the WAFFLE page

May 31, 2015. Jack was excited to see the engine OH Jim and Zach came across. "That engine the guy at the flea market had, I know exactly what that is, where you get them, the various ways you can build them, and so forth. First off, its called a 'Hit & Miss engine'. That looks to be an example made by a Model Engineer which is the hobby of building exact working replicas of real life engines that function as that real engine would (or you can design and build your own engines or other people's engine designs) made of the same materials, running off the same fuels - be it steam, alcohol, or petrol.

It's the hobby I grew up in, my dad was a Model Engineer, and I am at the moment a wannabe because of my poor health I haven't made an engine in quite a few years but I'm coming back to it soon, already have a horizontal steam engine picked out. The Hit & Miss engines were generally used on farms for running pumps and generating power and stuff of that nature - its a stationary work horse."

FL Josh sent a interesting vid. "I stumbled across this video tonight, Woodkid's Run Boy Run, and found it strange, but extremely powerful, both musically and visually. I looked it up and found it got a ton of awards so it shows how far out of the loop I am."

OH Jim was a little emotional about Zach's last day of school. "Tomorrow he and I will have lunch at our Burger Death, after school, for the very last time ever.  And then it's done. ...an era is over then.

His last day was 12:30, on Thursday. I talked him out of taking his motorcycle and doing a wheelie down the main, first floor hallway of  the high school. Told him that was not a good idea. "Yeah, but it would be so neat". I reminded him to send me his inmate number when he gets it at the county jail. LOL.

This last month has been quite emotional. And like CT Steve said in a mail to me years back about Cody "A million memories came flooding back to me."

Speaking of floods, in the past month this part of Texas went from extreme drought to major flooding. Our daily forecast for weeks has seem to appear more like rain with scattered tornados. With the stress of that and all the emotions over the last month everything caught up to me last weekend, feeling queasy and just ready to collapse. Yeah, I'm trying to do too much, too fast.

I've also been trying to figure what direction to take the waffle in. Neither myself or anyone else could ever fill Gary's shoes. He was one of a kind. A lot of friendships have been made here over the years and remembering the other friends we lost too, SF Jim and NC Art. Perhaps maybe just a monthly post to keep us updated and in touch.

OH Jim had asked how Gary wrote the waffle. Hmmm, he usually got up early around 6:30 and would start the day reading his mail with his morning cuppa. That gave him material to start the waffle. Next he would check the news to see if anything interesting was going on. Then after the day had past he would return to finish up with that info and have the waffle up and posted by 5 PM. Yes, a normal day for Gary was to punch out at five, hehe.

I'm going to be very busy over the next month recoding all the site files to work on the new site, so probably won't post again until July. There's only 265 photo albums and 228 main pages to do. Lots of great stuff to remember. I'm still not for sure when the power will get cut off here, so again remember to bookmark the new site: http://www.aussieodyssey.net/

You know one of the things I treasured the most about my friendship with Gary was that over the years we could always joke and rib each other, all in good fun.

Hey Gary, pack your bags as it looks like we are moving. Moving? Where are we going? Texas. Oh bugger, I'll probably end up in a cow patty. No way mate. You're right here in my comp and in our hearts. Greg

May 25, 2015. FL Josh wrote "Here is a link to some historic photos I emailed Gary on February 4th but fear he never saw them due to his health problems. And, here are some jokes I emailed Gary on February 21, 2015. NC Art would have liked them."

The Jewish Elbow

A Jewish grandmother is giving directions to her apartment to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife.

"You come to the front door of the apartments, I am in apartment 301.

There is a big panel at the front door. With your elbow, push button 301. I will buzz you in.

Come inside and the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow, push 3rd floor.

When you get out, I'm on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell. Okay?"

"Grandma, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow? ........."

"What? You're coming empty handed?"
_______________________________________________

The Wise Italian Grandfather

An old Italian man in Brooklyn is dying. He calls his grandson to his bedside.

"Guido, I wan' you lissina me. I wan' you to take-a my chrome plated .38 revolver so you will always remember me."

"But grandpa, I really don't like guns. How about you leave me your Rolex watch instead?"

"You lissina me, boy! Somma day you gonna be runna da business; you gonna have a beautiful wife; lotsa money; a big-a home and maybe a couple of bambinos."

"Somma day you gonna come-a home and maybe fina you wife inna bed
with another man."

"Whatta you gonna do then? Pointa to you watch and say, 'Times up!'?"
____________________________________________________

The Irish Blonde

An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland, arrived at the casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty thousand dollars in a single roll of the dice.

She said, "I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude."

With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, "Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!"

As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed, "Yes! Yes! I won, I won!"

She hugged each of the dealers, picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.

The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded.

Finally, one of them asked, "What did she roll?"

The other answered, "I don't know - I thought you were watching."

MORAL OF THE STORY
Not all Irish are drunks, not all blondes are dumb, but all men are men!
____________________________________________________

Global Facts About Sex

At any given moment:
FACT: 79,000,000 people are having sex - right now.
FACT: 58,000,000 are kissing.
FACT: 37,000,000 are relaxing after having sex.
FACT: 1 old guy is reading emails.

