Thread: The NZ/Australia thread 2013 [mk 28] Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Hello to you lot over there - here is your brand new 2013 thread - and a very Happy New Year from the AS Hosting Team.

[ 13. February 2013, 07:30: Message edited by: Spike ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Oooh, it's all bright and shiny and new. Thank you WW and colleagues and a Happy New Year to you and others who frequent these parts.
 

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Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Happy New Year all
 

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Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
My best wishes and prayers for all as we enter 2013.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
A bright fresh new year – may we all find joy in the next twelve months.

GG
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Sod it. I turn 50 this year.

On the other hand, I made it through 2012!

mr curly
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Happy New Year, from the state of Victoria.
And me
 

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Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
Blessings and good wishes to all for the new year. For many I hope it will be much better than the last one.

My prayer is for peace, a new sense of egalitarianism and compassion as we look to the world and those in it.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
And a Happy New Year from us as well.
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Happy New Year to all. Lovely gentle party with other parishioners last night, and now staying inside out of the scorching heat today.
 

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Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
(Wanders in off the street, looking distracted) - Hello, all. Happy new year, and may it be a better, more stable and less exciting one than the last. (Wanders off to see what the feathered children are doing)
 

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Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
Happy New Year to all. Lovely gentle party with other parishioners last night, and now staying inside out of the scorching heat today.

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Ditto
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
HNY - I appear to have missed its entry, being doped up to the eyeballs with anti-sneeze stuff; but I'm glad it's here, and so far blissfully quiet... long may that continue!

TP and I have purchased the second season of Boardwalk Empire to celebrate and have settled in to watch a couple of episodes a day. Am thinking the Borgias looks like the next HBO purchase for Chez Banner. Meanwhile, with so much time in bed, my reading list is finally getting shorter. Quarantine does have its up side....
 

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Posted by anglocatholic (# 13804) on :
 
Happy New Year.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Happy New Year everyone, here's to 2013 being a spectacularly good year for all of us!

I'm getting old, had a late night and I'm sooo tired, despite my 3 hour nanna nap this afternoon My new years diet is off to a good start too, bacon eggs on the barbie for late breakfast and half a bag of corn chips at afternoon tea time, I'm just considering a hair of the dog glass of wine........
 

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Posted by redunderthebed (# 17480) on :
 
watching the soccer triple-header and generally loving life tbh.
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Sod it. I turn 50 this year.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Sod it. I turn 50 this year.

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You and me both, mate! Happy New Year, all, from the city which has been living up to its reputation as the windiest today.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
Happy New Year, all, from the city which has been living up to its reputation as the windiest today.

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quote:

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We've 'retreated' down to our country place - on the Upper Lachlan River - about half-way between Crookwall and Cowra. Lovely spot - granite country, though: when those babies heat up (been about high 30s every day for the past week), even the nights can be hot. Remember one year when at 9.30pm the temperature had dropped to a cool 35C!

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As cold in winter as it is hot in summer down there.
 

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Posted by redunderthebed (# 17480) on :
 
These holidays are going fast almost a week until where i volunteer at starts up again. Also the town library is open today again.I have a feeling that 2013 has got alot of good things in store for me.
 

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Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
Greetings all! Have been AWOL for quite a bit, just reading back over the 2012 thread realised how much I have missed. My prayers to all for illness, family, relationships and safety. I've been crazy-busy for the last couple of months, work has taken me out of the office quite a bit, so my lunchtime habit of a toasted sandwich, a coffee and posting on SOF has been sorely tested.

The end of 2012 was Cryptogirl's end of primary school, so November and December seemed to be filled with farewell concerts, or farewell presentations, or some other farewell... Orientation at the new school... Then there was work, work and more work... Church was preparation for Christmas... An unexpected job offer (which I declined) still needed some brain space, not that I had much left...

I made it through the end of the year, finished work, and even did some Christmas shopping. Our Sunday School kids did a super job presenting the annual nativity play, I took the brave step (most people, cruelly but accurately, said "mad" ) of including some live music from the instrumentally talented children, it was a risk that paid off! They were fantastic! Made it through our Christingle service on Christmas Eve, then by 11pm on Christmas Eve, sweating, fever and vomiting. Ergh - Christmas just went downhill from there. Two days in bed, no food, just water, and cordial if I felt brave. The first Christmas in my life where I didn't make it to church.

That's more than enough of me rabbiting on about 2012 on the 2013 thread. As much as we wish the old year behind us, the new will hold its challenges like it always does. I give thanks for this wonderful online community - it really is God moving in his mysterious way.

A happy new year to you all!
 

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Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Evangeline:
My new years diet is off to a good start too, bacon eggs on the barbie for late breakfast and half a bag of corn chips at afternoon tea time, I'm just considering a hair of the dog glass of wine........

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Sorry for the double post, but had to say Evangeline, I like your style!
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Meanwhile I have been so sick I haven't even thought of opening the bottle of boutique white B3 gave me for Christmas. I simply cannot face the thought of alcohol at all.

A. Truly. Rotten. Virus.

On the plus side, Chez Banner has been deliciously quiet. And I have explored some new online mahjong games at very strange hours of the day and night. Haven't heard from B4 since Christmas Day, but did see an online pic of her veging out on someone's coast house sofa. All good.
 

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Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
BL
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Get well BL.

I've had a couple of days feeling so so after a good few days. Too tired after NYEve I think.

Lovely weather in Thredbo, coping with extended family group.

Driving group to horse riding tomorrow.

mr curly
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
for all those with nasty bugs over the Christmas/NY period.

Cryptic, good to see you around again.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
And as a fitting follow up to discussion of nasty bugs and viruses...

I just looked down to service station and saw a hearse having its tyres checked.

for those sick. I know quite few with nasty colds or something stronger. Had something myself a few days ago but it seems to have gone. Perhaps a G&T would kill the germs?
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Indeed Loth, alcohol is a great disinfectant.
 

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Posted by magnum mysterium (# 3418) on :
 
*waves hello for the first time in a while*

Happy new year. Looking forward to the Epiphany Carol Service at the Railway Square mission on Sunday evening
 

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Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Sod it. I turn 50 this year.

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You and me both, mate!

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quote:

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Originally posted by AdamPater:

quote:

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Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Sod it. I turn 50 this year.

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You and me both, mate!

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Snap. Still haven't written that book though.

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Well, get on with it!
Had my fill of family holiday. Just want to go home, but have to wait until Sunday, and then have house guests for another week!!
Struggling with constant low level anxiety generally and associated aches and pains.
BL

mr curly
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
For someone who should be avoiding overdrive, you sound like you have a lot on your plate, Mr C.

I, Meanwhile have been enjoying the enforced navel gazing apart from the still wretched throat - which I am seriously considering calling to Hell.

Tonight I arranged myself like the Queen of Tonga in front of the entertainment console; surrounded by beads, tissues and beverages and managed to make a beaded jug cover by the time Jack Nicholson froze to death in The Shining. The resurgence in creativity is a comforting sign.

And so was the appearance of B4, who dropped in to show off her tan and collect another few weeks worth of clean clothes, so at least I know she's alive. She kindly threaded some needles for me as she passed through.

BL. Still feeling old, blind, hoarse and snotty; but happier than yesterday.
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Please pray for me today.

It's the end of our family holday, and we're driving back to Sydney from Thredbo after packing and cleaning up after 21 people - there are 15 of us left.

Last night I had what I guess you'd call a panic attack as I was going to bed after a day of feeling pretty anxious, with associated aches and pains and refluxy symptoms.

We have enough drivers to share the load, but I'm tired and stressed and just want to be home. I've certainly explored my limits this week!

mr curly
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
For peace, rest and renewal for My Curly.



GG
 

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Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Banner Lady
Mr Curly
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
from us, too.
 

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Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
Mr. Curly
Banner Lady
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Mr Curly
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Thankyou all

Home safely, and feeling better than yesterday. Must have been my encounter with the Big Merino that did it.

mr curly
 

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Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Happy New Year all!

Sorry to learn the Christmas bug is doing the rounds. I can recommend the following as a means of a good night's sleep and a germ killer:

100ml whisky
Juice of half a lemon
Large tablespoon of honey
Top up with hot water

Actually, why wait for a Christmas bug? Yummy anyway!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Clarence:
Happy New Year all!

Sorry to learn the Christmas bug is doing the rounds. I can recommend the following as a means of a good night's sleep and a germ killer:

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lothlorien:

quote:

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Originally posted by Clarence:
Happy New Year all!

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Happy New Year, Clarence to you and FD.

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And from me. Hoping to see you early Feb. Have to work out some more about my Marine Rescue talk - length expected, visuals etc. I am now also a Marine Rescue NSW chaplain.
 

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Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Loth, the whisky is still very tasty! I highly recommend it: i slept like a top and FD was definitely cured (having had the sort of cold Neil in "The Young Ones" would have been proud of)

Latchkey, we look forward very much to having you at Terror's Creek Benighted
 

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Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Thankyou all

Home safely, and feeling better than yesterday. Must have been my encounter with the Big Merino that did it.

mr curly

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If the Big Merino caused a problem, I suggest you stay clear of Sydney. Apparently there's a freakily huge duck there at the moment
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Picture of said huge duck on harbour. You sure, Mr Curly, that you didn't get a bad prawn at the big prawn?

Have just heard DIL and grandchildren have been evacuated, along with other campers from Kangaroo Valley. A precautionary measure, apparently but fire danger in Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven area is labelled catastrophic. They were there with a church group. Have been going for years and this is the first time anything like this has happened.

[ 07. January 2013, 09:35: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Picture of said huge duck on harbour. You sure, Mr Curly, that you didn't get a bad prawn at the big prawn?

Have just heard DIL and grandchildren have been evacuated, along with other campers from Kangaroo Valley. A precautionary measure, apparently but fire danger in Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven area is labelled catastrophic. They were there with a church group. Have been going for years and this is the first time anything like this has happened.

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We have, for the first time in over nine years, packed changes of clothing, papers and a few sentimental items to take into Canberra tomorrow when we go to work. Just in case.
 

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Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 
I didn't know that NSW had also adopted the same scale of fire danger ratings as South Australia, but after a few seasons without anything coming of it the Catastrophic level is not really taken as seriously as it should now.

Stay safe everyone, and even if you're not in a dangerous area remember to stay cool and well hydrated - tomorrow is not a day to put concerns about energy prices ahead of your health. Just a tip from the experience of some of our friends on Eyre Peninsula a few years ago - if you're packing a case of stuff for the day just in case, make sure you include important ID and legal documents so dealings with unconscionably evil insurance companies won't add to the pain if something does happen.

--------

On the other subject of that duck, is creativity really so lacking on the east coast that the Sydnesians needed an artist from a country infamous for its love of marijuana to come up with that?
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
And not even original - the creator has been flogging the "oceans of the world as a bathtub" for years with rubber ducks popping up regularly in festivals around the globe.

Sorry. But I think a big inner tube hung from the Sydney Harbour Bridge would have been a bit more evocative for most Australians than a rubber duck.

[ 07. January 2013, 12:30: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My turn for a virus now. Yuck. I hate beng sick.

And last Friday, our hottest day to date... 42.... Was when I decided that, for this quarter, I really wasn't going to bother about the electricity bill. And so, for the first time in months, I am using air-con, tho not at night.
No fires here yet, fortunately, altho many in my far-flung patrol (parish of several hundred square km)... Not serious thankfully.
My own community is surrounded by farming l, and has apparently ever been threatened by fire.


My prayers go out to those who are.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
We're watching the news anxiously, and hoping Shipmates are safe and, fires apart, coping with the heat.


GG
 

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Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 
Just got to 39.1 here. Thank the Lord I am not working today, also thanks for air con.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
This is directed at media coverage, not any one here.

What do they expect? This is Sydney and NSW and this is January. Last year's cooler summer must have made us sissies or something. Truly, do we need a live blog of the temperature?

Then again it's holidays in Sydney and there's probably not much else for the media to carry on about except Shane Warne's manners or lack thereof. The less said of that the better, too.

I'm not complaining about the fire coverage. Technology has given us a big boost in showing fires, listing incidents, giving warnings etc, even downloading outlines of plans for safety. Knowledge of all this helps and I'm not begrudging the coverage.

I'm not all hot and bothered and cranky. It's about 40°C here now. I closed blinds and windows this morning. I have fan on its lowest setting in lounge room. I had an airconditioner installed 15 months ago. It may go on tonight if it's still hot when I go to bed. That would be its second use.

I guess it really is the silly season and the press are searching for copy. There have been quite a few media beat ups lately of things which may go unnoticed at other times when there are more news worthy events around.
 

