NZ Forever Young

The Alternative

Cable Ties

Creative New Ways to Use Cable Ties

 

Because of their name, it’s easy to think of cable ties as only being good for, well… tying cables. But it turns out that these self-locking plastic straps aren’t quite as mundane as they may seem. Not only do cable ties organize and secure, they support, lock, repair, decorate, and help you create. From gardening and boating to crafting and trucking, no matter what you do, there’s a good chance that cable ties can make your life easier. Don’t believe us? Just check out our list of creative new uses for cable ties...

• Worried about your hubcaps popping off? Just reinforce their bond to your wheels with a few cable ties, and they’ll stay right where they’re supposed to… even on the bumpiest roads.

• Believe it or not, cable ties are right at home in the garden. From tomato plants and bougainvillea to snapdragons and young trees, plants that need some extra help standing tall can benefit from being gently attached to gardening stakes with cable ties. 

• One of our customers (a professional trucker) has shared with us that he uses heavy-duty releasable cable ties to lash anything from cargo straps to flat tires to his truck’s flatbed, ensuring that nothing is lost along the way.

• Would you believe that you can actually weave baskets out of cable ties? It may sound crazy, but that’s what California fiber artist Emily Dvorin does – and with amazing results. Check out her designs and get some inspiration for ways to incorporate colorful cable ties into your own craft projects.

• Cable ties for floral arranging? Why not? If you’ve got an unruly bunch of flowers that refuse to stay arranged, try locking them into position with cable ties before setting them into the vase. Once you’ve arranged the flowers to your liking, just cinch a few cable ties around their stems, being careful not to tighten the ties so much that they compress or cut into the stalks. Zip ties are so great for arranging flowers that even Martha Stewart uses them to create her beautiful autumn centerpieces.

• A common complaint among boaters is that the depth markers spray-painted onto their anchor chains eventually wear off. The good news is that cable ties are a simple and long-lasting alternative to easily scratched-off paint. Mark boat anchor chains in 10-foot increments, either by color coding various depth measurements, or applying one cable tie for every ten feet of depth (for example, 2 ties on the 20-ft link, 3 ties on the 30-ft link, etc…). If you go with the color-coding option, be sure to create a reference sheet that tells you which cable tie color corresponds to each depth, then keep a waterproof laminated copy onboard your boat.

• When it comes time to decorate your yard for the holidays, releasable cable ties are ideal for holding net-style Christmas lights in place on hedges, trees and shrubbery. Our releasable ties can withstand cold temperatures without getting brittle, and can be easily removed (without cutting) when it’s time for the lights to come down.

• To organize tools in your basement, garage or garden shed, mount a piece of pegboard on the wall and create hanging loops of varying sizes. This gives you a custom storage solution that not only keeps tools in easy reach, but also allows you to reconfigure things as needed, for no more than the cost of a few cable ties (in other words, pennies).

• When building canoes and other small boats from plywood, boat makers often use cable ties to temporarily hold wood panels in place while epoxy joints – which permanently bond a boat’s pieces together – are applied and cured.

• So, you have kids coming over and need to secure kitchen and bathroom cabinets containing cleaning supplies or medicines. Installing child locks on off-limits cabinets might be going overboard if the children will only be around for a few hours, but it’s still very important to keep them safe. Cable ties make ideal temporary child safety locks when you’re in a pinch – just loop them through or around pairs of handles to keep cabinet doors securely closed. When the young visitors go home, just snip off the ties to restore access to your cabinets.

• If you’re in the habit of transporting your bicycle from place to place, we have a trick for keeping the wheels from wobbling in different directions when you’re racking, unloading, or carrying it. Try using a couple of cable ties to secure the wheels to the rest of the bike frame – wheels will stay in line with the bicycle’s body, and when you reach your destination, just cut off the ties and you’re ready to ride.

• When something breaks around the house and you can’t run out to the hardware store for the part you need, cable ties can be surprisingly handy for household repairs. As a matter of fact we’ve seen one example in which someone actually reattached a broken toilet tank chain to the flush valve with nothing more than a cable tie.

