Embarrassment

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

It seems I have returned to having trouble with my eyes again. Looks like my contact lenses are actually irritating my eyes.

So after seeing - no pun intended .... two doctors and a ophthalmologist locally I will be off to Brisbane to my eye specialist there. In the meantime it means minimal wearing of the lenses - emergency use only for a very limited time span.

Just when I was making inroads into my degree studies too!

Most of January was spent not being able to see. :cool:

Hopefully things will be sorted out for mid February - cross fingers!

Kind Regards
Lionel

[V8Ian]

Sorry to hear that Lionel, let me know when you'll be in town, it'll be good to catch up.

[Ausfree]

I'm also very sorry to hear your bad news, Lionel. Life is tough enough without putting up with major disabilities.:(

[Landy Smurf]

Nice work there Jim, I cant wait to get to the Fort and have a look around one day. My aunt lives just across from King Edward Park so will have to go for a walk when there next.
Bummer about your eyes Lionel, Hopefully things will improve soon.
I have been away from Aulro for a few weeks as I have moved to Old Bar(near Taree).
It is my first house for me and my girlfriend that we have rented outside College.
We are situated right across from the beach and can see the sea and hear the waves which is a nice change from Armidale and Singleton.

[Ausfree]

Good to hear from you Tony. The place you are living in now sounds nice!!:D

[Landy Smurf]

Yeah it sure is , I will upload some photos soon.

[Ausfree]

Well, I had a meeting with the president and treasurer of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society and they are very keen to have me on board. I have joined the society and will be spending time there from now on. Seems, it is hard to get anybody who has had experience with the Bofors AA gun ( they were last used by the Australian army in 1971) so they are going to advertise a re-union for ex-battery members in June, hoping to flush out more people with Bofor's experience.

The only people there at the moment with the experience besides me are the president and treasurer,( I served with both of them in the 1960's) but they are both too busy running the society to spend time on the Bofor.

The Bofor is in very good condition considering its age, just needs a new paint job and a bit of TLC. We are searching for the correct specialised tools to disassemble the gun, but they are as rare as hens teeth and we might have to make our own.:):)

[The ho har's]

Good to see you are happy to help in the community.

Our is health a downside. Harry is of to the surgeon on Tuesday and will find out when surgery will happen. I am not so well have had the poos for 8 weeks now Doctor has run blood, poo. and urine tests and the results are all clear. I can't really leave home, Harry will have to go by himself which I am not happy about.

But I guess that is life


Mrs hh:angel:

[Ausfree]

Thanks for the update, Carolyn. Is indeed a difficult time for you and Harry. I have had a visit with the cancer specialist yesterday, news was good "all clear". Won't need another colonoscopy for 5 years, yippee!!!!!:D

[banjo]

Gday everyone. Sorry to hear about your eyes Lionel. That's terrible new Mrs H I hope Harry is ok and you get well soon and the stress doesn't get to bad. Great news young tony. I did see some pics on the face page. Jim that's great you have an interest there and will be good to catch up with some of the men you served with.

We're still not doing much Karen now has the moon boot thing on her left foot & goes back the fracture clinic on the 24th of this month. I've been really busy making carving knives and have started to make bushcraft style knives now as there more popular. I get orders for knives now which is great. These knives will be my last for a little while as I really want to get in and do some work to Harry. I have built myself a forge as well from an old 4.5kg gas bottle so heat treating my knives is easier now as I don't have to wait for the right day to light a fire.

Karen doesn't sleep well so we are up till late every night most till or after midnight which is starting to take a toll on me as I still get up early and no later then 8. But I think if we keep going to bed this late I'm going to have to sleep in as I'm in the shed all this week till late working.

Kids are doing well Fred is still at maccas with lots of shifts. Cody has now finally been linked to a job place and has to go there fortnightly it's the same as the one we had for Fred it's for disabilities as he has anxieties as well. Worked for Fred got her slowly into a job which she is going great guns at. She also did some studies threw them to got certificates in animal care so we are hoping they do the same with Cody as he like sports so looking into the personal trainer thing. He still want to be a cook so mite do something there to.

Well that's about it for us. Time for a shower to wake up some. Hang the washing and back to work.

Stay safe everyone

[Ausfree]

Thanks for the update, Jason!!!:D:D I'll get over to see you eventually, would like to catch up.:D:D

[Ausfree]

Yeah, it's been a long, long time since I served at the fort, Jason. The society lent me an original gun drill book to have a read of. I used to know this book off by heart, but as I read it, a lot is coming back.:D:D It's rather quaint by todays standards but styles change over the years.:D:D:D


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/02/478.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/img039_zpsadxinuuo.jpg.html)

[cuppabillytea]

Good to see you are happy to help in the community.

Our is health a downside. Harry is of to the surgeon on Tuesday and will find out when surgery will happen. I am not so well have had the poos for 8 weeks now Doctor has run blood, poo. and urine tests and the results are all clear. I can't really leave home, Harry will have to go by himself which I am not happy about.

But I guess that is life


Mrs hh:angel:
Sorry to hear you are unwell Ho Har's. I hope it wasn't us who made you crook.

[The ho har's]

Sorry to hear you are unwell Ho Har's. I hope it wasn't us who made you crook.

Not at all, was glad to see you all here. We hope Lachlan will convince you to buy a 101 one day:D

Mrs hh:angel:

[cuppabillytea]

He's dong his best caroline. :D

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I hope the health domain within the Ho Har household rapidly improves on all fronts.

I have my eyes functioning again. Due to what only can be described as the failings of local health care, what should have been only a week of not being able to see has turned into a month and a half. After seeing - no pun intended... two local doctors, a local optometrist and a local ophthalmologist I travelled to Brisbane to see my contact lens specialist. Within 3 minutes the cause of my inability to wear the contact lenses I am dependent upon seeing with was correctly diagnosed. It was not as my local ophthalmologist insinuated, my lack of ocular hygiene.

Since the first week of January I have been experiencing allergic conjunctivitis. All I needed was a bottle of prescription eye drops and not wear my lenses for five days. Back in January we had a succession of months of drought which turned the grass brown and the soil to became very dusty. I mowed an acre and the dust got into my eyes. Mowing caused me to develop an eye allergy. The allergy caused my tear drops retained by the contact lenses to congeal. In the words of the Brisbane specialist the allergy "turns the tear drops to mud". This coagulation coats the inside of the lenses and makes them opaque - hence renders them unable to be seen through.

Next time my eyes play up I will be on a train to Brisbane and totally bypass the local dolts. They have cost me a month and a half of being able to work on my PhD, being able to see and severely impinged on my quality of life - not happy Jan :angry:

Kind Regards
Lionel

[cuppabillytea]

I hope you're going to pop in and tell them how dense they are Lionel. ;)

[V8Ian]

I hope you're going to pop in and tell them how dense they are Lionel. ;)
He can let them know he's seen the light.

I'm pleased it's sorted Lionel, better late than never.

[V8Ian]

Are you going to this

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/flight/232709-focke-wulf-190-illawarra-airshow.html

Jim?

[Ausfree]

Are you going to this

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/flight/232709-focke-wulf-190-illawarra-airshow.html

Jim?

Don't know, Ian. Would love to see a real Focke Wulf 190 up close.:D Actually I'm surprised they have the swastika painted on the tail, I thought that symbol was a strict no/no nowadays.:confused:

[banjo]

Gday everyone how are we all. It hasn't been to good here for a little while. I've been having little panics. Desided it's time to change my medication. So Karen went to the doctors for me yesterday. Got a script for new mess. Also she told him about the big bleed I had as I've has some more little bleeds. Mostly when I wipe. Anyway he asked Karen questions about it and as there doesn't seem to be any lumps hemriods or cuts or tares. He said I'm in that age bracket so he gave her a referral to a specialist that I have to somehow try to get to. More then likely I'll need a colonoscopy as well which is at Belmont hospital. He said I don't know how we will do it as its been quite awhile since I've been out. He also faxed the mental health mob and told them what's happening and than I've had rectal bleeding and needs to get out as he is having trouble leaving the house. I'm as nervous as all hell and Karen is worried. Not only is it hard for me to get out it's also going to unfermilar places so have that on top of it.

I seen Jim about a week ago and Jim I hope I didn't come across as rude. If I did it was my nerves.

Jim you've had these colonoscopys do they knock you out for these. Not looking forward to the stuff that makes you go to the loo as that's when I mite bleed. Gggggrrrrr.

Will keep use posted. Karen rang the specialist yesterday but they where closed. Open at 9 today.

[banjo]

Can't remember when I had the big bleed that sent me into a major panic. I think I mentioned it in here. I'll have to go threw and look. At least that give me a close date to when it started.

[cuppabillytea]

High Jason. They do knock you out for a Colonoscopy. You won't feel it. The hard part is the preparation which you do your self. When it's all done they give you a sanger. ( bonus ). :p

[banjo]

High Jason. They do knock you out for a Colonoscopy. You won't feel it. The hard part is the preparation which you do your self. When it's all done they give you a sanger. ( bonus ). :p


LOL. Don't think I'd want the sanga. Just wait eat when I get back home. :)

[Ausfree]

Jason, I would be moving on that bleeding problem as soon as possible. If you don't have hemarroids then there has to be a reason for bleeding. I'm surprised you are getting done at Belmont Hospital, do you have private health insurance??? Public cases are done at JHH.

Yeah, I'm an old hand at colonoscopies, I have lost count of the number I have had since 2004 and they do knock you out, the reason being is that you must be perfectly still when they send the camera up into where the sun don't shine.

No, you didn't come across as rude the other day, just the normal you!!!!

[Ausfree]

LOL. Don't think I'd want the sanga. Just wait eat when I get back home. :)

After not eating for 24 hours, you will enjoy the sangar because you will be starving.:p

[Landy Smurf]

Ah bummer Jason, that is no good.
fingers crossed it will get sorted soon.

[banjo]

Jason, I would be moving on that bleeding problem as soon as possible. If you don't have hemarroids then there has to be a reason for bleeding. I'm surprised you are getting done at Belmont Hospital, do you have private health insurance??? Public cases are done at JHH.

Yeah, I'm an old hand at colonoscopies, I have lost count of the number I have had since 2004 and they do knock you out, the reason being is that you must be perfectly still when they send the camera up into where the sun don't shine.

No, you didn't come across as rude the other day, just the normal you!!!!


Na no private health. Just public. The specialist is at warnersbay.

[banjo]

Karen the specialist. There's a 6 week wait to see him. Then if I have to go hospital it's up to a couple of months wait to get done.

The doctor mite of given the referral to him as he is close and the Belmont hospital is quieter then the Jhh.

Karen had a look at referral and its down as routine. Not urgent.

[banjo]

Karen the specialist. There's a 6 week wait to see him. Then if I have to go hospital it's up to a couple of months wait to get done.

The doctor mite of given the referral to him as he is close and the Belmont hospital is quieter then the Jhh.

Karen had a look at referral and its down as routine. Not urgent.


Oh and he is closing his books to public clients in May as he is retiring.

