Agmates member Sue Manton has submitted this:

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Why Some Men Have Dogs And Not Wives:

	1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
	2. Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.
	3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
	4. A dog’s parents never visit.
	5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
	6. You never have to wait for a dog; they’re ready to go 24 hours a day.
	7. Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.
	8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
	9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, ‘If I died, would you get another dog?’
	10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
	11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
	12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just think it’s interesting.
	13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

And last but not least

14. If a dog leaves, it won’t take half of your stuff.

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END

Have Your say! Post your dog photo with any other reasons why you think men might have a dog and a wife.

Agmates member Sue Manton sent this to us from a friend of hers.

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Read to the End ……. it’s just beautiful

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FOR SALE:

One F*****g Useless Cat

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Have Your Say!

Agmates member and Little Haven Palliative Care Business Manager Sue Manton writes:

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Sue Manton

This week is National Palliative Care Week aimed at opening the dialogue and increasing awareness on issues surrounding Death and Dying. Talking about dying and death is not something that comes naturally to Australians.

Yet each year, half a million Australians experience the impact of terminal illness.

As a society we have a long way to go before we show true compassion to our dying neighbours. Sadly until we are personally affected we have no concept of how important compassionate quality end of life care is.

Last night we held an education evening in Gympie around this issue with presenters talking on a range of topics:

Pain Management, Grief and loss, Naturopathy and spiritual support.

We heard stories of a 36 year old mother and wife with a three month prognosis, and the struggle to live when you know you’re going to die. We heard from a 56 year old who lost her husband in April 2007 after a long and painful battle with neck cancer. While his pain is over hers is still raw 18 months on.

Just on 70 health care professionals attended the evening – all committed to improving end of life care.

The one thing I took from the evening was the overwhelming plea for friends and neighbours to maintain contact, remain normal, talk, sit, listen and don’t let your fear of dying spoil your chance to provide the loving care needed.

Chances are, at some stage you will know someone who is dying or have a friend in that situation. Chances are, you won’t know what to say or do to help them. Unfortunately, not knowing all too often results in poor access to available services and poorer outcomes for the patient, their families and carers.

For more information on Palliative Care and Issues around Death and Dying please visit The Palliative Care Australia Website.

Thanks again to John Mikkelsen for his article Our Strange Standards regarding the the Courier Mail article of Doonan’s residents complaints about the establishment of a 2 bed hospice in their area and the awful stigma surrounding death and dying. As always his posts are timely, enlightening and topical.

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Have Your Say!

First posted as a comment here.

Agmates member Sue Manton has sent this into share with the community:

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TEN PEEVES THAT DOGS HAVE ABOUT HUMANS

1.

Blaming your farts on me…..
not funny… not funny at all !!!

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‘2′

Yelling at me for barking.
I’M A FRIGGIN’ DOG

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‘3′

Taking me for a walk, then
not letting me check stuff out.
Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

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‘4′

Any trick that involves balancing
food on my nose. Stop it!

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‘5′

Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons.
Now you know why we chew your stuff
up when you’re not home.

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‘6′

The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw.
You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo what
a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

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‘7′

Taking me to the vet for ‘the big snip’, then acting
surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

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‘8′

Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests .
Sorry, but I haven’t quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

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‘9′

Dog sweaters. Hello ???
Haven’t you noticed the fur?

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‘10′

How you act disgusted when I lick myself.
Look, we both know the truth. You’re just jealous.

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Now lay off me on some of these things.
We both know who’s boss here!
You don’t see me picking up your poop do you?

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Have Your say!

Agmates member Sue Manton writes:

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How clever is Bill Leak? I admire his ability to encapsulate so much into one image. Not everyone’s a fan though – this from the Weekend Australian opinion.

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We need people who poke fun at the powerful and po-faced

LAST week, Bill Leak’s editorial cartoon in The Weekend Australian offended some readers. To compound the offence, here it is again.

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And the cartoons in question………………… Click on thumb nail to see full size image

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Taken from the Weekend Readers Forum 4/5th April

END

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Have Your say!

Agmates member and Little Haven Palliative Care business manager Sue Manton [pictured] writes:

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Such is the state of Qld Health that I’ve been busy for the past 4 days running a cafe to raise funds to provide our “in the home hospice care” and support to the terminally ill and their families in this community.

Little Haven Palliative Care receives less than one third of it’s funding from the Government, raising the remaining $280 000 plus needed each year through tireless fundraising and the generosity of the local community.

It’s literally a case of “Another patient needs admitting to our service, better run another street stall” -- making a mockery of the valuable service we provide to people in their most trying time.

Whilst a little foot sore and over making “skinny decaf soy lattes” I would like to thank the organisers of  The Heart of Gold International Film Festival for the opportunity to raise funds at their event. I would also like to congratulate them on another fantastic festival and bring to the Agmates community a little bit of what it was all about.

Now in it’s third year this event held in Gympie  Queensland attracts film makers and enthusiasts from all over the globe and is a great vehicle for highlighting the strength, diversity and positivity in regional Australia.