• Christmas ornaments are always getting separated from their wire hanging hooks, but don’t let that slow down the decorating. When you come across ornaments that have been rendered unhangable, just create new hanging loops with cable ties. In many cases, cable tie loops can be even better than wire hooks; because they completely encircle Christmas tree branches, there’s less chance of ornaments popping off the tree.

• When camping, you can use cable ties to lock your tent while you’re away from it. Although cable ties won’t do much to deter human intruders, they’re great for keeping door flaps tightly zipped so that you don’t return from hiking or a swim to find that bugs, snakes or raccoons have raided your sleeping bag.

• Dying to wear your favorite zip-up sweatshirt even though the zipper pull just snapped off? Just loop a cable tie through the space where zipper pull used to be. Now you can still stay warm while buying a little time for a full zipper replacement.

• Maximize space in your cleaning supply cabinet by using cable ties to create hanging loops for lightweight household items you want to organize on hooks. Items like dusters, dust pans and scrub brushes often have holes in their handles that can accommodate cable ties, so get creative and try a new way of storing your cleaning implements.

Make it happen??

~ As Christmas approaches, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide NZers with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of NZ labour.

This year CAN be different. This year NZers CAN give the gift of genuine concern for other NZers. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by NZ hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese-produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local NZ hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small NZ-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the dollars on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway cleaned, or games at the local golf course.

There are thousands of owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast place.

Remember, folks this isn't about big national chains -- this is about supporting your home town NZers with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a garage run by the NZ working man or woman?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for your mother? Mother would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Some computers could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young man who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people knit, make jewellery, soft toys, hand-made books and beautiful boxes and accessories.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your waiter a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your nearest theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, rubbish man or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining NZ pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about NZ, encouraging NZ small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other NZers, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new NZ Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list - post it to discussion groups - send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Thanksgiving Divorce

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough. "Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this," She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."

Social Image Art

 "To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life."
henri cartier bresson 

If you ever need inspiration to pick up a camera just look over a collection of Bresson's body of work

"Voila!"

You know what? I still get a buzz from beating the system, how childish but hey we all get our jollies where we can! So what was it I did ? Some of you know I sell DVDs and just of late they have been arriving in the new security ‘locked” cases. So to unlock the cases you need to buy a Unlock device for $120 +gst I can hear you now “you are kidding right?” don’t they supply one to each dealer? Nope so faced with a $140 odd expense which of course would relate to about $800 worth of sales just to pay for it!!! My English/Australian/Kiwi “Can do “ attitude took over 2 x $5 magnets prudently placed on locked case and “voila!” (that’s kiwi for F*** You case company!) Case open . In the words of the late great Tommy Cooper “Thank you very Much”  

Pay Attention!

A very relevant article on advertisers and business getting caught up in the social media hype.

UK Rejects Big Brand Advertising on Twitter, Facebook 

Matthew Froggatt, Chief Development Officer at TNS said: “Winning and keeping customers is harder than ever. The online world undoubtedly presents massive opportunities for brands, however it is only through deploying precisely tailored marketing strategies that they will be able to realise this potential. Simply adding to the cacophony of online noise, risks alienating potential customers and impacting business growth.” 

Free easy Listing

There are several free easy listing services here in NZ where if a product you own if you find it on there website for sale you can list yours alongside it absolutly free . They always take a percentage of the sale price when it sells. Anyway this is who I have so far
Mightyape.co.nz
and
Fishpond.co.nz

anyone know of anymore add them in the comments.

Every little while...

