Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All

Another abandoned building

and

In the spirit of Christmas, here is a yuletide abandonment, just prior to its demolition.

This very yummy chocolate house was created by a 'cottage industry' lady in the Dandenongs, and presented to me by one of our suppliers - thanks Dean & the crew.

- The cottage in pristine condition

Crossing the ditch

New Zealand is now 30cm closer to Australia, after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the Fiordland region of the South Island in July.

The cost to fly there, and the flight time remain the same!

Mt Cook, N.Z.

And thereby hangs a tale

While I'm not a big reader of short stories, I do admire authors who can encapsulate an entire narrative in the short succinct format. My favourite SS authors would be Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Jeffrey Archer.

And thereby hangs a tale is Jeffrey Archer's sixth volume of short stories. It has his distinctive characterisation and suspense combined with the unexpected plot twists. Taking inspiration from his favourite short story writers - F. Scott Fitzgerald, Maupassant, H.H. Munro, W. Somerset Maugham and O. Henry - and from Willie Shakespeare too, as the phrase "and thereby hangs a tale" is from Shakespeare's As You Like It. This collection contains 15 stories, 10 of which are based on true incidents. Being Archer stories, they come with the twist at the end, some you can see coming, but others are classic ohh woww.

What’s the world’s best airline?

From the Lonely Planet blog comes What’s the world’s best airline?

A recent survey saw airlines achieving the top scores hailed from Asia and the Pacific. The gold, silver and bronze winners were Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Emirates, respectively.

Qantas though, didn't rate a mention (obviously they're not trading on the Rainman repution any more). The survey used a 30-point scale that incorporated several subfactors into an airline’s overall rating – including the quality of its website and luggage policies.

Kanamaroo weekend

Just realised what I was doing this time last year (as it is Kannamaroo Festival weekend). Last year we were in the throes of the building renovations, I was uploading photos, and while that was chugging away, strolled down the street to check out the food vendors and didn't quite make it back before the heavens opened with peals of thunder, lightning & wind driven rain.

Have McLachlan Street blocked off by the Dodgem Cars, which besides frustrating many, must have confused one driver who left the Mibus Centre carpark turned right and drove down the left-hand lane to the amazement of all - pedestrians and other cars.

Just exquisite

Best sellers

This list of long-term bestsellers, is interesting.
The “Birdsong” it refers to would be Sebastian Faulks’ 1993 war novel, which I wouldn’t have thought was that well-known or would have topped the list. Set in World War I, Stephen Wraysford discovers his true love, however she's already married. He convinces her to be with him instead, but undying love doesn’t ensue.
Another surprise was that Terry Pratchett would have three of the top ten titles. While I’m a fan of the Discworld, obviously lots of others are too.
And then there are the picture books – the perennial “Very hungry caterpillar” which celebrated its 40th birthday last year, and We’re going on a bear hunt”.

Collecting & discarding

Just when we are discussing weeding, along comes this gem