[banjo]

Waiting for Newcastle mental health to get in contact with us. He faxed them everything. I will get a case manager. But I'm guessing since it's the public sector to it will probably be awhile before I hear from them.

Also I don't bleed all the time just occasionally. Karen says I wipe to hard and to much.

But I want it sorted so will be getting seen to.

[V8Ian]

Karen says I wipe to hard and to much.

Have you tried using a brush, Jason?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/832.jpg
You might find it a little more gentle. :p

[Narangga]

Have you tried using a brush, Jason?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/832.jpg
You might find it a little more gentle. :p

:Rolling: :Rolling: :Rolling:

I offered him my Gernie ;) ;) ;)

[banjo]

Ha di ha ha. BASTARDS. :D:p

[Ausfree]

Ah bummer Jason, that is no good.
fingers crossed it will get sorted soon.
Bit of a play on words there Tony!!!!:p

[Ausfree]

What is the name of the specialist, Jason. I might have heard of him.:)

[Landy Smurf]

Indeed :thumbsup:

[Lionelgee]

Hello Jason,

Sorry to read about your latest health issue I hope you make it to the procedure and that it all goes well before and after. I too have had the delightful experience of the procedure.

It is great that your bloke let the mental health people at the hospital know in advance. It means your bloke is switched on and a damn good operator.

Take care Jason.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[banjo]

What is the name of the specialist, Jason. I might have heard of him.:)


I'm not sure of his name Jim. He is in James at warnersbay. He's an old guy & is closing his books to the public sector in May as he is retiring.

[banjo]

Well Lake Maquarrie mental health rang me back today.

So after seeing someone for mental health issues many years ago to find they did nothing for me at all. I've just been seeing my gp. I have some other medical issues I need seeing to and probably need to go hospital for. My gp faxed Lake Macquarie mental health the other day to seek some help for me to get me out and to cope with what's needed. Well they rang me today. Oh how things have changed more carring and understanding then what I've ever had. I had to answer a lot of questions. Now that will be sent to the team and I will get a case manager and they will came see me. Hopefully things will change for the better this time.

Was asked a lot of questions & the lady said she passes all this onto the team & they will see who's best to see me & they will become my case manager. They will come to see me for a few months to get to know each other & so I'm comfortable with them. And then I will have to meet them at places. Like a coffee shop or somewhere where I'm comfortable & then I guess we go places I'm not so comfortable.

Anyway that's where that is for now.

[Narangga]

I'm not sure of his name Jim. He is in James at warnersbay. He's an old guy & is closing his books to the public sector in May as he is retiring.

That's OK.

It's your private sector that he'll be looking at :angel: :angel: :angel: :wasntme:

[cuppabillytea]

That was a bit below the belt Dale. :o

[V8Ian]

That was the bit below the belt Dale. :o
Fixed it for you Billy. ;)

[cuppabillytea]

Fixed it for you Billy. ;)

Well I was trying to be less obvious but thanks anyway. :p

[Narangga]

That was a bit below the belt Dale. :o

No compared to some of the things I could have said... :twisted::twisted::twisted: ;)

[cuppabillytea]

No compared to some of the things I could have said... :twisted::twisted::twisted: ;)

True.

[banjo]

Well we made the specialists appointment. It's on the 19th of April. At 9.45. Also had the mental health team ring me back. They have one of there doctors a psychiatrist ( lady ) and a nurse coming to see me on the 30th of March. Not sure why the nurse. But anyway. Will see how it all goes.

[cuppabillytea]

Well we made the specialists appointment. It's on the 19th of April. At 9.45. Also had the mental health team ring me back. They have one of there doctors a psychiatrist ( lady ) and a nurse coming to see me on the 30th of March. Not sure why the nurse. But anyway. Will see how it all goes.
They might have found out you have Land Rovers. :p In all seriousness though It's probably an OH&S requirement.

[Ausfree]

Hope all goes well for you Jason. Think positive thoughts, mate.:D

[Ausfree]

Well, I have just returned from spending most of the day at Fort Scratchley. I have been talking to two other blokes about how to make the 40mm Bofor fire in a realistic manner without using real rounds or blanks.

They have suggested converting it to a "gas gun" by taking the breach block out and putting electronics in to fire an amount of gas that is injected into the chamber from a cylinder and firing it by way of a spark plug. This method is used in war movies to make machine guns look like they a firing live rounds.

Have a look at the demonstration on this link...........


Gas Gun Components (http://ww2steel.com/Gasguns/Gasguns.html)

When you are on the site click on the top left hand photo for a demo of a machine gun firing.:D Naturally it would be slowed down to the two rounds a second that a Bofor fires.................interesting times.

[cuppabillytea]

I made a Lemmon Gun which worked in a similar way, if a lot cruder. Would it have a loud enough report?

[Ausfree]

I made a Lemmon Gun which worked in a similar way, if a lot cruder. Would it have a loud enough report?

G'Day Billy!!!:D I am assuming you mean would the Bofor have a loud enough report. I honestly don't know, because I haven't seen one set up in this manner. I am guessing that it would not replicate exactly how a Bofor would sound when firing live rounds, but most people looking at it today would not have heard a Bofor firing live rounds anyway. They haven't been used in the Australian army since 1971. But anything to liven up the display would be better than just a static display.

Another thing is the gun would not recoil either, but if you look closely at war movies you will notice there is no recoil in the guns they use.

The whole exercise will be interesting and I would be the first to criticise the accuracy of the sound.

ps. If you look down near the bottom of the link I provided you will see they make kits for LARGE barrel cannons and multi barrel guns.

[Lionelgee]

Hope all goes well for you Jason. Think positive thoughts, mate.:D ... by 2 :)

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Ausfree]

Here is an American Bofor firing, notice the recoil, would be difficult (impossible) to replicate.:D It's for sale if you want one, would look nice on the front lawn with ferns growing around it.:p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcJEFosXfFQ

[banjo]

They might have found out you have Land Rovers. :p In all seriousness though It's probably an OH&S requirement.


Hope all goes well for you Jason. Think positive thoughts, mate.:D
A

Yeah we think that's what it's for. Or for safety for the doc.

Yeah thinking good thoughts.

Can't hurt to try it.

[V8Ian]

Well what's the outcome Banjo? Dot point will do. ;)

[The ho har's]

Hi guys

Harry will be out of Hospital tomorrow. He has been there for 14 days after a 9hr surgery. Not sure what else to say..

Mrs hh:angel:

[cuppabillytea]

Hi guys

Harry will be out of Hospital tomorrow. He has been there for 14 days after a 9hr surgery. Not sure what else to say..

Mrs hh:angel:

Hope he comes out OK Mrs HH. :) Good luck.

[V8Ian]

Hi guys

Harry will be out of Hospital tomorrow. He has been there for 14 days after a 9hr surgery. Not sure what else to say..

Mrs hh:angel:

How is he? I didn't know he was in hospital.

[AndyG]

Hi guys

Harry will be out of Hospital tomorrow. He has been there for 14 days after a 9hr surgery. Not sure what else to say..

Mrs hh:angel:

I almost know how he feels after a 3 hour op and 3 days in hospital last week for a prostate removal. A lot of discomfort and inconvenience, but is well worth it for those golden words from the surgeon, saying, we did a biopsy and got it all. Trust you have the same good fortune.

Kind regards
Andrew

[banjo]

Well I have mental health coming to see me on the 30th of this month.

Mrs H I hope Harry is ok. How are you feeling. I hope your better now.

[Ausfree]

Hi guys

Harry will be out of Hospital tomorrow. He has been there for 14 days after a 9hr surgery. Not sure what else to say..

Mrs hh:angel:

9 hours!!!!:o Crikey!! Yep, best wishes for a speedy recovery for Harry. Keep us up to date Carolyn!!!:D

[The ho har's]

harry is home.. he is well in spirits. For those didn't know Harry DID have bowel cancer. all removed and dealing with the post operative resalts.

Aus he is doing well but the bag is a wake up, but dealing with it.

Mrs hh:angel:

[Ausfree]

Thanks for the update, Carolyn. Yeah I had the bag for nearly 4 months, glad to see the end of it actually.:)

[DAMINK]

Oh dear i think this is going to hurt...Where to start
Well i have been on a pension for a few years now because i have AGROPHOBIA servere panic disorder.i have trouble going out to the point where i have locked myself in the bathroom in colds sweats with my heart in my throat thinking i would passout or pee or crap myself..i also have done this when i have had people coming over to visit or in this case (people offering to come & help )..it has ruined my life & my immediate family (wife & kids)..you know we used to go up to our local bush (hillsborough ) when we had a nissan SWB kids loved it but it sometimes could take me an hour to get there & we only live literaly 5 min drive from it..
its been realy hard for us because our families think its a big joke .they seem to think its funny to take the micky out of me ..but 27 years of abuse mentaly,physically,mentaly sexualy..
So i dont deal with people to well cause if i have to leave or (hide)as such they dont understand so we just dont do it but its now realy taking its toll on the wife & kids..
we had to file bankrupt a few years back now & the way this rover is going it could send us there again..wife (karen is realy worried )
i had a friend who i used to do stuff with because he didnt care that if we where going some where if i needed to turn round & head for home he didnt say anything i would just settle myself down & then turnround again & keep going & catch up to him & this could happen a few times before i got there & sometime i couldnt get there but he was ok with it so we got on real good but he went & died on me & i have taken it hard & since then i havent been able to do anything realy & we used to go bush alot just for the day out to sugarloaf & out the back of glendale & up hillsborough man i miss those days we all had fun me the kids & wife plus my friend..we used to work for ourselves i am a diesel mechanic by trade havent touched tools since i done my trade 20 years ago but we used to wash & grease trucks that kept us going was good money cause we used to do about 20 trucks a week..
Now the best i do is going down to the local shops again 5min drive away but i do go for a walk round aldi the cheap shops & the paper shop gotta get me rover mags..but this rarely happens .karen does all my running around picking up parts & the like..
i seem to get on better with woman the shrink says its because most of the abuse i suffered was from my father..
hence the reason we only see a few family members ..
we thought it bout time i told use as we have had offers of help with the car..
dont know how i would handle it..but if it wasnt for karen i know i would be dead she saved me..
the best thing so far is my kids..
& i have to say i have never found so many people to offer to help when they havent even met us ..thats cool.
i can only hope that when the car is sorted i can get some part of our life back & start going back to the bush...
So we would like to say many many thanks to everyone who has offered to help...
Not trying to be sobby just thought if use new the problem it mite make it easier to understand why i cant except the offers of help but i (we) really appreciate them i dont know how i would handle people here for the time it could take...
THANKS Jason & Karen..

Im chiming in on this one really late.
I feel for ya man, i really do.
We both are in similar situations or so it seems.
Im about the same age, had similar problems growing up. (abuse)
Did my trade but as i got older **** changed. What happened to me when i was young started to take over my life much like yours.
Went to heaps of docs, ended up diagnosed with Bipolar, PTSD and Acute personality disorder.
Got put on meds, which over time destroyed me! Thought i was going to die every minute of every day for over a year. Anxiety was so bad i would just leave the house and my heart would bounce out of my chest.
Which was weird as i was never like that. I love adrenaline rushes normally! Never been afraid of anything.
Destroyed my career totally and forced onto pension.
Been on it for a few years now.

