Y2K9 and Happy New Year

Earlier today something quirky happened. Simultaneously, all the Zune 30gb players in the world met their demise. Just a month ago DH was talking about upgrading to the 120gb model and I strongly disagreed because ours were working just fine.

Looks like Microsoft have decided it is time for all of us using the original players that it is time to upgrade.

In the scheme of things, it is not a biggie. I pity the poor folk taking tech support calls right now.

Happy New Year. Here's to a bright 2009.

I have been busy knitting more little things and will post about them soon.

Love Fridays

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted about the giant Christmas tree at my local shopping mall? Well I learned a little something about it this week which made our family want to go back for another look this time with my proper camera and a couple of different lenses.

Those are not your everyday ornaments but are actually 40 000 Swarovski Crystals each retailing for over $140 AUD! Even more astounding is the fact that there is a lone security guard and you can walk right up to the tree.

They are just gorgeous. Sadly my photos do no justice to the way they twinkle in the sunlight.

Looking up.

Here is a close up of the star at the top

This one is from inside the centre, with the Burj Dubai in the background.

While I was taking that last shot, sneaky DH and G were off buying me these.

Our festive season has been extra special this year and DH wanted me to have a keepsake.

Something great at Starbucks

Not the overpriced, inconsistent coffee or junk food, I am talking about these awesome yarny Christmas decorations. I can't believe I have never thought to do anything like that...

If anyone is looking for me

This is where I will be for the next few days WIP in hand gazing out breathing in fresh sea air. I am working with some corn yarn purchased during our stay in Australia making a baby blanket but I can't say I know exactly who it is for.

Melbourne (and Geelong) Mosaic

From Strickerin

With all the illness and drama we have had during and since our visit to Victora, I have not had the chance to sort through my photos. Here are a few images from our trip. Mostly things I see on every visit but never bothered to capture. I love the terrace house third from the top on the left. It is across the road from my FIL's place. A new sight was the tunnel entrances on the new highway out in the east also it was our first visit to the National Wool Museum in Geelong.

And That's Our Cue to Leave

It is nowhere near as bad as it sounds for us as we are able to go from air conditioned car to air conditioned house, office, mall etc and the girls can still play outside in the afternoon. The people who are building this city and doing other outdoor jobs do not have it so cushy.

So what's on my to do list before our flight to Australia on the weekend?

1. Charge camera batteries
2. Back up computer
3. Download some more music and audio books for the girls on the Zune.
4. Check that contacts etc are up to date on phone
5. Do my This Is for the week
6. Finish packing (need Melbourne and Brisbane/Gold Coast clothes)
7. Edit the girls' packing
8. Wash a shawl that I have knitted as a gift for a friend (it will dry in a flash here)
9. Finish knitting 2 other gifts
10. Do a load of laundry
11. Clean the fridge (DH will be here for most of the summer without us so there is no point in leaving food he won't eat in there)
12. Teach DH how to use the dishwasher and washing machine (I am serious. A big hello from 1955 here)
13. Lock valuables in the safe
14. Do some personal grooming so I don't look like an absolute scruff
15. Pay the guy who washes the car
16. Pay the housemaid---ME :) See number 12
17. Breathe