Rusty's Dog Blog

10 March 08 - Goodbye Emily, Lockie and James!

I've been somewhat quiet lately but then again I do have a life!  However, if truth be told I haven't felt much like writing because of a few pesky happenings on the ship which may have lost me my appetite if I wasn't so OBSESSED with food.

But the fog has lifted momentarily and I'm back to say: “Goodbye Emily, Lockie and James”.  After a year on the Don, Emily's contract and day job with the Australian Museum is up and she's moved home to Melbourne .  She’ll be spending Easter in Samoa before flicking through the many offers that will surely come her way.  

Lockie has finished with Sydney Rigging and will shortly depart for Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca . Once there he’ll work on the luxury, 52ft racing yacht, “Christabella”. Gosh life can be TOUGH for some people!  James, on the other hand, heard the cry “Go West, Young Man”, left his rigging job on the James Craig and escaped to the Mining Capital of Australia (WA), He’s now burning the midnight oil studying engineering at Murdoch University, so maybe he’ll come back to the MV Cape Don, as a fully-qualified engineer? 

I want them all to come back sometime, as their youth and exuberance made the ship a better place. 

Living as a ship keeper on the Don for a whole year would ruin me. Sometimes it rains both inside and out, leaks appear in strange places and there can be lots of puddles (I like to make my own).  What’s more there are power failures and often no privacy and I haven't even mentioned all the bad bits yet!  But Emily, Lockie and James are obviously much more tolerant than me and as far as I know, nobody threatened to throw them overboard.

They’ve also tossed in the delights of sharing a bathroom and kitchen, and having all manner of people trample through their home every working weekend but it WAS time for a change. So fare ye well, thank you for all your hard work, and don’t forget to take the good times with you.  As Emily said: "sitting in the corridors of the Don eating Pizza with Lockie and James” was a special moment, as was lounging on mooring deck, sipping wine and watching the sun set. Late night chats with Adie and breakfast coffee with Peter were also at the top of Emily’s List. Oh how I wish I could sneak a look at Lockie’s list and have a quiet chat with James but you know what boys are like!  I certainly do.

Tuesday 31 Dec 07 - New Year's Eve on the MV Cape Don

If only I'd known that my nemesis Derek was not going to be there I would have perfumed my paws, preened my pelt and said goodbye to 2007 on the Don!  Never mind, I've enough spies on board to sniff out the truth. I’m terrified of fireworks but I could have borrowed some of those lovely orange ear muffs.

Celebrations kicked off about 4.30pm  with nibbles on the mooring deck while our new El Presidente, John Stokes, retired to create a sumptuous seafood buffet with his crack team of gourmet chefs (wife Carol and daughter Emma , Peter King and Adie).  

Amazing Adie also doubled up as accommodation officer and with a little help from Peter Deliseo, transformed enough cabins for the overnighters.

Vice-Presidente, George Bate, turned up in his Mess Kit looking very dapper but being dressed to kill doesn't mean you can cuddle all the girls. He had two in hand just before midnight (photographic evidence available on request) but from the look on their faces they weren't complaining.

Chief Ship Keeper, Tim Elderton , couldn't make it till about 4am due to official duties elsewhere on Sydney harbour with the Indian Cricket Team. I wonder if they'd like me for their mascot - they could certainly do with a cute diversion and there wouldn't be any "overboard" incidents with them!  Eat your heart out Derek I may just switch sides!

About 40 to 50 people joined the Don throng, including the Murphy Clan, led by patriarch Brian Murphy, which descended from the Central Coast en masse like an Irish invasion. Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter. Lullabies, dreams and love ever after. A thousand welcomes when anyone comes...That's the Irish for You!

With Derek celebrating somewhere near Batemans Bay, John and Anthea Bundock led the Canberra contingent, which included their son Gareth and Anthea's sister Felicity. John's photographic record of the evening will tell some tales and hopefully won't need censoring!  Peter King had a camera as well but how good can they be without me in them?

Prawns and mini spring roles were served at about 6.30pm and the Thai poached fish, prawn curry and various salads were served at 8pm , followed by desert and cheese at 10pm . The fish nearly went up in smoke when the BBQ erupted into flames but El Presidente-cum-firefighter managed to subdue the blaze with aplomb! 