The reason i replied to this thread is first to offer my sympathy as its tough man, but also what happened to me up till now.

One day i was at the docs who i had been going to for many years.
He chatted with me for a while when i noticed the feeling i was going to die subsided and i was not as anxious. I realized at that point it was just anxiety and not me going to die!
I realized i myself could control all my feelings just by knowing its only anxiety.
So i stopped all meds that day. And have not taken any for a few years now. (I do drink and smoke weed though)
Over time i got better and better. Now i can do basically anything.
Im still a fruitloop (Acute personality) which wont change any time soon, but have worked out how to manage that also.
When i get angry with the world (atleast once a month) i just pack up and go camping.
By myself so i can get my anger and emotions out where i cant hurt anyone.

I have found a way to function pretty well now and my family is MUCH better off for it.
I hope you find a way also man as i know how hard it can be.

[cuppabillytea]

Hi DAMINK. Thanks for that frank disclosure. To be perfectly honest I had you down as a bit of a fruit loop, but that was OK because so am I sometimes. In Light of what you have just said, I can now say that I will accept any loopyness from you in the future, without blinking an eye.

[V8Ian]

Hi DAMINK. Thanks for that frank disclosure. To be perfectly honest I had you down as a bit of a fruit loop, but that was OK because so am I sometimes. In Light of what you have just said, I can now say that I will accept any loopyness from you in the future, without blinking an eye.

Pot........kettle? :p

[banjo]

Im chiming in on this one really late.
I feel for ya man, i really do.
We both are in similar situations or so it seems.
Im about the same age, had similar problems growing up. (abuse)
Did my trade but as i got older **** changed. What happened to me when i was young started to take over my life much like yours.
Went to heaps of docs, ended up diagnosed with Bipolar, PTSD and Acute personality disorder.
Got put on meds, which over time destroyed me! Thought i was going to die every minute of every day for over a year. Anxiety was so bad i would just leave the house and my heart would bounce out of my chest.
Which was weird as i was never like that. I love adrenaline rushes normally! Never been afraid of anything.
Destroyed my career totally and forced onto pension.
Been on it for a few years now.

The reason i replied to this thread is first to offer my sympathy as its tough man, but also what happened to me up till now.

One day i was at the docs who i had been going to for many years.
He chatted with me for a while when i noticed the feeling i was going to die subsided and i was not as anxious. I realized at that point it was just anxiety and not me going to die!
I realized i myself could control all my feelings just by knowing its only anxiety.
So i stopped all meds that day. And have not taken any for a few years now. (I do drink and smoke weed though)
Over time i got better and better. Now i can do basically anything.
Im still a fruitloop (Acute personality) which wont change any time soon, but have worked out how to manage that also.
When i get angry with the world (atleast once a month) i just pack up and go camping.
By myself so i can get my anger and emotions out where i cant hurt anyone.

I have found a way to function pretty well now and my family is MUCH better off for it.
I hope you find a way also man as i know how hard it can be.

Thank Damink. Dunno about the weed but I do smoke normal smokes.

[Narangga]

Thank Damink. Dunno about the weed but I do smoke normal smokes.

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: You mean there actually is something normal about you :Rolling: :Rolling: :Rolling:

[cuppabillytea]

Pot........kettle? :p
I suppe so. but only if I can be the potty one, although I do like Chilli Chips. :D

[banjo]

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: You mean there actually is something normal about you :Rolling: :Rolling: :Rolling:

HA DI BLOODY HA.



BASTARD

[Landy Smurf]

How is everyone going? any plans for Easter?
I am just studying over Easter,UNE decided to cut our holidays this year and cut 4 weeks of study time. Due to this everything is crammed and a bit of a pain.

[Lionelgee]

How is everyone going? any plans for Easter?
I am just studying over Easter,UNE decided to cut our holidays this year and cut 4 weeks of study time. Due to this everything is crammed and a bit of a pain.


Hello Landy Smurf,

How far into your teaching degree are you now? What level of schooling are you aiming to work in? Are you back in Armidale or at one of UNE's sub-campuses? I have a vague memory of you moving a while ago - was this for pract teaching?

Have a good Easter everyone :)

Kind Regards
Lionel

[The ho har's]

Happy Easter everyone. We are at home this year, Harry is not up to traveling yet.

Mrs hh:angel:

[russellrovers]

Happy Easter everyone. We are at home this year, Harry is not up to traveling yet.

Mrs hh:angel:hi harry get well soon jim

[Landy Smurf]

Hello Landy Smurf,

How far into your teaching degree are you now? What level of schooling are you aiming to work in? Are you back in Armidale or at one of UNE's sub-campuses? I have a vague memory of you moving a while ago - was this for pract teaching?

Have a good Easter everyone :)

Kind Regards
Lionel

Hey Lionel,
I am down to my last 6 units (out of 32) I am doing Primary and I really don't mind which years between K-6 I teach. I was at UNE living at one of their colleges for 3 years but now studying off campus and living at Old Bar NSW (near Taree on the coast). I have 2 pracs coming up soon, one at a small school of about 30 students and the other at a larger school of near 200 students. I needed a sea change so thought I would do it now before I might have to head out west.

[Ausfree]

Well, we spent today helping the youngest daughter move out after she stayed here for 5 months after breaking up with her boy friend.

She is renting a bed sitter over at Cardiff and I certainly hope that is the last time the revolving door, revolves. But you never know.:)

[banjo]

Hi everyone. Where ok. I seem to be coming down with the man flu. Aches everywhere head blocked. Had mother & graham over today so Karen could sort out there tablets & internet on them so it was sorted for when they go away for four or five month in a few weeks. I've had an absolute terrible week. Wire feed died on the mig again so using the stick welder where I can. Then the last of my hand healed grinder dies while using it the cap off the lock button came off then when I was grinding & put weight on it it slowed & the pin fell & locked it up. 😭😭

I have my meeting with mental health on Wednesday in the morning. Not to worried or nervous as they are coming here for awhile. Then I have my specialists appointment on the 19th of next month so only a few weeks to go.

[Landy Smurf]

One of the highlights of going for a morning walk.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/57.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/user/tonysmera/media/OLD%20BAR/dolphin_zpsmi7btzbx.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/58.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/user/tonysmera/media/OLD%20BAR/dolphin%202_zpsj5cspyvg.jpg.html)
Yesterday afternoon out the front of our place.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/59.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/user/tonysmera/media/OLD%20BAR/12919162_10154778027709741_279981502_n_zpsorgvm7wv .jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/60.jpg (http://s948.photobucket.com/user/tonysmera/media/OLD%20BAR/12935267_10154778027544741_2072334529_n_zpsgwh2ik1 9.jpg.html)

[cuppabillytea]

Awesome just awesome.

[banjo]

Well had my meeting with mental health yesterday. Went well. There where 3 people that came. Lots of talking & answering questions. They asked me what I wanted out of all this. I said I honestly don't know. I said I'm happy where I am I can go out if I have to & sometimes when I want to. But at times I need it to be easier to do. So they going to work with me on ways to cope better. First off the new medication. Start that tomorrow I think. I just worry it make me feel sick. I don't deal with that very well at all. I have the specialists appointment in a few weeks as well.

[Landy Smurf]

Sounds like it was a positive experience.

[cuppabillytea]

Good luck with it Banjo.

[Ausfree]

Jason, good luck mate!!!:D:D

Tony, awesome piccies, man!!:D:D

[Lionelgee]

Well had my meeting with mental health yesterday. Went well. There where 3 people that came. Lots of talking & answering questions. They asked me what I wanted out of all this. I said I honestly don't know. I said I'm happy where I am I can go out if I have to & sometimes when I want to. But at times I need it to be easier to do. So they going to work with me on ways to cope better. First off the new medication. Start that tomorrow I think. I just worry it make me feel sick. I don't deal with that very well at all. I have the specialists appointment in a few weeks as well.


G'day Jason,

Gee three people coming into your own private space at the one time. That would have been very hard to take. I bet you felt like having a nice quite bolt away into another room or outside. "Excuse me I just have to go and check on the gnome outside...." Did they stagger their arrival so only one person came into your house at a time so you could adjust to their presence? Or did they all just bowl in all at the one time? The word "overwhelm" springs to mind.

Kudos to you Jason for getting through it.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[banjo]

I did this today.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/233915-im-going-dad-again-kidney-stones-2.html#post2513560

Very first one ever. Just thought I'd done some muscular damage. Certainly explains the pains. :eek::eek:

[banjo]

G'day Jason,

Gee three people coming into your own private space at the one time. That would have been very hard to take. I bet you felt like having a nice quite bolt away into another room or outside. "Excuse me I just have to go and check on the gnome outside...." Did they stagger their arrival so only one person came into your house at a time so you could adjust to their presence? Or did they all just bowl in all at the one time? The word "overwhelm" springs to mind.

Kudos to you Jason for getting through it.

Kind Regards
Lionel

It was really different actually. Leading up to it I wasn't nervous the night before I had a good sleep considering I haven't been sleeping well at all. I wasn't nervous while they where here either very strange.

Mite have something to do with the fact all I wanted to do was get out & work on Harry. I'm raising the body as its low. Nearly done that.

I did start my new medication today. I was more worried about that then there visit cause if it made me feel sic I don't cope well with that. So far ok. But first day.

[Ausfree]

Keep it up Jason, we are all behind you mate!!:D:D

[Narangga]

harry is home.. he is well in spirits. For those didn't know Harry DID have bowel cancer. all removed and dealing with the post operative resalts.

Aus he is doing well but the bag is a wake up, but dealing with it.

Mrs hh:angel:

How's the man (and his wife) going Mrs HH?

[banjo]

Keep it up Jason, we are all behind you mate!!:D:D

These new tablet I'm on. I have to take with food. I don't eat breakfast. So have to have a bit of toast so I can take it. Not used to it. Or I have to wait till I have something to eat & take it. The old ones I would just take with my first morning cuppa. Don't know what would happen if I just did the same with these new ones but wish I could just take with me cuppa so it taken.

[AndyG]

I was lucky enough to visit the the hoo haa last week. Carolyn has been unwell but now on the road to health, Harry doing well, but obviously gets tired easily. Spent time comparing medical procedures mandatory looking at the stock sorely tempted.
Suggested we have a survivor weekend where we can compare notes with all us old farts

[Landy Smurf]

Good to hear that Harry is doing ok.
Heads up I will be up Brisbane way early July.

[pop058]

Good to hear that Harry is doing ok.
Heads up I will be up Brisbane way early July.

BBq ?? :)

[Landy Smurf]

I am up for that :twobeers:

[The ho har's]

How's the man (and his wife) going Mrs HH?


We are going well. I have been diagnosed with Lactose intolerance, so with a careful diet I am very well now. Harry is doing a little more each day.

Mrs hh:angel:

[The ho har's]

BBq ?? :)


Maybe a SLOW BBQ :D

Mrs hh:angel:

[cuppabillytea]

I would never Have guessed, when I visited, that Harry was in for such a ride. Very glad to see you both in the mend. It all makes me so much more appreciative of Harrys efforts for the kids and me.