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
We have been very grateful in Tasmania for the excellent ABC radio coverage of the catastrophic fires over the past few days. This has enabled us to know what is happening to loved ones as communication has been difficult. As I write this another big fire has sprung up near where I live, winds are howling and I can't see out of my front door due to smoke. It is very frightening. I pray that the other states under fire threat are spared what we have been through.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
bib & all in danger or anxious
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
bib. My complaint was not about the fire coverage. I appreciate that.
 

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Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 
I'm sorry Lothlorien, I wasn't meaning to do a blog of the temps, just bemoaning the heat nor was it intended to upset anyone.

I agree with you that the weather guys seem to have very short memories of recent and past weather events and we have become 'soft' as to hot/cold etc.
 

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Loth, I realise you weren't complaining about fire coverage, sorry if you thought I was having a go at you. I was mainly expressing appreciation for the information we had been given and hope that everyone keeps safe.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Yes, there does seem to be a shortage of news the coverage re bush fires is welcome but the beat up re "record temps" is getting monotonous. The weather is hot today in Sydney but it's been hotter and this is a "one off" day, in other years there have been days of temps in the high 30s topped off by a couple of days in the 40s which does get very uncomfortable without air conditioning because most houses can't maintain insulating you for that long and then it seems to take a few days for your house to cool down. As long as the cooler comes in sometime early tomorrow I still think it's been a fairly mild summer so far.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

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Yes, there does seem to be a shortage of news the coverage re bush fires is welcome but the beat up re "record temps" is getting monotonous

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Exactly. As i said, I wasn't complaining at all about fire coverage and I certainly wasn't complaining about anyone here.

To tell people that temperature is now a degree higher than five minutes earlier and then the same thing five minutes later isn't productive . I was truly surprised when temp in iPad showed here was just over 40° Seeing numbers like that makes it seem worse than it need be.

Haven't heard from DIL and grandkids. I assume they are probably at Robertson. I did see change was passing through more southern places dropping temps considerably. But as Evangeline has said, one day does not a heat wave make.
 

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Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
I like high temperatures, my arthritis stops hurting. On the other hand, one of my colleagues is on holiday in Tasmania...
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Back at home. Fire from Saturday night flared up during the day but is ok again. But one of the "emergency warning" fires is within sight. Not coming this way but if the wind changes we can expect the firies come round to attack it from this direction.

Prayers for all affected.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Two areas close to Vulpior have just been mentioned as new areas of concern. I hope he's OK.

DIL and children are now home.
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
All OK here. The weather did as it was predicted and the fire didn't come in this direction. It's down to "advice" now, but still "being controlled". A lot of work as put in overnight on containment lines by cross-border/out-of-area firies, so the locals should have had a chance for a break.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
That's good news, Vulpior. When I looked at the map, there seemed to be no fire threatening where I think you are. Much closer to my cousin's, but he spent quite a bit of time in early December, and has greatly reduced most of the risks he faced.

We're now in far-from-heatwave Vienna, where we've taken a flat for a couple of weeks. Grey is the best description of the sky outside through the day. Not quite adjusted to the time yet.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Watching the Oz news and thinking of Shipmates over there. I see some NZ firemen have gone to help.

On another subject – our petrol went up 4c a litre straight after New Year. Either they'd all put it down for the holiday season, as they do, or else they'd deferred putting it up, with the same effect. I had the impression when I visited Perth, that over there petrol went up during holiday weekends. Am I remembering correctly?

GG
 

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Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
On another subject – our petrol went up 4c a litre straight after New Year. Either they'd all put it down for the holiday season, as they do, or else they'd deferred putting it up, with the same effect. I had the impression when I visited Perth, that over there petrol went up during holiday weekends. Am I remembering correctly?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gee D:


We're now in far-from-heatwave Vienna, where we've taken a flat for a couple of weeks. Grey is the best description of the sky outside through the day. Not quite adjusted to the time yet.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
On another subject – our petrol went up 4c a litre straight after New Year. Either they'd all put it down for the holiday season, as they do, or else they'd deferred putting it up, with the same effect. I had the impression when I visited Perth, that over there petrol went up during holiday weekends. Am I remembering correctly?

GG

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quote:

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Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:

BTW. Did you get to Wagga in the last couple of years. I remember you intended to visit.

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alas, no. finances caved in. I still have hope but right now I'm focused on other stuff. I promise to let you all know if and when it happens so we can meet up and you can see just how much Alaskans really are weird!

PS thanks very much for the link!

[ 10. January 2013, 02:42: Message edited by: comet ]
 

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Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Free board and lodging with us in the Byron Shire.
Come at Easter for the Blues & Roots festival.
 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Comet, make nice and you will be sure to get accommodation free in Brisbane, Sidney or Perth area.

Start swimming!
 

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Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:
Try this Rural Fire service link and search the page for Wagga

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=683

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quote:

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aLlas, no. finances caved in. I still have hope but right now I'm focused on other stuff. I promise to let you all know if and when it happens so we can meet up and you can see just how much Alaskans really are weird!

PS thanks very much for the link!

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FD and I would love to come see just how weird, but the welcome mat is permanently out for any passing Comets

[coding]

[ 10. January 2013, 10:36: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Comet: welcome, lodging and I'm sure a shipmeet here too. Happy to transport you between Sydney and here, or here and Wagga. Come any time of year. If you were coming this year you could take in an Aussie Rules match, in what will doubtless be the Sydney Swans back-to-back Premiership year...

- Lights touchpaper, retires -

[ 10. January 2013, 11:13: Message edited by: Vulpior ]
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Erm, I'm not sure that lighting things is a good idea at the moment!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Erm, I'm not sure that lighting things is a good idea at the moment!

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quote:

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you could take in an Aussie Rules match

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quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:

quote:

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you could take in an Aussie Rules match

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Much more fun than rugby – instead of piling into a heap every couple of minutes they run! they kick! they throw! That's action!

GG

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:

quote:

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you could take in an Aussie Rules match

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Much more fun than rugby – instead of piling into a heap every couple of minutes they run! they kick! they throw! That's action!

GG

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But they only kick and throw the ball. In rugby they do that to the players too!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gee D:
Firenze , we went to Zwoelf-Apostelkellar for dinner last night. After that, we should be better able to face the cold today. Great atmosphere as well, earns its 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor. Thanks for the suggestion.

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Glad you enjoyed it. Cafe Diglas and Beim Czaak are another couple of places we used always to go when in Vienna.

[ 11. January 2013, 09:36: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
The Father is not referee, but Patron of both teams. He has a special throne, normally at the the halfway line, but which will move to give Him an especially close view of interesting plays. And of course, each match ends in a draw.

We'll see about trying your extra recommendations Firenze. Tonight's dinner will be at the restaurant in the King of Hungary, both the restaurant and Hotel being great favourites of ours. We were lucky this time to get an excellent serviced apartment very nearby.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Look what I've started. I dreamt that I had been rude about the game of rugby to some enthusiasts, and was apologising to them.

GG
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
They are still here. Had enough of house guests.

mr curly
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
So today I got to make a mitre for the new Bishop of Bathurst. Design specs included: no gold; no braid; no bling of any kind...where's the fun in THAT, I ask you?
 

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Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
They are still here. Had enough of house guests.

mr curly

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Undoubtedly, top of the page restores some sense of normality!
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
For a moment there, rexory, I read that as "morality" - it had me very worried until I looked again!
 

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Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
But is morality normal?
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 


Surely a question which may well spawn a thread in Purgatory would be:

Is normality moral?
 

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Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Banner Lady:
So today I got to make a mitre for the new Bishop of Bathurst. Design specs included: no gold; no braid; no bling of any kind...where's the fun in THAT, I ask you?

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Cool!

Can I get your autograph now while you're still approachable BL?

The Evensongs are back from a ten day family holiday on the Gold and Tweed Coasts. Had a lovely time and visited Brisbane for about two hours (never been before). Checked out St John's Cathedral. Impressive ceiling! Shame about the floor. Concrete blocks? Jaysus, Mary and Joseph.

Having now checked out Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide Anglican Cathedrals I can freely pronounce mine is by far the most beautiful.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Still think it's hard to top Goulburn's Gothic for a beautiful small cathedral.

New bishop of B is a lovely chap - not that I would wish the job on my worst enemy. It's a difficult brief to be taking up at the age of 62. I hope his blood pressure's good!

Today I am de-velcroing his cope. When you become so elevated, Evensong, that you need a cope, do NOT fasten the thing with velcro, snaps, buttons or ties. That way lies disaster. The first two are too noisy when robing or disrobing in a quiet church setting; and the last two are way too fiddly, and I've seen some less than solemn pauses while wrestling with the haberdashery takes place.

I offer this priceless knowledge gratis. You may kiss my hand later.

Bl. Funny hat maker and font of useless facts.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
How, then, are they to held on, BL? I have a cope for special occasions, but it is snap-fastened.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Trouser slides or industrial strength hook & eyes work better if the cope has a material crossbar on the chest; if it is made more like a cloak then an ornate cloak clasp ( usually large shank buttons with a chain loop, or an antique belt clasp, which is essentially a glorified trouser slide) is used.

These are quiet and secure. Just like good churchmanship.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Both my gold and my green copes have a morse (hope I spelt that correctly) which connected via what looks like very tough hooks and eyes; while the purple, white and red ones have more the somewhat more common chain and clasp closure.

Banner Lady - ru making the new bish a matching cope as well? Wondering whether something connoting the dioceses rural and outback nature would look right - browns, yellows, some hints of green etc??? Just offering some food for your thoughts.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Idly ponders how Superman did it
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
Idly ponders how Superman did it

---

Indeed. I have enough trouble figuring out FD's alb.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 


Sorry to have not caught up with you both.

Next time!
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
Comet, make nice and you will be sure to get accommodation free in Brisbane, Sidney or Perth area.

Start swimming!

---

And Geelong which is close to Melbourne!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
EL: The cope (that his wife made for him when he became archdeacon) is cream with a startling ethnic fabric border in black, brown, cream and white. It has a hood lined in the same Fijian print fabric. He has some connections to ministry in the Pacific. I am shortening the cope a little, because it has dropped, and have put on new fastenings. The bespoke mitre is made from the same materials, and I have given his wife a lesson in how to make pointy hats so she can make any future ones needed.

When I asked if he was having a crozier made, he told me that he was simply going to use his favourite walking staff. This was given to him by some former parishioners when he was leaving the UK, and he has walked across Spain and England using it. It is a proper hazelwood shepherd's staff with a carved head. When it broke on one plane trip he found a "stick maker" at a medieval fair who could put a new stave to it; so it obviously means a great deal to him. I should think that will go down well in the country diocese.

So when you see the pics of him after his installation in three weeks time you will have all the inside goss.

BL. Purveyor of tatty stuff. Just don't let on to the purists in Eccles who would howl with laughter at all of the above.
 

---

Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by James the Confident:

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
Comet, make nice and you will be sure to get accommodation free in Brisbane, Sidney or Perth area.

Start swimming!

---

And Geelong which is close to Melbourne!

---

Comet's coming? And to to ALL of Australia, best in the west too?? Awesome!. Fatted calf on the BBQ now. Will that be just the one, or four? What time at the airport? (I can make any time on Wednesdays).
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Middle has just returned from 2 weeks at Scout Jamboree in QLD. Tired but happy.

First lot of house guests leave tonight.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
So today I got to make a mitre for the new Bishop of Bathurst. Design specs included: no gold; no braid; no bling of any kind...where's the fun in THAT, I ask you?

---

Sounds a bit plain... I can lend you some Sunday School kids, they're very good at decorating! Glue and those little stick-on diamantes are the favourites
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Altar frontals here are often sequined butI have never [yet] seen a sequined mitre - perhaps the time has come!

eta: Please note that NOT posting this idea in Eccles is a deliberate choice!

[ 14. January 2013, 03:09: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by AdamPater:

quote:

---

Originally posted by James the Confident:

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
Comet, make nice and you will be sure to get accommodation free in Brisbane, Sidney or Perth area.

Start swimming!

---

And Geelong which is close to Melbourne!

---

Comet's coming? And to to ALL of Australia, best in the west too?? Awesome!. Fatted calf on the BBQ now. Will that be just the one, or four? What time at the airport? (I can make any time on Wednesdays).

---

I wish! you know I'll call you, AP. I've already figured out that when I visit I'll have to criss cross the continent to visit everyone I need to.

Don't worry, James, Victoria is already on the list. as is Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Byron Bay, Wagga, and of course Darwin 'cause I can't wait to harass Zappa and Kuru.

either I'm going to spend a lot of time in flight or on trains. or hitching - do you guys still do hitching?
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
They do a nice line in lavender buses!
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Ahem, Adelaide
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
oops, sorry.