As the new seasons tv shows arrive we hope that amongst them that series that cause you to remember a time and a day each week a show that will stir emotion in you make you remember a moment a day a show that there will be times when you find yourself smiling at the screen. Lets not forget that amongst all the drivel and crap the waste of electricity, the  "who the hell put up money for this?" It can be pure entertainment in good standing with a Broadway show (or Leicester square depending on which side of the ditch you preside) equal to a Pulp fiction or a American Beauty. So each year we look of course I am looking  for another The Darling Buds of May or Twin Peaks or West wing. Some get close for example Fringe but we keep watching a lot of the first three episodes maybe four in hope. ABC's Once upon a time may just be a contender. Its stirs the emotion of Never ending story It has the believable disbelif of Labyrinth. As always in any good story you need a unwilling heroine enter stage right Jennifer Morrison. The believable sexy apple pie small town moved to the big city tough but sweet gal!
So make a mental note Sunday night at 8 this could be worth more than 3 or 4 episodes.

For Those that wanted a sheet to print out of these cards Go Here

Hot Dogs!!!

I thought of this story that I heard many years ago and I guess a lot of us have heard it in one form or another but its worth passing on to the next generation as the doom and gloom prophets get more and more air time. So here is the story… “On the side of a road lived a man who sold hot dogs. He was an uncommon man. This man was hard of hearing and so he could not to listen to his radio. He also had difficulty with his vision so he could not read the newspaper or for that matter watch TV. But he did know how to sell….hot dogs….great hot dogs. He set up signs about his great hot dogs and pitched them by the highway. He also stood by the side of the road and announced and asked people, ‘Hey Mister…Ms., do you want to buy great hot dogs?’ The beauty is that crowds formed just to buy from this man. So, he had to increase the meat and bun order to take care of the loads of people. Imagine he had to buy a bigger hot dog stand. Business was certainly booming. His son even came home from college to help him out with his business. It was at this point that his son said, ‘Dad, haven’t you heard we’re in a bad economic recession. The job market is horrid, and our country is in really dire straits.’ The father was surprised but thought….’Geez, my son has been to university, and he listens to the radio, reads newspaper, and watches TV. The kid should know. ‘ So, the father then decides to cut down his meat and bun order. He traded his big hot dog stand for a smaller one, and proceeded to reduce his advertisement on the highway. Instantly sales dropped like lead. Reflecting on this situation, he turns to his son and says, ‘You’re right son. We’re definitely in the middle of a big recession.’”

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Car

Lest We Forget

God of our fathers, known of old—
Lord of our far-flung battle line—
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away—
On dune and headland sinks the fire—
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe—
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard—
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
Amen.

Rudyard Kipling

1st of september is upon us!!

So here we go until we see how it all pans out we will be back to boring New Zealand tv or playing scrabble. I have discovered a couple of services you may wish to be aware of
1.Raptor VPN
this will allow you to create a VPN that will allow you to access Hulu and watch American TV. Im pretty sure , (but dont quote me or believe me ) you should be ok doing it through a VPN andit not being a P2P I shopuld sy that in no way do I advocate you doing this or recommend it and cant be held responsible yada yadada......

Travels To Sydlee, Air New Zealand be aware

Ahhhh how nice to be back home had a great time catching up with James (son)and his partner Vicki.I didnt check any luggage on the outbound journey so saved myself $20 and I didnt want a meal so all up saved $50. On the way back I thought I would be over the limit so I went on the day of travel to upgrade my fair ,You cant you can only upgrade previous to the day of travel. So headed off to the airport. So the first person I tried to check in with "no you will need to check the bag that will be $40!!" went away to adjust my luggage Found another check in agent "Oh thats fine" after a bit of adjustment. The first check in agent was a contract worker the second worked for Air Nz food for thought?.

Here we go..........

It’s fairly early in the morning, winter here in New Zealand, there is a distinct chill in the air .
I am sitting alone in my bedroom on the side of my bed. Hair disheveled, and shoulders slumped. I can feel that creeping effect in my head just behind my forehead of the coming “shadows” A nauseous feeling is also growing in my stomach and my mouth is dry. I sit very still focusing on the feeling in my head. The feeling of tightening, numbness with a slow methodic throb. Yes here it comes. I prime the Injector with Imagran find a fatty piece of thigh, hold the injector to my leg and press the button. There is no feeling I wait 5 second’s then remove and check there is a spot of blood. I sit motionless I feel the rising of the pain within my head coming now from invisible parts of my head culminating in a single point of rising pain. I am scared maybe it won’t work this time?, maybe I have become immune? The pain continues to rise for several minutes then slowly very slowly from somewhere , (I am still distracted by the single point of pain ) down lower in my head a coursing seems to be coming up as if there are pipes now directly connected to the point of pain. They pour on, then as if a door is being closed the pain dissipates. There is ever so brief euphoric moment then I breath out heavily and in. Its over. At that point I say a short prayer to whoever it was who spent their time in a lab developing Imagran Thank You

Monastic Life

I was just wondering whether it would be possible to live a monastic life but without the religion bit.

