber Parker - were in Sydney today ahead of their flight to the US tomorrow morning.
Runners
Indigenous marathon runners Nat Heath, Marius Clarke, Kieren De Santis, Grace Eather, Korey Summers, Justin Gaykamangu and Amber Parker go for a jog at Bondi Beach in preparation for their trip to New York. Picture: Katrina TepperSource: News Limited
5.20pm: These taxis aren't going anywhere anytime soon, overwhelmed by floodwaters in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Flooded cabs
Taxis sit in a flooded lot after Hurricane Sandy in Hoboken, New Jersey Picture: AFPSource: AFP
5.15pm: A man smiles relieved to find a free charging station offered by a 7-Eleven store in an area with power in Manhattan.
Phone recharge
People charge their devices at a free charging station offered by a 7-Eleven store in an area with power in Manhattan. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
5.05pm: The super storm has forced the
American Red Cross to cancel more than 300 blood drives, causing a shortfall of more than 9000 blood and platelet donations across 14 states that would otherwise be available for those needing transfusions.
The toxic stew of raw sewage, industrial chemicals and floating debris that has filled flooded waterways around New York may threaten the health of residents,
the Huffington Post reports. "Normally, sewer overflows are just discharged into waterways and humans that generate the sewage can avoid the consequences by avoiding the water," said John Lipscomb of the clean water advocacy group Riverkeeper. "But in this case, that waste has come back into our communities."
4.15pm: For the second night in a row, superstorm Sandy and its aftermath forced David Letterman to live out that performer's nightmare: Telling jokes to a vacant theatre, or as he called it, "a big ol' empty barn''.
Letterman hosting the
Late Show to an unpeopled Ed Sullivan Theatre on Tuesday, as he did on Monday, says the Associated Press, was the oddest sight of the continuing cultural fallout of the hurricane.
4.00pm: One clever thinking individual hooked his bicycle to generate electricity for people to charge their mobile phones.
bike
A man rides a bicycle to generate electricity so residents can charge their cell phones after Hurricane Sandy left them without power. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
power
A man rides a bicycle to generate electricity so residents can charge their phones. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
Others took the opportunity to have a party.
party
Residents have a party on the sidewalk during the blackout after Hurricane Sandy. OuctyreL AFPSource: AFP
3.55pm: Employees of the restaurant 'Zum Schneider' enjoy food and beers in the empty dark dining room
dark
Employees of the restaurant "Zum Schneider" enjoy food and beers in the empty dining room during a power outage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
3.53pm: It's night in New York, and many areas are still without power.
blackout
Cars drive down a darkened 2nd Avenue after Hurricane Sandy. Picture: AFPSource: AFP
3.40pm: The New Jersey National Guard has come to Hoboken to help residents of the heavily flooded city on the Hudson River across from New York City, the Associated Press reports.
Officials announced the Guard's arrival in messages posted late on Tuesday on the city's Twitter and Facebook accounts. It says Guard members will use high-wheeled vehicles to assist in evacuating residents and delivering supplies to flooded areas in the 2.6-square-kilometre city.
Hoboken
A resident walks through floodwaters in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy in Hoboken, New Jersey.Source: AP
3.20pm: New York University Hospital lost years of scientific research after the Smilow building lost power during the superstorm, destroying precious enzymes, antibodies, DNA and thousands of mice,
the Daily News reports.
The death toll for super storm Sandy has now risen to 50, according to the Associated Press.
A weakening Sandy, the hurricane turned fearsome super storm, has killed at least 50 people, many hit by falling trees, and still isn't finished.
As it inched inland across Pennsylvania, it was ready to dump more of its water and likely cause more havoc. Behind it: a dazed, inundated New York City, a waterlogged Atlantic Coast and a moonscape of disarray and debris - from unmoored shore-town boardwalks to submerged mass-transit systems to delicate presidential politics.
2:18pm: An off-duty New York police officer has drowned in Staten Island trying to rescue his family from super storm Sandy,
CBS News reports.
Artur Kasprzak
NYPD officer Artur Kasprzak, who died during the storm helping family. Picture: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=378116695598452&l=35e4131a99Source: Facebook
Officer Artur Kasprzak, 28, reportedly died after pulling six members of his family into his attic so they could escape the rising waters.
As residents in America's northeast endure the wind and rain from super storm Sandy, the state of Georgia now faces a higher risk of dangerous wildfires.
The Georgia Forestry Commission said the dry conditions, mixed with the high winds from the storm, creates a huge hazard, as
WRCB TV reports.
2:10pm: A 13-year-old girl was killed when a catastrophic wave destroyed her family home on Staten Island,
the Daily Mail reports.
Angela Dresch
Angela Dresch, 13, died when her Staten Island home was hit by the storm surge during Superstorm Sandy. Picture: FacebookSource: Supplied
Angela Dresch, whose house was in the mandatory evacuation zone, was found dead, her mother is in a critical condition and her father is still missing.
Neighbours said the family refused to leave their house as it was looted during Tropical Storm Irene last year.
2:03pm: The man behind a US-based Twitter account which yesterday posted misinformation about the storm that many American news organisations re-tweeted has resigned from his post as a Congressional aid for a Republican candidate,
BuzzFeed reports.
The Twitter handle-
Comfortably Numb- yesterday began a rumour that the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange had flooded and that a power company was cutting off power to customers before the storm hit.
Read his full resignation statement here.
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| Movie preview handout 26th September 1966 in Perth |
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| John Patrick O'Grady, Medical Officer, Australian Army WWII |
I read other people's blogs and they are very interesting. Mine is mostly historical, recording events that happened. Oh, I know I've published some of my poetry on here, some of my articles I've written, and made comments on events I have posted, but...I never seem to be able to put in here what I really think. I love writing and reading other people's works. Blog writing I still haven't come to terms with yet. Some write an entry every day, others do it once a week. I add something now and again. Maybe I don't like letting everyone know how I feel. Well!! If you want to know how I feel about my writing I could say frustrated. How do I write what Dad feels while the
Manunda was dragging anchor at Morotai while a war raged around him. What was in his mind when he found he had to wear a .38 gun to prowl the island? Why was he so against the Yanks as he called them, though many went out of their way to give him lifts in their barges, jeeps and landing craft so he could visit the island, and a grand slam view of the Woma Drome and visiting with the marines whe held the Nips at bay while the Aussies bombarded them into a starving submission? How do I NOT write Nips and Yankees when they are the terms Dad used in his journals and to do so made the story seem constrained! Help! And how can I find a publisher who would be interested in Dad's Story up until the time he published his first famous and well-known book They're a Weird Mob in 1957. A reserved Dad, a quiet Dad, a romancing Dad. Well, John now holds all of the copyright of Dad's, particularly the film rights after all these years, its no longer in the hands of William Powell and so he is talking with people to make this book and movie into a musical. They're A Weird Mob a musical? Dad would turn over in his grave, or his ashes I should write, would come back and slap us all in the face! Dad wrote to John in 1957 as his book was gaining popularity and said he would never look at it being made into a musical. So what do you say as readers of this blog, that was 60-odd years ago or something? But I ask you, can you see anyone writing a lyric or two about us weird aussies as Dad wrote them? I gotta think about this.
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