andrewlighten.com

It’s good to see that Zooomr is back online after a week of upgrade problems and server crashes. I haven’t followed the state of play too closely, but I know that Kris has been working hard at restoring service and has finally got there along with a few kind donations and assistance.

One thing I did see was that Sun loaned them a server and sent a few guys over with it to help install it. The server provided 42TB (yes, that’s TB) of disk. Nice helping hand.

I’ve tried to use Zooomr in the past, but I have to admit it hasn’t really stuck. For some reason it’s always been really, really slow for me. Maybe it’s an Australian internet thing, maybe it’s my PC (actually, all four of my PC’s) or maybe it’s Zooomr itself.

Regardless, congrats to Kris and Tom for getting the service back online.

Peter and Diane lost their dog today.

I haven’t spoken to them myself, but from what I understand they found him under the house struggling to stand up and breathing very slowly. The vet came out (yes, it’s a Sunday, but the vet here is good like that; very “Country Practice”) and it turned out Marty had a tumor in his leg that had been bleeding.

Marty was 13, and given the chance of him recovering and leading a quality life it didn’t take long for Diane to take the brave decision and do the kindest thing she could for Marty.

Peter and Diane loved Marty dearly and there’s no doubt this will leave a big hole in their lives.

When I lost Zac a few years ago the vet in Hurstbridge sent me a poem. It arrived by snail-mail a couple of days after Zac went, and although I’m not one for poetry I did appreciate Chris sending it.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. 

Author unknown…

Our newest family member is going really well. The Kid has adapted very well, and we’re feeling pretty good about being a bigger family. Everyone is going great.

One thing I’ve been thinking about though is just how quickly a child’s personality shows itself.

We knew early on that The Kid was fiercely independent and had a mind of her own, and that’s certainly the way she is. Doesn’t give a damn about what we’ve asked or suggested; does exactly what she wants and nothing else. Great.

Some observations about new chick:

1. Does not like being left alone. Won’t sleep in the bassinet, but will happily sleep in someone’s arms for hours. A very social creature; loves being with others.
2. A real night owl. Between feeds during the day she wants to sleep, but at night she’d rather spend her time awake between feeds.
3. Doesn’t like The Kid’s shouting loud voices and noise. She prefers a quiet and calm environment. When Lisa was in hospital before the birth she spent some time with the fetal monitor on. Every time The Kid spoke there was a noticeable spike in the heart rate. Even during pregnancy Lisa felt kicking when The Kid spoke to “the baby in mummy’s tummy“. One afternoon The Kid was playing piano at her grandparents and Lisa was on the verge of physical sickness with the gymnastics going on inside.

We’ll see how these traits play out over the next few years.

Oh, drove another candidate for new family car today — the Ford Territory. One word: wow. I totally understand why they’ve sold so well. Damn fine vehicle.