***sigh***

Thanks Josh. Hehe, I just realized as I read your mail I must be the one old guy. Greg
 

May 23, 2015. 

Today marks the one year anniversary of  Elliot Rodger's Isla Vista Rampage. Gary had wrote of the tragic event last year on the news beep and I surprised him at the time with quite a emotional response to the story.

UCSB has planned several Remembrance Events for this month to help with healing and to remember and honor those lost including a candlelight vigil and a sunset paddle out.

"The paddle out is a time-honored way for those in the surf/ocean community to celebrate the life of a fallen friend. This event will bring the community together for a floating memorial to remember those we lost on May 23, 2014."

Here's a very moving vid of the Sunset Paddle Out five days after the incident last year on May 28th in which about 3,000 gathered. The students paddled out past the breakers, lined up in formation, joined hands and tossed flowers into the ocean.

We know why this awful tragedy happened. The sad and helpless feeling is how to reach a hand out to help a person, who won't seek that hand, as they feel that violence is the only answer to solve their problems.

On a much lighter note OH Jim sent the complete post game Hamvention report. After reading it, I figured Jim could have used some of the highlights to enter that contest a major company had a couple of years ago for their TV commercial and won...

Over slept, locked keys in the car, forgot your wallet, $17 for two brats and two pop's.

Going to the Dayton Hamvention, PRICELESS.

There's some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard. hahaha

They came across this bloke out in the flea market area with a interesting small home made diesel engine. "I have no idea what this engine was for or what it did, other than this kid and Zach went on and on about it. we stood there for 15-20 minutes while he and Zach talked about it.  and you can tell, Zach is trying to grow a beard. Again." Here's a short vid someone took that day of the engine running.

Jim, only 362 days till the next year's Hamvention. I'm sure next time you will remember your wallet, just hoping you also remember the pants too :o)  Greg

May 19, 2015. FL Josh wrote "I got a wonderful email from Mieke and wait until you read the comments Gary got. He would be so "chuffed." I so wish he could have fully known the impact he had on people. That would have made him feel so good and worthwhile."

Fare Well, Gary Kelly. We'll miss you :(  by Mieke Boynton

Gary was an amazing person. He found joy in the simplest of things, and was a real Aussie Battler. He loved photography, and I always loved reading his captivating descriptions, like this one:

“I heard lots of squawking outside and figured the lorikeets were feeding on the bottle brush so I grabbed the camera, changed the lens to the tele, and rushed outside only to scare away the birds. But they slowly returned to flit about like Nervous Nellies making it almost impossible to get a decent shot. But after 62 tries I finally got a couple, including this one. Nikon D3100 200mm sports mode. Taree, Oz.”

Despite his worsening health, he never stopped believing that he would be able to make his much-anticipated “Aussie Odyssey” in his treasured camper, PJ. He was really looking forward to his big adventure, and the preparation for it was extensive… and often humourous. If you’ve never read his blog, you should. It’s fantastic. He had a natural gift for the written word. He could make the most mundane of things sound truly exciting. There are many times I’ve read his blog and found myself laughing out loud. He could always see the humourous side of things.

I never had the opportunity to meet Gary, but he was such an honest person that I feel as though I’ve known him for years. I truly mourn his loss.

Gary: I’d like to think that you’re now able to visit all the places you never saw in your lifetime… but I’ll miss your clever, witty, and honest appraisal of it. The world has just a little less sparkle without you in it. Safe travels to that place I’ve never been… xox

Thanks again Mieke for being such a wonderful inspiration to Gary.  Greg

May 18, 2015. Ouch!!! Steve W had a mishap keeping him over here for now... the plan was for me and my new bride to head to Oz but back in November last year I had a triple fracture of my ankle and had to have urgent surgery in the US.

I'm still getting used to the idea that Gary is no longer with us. I was so upset to hear the news though I'm so pleased you are continuing to update and monitor his site.

I first met Gary when I was 17, that's 43 years ago when he was broadcasting at 2GO in Gosford. I was a student at the high school there and Gary graciously allowed himself to be "kidnapped" for the day by some of us and was tied up and wheeled around the town in a wheelbarrow as we raised money for charity. Surprisingly, people were willing to give generously to have Gary released!

Miss him greatly. Steve W

FL Josh was able to get the news to Mieke over at Red Bubble.

I am so sad to receive your email. I'm very grateful, but I think the world is a little less sparkly without Gary in it.

I wish I'd had the chance to meet him in person. I feel as though I know him so well because he always spoke his heart and mind, but I never had the chance to actually shake his hand. That makes me sad. I was so much looking forward to the day he hit the road with PJ.

Mieke, Gary enjoyed and admired your work so much.. He may not have got the chance to hit the road but you greatly inspired and influenced his passion for photography.

OH Jim and Zach have been spending the weekend enjoying and munching out at the Dayton Hamvention. "we will eat bratwurst on a grill all weekend. YUM! ! ! I LOVE the brats..."

And me, I've been busy working on the back up files getting links and all corrected. Long way to go but getting there.

Oh Gary "Dang, Greg only starts a mail with that when I've bugger something up" Yeah well, those JAlbums? Well you got 2 out of 265 uploaded right, hehe.

Going back through the albums I came across one with letters kids had written to God. This one pretty well says it all.    Greg

May 14, 2015. I received a mail from Gary's brother asking me to post his message "I do not wish to be connected to or involved with Gary's blog in any way whatsoever." Out of respect and privacy for the family I've also cut off the guest book link as the password wasn't working and I am unable to remove the email addy's. I saved the old entries and will create a new tribute guest book soon.  Greg

May 11, 2015. The name is Bond, James Bond. Hehe

OH Jim loaned his PJ (Pride & Joy) Mustang to Zach for his senior prom. "The prom went well. He had a lot of fun. He said there was a lot of kids waiting out side for the doors to open when he pulled into the parking lot and "everything stopped when I pulled in. All the kids started looking and pointing at us".  Thanks Jim. Gary would have enjoyed seeing him beaming with pride & joy. I wonder who was more nervous, Zach or you?

FL Josh found a few more details for us. A private family service was held at the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Chapel on the 23rd April 2015. Thanks Josh.

Several years back Gary had mentioned "And as to my demise, I'll be gone in a puff of smoke - no funeral, no attendees, no fuss. Finito. Kaputski. That's it." Gary, you had way too many friends and family for that.

Haven't heard from OH Jace and hope he is doing well with his cancer. Also haven't heard from Steve W. Last Gary mentioned he and his wife were moving back to Australia.

Thought about Gary's little mate, Anyel Centeno from Nicaragua whom he sponsored through World Vision. Gary had wrote "When he's older, and has access to a computer and the internet at school, he'll be able to follow my adventures on Aussie Odyssey." Sad wondering if he will ever know the man that generously sent a few bucks his way.

Been busy here the last week backing up the files. Did you know Gary has 265 photo albums in here? The Odyssey may not have started yet, but he did make quite a few day trips and the one shake down trip in PJ. Some pretty cool stuff and great pics.

Still trying to work out the details on hosting and stuff. If for some reason the site goes down here, book mark this one: http://www.aussieodyssey.net/

As Gary would say "Stay tooned"  Greg

May 2, 2015. Gary's brother graciously posted some details for us...

"I'm Gary's elder brother. I'm sorry to confirm that Gary passed away on 19 April 2015 in Alma Aged facility in Taree. He was not married and had no family. I arranged his funeral which was held in a crematorium chapel in Taree. He had cancer in his mouth and was bedridden, and suffered for many months. His Doctor recommended that he could not go home but must remain in Aged Care. I feel his passing was a happy release."

On behalf of all of Gary's friends here, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to your family and to thank you for letting us know.

FL Josh wrote to reflect on Gary...

Thanks Josh. When I read that poem it reminded me of the time he took PJ out and about and filmed the Jacaranda's in bloom. 

That for sure was one of the better days he got to enjoy and share with all of us.  Greg

May 1, 2015.  João wrote with memories of Gary..

"First I contacted Cody, the young South-African Gary’s friend. I exchanged a few emails with the boy and translated into Portuguese some of his stories but due to ages difference I didn’t have much to talk to him. After Cody’s death, fourteen years ago, I contacted Gary and I understood why he has been so important to Cody. Gary made friends everywhere, with people of every age. He has the capacity of understanding other people and to help them when some help was really needed. Gary and I became friends since then and maintained a regular contact. I had the privilege to see how he persistently followed his dreams, from the task of to tell Cody’s story in some self-published novels to the late Aussie Odyssey, an incredible project for a guy sixty years old. But he made it credible. And I know that the Odyssey was a success, even if he didn’t cross the Australian continent, even if he didn’t go much far from Taree. It was a successful dream shared with all his friends. And I can say proudly that I am one of these many friends. Good-bye, Gary. You’ve just begun a new part of the Odyssey. You are still with us and we are still with you.  João"

Justin Dunes one of Gary's favorite blogs reposted the news, GARY has gone home...it seems. . . .  I also sent Justin a note this morning to pass my thanks to Jimm for spotting that entry in the guest book. I saw Jimm posted there.. "I already miss Gary, and those daily waffles." Yeah Gary got all of us addicted over the years. For most like me it would start with my morning coffee. And sometimes before the coffee kicked in, I would hastily send off a mail to only realize I couldn't even interpret what I had sent. But somehow Gary could always decipher my pre-coffee garble, hehe.

I updated the home page with a link under Gary's pic to last month's waffle so new and old friends can easily find the page. Haven't gotten any more info yet on the details and hoping maybe when Anna returns from holiday she might can find out more. OH Jim jokingly suggested maybe we should call the Taree PD to which I replied, why not he is missing. One thing is for sure, he is deeply missed.  Greg