Wednesday, June 25 2008
New addition to the family
Well it's time to introduce our newest member of the family. 
We picked up Nina this week from a local Pet Rescue as we were looking for a companion for Duke (our other dog).
If you are wanting a pet, check out your local Pet Rescue. Saving a pet ensures it's one less pet that isn't put down unnecessarily. Most rescues do behaviour testing prior to putting them up for adoption and will also ensure they are vaccinated, spayed and micro-chipped and registered.
We met and instantly fell in love with Nina! The picture on the left is the one that they had on her advertisement.
She's an 18-month-old Blue Heeler/Cross and needed a new home. After talking with Pauline we both agreed that getting a dog from a Pet Rescue was a better option than going and buying a new puppy from a pet store. We also weren't so keen on a puppy as the extra work involved in keeping those naughty doggies out of trouble!
We also knew that young puppies also find homes much easier than older dogs.She's resting quietly at present (much to the annoyance of Duke who would love nothing better to do then jump and play all day with her!). The main reason is she's only recently come out of surgery for being spayed, micro-chipped and vaccinated. So a few more days restricting her jumping or running and she'll be right to go.
So far Nina has settled in extremely well. It's been a pleasant surprise to find she's already house-trained and let's us know when nature calls. We'll undertake some basic obedience training but generally she's pretty good already.
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As you can see, she's settling in well to her new surroundings!
Building Progress - House slab laid!
The last two weeks has seen some rapid movement on the building of our new house.
For those that have missed the updates, feel free to have a read.
Yesterday (Tuesday 24th June) the builders laid down the house slab.
The house shape is much easier to make out now, and is quite recognisable when it's compared against the house plan or the electrical plan (which includes the modifications to the base plan we've made).
It was absolutely freezing down in Bannockburn today and reached a whooping 12oC maximum. Why did I mention this? Well... even though it's quick drying cement used in slab creation, it does require some heat to actually dry the slab out!
Whilst it did eventually set, it took longer than expected. You can tell how cold it is in the photos (you'll notice the builders standing around a small fire trying to get warm!).
The slab was laid around 7:30am, but the builders were still on site mid-afternoon levelling and trying to ensure it set correctly. The boxing had to be removed to help speed up the drying process.
The 'gap' on the left hand side half way down is the location of the alfresco. This will have a concrete base added after lockup and is done as a separate step to stop cracking that would be visible.
We're going to lay exposed aggregate in that area, that will match the footpaths and driveway. The benefit of exposed aggregate is that it is not as slippery as traditional concrete (and personally I think it looks better!)
If you aren't aware what exposed aggregate is all about, click on the image for a larger view. Basically it exposes the pebbles in the concrete mix, and gives it a 'worn' look.... consider it the 'acid wash of jeans' for concrete.
Once again a big thanks to my folks for heading out to Bannockburn and taking the shots. It's great to see the progress being made. We won't be able to get down their until the weekend (work committments and the like restricting a mid-week journey). Google Maps reports it's about 67.1 km – about 1 hour 4 mins one way from our current residence to the property. So it's pretty much a 2 hour round trip... just a tad too long for a lunch time visit!
All good though, and we've made it to the first milestone.
The slab will be left to settle until this time next week when the frame will go up. Hopefully the weather holds over the next few weeks until we get to the lock-up stage. It is expected to be windy the next few days, which will assist in drying out the slab even further.
Pauline has rendered a depiction of what the final house will look like... though it's changed slightly as the roof colour had to change (the colour we chose was unavailable). We went with Woodland Grey instead. We've seen this colour used on other houses and it does come up quite nicely.
FYI: The bricks aren't that large as show in the picture, it's just been done that way so we could see how the brickwork would look on the place compared to other colour selections we had made.
If all goes according to plan we should be moving in mid Sept/October. Pauline and I are a little more realistic and we will be happy if it happens prior to Christmas.
For those that have missed the updates, feel free to have a read.
Yesterday (Tuesday 24th June) the builders laid down the house slab.
The house shape is much easier to make out now, and is quite recognisable when it's compared against the house plan or the electrical plan (which includes the modifications to the base plan we've made).
 |  |  |  |  |
It was absolutely freezing down in Bannockburn today and reached a whooping 12oC maximum. Why did I mention this? Well... even though it's quick drying cement used in slab creation, it does require some heat to actually dry the slab out!
