Mud map of Australia 

Ocky and Max on David's mower 

Northern Lights

I've been reading a trilogy by Philip Pullman this week. The first book, Northern Lights is also known as The Golden Compass. In it, a young girl called Lyra uses an instrument known as an Alethiometer (pictured below) to measure truth. I found myself wishing I owned such a beautiful and intriguing instrument! The trilogy itself is interesting reading - I am currently reading the third book and am still wondering what will ultimately happen.

Lyra's Alethiometer 

Avian Influenza

If you're like me, you've probably dismissed news articles about the bird flu as having little or no impact on your life. Think again! Did you know that the World Health Organisation lists the risk of a pandemic as serious and likely? Have a look at the WHO website for detailed information.

The world is currently at level 3 (out of 6) alert, and once we reach level 4, it seems that nothing will prevent us from going all the way to level 6. It's not a pretty picture.

UPDATE: if you read the comment below, you'll see that Tim has kindly provided another website about alerts - thanks for your input!

Long Time, No Blog

It's been a while since I've posted here. The new job has been consuming a great deal of my excess energy. I've only worked 3 shifts, with another tonight, but I'm finding that I spend a great deal of time thinking about things both before and after a shift. Hopefully that will decrease as I become more competent at the many new skills I've had to learn. In addition, night shifts obviously take more time because I have to catch up on the sleep somehow. However, I am finding the work very interesting and rewarding. I love working in palliative care.

One day, I would love to go and work for 6 months at St Christopher's Hospice in London, where palliative care was born. In addition to working there, Garry and I dream of one day doing a walking holiday in Ireland (Guinness is a particular attraction), and London is much closer to Ireland than Australia. Also, it would put Holland within easy reach, so that we could visit relatives and show the kids where I was born. Sounds like a great plan - but still a dream just now. On the other hand, nursing is a great career for someone who wants to work overseas, so I guess you never know.

Catherine at the Beach 

Christopher in the Hoist 

Quiet Boast

Just for fun, I thought I'd post my Uni results for this year. I have finished all my subjects and don't start back now until next March.

Communication: Key Concepts (Nursing)
Article Review 100/100
Essay Proposal 100/100
Major Essay 99/100

Medication Concepts and Calculations
Concepts 23/25
Calculations 75/75

Psychosocial Foundations I
Portfolio 100/100
Major Essay 100/100

Foundation Computing
Assignments 40/40
Exam 56/60

Not bad for someone who hasn't studied since 1991!