Just for Fun

A collection of snapshots from Fringe I hope Fox doesn't mind. “Team Animate!!”

9 Tips for Small Business Success on eBay/ Trademe

This article came from Mashable

But so many of the ideas and concets apply to selling on trademe as well


1. Don’t Just Sell – Educate


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Stand out from competitors by becoming a resource — and not just a retailer. Create an email newsletter, blog post or Facebook Fan Page targeting your customers and fellow enthusiasts.

Provide useful information and resources to people engaging in [your chosen field] as a job or a hobby.

Matt Mickiewicz, 99designs


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2. Positive Reviews!


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To succeed on eBay, focus on getting as many positive reviews as possible because that’s what brings the new customers’ confidence in your product as well as in you as a seller.

Personally reach out to each one of your [customers] and ask for a review. Another thing you should do is help [to make] the buying decision easier with good pics, well-written descriptions and detailed shipping and payment options.

Devesh Dwivedi, BreakingThe9to5Jail.com


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3. Service Can Always Add to Your Unique Value Proposition


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If competitors are selling the same or very similar products, focus on what can differentiate yourself: service. One of the greatest complaints people have about purchasing things online (especially eBay) is ambiguity and difficulty [making] contact.

Make yourself accessible and your company personal. Add a unique “voice” to your copy to create more rapport and get back to people quickly.

Kent Healy, The Uncommon Life


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4. Tell Great Stories to Differentiate


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I believe the saying goes, “Your customers don’t want a drill, they want to hang something on the wall.” There’s nothing all that interesting about an auto part, but a father/son fixing up an old vehicle together, or a grandpa restoring an old truck before his granddaughter turns 16 is compelling.

Stories resonate. Appeal to the feelings people will get from the experience, not the part itself.

Ryan Stephens, Ryan Stephens Marketing


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5. Branch Out All Over


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I would recommend that you branch out to other ecommerce platforms in order to expand your business. Don’t just list your products on eBay, post other ones on Craigslist, Amazon and, when the time is right, create your own site.

Make sure when you’re posting to put in your utmost effort. If your listing looks genuine, has high-quality pictures and all the information, buyers will pay more.

Benjamin Lang, EpicLaunch


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6. Show Your Expertise With Video


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Share videos about the products you sell and tips that you can offer to potential buyers. People like to know who they’re buying from, especially with online stores.

It also gives you a chance to share your knowledge and build trust at the same time.

Ashley Bodi, Business Beware


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7. Stand Out from the Crowd


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If you know the product you are selling well and have a good customer base already, try creating some YouTube testimonials and learning videos about the item you are selling.

Be the “expert,” not just another store front.

Jerry Piscitelli, Portopong LLC


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8. More Info Creates Trust


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The scary part about buying online is that you never know exactly what you are getting. Give more information about the product than they’d be able to get anywhere else.

Provide transparent reviews, more pictures, 360-degree tours, technical information and all the info they’d ever want to know before making a purchase. Being this type of resource will make your retailer a trusted source online.

Matt Wilson, Under30CEO.com


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9. Instead of Customers Coming to You, Go to Them


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By monitoring relevant keywords and setting up alerts through platforms like Hootsuite, Google Alerts and SocialMention, you can find potential customers who have a need for the products you are selling. By monitoring who is talking about restoring cars, you have the opportunity to add to the conversation, direct them to your store and hopefully make a sale.