I reckon it’s pretty special to be able to feed so many people!

During the night people wandered between the ship and Balls Head to watch the  9pm fireworks (scary!) and while some returned for the midnight burning most stayed Don-side sampling the liquid refreshments. Too many steps to negotiate when you’ve had a few!

While I can't be sure when everyone went to bed, Peter King hit the sack at 2am (worn out from microwaving the rice) and El Presidente retired at 3am, which is not a bad effort considering he manned the BBQ, cooked the prawn curry, put out fires and generally behaved himself. He and Carol also cooked a fine breakfast the next morning as the all-nighters turned tired and emotional. Some were dunking themselves in the harbour while others (Tracey and Carla) were found sunbaking on top of the floating restaurant! Beats me how they got there after a night on the turps!

Memorable moments were provided by Dave the Fridge Man and the ever-vocal Daniel but there was no triumph of youth over experience - just boisterous fun and a little forgetfulness about leftovers?

As for me, I had a tranquil night snoozing in front of the TV and was fresh as a Daisy the next morning with my hearing intact, which is more than can be said for the two-footed revelers on the MV Cape Don !  With daylight saving, I think it’s rather dumb to go berserk at midnight when it's not really New Year till 1am ! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wednesday 19 Dec 07 - The wrong end of the stick!

Lord and Master of Sticks - that's ME. Chuck them, throw them, hide them or leave them idle- I'll be there tugging on one end or the other! Sadly though, humans are not SO clever as they often get the wrong end of the stick.  Without mentioning any names, one person on the Don was recently given a reputation he did not deserve. Drank to much, worked to little and moped about as a potential client of Beyond Blue. Complete NONSENSE all of it, but tongues were wagging on the email like tails at a dog show!   A little tipple or even wrestling a good bottle is hardly the stuff to qualify for AA! But why let the facts interfere with a good story - we're not JOURNALISTS! Initially MY FRIEND was totally oblivious to the many actions and ailments that could have rendered him senseless but thankfully he has responded with good humour and begun lurching about the Don in sympathy with his fictional character. Advice and counseling is wonderful when necessary but don't forget to ask before you jump on the bandwagon as the wrong end of the stick may poke you in the eye.  

Thursday 13 Dec 07 - Alert But Not Alarmed.

It has come to my attention that I may be in danger this working weekend. One of my friends said that the “Savage” scribe Derek was planning a SURPRISE for me! I quote: “On Sunday morning Lord Rusty will be taking his first swim in Sydney Harbour from our port gangway.  I suspect it will be quite a spectacle for us as we lounge against the newly-repaired port railings as there have been some sightings of the odd fin in the area”. He says I need the exercise but that’s RUBBISH! My daily workout running to the food bowl is intense and I also burn the calories leaping on to my Dad’s lap.  Catch me if you can Derek!  But don’t run – it’s not SAFE.  Haven’t you read my Top Ten Safety Rules?

Saturday 8 Dec 07 – RUSTY’S SAFETY RULES.

My parents always take care while I’m on MY ship because they don’t want any pesky people treading on me or chucking me anywhere. I feel safe with them but I hear that some humans are worried about OH&S (occupational health and safety) which in my language translates to mind your step and don’t blame anyone else – its not the BLOODY QUEEN MARY.  I’ve mulled over this for a good five minutes and want to share my wisdom with RUSTY’S TOP TEN SAFETY RULES.

1. Don’t RUN after anyone even if he/she is cute – there are slippery floors and wet decks.
2. Be CAREFUL where you WALK – there are some uneven bits and things sticking out everywhere!
3. Go QUIETLY up/down the gangplank, stairs, steps and ladders and watch out for the raised bits on the floor
4. Don’t DRINK too much ALCOHOL but if you do – STAY PUT as you could fall off something (even the ship) or bump into a wall.
5. RESPECT the residents – its their home and no one marches into your house every second weekend and tells you you’re and idiot
6. TIDY up, put lids on things. BE NEAT
7. When you BORROW or use something – put it back because if someone can’t find something that should be someplace they get angry and HUFF about. Huffing about leads to mistakes
8. If you DON’T KNOW HOW IT WORKS,  don’t use it, don’t drive it, don’t turn it on, don’t open it, don’t play with it – JUST ASK SOMEONE.
9. Humans make MISTAKES so if you do  - own up and try not to blame the person next to you
10. Be kind to RUSTY!