Whilst it did eventually set, it took longer than expected. You can tell how cold it is in the photos (you'll notice the builders standing around a small fire trying to get warm!).
The slab was laid around 7:30am, but the builders were still on site mid-afternoon levelling and trying to ensure it set correctly. The boxing had to be removed to help speed up the drying process.
The 'gap' on the left hand side half way down is the location of the alfresco. This will have a concrete base added after lockup and is done as a separate step to stop cracking that would be visible. We're going to lay exposed aggregate in that area, that will match the footpaths and driveway. The benefit of exposed aggregate is that it is not as slippery as traditional concrete (and personally I think it looks better!)
If you aren't aware what exposed aggregate is all about, click on the image for a larger view. Basically it exposes the pebbles in the concrete mix, and gives it a 'worn' look.... consider it the 'acid wash of jeans' for concrete.
Once again a big thanks to my folks for heading out to Bannockburn and taking the shots. It's great to see the progress being made. We won't be able to get down their until the weekend (work committments and the like restricting a mid-week journey). Google Maps reports it's about 67.1 km – about 1 hour 4 mins one way from our current residence to the property. So it's pretty much a 2 hour round trip... just a tad too long for a lunch time visit!
All good though, and we've made it to the first milestone.
The slab will be left to settle until this time next week when the frame will go up. Hopefully the weather holds over the next few weeks until we get to the lock-up stage. It is expected to be windy the next few days, which will assist in drying out the slab even further.
Pauline has rendered a depiction of what the final house will look like... though it's changed slightly as the roof colour had to change (the colour we chose was unavailable). We went with Woodland Grey instead. We've seen this colour used on other houses and it does come up quite nicely.FYI: The bricks aren't that large as show in the picture, it's just been done that way so we could see how the brickwork would look on the place compared to other colour selections we had made.
If all goes according to plan we should be moving in mid Sept/October. Pauline and I are a little more realistic and we will be happy if it happens prior to Christmas.
Friday, June 20 2008
House Building progress
I recently posted pics of our new house getting built getting under-way with the site preparation.
Things have progressed reasonably well (albeit in between some rain - which we do actually need, but preferably after we get to the lock-up stage!)
So here are some photos over the last week.
Water, Plumbing and Electrical
The water to the property goes in and we officially have a tap! Woot!
In addition, we have had the underground electrical and plumbing go in.
Foundations
This week we saw the foundations dug out and boxing up ready for the slab to be laid.
The boxing up was finished up today (Friday). It's been covered up for the weekend as we've been getting light rain all week (and likely over the weekend). At this stage the slab is scheduled to go down on Tuesday. Speaking to the builder, we'll let that sit for about a week, and commence building frame the following week.
It's great to see the actual house start forming from a drawing to something physical now. The slab will make a big difference as the shape/size of the place will become more evident.
We're scheduled for a mid-Sept finish, though I suspect we'll run over, and we'll be happy if we're in before Christmas. Hopefully the next few weeks the weather can hold until we at least get to lock-up as not to delay the builders.
Thanks again to Mum and Dad for snapping the shots for us!
Things have progressed reasonably well (albeit in between some rain - which we do actually need, but preferably after we get to the lock-up stage!)
So here are some photos over the last week.
Water, Plumbing and Electrical
The water to the property goes in and we officially have a tap! Woot!
In addition, we have had the underground electrical and plumbing go in.
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Foundations
This week we saw the foundations dug out and boxing up ready for the slab to be laid.
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The boxing up was finished up today (Friday). It's been covered up for the weekend as we've been getting light rain all week (and likely over the weekend). At this stage the slab is scheduled to go down on Tuesday. Speaking to the builder, we'll let that sit for about a week, and commence building frame the following week.
It's great to see the actual house start forming from a drawing to something physical now. The slab will make a big difference as the shape/size of the place will become more evident.
We're scheduled for a mid-Sept finish, though I suspect we'll run over, and we'll be happy if we're in before Christmas. Hopefully the next few weeks the weather can hold until we at least get to lock-up as not to delay the builders.
Thanks again to Mum and Dad for snapping the shots for us!
Wednesday, June 11 2008
House building underway!
I have previously mentioned we're building a new house (both here and here).
Well on Tuesday the building commenced!
Not much to date, but they have done the site preparation, and will be digging the foundations and hopefully laying the concrete slab this week.
