Thursday, January 11, 2007
Sport Boy Takes to the Air
The joy on a little boy's face, is there anything more lovable than that?
Boys in Flight
QuickSand triumph again
Several hours later, the cars and trailer are unpacked although the bags and boxes are not.
I've shaved, next is a shower. My ablutions were interrupted by the season finale of Survivor. I was not happy to discover that my daughter had forgotten to record the episodes we missed but tonight's 3 hour episode enabled me to catch up with most of it. Yul won by one vote from Ozzy, they would have both made worthy winners.
I've just started transferring all the video footage I recorded over the last two weeks onto the DVD player, I can hear the sound of our game of Soccer Squash in the Boat Park at Bridgetown with Alan, Bruce and Cody playing at present.
Carolyn and I played beach volleyball tonight, with Simmo, and Joan filling in for Gerrard and we recorded our third win in a row, this time against the Swedes. I think they are a bunch of Swedish guys travelling in Australia who've decided to spend the summer in Busselton (for the beach volleyball season perhaps!)
Sport Boy did a great job as ball boy, so much so that he's keen to offer his services to other teams for $2 a game!!
I'm looking forward to the morning and being able to sleep in! It has been a very tiring couple of weeks and I've been a bit down and flat the last day or two. The emotional energy required to direct Beach mission takes it out of me and I think I need some time to recover, starting with sleep.
I finally posted our yearly newsletter today, I had them all ready to send at Augusta but it just didn't get done. Friends and relatives around Australia and overseas can expect a letter to arrive shortly, via the old fashioned but much loved method, snail mail!
Tomorrow we'll go to the Vasse Art Exhibition, and see whether either of my paintings have sold!
I've shaved, next is a shower. My ablutions were interrupted by the season finale of Survivor. I was not happy to discover that my daughter had forgotten to record the episodes we missed but tonight's 3 hour episode enabled me to catch up with most of it. Yul won by one vote from Ozzy, they would have both made worthy winners.
I've just started transferring all the video footage I recorded over the last two weeks onto the DVD player, I can hear the sound of our game of Soccer Squash in the Boat Park at Bridgetown with Alan, Bruce and Cody playing at present.
Carolyn and I played beach volleyball tonight, with Simmo, and Joan filling in for Gerrard and we recorded our third win in a row, this time against the Swedes. I think they are a bunch of Swedish guys travelling in Australia who've decided to spend the summer in Busselton (for the beach volleyball season perhaps!)
Sport Boy did a great job as ball boy, so much so that he's keen to offer his services to other teams for $2 a game!!
I'm looking forward to the morning and being able to sleep in! It has been a very tiring couple of weeks and I've been a bit down and flat the last day or two. The emotional energy required to direct Beach mission takes it out of me and I think I need some time to recover, starting with sleep.
I finally posted our yearly newsletter today, I had them all ready to send at Augusta but it just didn't get done. Friends and relatives around Australia and overseas can expect a letter to arrive shortly, via the old fashioned but much loved method, snail mail!
Tomorrow we'll go to the Vasse Art Exhibition, and see whether either of my paintings have sold!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Home
We're Home!
Hot, tired, sweaty, in need of a shave and a shower!
The cars and trailer need unpacking.
There's work to be done but it's good to be home.
Hot, tired, sweaty, in need of a shave and a shower!
The cars and trailer need unpacking.
There's work to be done but it's good to be home.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Mission Complete
Beach mission is over for another year. The rain, courtesy of a cyclone passing through Albany and Esperance, lasted about 36 hours but we ended up staying (stuck!) in the marquee all week instead of moving down to the riverside. It was a very busy week, too busy we realised when we sat down to review it, therefore we're making significant changes next year that will see us space out the activities a lot more, avoid doing too much on any one day, and build in time for meeting and getting to know people rather than rushing from one activity/job/task to the next. The exec met on Sunday night and worked through a few things that will shape next year's mission.
The team (of 75 people) did a great job and by the end we had a wonderful community atmosphere. Lunchtimes are a highlight as we not only gather to eat but have time to report back on the day's events, tell stories and anecdotes and share together. I (as director) have a big bag of lollies and after we've eaten I recount brickbats and bouquets, stories of things various team members have done that are worthy of sharing, either as an encouragement or affirmation of people, or as a source of amusement and "embarrassment", the silly, funny or dumb things people have done during the course of the preceding 24 hours. There is no shortage of these, nor of people willing to dob others in for their misdemeanours, though this year there were more bouquets and thanks handed out because the team did such a good job.
