What's going on in the United States?

This will be short and sweet.

Today I changed the layout of my blog as I just needed to freshen it up a bit.

Plus, I am stuck to the couch as well after surgery this week and have a lot of time on my hands.

I noticed a huge spike in the number of page views this week from the United States, and I am really interested to discover why.

So, if you are one of my mystery readers from the other side of the world, I'd love to know why this has suddenly happened, and if you are a new reader, I'd love to know where you might be from and how you came to discover my blog.

Let's talk!!

Don't be shy!!

And of course, I welcome all readers and would definitely love some feedback!!

Until my next post...

Cheers!

Back on the couch again...

Well,

After a few days away visiting family for Easter, we are back home in Bendigo and having some fairly lazy days enjoying the beautiful Autumn weather that Bendigo never fails to produce year after year. It never fails to amaze us each year how glorious it is here at this time of the year.

My surgery on my dodgy shoulder has now been done, now is the rehab time so I'll be using the next week and a half of my holidays resting it and getting ready for the next term of school.
The doctors at the hospital I was a patient at were very concerned about another dvt episode in the post recovery period after my experience late last year, so they kindly gave me a few needles before I travelled home in the car and made sure that I had a nice pair of socks to wear with my thongs, always a great look!

As you can see, the pressure socks are a great look, and I have a great view out the window on a beautiful Autumn day.

The next few days will be spent on the laptop preparing for school as my Co-Deputy Principal is now on maternity leave, and our Principal is taking some well deserved long service leave for three weeks.
After my four weeks overseas I have a fair bit of catching up to do, so this forced rest is probably a good thing for me anyway. The only thing that will bug me intensely will be the lack of exercise, so I'm hoping that by tomorrow I'll be able to get out for a walk at least.



While my wife and I were wandering around the streets and lanes of Melbourne earlier in the week, we stumbled across a small gallery that sold all things Dr Seuss. The prints that were on display were all limited edition and stamped with certificates of authenticity and were just beautiful. We would have loved to have bought a few...until we saw the prices!!
Just a small one not much bigger than an A4 piece of paper, unframed was more than $400!! Framed was about $200 extra, but they were great.
As for the larger ones that were life size, I'd hate to think what they would cost, clearly in the thousands.
BUT...if I win Lotto, I'll be back there in a flash.

Just a sample of what was on offer.

 And to finish off this post, I saw this photo online today and just love it.
I posted it on our school Twitter feed with the caption "What is the first thing that comes into your mind when seeing this?"
Hopefully it will get parents and their kids talking about it, which is my objective.
I just love posting photos and images that I hope will elicit responses and generate genuine inquiry with kids.

Until my next post...

Cheers!

Surgery done...

Well,
After postponements and date changes since last November, I finally had my long overdue shoulder surgery today in Melbourne.

I am fully aware of how pathetic and trivial my situation is when compared to the utter crap that others have going on in their own lives, so I can't complain at all.

The staff at the hospital I am in just couldn't be any lovelier, they are making my stay just so easy.

I had a really interesting discussion with two nurses who were wheeling me into surgery. When they discovered that I was a teacher, they asked me about my views on ' holiday homework'. When I asked what they meant, they told me that their own primary school aged children had been loaded up with homework for the holidays!

Now, don't get me started on homework as I am totally against it and I could bang on for ages as to why I disagree with it so much. Just to hear how upset these two people were with how their children approached the holidays was heart wrenching. At a time when these kids were meant to be excited about holidays, they came home stressed about having to complete a large swathe of homework over the holidays. Talk about raining big time on someone else's parade!!

As I had a dvt late last year after my little knee op, the doctors here were very concerned about it and have taken every precaution to avoid anything resembling a repeat.
I am now back in my room, and resting up, feeling very sore but generally okay.
I am hooked up to a machine that constantly massages my calves and gently squeezes and releases pressure on them. It is pure bliss!!! There is also a fair bit of calf to look after !!!

