So proud today

So proud to be a part of the Law/Gallasch family, proud to be a husband and dad and extremely proud to be a Murray Bridgian. Today was a day off for our family, no work, no school. Instead of lazing away this Sunday keeping cool my amazing wife used her magical FaceBook powers to gather together much needed townships affected by the recent South Australian bushfires. Finally I am proud of my father in law and mother in law who will be dropping off the remaining goods so they can go to those families doing it toughest.

I am super proud of my amazing wife, her efforts enabled us to take a full people mover to where it was needed most. Our first stop saw soft drinks, water and cordial passed on to families doing it tough and to the volunteers who are trying their hardest to help. I am super proud of my two daughters, Miss 12 and Miss 9 who stared out the window as we passed by black paddocks and houses that had collapsed due to the chaotic horrors of fire only days before. I am extremely proud of the people of the town I live in and the close by towns who have raided their pantry or transferred money so we could do a quick shop today for all of those necessities you don't know you need until fire steals them from you.

I didn't fight the fires. I didn't rally together the efforts. I was able to drive that overloaded KIA to where it was needed and help load and unload all those donated items. I tell you what, the drive home was far lighter and easier than the one this morning.

Thank you Law/Gallasch team! Thank you Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters and staff! Thank you to all those amazing people who have donated to help. A specially thank you to my beautiful and amazing wife and daughters for keeping my faith in humanity strong. You have huge hearts and I love you so much.

The Laws go to the movies - Does Jumanji take it to the next level and how adorable is Abominable

Today was super hot in South Australia so where better to take the family but the local cinema. Our local, the Cameo was showing Jumanji The Next Level, sequel to Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle. So in what is supposedly Jack Black's final fling on the big screen did Jumanji take it beyond level one..?

Honestly I found the film to be really good. It was entertaining throughout with only a few words that caused Miss 9 to question their appropriateness. The characters were similar from the first (Welcome to the Jungle) but with enough of a change to continue the entertainment. If you liked the original remake then you'll enjoy this one as well. Are these films better than the original Jumanji..? Perhaps not better in my opinion but different enough that I have not spent the whole time focusing on what was done better in the original and where the remakes shone out. All I can say is watch all three and enjoy all three for the fun films they are.

While the day went on and only seemed to get hotter my brilliant Queen Miss H came up with the wondrous idea of pizza and a DVD in air conditioned comfort. Mummy of the year last holidays took the girls to the big screen to see Abominable, a Dreamworks animation about the yeti. Master 13 and I missed out, but at the time I was not too worried. Upon hearing all the fun and adventure in the movie from our girls I was suddenly keen to watch and disappointed I'd missed out. Thankfully the whole family was happy to see what Abominable had in store for us and I was glad to see it had heart, laughs and loads of family focused fun.

Jumanji The Next Level - Four irreparable consoles out of a possible five

Abominable - Four and a half dandelions out of five

Memories of Mum

Christmas Day is always one of mixed emotions for me. With three kids growing up so quickly we are hanging on to the magic of the silly season. The innocence of kids and their pure and creative imagination in my opinion generates the magic of Christmas. It helps that we have younger nieces and a very young nephew to make sure that the magic stays alive for many years to come. Sadly my family lost some one special on Christmas day ten years ago which of course has made it difficult to completely.

The day after Christmas I headed to the local cemetery today with my daughter by my side. It blows my mind to think my daughter was born three months after mum passed away. I loved this afternoon chatting with Boo about all the wonderful memories I have of my mum... Keeping the magic and the memory alive...

A challenging time as fires burn

Australia is under attack and it is Mother Nature who is on the front line offensive... The fires in New South Wales have been in our thoughts and prayers but it was the scrub blaze that has sprung up in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia that has affected many loved ones. Family have needed to evacuate as things have gotten very much too close for comfort. Even now the fires in that area just won't go out, erratic winds are causing havoc and it is an utter nightmare for the brave souls that are there fighting.

My fingers, toes and everything else are very firmly crossed that things will settle down and that everyone can have a safe Christmas and New Year but there are already many who are mourning the loss of family, a business gone, not having a home or worried sick not knowing... The not knowing is the worst torture...

Sadly there is little to no cool and calm weather in sight. As we all prepare for the chaos of the silly season let us all spare a thought for those suffering while the fires still burn.

The race that brings Australia to a standstill is ours again

Melbourne Cup... The race that supposedly stops an entire nation... I recall fondly a time when even the local radio station ran a fake version of this race, teachers held sweeps in the classroom and every kid had a favourite. It was back when Adelaide had the Grand Prix... That seemed to be the heyday when the Melbourne Cup truly was the race of all races, at least for us Aussies. Lately though it seemed to lose its sparkle for many. We still embrace it each and every year and rope in however many friends we can to join in the festivities. It is pretty much the only time every year when I gamble (or at least it is the only time every year since meeting my wife that I always have a flutter on the horses). I must admit though I've noticed the national interest in this race has died away a bit.

Today may just have been what our (well actually Melbourne's) race has needed. A champion Australian representative has taken out the race of Aussie races with a touch of controversy for second and third. A ripper close race that went right down to the line.

Sadly I didn't back the winner this year. It was my spare for if any of my initial picks scratched. I know for many though that little Aussie champ was their numero uno and they've ridden it all the way to the bank. My lesson from the day of course was always listen to your wife as her words of wisdom stated I'd regret not putting even just a dollar or two on that one...

We love a flutter and hopefully a win today with so many foreign competitors seeking the millions and glory of a Melbourne Cup victory will be enough to re-ignite the passion in all of us. I hope to see over the next year or two that national excitement for November I recall so fondly. Fingers crossed we get known for the super close finish with a local steed succeeding again and again...

Come on Aussie, come on!!

Secretly I'm a fan of discovering what pets get up to when we are away

Family movie night again at Casa de Law and honestly I was not too sure of the flick of the night. Secret Life of Pets 2, the aptly named sequel to Secret Life of Pets has finished its holiday run and is now on DVD. We missed it at the cinema so thought we would give it a go in the comfort of our own cinema (aka the lounge). My wife was not super keen on the first film about the dog Max and all his pals so it was with a severe case of trepidation that we settled into our designated seats and prepared ourselves for Max and Co. part two. Five waiting for the (hopefully) fun to begin. Yes five! Even Master 13 decided to join us for family movie night.

And the verdict... Surprisingly good... In our opinion so much better than the first one, great, wholesome family fun. At least three and a half paw prints, maybe four... If you have not seen it yet give it a go and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Love is in the air and so is a koala at Belair National Park

Yesterday was a busy one for us. After Nen and I tackled our first (of many) Murray Bridge Park Runs along the bank of the gorgeous River Murray we hurried home to get ready to go out again. The Laws had been invited to the beautiful Belair National Park with a secret password - ENGAGED... Friends Emma and Mike are getting married and we were lucky enough to join other friends and family to help these two celebrate their love for each other.

The trip from The Bridge to Belair was confusing (thanks GOOGLE) but once we got to the Joseph Fisher Picnic Ground we settled in nicely and pitched the LAW/CROOK feasting area. Fine food, finer company and the sense that love was indeed in the air made for a lovely afternoon. The weather was great with plenty of tracks for the dads and kids to explore.

We saw birds galore, fox holes and even a koala climbing higher and higher (maybe it was searching for peace and quiet).

We discovered old friends and new and I can't wait for the two Tims to catch up and pop the top on a rich red while the wives continue bonding over bubbles and the kids run amok. Such a fun afternoon.

Many thanks Emma and Mike... Oh and congratulations by the way!

Park Run number one (hopefully of many)...

I've been hearing about this global phenomenon that started in London (Bushy Park, Teddington) about 15 years ago. A 5km course that is 'run' every Saturday morning across the globe. This free communal fitness fetish which encourages members to walk, run or jog the distance has become part of my brother-in-law's routine for a few weeks now, something that his whole family is doing. As every good brother-in-law does I thought I would go along to one and support.

Of course I had my wonderful side-kick join me too. Miss Nen kept pace with her Aunty and little Squidge while my mate Hicksy and I ran, jogged and walked with Maddy and Tills.

Fine weather, fine company and a chance to chat with so many. I handed out the high fives and found encouragement came thick and fast as runners sped past.

Our first Park Run was great fun and I for one cannot wait to go again! I now can totally understand what all the fuss is about.

Thanks Mel and the volunteers for doing a great job running the show and thanks to all my friends who have encouraged us to give it a go.

I think Miss Nen is so keen she wants to go next week with out me. Super dooper proud!

A visit from Eddie - A chance to show off flexibility, teamwork and the pull power of a star

When Eddie Betts says he wants to visit you find a way to make it happen. Regardless of where he is going next year and what he will be doing in 2020 there is no denying that Eddie Betts is the poster boy for kindness. Eddie's Lil Homies is a great book series for young children (0 to 6 years) which features the great goal sneak embracing his indigenous culture with pride (My People) and encouraging us to all be a little bit nicer by showing our kinder sides (My Kind). Eddie and his amazing team have recently been visiting Libraries and other locations throughout South Australia with one place luck enough to host being us.

This has been the biggest event ever planned for the library where I work with almost 300 members of the community (mostly children) expected. With that many people using a library in such a way needs planning, paperwork and a dedicated team to pull off such an event. Luckily I have risk assessment experts that I can call on, a great team and some great advisers. With such great support what could possibly go wrong...

Nothing!!!

Wednesday, October 9th we hosted Eddie and everything went to plan. With between 260 and 270 people attending we found we still had room to spare. Eddie was relaxed, a truly charismatic performer who was honest about past struggles and someone who knew his message and delivered it well.

In my mind we have proven we can successfully host big events with popular performers and authors. I am looking forward to our next big event with Judy Nunn at the end of the month and then what ever opportunities next.

Father's Day - A chance to celebrate family

In Australia the first Sunday of September is Father's Day. This year it just so happened to fall on September 1. In recent years we have found it easier to meet with my Dad and my wife's Dad on the day before as often we have ventured forth on a family outing to the Royal Adelaide Show on the actual Father's Day day. This year I was hoping to avoid the crazy crowds of people who normally attend the Show on the weekend, instead hoping to relive some of my fondest childhood memories at a nearby waterfall. Although the Saturday plan seemed to succeed with both dads seen and fed our Father's Day family plan unfortunately did not eventuate. Instead our focus was on our newest and smallest family member, a little ball of mischief named Patches.

We can always visit Mannum falls another time. Family is important, whether feathered, fury or not. I hope everyone had the chance to reflect, focus on family and what is important and to catch-up with those you love.

Inspiried and energised in the Land of Libraries

I have recently had the opportunity to venture forth, out from behind my desk and rub shoulders once again with my peers. The bi-annual South Australian Libraries conference held on the first Monday and Tuesday of September attracted many a South Aussie colleague as well as a few representatives from interstate. We had presentations from futurists, analysts and even a Teacher Librarian. From attending the two days I came away with my eyes opened regarding jobs of the future, possible library trends and the current state of our school libraries. All in all it was a great two days and I look forward to further working with some of the presenters, keeping in touch with the wonderful girls from Adelady (MCs for the conference) and doing what I can to try and support the future of all libraries.

First though I need to get my head back on straight, unpackage the wealth of new knowledge and bring my Managers and my team up to speed... If only there were another seven days in every week...

The future of Libraries is bright, but only if we learn to head toward the light and not chose to remain in the dark.

Forget tripping the light fantastic... I'm seeking the happy medium...

Let's face a fact right now, straight off the bat... It is a well known and accepted fact that you just cannot please everyone. Even working for a community library where you offer books, magazines, toys, music, movies and so much more for free (YES!! FFFFRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!) you still find that there are people you just cannot please.

At the library where I work once a month we have a local musician or band come in and play for an hour on the weekend. The aim is to bring more young people into the library as a hangout space, a place where you can catch up with mates and just let some awesome tunes wash over you. We are incredibly blessed with the young talent in my local community and I think it is a great opportunity to give this talent somewhere to play. If I had a bigger budget I think we would probably do it more.

Loud libraries are not for everyone though. Sadly we have had complaints about the 'noise'. I think this is a challenge for libraries these days, looking for that pot of gold event or service that brings the hordes regularly through the doors. More and more we we are looking for ways to bring the fun and chaos which creates excitement in kids and giggles and squeals of laughter from toddlers as they come near our doors and then rush on in. I have a feeling that libraries are only going to get louder.

Where then do we find that happy medium? How do we encourage the crazy while holding a space for the business meetings, the travellers on Skype and the Uni students needing a corner for some quiet study... More and more we are trying to achieve mission impossible... More and more libraries especially are trying to be everything for everyone... As this is something that is not going to change any time quickly I have only one thing to say... Challenge accepted!!

Fun and frivolity in the court of King Tim

Last night I was able to swap my wizard's robes for a King's crown. My 40th birthday party was hosted at our local Community Club with a dress up theme of medieval, finally an opportunity for me to be King for the day. I loved that nearly everyone I hoped could be there was there and that almost everyone who did come along to help me celebrate another decade of life were garbed in wonderful, colourful costume. We had Princesses and Knights galore, a peasant or two and of course my stunningly beautiful Queen. Jousting was fun (I cannot count the number of times I was knocked off my hobby-horse) and the cake was delicious (thanks to the truly, amazingly talented Nikki) with not a single slice left over. I loved how excited everyone was about their costumes and how huge a surprise it was to see who or what walked through the doors. We had a delightful pair of dragons, an Enchanter named... TIM! as well as a wonderful witch (may we burn her?) and Arthur himself along with his lady... So many wonderful characters.

Our local Community Club was again a terrific venue. There may not have been a lot of groovers on the dance floor (something about my choice of tunes) but I heard many comments on the photos of me from my younger years as well as captured memories of more recent years.

I need to thank my very generous friends and family for some wonderful gifts I will enjoy now and some gifts that will certainly be enjoyed very soon. Thanks a million to the wonderful Spezzano who delivered the Royal family there and back again in our van even when the elements were unkind. An extra special thanks goes to Hicksy for the popcorn and jelly cups and to Sunnie for those sandwiches that like magic just vanished the moment we took the plastic wrap off. Thanks also go to the wonderful Princess Larissa who helped out where and whenever we needed. The biggest heart shaped thanks I need to save for my gorgeous Queen Heidi. The efforts behind the scenes from my darling wife were phenomenal. Queen of the Party and Queen Party-planner. Thank you sweetness... Thank you for EVERYTHING.

So much fun... I should have turned 40 years ago...

The final diary entry of Professor Martin Peaceman - a short story

Tuesday, January 1st 1901, 12:05 am

I know now that I should never have come. I should not have accepted the invitation from my good friend Patrick Featherson to observe the strange comet from the observation tower of his brand new hotel. It was too good an opportunity to miss though and it had been years since Patrick and I had graduated from Oxford so I caught the train from London. At Bath many of the passengers  exited my carriage and for a moment I was alone. Enjoying the quiet and watching the quaint countryside flash by I was interrupted from my pleasant reverie by a balded gentleman in a three piece suit. I nodded greeting before returning to the scenery.
"Professor Peaceman..." the stranger began. It was not a greeting and in fact it shocked me that this unknown figure seemed to know whom I was. There was a certainty and an urgency both in how it was he pronounced my title and surname.
"Exit at Exeter..." he added.
I turned, chuckling at the unusual choice of phrase. My just as clever response was on the very tip of my tongue prepared for swift delivery. As I turned from the window I discovered however that the figure had already gone. The carriage was empty, it were as if the strange exchange might never have happened. Troubled, I returned to the ever changing panorama, but no longer did the English countryside bring me simple joy. My thoughts were clouded, troubled, my humors upset.

Exeter came and went. Immediately I regretted not heading the strange suggestion of the man in the suit as a family of eight crammed into my lonely space. Seemingly none knew how to respect the sanctity of silence. The travel to Bodmin Parkway was excruciating. Fifty or so questions sent my way I ignored until I could bare it no longer.
"Halley's Comet is not due to be seen with the naked eye until 1910! I doubt very much that the coming of a new year would cause such a phenomenon to change!" I announced haughtily. I did not mention the calculations I had made predicting our planet would traverse through the tail on this occasion. I thought it enough to settle the argument and bring again the carriage to peace that I could confirm the orange glow we had all been witnessing in our skies was not the famous celestial.
"Professor Peaceman..." stated a child amongst the party invading my carriage. "You missed your stop at Exeter..."
I looked hard then at the child and noted the small crescent moon tattooed under his left eye. Examining each family member in turn I saw the same mark repeated. Casting my mind back I realised that the balded man had a similar mark. My blood chilled. I excused myself and rushed from the cabin. Expecting to be followed I hurried through the train as it drew into the final station on the line. The family remained seated however, making no move to pursue me. Two others did exit onto the platform as the train slowed to a halt. I did my best to seek out a sign of the tattoo on each but saw naught to concern me. I took the rear seat of the omnibus to Tintagel and looked behind as the rocky ride began. The family remained on the platform, chatting with the man in the three piece. The boy watched me go, waving forlornly. Unsure of how to respond I gave a wave of my own.

I soon discovered that the two who had joined me on the bus were local, returning to their homes in a hurry as the vehicle finally reached its destination. I was to ask the driver for directions to my friend's hotel but it was not necessary. A hulking monstrosity sat upon the horizon, almost completed, emblazoned  in lights, a beacon summoning me forth.
"Martin! Welcome!" came a well remembered call. My friend Patrick had brought the open cab with a pair of spirited, white steeds to save me a quarter mile stroll.
We chatted like old friends who'd not had years apart and yet what we spoke of was the stuff that filled in that extended gap. I was impressed with the entrance hall of Patrick's grand establishment and the quality brandy with which we sipped as he conducted the tour.
"I've plans to name her The King Arthur's Camelot Castle Hotel... For the tourists of course..." Patrick explained, always seeking a pound. "You are my first guest, but I am expecting a dozen more later this evening..." he added, a version of an apology I suppose. In an attempt to lighten the mood my host and friend then steered us up a flight of ornate steps, a hundred at least and at the top of the flight presented his telescope.
"Please! Sit! Observe... Such a strange sight I needed you to witness it with me so I could confirm I was not dreaming..." Patrick insisted.
Without hesitation I did as was bade. I'd been watching this orb for a week now, since it had first made an appearance upon our spacescape. The smog of the city was unkind though compared with the clear and clean skies of lonely Tintagel. What I witnessed took my breath. A powerful ball of flame drawing quite close. I made a few quick calculations and whistled loudly.
"We might just meet this one head on Patrick..." I exclaimed. My previous views had suggested we were nowhere near the comet's path but the smog had made true vision difficult. Here I could be surer.
"I know..." breathed my friend in reply. "I have a room set up for you Martin, but you are also welcome to settle upon the pallet here... Keep a close eye of the skies..."

I took the pallet for my own and spent the remainder of the afternoon with one eye on the heavens. Another omnibus arrived after sunset and my friend again took the horses out to collect his new arrivals. I heard the hubbub below as the new arrivals settled. A fine meal of coc a vin was delivered by Patrick and for a few moments we chatted about my observations, the telescope clearer still in the purity of night.
"Where and when? Where and when?" Patrick asked, eagerly.
As best I could calculate I informed him it would be somewhere in the Celtic Sea within the following seventy-two hours.
As Patrick left I was unsure if I'd heard him mutter something, he seemed deflated.

The evening wore on and a Great Grandfather Clock in the entrance hall struck the witching hour as I tore my eye from the scope. My ears had caught the sound of singing. I rose, stretching my limbs as I headed down the steps to investigate. The song was in Latin, but the words I could not comprehend. The harmony grew louder as I drew closer to the entrance hall. Bursting in I discovered a dozen figures in mail all sat around a replica of Arthur's famous table. In the center of said table was my friend, dressed in a white gown, a large knife embedded in his back, crimson pooled about his prostrated form.
"Patrick!" I cried, aghast...
"Return Martin to the best seat in the house!!" Patrick called back at me with hysteric urgency. "Tonight we make history!!"
Not knowing what to do I fled as he suggested. A hunch drew my eye back to the telescope and I noted with horror that the comet's trajectory had shifted. It had increased its speed and would now land somewhat nearer, possibly upon the very hotel my friend had built. The sound below me seemed to be conjoined with the sight above. The chanting grew in volume as the flaming orb became everything the scope could view. As the glass rattled from the deep baritones I found I could see that the ball hurtling toward us was actually a creature, though nothing I'd ever witnessed on this Earth. Soon the telescope was no longer needed, the naked eye suffice to see every detail of the monster from the heavens who came to deliver our doom. My mind exploded as the beast discovered my mind and flooded it with phantasmal sights of things to come.

I pen these final words as the chanting ceases and that which I have witnessed in my mind is now coming true. I should never have come. And yet gladdened am I to have had a front row seat of not just my destruction but the true ending of us all...

An entertaining tale - review of The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister

Just on a whim I spotted The Magician's Lie come via the return chute at work. We had marked it with an orange dot, something we reserve for detective novels, crime and mystery... The cover and title both caught my eye but it was the blurb that sold me. I love stories with strong female characters and this one promised to be impressive.

Greer Macallister has written a clever story which played out like a thrilling Hollywood blockbuster, weaving back and forth just over a decade at a time where illusionists were the highlight of entertainment. The story is told in a way that it captures the thrill of owning the stage, describing a true performer completely and utterly in their element.

The true sign of a great story is how sad you are that the story has ended. The Magician's Lie has made me very sorrowful indeed. Truly I wish it could have continued for a hundred pages more at least. Well paced, full of twists and turns with a brilliant cast of heroes and villains.

For anyone looking for a brilliant story I can thoroughly recommend this one. I wish I could write this well...

A trip to Meningie and four clean cats

Today is the day I celebrate the day I said "I do" to a wonderful girl named Heidi. Over the 16 years of our amazing marriage we have achieved so much together. I certain would not be the manager of our local library if I did not have this incredible woman in my life. We also would not have a house full of three beautiful, special kids and a menagerie of animals (four cats now and a rabbit) if this Cancer had met such a fiery Scorpio and fallen so deeply in love. To celebrate our magical romance my darling girl found a delicious looking seafood platter for two in Meningie, South Australia. So after dropping the kids off to school (1 and 2 then 3) and giving our new kitten a bath it was time to venture off as a couple an hour down the country road and on to the quaint little township of Meningie on Lake Albert.

We arrived in Meningie with our minds a whirl, full of fun memories from the family weekend we had taken in this town. We headed straight for our destination, the Cheese Factory Museum and Restaurant only to find upon arrival at 11:30am that the doors to the restaurant were shut and locked tight. A sign on the door suggested lunch was available from 12noon so we quickly nipped back into town to do the Pelican Walk and reminisce some more. Returning to the Cheese Factory by the suggested lunch time we discovered an elderly couple seeking the same thing we were but no open doors. Upon giving the phone number on the door I discovered that the lunch staff were all down with the flu and sadly there would be no seafood platter for two for anyone that day. The (much) older couple suggested we try the Meningie Hotel instead with plans to return on a later date in search of ocean yumminess. Great advice taken up we discovered a delightful steak and Guinness pie for one and a fair serve of fish and chips for my wife. Deliciousness and satisfaction almost covered the disappointment we had for a great plan ruined.

Upon leaving Meningie with tummies full we passed a deal of a life time and pulled over for a bag of fresh caught Coorong Mullet (best fish ever in my experience). That should make for an awesome tea tomorrow... Can't wait...

Home again home again only to discover another scritchy scratchy feline. Into the sink with Max, followed by Ginger and finally (for the sake of consistency) Fred... All clean and looking like drowned rats. Certainly not happy cats but a lot less scratching.

All in all a lovely day out with the love of my life and even more memories to carry on to our seventeenth.
Now it is full steam ahead toward my big 4 and Oh... King for a day and fool for a life time...

Huzzah!!!

Fun and games and a special party

Another wonderful gathering of family and friends this weekend just gone. We headed over to Casa de Crook as their youngest took the lime light upon turning one year old. A great afternoon with fine food and company. The girl of the hour was in fine form entertaining all with her older siblings keeping the younger visitors on their toes. The after party in true Crook/Law style consisted of amazing pizza, gossip and a board game or two. Hicksy and I managed finally to defeat the initial scenario of Mansion of Madness and Hicksy also managed to introduce me to a new Sci-Fi (space) themed game. A massive day extended to yet another great night.

Sunday has been a day of clean up and tidy with my angel and I getting stuck into rearranging our robe so it is no longer an obstacle course getting things in and out. Our little rabbit got a much needed run around the backyard and we got a semi-planned visit from those Crooks. Rabbit caught with no trouble (too cold and too indecisive) but I got a lesson in gaming from Ben. We couldn't venture into the Manson of Madness for scenario two so gave Space Race another run. I was cruising to an epic victory until I opened my big mouth... "How do you get Victory Points, Ben?" was my question before the man himself pulled off the comeback of all comebacks... I take my hat off to the true MASTER of board games... I'll think twice in future before saying what's on my mind...

Cats and Crows good wins... Aussies doing well in the cricket and tennis... And the musician that played at work for our Sunday Sessions at the Library sounds like a hit... All in all a brilliant long weekend.

Happy birthday to Her Majesty the Queen!

Cannot wait until my birthday when I can be King for the day...

Signing off until next time, Tim the Wizard!

A great recommendation - The Painted Man

It has been quite a while between posts, busy with home life and a big project at work. Somehow I have managed to fit in a great recommendation from a great mate, The Painted Man written by Peter V Brett (cheers Matt for the suggestion). This top notch fantasy has rekindled my love for the genre.

The trio of main characters are well written and their individual stories unfold in a very clever fashion. I love the way the enemies (demons) are described, creating a fearful tingle down my spine each time they appear.

If you are a fan of Tolkien, Martin and the like then Peter V Brett's Demon Saga is well worth a read.

Five wards out of five for The Painted Man!

The weekend of nothing

Sometimes we have a weekend that starts on Friday and doesn't stop until Sunday night. Fun social catchups so full to bursting that by the time Monday rolls around again you feel like yo need another weekend to recover. This Friday was unique though. When a colleague from work asked "What is on THIS weekend..?" I thought for a moment and realised we had nothing planned... Indeed a rarity, or at least so it seems lately. Nothing planned never means a truly lazy weekend though.

This was our nothing planned... After knocking off at 6 from work I got home to a delicious lamb shank pie (buy local... support local) with an easy night of TV watching with the loves of my life, my wife and kids (well at least two of the three). Saturday was a day of pottering, Thumpy our rabbit had a day out the cage and aside from tidying a bit around the house, cooking up damper for breakfast and BBQ T-bone steaks for tea the most memorable thing we did as a family was movie night. Spider Man into the Spiderverse was a flick we had not been sure of when it hit cinemas but there was enough interest from me and my son to convince everyone to give it a go once it came out on DVD. A memorable weekend moment for us since it was not the film that I expected and it was a film that all five of the family sat down together and watched. I love that time we all spend together doing something that we all enjoy.

Sunday has been great too, the Laws hitting the local country market and catching up with the Crook family. Lots to buy (again buy local... support local) with yummy doughnuts, cheese cake, pasties and other goodies as well as candles, bath bombs and things that smell yum.

Now I feel slightly rested and ready for a full on week ahead. Networking in Adelaide on Monday (where I am the final presenter of the day), jam packed Tuesday, day off Wednesday for Sports Day with the girls (Go Sturt!!!), Thursday another crazy day at work with Friday Law pizzeria where we (Miss H and I) cook up a storm and basically feed the school (students and teachers) with healthy and yummy home made pizzas. Follow this with library shifts on the Saturday and Sunday and I'll be done.

Wish me luck!!!

Two birthdays and a sad farewell

This weekend has seen the Laws celebrating the glorious Saturday sunshine helping our young friend celebrate down by the river. Lots of fun party games with a unicorn twist and one of the heartiest piñatas I have seen in quite some time. It was great to see the river busy and all the kids there seemed to have a wonderful time. Well done to the mum and dad for creating such a fun day for their daughter and for everyone who came along...

Straight home from a day in the sun to pick up the boy and then off to the Community Center to help our dear friend Paul mark an important birthday ending in an O... Fine food, fun company and stage for the kids to dance upon...

Then home again to decide we are far too full for tea before I took my wonderful son to the movies to see Captain Marvel (me for the second time, Master 12 for the first time). A brilliant film at a great price (thanks Choovie), this time I remembered to wait to the very end of the credits for both cut scenes and not just one...

Today we had another celebration, this one hosted at our local Girl Guide Hall. A fond farewell and a true acknowledgment of an epic career tinged with an undertone of sadness and frustration. A truly amazing woman whose dedication to Guides was cut short... Their loss is the gain of our local library... I look forward to working with Tawny now and far into the future...

Such a massive weekend...

The Magic of Music at the Library

I love the Sunday Sessions we put on at work. The second Sunday of each month for a little while now the hallowed halls of the Library where I work have been ringing with the sweet sounds of local talent as musicians known and unknown set up in our meeting rooms and play out to our café and kids area. It helps the Sunday shift fly past quicker, creates a delightful atmosphere and will quite often draw quite a crowd. This weekend just gone those who graced the Library with their visitation were lucky enough to get a double dose. We had a ukulele group play followed by a local star destined for the big time just before we lost him back to Victoria. Just another reason why I love my job...

One epic cat party

How does it feel to be hit by a train... I honestly don't know (thankfully) but it might be something similar to hosting a nine year old birthday sleepover followed by a full blown birthday party the following day. It has been a very fun filled two days with Miss Boo turning 9 earlier in the week and the excitement building for a sleep over with three close friends and then a MASSIVE Cat themed birthday with so many kids running around our yard. It was great to see so many friends and family gathered to help us celebrate.

We had all the usuals, pass the parcel (to Queen's Somebody to Love), a cat piñata (quite the drama when it lost its head) and pin the tail on Pusheen… A truly epic way to turn 9 years old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our darling daughter... A super leopard and true cat enthusiast... I hear that train a coming... Toot! Toot! Meow!!

The Marketing Magician (or how to pull an interested crowd out of your hat)...