Natalie MacNeil, Imaginarius


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Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me

Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me
Sorry hers the link http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/ and remember you may be affected by both acts

Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me

Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me

Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me

Legal 101 - Message board - Trade Me

Great Article on Domain Names

Check out this really useful article on choosing a domain name.

The night OJ died

So really it started a few weeks before Judi discovered a lump in her throat which the doctor wasn't happy about so they wanted to do a biopsy and have a look or they were going to just take it out I cant remember but i do know that day, that day that OJ died Judi was in hospital as well.

I picked OJ up from school and whilst we were driving back I noticed that he was very lethargic, very quiet. We got home and it was then I noticed that his breathing was also labored. I rang the doctor and the receptionist asked me to come by right away and she would slip us in between patients. When we got there we didn't have to wait long before the receptionist beckoned us in to Vic Pillay rooms. Vic had been our family doctor for several years a Indian south African educated in Edinburgh lovely chap. we sat down and Vic looked up from his note making I guess from the previous patient smiled at me “Graham” and then looked at OJ I started to tell Vic what had proceeded our visit but he cut me short with a hand as he picked up the phone and dialed. He was speaking to someone about admitting a child who was on his way and then gave some detail. He finished his call and I stated to continue when Vic interrupted “I suspect Owen is having an asthma attack and I want you to take him straight to the hospital the children's ward they will be expecting you. I looked at Vic then at OJ then back at Vic “what now?” “yes now go straight there please I will contact Dr Naidoo (OJ’s Pediatrician) and tell him what has transpired.

A little while later we were walking into the children's ward where we were greeted by a nurse “Owen Foster-Brown?” “Yep” The nurse scooped Oj up “how about you come with me?”

Oj was put into a already prepared Oxygen Tent where they started to try and regulate his breathing.

With in a short while he was ocupied with some toy or book and I thought i better go and tell his other two floors up !! that oj had joined her in the hospital.

Judi wasnt a freak out panic sort of person so I wasnt to worried about telling her.

“Oh hello I wasn't expecting you so early?” “me neither but I had to bring oj in as he's having an asthma attack so I thought i would come and see you” “HES WHAT! here? now? “ “yep he's all good downstairs in the children's ward.”

The next thing I know is I'm trundling Judi down to the children's ward in a Wheelchair to see him.

So Far So Good

I went home to take care of Emily our daughter leaving OJ in the capable hands of the children's ward staff Judi with the surgical ward staff. I had spoken to Dr Naidoo another Indian South African doctor who assured me all was well and they would ring me if there were any changes.

We were running the YHA hostel in Coffs harbor at the time and we were fortunate enough to have staff so whilst I was up at the hospital everything went on as normal back at the hostel. I had my dinner helped a few backpackers and was about to call it a day when at about 10.30 I get a call from Dr Naidoo. There had been a problem and it would be a good idea if I was at the hospital. At the time our car of choice, as things were going fairly well business wise, was a Porsche 911. I Flew out of the drive and planted my foot as the car dug in and screamed up the hill at the top of the hill I suddenly had a thought. It maybe wasn't a good idea if I was in an accident so I toned the speed down a bit, well a fair bit.

When I arrived the room where Oj had been was unoccupied The hallway of the ward was in night lighting but at the end the lights were all on and nurses were coming and going from a ward. In the ward was OJ like something out of general hospital wires and tubes screens and things going beep doctors and nurses buzzzing around. I thought what the f*** Naidoo saw me and came over “So let me explain what's happening”

It was a while ago must be almost 20 years but I remember most of it. Oj throat had closed of due to the asthma and he has stopped breathing they had to give him a shot of adrenalin to get him going again Naidoo assured me that all the machines were there “just in case” and he was stable now so I could go and see him. I remember him seeming asleep or sedated I sat beside him and held his hand I promised him anything that would get him to make it through the night It was a very emotional time.

From memory I think I went up and told Judi what had happened or she came down but anyway I stayed the night sleeping on  a cot the nurses organised for me.

At one stage I went out for a smoke I was taking in the night air when I could see nurses walking quicker to his room and out again I went back in to see blood all over his sheets. He had pulled his drip out and it had caused him to bleed. It looked a lot worse than it was.