[V8Ian]

I have been diagnosed with Lactose intolerance,

Mrs hh:angel:

Wow, it took over fifty years to discover. :o :D

I'm glad it's sorted, Carolyn. :)

[Ausfree]

Well, a close uncle died last Wednesday at the ripe old age of 92. We will be going to his funeral next Tuesday.

He fought the Japanese at Milne Bay in New Guinea, and joined the Citizens Military Forces after WW2 and become the BSM of 113 Battery based at Fort Scratchley. I served with him as a Sargent in the 1960's and professionally he gave me a hard time but behind the scenes helped me a lot with good advice from his experience to attain the Sargent's rank.

The funeral will be an RSL affair and as a lot of the family on that side are from the military (one of my cousins is a retired Lt Colonel with Vietnam experience) with several ex Warrant Officers among them.

Should be a large turnout!!! His funeral notice is in the Newcastle Herald today.

[Ausfree]

If any body is visiting Fort Scratchley on Anzac Day, look for me. I will be dressed in an army uniform of the period (1960's) and will be stationed near the Bristol Bofor anti- aircraft gun. My function will be to tell people about it.:D

Sadly, I don't fill out a uniform like I used to, I have gained a few bulges in the wrong places.:p

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I have been unemployed since my last research contract came to an end in October 2015. Since then I have been applying for jobs and working on my post graduate degree. While in the meantime battling eye issues since January that are still not quite resolved.

This morning I returned home from visiting an eye specialist and getting some forms back from them. Once I got home I checked my emails and I had a message from one of the organisations that I have been applying for work with.

I have an interview via telephone on Monday the 18th of April. :D

There is simply too long between drinks in this research "contracts" caper. With a bit of luck I can move on to something with the terms "full-time" and "permanent" associated with my employment. Fingers crossed! :) :banana::banana::banana:

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Ausfree]

Good on you Lionel, fingers crossed and hoping it all works out for you. You certainly try hard enough and deserve a break!!!!:D:D

[Ausfree]

Well, went to my uncle's funeral today. Certainly was a large affair with plenty of ex-servicemen/women there. The President of the Cardiff RSL gave the eulogy and us ex-servicemen/women formed a guard of honour as they carried the uncle's coffin to the hearse and then another guard of honour as the hearse moved off from the funeral home.

Caught up with family members and some of my old unit members, one chap I hadn't seen in almost 50 years. Sad note though that my cousin Frank from Melbourne (the retired Lt. Colonel) couldn't make it as he has been struck down with bowel cancer, a real shame and I hope he pulls through OK.

Well that's it from me and again Lionel keep trying mate as all good things happen to those who most deserve it.

[Lionelgee]

Well, went to my uncle's funeral today. Certainly was a large affair with plenty of ex-servicemen/women there. The President of the Cardiff RSL gave the eulogy and us ex-servicemen/women formed a guard of honour as they carried the uncle's coffin to the hearse and then another guard of honour as the hearse moved off from the funeral home.

Caught up with family members and some of my old unit members, one chap I hadn't seen in almost 50 years. Sad note though that my cousin Frank from Melbourne (the retired Lt. Colonel) couldn't make it as he has been struck down with bowel cancer, a real shame and I hope he pulls through OK.

Well that's it from me and again Lionel keep trying mate as all good things happen to those who most deserve it.

Hello Ausfree,

There must be fewer bitter sweet moments than attending a funeral. We mourn the passing of someone we loved and cared for. It is a process of that forms a void in our lives. Especially at unexpected times when we think, "oh I will just ring up "X" and ask them about it". Then we realise that the person is beyond our phone call. We are then revisited by the sense of loss.

The sweet is that the funeral provides us with a time when we renew relationships and acquaintances while we reminisce or celebrate the person's life.

Thank you Ausfree for your fingers being crossed for me; especially with the poignancy of today for you and your family. I hope I can renew my knowledge of "things not to do in a new job" learnt with a blow to the forehead delivered by past experiences. You know the "next time I will not do ..." list of things where one kicks oneself - "doh when will I learn?" :wallbash:


Kind Regards
Lionel

[Ausfree]

Yeah, Lionel, that uncle was a particularly close one, when I was a kid I was interested in the army and he used to give me army items such as badges and NCO chevrons which mum used to sew on my shirt and I used to walk around pretending that I was in the army.

When I was old enough I joined the 113 Battery at Fort Scratchley and my uncle was then a Warrant Officer class 2 and his function was Battery Sargent Major. He retired in 1972 as a Warrant Officer class 1. As I mentioned in previous posts he helped me study to become a Bombardier (the artillery's equivalent to Corporal) and then to the rank of Sargent where I commanded my own gun detachment on 40mm Bristol Bofors.

They were good times which sadly came to an end too quickly.

[cuppabillytea]

Sorry for your loss Jim. Hope your uncle recovers. That one took my Mum. Tell him to keep up the treatment until he gets the absolute All Clear.

[Ausfree]

Sorry for your loss Jim. Hope your uncle recovers. That one took my Mum. Tell him to keep up the treatment until he gets the absolute All Clear.

I'm afraid my uncle is a bit past that mate.:p The cousin is the sick one!!:D:D

[cuppabillytea]

I'm afraid my uncle is a bit past that mate.:p The cousin is the sick one!!:D:D

Sorry, cousin then.:whistling:

[Landy Smurf]

How is everyone going? Anyone doing anything exciting at the moment?
I am currently studying, I have 3 assignments due by the 25th of April.
I cant wait to be done. I am sick of being inside :(

[Ausfree]

Going great Tony. Just come back from visiting Fort Scratchley and trying to find out whats happening there on Anzac Day. It's like trying to extract teeth, everybody tells you something different.:confused:

[V8Ian]

Going great Tony. Just come back from visiting Fort Scratchley and trying to find out whats happening there on Anzac Day. It's like trying to extract teeth, everybody tells you something different.:confused:

That's dedication to authenticity, Jim. ;)

[Landy Smurf]

LOL.
I am sure it will all come together on the day.

[cuppabillytea]

Just stand by your gun Jim and take it five rounds at a time. :p

[banjo]

Hi everyone How are you all. Condolences Jim for the uncle.

Well I've been on my new medication now for 20 days now & going good.

I went to my specialists appointment yesterday. Went good I only had a slight heart flutter when he mentioned a test. I drove down there & back was all good. He asked some questions & I answered. I said I'm pretty sure I busted a grape (hemriod). He said he is pretty sure that's all it was as I haven't had a big bleed since just some small bits which he said is quiet normal to have. I have to go back to him on the 25th of next month for this inhouse test. He said he doubts I need a colenoscopy so he said he do this text. Didn't tell me what the test is other then it won't hurt & it will just feel like I'm opening my bowels but I won't be. That's when my heart jumped a little. I have to change my diet a bit & use some Metamucil to help soften the stool. I said to him apparently I wipe to hard & to much. He laughed & said don't we all. He gave me this stuff I have to use 45 mins before the next appointment & he said stay close to the toilet though it's not ment to clean you out its more so to clean the walls. Hhhhmmmmm. I think the nerves mite be much higher next visit. He was a nice doc though.

Went to supercheap on the way home.

Karen is freaked out as I was so calm driving there & when there & when driving home.
After 30 years of severe panic attacks it's quite odd. I guess the new meds do something

Anyway that's where we are. Fingers crossed I can do the next visit like this last on.

[Ausfree]

Good to see you are making progress, Jason.:D Bit surprised he didn't suggest a colonoscopy to cover all bases. He's the doctor though.:D:D

[cuppabillytea]

Hi Banjo. Good to see you have Meds that work.
If the Doc has a bit of blood to test, he won't need to give you a Colonoscopy He'll Know straight away.
Thanks for the graphic descriptions. Glad I read it now and not tea time. :eek:

[V8Ian]

Glad the new meds are improving your lifestyle Jason. I hope the quack doesn't have his fingers crossed to do the test. :o

[Narangga]

Glad the new meds are improving your lifestyle Jason. I hope the quack doesn't have his fingers crossed to do the test. :o

Is that where the word 'fistula' comes from? :o :eek: :wasntme:

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I am consoling myself after having to deal with the nice folks at Centrelink who set out to give customer service a whole new definition.

My act of consolation is to review a couple of Little Brittan "Computer Says "No'" Youtube clips to capture the nice person who I saw on Thursday. I just did an online complaint today - as it took me a while to settle down.

So far Computer says Number 13 and Number 1 are on the road to getting a closer match to the one I had the misfortune to be assigned face to face with.

For Enjoyment Accessed April 26th from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_Ty_72Qds and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IxMQsazAM

Is there a Little Brittan "Computer Says 'No'" where they show the Customer Services Officer treating someone like they are a parasite taking succour off the Welfare System? It would match the treatment I received. Oh Plus the computer says 'No' bit spoken repeatedly.


I can't wait until I get a response to figure out which Computer Says 'No'" I will need to find a match for with the latest one I will be hooked up with next.... :twisted:

Kind Regards
Lionel

[cuppabillytea]

You should have no trouble finding a match there Lionel. They are cloned in there I believe.

[Ausfree]

Hey Jason, what's the latest????:)

[Ausfree]

Hey Jason, what's the latest????:)

Weeelll, it looks like I will have to go over and knock on his door, a trip to Jase's place is about due.:D

[Landy Smurf]

Just renewed my subscription. I had to wait a few weeks to pay for it, but I am back.
Yes Jim , sounds like you might have to go for a trip.
Hope everyone is going ok.
I am currently on a 4 week prac on years 5/6. Has not been the smoothest prac but getting there and still learning new things, both good and bad :)

[Ausfree]

G'day Tony.:D I hope the good things you are learning, outnumber the bad things.:p

Yep, I will have to go over to Jason's, won't be this weekend though, too much on my plate, will try for next weekend.:)

[Landy Smurf]

Hey how is everyone?
I have just finished a 4 week prac and had a blast.
Exam on Monday so have to do a lot of study.
For those in Queensland, are you still keen to do a BBQ?

[carlschmid2002]

Hey how is everyone?
I have just finished a 4 week prac and had a blast.
Exam on Monday so have to do a lot of study.
For those in Queensland, are you still keen to do a BBQ?

Queensland BBQ? Count me in.

[Narangga]

Weeelll, it looks like I will have to go over and knock on his door, a trip to Jase's place is about due.:D

Go over quietly. He can see you coming now... ;) :angel:

[Ausfree]

Go over quietly. He can see you coming now... ;) :angel:

I understand what you are saying, but we get along very well, despite the age difference. He won't know exactly what time until I turn up.:)

[banjo]

Haven't been well yesdy & today. Ended up on the loo last night. Ended with some bleeding. Felt really sick. Then ended up having a panic attack. First one being on the new tablets. Was different to any others I've had. Have my other specialists appointment on Wednesday. Not sure how I'll go with this one. Feel like crap today though.
Karen ran into Mrs Aus yesterday while down the road.