Obviously this will be dependent on the actual weather. This week isn't too promising, but next week is! Hopefully a 'few showers' means that work can still progress and that they are only light.
My folks were out at the block (they are also building out at Bannockburn themselves).
They took some photos to show us the progress being made. (Thanks Dad and Mum!) You can click on each image for an enlarged view.
It's great to finally have something happening on the block. It's a little frustrating doing the paperwork dance and it was November when we purchased the block. So just over 6 months later the physical work can now start.
All going well... we'll be in September - October of this year. Truthfully, we'll be happy to be in for this Christmas, anything earlier will be a bonus.
I'll post more photos as the building progresses. We'll be heading down to Bannockburn this weekend and will look at taking more shots, hopefully the plumbing and slab are done by then.
For those that want a reminder of what we're building, here is a copy of the houseplan (well we've made some minor adjustments and the carport is actually a double garage!).
We've just finished the actual final electrical and the network plans for the house.
On top of that we also think we've found the water tank we'll be putting in a 10,200L tank off the side of the house. After we move in I'll probably put another 5,000-8,000L tank off the garden shed. The smaller tank will be used to supply a vegie garden, whilst the larger one will be used for some lawn and drinking water.
I've already been doing a lot of smart planning for the garden/lawns. We'll be laying Sir Walter lawn (or similar) - which is drought tolerant but vibrant in colour.
I'll also be planting a native Australian garden. My parents gave me a wonderful book about Native Australian gardens and designs for my birthday earlier in the year. It is amazing at the rich colour and diversity that is available to us all using our own natives.
It's well worth a read for anyone considering how to reduce their water requirements but keeping a colorful and lively looking garden. Many of our own native plants show the beauty of the traditional European gardens we have traditionally planted. It's not all about mulch and grey coloured foliage!
I've actually requested that all the site excavations from the property be left on site and will be incorporating this into the design of our garden. I'll be creating undulating garden beds, with heavier water thirsty plants at the bottom whilst hardier and less water hungry plants positioned on the top of these mounds. Using this method I can use the 'natural' layout of the land to deliver the right amount of water to the various plants (either with rain or watering).
I think over the next 10 years we'll see more frustrated gardeners who have given up trying to grow a European style garden (without it dying off or turning brown) move across to this style. Like many gardens it can be setup relatively maintenance free, or not. This really depends on the type of garden and time you have available. I'll probably plant for something in the middle. The idea of getting off the computer and doing something with nature is quite appealing.
Well on Tuesday the building commenced!
Not much to date, but they have done the site preparation, and will be digging the foundations and hopefully laying the concrete slab this week.
Obviously this will be dependent on the actual weather. This week isn't too promising, but next week is! Hopefully a 'few showers' means that work can still progress and that they are only light.
Wednesday A few showers. 16oC
Thursday Showers developing. 16oC
Friday A few showers. 16oC
Saturday Becoming fine. 14oC
Sunday Fine. 15oC
Monday Fine. 16oC
Tuesday Fine. 16oC
My folks were out at the block (they are also building out at Bannockburn themselves).
They took some photos to show us the progress being made. (Thanks Dad and Mum!) You can click on each image for an enlarged view.
It's great to finally have something happening on the block. It's a little frustrating doing the paperwork dance and it was November when we purchased the block. So just over 6 months later the physical work can now start.
All going well... we'll be in September - October of this year. Truthfully, we'll be happy to be in for this Christmas, anything earlier will be a bonus.
I'll post more photos as the building progresses. We'll be heading down to Bannockburn this weekend and will look at taking more shots, hopefully the plumbing and slab are done by then.
For those that want a reminder of what we're building, here is a copy of the houseplan (well we've made some minor adjustments and the carport is actually a double garage!).
We've just finished the actual final electrical and the network plans for the house.
On top of that we also think we've found the water tank we'll be putting in a 10,200L tank off the side of the house. After we move in I'll probably put another 5,000-8,000L tank off the garden shed. The smaller tank will be used to supply a vegie garden, whilst the larger one will be used for some lawn and drinking water.
I've already been doing a lot of smart planning for the garden/lawns. We'll be laying Sir Walter lawn (or similar) - which is drought tolerant but vibrant in colour.
I'll also be planting a native Australian garden. My parents gave me a wonderful book about Native Australian gardens and designs for my birthday earlier in the year. It is amazing at the rich colour and diversity that is available to us all using our own natives.It's well worth a read for anyone considering how to reduce their water requirements but keeping a colorful and lively looking garden. Many of our own native plants show the beauty of the traditional European gardens we have traditionally planted. It's not all about mulch and grey coloured foliage!