And Adelaide.

crap, I'm going to have to rent a car.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Glad Canberra is on your list.

Forget about renting a car - you need one of these.
 

---

Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
oops, sorry.

And Adelaide.

crap, I'm going to have to rent a car.

---

There should be a sort of mass-balance-mean arrangement.

So we all get to meet in Coober Pedy.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
I can't do underground.

Totally claustrophobic.

No doubt I was killed in a collapsed mineshaft in a previous life.

Oh. And fire. Fire's no good either.

No doubt I was burnt at the stake in a previous life.

Oh. Wait. We Christians don't believe in previous lives do we?

Damn.

Back to the drawing board.

How bout Perth?


 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
It is with a large amount of relief that I can report that the last of the houseguests have left Chez Curly.

No more Kochy in the morning and no more No Deal in the afternoon, no more grumpy old woman constant soundtrack and no more of Rupert's personal newsletter cluttering up the coffee table.

The year starts tomorrow.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Happy New Year, Mr Curly. .
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Ditto from me, Mr Curly!
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
oops, sorry.

And Adelaide.

crap, I'm going to have to rent a car.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I should think that will go down well in the country diocese.

---

I should think that will go down well with a nearly-bankrupt diocese, whose previous bishop was straight out of a Wipples catalogue.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I'm back - so we had a wee earthquake to celebrate, just so I'd know I was home. Still the weather is better than Wellington was and Georgie-Porgy is far friendlier than my brother's cats.

I've been hearing about the bushfires and thinking of everyone here, but was unable to get online to check.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
For Rowen and all the people working to fight bushfires and to support people evacuated and/or whose homes and livelihoods have been lost.
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Hotteest day on record for us here in Sydney - 45.8 deg C.

Searing hot, humidity down to a contact-lens curling 15%.

Cool change now here.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jugular:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I should think that will go down well in the country diocese.

---

I should think that will go down well with a nearly-bankrupt diocese, whose previous bishop was straight out of a Wipples catalogue.

---

What do you mean "nearly"?

Anyway, I've discovered I can make a simple mitre for under $20. Materials only, you understand.

I am the friend of broke bishoprics.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I was team leader, chaplaincy, at the Sale Evacuation Centre between 5 and 11 last night. Then I slept there, and have just got home... Nap needed.
I may be needed tomorrow... Depends on how things go today
The most difficult tasks were talking with children, and relating to those who lost the lot.
My team were brilliant. They worked hard.
I honour the Red Cross, who are fabulous, and the Firies... My heroes.
Tanks for your prayers, guys. Please continue.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
We are turning Shrove Tuesday into an ecumenical fundraiser for the Bushfire Appeal up at the town with the Big House. I hope other churches take the opportunity to toss a few pancakes and raise some dough too.

Rowen. And the firies are my heroes too. They are amazing volunteers.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
It has been decided that tomorrow, at the Evac Centre, to slow things down a little, given today's fair weather. So, they will use local folk as chaplains, leaving us to sleep in, in beds up to 2 hrs away from Sale.
Yay.
A day off.
My service tomorrow will be taken by a lay person. Church Council thought I might be a little tired this weekend.
I am.
Firs are still burning. Bad news.
 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
Take care and go well, Rowan. Lots of prayers coming from here - my brother is one of the volunteer fireies in Northern NSW. Thank you for the updates from your area.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Sleep well Rowen
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
the icon is possible a little insensitive for fire prayers, but hey, the thought is there.

I have just spent a morning riding in a group ride with friends. And for ninety plus minutes, I was lost in the speed, the ease and the pure enjoyment. All of life's complications went. I love endorphins. It was a great ride, the whole four hours was fun, but I really needed that ninety minutes.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Patyds i have just read a fascinating article entitled The Cycle Path To Happiness by Simom Usbourne about the effects of biking. They put a Dutch man with Parkinsons so debilitating that he could barely walk down the corridoor of the facility where he was being cared for, on a bike and he cycled a loop around some buildings in a carpark without any trouble.

He also summarised some studies on the efffects of cycling on the brain. If I didn't have a bike already I would have gone out and bought one.

Rowen I hope you had a good rest. Prayers flying across the Tasman for all affected.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Evenson 1 has achieved an incredible ATAR ranking and is to study Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UWA.

Are the job prospects better than "Do you want fries with that?"

Here's to hoping.

Boy do I feel old. Thirty eight and a kid at Uni.

[ 21. January 2013, 11:54: Message edited by: Evensong ]
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
Evenson 1 has achieved an incredible ATAR ranking and is to study Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UWA.

Are the job prospects better than "Do you want fries with that?"

Here's to hoping.

Boy do I feel old. Thirty eight and a kid at Uni.

---

Thirty eight and a kid doing you proud. Congratulations.

Ain't life funny: I had my first kid at thirty eight, and now she's 42. And a terrific person, like her younger brother.

GG
 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
Mr Curly, how are you feeling without the house guests? Better I hope. I'm with you, I don't like house guests and I don't like being one.

Prayers (with or without as appropriate) for those affected by bushfire and those fighting them. When Sydney was affected by those terrible fires in about 1993 there was a service of thanksgiving in St Andrew's Cathedral at the end of that Summer for the volunteer fire fighters. I know such things are now frowned upon at the Rain Shelter™, but surely there should be some public recognition of these brave and selfless people. Rowen, prayers for you and all the other chaplains and helpers that help to pick up the pieces.

Had a lovely morning with Cryptogirl at the Nicholson Museum last Friday. We went to see the Lego Colosseum but of course all the other ancient stuff was fascinating. Came out to the car thermometer showing 47 degrees - I thought it was broken, but no...

Can't claim an 18yo starting uni, but do have an 11 going on 12yo starting high school. This time next week we'll be in full-blown apprehension
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cryptic:
Mr Curly, how are you feeling without the house guests? Better I hope. I'm with you, I don't like house guests and I don't like being one.:

---

I've been feeling much better. Have had a few aches today, but its a bit of mind over matter in some ways. Believe it or not, its just about 6 months since the heart attack, hoping I've reached a new plateau. Now only getting stressed about teenagers and not getting enough paid work! Plenty on horizon, but it's slow to start for the year.

Been writing today, rewriting a novel I'll end up coauthoring with the guy I wrote the last novel with. I'm still not making much progress with new work, but good to be taking something forward. Aiming to do some recording for an audiobook as soon as kids are back at school. But making some new stories at speed will mean I've achieved another phase in recovery.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Having made arrangements to go off and meet with emergency chaplaincy services in sthn NSW, which needs an overnighter in Jindabyne, I have just turned down a shift tomorrow in Omeo, Nth Alps, Vic. An Evacauation Centre opens today.
Time for prayers again.
Sadly
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
You are getting about a bit, Rowen!

Can you believe you ever used to stay in one city in ministry?
You are certainly racking up the k's this year.

I. meanwhile, for my sins, have been butt-glued to the computer chair trying to sort out prison ministry secretarial issues.


If I was made for filing I would have been harder, squarer and with lots more drawers. *sigh* muttermuttermutter....
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I am travelling a fair bit at present, and xam kinda getting used to it.
Canberra in mid-feb... We must talk soon, to arrange a catch-up...
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Excellent, I look forward to trading bead box stories!

 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Latchkey Kid:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
oops, sorry.

And Adelaide.

crap, I'm going to have to rent a car.

---

Australia is about the same size as the US. You really don't want to drive that far.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:
I am travelling a fair bit at present, and xam kinda getting used to it.
Canberra in mid-feb... We must talk soon, to arrange a catch-up...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
Evenson 1 has achieved an incredible ATAR ranking and is to study Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UWA.

Are the job prospects better than "Do you want fries with that?"

Here's to hoping.

---

quote:

---

Maybe some nice people paid their bills and there'll be a cheque or 2.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Zappa , try lying on your back, arms and legs wriggling in the air, and quietly scream for a couple of minutes - that usually helps.

---

Sounds like it requires strong abs.

Happy hottest 100 day y'all.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Build Zappa up for a year of unruly pupils and parishioners.

Back home on a nasty day - around 30 here with a fair bit of cloud and gusty winds. But a clean and tidy house from Dlet. If there were any parties in our absence, there has been no damage and everything was cleared away.

[ 26. January 2013, 01:57: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Happy Australia Day folks.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Australia Day? 'Bah Humbug' is the response from TP. Yesterday he spent some time explaining "Australia Day" from both indigenous and European perspectives to the grandsons.

All week people seem to have been enquiring as to how we might be going to celebrate it. There must be those patriotic enough to make an effort, but for me, every day is Australia Day.

Very, very glad to have been born in this country with all its blessings. Happy to wave a banner for that any day of the year.


 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Happy Straya day!

I've been here twenty years.

Proud o' my country.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
I keep forgetting it's even on. With the holiday being Monday and all.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
I was impressed to hear a Uniting church minister got an AC award.

And my archbishop Roger Herft got one too.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
The Bishop of Bendigo got an AM. It's a pity he does not have a cathedral as well.

[ 26. January 2013, 06:23: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
The Bishop of Bendigo got an AM. It's a pity he does not have a cathedral as well.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
I was impressed to hear a Uniting church minister got an AC award.

---

FD?
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
I was impressed to hear a Uniting church minister got an AC award.

---

FD?

---

No, I even checked the fine print!
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
I believe FD and Clarance are preparing for the arrival of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald by watching their local creek rise and dusting off their flood plan. As far as I know, they're fine, though.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
The Bishop of Bendigo got an AM. It's a pity he does not have a cathedral as well.

---

Someone you know got an AM, Gee D.

---

The only person whom I know to get a gong is James Allsop, who well and truly deserves his AO (not an AM). I know who Ron Heinrich and Rod McGeoch (another AO) are, but as far as I can recall, I've met neither. I could have met McGeoch at a school function. Some other familiar names on the lists but no-one I know.

There's a strong wind here also. We just ducked up to a local restaurant for a quick dinner - no food at home and with our flight about 3 hours late arriving, the butcher had closed - and sat outside. The wine was almost blown out of our glasses. And the wind's carrying smoke and ashes from a bushfire somewhere in Ku-ring-gai Chase.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Two of my former bosses are on the honours list . One I'm happy for and he deserves it for a lifetime of generous service, the other.......not so much.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
lovely lovely rain
lovely cool temperature...

Bushfire threat eased! YAY!
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Discovered I was acquainted with more people on the honours list this year than I would have thought possible, from the Archbishop of Perth down to the bushfire brigade captain whose grandkids were at the little school of which I was principal. Had known one of them for over forty years without realising his deep involvement in lifesaving, as our friendship derived from one of his other passions.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Comet please do come but think of it as a drive from, say, San Diego to Boston

---

I am aware. I'm much more concerned about breaking down on some remote stretch, stepping out of the car, and spontaneously combusting. serious heat sissy. plus I'm a natural redhead which means my skin has zero melanin to speak of. I have sunburned in 10 minutes before.

In Alaska.

according to handy dandy google maps, the drive from where I currently live to where I will be living (and where my mother lives, where I used to live, etc) is the general equivalent of driving from Canberra to Brisbane, and is within the same state (though I have to go through customs twice. 'cause we're a weird state.)

The longest single road trip I've done is the equivalent of Darwin to Brisbane and back again. (and for the record, it was for a funeral and generally sucked. there is NOTHING in Kansas.)

I can handle long road trips. it's the heat, bugs, and snakes that terrify me.

PS - deep breaths, Fr. Zap. post-vacation always sucks ass.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
A very strange church service this morning. Priest is on leave and the locum fell ill at the last minute, so a mass without a sermon or communion. it was very short and definitely resembled a hymn sandwich but enjoyable none the less.

In news further afield, the succession planning for the Sydney diocese (partic. for the Abp. after the next one) seems to be in full swing. Please pray as the impression I have of the anointed one is that he makes Peter Jensen look quite liberal. The hierachical complementarian stance of the theological college appears to be coming even more hardline too.

for God's love to shine through the darkness of those who desire to make their authority felt and lord it over others.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
For those in the path of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald - seems to be a petulant ex.

O God help me ... I've suddenly become a teacher. Eleven hours a week, teaching "philosophy" and coordinating community service. Last time I was in a classroom you could bash the little shits. S'pose I can't do that now?

I don't have a friggin' clue how to teach, but my school has laid off so many staff I'm the last human left standing. Almost.

Bugger.

And ye gods, could you southerners send some wet and wild up here? It's like a bloody sauna, or a page out of a Graham Greene novel. I love heat, but holey moley this is stretching a friendship.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Some other familiar names on the lists but no-one I know.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
For those in the path of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald - seems to be a petulant ex.