I've started up my own little business. Making knives. Axes & wood heaters/cookers.
Called Hillbilly forge. I have a makers mark now. Well it's been made just sending it to me now.can see it on face book. Will get a web site eventually.

I haven't done anything to Harry for awhile since setting up the business.

[banjo]

My carving knives are going really well since I'm the only one in aus that makes them. But they only sell to the carvers. Sometimes they sell slow sometimes I can't keep up.

My bushcraft knives are coming along well. New shapes new handles so that's good. Can do smaller kitchen knives.

I'm also now importing some knives made from Damascus steel as well for sale here.

I'll get some pictures together for use to look at.

[banjo]

There's a lot to do when starting a business so many things to organise. Getting quotes takes so long. Finding good knife steel can be hard at times. I'm now buying it in for knives. I still use old circular saw blades for the carvers as they seem to work well.

[banjo]

Karen is doing well. Her foot still hasn't heeled properly. Has a permanent limp now. Other then that she is well. Kids are doing fine. Fred's still at maccas. Cody is getting better as he was one some pretty terrible tablets that made him really off. Slept so much. Is on new ones now & picking up slowly.

[The ho har's]

Hey how is everyone?
I have just finished a 4 week prac and had a blast.
Exam on Monday so have to do a lot of study.
For those in Queensland, are you still keen to do a BBQ?

Refresh my memory, when are you here? Yeh you can come too Carl :)

Mrs hh:angel:

[Landy Smurf]

The wedding is the 13th(Wednesday) of June.
So most likely the weekend before that

[The ho har's]

The wedding is the 13th(Wednesday) of June.
So most likely the weekend before that


13th June is the public holiday on MONDAY??????

[Landy Smurf]

sorry july not june

[The ho har's]

sorry july not june

The weekend before SLOw has a weekend camping trip. So that won't suit:(

Mrs hh:angel:

[Ausfree]

At long last we have started working on the Bofor at Fort Scratchley. We managed to get the side cover off so we can get to the Breech assembly. Boy, what a job, as we have no original tools we had to take the hinge screw out, as you can imagine the gun is 60 years old so the bolt was frozen in, but with heaps of WD 40 and elbow grease we managed to get it out.

We have to remove the breech assembly to convert the gun to be gas fired so it can imitate real live firing.

It will be on display on the Queens Birthday Monday but only as a static display as we won't have it converted by then. Some tools are coming from Canada which will make it easier to remove the auto loader. Anyrate I will be up at the Fort on that day so look for me near the Bofor.:)

[Landy Smurf]

The weekend before SLOw has a weekend camping trip. So that won't suit:(

Mrs hh:angel:
Would during the week work? except for the Wednesday due to the wedding. Possibly the Thursday or Tuesday?

[The ho har's]

Would during the week work? except for the Wednesday due to the wedding. Possibly the Thursday or Tuesday?

That doesn't worry us as we work from home, though others might not be able to come because of their work.

Mrs hh:angel:

[Landy Smurf]

We just looked at our schedule and I think think Tuesday is about the only day that will suit.
We could do lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Probably depending on what other people are doing.
Does that sound ok so far?

[The ho har's]

Thread is up in "upcoming Trips" :D

Mrs hh:angel:

[banjo]

Hi everyone how are you all going. Sorry I haven't been on much I've been so busy with knives & spoons. I haven't worked on Harry for months. Hey Jim great new about the gun.
Here's a knife I finished yesterday but I'll give it another polish before I send it off as I've sold it already. I've been making a lot of carving knives to. Hope to get them all finished next week & sent off. I was asked if I would sell some of my knives in a tackle shop aswell.

[The ho har's]

That's great ne Banjo. You will be know as the knife man:D

Mrs hh:angel:

[Ausfree]

Yeah, Jason, I've tracked down the correct paint to repaint the gun in an authentic 1960's Vietnam era colour scheme. This forum helped a lot on another Thread as military LandRovers of the period are painted the same colour. The paint is Protec brand and the colour is camouflage green. Luckily I have traced a local agent in Hamilton who is ordering a 4 litre can in for me.

Another volunteer who is a motor mechanic by trade is working on the gun and I am sort of acting as "technical adviser" because I know the functions of the various parts of the gun and I tell the mechanic what their function is when he asks me..."what does this thing do"!!!:D

Glad to hear the knifes are doing well for you, you have to have an interest in something or you would die of boredom!!!

[banjo]

Well the pic didn't work. Not long been up. Had a really late night last night. Was today before we got to bed. I'm to old for late nights I think.

Yeah my hobby has turned into a small business. Which is good as the little money I make after expenses really helps out.

[Ausfree]

I'm going into the Fort tomorrow and I'm taking the small camera with me. So I will post some photo's when I can.:D

C'mon Jason you are not old, not yet anyway. A young whipper snapper like you should be able to party until dawn.:p

[Ausfree]

Well I spent several hours at the Fort today. What a day, sun shining, absolutely perfect, we even did a bit of whale watching from the top section of the Fort and we were lucky to see several whales heading north, they were too far out to capture with my little camera. If I had my big camera with a large telephoto they would have made a great piccy.:D

Well as promised here is a picture of what a Bristol Bofor L60 looks like..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/877.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370075_zpspjpc5nul.jpg.html)

In the background is an earlier vintage Bofor (WW2) and a Studebaker truck.In the foreground is a 25 pounder field gun.

This next picture shows the side door we had trouble getting off, this gives us some access to the Breech mechanism and the loading tray. The round wheelie thingo is called an outer crank and its job is to recock the breech when the gun fires.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/52.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370073_zps5ms9jleg.jpg.html)

The loading tray is at the bottom part of the opening and its function is to load the next round into the chamber for firing.

You can't go to the fort without taking a piccy of one of the 6" guns which are the stars of the show.:D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/53.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370078_zpsrsctzxv8.jpg.html)

As you can see by the sky, it was an excellent day weatherwise.

The following photo is the Battery Observation Post which controlled the firing of the 6" guns.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/54.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370084_zpsxyvxctsg.jpg.html)


We got a very nice surprise when somebody spotted the Young Endeavour under full sail leaving the harbour.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/55.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370077_zpszxe76lhb.jpg.html)

Well that's how I spent my day, we didn't get much more done today but we are gradually getting there, very difficult without the right tools.:D:D

[V8Ian]

I'm assuming that gun is not for concealed carry, Jim. ;)

[Ausfree]

I'm assuming that gun is not for concealed carry, Jim. ;)

Which one Ian, the Bofor, the 6" or the 25 pounder????:p

[Landy Smurf]

Nice photos and story Jim. I have seen some whales jumping from my bedroom, geez they make a splash.
I start prac at another school on friday until the end of term. It is a 2 teacher school and it turns out I am related to my prac teacher. My 3xgreat grandfather is her 2x great grandfather, very small world.
BTW Jason how is the ozpig going now in the shed, I would imagine it is getting some use in this not so warm weather.

[Ausfree]

Nice photos and story Jim. I have seen some whales jumping from my bedroom, geez they make a splash.
I start prac at another school on friday until the end of term. It is a 2 teacher school and it turns out I am related to my prac teacher. My 3xgreat grandfather is her 2x great grandfather, very small world.
BTW Jason how is the ozpig going now in the shed, I would imagine it is getting some use in this not so warm weather.Tony, I have visions of whales jumping from your bedroom.:o They would make a splat rather than a splash, wouldn't they??:twisted:

Glad to here the prac teaching is working out.:D

[Landy Smurf]

LMAO-nice one Jim

[Ausfree]

Well, we reattached the side door to the Bofor and one of the volunteers came in with a key that he made up that actually fits the side door. Good, we won't have any more problems getting it open again.:D

[Ausfree]

Open day at Fort Scratchley today along with displays of military vehicles and the firing of the big guns. Here I am dressed up in military gear of the late 1960's (looking like Dads Army) standing in front of a Bristol Bofor Mk 12 that I served on all those years ago. The gun was recently obtained by the
Fort Scratchley group and we are in the process of doing it up.:)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/610.jpg (http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Ausfree/media/SL370088_zpsyshiicxl.jpg.html)

It was an excellent day weatherwise and there was various types of entertainment to cater for the crowds and we volunteers enjoyed ourselves immensley.:) We hope to have the gun converted to fire by Propane Gas and looking realistic, next open day, rather than the static display it was today.

[V8Ian]

That's not your old uniform Jim, the shirt is at least two sizes bigger than you wore forty odd years ago. :p;)

[sheerluck]

Come on Jim, that's not fair. It may be wabbit season, but you'll need something much smaller than that to go hunting. :D

[cuppabillytea]

Careful with that thing Jim.:eek: I fly past there sometimes. :angel::wasntme:

[Ausfree]

You don't have a thing to worry about Billy, ammo is unavailable even though the gun is capable of firing live rounds. Hey Ian, yeah sadly I've gained a bit of weight, I was as skinny as a rake all those years ago. The bugga's even gave me a shirt with one stripe less than I wore too, so after me have a good natured dig at them, they are going to find some Sargents stripes for me to sew on.:D
Tony, it certainly would make a mess of a wabbit if you could get some ammo.:p

[banjo]

Gday everyone how are use all.

Things aren't to good for us at the moment. Some low life dobbed us into Centrelink. Said Karen was working way more then she was & told them I was running a full knife business. It's a hobby that I make some money from. Mostly enough to buy materials. So I now don't make knives & Karen is no longer working. So things are very very tight here. Karen has signed up to do an AIN course online. Just waiting to hear back when she will get all the stuff sent out.

We are under investigation the even knew what cars we had & the one up the back I'm building. The sheds I put up & the carport. So they've been watching us.

Hey Jim that's a great photo of you & the gun. Would make a great Christmas card.

Looks like we will be moving soon enough. Not sure where to or how yet but mite even be interstate maybe QLD.

We only have the disco now. Karen little car ran out of rego so we didn't worry about putting more rego on it. It be up forsale soon. I maybe even going to trade the disco & camper trailer for just a normal car like a Commodore or a ute of some sort. Not sure yet.

I'll have to sell Harry but I don't think I'll get anything for it so it may just get scraped.

Life sucks balls sometimes I can tell yas.

Anyway that's us. Haven't been doing much at all.

[banjo]

Sheesh. Only 9 more pages & we hit 1000 pages. Not bad for a post I thought would only be a page.
Plus I've we've made some awesome friends from it. Who would of thought.

[cuppabillytea]

Sheesh. Only 9 more pages & we hit 1000 pages. Not bad for a post I thought would only be a page.
Plus I've we've made some awesome friends from it. Who would of thought.

There'll have to be a celebration when the 1000 comes up. Well done Jason.
I hope it's restored your faith in your fellow man a little.

[Ausfree]

G'day Jason, I have been meaning to get over to see you but, I am busier now than I have ever been. Will definitely get to see you soon. Yeah life keeps throwing curved balls at you sometimes and you have to learn to duck.:)

You like the picture of me in the uniform?? I couldn't remember the army giving out shirts that made you look fat, I'm sure I looked skinny in a uniform back in the 1960's.:whistling:


See you soon mate!!!:D:D

[V8Ian]

Gday everyone how are use all.