Morning came and with a cup of tea supplied by the kind nurses I found myself sitting beside my son feeling so grateful that we lived in a world where medical help and knowledge was available. Oj stirred and looked over at me “Hey Dad What were you promising me I could have?

How To Plant An Avocado Seed

How To Plant An Avocado Seed

Growing avocados from seed is easy and they grow true to type

Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean you can't take some of the summer with you into fall.
As gardeners, we are very aware of the seasonal fruit and vegetables we grow and consume, and even though year-round produce is always available in the grocery stores, it's immensely more enjoyable and satisfying to grow our own.
So if you enjoy avocados all summer long, with their creamy smooth texture and flavor as much as most people do, here is a way to grown them yourself and have your own tree that can be put indoors during the cold weather months and then put back out in the spring.
One of the best parts of this entire process is that avocado trees are easily grown from seed and they reproduce virtually true to type. Meaning that if you plant a Hass avocado, that's what you are going to get; something that doesn't always happen when you propagate plants via seed.
OK, so let's get started.

The Best Way To Propagate An Avocado
There are many ways to propagate and grow avocados, and growing avocados from seed, usually brings to mind a school project of sticking toothpicks into an avocado pit and then putting it in water.
That's fine, it can work, but there is a better way to do it, because when roots are grown in water and then transplanted into soil, they don't always do very well. Also, not all avocado seeds will germinate this way.
So let's sidestep these problems and grow them in soil to begin with. The following process is fast, easy and works really well.

How To Plant An Avocado Seed Step-By-Step
1. Choose a healthy, undamaged seed
2. Soak it in hot water 106° to 130°F (40° to 52°C) for 30 minutes. This will help stop any infection from avocado root rot.
3. Cut a thin slice - about 1/2 inch (1 cm) - from the pointed end with a sharp knife
4. Then dip the wound in a fungicide
5. Sow the seed in a 6 inch (15 cm) pot of sandy soil with the cut end slightly above the soil surface
6. Place it in a warm location 65°F (18°C) or warmer in bright, but indirect sunlight
7. Keep moist, but not wet, or else it will rot
8. Germination takes about 3 to 4 weeks
9. The seedling can be grown on in a container until it is about 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) tall, then it should be ready to be moved to its final location, or potted up into a larger container

Where To Plant And Care
Now that you have a healthy seedling, you need to plant it up either in a container or out in the garden, if you live in a warm climate.
Avocados generally take cold down to 30°F (-1°C) and after that they will get frost damage. Some avocados like a Zutano or Mexicola will take down to 20°F (-7°C), but for most areas that is a pretty warm winter.
If you live in a cold weather area that gets well below freezing in the winter, then plan to pot your seedling up in a container and plan to move it to a sheltered location during the colder months of the year.
Always plant avocados where they will get full sun, and in well-drained soil. They don't like wet feet, so allow the soil to dry a bit in between waterings.
Young trees need only light feeding so only feed twice - once in the spring and once in the summer with a good avocado-citrus fertilizer, which can be found at any garden supply center.
When planting in a container you will have to increase the container size as the tree matures, but the size of the tree can be controlled by regular pruning, plus there are dwarf varieties that do well in containers too.
You will eventually have your tree in a large wine barrel or other large pot, so plan to have that container on wheels so it can be moved easily when needed.
Note: Seed raised trees start to bear fruit when they are between 5 and 7 years old.

Cross Pollination
In order to get fruit you will normally have to have two different varieties. Avocado varieties have flowers that are categorized as either type A or type B, depending upon on the time of day they open when, and when pollen is released.
Although many single trees do produce fruit, you are better off having one of each type.
Type A Flower:
Bacon
Don Gillogly
Gwen
Hass
Holiday
Mexicola
Pinkerton
Reed
Wertz (Wurtz)
Type B Flower:
Fuerte
Jim
Kahaluu
Murashige
Nabal
Sharwil
Stewart
Whitsell
Yamagata
Zutano

Conclusion
So if you're one of those people that just love summer, and you love avocados, now you have a way to hang onto both!
And while it will take time for your tree to produce its first fruit, as a gardener, just growing the tree in anticipation is usually just as much fun as eating the final product.

