Eden Trip October/November 2010

The view from our apartment!  Nothing quite like sitting in your pjs with a cup of tea watching breaching Humpback whales!

Southern Right whale by jix3

Southern Right whale

Southern Right Whale

What started out as a report of a stranded whale with a calf still in the shallows, turned out to be a single Southern Right Whale!  He made his way from beach to beach until dusk when we couldn't watch him anymore!  It is so amazing how close these whales come in, and we were lucky enough to hear this one *trumpet*....  enjoy the slideshow!

Southern Right Whale - Kiama - Sunday 11th July 2010

ORRCA Whale Census Day

Wendy, Vicki and keen members of the public counting Humpback whales from the Ruined Lighthouse Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay.

Although it was a very, very cold day, we had over 400 guests visit the park. 

We were also lucky to have the privilege of spending the day with Julie, Marley and other members from Booderee National Park.  Not only do they serve tea, coffee, hot milo and Barry's wonderful damper, but they provide an informal cultural talk on indigenous people and their connection with whales.

Trust me when I say that you have never experienced damper until you try Barry's!

Three Humpback whales.

Each animal's dorsal is unique.

This particular whale will be easily identified by, not only his unique dorsal fin, but also the large white marking on his flank.

If you look closely, this whale has what appears to be rake marks (from an Orca perhaps) or maybe marks from a propeller injury?  Can you spot the second whale?

Thank goodness for a 400mm lens!  The top right hand corner of this pic is where we would initially see the first blow or blows! 

If you are an avid bird watcher, you can see numerous species, and we are always lucky to see a number of sea eagles!

Birdhouse Necklace

Well, after catching up with Jen I have managed to get back into the studio and create something! Helps that I am not working so have plenty of time on my hands - in between trying to find a job that is!

I started playing with copper 10 years ago and we had a Collaborative book swap and I did the covers in copper.... then went on to do a couple of other items... then... nothing....

So here are a few pictures.... love copper and heat, brass, swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls!

These have a gorgeous perfume!

Puppy pics

Baillie has discovered the top of the lounge! A lot of others who have CKCS have said that their dogs sit on top of the lounges all the time. Looks like Baillie figured it out last week. I came out into the lounge to see him here... and I am sure he is laughing at me.... lol

Probably one of the better pics I have been able to get of Harley... he just doesn't like having his photo taken.

I really love cows

With all the recent rain, the grass is so green over in the valley. Sometimes it actually looks like someone has coloured it in with a green highlighter pen!

Random Pics

I have been trying to take a photo a day, but that isn't really working out! This is a Buddha that sits next door to our office.... may just have to buy him and bring him home.

Foods that are Hazardous to your pet

The following 'human foods" can be toxic and should be avoided at all costs.

Alcoholic beverages

It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don't ever offer this to your pets.

Here are some of the signs and side effects:

- Incoordination/ataxia

- Excitement

- Depression

- Excessive urination

- Breathing rate is slowed

- Cardiac arrest and death

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic - but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate (all forms)

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

Signs:

Initial excitation.

Increased drinking and urinating.

Vomiting and Diarrhea.

Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia -.

Seizures can then be seen.

Death is then possible.

ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker's chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is

2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee (all forms)

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation

Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis.

This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this.

Moldy or spoiled foods

Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of "compost toxicity". Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.

Onions, onion powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.

Raisins and grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs.

The toxic ingredient is not yet known.

There is no treatement.

AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet's stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in "SUGAR FREE" Products, such as gum, candy etc.

Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.

Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.

They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.

Note - it's the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.

Potato peelings and green looking potatoes

Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.

These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal.

The toxic component is unknown.

Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.

Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.

Source: Dr. Andrew Jones