O God help me ... I've suddenly become a teacher. Eleven hours a week, teaching "philosophy" and coordinating community service. Last time I was in a classroom you could bash the little shits. S'pose I can't do that now?

I don't have a friggin' clue how to teach, but my school has laid off so many staff I'm the last human left standing. Almost.

Bugger.

And ye gods, could you southerners send some wet and wild up here? It's like a bloody sauna, or a page out of a Graham Greene novel. I love heat, but holey moley this is stretching a friendship.

---

We're in drought here! Nothing to send,sorry.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Zappa

Sadly, I don't know Haire. He's one of those who fell into the familiar names but not known (i.e., met) category, and a well deserved honour.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
As it happens we got 38 mm last night - just a dampening by local standards but hopefully a promise of more to come
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
x-post!
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Things seem to be taking a turn for the worse in Brisbane More floods so soon after 2011 is cruel. for all affected.
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
No power for our house church service yesterday.
Lots of trees down.
Water got into the electrics of our Marine Rescue Radio Base and made it unsafe.
Brunswick River higher at the mouth than I have ever seen it.
We've had about half a metre of rain in the last few days, but we intentionally bought on a hill, so unless our neighbour's massive lemon scented gum comes down on us we should be OK.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
for those in the Wet
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
I basically haven't seen the news today until just now, but it's looking pretty bad.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
for those in the wet.
With apologies – though we didn't do it on purpose.
Apparently the high pressure system that's giving us ten days of perfect sunshine is so strong that it's blocking the nasty stuff on the east coast of Oz from heading our way as it normally would. So it stays put and then heads south down the coast.
Thinking of what's going on over the Ditch takes a bit of the edge off our enjoyment.

Hope the depression can just peter out.

GG
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
All Blacks excepted, it's not often NZ can block OZ.

On a more serious note prayers continue for my south eastern brethren and sethren. Some peaks are lower than feared, but still lethal, and I'm getting reports of some pretty wild weather over night on the NSW North and Mid-North coasts ... down where kuruman's mother and sister live. Unfortunately our phone isn't working so we can't make contact.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
GG, that's probably the exact same high pressure system that gave Australia record temperatures. In which case we can't blame you for it.
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Prayers for those hammered by the weather.

I have just finished my last career. I get my ticket and tomorrow I start my next career.

This is where I see if I really do believe in a relational ethic and theology... I hope, I really hope I do.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Believing in it is one thing, Patdys; the trick is surviving the relational theology when so many of us in the church are just simply Not Very Good at teamwork of any kind. If we were good at bringing people along with us, then churches everywhere might not be quite so empty, and the faithful ones not hurt quite so often.

I am simply keeping my head down, and having fun with relational stuff through my sewing. This week's projects include a cope, a stole and a crinoline!

Jugs, you would love where I hang out on a Monday - a sewing group that meets in a costume shop. It is hilarious fun. I'm just not sure what I'll do if the owner of the shop ever wants me to make a mitre for hiring purposes.....
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I for one would be happy to give up some of this relentless sunshine for some cooler temps and maybe even rain.

Huia - melting
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Praxis is belief BL. And there is a bucketload of relationship in sewing.
 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
Thank heavens for some cooler weather... for those now being hammered by floods.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Last time I was in a classroom you could bash the little shits. S'pose I can't do that now?

---

(despite my Safe Ministry training...)

Evangeline - what have you heard about new anointed one for our diocese? Haven't heard anything myself, but to be honest haven't gone looking. Not surprised that the diocese is looking to be more hard line.

Today I'm the parent of a high-school kid...
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
I for one would be happy to give up some of this relentless sunshine for some cooler temps and maybe even rain.

Huia - melting

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by the giant cheeseburger:
Eight and a half months of election campaigning? Thanks a fucking lot Julia!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:
For me there's the added bonus of knowing I'll be back in the country by then. Although doing an overseas vote would have been novel.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Clarence, please gather yourself together - you have been making rather a lot of water lately.

---

Fortunately 2 cm less than would have been needed to submerge Grafton ... but Ulmarra, Lawrence etc never stand a chance. I suspect kuruman's dad's former house will have very wet feet at the moment ...
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Today will be the first day of real face to face stuff in the classroom (pray for me - and for the students!). Yesterday I discovered there are new fangled things called smart boards (whatever happened to the nice roller or counterweighted blackboards they had in my day? ) so DVD, here I come ...

... on the problem of evil. Theodicy. I like to start with the easy things.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Theodicy? Sheeeyat mate!!!

I start my Dip Ed (secondary) majoring in RE shortly. I have three massive textbooks on how to teach Catholicism in schools.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
how to teach Catholicism in schools.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Athrawes:
At least none of yours throw desks.

---

Are you issued full body armour? At least, a taser?
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
My sister in the NT has just started teaching at a new remote area school. She was told to leave her last post because she physically restrained a primary school child who was trying to hit another kid over the head with a metal chair.

The indij families concerned were so outraged at her interference that they demanded her dismissal. She was informed she had 24 hours to vacate her allocated housing, and it was in her interests to leave quickly as threats had been made that were being taken very seriously.

School teachers. What they don't tell you at training college.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

Is assassination permissible?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
EL: The cope (that his wife made for him when he became archdeacon) is cream with a startling ethnic fabric border in black, brown, cream and white. It has a hood lined in the same Fijian print fabric. He has some connections to ministry in the Pacific.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Athrawes:
No! If I'm not allowed to kill them for talking, you certainly aren't. At least none of yours throw desks.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Police have been called from time to time.

---

but not since I've been there, of course.

On the other hand our students topped the Territory academically, both in IB and NTCET. , and that bed stuff truly has depleted.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
that bed stuff

---

"bad", not "bed" ... though evidence suggests there's some of the latter, too ...
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

Is assassination permissible?

---

Have you got a decent long-jump pit?

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Athrawes:
At least none of yours throw desks.

---

Are you issued full body armour? At least, a taser?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by the giant cheeseburger:
It is a surprising date

---

Really? With all the juicy details and a court decision on one of her former colleagues about to thrust her through the Media gauntlet yet again; I would say it is timed so the worst is over before polling day.

Just a thought.

Of course, that also leaves plenty of time for someone else in her party to embarrass the heck out of Labour, cause a whole lot of headaches, and then give us the usual spectacle of a party disembowelling itself at the most unfortunate time. Labour seems to be rather good at doing that.

[ 01. February 2013, 18:10: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Of course, that also leaves plenty of time for someone else in her party to embarrass the heck out of Labour...

Craig Thompson, Senator Chris Evans - well, who's next?

[ 01. February 2013, 21:54: Message edited by: Emendator Liturgia ]
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:

Craig Thompson, Senator Chris Evans - well, who's next?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:

Craig Thompson, Senator Chris Evans - well, who's next?

---

Nicola Roxon, it seems.

---

Here you go, Rexory. Roxon and Evans both resign. called "live" by SMH.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
I'm still waiting for KRudd to come back.




(I'll get me coat...)
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 
I like this idea of Queensland having another go round in February with Australia Day II after the floods last weekend.

I suggest that the first time around be retroactively referred to as One Australia day, because like the infamous yacht of the 90's it too was covered in water
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
There are tiny black ants scurrying around my bathroom floor. I am three floors up, so hope they have made a mistake in coming this far up!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
I'm still waiting for KRudd to come back.




(I'll get me coat...)

---

Oh, I wish. Unfortunately, constitutionally, he can't, now. Which means we'll be trapped with the Elephantine Budgie Smuggler in September. Which, sad though I am to say it as a Laborite, will only be marginally worse than the Ranga and her groupies.
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 
Why not? The faceless men could dust off the steak knives again and appoint Rudd their leader, and if he could demonstrate to the Governor-General that he has the majority support of the House of Representatives (i.e. all Labor members plus four others) he would become the new PM.

I would not welcome a second Rudd premiership, I think he's a power-mad psychopath who has designs on much higher titles than just Prime Minister, think along the lines of "Supreme Leader."

There is nothing official about this election yet, all we have so far is that the PM has said that's when she'll do it.

[ 02. February 2013, 07:29: Message edited by: the giant cheeseburger ]
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Ahh, the joys and pleasures of a cool day and night - just right for recharging the batteries.

Tomorrow is a big day at church - we've regigged the Purification of the BVM to include aspects of traditional Candlemas. The order of service is done and printed, the music is ready, the sermon sits on my new android tablet (with a paper copy in hand, just in case), the candles for candlemas are in their presentation basket - now what have I forgotten?????
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
The kitchen sink? Hope it went well.

Attended Candlemas at my local today.

So nice to be a participant at a great church rather than a leader in a different one again......

[ 03. February 2013, 10:44: Message edited by: Evensong ]
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:

quote:

---

Originally posted by the giant cheeseburger:
It is a surprising date

---

Really? With all the juicy details and a court decision on one of her former colleagues about to thrust her through the Media gauntlet yet again; I would say it is timed so the worst is over before polling day.

Just a thought.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
I'm still waiting for KRudd to come back.




(I'll get me coat...)

---

Oh, I wish. Unfortunately, constitutionally, he can't, now. Which means we'll be trapped with the Elephantine Budgie Smuggler in September. Which, sad though I am to say it as a Laborite, will only be marginally worse than the Ranga and her groupies.

---

*consults the Constitution*

Eh? What the devil are you talking about, man?
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
You mean there's hope?


 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
I've made it through a week as a high school parent - just 5.75 years or thereabouts to go... More importantly Cryptogirl has made it through the first week, although it is year 7 camp tomorrow and today she is complaining about a sore throat, but it's expected of her to be sick the day before camp - regular as clockwork!

One week into the election campaign and I'm bored to death already...


Loth - did your ants go? Ours have just arrived
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
You mean there's hope?

---

quote:

---

Loth - did your ants go? Ours have just arrived

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

quote:

---

Loth - did your ants go? Ours have just arrived

---

They did for a few days, but have returned today with a cohort of followers.

---

Hmmm... They must be different ants then. I really hate spraying ants as they are such busy industrious little creatures that it seems a crime to do anything horrible to them. They are mighty annoying and persistent little buggers though, and completely mysterious the way that they seem to come from nowhere, make a trail across your house, and disappear back into a different nowhere.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I just saw Jackie Weaver on TV. At least my eyebrows are my own, not from a pencil.

She gives her age as several years below mine, but she was in the year down from me at Hornsby Girls. Does not compute.
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Was she accelerated or did you fail a few?
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cryptic:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

quote:

---

Loth - did your ants go? Ours have just arrived

---

They did for a few days, but have returned today with a cohort of followers.

---

Hmmm... They must be different ants then. I really hate spraying ants as they are such busy industrious little creatures that it seems a crime to do anything horrible to them. They are mighty annoying and persistent little buggers though, and completely mysterious the way that they seem to come from nowhere, make a trail across your house, and disappear back into a different nowhere.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
Was she accelerated or did you fail a few?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
You mean there's hope?

---

There's only one thing worse than endless election campaigning, and that's endless leadership speculation. I am SO SICK of every single Kevin Rudd cough or twitch being turned into oh my goodness maybe he's starting another run at the leadership!

---

So is he.
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 
I can't imagine Kevin Rudd ever being sick of attention linking him to positions of power.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
My deep thanks to everyone who has offered prayers and/or best wishes to me for my prostate cancer treatment.

I saw my specialist today and the surgery is booked for 6th March. Not looking forward to the following 2 weeks or so, especially with have to wear a bag for the period - never had to do anything like that and the mental image (against the physical reality) is the worse part for me to come to grips with at this stage.

Will keep you posted - at least the three days in hospital then the recouperation period will enable me to read those novels sitting on my tablet.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evensong:
You mean there's hope?

---

There's only one thing worse than endless election campaigning, and that's endless leadership speculation. I am SO SICK of every single Kevin Rudd cough or twitch being turned into oh my goodness maybe he's starting another run at the leadership!

---

So is he.

---

ABC news at 7:30 am on the radio started off talking about the election with a hymn! A couple of lines of "how great thou art" or some such. A hymn!! I was blown over whilst driving my son to school.

Then we got the Rudd voice saying "Give it a rest".

But the papers are full of it today.

I honestly can't believe it has resurfaced again. Totally bizarre.

But (to quote a thrift shop singer) if it actually happened, it would be ****ing awesome.

 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
There's a black dog sniffing at my heels.

