Wed 01: Goodbye Winter, hello Spring. Cool and pleasant today - sunny but cool. Fine and only slightly cloudy. Cloudy day will be the norm for a while, although (rain) showers are forecast for this Saturday. Quite a good day today - away from home for 10 hours - it was great to come home to a home-cooked meal (thanks, Witt). Tracey and Witt have pooled their savings and booked and paid for a short holiday to the east coast later this month (taking in Melbourne and Sydney).

Thu 02: Sunny with no wind. That's Perth's weather at the moment. That can only mean one thing - cold nights are back. Tonight, the Weather Bureau is tipping today's 18ºC to dip to ... wait for it ... 3ºC. Now that is cold! I have a few things to do tomorrow - but I don't plan on getting out of my bed too early - not when I have an electric blanket.

Fri 03: Sleep in time today - then a late finish. Got home late after collecting Tracey from her mother's place - where she has spent the last week cleaning her old room. I looked at the result (and shuddered). At this rate Tracey will be on the old-age pension before it's tidy.

Sat 04: Ada's first birthday - open house from 11am to 2pm. The day started off at 0900 when Tracey and I went to our local Woolworths store for a few odds and ends. Amy did an excellent job of preparing for the day, bringing over platters of food, birthday cake,balloons and of course, the birthday girl herself. By 1130, everybody was here to help her celebrate. Non-stop photos taken - but Ada took it all in her stride.

Sun 05: Witt and I had planned to head off to the Nollamara (Thai) temple this morning, but Witt wanted to sleep in again. I spent the morning doing internet research (that's what I call it!).

Mon 06: Another weekend over - not that it means much to me these days. A pleasant day with an interesting twist (around 1600 hrs / 4pm) ... maybe more on that later. A meat and 5 vegie meal prapared by Witt tonight - very nice. Washed down with a couple of glasses of apple juice.

Tue 07: I went on a shopping trip this morning (as a passenger) helping some of our senior citizens. A pleasant morning - timed it nicely - so nobody got wet. A hectic afternoon and early evening. The 'twist' I mentioned yesterday relates to the 'parking mafia' at Perth's airports. I don't know if WAC are a***holes or just some of their staff - but the matter looks like being tested in Court shortly. Watch this space! Witt and I went to the Full Moon restaurant in Mt Lawley for dinner. It's what westerners expect as Thai food - but I was disappointed that the menu didn't include any Issan food.

Wed 08: I was right with my tip about the parking mafia at Perth's Airports. Today I met Robyn - she is a cross between a mafia hitman and a nazi storm-trooper. I hinted yesterday - here is the proof that WAC (Western Airports Corporation) are unfit to run Perth's airports. They are attempting to deny a family business (the Fremantle Airport Shuttle) the right to pick up and set down passengers in the bus lanes at Perth's domestic and international airports. The reason they give: security. The TRUTH is that Connect was the successful tenderer to run certain airport shuttle functions / routes. The TRUTH is that Connect pays hundreds of thousands of dollars to Westralian Airports Corporation - who own Perth's airports. Of course they don't want competition. It's all about squashing the little guy. The matter has been put in the hands of the ACCC and will be tested in court soon.Stay tuned - more later - but you read it here first! I thought some third-world countries were corrupt - this is just so blatant it is unbelieveable!!!!!!!

Thu 09: I have calmed down a bit after yesterday's rant - but as my friend, Howard Sattler from Perth radio station 6PR is inclined to say: "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more!" The saga of the dramas at Perth's airports continues - but clarification is needed. I don't usually edit comments, but I have toned down yesterday's comments (for now). Today was a mild day for me. Early to bed tonight - a long day tomorrow (at this stage).

Fri 10: Only 4ºC overnight - Perth - this is Spring ... Winter has gone away. Goodbye, Jack Frost. I met up with Lal, who showed my a photo at the centre of Wednesday's drama Code 1 at Perth International Airport. I am still not convinced 100% that such an obvious mistake is being made. I think this one had better be played out in court. At least it has nothing to do with me. I drove to Bindoon today - nice to get into the countryside - which (despite the winter rain) is quite green.

Sat 11: Witt and I visited the Nollamara Thai temple this morning. Unfortunately, due to Buddhist Lent, the temple will be closed until the start of October 2010. We did some internet research and then headed north of Perth to The Maze to visit the wildlife. On the way home, we dropped into Berry Sweet - the strawberry farm just outside Bullsbrook. A quiet evening. Troy,Witt and I headed off to Perth's International Airport so Witt could catch up with his mother - who is off to Thailand to visit her sick mother.

Sun 12: I was up at 0600 this morning to drive Tracey and Witt to Perth's Domestic Airport for their Tiger Airways flight to Melbourne this morning. I headed off to Willeton and then off to Bindoon, accompanied by Martin. Back via number 5 - caught up with Mum and Ian before arriving just in time for a barbecue - courtesy of Barry.

Mon 13: I slept well last night - but was wide awake at 0630. Woke Troy up and he dragged himself out of bed just after 0730 and hurried off to work. I caught up on the laundry (washing). Fine sunny day, so I hung it on the clothes line. I feel sorry for people who live in apartments, flats and triplexes on small blocks who don't have an outside clothesline to dry and air their clothes. Did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Spent a while on Facebook and checking and sending emails. Found some Funny Photos and shared them with family. Tracey and Witt both phoned - they are having an enjoyable day in Melbourne and head for Sydney tomorrow. Troy and I went to Fremantle.

Tue 14: Tracey and Witt left Melbourne this morning and flew to Sydney. They were due to stay at the Travelodge - but have opted for the much cheaper Formula 1 Hotel at Kings Cross, in the heart of Sydney. It's a fairly basic place - no refrigerator or tea and coffee making facilities - but they are sight-seeing and just using the place to sleep - so it's fine. I did some paperwork today and then had an early night.