One positive has been that my addiction/obsession/dedication to maintaining my fitness has resulted in a very low heart rate. Every so often the other machine that I am hooked up to goes off when the rate drops below 50, so a nurse comes in and turns the alarm off. Not sure if they have considered re-setting it. It's also ironic that part of the reason I am in here is because of my exercise dedication, so it's a bit of a win some/lose some situation!
Although I won't be able to donate my limbs to science when I fall off the perch, at least my heart and lungs might be able to benefit someone. Then again, with the amount of work I've had done on my legs, perhaps they might be useful to science to examine the effects of sport on the body!!

So tonight will be just resting up and getting ready to go home tomorrow, followed by a rehab that I will be very careful with.

Until my next post...

Cheers!

Some holiday fun...

Well here we are, four days into a two week break from school and enjoying some time away.
After spending Friday and Saturday at home doing some much needed home maintenance after being away overseas for the previous four weeks, we have taken off for a few days.

Part of this is to catch up with family, part to just have some time together, and the rest due to necessity.

As none of our boys were home for the Easter weekend ( one overseas, one away at the beach with mates and the youngest called in to work in Melbourne) it was pretty quiet at home with just the two of us.

Sunday morning we jumped into the Jeep and headed to Colac to spend the day with my wife's parents who were also going to be child free on Easter Sunday.

A bit of a scare along the way just out of Castlemaine. I noticed a few dead kangaroos on the side of the road, obviously someone had cleaned up a mob on the road overnight. In the distance I could see a bird land on the road and as we got closer we were surprised to see that it was a wedge tailed eagle, and was coming in for a feast. The surprising thing was that it didn't move off the road and made us come to a complete standstill. It was huge, and would have made a mess of our car had I not slowed down.
After a nice relaxing lunch, and doing all the necessary updates on the mother in law's iPad, we were back in the car and heading to Melbourne.

We stayed in our favourite motel here and just enjoyed wandering around the city.
And buying stuff!!
No sooner had we settled into these digs and we were off again to another part of Melbourne, this time the very upmarket and snooty Brighton.
The reason for this is because in the morning I have to go to hospital here to have a long awaited shoulder operation, and it makes sense for Jen to be staying nearby.
After checking in we walked down to the shopping strip and were really pleased to see very quickly one of the stereotypes of this area, a lady in a very crisp white shirt with the collar pulled up high. If anyone has watched 'Kath and Kim', you'll know why we found this to be rather amusing!

A walk along the nearby beach was just great, and we came across the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes, which occasionally get sold for exorbitantly prices. I think a recent sale fetched $165 000!!

Looking back towards the city.

The famed bathing boxes, with loads of tourists having photos taken...just like us!

We also went for a walk along the long pier and breakwater here and walked past John Bertrand as he was lugging some fishing gear. Thought of getting a photo with this yachting legend, but let it go instead.

So, while Jen is contemplating whether to do study all day tomorrow in our hotel room, or go shopping, I'm loading up on food as I have to fast from tonight, and my operation is not until early afternoon it seems. I think she'll take the shopping option rather than be cooped up all day in such a nice area!

During my trip away I found myself staying in a different hotel every few days, so I was keen on getting back to my own bed. After only a week of that I now find myself staying in three different places over three different nights. It's no wonder I wake up in the night and have to stop and think about where I really am!!

While I'm not nervous about tomorrow, I am hoping that I get a good report, and that they don't find anything else wrong in there, as they still can't pinpoint a lot of the problems until they actually go in. I'm being optimistic, as they said if I wake up without a sling on on, that's good. If I wake up with a sling on that means not so good.

There will be no sling!!!

Until my next post,

Cheers!

After the big trip...

After each of my trips overseas in the last 3 years (which I have been so lucky to have done) I once again find myself experiencing the 'coming down' from such a high.

Exactly a week ago I was sitting in a Qantas A380 and only a few hours from landing in Melbourne.
It took a few days to get my sleep patterns back in sync, the first few mornings I was up at about 5.00, but now it is all back to normal.

Work has been fairly full on, in only four weeks away I have realised how much I have had to catch up on. With my Co-Deputy Principal finishing up yesterday to take maternity leave I have a fair bit to do to keep up the great work she has started, massive shoes to fill.
Also, our Principal is taking the first 3 weeks of next term off with long service leave, so I really have to step up to the plate.

Needless to say, these holidays will be spent getting a lot of things in place for the start of next term.
For the past year and a bit I have had the benefit of working really closely with two great people, and the reality that they will both be gone when school starts next term has not been lost on me.