The pack-up all went smoothly, the sea container has been repacked, each piece of equipment carefully and strategically positioned for it's year long hibernation. Most of the team have now departed though there were still about 30 people at the dinner table(s) last night. The departure is always punctuated with a stop at the bakery before truly hitting the road and this morning was no exception as half a dozen faimlies headed for home. We have one more night, as do the Robinsons and Letch's. Tonight we've booked a date for coffee and cake with the Letchys and Birchys. We're going to a little cafe restaurant in the main street: Carolyn and I met the blokes who own it last night when we went for a walk, they were fishing and we had a very friendly chat for about 20 minutes, and watched them catch one Tailor in the process.
Sophie came back down yesterday after doing her stint at Southbound. Jordan has gone to Perth for a couple of days on a consumer driven excursion, CDs and Converse shoes being his objectives.
Carolyn leaves for Geelong on the 13th to spend a couple of weeks with her mum and dad.
I plan to relax, take it easy, sleep and paint in no particular order.
Oh, and of course I'll be resuming blogging on a more regular basis!
The team (of 75 people) did a great job and by the end we had a wonderful community atmosphere. Lunchtimes are a highlight as we not only gather to eat but have time to report back on the day's events, tell stories and anecdotes and share together. I (as director) have a big bag of lollies and after we've eaten I recount brickbats and bouquets, stories of things various team members have done that are worthy of sharing, either as an encouragement or affirmation of people, or as a source of amusement and "embarrassment", the silly, funny or dumb things people have done during the course of the preceding 24 hours. There is no shortage of these, nor of people willing to dob others in for their misdemeanours, though this year there were more bouquets and thanks handed out because the team did such a good job.
The pack-up all went smoothly, the sea container has been repacked, each piece of equipment carefully and strategically positioned for it's year long hibernation. Most of the team have now departed though there were still about 30 people at the dinner table(s) last night. The departure is always punctuated with a stop at the bakery before truly hitting the road and this morning was no exception as half a dozen faimlies headed for home. We have one more night, as do the Robinsons and Letch's. Tonight we've booked a date for coffee and cake with the Letchys and Birchys. We're going to a little cafe restaurant in the main street: Carolyn and I met the blokes who own it last night when we went for a walk, they were fishing and we had a very friendly chat for about 20 minutes, and watched them catch one Tailor in the process.
Sophie came back down yesterday after doing her stint at Southbound. Jordan has gone to Perth for a couple of days on a consumer driven excursion, CDs and Converse shoes being his objectives.
Carolyn leaves for Geelong on the 13th to spend a couple of weeks with her mum and dad.
I plan to relax, take it easy, sleep and paint in no particular order.
Oh, and of course I'll be resuming blogging on a more regular basis!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Augusta
It's Thursday morning at Augusta and this is the first time I've had half an hour free to get away and blog. I'm in town with Sophie, we've just picked up another second hand sofa for the teenage tent, a grey leather 3 seater for $30.
Beach Mission is going well despite the inclement weather, it was sunny for the first day then rained constantly for the next 24 hours which meant we had to move the program indoors to the marquee. It's squeezy but it worked, the same for the film night on Tuesday.
It hasn't deterred the crowds though with lots of kids and families coming along. The quiz night was packed out last night too.
I have duel roles this year, co-director of the team with Rolf, and co-leader of the teenage program with Birchy and Letchy (who just arrived last night). The long days and late nights are getting to me a bit as I'm struggling (more than usual) to get going in the mornings.
We're running a Survivor theme with the teens and have split them up into the red and blue tribes for everything. We took the teens to the beach yesterday and the weather treated us kindly, with some kids even brave enough to swim. We played Survivor Challenge games which worked really well, with the Sumo Wrestling Circle a big hit with the kids.
Last night was Survivor Spotlight at the lookout, followed by the Survivor singing challenge. We ran out of time for Tribal Council (where I keep threatening we're going to vote some kids out of the caravan park!) but we're planning to run it tonight.
We've had a couple of complaints about the noise so have made some changes to what we're doing in order not to further antagonise people.