I've actually requested that all the site excavations from the property be left on site and will be incorporating this into the design of our garden. I'll be creating undulating garden beds, with heavier water thirsty plants at the bottom whilst hardier and less water hungry plants positioned on the top of these mounds. Using this method I can use the 'natural' layout of the land to deliver the right amount of water to the various plants (either with rain or watering).
I think over the next 10 years we'll see more frustrated gardeners who have given up trying to grow a European style garden (without it dying off or turning brown) move across to this style. Like many gardens it can be setup relatively maintenance free, or not. This really depends on the type of garden and time you have available. I'll probably plant for something in the middle. The idea of getting off the computer and doing something with nature is quite appealing.
Monday, June 9 2008
Visit Disney World - in the luxury of your own home
We all enjoy a good holiday. Getting the time to take one always seems to be the problem for me however. I think I may have just found the answer...If you're like me you grew up watching The Wonderful World of Disney at 6:30pm every Sunday. Here we marveled at cartoons of Mickey, Goofy and other great Disney characters. (So much so, many the hostnames on my home network are now named after Disney characters!
).It also introduced us to classic 'childrens' movies like Herbie, 101 Dalmatians, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland.
It's probably the dream of every child to visit the magical place of Disneyland or DisneyWorld.
With the help of Google you can now explore DisneyLand without leaving your chair!
Google has produced a 3D interactive representation of Disneyland inside Google Earth.
If you've got Google Earth installed try the following:
- Once Google Earth loads, search for "Disney World".
- Click on the golden Disney Mickey Ears - This will load an information window.
- In the info window click on Show Disney World in 3D.
It's nearly as good as being there!
Just think - no more queues for rides, no long-haul flight getting there, and the park is now open 24 hours for you.
Have fun exploring!
Sunday, May 25 2008
Building to commence - may the games begin!
I've previously blogged about building a new house.
It's taken quite some time, and a change of builder but it appears we're finally going to actually start the building process now.
We met with our builder yesterday who has informed us that our building permits have been finally approved.
With all the paperwork now done, we can commence on the actual building.
Contract wise the house is to be finished by mid-September of this year, though I am happy if we are in prior to Christmas.
I will be fantastic to move into a new place that has wired GB Ethernet throughout the house.
I'm looking forward to moving out of the rat-race and into a nice rural location. The pace will be ideal and something I've been desiring for some time.
We've made all our selections, so hopefully it's just a matter of following the plan now. (I'm sure there will be surprises but hopefully most of them are now behind us).
It's taken quite some time, and a change of builder but it appears we're finally going to actually start the building process now.
We met with our builder yesterday who has informed us that our building permits have been finally approved.
With all the paperwork now done, we can commence on the actual building.
Contract wise the house is to be finished by mid-September of this year, though I am happy if we are in prior to Christmas.
I will be fantastic to move into a new place that has wired GB Ethernet throughout the house.
I'm looking forward to moving out of the rat-race and into a nice rural location. The pace will be ideal and something I've been desiring for some time.
We've made all our selections, so hopefully it's just a matter of following the plan now. (I'm sure there will be surprises but hopefully most of them are now behind us).
Tuesday, May 13 2008
Watch the watch!
I recently posted about the lovely present my wife got me for our 10 year anniversary.
Sadly, the watch is no more.
Whilst I did really like the watch it did appear flawed.
I've had numerous analog watches over the years with day/date displays and never had a problem. This one however, just didn't wish to stay set.
As a result, everytime we set the day/date, we would find it irregular with it setting either the day or date. What didn't make matters any easier is that it had French days as well as English days. So half the time you ended up looking at MER for Wed, VEN for Fri etc. Whilst this in itself didn't bother me too much (though I would prefer an English only watch), the randomness of the day/date and also the incorrect time display made it more a piece of metal than an accurate time-keeping piece of jewelery.
Whilst away on our anniversary, we decided that it might be a good idea to return and get something that actually worked.
We weren't sure if it was the actual watch faulty or was the model in question.
Luckily, I was able to swap over the piece as Pauline purchased without me there, and was reassured that if 'he doesn't like it' I could exchange it for another watch.
Whilst I did indeed love the watch and the thought behind it. The quality I didn't.