Our home life has changed dramatically as well.
When I left to go overseas, there were four of us in the house. Now our youngest has moved to Melbourne for Uni, and our other son is often out with work, Uni, sport or socialising.
 Jen and I are now finding that it is just the two of us at home, something that we will have to become increasingly accustomed to.

So what does one do after a month away?

As we live on a semi-rural block with lots of trees, there is always the hassle of leaves, twigs and branches dropping on the yard. After 4 weeks away, and lots of heat (which makes the trees drop even more rubbish) I came back to a fairly untidy yard, something that always bugs me.

So, today was the day to do something about it, and after 5 hours I finally got it raked and cleaned up.
It always looks good at the end, so you can imagine my anguish when the first few leaves start dropping on it again!!

Keep in mind that I am going into hospital on Tuesday for surgery on my shoulder, something that was meant to be done last December, but got postponed after I developed a DVT in my leg after knee surgery.

I'm rapt that the yard is now cleaner, but the payoff is that my shoulder is killing me tonight. I suppose that it was already sore this morning, and tonight it is only a bit worse and it is going to get fixed anyway, so what's the big deal?

This doesn't really show how much litter was on the yard, but it was enough to bug me big time!

Half way through the job and things are warming up.

The end of the day and it is back to what suits me. Could do with a decent drink too! (The yard that is)

And last night I see a photo posted online by a former housemate from my teacher training days way back in 1983. It really brought back so many happy memories of those times, but also the fact that I need to make time to catch up with these mates, and many others in the near future.

Although it doesn't look great, it only brings back happy memories with these boys.

My footy team, Richmond, won last night in a fairly ugly match, but I'll take any win, so that meant I woke up happy this morning.

Some more home maintenance tomorrow while I can, as I know that for the rest of this two week break I'll be laid up after my shoulder surgery.

It's always hard to keep my blog interesting after an overseas trip, but I only see this as a further challenge, so hopefully I can keep it interesting!!

Until my next post...

Cheers!

After 4 Weeks overseas, I'm back home...

Well,

Four weeks overseas has come to an end and I am now firmly ensconced back at home in Bendigo after getting back home at midnight on Friday. 

My sleep patterns are totally out of whack, and after waking at 4.30 in the morning I stayed in bed until 6.00 and then I thought that might be deemed a reasonable time to get up and try not to wake the other half.

Today has been spent having a relaxing breakfast in town with Jen, popping in to visit my sister and her family, then getting some much needed exercise to feed my addiction!!

I also got to have a small spin on the new motorbike bought today by my niece's boyfriend. It was still only in 1st gear around their backyard, but it only renewed my desire to get another bike of my own.

I have really mixed emotions after this trip.

One part of me was really looking forward to getting back home to see my wife and two other sons, as I really like to be around my family.

Another part of me wanted to stay in England as I would still be able to catch up with our eldest boy, Sam, as I really miss him now that he lives and works in London.

And another part of me still wanted to travel around as I just love it so much.

I have been so lucky to have travelled a fair bit over the past five years, and the bug has not left me. If anything, it has only grown bigger!!

Spending a few weeks in London, the north of England, the south-east of England, and ten days in Helsinki, I have seen so much, met the most lovely people and learnt many things that hopefully will benefit my school in Strathfieldsaye, and hopefully, others.

Upon reflecting about my travels, many things really stick in my mind. Some are fairly significant that others might relate to, others are the minute details of my daily observations, as I am someone who likes to observe the daily goings on of the countries I visit.

Some of these include...

• In London, traffic lights mean nothing. If there are no cars coming, just cross the road.
• It pays to look in the opposite directions when crossing the roads in Finland!
• The absolute silence one experiences on the Tube in London, even when it is totally jampacked.
• The shock of seeing policemen and policewomen toting machine guns on the street in London.
• Walking the streets and hearing all sorts of languages being spoken.
• Despite the cold, the people in Helsinki are just out and about as if it is a warm day.
• Officials in Helsinki ( eg at the airport) are serious. VERY serious!
• You can be in a supermarket in both countries and amongst the usual items in the refrigerated section you will find every sort of beer!
• Walking along cobblestone streets is not good for someone with dodgy ankles.
• Hotel rooms in London are small and compact, and that's putting it mildly. Maybe it was just the ones that I chose.
• The noises that are distinctive of each city. London- the sounds of the buses and the taxis in the street. Helsinki - the ravens in the street, haunting.
• The crunch of snow under my feet while walking through Helsinki.
• Being cold all the time, despite my warm clothes.
• Feeling safe walking the streets at night wherever I went.
• The people in the streets of Sheffield generally looked sad and miserable.

I could go on and on, more keep coming to me at all times of the day, but they will be the things that combine to make this trip so memorable.

Some of my favourite photos taken while away...

A row of swans swimming up a canal in Lincoln, northern England.

On Westminster Bridge near Big Ben. By far my favourite spot in London. I could just stand here for hours and watch the world go by.

The sun setting on the Thames.

Big Ben at dusk.

The Houses of Parliament at dusk.

Outside the Novello Theatre where I saw Mamma Mia, my  favourite show.

The Tower Bridge, it looks majestic from any angle.

The building where our son Sam works.

Meeting Sam at the Borough Market for lunch.

While walking around London one day, I lost my way. I looked up to find a street name and found this shop opposite me. Was it pure coincidence that it was this girl's birthday as well? She is the daughter of our very close friends, and sadly, we lost her 6 years ago.

Out with Sam to watch a soccer game at his local.

One of the meandering streets in Plymouth.

At the Plymouth lighthouse. Perhaps I should have stood more to the left or right?

The people actually swim down there. This is the sea baths at plymouth.

A hot chocolate I got in Torquay. Normally I wouldn't go for the trimmings, but as it was so cold and windy, I just went for them.

At a school in Exeter. I got excited to see the effects of sleet! Little would I know I would see much more than this in Helsinki.

My seats for Mamma Mia. I had this balcony entirely to myself.

My first glimpse of Finland.

Standing on the frozen inlet outside my hotel.

On the ice.

A 360 view from the ice.

At the market, cooking up a fish dish that I ate. 

This is the end product, guts and heads included!!

Possibly the nicest hotdog I have eaten, a Moose hotdog.

I just stepped out the front door of my hotel one morning to be greeted by this beautiful view.

Snow falling, the view from my room.

I had just walked down this track to get to a school I was visiting in Espoo.

The escalators on the tube are steep to say the least.

Believe it or not, this is chocolate.

Not sure if the life ring would be needed when the water is frozen!

The view from the gym on a sunny day.

Senate Square in Helsinki.

Part of the Harbour that was not frozen.

These pastries were nearly the death of me, just beautiful!!

And what does one do when it is 2 degrees and the sun is shining? Have coffee with your friends.

These boys were doing the sauna/swim thing.

Another view from the gym.

The plane getting de-iced before flying out from Helsinki.

Another plane being de-iced.

Eating the mother of all burgers with Sam at the Lord Nelson.

Oxford Street at night, looking from Piccadilly Circus.

Leicester Square at night.

The theatre where Sam and I went and saw 'The Book of Mormon'.

At the theatre with sam.

Just before parting ways for the last time after seeing 'The Book of Mormon'.

Having tea with Sam and his housemate Jase.

The skies above London are constantly full of planes.

A boat has just been through to clear a path through the ice.

Maybe it's just the angle, but it looks like this bloke is picking a winner.

One of the many rows of houses in Exeter.

Walking into Paddington Station, I had to go through the gauntlet of smokers having a dart before they catch their respective trains.

It's so hard to choose which photos to put in, because every photo should be in here because I took them for the reason that I wanted a record of the things I was seeing, and photos are records of the things that we value and count.

My head is still spinning two days after getting home, and it will no doubt take a good deal of time to come down from the enormous high I have experienced as a result of this trip.

I'm still finding it hard to come to the realisation that it is over, as it was something that had been planned so long in advance, and something that I was really looking forward to.

It is not lost on me that I now have to consider how I am going to use what I have learnt for the benefit of my school. It won't work if I just say to people"Try this"or "Try that". There has to be an intent and purpose for introducing new ideas, and also in helping others to see how these ideas might be useful. To go on a trip like this and then not make every effort to implement these new learnings is just not an option.

Until my next post...

Cheers.