Sophie came down on Tuesday with Carolyn and is having a good time, and of course Jordan and Sport Boy are in their element and having a great week. Sport Boy has played cricket non-stop since we got here!
Beach Mission is going well despite the inclement weather, it was sunny for the first day then rained constantly for the next 24 hours which meant we had to move the program indoors to the marquee. It's squeezy but it worked, the same for the film night on Tuesday.
It hasn't deterred the crowds though with lots of kids and families coming along. The quiz night was packed out last night too.
I have duel roles this year, co-director of the team with Rolf, and co-leader of the teenage program with Birchy and Letchy (who just arrived last night). The long days and late nights are getting to me a bit as I'm struggling (more than usual) to get going in the mornings.
We're running a Survivor theme with the teens and have split them up into the red and blue tribes for everything. We took the teens to the beach yesterday and the weather treated us kindly, with some kids even brave enough to swim. We played Survivor Challenge games which worked really well, with the Sumo Wrestling Circle a big hit with the kids.
Last night was Survivor Spotlight at the lookout, followed by the Survivor singing challenge. We ran out of time for Tribal Council (where I keep threatening we're going to vote some kids out of the caravan park!) but we're planning to run it tonight.
We've had a couple of complaints about the noise so have made some changes to what we're doing in order not to further antagonise people.
Sophie came down on Tuesday with Carolyn and is having a good time, and of course Jordan and Sport Boy are in their element and having a great week. Sport Boy has played cricket non-stop since we got here!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
A Night in a Cab in Busselton
A fare by fare break down of last night's shift in the taxi. I was driving 1016, the new station wagon.
6.00pm Start.
1. To Monaghan's corner, an Eagles fan, the less said the better. $20
2. From Boyle to the Ship Hotel, young guy. Saw a car crash enroute, a little old lady pulled out onto the highway, straight into the side of a newish purple ute. The young guy driving did NOT look happy. $15.70
3. Dotterill to Bussell Hwy, two young girls, very quiet. During this trip the odometer clocked 155555 kms. $15.80
4. Albie's to the Esplanade (the Nade), hardly worth the effort it's such a short ride. "I could have walked" said the customer. I agree. $5.90 (Flagfall is $4.60)
5. Albie's to Carter St. Bloke. $9.30
6. Wattlebird to the Jetty, young couple, going fishing, rods and gear in the back. $13.70
7. Lindsay to the Vasse Cafe. Couple going out for dinner, very long driveway. Good tip. $11.30
8. Carey to Bayside. Grandmother and Grandson, regulars, very good tip. $10.70
9. Harris to the Nade, short trip, couple, "She didn't want to walk". A tip was vaguely hinted at by the woman but I didn't push it, just gave back the change. As they left the cab he said, "He didn't want to take it, he's a Christian." Curious comment as nothing on this subject had come up in conversation. $7.80
10. Clover to the rank in Queen St. Young woman. Geoff (the controller) was looking for one of the drivers with increasing fervour, "John, got a copy?" "John, do you copy?" "Johnny, are you there? Johnny G____? Johnny G_____?" all met with stoney silence except for the customer and I who both laughed. $9.70
11.Bus terminus to Hester, old lady off bus from Perth. "Locky booked the taxi for me" $9.40
12. Carey St to Bayside, the rest of the family, complete with wine cask. Very big customer, had trouble getting seat belt done up. Upon arrival two police cars parked in street, girl being taken away, no relation. Tip. $10.70
Grabbed some food in between fares from my favourite eatery, the Noodle Bar. Couldn't het out of the cab so beckoned one of the staff to come out and take my order, Seafood Mee Goreng, Mmmmm! Food was delivered with chopsticks, not suitable for in-taxi dining. Asked kid walking past to get me a fork. He said yeah then disappeared. Did a U-Turn and asked couple with teenage daughter crossing the street if they'd mind getting me a fork. No problem, brought a serviette too, very thoughtful.
The gentleman then asked me if I knew of any where to stay, their motel booking had been cancelled on them and they had been unable to find a place to stay. I offered to have them stay at our place. He was surprised but grateful and said he'd ask his family and call me. (I gave him my card and number). He, Phil, rang back to thank me for my offer but said they had decided to drive home to Perth. I commented that in light of the season it was very disappointing there was no room at the inn, he laughed.