Hilary Rinaldi is a member of the National Garden Writers Association, a nationally published writer, and a certified organic grower. She regularly speaks and writes about all gardening related topics, with an emphasis on making gardening a successful and enjoyable process for anyone who wants to learn. Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine concentrates of giving detailed gardening tips and gardening advice to all levels of gardeners.

Clandestine Affair

Eighteen years old, from a small country town living and working in the world of fashion and advertising in London, my head spun!.

I had secured a job as as photographers studio assistant to one of London’s (at the time) top photographers Jimmy Wormser a New Yorker spending time in England. I was also assisted two of the other photographers in the studio when not working for Jimmey. Robert a young photographer not really in Jimmeys league but pretty good, did non fashion and advertising to help pay his bills. It was one of these jobs that one day he said he had double booked and would I be able to fill in for him ? It was fairly straight forward, was I interested ?. My first Solo gig you bet I was interested! He told me what equipment would be required The Nikon gear long lens would be fine. He then gave me the location instructions in London I was to go this a particular address be there at 2pm go to the reception ask for Mr “what ever his name was” and then wait outside.

I feel i should preface the next paragraph with “I kid you not!”

So off I go found the address a typical big London building in a row of other typical London buildings asked for the gentleman by name and then went back outside to wait. About 5 minutes later this olive skinned gentleman with dark glasses and a full length black leather trench coat approached me. He said my name whilst not looking at me but sweeping the surrounding area from behind his dark glasses. “Yes that's me” “good come with me” we then strode of and got into a Mach 1 mustang , you know the ones with the white stripe over the body of the car. He pulled out of the parking spot and floored it into the centre of London. “I kid you not!”

During the journey my attempt’s of “nice weather we are having?” “excellent car” were meet with non committal grunts.

We arrived at a tall apartment building and rode up in the elevator together (the sunglasses still on) stopped at what I remember was the top floor and went into one of the apartments. The apartment was empty over by the window was two more men of the olive skin variety , no glasses they spoke to each other in a language that I had never heard. Sunglasses then said whilst pointing “I want you to photograph those people individually preferably with out there hoods on”

I was looking down on a obvious demonstration a small group of protestors were chanting at passers by and each other I don't remember exactly what the signs said I do remember the word Shah and Out being prominent what was different to the standard London protest was that most of the demonstrators were wearing sack hoods and scarves to obviously cover up their Identity. Thinking nothing more of it I set to work photographing. The long lens I had easily had the protestors filling my screen and I was pleased when I was able to catch them without their hoods or as they arrived before they put them on. After about half an hour and three rolls of film Sunglasses came back “that's enough and held out his hand I gave him the rolls of film he gave me an envelope with pound notes in it.

When I got back to the studio Robert said “interesting Job?” “you could say that “ i said

About two weeks later Robert got me to go with him saying we were doing a similar job This time he would wait for me as the Sunglasses guy wouldn't be there we were just to photograph this demonstration. We arrived at the location for the demonstration and drove past the hooded persons waving banners on the street Robert parked down the road and told me to try and get some pictures form the street whilst hiding behind a letter box I got out, set myself up and started snapping. As i was looking through the long lens I suddenly realised that one of the protestors was looking directly at me. A moment later I realised that he was getting bigger and closer in fact he was running towards me screaming obvious obscenities.

I turned and ran! Robert was sitting in his car reading the paper. “get going one of them is after me!! GO!”

Robert screamed away whilst looking behind. He looked at me and said “guess we might not do any more of those jobs”

Many years later I drew the conclusion that I was photographing protestors of the Shah Of Iran possibly Taliban and the guy in the sunglasses I'm guessing worked for the Iranian Secret Service or the Consulate and they were trying to identify the protestors. Or it could have been nothing who knows……………….

Can Bears open doors?