From the Heart of Gold website:

The Heart of Gold International Film Festival is a not-for-profit incorporation committed to the screening and promotion of nourishing, well crafted films. Film is one of the major ways our stories, values and traditions are passed down. This festival exists to encourage the telling of stories that give us hope and make us laugh. We screen and promote films that move us, or move the world, in positive directions.

Here is a sample of one of the films from last years program I think might appeal to Agmates readers.

The Agricultural Report.

Cheers Sue Manton
Business Manager
Little Haven Palliative Care

END

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Have your say!

Agmates member Sue Manton writes:

At the risk of sounding all ‘holier than thou” which I definitely don’t mean too (as Agmate would know whilst I love this mantra for living I struggle with it daily).

I’d like to start the New Year by inviting the community to reflect on the words of The Desiderata.

The author is Max Ehrmann , a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute Indiana, who lived from 1872 to 1945. It has been reported that Desiderata was inspired by an urge that Ehrmann wrote about in his diary:

“I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift — a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”

The Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive God to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

With all the focus on conspiracies, intolerance, climate change …. I think we should remember we (that’s all of us) have a right to be here.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Let’s not tip the scale too far in favour of the universe at an unbearable cost to the livelihoods of many.

If you want to walk around all morning with that particular verse reverberating in your head (like I have) watch the slightly “cringe worthy” Les Crane hit release here;

Obviously Les Crane was a little uncomfortable with it too admitting he preferred the National Lampoons parody Deteriorata over his Grammy-winning recording of the original poem.

And to finish on a lighter note (I hope) here’s that Parody

(more…)

Agmate member and Little Haven Palliative Care business manager Sue Manton [pictured] writes

Curra Christmas is set to light up the countryside north of Gympie from December 1st.

For the past four years Tammy and Damien Kerle have been switching it on at their property at Curra Meadows, drawing thousands of visitors to see the wonders of their creations (8000 in 2007 alone).

Take a determined family, over 120,000 bulbs and LED’s and you get one of the largest walk-through Animated Christmas Lights Displays in Australia spread over a whopping 2 acres! This years display promises to be bigger and better than ever and with the switch to LED lights making the most carbon neutral and environmentally friendly display in Australia. Tammy says

“Our animated sequences are all programmed by us using LOR computer software – from the wave of Santa’s hand to the fluttering of the angel’s wings and everything in between! “

Visitors are advised to watch out for new attractions like the giant palm tree, leaping arches and the roof top elves who explain the display every 10 minutes.

Curra Christmas lights is a Fantastic Display

Apart from creating this visual feast for the community, Curra Christmas Lights help raise money for Little Haven Palliative Care, raising $2500 last year and hoping to do better this year.

“The money raised helps Little Haven in it’s provision of FREE 24 hour on call specialised nursing care, carer support, equipment and respite volunteers for the terminally ill in this community”.

“We are really grateful for the support we get from Curra Christmas and Polleys Coaches who run trips out to the display, proof that this community is interested in caring for it’s own.”

The Little Haven Palliative Care Symbol under the Curra Christmas Lights

Curra Christmas is located at 37 Charles Place, Curra Meadows, approximately 15km north of Gympie, Queensland (also 50 minutes from Noosa, and just under 2 hours from Brisbane). It’s an easy drive, straight up the Bruce Highway! It’s worth the trip – A map showing how to find display and additional information can be found on the website www.currachristmas.com.au

Have your say.

It’s not all boots, utes and country music at Queensland regional town of Gympie.

While Gympie might be famous for it’s Country Music Muster that attracts 10’s of thousands of visitors from around the country, it does have a more gentler and philanthropic side.

Springtime at Springhalls held in the gardens of Gympie locals George and Kim Springhall last Saturday has to be one of the most pleasant afternoons anyone could spend in the country.

Springhalls nestled on the Cedar Pocket dam.

The Springhalls opened their magnificent country home and gardens set on the banks of the Cedar Pocket dam to the public to raise funds for the tremendous local charity Little Haven Palliative Care.

View across the dam from the front verandah

The afternoon, a delight in the glorious country garden was attended by about 130 mostly local people with a sprinkling of in-the-know visitors from as far away as Brisbane.

Drinks and lunch on the lawn

The happy crowd seated across the manicured lawn was blissfully entertained by the Underground Opera Company who sang up an operatic and Broadway storm from the front veranda of the meticulously restored Queenslander.

Host george Springhall on the right playing 'air violin'

Fine food prepared on site in the gourmet kitchen was served by aproned waitresses accompanied by good champagne and drinks from the garden bar.

Little Haven Palliative Care supporters being entertained

What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon in beautiful rural Australia. Mingling with great folks, listening to fine music wafting around manicure lawns and gardens, accompanied by fine food and wine was just a delight. All the while raising money for the betterment of the local community.

Host George Springhall and friends mesmerized by the Underground Opera company.

A highlight of the afternoon was the fund raising auction conducted by ex livestock agent and current Gympie Shire councilor Graham Engeman. Little Haven Palliative Care is a tremendous local charity that cares for local terminally ill people.

Auctioneer Graham Engeman in action

The good folks of Gympie and surrounding districts through their financial support enjoy what is possibly the only completely free, in home 24 hour on call Palliative care service in Australia.

The day raised just on $10,000 thanks to the support of all who attended, those that volunteered their time and many various local business that donated their goods and services to the event.

Little haven Palliative Care raffle prizes on the front veranda

Little Haven offers free 24 hour on call fully qualified nursing care with a full range of equipment that allows the terminally ill members of the Gympie community to stay at home with their families rather than be forced into a hospital environment.

Roses in the Springhall's beatiful garden

Little Haven Palliative Care supports around 120 people and their families each year in their time of need and only exists through the generosity of the local community. The service only receives 20% of its funding for QLD health with the balance, about $250,000 a year raised by fund raisers in the local community.

Little Haven Palliative Care Business manager Sue Manton spots at the auction with founding member Phil Moran at back and 'raffle queen' Diana Harris at right.

Personally I’d like to thank George & Kim Springhall, Little Haven Palliative Care Business manager Sue Manton  and her wonderful band of volunteers for a beautiful afternoon in rural Australia.

The view from the car park.

Gympies Little Haven is a wonderful story of a community taking care of its own and only exists through the ongoing support of the community and the philanthropy of community leaders like George and Kim Springhall.

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Update: 1.54pm

Bruce Edwards Underground Opera Company next performance is at the Prophet Gold Mine at Kilkivan on the 26th and 27th of September. They are tremendous entertainers.

Have Your say!

Do you have a Charity in your community that makes it a great place to live? Why not let us know about it?

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Rugby League Coaching Legend Wayne Bennett gives his time free to help a rural community.

Gympie QLD Location Map- Little Haven Palliative Care’s Sue Manton and Gympie Regional Smarter Choices Program coordinator Darren Burns have teamed up with legendary Rugby League Coach Wayne Bennett and the towns own renowned Artist Nikyla Amanda Smith to raise money to help the regions terminally ill and it’s youth.

Poster for an evening with Wayne bennett

Renowned Gympie artist Nikyla Amanda Smith is painting a portrait of Coach Bennett to be auctioned at Suncorp Stadium during Round 26, the last Broncos home game, in September. Proceeds from the sale will go to The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation to work wonders for sick kids.

Nickyla with Coach Bennett in the first sitting for the portrait.

The long-standing Brisbane Broncos coach, who has announced 2008 will be his last year at the club, has guided the Broncos to six premierships since his appointment as Head Coach in 1988..

“It’s a real thrill to sit for a portrait and to know that the sale of my portrait will make the difference in a child’s recovery,” Wayne said.

“I’m happy to give my time to such a worthy cause.”

.Nikyla has previously painted portraits of Shane Webcke and Broncos & Australian captain, five-eighth Darren Lockyer which was auctioned for $20,000 -- all of which was donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation for ground-breaking paediatric research.

To view more of Nikyla’s stunning art visit her web site here.

Nykyla's portrait of broncos captain Darren Lockyer

Bennett Sketch to be Auctioned At Gympie Dinner.

In recognising the work these two worthy organisations do in her home town of Gympie Nikyla is very generously donating the one of a kind pencil sketch she made of Wayne from the first sitting. This is the first time these initial drawings have been released and it will be up for auction on the night.

The sketch has been professionally framed courtesy of Gympie Custom Framing and should prove the evenings main auction draw card.

Shane Webcke portrait Auction:

See video of the Auction of Nikyla’s Portrait of Broncos legend Shane Webcke. All proceeds of that auction also went to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Little Haven Palliative Care is a not for profit charity delivering in home specialised nursing care with 24 hour on call support and specialist equipment to patients with a life limiting disease at no cost to the patient.

It looks after patients all through the Cooloola & surrounding shires supporting approx 120 terminal patients per year and also provide cancer support and bereavement support to over 150 people each year, along with all the medical equipment and nursing supplies needed.

With only 30% of our funding coming from Qld Health we have a fundraising target exceeding of $240 000 each year to raise for the service.

Little Haven employs the services of specialist nurses and relies heavily on its volunteer base for patient, office and fundraising support along with community support of our fundraising ventures.

The Gympie Regional Smarter Choices Program promotes healthy living through education on:

• Diet & Exercise
• Goal Setting
• Rising above peer group pressure
• Drugs and Alcohol

Funds raised will assist Gympie Co ordinator Darren Burns promote and run this program for local youths to develop their skills and encourage them to think about the choices they make.

At left is the contact details to book for the dinner.

Bids are now being taken to sit at the main table with Wayne Bennett on the night or to place an advanced reserve on the framed sketch to be auctioned on the night.

Anybody who wishes to do so should make prior arrangements with Sue Manton on o417736466.

To Print the booking form on the right, click on it and then print.

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Have Your say!