13. Town to Gleneagles, Irish couple, lived here 34 years, "Best town in the world in the best country in the world". Good PR person! $11.60
14. Geo Bay Rd to The Ship. Aunt and nephew. Going partying. $10.60
15. Albies Bar to Ringtail. Bloke, first innebriated customer of the night. "How ya going Cobber?" Similar stories re our Christmas Day's, ie. BBQ Brunch, one person had to work(his wife as a nurse, me as a cabbie) finished at friend's places. $11.20
16. Clydebank to Busselton Villas. Older couple and adult daughter, English, flying home to England tomorrow after three weeks in WA, family in Busselton. Used to live in Victoria. With permission stopped enroute to get a Vanilla Diet Coke. Got confused and took them to wrong address, Busselton Holiday Village (an easy mistake to make!) Felt bad and embarrassed. Restarted the meter. Got them to the right destination without further incident. $10.60
17. Derek to Ford. Very quiet girl. $13.80
18. The Nade to Comfort Glen via Cloisters. 3 women, merry, one in particular talking about her "prospects" at the pub, the others adamant they'd rescued her just in time. Upon arrival at first drop-off, customer offered to do her magpie call for me!! Much laughter, even more when she actually did it, very entertaining. Remaining two customers social work students, discussed our day jobs. Told them about the blog, gave them card. (If you're reading this ladies leave me a comment!) $20.90
19. Pub to Captain Gilbraith. Two young guys. Crude conversation. Good tip! (Felt guilty accepting it!) $16.10
20. To Dunsborough for pick-up. (Yeah!) (20km-$30+ fare) Young bloke down staying with family. 3 other blokes asked to share cab for short trip to Commanage, "We'll throw in $20" ok. Dropped them off then continued on to Busseltonl. $32.20 confusion over payment, may have given me $20 too much but I couldn't work it out for sure!
21. Kalgan to Clover. Brother and sister, Cade and Jessica, he recognised me first as former chaplain at Carine, she freaked out! "I used to baby-sit your kids!!" True, she did, when we lived at Hamersley. She used to live in Busso but has moved back to Perth, has a 3 1/2 year old daughter and has studied youthwork "because you inspired me!" Wow! "You were a real influence on me at school"! Wow! Great to see them and exchange stories. She in particular was really spun out seeing me. $10.40
22. Rank to Coates. 3 drunks, talking rubbish, massive overkill of the word "like" as is the modern way! $11.80
About 1.00am, the pubs were closing, start of rush hour.
23. The Nade to Quail. 2 guys 2 girls, whispers in the back "it's the chaplain" followed by query, "Were you the chaplain at Carine?" Twice in one night!!! Another ex-Carine kid, though I didn't know her so well. Blokes were from Melbourne, funny, stirring me about the "reunion". $12.00
24. The Nade to Kookaburra via Broadwater, ex Busso kid , with his brother and brother's girlfriend who tried very hard to convince him to stay the night at their place. He declined. Talked about volleyball on way to his place. $26.10
25. Hail from Bussell Hwy to the 24Hour Caltex garage, the only place to get "food" in Busselton after midnight. Two young guys. $8.80
26. The Nade to Cookworthy, two fares, very drunk. $19.20
27. The Nade to Belltonia, guy and girl. $16.30
28. 24 Hour to Alpha, 5 guys, with food. $ 10.90
Roundabout now Geoff signed off for the night leaving me, as the last to finish, to man the phone and manage the calls and 4 remaining drivers, Andy, Steve, Rob and I. My notes became even scarcer at this point.
29. Breeden to Alpha, can't remember who. $10.90
30. Town to Geo Bay Rd, bloke. $8.10
31. Somewhere to Knapton. $9.70
At this time, around 2.00am I got a lovely text from Phil to say that he and his family had arrived home safely back in Perth and thanking me again. Really wish they'd have stayed but I understand their decision. (Carolyn agreed when I told her about it this afternoon.)
32. Post Office to Adelaide (St), in the confusion of managing the calls I'd forgotten about this one but he called back and I was able to get hime home. $12.70
Andy knocked off around now, "Park it up thanks Andy".