Things aren't to good for us at the moment. Some low life dobbed us into Centrelink. Said Karen was working way more then she was & told them I was running a full knife business. It's a hobby that I make some money from. Mostly enough to buy materials. So I now don't make knives & Karen is no longer working. So things are very very tight here. Karen has signed up to do an AIN course online. Just waiting to hear back when she will get all the stuff sent out.

We are under investigation the even knew what cars we had & the one up the back I'm building. The sheds I put up & the carport. So they've been watching us.

Hey Jim that's a great photo of you & the gun. Would make a great Christmas card.

Looks like we will be moving soon enough. Not sure where to or how yet but mite even be interstate maybe QLD.

We only have the disco now. Karen little car ran out of rego so we didn't worry about putting more rego on it. It be up forsale soon. I maybe even going to trade the disco & camper trailer for just a normal car like a Commodore or a ute of some sort. Not sure yet.

I'll have to sell Harry but I don't think I'll get anything for it so it may just get scraped.

Life sucks balls sometimes I can tell yas.

Anyway that's us. Haven't been doing much at all.

I'll alert Border Security. :p:D

[Ausfree]

Managed to do more work on the Bofor today, got the breech mechs out and the auto loader. Had a bit of a hiccup when we took the loading tray locking bolt out and the loading tray went flying to the rear of the auto loader.:o Forgot to cock the gun before we did it,oh well, its been a long time since I served on these guns and all ended well.

The chap who is going to do the gas modification had a good look around the gun and asked a lot of questions, so slowly but surely we are getting there.:D

ps We replaced the auto loader onto the gun minus the loading tray as it is not needed and that gives more room for the gas conversion. The breech mechs stay out too.

[banjo]

Hey guys I been working on harry so ive updated the thread..


And heres some pics of the last knife I made


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/25.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/4E4B3513-1DDB-4649-BFE2-44B66DCE6423_zpsbrk1qism.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/26.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/F38957A3-40CF-4F45-B0BC-0F9A90C59CDC_zpsxkyz7dgg.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/27.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/C92F9B2C-DF48-4B07-AB03-5138B112C7C3_zpsa8k6nble.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/28.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/9414AD58-DB6B-45D8-84A0-C198945EA804_zpsx5gcqtyw.jpg.html)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/29.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/45062CDF-6DC8-4009-93F3-8EB528FA4EA4_zpstg08gnnb.jpg.html)

[banjo]

Well spent the day working on Harry again today. Got a bit done.. do some more again tomorrow..Have to vote to..Lucky I get to walk past the PIE shop

[cuppabillytea]

I don't know how to walk past a pie shop. Could you explain how that is done please Jason? :D

[Narangga]

Well spent the day working on Harry again today. Got a bit done.. do some more again tomorrow..Have to vote to..Lucky I get to walk past the PIE shop

We all know you wouldn't be running :p

[Ausfree]

He wants to buy the pies to throw at the politicians!!!!:twisted::p


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYD-b9KqQKc

[rangieman]

Im curious as do you make the blades or do you buy blanks also what material are the blades made from:cool:

[banjo]

Im curious as do you make the blades or do you buy blanks also what material are the blades made from:cool:

I make the whole thing. I buy in hi carbon steel for knife making. Design the blade. Deside on what style of edge for that blade. Then cut the blank out. Then edge the blade. I heat treat in my forge then temper. Then desire what handle material I want to use with what pins. Then cut glue & pin the handles. Sand handles then hand sand them. Then final sharpen & polish. It's a long process per knife. I do quite a few different size & style of knives plus my carving knives which are hook knives.

[banjo]

Well today I finished off all the body mounts for Harry. Will start the steering column tomorrow. :D:D

[The ho har's]

Today was a sad day for us...

The funeral for PeterP was today. The service was attended by quiet a few generally and a few AULROians. For those who didn't know Peter he was in the military, Navy, and loved his 101. I have only seen Harry shed a tear 3 times, his father's funeral, our beloved dog "boof" death and today.

RIP Peter

[Ausfree]

Sorry to hear the sad news Carolyn. Funerals are never pleasant occasions particularly if you were closely involved with the person who died.:( A couple of months ago I attended a funeral of a close uncle, we were in the CMF together and he taught me a lot about life in the army. I now own his slouch hat which is a pleasant reminder of him.

[rangieman]

I make the whole thing. I buy in hi carbon steel for knife making. Design the blade. Deside on what style of edge for that blade. Then cut the blank out. Then edge the blade. I heat treat in my forge then temper. Then desire what handle material I want to use with what pins. Then cut glue & pin the handles. Sand handles then hand sand them. Then final sharpen & polish. It's a long process per knife. I do quite a few different size & style of knives plus my carving knives which are hook knives.

It`s good to see a hand crafted blade from carbon steel :thumbsup:
I am so over stainless steel blades never holding a edge :eek:
I even bought a old Moira knife from switzerland not too long ago like one i owned when i was a lot younger as all i could find in Oz were stainless steel blades:eek:
Funny thing is when i bought this Moira i found my original knife so now i have 2:angel:.
Do you hand make the sheath`s as well :cool:
Well done id like to see more of your knife`s . Oh i dont do FB:cool:

[Ausfree]

Just returned from a re-union at Fort Scratchley of past members of 113 Battery. It was good to catch up with a lot of people I served with all those years ago. Some people looked the same as I remember (although a little older) and some had changed completely. One member who served as an officer in the unit had changed so much, I didn't recognise him until somebody quietly told me who he was.
All in all a good night and Mrs Aus had a good time talking to the ladies.:D

[Ausfree]

Oops posted twice.

[banjo]

It`s good to see a hand crafted blade from carbon steel :thumbsup:
I am so over stainless steel blades never holding a edge :eek:
I even bought a old Moira knife from switzerland not too long ago like one i owned when i was a lot younger as all i could find in Oz were stainless steel blades:eek:
Funny thing is when i bought this Moira i found my original knife so now i have 2:angel:.
Do you hand make the sheath`s as well :cool:
Well done id like to see more of your knife`s . Oh i dont do FB:cool:

I don't do the sheaths yet. I'm learning leather work so I can & also kydex sheaths. I have a freind who does leather work so he makes sheaths when I'm asked for one with a knife.

I'll get some pics of my knives I've done. Making a couple for myself at the moment.

[Ausfree]

Hey guys and gals, just swapped over to the NBN and very happy with it, changeover went smoothly.:D Anybody else here on the NBN.:D

[V8Ian]

No Bloomin' Network? ;)

[Ausfree]

No Bloomin' Network? ;)

Yeah Ian, I heard that many horror stories that I was hesitating to do it just yet. In this area we have until July next year before they turn the old system off so I was going to wait a while. Got talking to a Telstra rep and he talked me into changing over now and I was quite surprised how easy it was.:D

[V8Ian]

So how's (semi?)retirement suiting you Jim? We don't seem to see you as often these days, you have been missed. :(

[Ausfree]

So how's (semi?)retirement suiting you Jim? We don't seem to see you as often these days, you have been missed. :(

Still around, thanks Ian and working harder than ever, the project at Fort Scratchley is taking up some of my time. The project you might remember is the refurbishing of an old Bofor and modifying it to fire by a mixture of propane and oxygen. We are making progress and when the conversion is made we will strip it back and paint it's original colour scheme.

After we finish that there is and old Mk 1 Bofor to be done up, but it won't be converted to gas firing. It will only be a static display.

Also involved now with the RSL, but it doesn't take up as much time and of cause Mrs Aus has the whip out for me to catch up on work around the home PLUS I am working two or sometimes three days a week.........whew!!!:)

Anyrate, it's good to be doing different things rather than just driving,driving,driving all the time.:D


ps. Forgot to mention, had a reunion at Fort Scratchley last
Saturday night with the old unit (113 Battery) some of the blokes I haven't seen in almost 50 years, was a good time.

[Ausfree]

Me again Ian, this clip gives an idea of what we are doing. Our conversion on the Bofor will be programmed to fire at 120 rounds per minute which is what the old Bofor achieved.:D The circuit board was ordered from this mob and we are building the rest ourselves. We have some talented people who volunteer at the Fort.

Gas Gun Components (http://www.ww2steel.com/Gasguns/Gasguns.html)

[V8Ian]

Good onya Jim, enjoy. :)

[cuppabillytea]

I think we might have to scratch around and dig up some live ammo for Jim's pop gun. Wouldn't hat be fun? :twisted:

[sheerluck]

I think we might have to scratch around and dig up some live ammo for Jim's pop gun. Wouldn't hat be fun? :twisted:

Probably wouldn't be much fun for the people it's pointing at........?:angel:

[Ausfree]

Yeah, I wouldn't like 40mm rounds coming at me at the rate of 120 rounds per minute, would soon make things very hot for you.:p

[Ausfree]

While we are talking Bofors here is the latest use for the gun by the Yanks on their AC 130 Hercules gunships called Spooky 2. The gunship is armed with a 25mm mini gun, a 40mm Bofor and a 105mm cannon as well as various missiles.:D

AC-130 Gunship (http://www.airforceworld.com/attacker/eng/ac130-usaf-1.htm)

I reckon that's not bad for a weapon that was first developed in the 1930's and the version on the gunship is almost identical to the original version.:D

ps. The Yanks started using the Bofors in Vietnam and had them mounted in the old Dakota's which were called "Puff the Magic Dragon" before they moved them onto the Hercules.

[banjo]

Had a visitor today. Jim called in for a catchup. Was good to see you Jim.

[Tins]

Having spent about forever driving the highways for a living, I've missed so much. I've been haunting AULRO for about six of those ten, but now I've stopped the endless drone of the B Double I've had a little more time, and I have stumbled onto this. A few pages back I saw that this thread has nearly hit 1000! And so full of stories! If my eyes weren't so screen blurry I would go back to the beginning, but that's not for tonight.
So, right now I am staying home. It can't be forever, 'cos the money won't do the distance, but am I enjoying it?
Sunday, MOM ( my old mum ) will turn 98. And, because the company I worked for closed down, I will be here for it. So, blessings come disguised in all sorts of ways.
Hope you folks don't mind me dropping in, 'cos I would like to stay a while.
BTW, I'm ex military, missed Vietnam by the skin of my teeth, ex RAEME. Somehow I think our stories might cross.

[Ausfree]

It is a nice cosy corner of AULRO we have here, johntins and as you have gathered we chat amongst ourselves and occasionally people drop in to say hello. Everybody is welcome here so come in sit down and tell us about yourself.:D:D

By the way V8Ian drops in now and then and he is a truckie also. I am a semi-retired bus driver still keeping my hand in..........."On the Buses"

[Ausfree]

Had a visitor today. Jim called in for a catchup. Was good to see you Jim.