---

Not good! Thinking of you and ascending.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Zappa
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
from us to you, Zappa
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Emendator Liturgia

I'll be okay ... the job is not quite my forte and it's kinda eating me up. Full day teaching today. I am NOT a fucking teacher.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Sorry - I was a little more eloquent than usual.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Sorry - I was a little more eloquent than usual.

---

Prayers always help Zappa.

I've had a black puppy for a while but he seems to be elsewhere for the last few days.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
for black puppy ... never like them to be awol

In a hilarious twist of divine serendipity the prayers for my situation may have been answered ... I accidentally let a class out early, it seems, because the clock in the classroom was fast (and I don't always hear the bell). Consequently the entire senior management have gone into a panic and realized that I am really not nor wanting to be a teacher

Funnily enough my four classes today went quite well ... though I hated every minute of it.

As the school is tight for dollars they may downsize my hours too, which is fine, because the parish can re-upsize to compensate. [Cliché alert] It's a win win situation [/cliché]

Egad, Athrawes, I do not know how you do it. I think I have the Boomtown Rats approach to teaching.

Oh, there is a God.
 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Emendator Liturgia

I'll be okay ... the job is not quite my forte and it's kinda eating me up. Full day teaching today. I am NOT a fucking teacher.

---

I am, and after today, I feel like it's eating me up too. The parrot stopped the desk being thrown, but I did have to evacuate the class while the GO worked with student. Not sure if I can do a full year of this.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Prayers for you and your surgeons, Emli.
 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
for Emli...

also that all the black dogs may turn into cute fluffy puppies...
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Huia, your extinct namesake was the feature article on the main page of Wikipedia today. Not having encountered the species before, I found the article fascinating.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Barnabas, it fascinated my younger brother too (from whom I owe my nterest in it). When we were growing up there was a slim chance that it may not be extinct, after all the takahe had been re-discovered 50 years after it was last seen. The bloke who found it was on TV on the 50th anniversary of his discovery, beaming all over his face. He had been taken to the place in the Murchison range by helicopter and picked one up, as he did when he discovered them. "This one bit me too," he said happily.

Zappa, teaching is one of the worst things to do if you don't enjoy it. I hope your hours are sorted to your satisfaction.

Athrawes - it sounds like the parrot could do with a raise.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
We'll see how the black puppy goes today. Full school assembly this morning. I get a four minute slot, into which I will condense the story of David and Bathsheba. Sex, betrayal, violence ... (and redemption). I may not have a job at all after that!
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Probably get tenure.
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Zappa, I have been to those depths when under attack from parents as principal of a small school. By the grace of God and with the support of family, the parishioners, other staff and the other parents at the school who knew the background I got through the trough and came out the other side. The attackers decamped elsewhere while I remained. I pray that the school executive come to their collective senses, and use your skills effectively.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
I pray that the school executive come to their collective senses, and use your skills effectively.

---

AMEN to that - unfortunately, not all school councils are so gifted with wisdom, courage and insght!

Candles ablaze for you, Zappa!

PS Just had a read of your bio in the Australian Stud Directory!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Orfeo; and other Canberra area shippies, Rowen is in town for one night only on Feb 18th. We shall do dinner in inner Canberra somewhere. Head count needed please. Vulpior is in, and so are TP & I. Anyone else?
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Thanks everyone for the prayers - latest news is that surgery (now via keyhole + robotics) is Wednesday next week - so not as longto wait, and recovery time is expected to be much faster. Back into the groove of things much quicker, which is a blessing i.e. I am not a patient patient!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Em. Hope all goes well.

I have just watched a fair part of the day/night cricket. I hope the Australians' batting is more inspired that heir fielding. I remembered the good catches taken by the WI a couple of days ago.

Then I looked at Watson and thought of dinosaurs having a second brain. He needs one near his feet. Slower than a wet week to get moving and a coupler of times he did not even seem to realise ball was whizzing past him on way to boundary.

quote:

---

i.e. I am not a patient patient!

---

I know few men who are.

[ 08. February 2013, 06:33: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by The Intrepid Mrs S (# 17002) on :
 

quote:

---

quote:

---

i.e. I am not a patient patient!

---

I know few men who are.

---

To be fair, Loth, I instinctively mistrust anyone who IS a patient patient I suspect them of milking it and retiring to the couch like a Victorian lady with the vapours, or that awful uncle in Wilkie Collins' the Woman in White.

Mrs. S, not cut out for patient care

[ 09. February 2013, 02:55: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Emli, we have friends who had the op in the old days, and those who have had the keyhole and robot technique. Comparing accounts, the new method is faster, easier and leads to a much shorter recuperation. Given all that, the consensus of both groups is that you should try to be as fit as possible beforehand, doing at least an hour's non-stop walking each day.

I had a bit of a scare 4 years or so ago, and chatted to some about the op. Fortunately, the TRUB* showed nothing to be worried about and medication attended to the problem. I still have 6 monthly PSA tests though.

*TRUB - trans-rectal ultrasound guided biopsy. Not pleasant at all, but the diagnosis it gave made up for the procedure.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I am old enough to know better. Today was a gathering of friends at Bowral. After next to no sleep last night and being awake since 3:00 am. I made lunch to share and had little breakfast. I usually have muesli and fruit.

Friend arrived late, also tired. I could hardly stay awake when we were having morning tea and talking and when I got up at lunchtime, I just missed fainting. No sleep, little food, little water. A pattern I'm familiar with. I did it once at church on christmas Day after several very late nights.

I have caught up on water and feel sort of OK but will be in bed very early tonight, I guess.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Take care, Loth. Sleep well.

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Loth, I hope you have a good sleep.

I'm feeling a bit disturbed. I have developed some symptoms that can indicate the presence of a serious condition, but on the other handmay just be a small medical blip of no account.

Thank goodness my GP (a part-timer) is available all day Monday.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
For rest and peace.
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
I notice that BL's work for ****** Ian has made it to the web here
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
I notice that BL's work for ****** Ian has made it to the web here

---

I couldn't get your link to work. Was this what you had in mind?
I hope BL is making a list of such press releases.


welcome to new ****** I thought it might be because terms ecclesiastical seem to have aroused the attention ofd others here. They have been replaced by ****. However, I think this link works.

[ 11. February 2013, 10:53: Message buggered about with by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
In the link I posted above, there is another link to a slideshow of photos from the occasion.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Whoever has the brain bleach, please send it to me ASAP.

I was just served by a waiter in a suburban coffee shop in shopping centre. He was short and dumpy with rolls of fat. Dressed in horizontally striped, very tight, almost transparent, lycra bike shorts.
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Whoever has the brain bleach, please send it to me ASAP.

I was just served by a waiter in a suburban coffee shop in shopping centre. He was short and dumpy with rolls of fat. Dressed in horizontally striped, very tight, almost transparent, lycra bike shorts.

---

Part of the Anglo-Australia student exchange scheme. You send us handsome & beautiful Bruces and Sheilas, we send you our lumpen Kyles and Jodies.

Sorry.
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Up at Terrors Creek on Friday to give a talk on Marine Rescue. Foaming Draught asked to be remembered to you all. Sadly, did not get to see Clarence who is city hopping for work.

Missed my church as I was north of the border seeing Miss Daisy being driven. But I did get to St Andrews and had an after service morning tea with five Sri Lankan Sinhalese boat people who were nearing the end of their 6 weeks provided accommodation in a backpackers and now have to find their own place on a partial newstart allowance, but are not allowed to get paid employment.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
The local A*******s did a great pancake lunch. It was well-attended and delicious.
We are having the first ever UCA Ash Wednesday service here tomorrow. Folk are quite curious. H*** some turn up.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
We had a great Pancake Day up at the Big House, with lots of other churches coming along to join in the fun. The good thing about living in one city and working in another is that I don't care if the photo of me in a silly bonnet flipping a pancake is on the front page there tomorrow.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Black puppy in abeyance now ... a kind of neutral abeyance. I've been dropped from the teaching roster like the proverbial hot potato, and they've had to bring in a new teacher to replace me ... I really need to get out, as I'm back to being little more than a liturgical ring-in (for liturgies most people resent). No counseling, of course, as the school psychologist holds all that utterly with in his orbit and considers anyone else infradig, meddling and incompetent.

Life is complex at the moment, in fact.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:
Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
Just had a read of your bio in the Australian Stud Directory!

---

I've looked everywhere for Zappa in there and can't find him

for the faint and weary and unwell ...

[done it for you ]

[ 14. February 2013, 02:19: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oh bother - got distracted and can't get back to fix the code
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Black puppy in abeyance now ... a kind of neutral abeyance. I've been dropped from the teaching roster like the proverbial hot potato,

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Orfeo; and other Canberra area shippies, Rowen is in town for one night only on Feb 18th. We shall do dinner in inner Canberra somewhere. Head count needed please. Vulpior is in, and so are TP & I. Anyone else?

---

Just saw this. 18th? Monday! Yes I could do Monday.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
So, Host's choice for the eatery. Stay tuned!
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Sounds good.
I get to meet real people and see traffic lights and cars and city lights and crowds and traffic lights and ooooohhhh.
I need to go away and recover from the excitement even before it happens!
But seriously, good.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
What is not good is the massive sinus infection I have at the moment. Woke up yesterday feeling like someone had punched me in the nose during the night. Spent all day wondering how I'd hurt myself. Now that the nose is so swollen my brain hurts and my eyes are watering, I have realized it's time to find a doctor. And of course it's Saturday. Bugger.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
If it's lights and crowds we're after, perhaps one of the places in and around North Quarter is the go?
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
PTL for drugs. Now have antibiotics and serious painkillers inside me. Starting to feel like I might want to live for a bit longer - though it still feels like I have a proboscus the size of an avocado.
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
BL.

W're still in. In your hands for time, location, etc.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
OK. Hog's Breath Cafe, Woden, 6pm. Menu here.
Any other shippies reading this and in the vicinity are welcome to join us in the pigpen. I shall fit right in!

 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Woden! Okay then, see you there, hopefully on time...
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I will go direct to Woden... Look forward to seeing u all there
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
We'll be there. Looking forward to it too.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
You do all realise I come from the darkest depths of the country? And may be overcome by the joy of it all? Lol
 

---

Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :
 
You know, I do try to keep up with goings on here - I just don't post as often as I ought. Interestingly, I have been on the ship for ten years this month. It's been quite a ride.

Something that is, at least in part, inspired by The Ship, is a little project I'm doing called Pirate Church. It will be at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 3-13 April. There are also Newcastle and Sydney shows on 14 and 15 April respectively.

So anyway, I just wanted youse to know so that if you're around those areas, you can come see and bring many dozens of paying friends.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jugular:
You know, I do try to keep up with goings on here - I just don't post as often as I ought. Interestingly, I have been on the ship for ten years this month. It's been quite a ride.

Something that is, at least in part, inspired by The Ship, is a little project I'm doing called Pirate Church. It will be at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 3-13 April. There are also Newcastle and Sydney shows on 14 and 15 April respectively.

So anyway, I just wanted youse to know so that if you're around those areas, you can come see and bring many dozens of paying friends.

---

Let us know the dates of your New Zealand tour.

GG
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
What? Not coming to Canberra, Jugs? The Pirate Capitol of Oz????
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Do keep us posted on when you're coming to Sydney, maybe we could organise a meet to come see your show.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
What? Not coming to Canberra, Jugs? The Pirate Capitol of Oz????

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evangeline:
Do keep us posted on when you're coming to Sydney, maybe we could organise a meet to come see your show.

---

Preach it sister!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Thanks to Vulpior & partner, Orfeo, Rowen & Worm in the Grass who all made it to Hogs Breath along with TP & I for a shipmeet.

I'm afraid the fish burgers disagreed with TP & I, especially TP, so we made a rather precipitate exit. Sorry about that! Hope everyone else is ok - be glad you didn't pick the fish, shippies. I am now about to curl up with my sleepy drugs again, and dream of having a normal sized nose.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Sorry to hear that. My salmon shows no signs so far of disagreeing with me, but you had a different species.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
It was a good meet
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes. Choose meat if you're going to Hog's Breath. TP's comment, after a night of heartburn was: "Well, that's what you get for going to a Bogan Restaurant."

And that's what you get if you leave the choice to a Bogan. Next time, someone else choose the venue!
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Thanks for organising, BL, and sorry you suffered for it. Good to meet the locals and, of course, our honoured guest.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Thanks to Vulpior & partner, Orfeo, Rowen & Worm in the Grass who all made it to Hogs Breath along with TP & I for a shipmeet.

---

We were there too. In spirit. Except it was the wrong Hogs Breath. Nice dinner but. In honour of kuruzapplet # 1's attainment of teenhood.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Glad it was a good time Zappa. I think because TP has been on such a low salt, low fat diet for so long (he has haemochromotosis), doing something as ordinary as battered fish with bun and chips really knocked him about.