I was trying to work out the year. It would have had to be 1982? I think anyway will check , not really important.

In 1982 we went to Vancouver and stayed with friends and whilst we were there we hired a ford mustang and drove up to Banff. It was the middle of winter and the Rockies were covered in snow. The waterfalls were frozen where they fell and combined with the giddy height of the mountains the whole thing was spectacular.

Keen to experience different types of accommodation we located on a map The Athabasca falls youth hostel.

(As a side note I believe our stay there would have been the catalyst that set us on the road of running hostels.) When we arrived the place looked deserted it was however a picture postcard location a cluster of log cabins in a forest, in the middle of winter. one hut (the wardens we presumed )had cross country skis propped by the door and a ‘dog’ not sure of type lay nearby.

We went into one cabin to find the warden beating out a rhythm on a drum kit setup in what we discovered was the main building. He was pleased to see us as being winter we were the first travelers to stay in 10 days.

After getting settled in we made some dinner and sat in a empty cabin a fire blazing contemplating life.

We had been given “the bear talk” by the warden and there were signs everywhere about leaving food out garbage in bins etc all understood. I cant remember whether it was my partner or I who first had the requirement of using the bathroom, and then the realization that it was an “out house” It was located 10 meters from the main building. We decided to venture together trusty torch in hand scanning the now black forest for predators one waited out side while the other did there business then we both hightailed it to our cabin for the night.

Being the only occupants of the cabin we made up a double bed , combining single mattresses and prepared to retire for the night.

It was at this point I made the mistaken thought out loud “I wonder if bears can open doors?” My partner looked at me in the half light  “oh thanks a lot, that will make sleep so much easier with that thought in my head!”

Minutes later we were both up putting chairs at the doors and checking all the windows.

It was a fitful nights sleep but we made it through!.

Every noise we heard, every bark of a dog was the thought of marauding bears laying siege to the hut. Maybe they had lighters and they would smoke us out ? How long could we last with out food Needless to say we were not attacked and the answer that night at least is bears cant open doors.

When we returned to Vancouver and related the story to our Canadian friends I think it was several days before they got up off the floor from laughing at the stupid tourists!.

Note I had to steal the pics as all mine are either in England or Australia

Housekeeper vs Wife (Sorry Partner)

Well after just preparing the place for guests I’m thinking I should really make an effort to get a housekeeper. So here are the requirements.

Accommodation in return for 3 hours work a day.

Cleaning bed making washing No children. Does not like to engage in idle chit chat.Keeps to oneself doesn't like loud music (unless its Zepplin or Bach). Doesn't mind stairs References. Own vehicle (nothing trashy or Japanese) Non Smoker Not Bi Polar. No crazies. Does not believe they are reincarnated. Does not vote labour , Liberal ok, prefer conservative. Knows to warm the pot when making tea.

That just about does it better get ready for the inundation of applications!!

(and people wonder why I didn't remarry!!)

Travel Story “One Day”

I was reading an article on The Golden Age of Travel reputedly the era pre 1978, which bought to mind a memory of leaving Heathrow in the early 80's. My wife at the time, and I were in, I think terminal 1 or was it 3? standing on a viewing area looking down, watching the massive confusion of people that it is Heathrow. Whichever terminal it was we were heading back down under, travelling (as always then) cattle class loaded up with excess hand luggage that we didn't want to get charged excess on. When I noticed at the far end of the concourse a disruption of people moving towards us. There were three fairly tall people, followed by a bag carrier with trolley loaded to the gunnel's. One of the three was a airline worker (I imagine what we now call and I know to be a Concierge) The other two were a man and woman striding out, both with hats and sunglasses, she wearing a full length fox fur coat he a long Crombie type black Coat. This entourage cut a miraculous swath through the sea of fellow travellers. From one end of the terminal to the other they proceeded all the way to the First Class Concord lounge (concord hadn't crashed yet) at the other end where they disappeared into the inner sanctum of the Lounge. I looked at Judi (the ex now)  who looked at me. We exchange a "One Day" look gather up our luggage and head for 18 hours of economy travel.