33. William Carey to Dunsborough, two young blokes who watched the meter nervously then confessed they only had $20 between them. Dropped them at the first roundabout in Dunsborough, owing me about $7. They still had a bit of a walk but not as bad as if I'd dropped them off at the Broadwater when their 20 bucks ran out.
34. Alpha to Armstrong via Chapman Hill Rd to drop the girlfriend off. Long and expensive way to do it, ain't young love sweet? $29.90
Steve parked it up.
35. Yacht club to Fairbairn, 3 women who'd been at a school reunion for the class of 1975 at Busso High. $8.70
Rob parked it up at about 4.30am
36. Back to the yacht club to pick up 3 blokes, drunker and ruder than the ladies, to Duke via Dumbarton. $24.60
37. Huntress to Taylor, young bloke, going to visit a girl (!) $ 10.20
38. My final fare of the night, at about 5.10am, to Wattlebird, 3 young blokes, going home. $12.40
The last hour was spent sitting in the carpark at McDonalds reading tomorrow's paper, the headline being the imminent execution of Saddam Hussein.
5.55am Sean signed on for the morning shift and I called it a night.
I did 404 km in a 12 hour shift, grossed $493.80 and by the time I added the $1 call-out surcharges and tips, earned about $270 for the night, before tax, my best ever return, with the company's share being $271.60 for my night's work.
Parked it up at 6.00am, came home with the sun well and truly up, did my figures, wrote a note on the blog, checked a couple of blogs, Dad's and The Heir's, brushed my teeth, startled Jordan coming out of his room to go to the toilet, put my blindfold on and went to bed about 7.00am.
6.00pm Start.
1. To Monaghan's corner, an Eagles fan, the less said the better. $20
2. From Boyle to the Ship Hotel, young guy. Saw a car crash enroute, a little old lady pulled out onto the highway, straight into the side of a newish purple ute. The young guy driving did NOT look happy. $15.70
3. Dotterill to Bussell Hwy, two young girls, very quiet. During this trip the odometer clocked 155555 kms. $15.80
4. Albie's to the Esplanade (the Nade), hardly worth the effort it's such a short ride. "I could have walked" said the customer. I agree. $5.90 (Flagfall is $4.60)
5. Albie's to Carter St. Bloke. $9.30
6. Wattlebird to the Jetty, young couple, going fishing, rods and gear in the back. $13.70
7. Lindsay to the Vasse Cafe. Couple going out for dinner, very long driveway. Good tip. $11.30
8. Carey to Bayside. Grandmother and Grandson, regulars, very good tip. $10.70
9. Harris to the Nade, short trip, couple, "She didn't want to walk". A tip was vaguely hinted at by the woman but I didn't push it, just gave back the change. As they left the cab he said, "He didn't want to take it, he's a Christian." Curious comment as nothing on this subject had come up in conversation. $7.80
10. Clover to the rank in Queen St. Young woman. Geoff (the controller) was looking for one of the drivers with increasing fervour, "John, got a copy?" "John, do you copy?" "Johnny, are you there? Johnny G____? Johnny G_____?" all met with stoney silence except for the customer and I who both laughed. $9.70
11.Bus terminus to Hester, old lady off bus from Perth. "Locky booked the taxi for me" $9.40
12. Carey St to Bayside, the rest of the family, complete with wine cask. Very big customer, had trouble getting seat belt done up. Upon arrival two police cars parked in street, girl being taken away, no relation. Tip. $10.70
Grabbed some food in between fares from my favourite eatery, the Noodle Bar. Couldn't het out of the cab so beckoned one of the staff to come out and take my order, Seafood Mee Goreng, Mmmmm! Food was delivered with chopsticks, not suitable for in-taxi dining. Asked kid walking past to get me a fork. He said yeah then disappeared. Did a U-Turn and asked couple with teenage daughter crossing the street if they'd mind getting me a fork. No problem, brought a serviette too, very thoughtful.
The gentleman then asked me if I knew of any where to stay, their motel booking had been cancelled on them and they had been unable to find a place to stay. I offered to have them stay at our place. He was surprised but grateful and said he'd ask his family and call me. (I gave him my card and number). He, Phil, rang back to thank me for my offer but said they had decided to drive home to Perth. I commented that in light of the season it was very disappointing there was no room at the inn, he laughed.