Now rapidly devolving in his memory to "the night you tried to kill me in front of your SoF friends".

He was the one who chose from the menu. I have witnesses!!!
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
He was the one who chose from the menu. I have witnesses!!!

---

Absolutely! He rushed into danger before any of us had a chance to stop him!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Surely, one should be exempt from Dentistry for at least a year after having a heart attack.

Man, it's busy. Writin a new cricket parody blog, trying to finish a series of novellas, edit a novel, run a house and somehow wishing for some more paid work.

Ooh, and heading to Perf in late March for Mr Curly Senior's 80th birthday. We could meet.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
He was the one who chose from the menu. I have witnesses!!!

---

Absolutely! He rushed into danger before any of us had a chance to stop him!

---

And here they are.

Sorry its taken me so long to put this up. Bit snowed under with other deadlines and hurting stuff. All better now.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Today is the second anniversary of the fatal earthquake in Christchurch.

Sometimes it seems as if the two years have lasted a lifetime.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Today is the second anniversary of the fatal earthquake in Christchurch.

Sometimes it seems as if the two years have lasted a lifetime.

Huia

---

Next road cone I see I'll stick a flower in it.

GG
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Touching survivors' story in an NZ paper.


 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Gale now on of which i have never seen the like.

The rain is lashing the house from the west and making a mockery of the protection of the covered outdoor areas.

Just called the hospital to cancel my confirmation of 30 mins agao that I would be there to talk to the nursing staff on the role of Chaplaincy in the Hospital.

All windows closed.

I have a retreat in Brisbane tomorrow for the start of my Diploma, but I doubt we will make it there tonight.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I just checked the radar and warnings for up your way. Pretty impressive. Stay safe inside.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Touching survivors' story in an NZ paper.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:

quote:

---

Originally posted by orfeo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
He was the one who chose from the menu. I have witnesses!!!

---

Absolutely! He rushed into danger before any of us had a chance to stop him!

---

And here they are.

---

Great pic. I love seeing shippies faces.


Hope the gale didn't cause too much damage Latchkey!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
We're in for a wild and stormy night here in Sydee. All cricket called off tomorrow, in advance, which is rare.

Middle is studying the film Stand By Me later this term, and we watched it with good friends tonight. Great film, and River Phoenix astonishingly good.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I watched it this week for the first time in years - it really is excellent with some fabulous one liners.
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Thankyou for the meet photo. It is lovely to put faces to voodoo dolls .
And a fine looking lot you all are as well.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Today was lovely. A friend and I went to a Festival of flowers held in the Botanic Gardens. My favourite display used designs in porta-loos, which were very well done and also topical for Christchurch. One was "Low cost Housing for Christchurch - with a window showing a table and a kitchen painted on the back wall. A small storey on the top showed a cat sitting at the window. Another was labelled CERA* Throne Room was painted in shiny royal blue and the door was locked.

*Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority - who have enormous land acquiring powers and are not very popular.

There were also wee glasshouses made to look like cottages. They displayed styles of flower arrangements through the years.

A local muso sang as kids cartwheeled in front of him and some couples waltzed. It was magical and one of the best times I have had since Sept 2010.

Then my friend took me back to his place for tea and delivered me home.

I even managed to forget for a while that I have a scary biopsy tomorrow.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
A bit irreverent, I suppose, but here Cera is a make of sanitary ware - so here people piss on Cera rather than the other way around!
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Huia for the scary stuff.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Praying for you and your doctors today, Huia.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
With you, Huia.

Blessings



GG
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Belated Birthday greetings for Banner Lady on the 23rd.

This announcement came from FD, but I was away this w/e on a retreat for the start of my further studies in Spiritual Care and didn't get to check my messages until now.

We were lucky with the storm, some furniture got wet (dried now) and the neighbour's 40m lemon scented gum tree did not fall. Just a couple of trees to sort out and some pruning to make sure the power lines do not get brought down in another storm.

Got to my retreat only 20 minutes late


Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well, I was on a prison ministry course all weekend and so the birthday is on hold indefinitely. I didn't mind missing one at all, really.


 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks for the prayers and support.

I survived - only to have the doctor tell me the sample taken may not be sufficient, if which case the next will be taken at the hospital and I will be knocked out first.

Wodders I loved your take on CERA - it cheered me (and several other people) greatly.

LK, I've never heard of a lemon scented gum tree, though the scent of gums is one of my earliest memories. There is an old stand of them across the road from the school where I volunteer and when I wait at the bus stop they provide welcome shade as well. The road is one of the oldest in Christchurch as it's one the early settlers used over the hills from the port.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Perf. 19 March to 26th. Coming over for Mr Curly Senior's 80th birthday. Meet?

mr curly
 

---

Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Perf. 19 March to 26th. Coming over for Mr Curly Senior's 80th birthday. Meet?

mr curly

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Re: Perf meet. How does Wed (20st) or Fri (22nd) lunch at a city location suit? Open to other suggestions. What's AP up to these days.

mr curly

---

At this stage, my diary is somewhere in an online backup somewhere, while I await a replacement laptop from my insurance company - the laptop was stolen from our place last week, and the insurance company is swamped (pun intended) with cloaims from the floods in the East. But I am fairly sure either date is fine.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Wed I'm at formation all day but I could do an early lunch Friday (have a tutorial at one thirty in Fremantle) or just swing by and say hullo.
 

---

Posted by Dark Knight (# 9415) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Re: Perf meet. How does Wed (20st) or Fri (22nd) lunch at a city location suit? Open to other suggestions. What's AP up to these days.

mr curly

---

quote:

---

Probably needs its own thread.
I can't do Wednesdays.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:


Have been at son's place in Central Coast this week. He's settling in to weekend access visits and living by himself. Also adjusting to premier's sweep through of his department and is one of the last to hear if his job is safe. Looks OK but nothing official yet.

Back on his medication after many years and adjusting to that too.

---

What wonderful news!
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
That's great Loth.

for those I have missed.

For anyone in Melbourne on the third (tomorrow) there is a Gymanfa Ganu at St. Michael's UCA in Collins Street where my choir, the Australian Welsh Male Choir will be singing along with the Victorian Welsh Male Choir, the Melbourne Welsh Male choir and the Geelong Ladies Welsh Choir. It is usually a great occasion.

So I don't get into trouble: "What is a Gymanfa Ganu? Its literal translation is a gathering or assembly for the purpose of singing. For any Welsh person it means hymn singing - in Welsh and in four part harmony."

[ 01. March 2013, 22:02: Message edited by: James the Confident ]
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
Drat! It is at 3PM.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Emli, are you still booked in for Wednesday? Prayers and best wishes.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Deep sorrows at our school these past 24 hours. I'll be with our senior staff at Borroloola today taking the body of a 13 year old boy home to his community.

Nasty brown stuff is hitting the media fans.


 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
How terribly, terribly sad
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Zappa, that's just tragic. Prayers for the young boy, his family, friends and the college.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Zappa, that's just tragic. Prayers for the young boy, his family, friends and the college.

---

 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Zappa, that's just tragic. Prayers for the young boy, his family, friends and the college.

---

From my heart too – and for your part in dealing with the situation.



GG
 

---

Posted by Arleigh (# 5332) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Bother ... just sent you all a newsy update but closed the page by accident. I'm back from 24 hours in the young fella's community, down near the Queensland Border in the Gulf Country. It's been an important 24 hours and thanks to your prayers and many others I think much has gone well. I'll have to make a few more visits in the coming weeks.

Amazing scenery flying back on the mail plain, at 800 m above the Gulf wetlands around the Roper River region. and Sir Edmund Pellew Islands region If I'd only had a camera, but everything happened at such short notice.

There'll be a lot more sorry business yet, for school and community.

Thanks so much for your prayers.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
(The community is about 120 kms south of Borroloola)
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
And prayers for you, also, Zappa in having to carry out your various tasks here.

A few years ago, the parents of a Preppie - he would have been 10 or 11 - were going through a very nasty divorce. The boy's body was found, in his bedroom, electrocuted. No-one knows what really happened, but it's hard to think that someone that age could have formed an intention. The Chaplain said that it was the hardest funeral he had ever had to take.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Crazy, crazy world.

for you Zappa.


A question for you clever people:

I've been shafted by the accountant dealing with my mother's Self Managed Super Fund ( I look after my mother's finances).

I want to lodge a complaint about him but from what I can gather, the accounting industry in Australia is self regulated and there are three industry bodies that take complaints.

The problem is this accountant is not registered with any of them so I cannot go to them to lodge a complaint.

Anyone have any other ideas? I can't seem to find an accounting ombudsman, only a financial one.

TIA
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
This body deals with complaints about Super, it would be worth looking at the page about their jurisdiction to see if they can deal with the issue. Of course, caution is required because in the SMSF context, you/your mother/whoever is Trustee might be "responsible" for what the accountant has done.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
My Lord, but the Big House does look good with $5,000 worth of floristry in it and $4,000 worth of new textile work. I have had a lot of fun as the displays have gone in, ready for the big bash next week when the old girl turns 150. The floristry and lighting students from local institutes have done amazing things, and the teachers were very happy to get the opportunity to dress up a heritage building. I'd say that's a win/win all round!

Now we just need some proper photographers to take some good pics. You can follow the adventures of Goulburn Cathedral on fb if you're interested.
 

---

Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :
 
Hello people. My first post this year to this thread! (Gosh, where has the year gone?)

I've been... distracted by... various things... involving stuff.

But I digress. It's good to be back.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Welcome back Nunc.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Canberra Day has been and gone. I made the mistake on Friday night of trying to drive through the city on my way home from Goulburn - I usually go round it, but there are a lot of roadworks atm. The place was jam packed with people flocking to the lake for all the celebrations. Last night's fireworks spectacular also meant gridlock and half hour queues for comestibles.

TP & I ignored it all, in favour of a quiet night in, though we could have walked there if we had wanted. Must be getting old! The BBC nominated Canberra on its "most boring capital cities in the world" list. We are doing all we can to keep it there.
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Canberra Day has been and gone. I made the mistake on Friday night of trying to drive through the city on my way home from Goulburn - I usually go round it, but there are a lot of roadworks atm. The place was jam packed with people flocking to the lake for all the celebrations. Last night's fireworks spectacular also meant gridlock and half hour queues for comestibles.

TP & I ignored it all, in favour of a quiet night in, though we could have walked there if we had wanted. Must be getting old! The BBC nominated Canberra on its "most boring capital cities in the world" list. We are doing all we can to keep it there.

---

We drove in. We arrived just before 3pm and left when the fireworks were over. We loved it. Choral performances, food (including my first choc-sprinkle-flake soft serve ice cream), the new symphony and then the amazing fireworks. With a slow walk around the lake to experience people, art and quirky happenings.

We parked in Barton and had no problem getting in or out. There was still quite a bit of traffic heading back (from the coast, presumably) on the highway so I guess others stayed well away.

There was no way Mum or I wanted to miss it.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Glad you had fun, Vulpior, and that you were able to get out ok. I guess it depended on which direction you were going. The ice cream sounds very brave. What did your Mum think of the symphony?
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I'm going to meet my Grand-Zac (my only and new grandchild) this weekend
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Hi one and all,

Glad to be able to report some good news. I could have done it earlier on but with all that was happening to our friend Zappa and his school, I thought I'd wait a bit.

My operation was suddenly brought forward - not for any bad reason: simply, my surgeon suddenly felt that I was a suitable candidate for robotic surgery. THANK HEAVENS FOR THAT,
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Deo Gratias!

Hi one and all,

Glad to be able to report some good news. I could have done it earlier on but with all that was happening to our friend Zappa and his school, I thought I'd wait a bit. Our prayers are still with everyone up there, Zappa!

My operation was suddenly brought forward - not for any bad reason: simply, my surgeon suddenly felt that I was a suitable candidate for robotic surgery. THANK HEAVENS FOR THAT, is all I can say now.

I ended up being operated on on Wednesday 13th February, after having the offer made on the preceeding Friday afternoon. Between PAC and getting the next two weeks of liturgy done (including two Ash Wednesday services), just say the time flew bye.

The operation went for about 4.5 hrs, or so I have been told. With keyhole robotics I had five small incisions rather than a 'levi zipper', and I can honestly say that right from the start I had no post-operative pain. I was in hospital until the following Sunday morning. Since coming home the recovery has been constant.