I've had several Citizen watches over the years, and this is the first one that was of dubious quality. I like Citizen watches as they traditionally fit my wrist well and last forever.
After some reviewing and being scared off on a Day/Date combination, I decided on a Citizen Eco watch.
You've probably heard of those watches that charge themselves by swinging your wrist whilst you walk? Those are indeed Eco-Watches.
Things have moved forward in recent years, and they are now solar powered.
That's right -- solar powered!
So I have a very environmentally friendly watch now... no nasty battery chemicals.
It takes a full 12 minutes in full sunlight to charge the watch for 180 days (~ 6 months!).
The entire watch face is actually a solar panel. (Pretty funky 'eh?!).
How does it store that much charge -- there is a battery inside that stores the electrical energy - though it's not a traditional watch battery -- thus the lack of nasty battery chemicals. (So I'm told).
The watch actually fits nicely and it has a nice Fold Over Clasp with a button to release the band. This is much better then the clasp system and ensures the watch doesn't spring open. (This was a common occurrence on my pre-anniversary watch!)
For those technically inclined here's the run down:
Maker: Citizen
Model: BM6272-59P
Range: Eco-Drive 180
Casing: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
Design: Champagne dial with gold tone hands and markers.
Movement Type: Eco-Drive Solar Quartz
Crystal: Hardened mineral Crystal for Superior Scratch Resistance.
Water Resistance: Water Resistant to 100m.
Warranty: 5 Years Manufacturer
Charging features: Charges in Sunlight or Indoors, never need to change the battery. 180 Day Power Reserve. Low Charge Indicator and Time Reset Advisory.
The watch has been cleverly thought out. If the charge is low the second hand will only move every 2nd tick for 4 days (giving you an indication that the charge is low). After that, the time will stop, however once you return it to some form of light, it will return the time back. (I haven't tried this so I can't comment -- it seems pretty damn hard to not charge the watch!
It will even provide a full day charge under normal fluorescent lighting when exposed for 2 hours.
Previous generations of the Eco-watches were quite expensive, some still are. However if you're selective in your choice you will find that you can pick up one for around the same price as a good watch. (I picked this up for under $200!).
So if you hate the idea of having to change watch batteries (I always seemed to have one watch that had a dead battery at any given time!) take a look at an Eco-watch.
Sadly, the watch is no more.
Whilst I did really like the watch it did appear flawed.
I've had numerous analog watches over the years with day/date displays and never had a problem. This one however, just didn't wish to stay set.
As a result, everytime we set the day/date, we would find it irregular with it setting either the day or date. What didn't make matters any easier is that it had French days as well as English days. So half the time you ended up looking at MER for Wed, VEN for Fri etc. Whilst this in itself didn't bother me too much (though I would prefer an English only watch), the randomness of the day/date and also the incorrect time display made it more a piece of metal than an accurate time-keeping piece of jewelery.
Whilst away on our anniversary, we decided that it might be a good idea to return and get something that actually worked.
We weren't sure if it was the actual watch faulty or was the model in question.
Luckily, I was able to swap over the piece as Pauline purchased without me there, and was reassured that if 'he doesn't like it' I could exchange it for another watch.
Whilst I did indeed love the watch and the thought behind it. The quality I didn't.
I've had several Citizen watches over the years, and this is the first one that was of dubious quality. I like Citizen watches as they traditionally fit my wrist well and last forever.
Citizen Eco Watch (Model: BM6272-59P)
You've probably heard of those watches that charge themselves by swinging your wrist whilst you walk? Those are indeed Eco-Watches.
Things have moved forward in recent years, and they are now solar powered.
That's right -- solar powered!
So I have a very environmentally friendly watch now... no nasty battery chemicals.
It takes a full 12 minutes in full sunlight to charge the watch for 180 days (~ 6 months!).
The entire watch face is actually a solar panel. (Pretty funky 'eh?!).
How does it store that much charge -- there is a battery inside that stores the electrical energy - though it's not a traditional watch battery -- thus the lack of nasty battery chemicals. (So I'm told).
The watch actually fits nicely and it has a nice Fold Over Clasp with a button to release the band. This is much better then the clasp system and ensures the watch doesn't spring open. (This was a common occurrence on my pre-anniversary watch!)
For those technically inclined here's the run down:
Maker: Citizen
Model: BM6272-59P
Range: Eco-Drive 180
Casing: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
Design: Champagne dial with gold tone hands and markers.