13. Town to Gleneagles, Irish couple, lived here 34 years, "Best town in the world in the best country in the world". Good PR person! $11.60
14. Geo Bay Rd to The Ship. Aunt and nephew. Going partying. $10.60
15. Albies Bar to Ringtail. Bloke, first innebriated customer of the night. "How ya going Cobber?" Similar stories re our Christmas Day's, ie. BBQ Brunch, one person had to work(his wife as a nurse, me as a cabbie) finished at friend's places. $11.20
16. Clydebank to Busselton Villas. Older couple and adult daughter, English, flying home to England tomorrow after three weeks in WA, family in Busselton. Used to live in Victoria. With permission stopped enroute to get a Vanilla Diet Coke. Got confused and took them to wrong address, Busselton Holiday Village (an easy mistake to make!) Felt bad and embarrassed. Restarted the meter. Got them to the right destination without further incident. $10.60
17. Derek to Ford. Very quiet girl. $13.80
18. The Nade to Comfort Glen via Cloisters. 3 women, merry, one in particular talking about her "prospects" at the pub, the others adamant they'd rescued her just in time. Upon arrival at first drop-off, customer offered to do her magpie call for me!! Much laughter, even more when she actually did it, very entertaining. Remaining two customers social work students, discussed our day jobs. Told them about the blog, gave them card. (If you're reading this ladies leave me a comment!) $20.90
19. Pub to Captain Gilbraith. Two young guys. Crude conversation. Good tip! (Felt guilty accepting it!) $16.10
20. To Dunsborough for pick-up. (Yeah!) (20km-$30+ fare) Young bloke down staying with family. 3 other blokes asked to share cab for short trip to Commanage, "We'll throw in $20" ok. Dropped them off then continued on to Busseltonl. $32.20 confusion over payment, may have given me $20 too much but I couldn't work it out for sure!
21. Kalgan to Clover. Brother and sister, Cade and Jessica, he recognised me first as former chaplain at Carine, she freaked out! "I used to baby-sit your kids!!" True, she did, when we lived at Hamersley. She used to live in Busso but has moved back to Perth, has a 3 1/2 year old daughter and has studied youthwork "because you inspired me!" Wow! "You were a real influence on me at school"! Wow! Great to see them and exchange stories. She in particular was really spun out seeing me. $10.40
22. Rank to Coates. 3 drunks, talking rubbish, massive overkill of the word "like" as is the modern way! $11.80
About 1.00am, the pubs were closing, start of rush hour.
23. The Nade to Quail. 2 guys 2 girls, whispers in the back "it's the chaplain" followed by query, "Were you the chaplain at Carine?" Twice in one night!!! Another ex-Carine kid, though I didn't know her so well. Blokes were from Melbourne, funny, stirring me about the "reunion". $12.00
24. The Nade to Kookaburra via Broadwater, ex Busso kid , with his brother and brother's girlfriend who tried very hard to convince him to stay the night at their place. He declined. Talked about volleyball on way to his place. $26.10
25. Hail from Bussell Hwy to the 24Hour Caltex garage, the only place to get "food" in Busselton after midnight. Two young guys. $8.80
26. The Nade to Cookworthy, two fares, very drunk. $19.20
27. The Nade to Belltonia, guy and girl. $16.30
28. 24 Hour to Alpha, 5 guys, with food. $ 10.90
Roundabout now Geoff signed off for the night leaving me, as the last to finish, to man the phone and manage the calls and 4 remaining drivers, Andy, Steve, Rob and I. My notes became even scarcer at this point.
29. Breeden to Alpha, can't remember who. $10.90
30. Town to Geo Bay Rd, bloke. $8.10
31. Somewhere to Knapton. $9.70
At this time, around 2.00am I got a lovely text from Phil to say that he and his family had arrived home safely back in Perth and thanking me again. Really wish they'd have stayed but I understand their decision. (Carolyn agreed when I told her about it this afternoon.)
32. Post Office to Adelaide (St), in the confusion of managing the calls I'd forgotten about this one but he called back and I was able to get hime home. $12.70
Andy knocked off around now, "Park it up thanks Andy".
33. William Carey to Dunsborough, two young blokes who watched the meter nervously then confessed they only had $20 between them. Dropped them at the first roundabout in Dunsborough, owing me about $7. They still had a bit of a walk but not as bad as if I'd dropped them off at the Broadwater when their 20 bucks ran out.