Friday 7 Dec 07 -I'm in trouble, AGAIN! .

Apparently the Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets last weekend were a raging success – even without me!  AND I can’t go this weekend either as I am in the Dog-House for saying my Mom leaves me out of her books. BUT, I never said I could READ – even if I’m right up the FRONT in the OFFICIAL acknowledgements of Lynette’s fabulous book 'The Bridge at Parit Sulong'. That’s the one nominated for the PRIME MINISTER'S History Prize. It may not be as fancy as Bret Lee’s introduction to Derek’s book SAVAGE EVENS THE SCORE - but he never sat at Derek’s feet for five years like I did with Lynette! My ball skills are pretty special too but Derek doesn’t care: he only wants to throw me in the drink if we don’t get any money. If he was really smart he’d send a limo for me to get to Canberra!

Wednesday 28 Nov 07 - Why can't I go to Canberra this weekend?.

That Derek person who’s responsible for restoring MY ship wants me to go to Canberra this weekend but I don’t know how to get there. My little legs won’t make it and my Mom and Dad aren’t going. Mind you, Derek’s threatened to throw me overboard so maybe it is not safe but I think he really NEEDS my presence to promote the MV Cape Don at the Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets.
We’re going to have a stall there this Sunday and next (December 2 and 9) and while Anne and James and other humans will be there I reckon I’ve got more pulling power. AND I’d like to help Derek sell his book SAVAGE EVENS THE SCORE because the more money we get the quicker the ship sets sail. I’m a bit miffed that there’s no mention of me in the book (only whipped and hot dogs) but I’m used to that as even though I help my Mom, she always leaves me out of her books. Anyway it would be good to have something different to read.
Memo to myself: Give Mom a big kiss in case she’s offended.

Saturday - 24 Nov 07 - Election 07 Result.

I don't really get into politics, except when pitting my Mom and Dad against each other to win extra treats, but I'm SO happy that blond fella with the squinty eyes won the Federal Election. The big issue for me was children overboard as I know what its like to have the threat of an unplanned swim hanging over your head. NOBODY threw those poor little refugee children overboard, despite what that former inmate of Kirribilli House said!  And nobody's going to throw me overboard.
The only way I'll end up over the side of the MV Cape Don is with Mom and Dad beside me and the last time I looked, Neil and Lynette were not that way inclined. I reckon Kevin is going to be a good Prime Minister!   And besides he's got a dog so he must be COOL. Don't know what his name is but perhaps he'll have a party and I'll get to visit the LODGE. Memo to myself: Must write Kev's dog a letter!

Tuesday 20 Nov 07 - My New Blog.

Welcome to my new RUSTY BLOG. Some of you might not be aware that I am the official mascot of the MV Cape Don. Somebody's got to do it BUT don't think I'll snap to attention every time you whistle.
I mused about sharing my wisdom with others but after the feeding frenzy of my stellar appearance on Tim Bailey's Weather - Tuesday 20 Nov 07 - its best I get online and share the love!
Also woofing in cyberspace might be the only way to stop some nasty MV Cape Don types throwing me overboard if they don't get their money?
Mind you I've never been used as a cash cow (well dog!) before but as long as I get lots of kisses, food and walks I'll be happy. That Tim Bailey likes a smooch for sure!
My Dad's mates on the Don think they OWN the ship but I can tell YOU they don't. It's definitely mine because I've seen things they haven't and I know where all the best hiding places are. Humans have no idea where to go especially after they've had one of their VERY BIG boozy dinners.
What's more if they ever THINK of tossing me overboard I'm invisible. The boat (sorry ship!) has more chance of sinking than me being found - SO THERE!   And I'm not telling anyone else where to hide unless she's got four legs and likes a cuddle.
As for Warwick - what about MY birthday? Just because he fixed the electricity on the ship means nothing to me - I never had a problem seeing in the dark. AND besides Sparks never got to kiss Tim Bailey and be on television so I reckon he'd better start forming a choir for my birthday song!