Movement Type: Eco-Drive Solar Quartz
Crystal: Hardened mineral Crystal for Superior Scratch Resistance.
Water Resistance: Water Resistant to 100m.
Warranty: 5 Years Manufacturer
Charging features: Charges in Sunlight or Indoors, never need to change the battery. 180 Day Power Reserve. Low Charge Indicator and Time Reset Advisory.
The watch has been cleverly thought out. If the charge is low the second hand will only move every 2nd tick for 4 days (giving you an indication that the charge is low). After that, the time will stop, however once you return it to some form of light, it will return the time back. (I haven't tried this so I can't comment -- it seems pretty damn hard to not charge the watch!
It will even provide a full day charge under normal fluorescent lighting when exposed for 2 hours.
Previous generations of the Eco-watches were quite expensive, some still are. However if you're selective in your choice you will find that you can pick up one for around the same price as a good watch. (I picked this up for under $200!).
So if you hate the idea of having to change watch batteries (I always seemed to have one watch that had a dead battery at any given time!) take a look at an Eco-watch.
Friday, May 2 2008
10 year anniversary
How time flies.
Tomorrow (2nd May) Pauline and I will have been married for 10 years!
It only seems like yesterday that we were two scared kids wondering what the hell we were getting ourselves into.
We can honestly say that it's been a great 10 years. Whilst like every couple we have our ups and downs, we generally have more ups then downs. We've both grown together and stronger as individuals.
This year, is a big year for us. We are building our first house, and potentially may start a family after that. So life moves on, always throwing more challenges and adventures.
To celebrate the milestone, we're heading away for the weekend.
I'm taking a few days off work to extend the stay. We're not heading too far, but enough so that we're out of mobile phone range and the hum of computer power supply fans for a few days.
We've decided to head up to Healesville. For those unaware, it's located North-West of Melbourne in the Yarra Ranges.
View Larger Map
There is tonnes to do there, and we indeed to make good use of our time! We're hoping to get to Healesville Sanctuary (Pauline is an animal loving nut - this is a must stop for us!), The Hedgend Maze, The Yarra Valley Railway (time permitting), as well as visiting a bunch of wineries in the region (Map here) (I wish to stock up the ever diminishing supply of good Australian Red/White wine I have.)
It will be good to get away for a quiet retreat and leave computers, mobiles, television and most of the usual suspects that distract us.
As I've already blogged, I got Pauline an eternity ring to mark the occasion. Pauline returned the favour by surprising me today with my own present!
She came home with a lovely watch. My existing watch had been banged up quite a bit and was in need of a new battery (though it did tell the time correctly twice every day!).
She couldn't wait to give it to me (she was planning on surprising me on the day and had to show me straight away!
It is indeed lovely, it's quite easy to read, balanced beautifully and quite an attractive piece of jewelry. I'm extremely happy with it. (I would of personally picked something like this - she has got my taste down pat!).
It's fantastic, we now both have something lasting to remember the milestone.
So we've packed our bags, getting the dog looked after and heading out early tomorrow. (Friday).
The camera has been thrown in so we will hopefully take some photos of the picturesque country that is the Yarra Valley.
Pauline's selected a lovely apartment for us to stay in, and it's been furnished in a lovely traditional Japanese style. I'm looking forward to staying there, as it looks divine.
I won't be near a computer or Internet access for half the week, so I suspect the Email will still keep rolling in.
For those of you wanting a response, please SMS me (I'm not sure when we'll have coverage), or wait for our return.
Whilst the weather forecast isn't ideal, it is strangely very similar to the weather we had on our wedding day! In any event we have a number of indoor and outdoor activities planned so I'm sure we'll have a blast.
Tomorrow (2nd May) Pauline and I will have been married for 10 years!
It only seems like yesterday that we were two scared kids wondering what the hell we were getting ourselves into.
We can honestly say that it's been a great 10 years. Whilst like every couple we have our ups and downs, we generally have more ups then downs. We've both grown together and stronger as individuals.
This year, is a big year for us. We are building our first house, and potentially may start a family after that. So life moves on, always throwing more challenges and adventures.
To celebrate the milestone, we're heading away for the weekend.
I'm taking a few days off work to extend the stay. We're not heading too far, but enough so that we're out of mobile phone range and the hum of computer power supply fans for a few days.