Wed 15: Day to myself today - so I slept in until 10am (how decadent), updated my Diary and replied to some emails, before heading to the shops to get a few odds and ends. My backpack has a hole in it - not worth repairing as the material is too thin. Plus - my thermos (vaccuum flask) died too. Hot coffee gone cold - ugggg. Bought a replacement backpack and Thermos (the genuine article - Made in China) from K-Mart. Upgraded my anti-virus software from Kaspersky AV 2009 to the 2011 version. Much cleaner interface. I am very impressed.

Thu 16: Tracey and Witt left Sydney this evening and flew to Melbourne. They left Melbourne late this evening. I hadto have a long day today. I was planning on having a quiet day - but ended up leaving home around 0845 and got home after 1900. I did catch up on a lort of things.

Fri 17: Tracey and Witt arrived in Perth this morning, 30 minutes late - just before 0130. Julie (Tracey's mother and my ex-wife) offered to collect Witt and Tracey from Perth's domestic airport. I was very thankful after a tiring day yesterday and I had to be up early today. Arrived home around 1700 hours (5.00pm) and very tired. Witt organised a fish and chips dinner - not healthy - but I was too tired to argue. Healthier meals are on the menu for the next fortnight.

Sat 18: Today was going to be a quiet day ... emphasis on the word was. What should have taken an hour took 13 hours. Not that I am complaining. It was a good day - but I was glad to unwind at the end of it. I came home to a delightful pork and salad meal - thanks, Witt.

Sun 19: Nothing special was planned for today. I hoped to sleep-in, but the sun had other ideas. I did a bit of laundry, not much as it was up to date (almost). Now that spring is here - we are allowed to use our sprinklers - so today Troy and I put the fuse back into the reticulation setup and tested the sprinklers. First time they have been on for nearly 4 months - only 3 sprinklers needed work - two were clogged with bugs and one was covered with lawn. Not too much cussing and I ran each of the 3 stations for 20 minutes and put 10kg of fertiliser on part of the front lawn. All in all - a fairly productive day.

Mon 20: Up early today - and a very long day. Steak, sausages and vegetables for dinner. Checked my email, had a shower and straight to bed tonight. Another ealy start to the day tomorrow.

Tue 21: Yes - another long day. Very tiring. Grilled chicken and vegetables for dinner tonight. Early night.

Wed 22: Sorry about the short Diary entries over the past two days. For some reason or other, I have been feeling very run down. I have 'planned' out the next 10 days - so I have more 'me' time. Hopefully that will improve things. I weighed myself after my shower last night and ... 92.5kg! I know I was a bit heavier - but now I know ... I will have to eat better (and smaller portions). Nobody to blame but myself.

Thu 23: Spring is definitely in the air - 7ºC this morning and 27ºC this afternoon. The electric blanket is still on the bed - as is the doona. There's bound to be a few more cool nights - but I think winter is over - then again, it's almost the end of the first month of spring in Australia. This coming weekend is a long weekend and the start of the Perth Royal Show. I thought about going as I haven't been for at least 15 years - but Troy and Witt dont want to go and money is tight now. Maybe the Osborne Park or Wanneroo shows later this year. Maybe. Dropped in to number 5 and caught up with Mum and Ian, Pat and Brian. arly morning start - so an early night tonight.

Fri 24: An incredibly hectic day today. Up at 0230 - went out and arrived home at 1530. Out again ab hour later and back home around 2030. Thats what I call a long day. My car is overheating - so Troy will take it to work with him to get the cooling system serviced.

Sat 25: A 'me day.' Everything is up to date - but I need to spend a little bit of time tidying up my Q1 BAS and get ready to submit it next Friday. Went to the shops for a few odds an ends. Nothing else to talk about.

Sun 26: Plan A was to sleep in. I ended up 'doing a favour for a friend' and ended up spending all day helping out. I was offered free admission to Parklife's concert at Wellington Square in Perth - but I feel too old to enjoy todays music. Glad to get home to relax. There is a lot I want to get done in the coming week.

Mon 27: Queens's Birthday Long weekend in WA. I had an early start to the day. Witt had a relaxing day. Troy and Glenn (one of his brothers) went out for the day (including to the Perth Royal Show this evening). I did my washing - grateful for the sunshine. I have a couple of 'me' days late this week - but they look like being busy ones.

Tue 28: I never knew a quiet day at home' could be so exhausting. Up around 0700 to make sure Troy got out of bed and off to work. Decided against going back to bed - so I made a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee, then got stuck into the dishes, vaccuumed and mopped the floors and did the washing. Troy's brother (Glenn) mowed the lawns and did the edges. The place looked quite good by the time Troy arrived home this evening. Tracey has thought long and hard about where she wants to live and has decided to return to live with her mother, who will be spending a lot of October 2010 in hospital. Tracey will look after her brothers and keep house for her step-father.

Wed 29: Another month (almost) bites the dust. Another long and tiring day - but I feel positive as I got a lot done - including my BAS for 2010-2011 Q1. I was planning on sleeping in tomorrow - but Witt has a 0900 appointment in Midland. I was hoping Tracey could take him - but she already has other plans.

Thu 30: It is amazing how tiring 'doing nothing' can be. All I 'did' today was take Witt to Midland, so he could register with Max Employment, prior to his appointment with Centrelink tomorrow. After that, we came home. I did some dishes and a bit of laundry - and then unwound on my laptop. As I update todays entry, Tracey is due over shortly to empty out her room here and take Witt to his appointment tomorrow.