One of the BIGGEST challenges of libraries today is to get bodies through the door, physical visitations are dropping as members choose to access offered online services choosing a 24 hour service over actually walking into a library for face to face. One of the major worries I have is how do we get big crowds to consistently attend our events (author visits, guest speakers, children's activities and sessions for youth). It is so frustrating when a free film that has been booked out for weeks has no kids show up for because it is way too hot and everyone is down at the pool or river cooling off.

We have an amazing event coming up on Sunday next week where (thanks to Penguin Publishing) author Molly Murn is appearing to promote her new novel Heart of the Glass Tree and I am hoping for quite a crowd but with only a week to promote my fingers, toes and other appendages are firmly crossed awaiting that miracle every marketing magician hopes for.

Wish me luck!

The simple joys of a 90s comedian

Hi name is Bean... A comical character from the early nineties who had a brilliant three season TV series and two follow up movies. I have been lucky enough to find the TV series at work so of course I just had to borrow it and bring it home for my family to enjoy. The five of us have all watched the two Bean movies and loved the silliness of this style of humour. I have been happily surprised that the TV shows are just as funny and just as silly as my wife and I both fondly recall. Our lounge has echoed with the sweet sound of happy tears as we have all enjoyed this classic comedy.

When life gives you lemons

It seems the age old saying "When life gives you lemons..." has had a recent upgrade. We have had a rough couple of weeks where it hasn't just rained but flooded. My wife and I have been seriously struggling with Master 12 (almost 13) on his next leg of his educational journey. As if this is not enough we have had a serious shock with another family member... Enough to call in the reinforcements and have a few catch-ups with some amazing friends.

The apex of this stress has resulted in a great night last night where all of our lemons we have been dealing with have been turned into an epic, late night session of home made beef burgers and a few glasses of champagne. What a brilliant night shared with an intimate group of close, special friends.

Those of you who have shown you care over the last few weeks (you know who you are)... Thank you... Truly thank you for being there when we have needed you the most... You are indeed true friends...

After quite a wait a fitting end to an entertaining family favourite

I have a confession to make... I am a terrible Librarian... I love my job, love serving the community and visitors from interstate and overseas and I think I'm fairly good at it... What I need to admit though is I've now seen all three films in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy and I have not read a single one of the multitude of books in our children's area at work. Me! Mister "The Book is ALWAYS better" is yet to read a single word from this series. From watching the third (and definitely final) film of this wonderful trilogy I am now keen to start from the beginning and work my way through.

On to the movie now... After the wonderment of the original and then the shock happening in the sequel I was completely put off from watching the TV series. It works out I didn't have to... I have a son who watched it all religiously and then wanted to debate with me whether or not certain weapons or dragon breeds or characters would appear in The Secret World. I felt ready when the Law family took our seats and the screen went dark, ready and a little excited. I was sooooooooooo not disappointed. What a brilliant film, a cleverly progressed storyline (I can only assume was partly concocted from the television and then seamlessly continued), lots and lots and lots of dragons and a REALLY cool villain...

I found the whole family were entertained throughout the entire running time of the film (great pace), a nice mix of drama and humour and the ending was so perfect it brought a tear to my eye. If you have not seen this or any of the other films in this franchise do yourself a favour… Watch them in order (and the TV series if you want) and enjoy the magic of Vikings and Dragons with your kids or if you can't then do it with your inner child at least. Enjoy! We sure did...

A day at the beach

There is nothing like a day out with family. It is especially special when the sun is shining and it is not very windy. Turning this weekend into an extra especially special one is a trip away to Sellicks Beach. We love this beach because the waves are not too big close to shore and generally the water is calm. We can also drive the car onto the sand making it easy to get everyone and everything right on the shore for beach time fun.

I fondly recall many a visit to Goolwa beach growing up. My Grandparents had a house they had built themselves only twenty meters from the start of the dunes, about half way along Dent street. Many an Easter, Christmas or anytime at all we would spend catch-ups with my Mum's side (the Boogs) where it would be me, my two brothers and our nine cousins hanging out. I'd try to ride the waves (when there were any) with the rest, more often than not getting dumped by the random cruelty of the ocean and a lack of coordination while many of my cousins far more agile than I would take their boogie boards from the thrashing surf safely into shore.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of boards in the shed of our weekend escape and eagerly packed them to take with us today. My thoughts of unlived grandeur were short-lived however as three boards and five kids does not leave much time for a dad/uncle to have a go. Instead I got to proudly watch the next generation of Law/Crook tackling the waves bravely and winning.

There truly is nothing like a spontaneous escape that just all falls perfectly in place. We may need to make this a regular occurrence... Hang Ten dudes!!!