Thu 01: First day of 2010/2011 Financial Year. I downloaded eTax 2010 late last night. A pleasant day at work. A good sleep in between the morning and afternoon parts of my shift. Got home and did my Income Tax and my BAS. Did Witt's income tax too. Still very cold and dry in Perth.

Fri 02: My last day with Path Transit. An early morning visit to number 5 to collect my Final Day At Work cake - a home-made ginger cake with lemon icing (and a nut at each corner ... I don't know if there is a deeper meaning to that!). The cake was put on display at 0600 and finished by lunchtime. I got the first slice - very enjoyable - thanks, Mum. I did some running around during my lunch break and had a quiet afternoon. Home to repair a webpage link (this page was not accessible from the 2010 Diary link for July - only through June 2010's following month link. Ron arrived back in Perth after 10 months away. He's staying here tonight. Troy (and Amy) are having 2 nights at Observation City.

Sat 03: I was planning on going to Rottnest Island for the day - but at $83 a head for the round trip, I decided not to go. Plan B was to be the Circus ... Circus Royale is back in Perth for the first time in 15 years - and at $30 a head for a ringside seat - probably better value for money. Not bad - but a bit tired and jaded (the acts). The performers were good - but look like they need a holiday too. The 3pm show was 2/3 full - most people enjoyed it, but I'll only rate it 6.5 out of 10. Then again - it was a full 2 hours (with a short intermission). School holidays have started in WA. Cold tonight - so the air-con gets another workout tonight.

Sun 04: (Balladonia) Max's 50th birthday. I was hoping to get down to Mandurah and visit. Also hoped to drop into Cohunu Wildlife Park and also visit David and Sandra (former Madura managers). Plans fell apart because it was too cold, my car decided it wanted some TLC (and oil) and Witt had too much to do before Troy, Witt and I headed to Perth International Airport at 2100 (9pm).

Mon 05: Witt flew from Perth-Singapore-Bangkok at 0005 today. He sent me a SMS to let me know he arrived safety in Singapore on Jetstar's flight JQ109 at 0530 (5.30am). I had a quiet day. Did some research, a bit of shopping and helped Tracey defrost the freezer.

Tue 06: Not much to report today. Slept in until 1030 (10.30am), did some paperwork and research; went out around 1500 (3pm) for a bit of shopping and had an early dinner (around 1800 / 6pm). I don't have any plans until next Monday.

Wed 07: Still cool and dry in Perth. Tracey went out this afternoon - I stayed home all day. The plumber arrived on time and fixed Troy's toilet. Made a couple of roast dinners (one beef, one pork). The element in the oven works when it wants too. Glen (one of T & T's half brothers) came over and stayed the night. I think Troy has a few jobs for him to do tomorrow.

Thu 08: Witt's birthday. Up at 0830, tried to phone Witt. Initially without success. But - I am persistant and finally got through and wished Witt a happy birthday. Took Tracey to her Doctor's appointment in Leederville at 12.30pm, then headed off to see Vivienne at 2pm in Riverton/Shelley. Amazing how fast things can change. I am off to Waroona (and back to Perth) tomorrow; learning the Fremantle - Airport Shuttle on Saturday and then driving Perth to Waroona and back on Sunday. From Monday, I will be spending a lot of my time in the Office .

Fri 09: Heavy shower of rain woke me around 0330 as a front passed through Perth - then it was back to sleep. Perth recorded around 58mm of rain overnight - desperately needed after such a dry start to winter (the season where almost all Perth's rainfall occurs). Tracey drove me to work before taking Ron and Edge out for lunch and (window) shopping. A good trip down to Waroona and back - despite the lingering showers. Weather Bureau tips (rain) showers for the next week. A bit tough starting work today and asking for holidays - but they have been approved. I have the last 2 weeks of October this year off - a week in Thailand and a week on the east coast of Australia (subject to verification by my other half). As an aside - Australia's new PM (Ms Julia Gillard) is in Perth - dodging eggs. My tip for the next Federal Election: Late August.