I'm now seeing both a specialist physio on a weekly basis, and a nutritionist every 2 weeks. I am now walking for 25 -30 minutes twice a day, as well as the physio exercises designed to increase pelvic floor muscle control. The BIG hassle with prostate conditions is the loss of bladder control - some say it takes about 4-6 months for things to get under control.

Recovery rate is fantastic with the robotic - I missed only two Sunday services and feel (mentally and physically) ready for the demands of Passiontide and Holy Week. Besides too, the lifting restrictions (nothing heavier than a full kettle) will be phased out by then.

All in all, thiangs are gowing great. THANK YOU so much for all your prayers and support - knowing that people are praying for you is certainly a large contributing factor to recovery.

Deo gratias!
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
Excellent news, EL! Take care.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Great news, EL.


 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Great news, EL.

I can also report in with a good visit to the cardiologist yesterday. Ultrasound of the heart before and after vigorous exercise showed that it was functioning normally. That means the stented arteries are delivering blood to the heart under load as well as at rest, as they should. Back in 6 months.

Fortnightly visit with the psych today, much improvement with anxiety and concentration.

Likewise, thanks for your prayers.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
That is very good news from you both, Emli and Mr Curly. Prayers continuing from us.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
EL & Mr C
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yay!

I think I'll be worn out by all the celebrating before Easter at this rate. Today's projects: sewing 4 nun's habits, sourcing boater and top hats, and finding stick on sideburns, apron and gaiters.

Tomorrow is Parade day. Hope the rain holds off until the afternoon...
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Good news for all. Hope the recovery continues apace.

I have just undergone successful cataract surgery which means that I am looking at the screen for the first time without glasses in about 18 years.

Enjoy your time with your grandchild Zappa. My grandson is nine months old today, living in Katherine where my son is posted. We'll be up that way in June for his first birthday. My daughter is expecting our second in mid-September - could be a 60th birthday present for my wife.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oooh ... just down the road ... we could have a meet
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Delighted to hear all the good health and recovery news. And Zappa, at 300 km, there would be longer driveways up your way, wouldn't there?
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Just about. At any rate it's my neigjbouring parish.
 

---

Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on :
 
Canberra in March is simply heavenly.

This needs saying out loud occasionally.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Enjoy it Orfeo.

Well Marmite is back on NZ supermarket shelves Some shops are limiting sales while production increases. Personally I hate the stuff, but I know of several families where there will be rejoicing. I celebrated by putting several jars in the Methodist City Mission collection point at the supermarket.

The news that excited me today was that another block of the city is being freed up next month - the cordon is shrinking

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Interesting day in OZ politics.

Started a thread in purg.
 

---

Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :
 
Shipmates in Sydney and Newcastle - I can now provide you with links for the two Pirate Church shows. YAY!

Sunday 14 April in Newcastle (Hamilton Uniting Church, 7.30pm) - you can see the Facebook event here, and the ticket booking site here.

Monday 15 April in Sydney (Paddington Uniting Church, 8.30pm) - you can see the Facebook event here, and the ticket booking site here.

If youse could all come and bring dozens of your mates, that would be grand!
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Flying out to Robinson River, about 1000 kms away, to complete the sorry business for our young lad today. Unfortunately in the interim the CEO of the community, with whom I stayed a fortnight or so ago, has also suddenly died. Please pray for the community and all involved.
 

---

Posted by McChicken (# 2555) on :
 
Huia said

quote:

---

Well Marmite is back on NZ supermarket shelves

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Flying out to Robinson River, about 1000 kms away, to complete the sorry business for our young lad today. Unfortunately in the interim the CEO of the community, with whom I stayed a fortnight or so ago, has also suddenly died. Please pray for the community and all involved.

---

 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Zappa, prayers from us on your sad mission.

This morning's Herald has the death notice for Lady Loane, widow of Sir Marcus, at the grand old age of 99. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Prayers as well for those who mourn her.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Zappa

quote:

---

Originally posted by McChicken:
Huia said

quote:

---

Well Marmite is back on NZ supermarket shelves

---

What is the big fuss about Marmite not being available? I got back from overseas and there was national wailing and gnashing of teeth about it all.

---

The Feb 2011 quake took out the Sanatarium factory in Christchurch, the only place marmite was made in NZ. It wouldn't have worried me if they stayed closed, except that every time we get something back that was lost it feels like progress.

I knew marmite was popular with a lot of kids, but some adults too went absolutely crazy about its absence, paying inflated prices on Trade Me for half eaten jars. PT Barnum once said, "No one ever went broke underestimating public taste," which sums up the situation quite accurately.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Huh!



I am a great Marmite lover and in UK you can now get Marmite XO [Extra Old] which is even better! Marmite is an entire food group on its own - I have even converted Himself and Herself and even a Heathen North American [Canadian] to liking it.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
NZ marmite apparently tastes different to that made in GB.

I'm more of a Vegemite eater myself (it's a similar product made in Australia). Well done on converting our Canadian friend. My brother - also a Vegemite eater lives in the US and when he was flatting it was never 'borrowed' by his flatmates however desperate they were.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
NZ/OZ Marmite, which I find too sweet and leathery for my taste, is utterly different to either Vegemite or UK Marmite - which differ greatly from one another. Apart from anything else UK marmite is very liquid, like Bovril.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Thanks for the prayers. All went well but I'm buggered after ten hours flying over the two days. Home now, though I may have to drive back down there soon.
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Leaving Perf today and returning to the family. It's been good to be out of town in lead up to Easter so not feeling the impact of not doing the Passion as much as might have done.

Then a 4 day family get away to the country.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
I will be in Canberra for the day on Easter Sunday (hint, hint).
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Given that I am seriously crap at organizing anything and will probably be interstate on Sunday - I'll leave this one to the more musical shippies of Canberra. At least the weather's wonderful here!
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia, we saw a chap called Gough on Campbell Live talking about his plans for the centre of Christchurch. I remember something about passageways (?), max height 6 storeys, a view of the Avon from first-floor restaurants/bars etc.

I wondered about open spaces with trees in the city centre. One of the things I love about my Wellington is the tree-shaded streets where there were cars and trams in my youth.

What's your take on this Gough?

GG
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
Gedday folks, thought I'd drop in to wish all and sundry a Blessed Easter.
But while I'm doing that- what's with the marmite discussion? The stuff is three sorts of vile and should only be served to enemies, arch enemies and politicians.
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
Gedday folks, thought I'd drop in to wish all and sundry a Blessed Easter.
But while I'm doing that- what's with the marmite discussion? The stuff is three sorts of vile and should only be served to enemies, arch enemies and politicians.

---

Thanks Ozo, great to see you!

Off for the weekend to our regular little shack in the country. No interwebs there, so see you on Tuesday!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My Good Friday service went well.
There were 15... A crowd for me.
We simply had readers going thru the gospel, with pauses and one music between readings.
At the end, we blew out the candle, sang some of "were you there" and left.
Anyway, at the beginning, after I explained all this, in the silence, the Anglican Church bell rang out, surprising us all. I worried it would disturb us all, but it was great actually, as it rang 33 times, and we sat there, and listened.
A moving way to start Good Friday church.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG I didn't see him on Campbell Live - but I've heard him once before. He's a developer and the time I heard him he was ranting about some owning only a small piece of land and trying to call the shots, whereas those who had more were being hld to ransome... I wasn't terribly impressed. but I wasn't really listening. There will be trees though as the area along the Avon (of which he owns a chunk) from the Antigua St Boatsheds through to the Town Hall is to become a park, which may even extend in a city to sea pathway.

Next Saturday we have yet another consultation in our area aboutchanges being made by the Council. I admit to being a little cynical about being listened to, but will go and say my bit (emphasising the need for cycleways as two cyclists have been killed in the past couple of days).

Huia Too many commas in wrong places

[ 28. March 2013, 23:40: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by James the Confident:
I will be in Canberra for the day on Easter Sunday (hint, hint).

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
Gedday folks, thought I'd drop in to wish all and sundry a Blessed Easter.
But while I'm doing that- what's with the marmite discussion? The stuff is three sorts of vile and should only be served to enemies, arch enemies and politicians.

---

Hi Ozo. Nice to see you again.

I've moved back to my local parish and am involved as liturgical deacon there now. It's wonderful to be back.

Good Friday service was packed.

Perhaps the Apocalypse is nigh?
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Looking at his last 3 posts, I wouldn't discount the idea...
Floods, earthquakes and now 'Hello antipodes...'

Welcome back.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
Gedday folks, thought I'd drop in to wish all and sundry a Blessed Easter.
But while I'm doing that- what's with the marmite discussion? The stuff is three sorts of vile and should only be served to enemies, arch enemies and politicians.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
I wonder if that is cultural Christianity. I worked every day and was on call for the entirety of Easter. I do not feel this dishonoured Christ.

I am very low church, when I get there and the trappings of Christianity don't worry me much. I respect that for many, Lent is significant and the celebrations around Easter are sacred and point people to Christ, but for a lot of us, they are not as relevent to our faith.

At the end of the day, I think God probably likes all of us. Except liturgical dancers.
I do not mean to diminish your experience of faith in any way, but merely point out the different expressions.

---

Don't get me wrong – it doesn't worry me whether or not Good Friday is a working day (I normally attend a church service but didn't this year); I'm simply amazed that our secular society 'closes down' for a church commemoration, and I'm a bit curious about how other places observe the day, if at all.

Likewise, an Easter egg hunt on Good Friday doesn't offend me, but I marvel at my neighbour's ignorance given his family background.

Incidentally, in my youth there were 4 days when newspapers were not published: Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day. I think two have gone, New Year's Day and Anzac Day. Anzac Day used to be totally 'closed down' but now the shops open after midday. What happens in Oz???

GG
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well, I was amazed and gratified that so much was shut here in the Nation's capital on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday - as for newspapers - what are they?
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Zappa wrote on March 15

quote:

---

Oooh ... just down the road ... we could have a meet

---

Our NT trip is now uncertain as our son is shortlisted for a 3 month deployment to Butterworth in Malaysia. Birthday celebrations may be on hold. Will know more in the next week or so.

In the meantime, pray for the Diocese of Newcastle as we move to an election synod in nine days' time.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:

In the meantime, pray for the Diocese of Newcastle as we move to an election synod in nine days' time.

for my old Diocese, Barnabas. BTW - who are the expected front-runners?
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
The holidays over Easter are weird. Good Friday everything closes, Saturday mad sales everywhere, Sunday everything closes again, except the library )because it's not (they say) a public holiday. Monday the shops open but the library closes (because it is a public holiday). Tuesday caught out some parents because schools were closed. Usually the Tue after Easter is in the school hoidays anyway, but this year they start a couple of weeks later.

I love Easter Day at the Library. I stop in on the way home from church and it's almost empty because people don't expect it to be open. Then I go home and plant daffodils

Huia
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Ta GG. Now I get it.
 

---

Posted by The Mid (# 1559) on :
 
G'day all

I've just put up a meet thread titled Sydney Meet at Pirate Church in Paddington - Monday 15 Apr.

Would be great to see as many of you as can make it, and it is the perfect event to bring your friends to - it be comedy, it be religion, and it be pirates!
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
EmLi, the list of candidates for Newcastle can be found here.

I can't comment on frontrunners, as with five candidates, it will take some time for trends to emerge.
 

---

Posted by Cryptic (# 16917) on :
 
It has been a while since I've posted, I've had been madly busy with work and all the usual stuff of late, although I do have a quick log-on and read if I have a mo. So much happening to shipmates and prayers for all. The sudden death of my father in law a few weeks ago has thrown the lives of the Cryptic family into a spin. It has been a difficult few weeks trying to make arrangements, console the family (and try to deal with the "interesting" personalities in the family) and just get on with things. It's a tough time for my MIL.

Easter was in the middle of all this, but the joy of Easter is unstoppable. Our Sunday school kids had a great day of celebration, talking about the resurrection and hunting Easter eggs as usual. I'm also very pleased that we were able to have a service for our children on Good Friday, as far as I can find out it is the first time this has been done at our ch
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Cryptic and family & inlaws
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Cryptic.
 

---

Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
EmLi, the list of candidates for Newcastle can be found here.

I can't comment on frontrunners, as with five candidates, it will take some time for trends to emerge.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nunc Dimittis:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barnabas Aus:
EmLi, the list of candidates for Newcastle can be found here.

---

They may not be in a hurry to get another assistant bishop from Perth


We had a beautiful celebration on SAturday for the consecration of +Alison Taylor for our southern region.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Waiting on news from Newcastle ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
I see LATA posting on another thread, but I'll bet that few get the irony in her post.

---

One point to you.
 

---

Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on :
 
Dearest Cousins:

I was in Montreal on the weekend for the New Democratic Party of Canada's Federal Policy Convention. Dear me, what a fine Party (and party!).