I would have stayed longer, Jason except for that call from the son!!:)

[Tins]

It is a nice cosy corner of AULRO we have here, johntins and as you have gathered we chat amongst ourselves and occasionally people drop in to say hello. Everybody is welcome here so come in sit down and tell us about yourself.:D:D

By the way V8Ian drops in now and then and he is a truckie also. I am a semi-retired bus driver still keeping my hand in..........."On the Buses"

Did some time on the buses myself. Many school runs, lots of Elderly Cits and Probus groups, and five years of bl00dy snow. I simply can' think of anything worse. Driving to Buller or Hotham, or perhaps Falls, and fitting chains to 11R or bigger wheels, all so some folk can spend the day drinking because "it's too cold"! What about me? Can't have a drink, .00 and all that, can't have any fun on the slopes, because who drives home if I break my leg, can't sleep because there is ALWAYS somebody who's forgotten something..... Then I did 'Track'.
Interstate truck driving was paradise.... But, I miss the old folk, and the little kids. All they ever wanted was to enjoy themselves, and I was always included. I drove taxis. Now, I was good at that, but is a game for mugs, well, it was. Never again. I have always driven, one way or another. Seems to be in the blood. It is not, however, a way to get ahead.
Need to sleep now, but I'll be back. Thanks for the welcome.

[The ho har's]

We are heading to the Sydney expo this year.. any one else going?? Will see if we can pop in Banjo

Mrs hh

[cuppabillytea]

I'm going to be in Greece. I'll miss all the fun, so I'll have to make up for it when I get back.

[Landy Smurf]

I will not know until the week of. However I doubt I will be able to make it.

[V8Ian]

By the way V8Ian drops in now and then and he is a truckie also.

He's keeping an eye or two on you, Jim. :eek2:

[Ausfree]

He's keeping an eye or two on you, Jim. :eek2:

Uh,oh!!!:o

[Outback 1]

Did some time on the buses myself. Many school runs, lots of Elderly Cits and Probus groups, and five years of bl00dy snow. I simply can' think of anything worse. Driving to Buller or Hotham, or perhaps Falls, and fitting chains to 11R or bigger wheels, all so some folk can spend the day drinking because "it's too cold"! What about me? Can't have a drink, .00 and all that, can't have any fun on the slopes, because who drives home if I break my leg, can't sleep because there is ALWAYS somebody who's forgotten something..... Then I did 'Track'.
Interstate truck driving was paradise.... But, I miss the old folk, and the little kids. All they ever wanted was to enjoy themselves, and I was always included. I drove taxis. Now, I was good at that, but is a game for mugs, well, it was. Never again. I have always driven, one way or another. Seems to be in the blood. It is not, however, a way to get ahead.
Need to sleep now, but I'll be back. Thanks for the welcome.

Who did you drive for mate we may have crossed paths i did buses and coaches for about 20 years (and a bit of interstate trucking mostly Melbourne -Perth - Melbourne )

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Ausfree]

Well, I spent another day at the fort working on the conversion of the Bofor to gas firing. All the parts have now been made thanks to the efforts of two of the volunteers there.

The parts have been test fitted into the gun to see if they fit and after an adjustment here and there they are ready to be permantley installed. There will be a test firing on Wednesday of the parts on a workbench to see if everything goes as planned and if everything is OK, THEN they will be installed in the Bofor.

Unfortunately I can't be there as I will be working, but I will have my fingers crossed that everything will be fine.

Next Monday we will mount the gas conversion into the Bofor if all is well and I WILL be there, can't wait.:D

[rangieman]

Who did you drive for mate we may have crossed paths i did buses and coaches for about 20 years (and a bit of interstate trucking mostly Melbourne -Perth - Melbourne )

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

Yes Stan i never saw a pommie Double Decker at the Penquin`s :angel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P5xC6STNSA

[Outback 1]

You must be blind cause I have seen double Deckers at the penguins, I've even driven them there myself :D
And all this from bill and ben the flower pot men (aka rangieman ) :p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:D:D:D:D:D:D

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[The ho har's]

I thought I would let my friends know.

Harry spent 8 hours today at the Mater seeing several specialists and.... He is free of cancer He will have several follow ups over the years to keep check.

Mrs hh:angel:

[cuppabillytea]

Great news. Thanks Caroline.

[Landy Smurf]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Great news HoHars

[Ausfree]

It's a good feeling isn't it Carolyn.:D:D

[Ausfree]

Well, we had a test firing of the Bofor at the fort, this morning. I was prepared to be disappointed, having actually served on Bofors firing live rounds.

It was very good, the gun fired several times with flames coming out of the barrel and the "BANG" was quite loud and lifelike. The firing rate was a little bit slower than 120 rounds per minute, but I don't think the general public would not notice. I was quite surprised and impressed.

We will be giving a live public demonstration on open day at the fort on the long weekend Monday in October. I will be there dressed up looking like "dads army" in my 60's era army uniform.

The next part of the project is to wash the gun down with degreaser and hose it off before repainting it, but we do not expect to have that done by the long weekend.

Anyrate, we progress slowly and if anybody is in Newcastle on that day, come up and have a look and say G'day.:D:D

[banjo]

That's great new Caroline. We've been quiet busy lately. I've got about 12 knives on the go. I'll get some pic of them for use. A week ago yesterday we got a call from Fred as she was out said her car had leaked all the coolant out. So when & got her limped the car home. New water pump & Orings later. But as she still had to go to work Karen took her upto the industrial area near us so she could drive the disco & get comfortable with the manual again. Then I gets a phone call from Karen. She said um sorry but I think we just blew the rear diff or an axle. I said ok I'll come up & get use in Karen's new little car a Mazda 121 bubble. Well I rang back & said um what keys are you using the disco with. Oh mine ok we will walk back. Then we went got disco I drove it home in 4wheel drive. Checked the axles the other day. Both fine so it's the diff centre. Got a new one off all 4x4 well good secondhand one from a RR. Now I have to change that out but need to get the gaskets & diff oil first & pay for the diff $385. Then went to polish up my knives ready to put the logo on & the buffing grinder died. It's just been one of those weeks.

Lucky we know Peter the owner of all 4x4 as we have the diff already but forgot to pickup the gaskets. Will them on Tuesday

[banjo]

Hey Jim. Where you at the open day at the fort today on the bofor. I think I just seen you on the new firing the gun. ??

[Ausfree]

Hey Jim. Where you at the open day at the fort today on the bofor. I think I just seen you on the new firing the gun. ??

I was there, but that was not me on the news. I was the main person firing the gun at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, but when the news people came I was having a break. I will be in the paper tomorrow ( I think).

I met a fellow Aulorian who is also on REMLR forum. He owns a S3 Landrover and his forum name is Workshop. He came up to me and asked if I was Ausfree and I said I was so we had a great old chat.

Also met a fellow 113 Battery member who was on the same gun crew as me. Haven't seen him in 45 years and it was like talking to an old mate, rather than someone I hadn't seen in a long time.

Except for the bloody wind, it was a great day. I was on the news the other night, I will see if I can find the clip.:D

Here it is, I put it on Aulro last week, that's me firing the gun. Still a lot of work to do on the gun, next we have to wash it down and repaint it. Also move the gas bottles to a place where they are less obvious.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/241225-restoring-bofor.html

[Ausfree]

Well, I have my six seconds of fame, here is the local paper article on the Bofor gun.:)

Fort (http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4204009/forts-new-gun-a-shot-of-war-history/?cs=305)

[V8Ian]

Do your bosses at the bus depot realise that you're a gun operator, Jim? ;)

[Ausfree]

Do your bosses at the bus depot realise that you're a gun operator, Jim? ;)

:p Ha, ha, I keep trying to tell them that Ian. Modest fellow that I am.:whistling:

[Landy Smurf]

Long time no chat.
Well I have some exciting news.
I have a job for next year.
This term I have been doing P.E. K-6 as well as random classes for short amount of time. (similar to casual teaching).
However next year I have my own class. I am the year 1 teacher for the school I am currently teaching at.
It is a very exciting time and I am super pumped.
I already know most of the students I will have. There are some students that will test me and there are some that are super cool. I cant wait to start next year.
It is fair to say that Christmas has come early for me :)
Hope all is well with our fellow members :)

[Narangga]

Long time no chat.
Well I have some exciting news.
I have a job for next year.
This term I have been doing P.E. K-6 as well as random classes for short amount of time. (similar to casual teaching).
However next year I have my own class. I am the year 1 teacher for the school I am currently teaching at.
It is a very exciting time and I am super pumped.
I already know most of the students I will have. There are some students that will test me and there are some that are super cool. I cant wait to start next year.
It is fair to say that Christmas has come early for me :)
Hope all is well with our fellow members :)

Congrats :banana:

One of my sons is in his second year with a grade 3 class. Says you just stand over them and look tough and they melt...

You could take Banjo with you as Riot control :wasntme:

[cuppabillytea]

Congrats :banana:

One of my sons is in his second year with a grade 3 class. Says you just stand over them and look tough and they melt...

You could take Banjo with you as Riot control :wasntme:

Yeh Banjo could teach 'm how to make knives. :p:wasntme:

[Ausfree]

Goodonya Tony, that's good news.:D:D

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

It begs the question - how is Banjo? It has been a long while since any posts from him. I hope everything is okay?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Ausfree]

Hello All,

It begs the question - how is Banjo? It has been a long while since any posts from him. I hope everything is okay?

Kind Regards
Lionel

He's good thanks Lionel.:D I keep in contact with him, I visited him two weeks ago and had a chat with him for a couple of hours. He is busy on a bushcraft Forum and he makes and sells knives on the internet. Good quality knives too, he spends hours on some of them.:D

[banjo]

Hi everyone .How are use all. Were all ok here going well. Ive had some pains the last week seems I have another kidney stone on the move.Nothing they can do just wait see if it passes or end up in hospital from pain. Though I passed the last one to the shock of doctors lol..

Karen now has a job at a call center for wines . Though they don't just ring everyone & anyone they call people who have filled out surveys on wines only.. She is also doing her work placement at a nursing home near by & she loves it though she is run off her feet allday 7 till 3 then straight into the call center for 4 till 8 that's only 4 nights a week Monday till Thursday..

We have a new computer so working out how all works pootas aren't realy our thing but there such a part of life these days.. Fred is good still working at maccas. Is going away after xmas to the goldcost * back to Byronbay for a few days. then later in the year she is going to Hawii & the states & newzealand.

Cody is ok still no work as he is now suffering some anxietys & going threw a rough patch of them..

Yes I have been working on a few knives of late .ill post up pics too..

[banjo]

Ok heres a set of TRACKER knives I made . I made these for a trade as I needed some expensive lear work done. The smaller one has Australian coolahbar burl. the larger one has Australian re gum burl handles. These are made from SUP9 steel which is a suspension steel..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/717.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/CA54C9C2-F34A-4F19-9C74-12A465671957_zpsttcej3lf.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/718.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/5AE3CE51-82D3-4EBC-96FF-5AB08416FF28_zps2ruksekp.jpg.html)

[banjo]

I made these 2 for myself . Again from SUP9 6mm thick. The larger one has custom resin scales with stainless steel pins .