34. Alpha to Armstrong via Chapman Hill Rd to drop the girlfriend off. Long and expensive way to do it, ain't young love sweet? $29.90
Steve parked it up.
35. Yacht club to Fairbairn, 3 women who'd been at a school reunion for the class of 1975 at Busso High. $8.70
Rob parked it up at about 4.30am
36. Back to the yacht club to pick up 3 blokes, drunker and ruder than the ladies, to Duke via Dumbarton. $24.60
37. Huntress to Taylor, young bloke, going to visit a girl (!) $ 10.20
38. My final fare of the night, at about 5.10am, to Wattlebird, 3 young blokes, going home. $12.40
The last hour was spent sitting in the carpark at McDonalds reading tomorrow's paper, the headline being the imminent execution of Saddam Hussein.
5.55am Sean signed on for the morning shift and I called it a night.
I did 404 km in a 12 hour shift, grossed $493.80 and by the time I added the $1 call-out surcharges and tips, earned about $270 for the night, before tax, my best ever return, with the company's share being $271.60 for my night's work.
Parked it up at 6.00am, came home with the sun well and truly up, did my figures, wrote a note on the blog, checked a couple of blogs, Dad's and The Heir's, brushed my teeth, startled Jordan coming out of his room to go to the toilet, put my blindfold on and went to bed about 7.00am.
Guns Don't Kill People ...
His mother bought him the shirt which appeals to and suits perfectly his warped teenage sense of humour.
Very Long Night
Just finished a mammoth 12 hour shift in the cab, the sun is up and I'm just going to bed. I decided to record something of interest about each customer I had tonight in order to blog "A Night in a Busselton Taxi". I chose a good night because there were lots of interesting people and incidents, including two former Carine High School students, one of whom used to babysit our kids when we lived in Hamersley! I don't have the time or energy to post the full run down now, hopefully I'll do it tomorrow (today!). Time is precious though, it's only two days until we leave for Augusta and the beach mission and there's still heaps of packing and preparation to do for that, plus I'm driving the cab again on New Year's Eve which will be one of the busiest, and latest, nights of the year.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Cooling Off
It was stinking hot in Bridgetown yesterday so the only place to cool off was the pool, especially after a hard fought game of soccer squash at the boat park, a Holt Family Tradition.
Jordy the Caffeine Addict!
The batteries are rechargeable so he has a constant supply for the controller on his Nintend Wii, his main present. Actually, he paid for most of it, we put in the extra money he needed as our present.
Carolyn with her Opera Singer Figurines, entitled "In Harmony"
Sport Boy on Christmas Morning
His main present was a free-standing Basketball Hoop which he saw when we got to Bridgetown but won't get until sometime in January. He was very happy with his presents, he's always enthusiastic and grateful.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Boxing Day in Bridgetown
We packed and departed right on schedule at 11.00 and arrived in Bridgetown an hour and fifteen minutes later. Bruce and Cody were already there and Alan and Lyn arrived an hour later, Mum had prepared a wonderful, traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and we ate to our heart's content. After the turkey and pork we had a brief interlude to open the presents. I got two very cool puzzles from Craig, neither of which I already had, in itself a minor miracle, and neither of which are easy to solve. In fact I solved the first one without even looking at it! Literally! I reached over to get something on the table and when I looked down the two pieces were apart! It took me another half an hour to get them back together! And still I wasn't sure how to do it!!
Then came the highlight of the day, Mum's home made Christmas pudding made to Old Nan's traditional recipe. Yum! It doesn't get much better than that!
People then watched the cricket or a movie, "Cars", dozed or played on the computers. I painted for a while then we went for a walk around the hills of Bridgetown.
Dinner was help yourself to leftovers, then Jordan got his wish in the shape of a game of cards, Emporer and Scumbag.
Then came the highlight of the day, Mum's home made Christmas pudding made to Old Nan's traditional recipe. Yum! It doesn't get much better than that!
People then watched the cricket or a movie, "Cars", dozed or played on the computers. I painted for a while then we went for a walk around the hills of Bridgetown.
Dinner was help yourself to leftovers, then Jordan got his wish in the shape of a game of cards, Emporer and Scumbag.
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