Rick Austin's Website

I traveled to Toronto again in March. Visited all my family including Mom. She has had a tough winter, but she’s improving daily.

Spent time with David and Pattie. David’s son Shane is not well. He is at a center in Phoenix where they are keeping him as comfortable as possible. Spent a little time with David’s family. Notable change was that Lexi has grown out of the “tomboy” stage. Was great to see her and Jenny and Bethany.

Visited Liane and her crew and her new cats. Lots of snow there, but it was melting quite quickly. The boys are growing and the most noticeable change was Isaac, who has changed from “a little guy” to “a boy”! – the new haircut adds to the new image. Mitchell and Merrin are growing and funny. John is helping out at a neighbors farm. He has become a young man.

The Cannington women:

Merrin . .

Adele and Liane . . .

and boys:

Isaac(tough-guy)

Brendan and Isaac

Mitchell watching TV

John at work

At John’s work – with the horse

me at Liane’s

I spent 2 and half days in Cannington, saw Liane’s friend Adele and her son Brendan on Sunday afternoon just before I left.

Back to Barrie on Sunday, then through to Michael’ s via Beaton (Mom) again. Spent 2 1/2 more days in Guelph.

This was a trip mostly to see Mom and I saw her for 6 separate visits. She is getting better – recovering from the winter. Michael and I and Mom called JC while we were there and finally tracked him down. He has moved to a location to be closer to Rosin.

I left on Wednesday afternoon. Glad to be home where there isn’t 4 feet of snow, but I always enjoy the trip.

See you all soon again . . .

My task at SiTV during the past couple of months was to help them improve the audio division of their sound stage. Without question, we succeeded. We were met with many challenges and we overcame them. Over the past 4 weeks, 15 episodes of “The Drop” were taped, and every week the quality of the audio improved dramatically.

I enjoyed working with these extremely dedicated people. Much thanks to Samir and Sashko and Bling, who assisted me in the rebuild and who worked tirelessly for every show and, of course, to Eric and Marlen whose driving energy never ceases to amaze me. I met many new friends and I expect that SiTV will experience tremendous growth because so many people care here. Thank you everyone for a wonderful experience.

I am working again! I have started a 2 month project to help a local TV network (SiTV) www.sitv.com improve their electrical and audio resources. Very dedicated people and great challenge. Thanks Eric and Marlen . . .

After 13 years at Technicolor in Glendale CA, I have resigned my position as Director of Audio Engineering.

I am actively considering a couple of possibilities, either to continue my career at a smaller post-production facility or recording studio, or as a free-lance audio and production-network engineer/consultant.

I enjoy designing and implementing infrastructures including assisting growing studios advance into the new “tapeless” world of production workflow with modern computer technologies. I have learned how to build fast, secure production networks and know how to integrate both large (XSAN etc,) and smaller (mean and lean) IT networks to accommodate today’s rapidly changing workflows.

Arrived on Thursday – spent Thursday evening with David and family.
– had a nice dinner with David on way home from the airport – and then he showed me his “work” – very impressive – very interesting.

Visited Mom on Friday – late morning. She was in the TV room – but just kinda sitting there – not really watching. She recognized me and we went for a walk to her room. She showed me her new digs. Lots of mementos from home – very tasteful. We talked for a bit then we went for a drive out past Beeton – west for about 15 miles and back. She tires easily but when she is focused – she seems quite on track – remembers items/situations/places from the past with no problem. But 45 minutes after I left she may not have remember that I had been there. Nonetheless – when the lights turn on – she’s all there. We had some very nice moments.
Took her back – helped her with lunch then settled her back in her room – left about 1:30PM.

Drove to Liane’s – arrived about 4:30PM – Had a great visit. She is making the very best of a difficult situation. Her kids are very cool – they respect their Mom and she them. She is strong and fair with them – they have the family unit that I remember my neighbors in Massawippi had – a tight family bond. Liane – You have a great family. And you are a good role-model. (I can’t believe I’m saying this!)

Met Liane’s friend Adele on Saturday. Smart girl – nice eyes. Tough life – Why does this happen? Good luck Adele – Keep swimming. Liane is lucky to have you as a friend. Thanks Liane and John and Merrin and Mitchell and Isaac. The bike trips to the fields were the High 🙂 – only low was leaving 🙁 See you soon . .

Back to Mom’s on Sunday for a “family re-union” in the courtyard at Beeton Manor. Other than a lost soul than kept bothering the kids, the event was OK . Lots of people, me, David, Pattie and Jenny and Lexy, Michael, Naomi and Myles and Sydney and Mom. Lots of KFC etc., We all talked with JC when he called – that was nice.
Followed Michael and family back to Guelph – about an hour and 15 min. Michael gave me the grand tour – they certainly have done a lot of renovating. I can see how much planning went into the process. a lot of work. Nice job. Very efficient use of space. And dimmers everywhere! Nice touch. You have maintained the family traditions.

Monday was Naomi’s birthday. We had lunch – then Michael and I drove to see Mom. She saw us coming down the hall and very graciously greeted us. We had a nice visit – talked with Helen Morrison. Left about 3:30PM – back to Guelph for Birthday events and dinner – and cake.
Drove back to David’s work on Tuesday morning – We had lunch en route then he drove me to the airport about 2:00PM.
Got home about 8:00PM – Had a great trip – saw everyone I wanted to – Thanks to everyone for your hospitality. Nice to be home with my peeps and my stuff.