The smaller one has G10 liners for scales which is a fibregass material..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/715.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/08DCBE88-B233-4313-BDFD-57462D38373D_zps0au5jg3k.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/716.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/14A85339-0775-401A-8013-D85D9C178305_zpsunagmydt.jpg.html)

[banjo]

This is my new expensive logo stamp ive brought I need to buy a press to use it yet. So I'm still using my etching machine for now

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/714.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/01641D92-5142-412F-A4F6-B29595C2543E_zpsrh2z6iut.jpg.html)

[banjo]

These are the spoon carving sets I make. I make these in right or left handed.
The first set is a full set of 5 . 3 hooks & 2 sloyde.
the first set has blackbutt scales with white liners

the second set is a set of 3 hooks. with some pine scales & red liners. I do these set as some people like to just use there pocket knives to whittle..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/708.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/A7E11287-7C4E-4126-9E71-1485E797F8DD_zpsaeyi3moa.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/709.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/60B171DC-D4D1-4392-8918-5B8390988104_zpsoxhsvfz6.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/710.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/3AAA7C9A-4FB0-4523-9DB8-F84793FC10D0_zpsk6swx98q.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/711.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/BD6320CD-97BF-4563-B665-F6D82B165F51_zpszabz9pt9.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/712.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/8722D96C-B868-4947-BC5D-1116C891C0C4_zpsoo13eo3o.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/713.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/EE0BD10D-FF71-427D-8329-43510B630E7E_zpsvrvnk4cn.jpg.html)

[banjo]

These one are sommaller EDC knives I wasked to make. (everyday carry)
these all have the G10 liners for scales.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/705.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/C8D78F72-EB6E-4C62-BEAF-512E9D202B1B_zps6wumcs4h.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/706.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/F38A8F1B-229F-4BAD-9804-D32049C75B76_zpsowue7pqx.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/707.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/022F882B-C948-4CE0-8807-CE997FC47B92_zps9z1sqssa.jpg.html)

[banjo]

These are all the bushcraft styleives I make these are made from high carbon 1075 steel. All have Australian timber scales& G10 liners. Can have SS pis or brass.some with Australian burl timbers to..All have matching fero rods for fire starting. These have been here for awhile & I'm selling them off as seconds as some of the scales have shunk & as they have been lieing aroud some have slighthips on t blade so there only $85 including postage in Australia ..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/686.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/0570A480-FF5A-4853-8F69-95C70FD39546_zpssfm4qiw4.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/687.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/3B417820-C63C-43BE-931A-DCFC7DB5A1B3_zpsfixvn2ye.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/688.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/0658E994-2FD1-4797-A58A-FC2F7B33B31F_zpswgfcs8va.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/689.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/F14AEF16-2C28-44C4-974C-7E54E1FF2363_zpsmkxll4xn.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/690.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/7B49716B-98A3-4268-8DE7-17E49839DAB7_zpscmiqpavu.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/691.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/8110DAD8-A736-4E22-9D94-38F89CE6FA23_zpsjjbkvszu.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/692.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/5D599572-67D6-4563-B150-2142E908477C_zps2dkjvjn5.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/693.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/D90CC5A5-ECEB-4547-9AFB-0D2F215D4E11_zpsecfpadqp.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/694.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/8A665358-0252-437A-B057-D1F726562FE9_zpsi2w814tt.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/695.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/5D4E5B10-2841-4BB5-9A32-3B7A25A813DD_zpskzttpbcb.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/696.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/EB1C55B5-969C-4DC0-8CEE-DCF462863729_zpsjgfkkede.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/697.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/B03E80E8-EB7A-445D-95C0-B91C2C9A5819_zpsobvoergm.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/698.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/DE1D7F56-326A-401E-97AB-43C28632A161_zpsuvot6xop.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/699.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/282F9A1A-0EF0-4A75-827B-8CA306746487_zps9iqvyere.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/700.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/37635B0C-9E23-46B0-8B04-CABB7A9C5367_zpstaetffyz.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/701.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/9B89313E-AA85-4BDB-8D84-E88ED25AF7F6_zpskf9mbgox.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/702.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/29EEAF75-143D-4BEA-B2BF-AA3F1FAFB28E_zpsqwqp5rmm.jpg.html)

This is just a mini axe have been trying out

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/703.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/64D8AC83-EF6E-4E0F-83EA-6A15A60AC5D0_zpsdzm8a7ak.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/704.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/BF21CAEA-D7DB-41AF-9689-0DA9447F7FED_zpsdlxrly6f.jpg.html)

[banjo]

These are a favorite set. Thee are my carving set. Ive also made myseld a pair of the sloyde knives to match now. These have gidgy wood handles.. this stuff is like steel o work with

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/683.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/1C4594E1-CA44-4444-BE21-35C364031311_zps3lbbs2mz.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/684.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/3FCD9DD6-09B3-40E3-8825-AFC50CDD4E5F_zpstywr2h4o.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/685.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/8D32DA54-B929-4FE5-A169-4E4BA8CA7440_zpsb04jz14q.jpg.html)

[banjo]

I found a pic of my makers mark from the maker. And also hers the pics of the large knives after I etched them..

The HF is for Hillbilly Forge with my initals on the inside.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/676.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/CC9334EE-F112-4898-A9A5-0E5B19A6CC52_zpscpvvbuxc.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/677.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/6D8F0679-4FDE-4F85-93E2-FD0230962469_zpsrnwwk6zo.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/678.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/FDFD0653-D549-4DD3-8AFA-915D2D2771D8_zpsuye0pksc.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/679.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/9C38B22B-62EB-478B-B17B-7FEF44886C53_zpsbbikb4sw.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/680.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/550CC8AE-72B8-4E1B-A5D2-252D2BF7F453_zpstqudcgkd.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/681.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/95331F36-40FA-487A-9842-7FCCE36410A2_zpsymhtjfbo.jpg.html)

[banjo]

Unfortunatly in the last 6 weeks ive had to turn down quite a bit of work as my multitool & my bench grinder that I use just isn't cutting it . So I have to get a new proper knife grinder but the cost is way to much at #2300 minumn plus freight .. Plus my buffing grinder died . So ive found a away I can get a brand new knife grinder for $1300 by building it myself using Australian sorced equipment. So in the new year I'm somehow going to start & build one then I can use my grinder that I use now for knives as my buffing grinder & get back into it .. Heres some pics one a knife grinder I'm going to build it wont be the exact same as ive made some mods to the plans to make it better & more suite to me ..These take a 72 inch belt so much better last longer & run cooler..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/663.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/949F7FD0-029B-4F94-A17A-00B596F17BF4_zps7hzubbjd.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/664.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/7B990E76-1CCD-45C6-B129-A3D14B3152F8_zpskqjfoz3i.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/665.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/622C0700-BC0C-4360-A6F0-80B0765165E0_zpsoga1o27b.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/666.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/41D49E13-0B0C-4AA0-993B-D31D040AAB6F_zpsxxuswpsx.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/667.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/F3AD5DF8-1F2D-44E3-A0BA-0BCCA3CCE1FE_zps749lwkr3.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/668.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/60BB4443-3C80-45BD-845E-41A2CD7D2BB2_zpsiky42hvj.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/665.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/622C0700-BC0C-4360-A6F0-80B0765165E0_zpsoga1o27b.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/669.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/DD075A7D-6852-45F7-8635-D5C4A77A94B3_zps68djq0op.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/670.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/B0D4FF1B-411E-48C9-9008-EA999A682551_zpsm240acio.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/671.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/A0664A15-8CAA-46D2-94A3-BF3C4F06AADA_zps3gujc23e.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/672.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/686824DD-47E1-4A56-9A84-FADA904CC3BE_zpsuzwfp6db.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/673.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/730FF812-45A1-4E2E-A314-C542080D58FB_zpszfkutlfi.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/674.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/ED62FC6C-E9FD-412A-89BC-5AC2B3015AC6_zpsgajrdutk.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/675.jpg (http://s949.photobucket.com/user/jasonkarens/media/A91A6129-9CE3-4FBE-A984-8A6B02B9C05A_zpsv026hwpb.jpg.html)

[banjo]

So that's where we are at the moment I hope I haven't bored use all to much. Ill keep use posted on how I go with my grinder build..

Ive also now got all the steering in Harry aswell . I now need to buy some sheet steel so I can make the trans tunnel . then its pretty much just pull all the body back off & get it painted..

[rangieman]

Well done mate just love your Knifes and craftsmanship :thumbsup:
I thought i had lost my knife Swedish (Moria) laminated carbon steel i`ve had for a very very long time .
Man that knife has seen some guts and skins in its life:angel:
Any way as id thought i had lost my good friend which i paid no joke $ 1.50 for new some years ago:D
The hunt started for another the same and i found one in Sweden online and bought it for about $40 then i found my old knife now i have 2:cool:

[banjo]

Well done mate just love your Knifes and craftsmanship :thumbsup:
I thought i had lost my knife Swedish (Moria) laminated carbon steel i`ve had for a very very long time .
Man that knife has seen some guts and skins in its life:angel:
Any way as id thought i had lost my good friend which i paid no joke $ 1.50 for new some years ago:D
The hunt started for another the same and i found one in Sweden online and bought it for about $40 then i found my old knife now i have 2:cool:


Your old one will be much better. Some people have been having trouble with the new ones. The laminate has been coming apart.

[Narangga]

Well done mate just love your Knifes and craftsmanship :thumbsup:
I thought i had lost my knife Swedish (Moria) laminated carbon steel i`ve had for a very very long time .
Man that knife has seen some guts and skins in its life:angel:
Any way as id thought i had lost my good friend which i paid no joke $ 1.50 for new some years ago:D
The hunt started for another the same and i found one in Sweden online and bought it for about $40 then i found my old knife now i have 2:cool:

You talking knives or Land Rovers? :o :p :D

[Narangga]

So that's where we are at the moment I hope I haven't bored use all to much. Ill keep use posted on how I go with my grinder build..

Ive also now got all the steering in Harry aswell . I now need to buy some sheet steel so I can make the trans tunnel . then its pretty much just pull all the body back off & get it painted..

You - boring? Bahahahahahahhaha :p :wasntme:

[Ausfree]

That's an awesome looking machine you are building there, Jase!!!:D:D

[banjo]

That's an awesome looking machine you are building there, Jase!!!:D:D

I haven't started yet. But that's just what it will be like. There a beast there 2hp variable speed. You know you've been bitten by them they bit you I can tell you. Will make life a lot easier for me & give a better finish & quality.

[Ausfree]

Well, keep us posted, Jason!

[Landy Smurf]

Very good job Jason, they look fantastic.
You really are a man of many talents.

[Narangga]

Welcome to page 1000. :D


Only nine more posts...

[cuppabillytea]

What I'm waiting for is Jason's first folding knife. It can't be too far away. His work is getting finer and finer.
Good job Jason.:BigThumb:

[Narangga]

Seven...

[Ausfree]

Six!!:p

[Narangga]

Morning Aus! Five...

[banjo]

What I'm waiting for is Jason's first folding knife. It can't be too far away. His work is getting finer and finer.
Good job Jason.:BigThumb:

I have a few folder designs here. I'll be starting after xmas.

[banjo]

Three

[Narangga]

I have a few folder designs here. I'll be starting after xmas.

Be good to see them. :BigThumb:

[Narangga]

ONE

[banjo]

10,000

:banana::banana::arms::arms::misclock::misclock:

:MileStone::MileStone: