Nature is love made visible. I really felt that on our hike from Manly Dam to Manly yesterday. A lovely ramble on a brisk winter's day.
July 12, 2015
July 11, 2015
Using Evernote for Compass and Wisdom Trove
This year, I moved all my information relating to Compass and Wisdom Trove to Evernote. Previously I have been using Mindmanager and Excel.
Evernote is really powerful and flexible. It provides some great benefits as an information management system
Benefits
- Facilitates dashboards for tasks and life management.
- Favourite notes, notebooks, and tags accessible in the left column.
- Note links for seamless cross-referencing between notes.
- Organisation by notebooks and tags for flexible categorization.
- Powerful search, even within PDFs, images, and attachments.
- Access across multiple devices for on-the-go productivity.
- Ability to attach various file types, including PDFs, docs, sheets, and mind maps. Best of breed apps for different needs all integrated.
- Collaboration features for shared notes and teamwork.
- Note history archive for tracking changes and restoring versions.
- Scalable: Wisdom Trove ended up having 1000's of notes.
- Ability to create tables.
June 30, 2015
Leura to Katoomba with Sydney Explorers
A lovely, scenic walk on a crisp, clear Winter's day. Srini came on the hike unexpectedly, much to everyone's delight. Maj-Britt was also there, full of sunshine and energy as always. And Kenny and Cloris and Dave and Yen.
The hike was a relatively flat 12 km walk between Leura and Katoomba with lots of viewpoints and waterfalls along the way.
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| A steep but mercifully short climb up to Katoomba with view of The Three Sisters on the way. |
June 22, 2015
June 20, 2015
Bosch QuietComfort noise cancelling headphones
Totally immersive sound. I absolutely love these beautiful headphones.
June 19, 2015
My first iPad: An iPad Mini 2
I love the small size of this iPad. It has a beautiful bright display. I mostly use it for reading books. My Kindle Reader has taken a back seat.
June 16, 2015
Some of my photos used in a Tahmoor Gorge conservation video
I'm so thrilled to have some of my photos featured in this beautiful video which aims to protect an area I love. So great when my photos can be used for such a great cause.
Original email:
Hello, I would love to use one or two of your photos of your hike into Tahmoor Gorge for a video I am creating about the gorge. The video will appear on the facebook page called: Bargo Nepean National Park Proposal.
June 14, 2015
Mike and his team wins the WAGS Old Boy's Day trophy
Well done Mike! Mum and Mike spent the winnings (R250) on a delicious lunch at The Cattle Barron. A great choice!
June 09, 2015
Thank you to mum after Cape Town visit 2015
Dear mum
I wanted to thank you a million times for your extraordinary generosity during my trip to South Africa. For the flight ticket that got me there and back. For spending money for me and food money for Jo. For the Tsitiskama hike and the Baz bus ticket. Not to mention shoes, iPhone chargers and more. And lots of delicious meals out and in.
When I list it like that, I feel guilty that I allowed you to treat me to so much. But please know that I appreciate it more than words can possibly express. Getting to spend such quality time with my wonderful family is the most precious gift in the world. The Tsitsikama Trail ended up being a joyous celebration when my feet suddenly came right like they did. And the Baz trip was full of soul enriching experiences that I will cherish for life.
Please, please know that I don't take your generosity for granted. I feel such gratitude that it often makes me cry. Please also know that I don't expect that kind of generosity, or anything remotely close to it, on future trips. That's very important to me.
I'm getting back into the swing of life back in Sydney and feeling extremely motivated. Some of the work I've done in the past week feels like it's the most inspired I've ever done. I'm brimming with ideas that just keep flowing. I'm also enjoying it all greatly. It's a miracle what a long, nourishing break can do. I cherished every minute of of it. Thank you.
Love
G
From mum
It is just so wonderful to have you here. Hope the inspiration continues. Please remind me when your SA passport is due to expire so we have a date to look forward to until you come again! Hope the puppy is settling down and not causing too many piddles etc.
I wanted to thank you a million times for your extraordinary generosity during my trip to South Africa. For the flight ticket that got me there and back. For spending money for me and food money for Jo. For the Tsitiskama hike and the Baz bus ticket. Not to mention shoes, iPhone chargers and more. And lots of delicious meals out and in.
When I list it like that, I feel guilty that I allowed you to treat me to so much. But please know that I appreciate it more than words can possibly express. Getting to spend such quality time with my wonderful family is the most precious gift in the world. The Tsitsikama Trail ended up being a joyous celebration when my feet suddenly came right like they did. And the Baz trip was full of soul enriching experiences that I will cherish for life.
Please, please know that I don't take your generosity for granted. I feel such gratitude that it often makes me cry. Please also know that I don't expect that kind of generosity, or anything remotely close to it, on future trips. That's very important to me.
I'm getting back into the swing of life back in Sydney and feeling extremely motivated. Some of the work I've done in the past week feels like it's the most inspired I've ever done. I'm brimming with ideas that just keep flowing. I'm also enjoying it all greatly. It's a miracle what a long, nourishing break can do. I cherished every minute of of it. Thank you.
Love
G
From mum
It is just so wonderful to have you here. Hope the inspiration continues. Please remind me when your SA passport is due to expire so we have a date to look forward to until you come again! Hope the puppy is settling down and not causing too many piddles etc.
June 09, 2015
June 08, 2015
June 07, 2015
Collaroy to Manly walk
I never get tired of this walk, no matter how many times I do it. A real Sydney gem.
June 07, 2015
Progress (2015)
Mac and Apps
- Buy Mac and Dell screen
- Learn Mac set up & do for mum & Jo
- Todoist
- Evernote
- Wisdom Trove to Evernote
- Faster Internet (Gateway)
DIY
- Realise I can get new bathroom, flooring for not as much as thought.
- Painting
- Courtyards
- Demolition (doors, air conditoning)
Photography
- Lightroom Universe
- Tamron 18 - 300 lens
- Mindful editing
- Canon 70d
Media
- Netflix
- Music while work
- Bosch Headphones
Compass
- Facelift (Apple simple and beautiful)
- Fluid structure in Compass (guiding principles, insights, gems, humour)
- Home page dashboard
- Week view
- Quarterly focus (especially expenses)
- Evernote links from Excel
- Quarterly wellbeing graphs with pointers
- Data validation
- Wisdom (combined gems, insights, principles)
- Checklist filter
- Expense - Big Items
June 04, 2015
June 04, 2015
Check out this amazing photo by Jo!
I found a magazine article about taking funky flower photos. How is this dew drop reflecting a flower behind it! Took ages to get it right but am super chuffed. Jo
June 03, 2015
Vivid Sydney 2015
I celebrated being back in Sydney by doing my annual pilgrimage to The Sydney Vivid Festival with Sue. It was marvellous as usual, especially The Customs House this year with its celebration of Australian nature and a beautiful, surreal sound track. There is a video of the display below.
Sue and I also had a wonderful catch up and she treated me to some spaghetti bolognese at a local eatery.
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| I loved these cute pigs! |
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| Museum of Contemporary Art |
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| The Customs House was the undoubted highlight - a celebration of Australian nature. Below is a video of the whole show. Check it out, well worth it! |
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| The Opera House |
June 03, 2015
June 02, 2015
My life with Liza & Jasper the past 9 weeks (Mack's account!)
6.00 am commence making noises to indicate attention to belly is required.
6.10 am as Liza’s unresponsive to verbal requests commence body rustling the bed clothes, to accompany before mentioned noises…
6.15 am give Liza some affection by plonking my wet nose on her cheek as she attempts to ignore me entirely…
6.20 am ah that’s more like it, Liza & I enjoy a wrestle. I win every morning as I’m quicker eating her hands than she is getting away from me
6.30 am downstairs to wake up ALL the dogs of Doohat Avenue. On my way around the horseshoe I let all the other canine’s know I’m up so every one should be…
6.45 am after barking at my mates, Amber (the Staffie), Hugo (the Beagle), Monty (the Border Collie) and Max (the PugxBeagle) I allow Liza to lead me back home for breakfast…
7.00 – 7.30 am I scoff down my food; Liza does make a good breakfast…
7.30 am – 3.30 pm Liza goes to work. I mostly go with her but on some days she leaves me to guard the entire block for about 2 hours. I quite like my set-up as my bed is lined in thick layers of wool & Liza covers me in my favourite blanket with FOX SPORTS on for me to watch…
4.00 – 4.30 pm I scoff down my dinner
4.30 – 5.30 pm Liza & I go for a walk to my favourite park. I do a lot of leg lifting & really enjoy watering the bushes, & flower beds… on the way home we say hello to siblings, Tinkerbell & Princess (Maltese Terriers) plus we stop for barking with Milo (PugxJack Russell) at his place…
5.30 – 6.30 pm Liza makes dinner for Jasper and herself. I never seem to get any of their food but maybe once a week Liza gives me tiny morsels. Liza is very strict with my diet; probably why Vet Peter says I’m in good shape…
6.30 – 8.00pm I like to spend time on Jasper’s lap after dinner. I need to show Liza she’s not always #1!
8.00 – 9.30pm I enjoy being in front of the heater as Liza potters, watches TV, or reads…
9.30 – 10.00pm it’s around this time Liza very kindly carries me downstairs (to save my joints) to do my evening poo…
10.00-11.00pm I’m always happy to cosy up in Liza’s bed. I’ve got a lovely grey and white polka dot robe I wrap myself in. I don’t need any extra warmth at the moment but come late June/July I’ll be under the cover with Liza, for sure.
PS Thanks for this Liza! It's wonderful.
May 31, 2015
South Africa 2015 Highlights
What a time in South Africa. First the Tsitsikama Trail with the family and Chrisel. Then Storms River, Addo Elephant Park and Mosselbay with Chrisel. Then back to Cape Town do enjoy outings to Kirstenbosch, Lion's Head, Table Mountain, the beaches and Hermanus. Then a super trip on the Baz Bus to Jeffrey's Bay, Cintsa, Hogs Back, Port St Johns, Southern Drakensberg, Northern Drakensberg and Joberg. Finally some more time in Cape Town with the family.
Date
- 22 March 2015 - 31 May 2015 (10 weeks)
Cape Town
- Reunited with the family again (Mar)
- Fun with Matt (Apr)
- Easter with family (Apr)
Garden Route
- Tsitsikama Trail (Apr)
- Storms River (Apr)
- Addo Elephant Park (Apr)
- Mosselbay (Apr)
- Harold Porter Botanical Gardens (Apr)
Cape Town with Chrisèl
- Kirstenbosch Gardens (Apr)
- Franschhoek (Apr)
- Lion's Head (Apr)
- Beach crawl (Apr)
- St James to Kalk Bay walk (Apr)
- Climb up Table Mountain (Apr)
- Hermanus wine tasting (Apr)
- Cape Point (Apr)
Baz bus
- Jeffrey's Bay (Apr)
- Cintsa (Apr)
- Away with the Fairies (Apr)
- Port St Johns (May)
- Southern Drakensberg (May)
- Northern Drakensberg (May)
- Utopia (May)
- Joberg with Chrisel's family (May)
Cape Town
- Rhodes Memorial (May)
- Tokai Forest with Jo (May)
- Kalk Bay with Jo (May)