Sat 10: My goodness, July is racing away. Day 10 already! Had a phone call from Witt's aunt in Khon Kaen (Thailand) and his mother (in Norseman). Sent Witt a SMS begging him to contact them both. Finally caught up with him by phone. Arrived at work at 0815, had a quick read of today's newspaper and then assisted Vivian and Franchesco on the Fremantle-Airport Shuttle. Checked tomorrow's roster and then went to number 5 and caught up with mum and Ian. Scored a cup of tea and a slice of ... health slice. Next - visited Ron in Mirrabooka and caught up on his news. Finally - around 1930, made it home to unwind. More rain all day - looks like hanging around until the end of the coming week.

Sun 11: Showers, the risk of a thunderstorm and small hail. That's the forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for today and tomorrow in Perth. I drove from Yokine to Waroona and back today and encountered some heavy weather conditions which really tested my driving skills. Home to unwind and get ready for tomorrow. A bit of good news - my weight is now under 90kg for the first time in a couple of years!

Mon 12: Disappointment today - I weighed in at 90.4kg. When I get time, I promise to exercise. At the moment I am learning a new job. Today is a 1530 (3.30pm) start and finish at 0000 (midnight) - on he Fremantle shuttle.

Tue 13: A reasonable sleep overnight - fortunate as I was very tired last night. A lot to do today - posted Witt's parcel and redirected mail, did a bit of shopping etc before heading out to Willeton. One I started, things were at full-pace almost all night. Glad to get home and quickly unwind before going to bed to sleep.

Wed 14: A bit of news to impart today - started work at 1300 (1pm) and finished at 0030 (12.30am). Very tiring - but at least I have tomorrow off. Then I can catch up with Mum and Ian, do my washing, shopping etc. Cold and dry again today. My weight is back to just under the 90kg mark - I think from eating less and sweating at night.

Thu 15: I planned to get a lot done today - and managed to get 90% of my list cleared by 1800 hours (6pm) tonight. It's going to be another cold night tonight - so the first thing I did when I got home was to bring in my laundry off the clothes line. It was dry but very cold. Tracey created an interesting dinner tonight - a small piece of rump steak with enchilada and stir-fry vegetables ... interesting. Tasted better than it sounds. Replied to a few emails and expanded My Bookmarks web page. My tax refund hasn't arrived yet.

Fri 16: Late to bed last night - but up at 0600 - then I made a sensible decision and went back to bed. Although the garden bag isn't being collected until the end of this month, I decided to prune the two rose bushes at the front of the house and make a start on the pomegranate tree.

Sat 17: I had a reasonable sleep overnight - a fine and sunny day in Perth, although the temperature battled to climb to 16ºC. Tomorrow is worse: chance of a shower, 3ºC overnight, 16ºC during the day. A brief day doing the Fremantle-Airport Shuttle today - then home for dinner. In breaking news this morning, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has asked he Governor General to disolve parliament and call an election for the House of Representatives and half the Senate on 21 August. Australians who have not registered to vote only have Monday, 19 July until 2000 hours (8pm) to register. According to Get Up, 1 in 10 eligible voters, and an incredible 50% of 18 year olds, aren't enrolled to vote and even more are yet to update their details.

Sun 18: I was hoping to work today, but things are quiet and there is no need for 2 shuttles to be operating this afternoon and evening - so I have today off - to catch up on my share of the housework, laundry and gardening. A pleasant 16ºC outside so I better get motivated. Troy and Amy have gone to update their Electoral Roll details and go to the pictures with Dale (one of Troy's halfbrothers).

Mon 19: Had problems sleeping last night - still wide awake at 2300 (11pm). Had a warm milk drink and managed to sleep well until nature called. Up at 0900 had a meeting at 12.30pm and then straight off to work on the Fremantle Shuttle. Finished at 2230 (10.30pm) - then home to unwind. I don't start work tomorrow until 1330 (1.30pm), but I have a lot to do tomorrow morning. Did my income tax on 01 July - but it still isn't in my bank.

Tue 20: Woke around 0900 and checked my bank account. No tax refund (yet). At least I slept better last night as Tracey rubbed some Metsal cream into my neck. Received a welcome email from Derek (in Thailand). He celebates 3 years in LOS soon. I have decided to knuckle down and get a lot more organised (by the end of this month).

Wed 21: A carbon-copy of yesterday. Up around 0900, very cold overnight. Worked from 1230 (12.30pm) to 0045 (12.45am). A long day - but a quiet one. Managed to read today's paper from cover to cover and do some PR work too.

Thu 22: Started work at 11.45am today. Trained on one of TW's coach runs. A glorious sunny day in Perth - but the Weather Bureau is tipping 4ºC tonight so I better rug up. Going to be an early night for a change even though I start work tomorrow around lunchtime.

Fri 23: Broken sleep overnight as I preheated by bed using my electric blanket (on high) and forgot to either turn it down or off. Woke around 0100 'cooking.' Took a while to get back to sleep again. A long day at work - started at 1130 (11.30am) and finished at midnight. A hectic but enjoyable day. Things in Perth are slowly falling into place ... I think. I am fairly positive. Things in Thailand are also fairly positive. Witt is buying his new motor bike tomorrow.

Sat 24: I thought ALL months went quickly when you get older - but July 2010 is an exception. A lot has happened this month. I left Transperth, Witt went to Thailand, I have had a sea-change (without leaving home) ... and more. Went to bed and fell asleep almost straight away at 0100. Woke at 0930; went to the local post office and mail centre to collect parcels, then dropped into number 5 to catch up on the news. Ian has done a magnificent job painting the Super 6 fence. Mum has been busy pruning her prized rose bushes. Also managed to catch up with my brother, Brian. Back home and had a semi-relaxing time - just did the washing and remade my bed - nothing exciting here ... move on, folks.

Sun 25: A long time ago (probably in a different lifetime), I used to enjoy gardening. Not any more. My son, Troy, reminded me that TODAY was the last change we both had to do a lot of pruning as TOMORROW morning, the local council starts their verge green waste bulk collection. I didn't realise how serious Troy was. About half our front verge is covered by neatly stacked tree branches. Now I ache all over and I am sure my hands have been cut to ribbons by thorns and spiky branches. I got some sympathy from my daughter, Tracey, who rubbed Dettol antiseptic cream on them.

Mon 26: I have today as a day off work - so Troy 'suggested' I finish the pruning. Heavy overnight rain and a sleep-in this morning. A real 'nothing sort of day. Tracey went to see her mother, I did a bit of shopping and had dinner with a mate (Ron). Vivian spent the weekend in Singapore - due back tomorrow. No work tomorrow - so I get to sleep in again.

Tue 27: Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel ... my boss phoned just after 0900 asking me to come in for a couple of hours. Nevertheless, I am having a serious look at other employment avenues - including bringing forward my trip to Thailand - so I may be there for my birthday (in another 3 weeks).

Wed 28: Another 4 hours of work today - from 2pm to 6pm (or thereabouts). I am looking at what else is available - either to supplement my hours OR a complete sea (or desert) change. A glorious day (weatherwise) today - sunshine all afternoon - but it got cool quickly. I have spent the last few days trying to contact Witt in Thailand without success. Witt - mother is concerned about you. I think Witt is getting organised for next year's university studies.

Thu 29: A longer day today ... 10 hours. I feel a bit happier. Started the day with a trip to Fremantle Passenger Terminal to meet the Sun Princess, which has been on a 21 day tour from Fremantle to Bali, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia (and back). A few trips to Perth domestic airport and back to Fremantle then off to Claremont in a full-sized bus. Home via number 5 and Mirrabooka (hello, Ron!) then just getting settled in when the power (electricity) failed for 2 hours - after a car hit a power pole and blacked out my whole suburb. Fortunately, power was restored in time to check my email and update My Diary before bedtime.

Fri 30: Nearly the end of another month. Started around 1230 and finished around 2300. Drizzle and then rain. Cool to cold and quite a bit of fog when I came home tonight. No special news to report. I received an email from Witt - but can't contact him by phone.

Sat 31: Goodbye July ... June and July are the coldest and westest months of the year in Perth, WA. August, which starts tomorrow is also cold and wet - but hopefully we will see some sunshine too. Today was reasonably fine. What struck me most about today was the difference in the Traffic Management (parking) staff at Perth's Domestic and International Airports. At International, nothing was too much trouble. To the parking nazis who gave me a hard time at Domestic this evening - watch out! The ACCC will be informed ofyour actions on Monday.