We've decided to head up to Healesville. For those unaware, it's located North-West of Melbourne in the Yarra Ranges.
View Larger Map
There is tonnes to do there, and we indeed to make good use of our time! We're hoping to get to Healesville Sanctuary (Pauline is an animal loving nut - this is a must stop for us!), The Hedgend Maze, The Yarra Valley Railway (time permitting), as well as visiting a bunch of wineries in the region (Map here) (I wish to stock up the ever diminishing supply of good Australian Red/White wine I have.)
It will be good to get away for a quiet retreat and leave computers, mobiles, television and most of the usual suspects that distract us.
Matt's new watch that Pauline gave him to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
She came home with a lovely watch. My existing watch had been banged up quite a bit and was in need of a new battery (though it did tell the time correctly twice every day!).
She couldn't wait to give it to me (she was planning on surprising me on the day and had to show me straight away!
It is indeed lovely, it's quite easy to read, balanced beautifully and quite an attractive piece of jewelry. I'm extremely happy with it. (I would of personally picked something like this - she has got my taste down pat!).
It's fantastic, we now both have something lasting to remember the milestone.
So we've packed our bags, getting the dog looked after and heading out early tomorrow. (Friday).
The camera has been thrown in so we will hopefully take some photos of the picturesque country that is the Yarra Valley.
Pauline's selected a lovely apartment for us to stay in, and it's been furnished in a lovely traditional Japanese style. I'm looking forward to staying there, as it looks divine.
I won't be near a computer or Internet access for half the week, so I suspect the Email will still keep rolling in.
For those of you wanting a response, please SMS me (I'm not sure when we'll have coverage), or wait for our return.
Whilst the weather forecast isn't ideal, it is strangely very similar to the weather we had on our wedding day! In any event we have a number of indoor and outdoor activities planned so I'm sure we'll have a blast.
Thursday, April 24 2008
MythTV and scheduled recordings
MythTV is a great Linux based DVR.
It produces excellent recordings and allows you to compress and remove commercials from your recordings using some of the post-processing commands.
One problem that has plagued me (and many others) appears to be that MythTV whilst great when recording LiveTV it has problems when attempting to schedule a recordings. This is particularly true if it's scheduled more than a few hours.
At first I thought it was a problem with the scheduler threads within MythTV, and started searching the web for a solution.
I managed to come across this solution to MythTV scheduled recordings, which appears to state that the initial video sources set-up is incorrect.
Further digging around has shown that this does appear to solve the problem for most people.
How do you undertake fixing it?
There are many more tips and tricks to recording under MythTV. Feel free to read more up in relation to MythTV Scheduling Recordings.
Currently I'm busily saving all the televised IPL Cricket games, so as yet, I haven't had a chance to try this out. I expect to do so in the next day or so.
If anyone does beat me to the punch, please give me some feedback as to whether it worked or not.
Hopefully this helps resolve the scheduling frustrations many people currently face.
Happy Recording!
It produces excellent recordings and allows you to compress and remove commercials from your recordings using some of the post-processing commands.
One problem that has plagued me (and many others) appears to be that MythTV whilst great when recording LiveTV it has problems when attempting to schedule a recordings. This is particularly true if it's scheduled more than a few hours.
At first I thought it was a problem with the scheduler threads within MythTV, and started searching the web for a solution.
I managed to come across this solution to MythTV scheduled recordings, which appears to state that the initial video sources set-up is incorrect.
Further digging around has shown that this does appear to solve the problem for most people.
How do you undertake fixing it?
- Use the "Delete all video sources" button in mythtv-setup to delete all video sources and then re-create the video sources.
- Use MythTV to scan for channels.
- Edit the xmltvid for each channel. You can use the process outlined in the Frontend Channel Editor.
- Run a mythfilldatabase to populate your TV listings. (Tip: Use Sheperd if in Australia)
- Check your listings after mythfilldatabase has run.
- You should in theory be able to schedule recordings correctly now.
There are many more tips and tricks to recording under MythTV. Feel free to read more up in relation to MythTV Scheduling Recordings.
Currently I'm busily saving all the televised IPL Cricket games, so as yet, I haven't had a chance to try this out. I expect to do so in the next day or so.
If anyone does beat me to the punch, please give me some feedback as to whether it worked or not.
Hopefully this helps resolve the scheduling frustrations many people currently face.
Happy Recording!