Of note to you Down Under, Bill Shorten MP wandered in and we put him on stage as a Guest Speaker. I guess he took a wrong turn at Melbourne Airport and wound up in Montreal.

He was the best Speaker of the Conference. He got the House jumping and fired up, and this is a Party that is already fired up. He was the best speaker of the weekend, by far, and everyone enjoyed him immensely. Many commented that we like Australian speakers more than Americans because you share our political culture and speak the same political language. Americans just aren't on the same wavelength.

One good turn deserves another so we put some stamps on his forehead and sent him back by air-mail. Would someone please pick him up at the airport?

Ever thine,

Canada's NDP.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
So the NZ parliament has now passed the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, the 'Gay Marriage Bill', by 77 votes to 44.

Belonging to the Presbyterian network who supported the Bill, while our General Assembly was about 75% against GLBT eligibility in leadership, I was most impressed while watching the debate by the respect shown by all the speakers – none of the interjection, name-calling etc in most debates.

I was also impressed by the honesty of some of the conservative characters who had been persuaded in the course of the three readings to support the bill (thought some had gone the other way).

The final result was followed by a rousing waiata (a maori song) from the gallery, and a great deal of embracing among the members. More aroha than is usually seen in the Chamber.

I think I'm on a bit of a high.

GG

(I did preview it, and made a careless alteration)

[ 17. April 2013, 11:21: Message edited by: Galloping Granny ]
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I do like New Zealand.
Stepping out with courage.
 

---

Posted by The Mid (# 1559) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sober Preacher's Kid:
I was in Montreal on the weekend for the New Democratic Party of Canada's Federal Policy Convention ... Bill Shorten MP wandered in and we put him on stage as a Guest Speaker ... He was the best speaker of the weekend, by far, and everyone enjoyed him immensely.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Belonging to the Presbyterian network who supported the Bill

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
Yeah, but a lot of our Presbyterians became Uniting church and we are moving forward, albeit glacially and with great pain.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
You know GG (and others may have said this!) when I see your sig line I always feel tempted to cite G.Thom logion 114 ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:

So how exactly do we interpret that?

GG

---

carefully
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Just back from a couple of weeks in Wellington. I didn't contact anyone because I was very involved with family. My Dad died. I'm still feeling a bit numb.

I am happy to be back home, but got back too late to get Georgie out of the cattery.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Sorry to hear that Huia
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Huia, our prayers for you and your family, and most importantly for your father. May he rest in peace and rise in glory to be with our risen Lord.
 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
Yes, Huia. And take care of yourself, too.
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Prayers Huia.
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Huia

I'm so sorry



Much love from FD and me
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia

With love

GG
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Huia, prayers for you, your family, and for your father.
 

---

Posted by Left at the Altar (# 5077) on :
 
So sorry to hear this, Huia. I know you and your Dad were very close.
Take care of yourself. xx
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Huia
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Prayers for you and your family, Huia. Having lost both parents I can understand what you are experiencing in terms of numbness. It took me quite some weeks to really grieve for my Dad. It all came out during the culmination of a parish mission, where I burst into floods of tears in front of the whole congregation, but the love and care of those around me was wonderful. Look after yourself, especially after all the other stressors which have been in your own life.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Lest we forget
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
Gallipoli - Memorial at Anzac Cove by Ataturk.
"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…
You are now living in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours…
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."
Ataturk, 1934
 

---

Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Huia & family

The ANZACs; Britain's best allies for a very long time. Many thanks.
 

---

Posted by McChicken (# 2555) on :
 
I actually wrote this quite a few years ago, but when I was previously on SOF I used to share a poem every Anzac Day, so I thought I'd do so again (if you don't mind).

Behind The Lines (1914-1918)

On the lines
where blood and water meet
Miles of trenches
and miles of wire
No-Man’s Land
is Dead Man’s Land
Young men face death
Young men grow old
On the lines
where young men die

Behind the lines
where life-blood flows
Doctors never sleep
and the dead never wake
Each man’s bed
is a dead man’s bed
Pretence of hope
Shortage of life
Behind the lines
where young men die

Behind the lines
where blood is thicker than water
Columns of names
ranks of the dead
Any man’s name
is a dead man’s name
Fathers, brothers, sons –
Names in the paper
Between the lines
are young men mourned

Behind the lines
where wine and champagne flow
Counters are moved
and dice are thrown
Dead men’s faces
are strangers’ faces
Old men decide
Young men’s fates
Behind the lines
are young men killed
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Huia
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Huia... in my prayers.

##################

Thankyou for the poem above.
No services to lead this Anzac Day, being but my first in this town. Kinda strange. No doing. Just being an ordinary person, but I appreciated the chance to be so.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
So sorry, Huia, just noticed this. My deepest sympathies.
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 

Huia.
I know this one, sadly. My father died not twelve months ago.
Leaves a hole in your life and an ache in the heart.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Huia

My dad is gone too. It is hard.
Spent some of ANZAC Day with my 95yr old Mum.
It would have been her 67th wedding anniversary today.

Life is full of road bumps. Sigh.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks for the prayers. I've woken up a bit less numb today, with plans to plant the daffodil bulbs I didn't manage at Easter. There's something about a death that calls for an affirmation of life.

Huia
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Dear Huia - I am so very sorry,

Prayers for your Dad and you

God bless.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Pete.

I rang my youngest brother on whom most of the sorting out and legal stuff has landed and he sounds overwhelmed as he is also starting a new job with more paperwork than he expected. Oldest bro is doing his best, and is a good worker, but not a good organiser so I'm going back up to boss everyone around (a-hem help with organisation)

I don't really want to go, but I don't see any other option. I will have to return on Sunday - which, being the last day of the school holidays will not be fun - If I'm lucky the world might end before then

Huia
 

---

Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on :
 
Huia

Take care.

Jengie
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Huia.

We have just finished our first trip to NZ. We didn't have the time to fit in a meet, but we did get to see some of Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland. We'll be back.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
At the big house 50-60 extra bodies made a LOT of noise yesterday - the Australia & New Zealand Association of Bellringers kept the bells peeling all day, with 24 bodies in the belltower at any given time. I knew about ANZAC, but ANZAB was a new one! Anyway, it seems there was hearty ringing, hearty eating and hearty fellowship.

I wonder what bellringers can talk about for two days at a conference? The mind boggles.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Vulpior, I'm not biassed or anything but you missed the most beautiful part of New Zealand, so of course you'll have to come back.

The good news is that I can shift the day I'm returning, so I'm coming back on the Monday. which shouldn't be as busy.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
...I wonder what bellringers can talk about for two days at a conference? The mind boggles.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
...I wonder what bellringers can talk about for two days at a conference? The mind boggles.

---

I bet they go like the clappers!

---

Wodders that is the kind of pun my Dad enjoyed. As his grandson said when we were interring the ashes, "If Grandad was made redundant he could always get a job writing jokes to go in Christmas crackers".

This is probably not a good time to ask as I will be off internet for the next week or so, but has anyone heard from Lothlorien lately?

I have been given a couple of days off next week so I no longer have to travel on the last day of the holidays

Huia
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Huia , we had coffee with her brother after the local Anzac Day service. Now, we don't normally make her a subject of conversation, but I'm sure that if there were something seriously wrong, he would have mentioned it.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
I've been wondering about Lothlorien too, haven't seen her around at all, sent her a PM but it remains unopened. I hope she's away with her Grandkids or something, it's been school hols here, she might have been doing Grandmotherly duties and too busy for the ship.
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 
Happy Star Wars Day people!


(how on earth did this thread get so close to falling off the first page?)
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
And also with you.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
We saw Lothlorien's brother and nephew at the BG the other evening. He said that she had been looking after a sick granddaughter for the last day or so, but that otherwise he knew of nothing.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Gee D.

Am back home again and don't want to go back to Wellington for a loooong time. If there is anything in reincarnation I am coming back as an orphan whose siblings are all celibate .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Someone, somewhere once wrote about how we all have a biological family and then we have a logical family - and although the terms are not necessarily mutually exclusive in theory, they are often are in practice.

I cope well with my biological family at about eight and half thousand kilometres distance - that is about the perfect separation.
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
One has just been asked to take over artistic direction of the Easter presentation that takes place in the centre of Sydney each year.

"Yes!"

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Congratulations!

One must be very pleased.


 

---

Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :
 
Oh Mr Curly, you will need to import a wonderful actor to play King Herod! Someone from the west! Someone like me!
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Surely Easter means that 1st century aviator, not Herod?

You know, Pontius, The Pilot
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
I think, Jugs, you would do "mad" very well. I can just hear your voice booming up and down Martin Place, although I was expecting you to suggest a touch of the Ghosty Parrot for somewhere in the presentation.

But not sure anywhere in UC has budget for imported talent at the mo.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
But not sure anywhere in UC has budget for imported talent at the mo.

mr curly

---

Pity, at the moment I could do one of the weeping women very well.

Huia of the incontinent eyes

ETA - Congrats Mr C --good choice on ther part

[ 07. May 2013, 07:26: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Mr C, very exciting.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Well done, Mr C. I'm trying to think how you could give the whole event a cricketing theme, perhaps with Jugular as 12th man (sorry about that, just to bring the drinks).

Prayers for you Huia - I remember how we felt when my father and Madame's died. The grieving does not come to some miraculous halt at the funeral, and never really ends.
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
Oh Huia, I'm so sorry.

For other losses too.

I've not been on line for what seems like a long time. I am now permanent at Health by the bay and am settling in well. The job is developing with some exciting things to come.

I am now the proud new lessor of a brand new Citroen C4 diesel--or should that be lessee

The Welsh choir is going very well and we are off to Wales again in 2015.

Life is good.

P.S., I still don't and never will follow the cats
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
@ PeteC and Mr Curly- I believe the 1st Century Aviator actually sang 'January"
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
@ PeteC and Mr Curly- I believe the 1st Century Aviator actually sang 'January"

---

Sick and tired, you've been hanging on me

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Huia

JtC good to see you and hear your news. FD and I were wondering recently about how you are getting on
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by James the Confident:

P.S., I still don't and never will follow the cats

---

When in Rome, .... Can't understand why you don't get with the strength, James!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Huia. Would have been my dad's birthday today. No, you don't forget.

I too have a gig for Jugs. Please marry my eldest daughter. She needs a man in her life that can make her laugh. *sigh*

Life is busy and a bit difficult at present. Although I now have a personal chef. TP has been making some very palatable curry dishes, and I am fanning this new talent wholeheartedly.


 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
I'm sorry, did anyone see the partial solar eclipse this morning (ring of fire)? It must have been something.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
So, now it's official. my parish is to go half-time 1st July,and I can't live on half a pay. prayers, please for something to fill the gap, or - preferably - another full-time gig. This is dragging me down emotionally a great deal. B*gger the black dog
 

---

Posted by James the Confident (# 9678) on :
 
Rexory
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
How can you have a half rector? Mrs Edwards, a stalwart of the church for 60 years or more, become seriously ill on a day when you're not there. Who undertakes the pastoral care that you would want to provide to her in what may be her last hours? She can't very well be told that she simply has to wait until next Thursday.

Any chance for you of a chaplaincy position at a school or hospital?
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
rexory - I share your pain.

The problem with juggling a parish and a chaplaincy, as I am doing, is an interconnected two-fold: disconnection between the two worlds and resultant burn-out. I am feeling it badly now.

I am keeping you in my meager prayers, Rexory.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Rexory and Zappa

Our (Presbyterian) minister when I'm at Matarangi is on a 75% stipend. Apart from pastoral care, this means preaching 3 weeks in 4: 6 lay preachers have dwindled to 4, of which one's gone sailing for a year and I've been stuck in the city. But all sorts of national and Presbytery responsibilities land on her plate – she's off to do a required course his week which she used to run, before she was a parish minister, but now she has to attend the same session.

May the Spirit be with her and with you both.

GG
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Prayers for you Zappa, and also for you and your parish GG.

Zappa, we prayed for Bishop Greg and your diocese this morning. The diocese is our Mission of the Month, and we are hopeful of a good offering. The pastoral care committee is also supporting one of the parishes in the diocese in aspects of its work.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Prayers for you Zappa, and also for you and your parish GG.

---

We divide our year between Matarangi and Wellington. Our parish in Wellington is one of many throughout the country who have been told to evacuate their buildings because they are not sufficiently earthquake proof. So while we bring the old wooden church up to 100% safety (the 1957 brick one will be expensive either to strengthen or to demolish), we worship in the atrium at a nearby church school, run a couple of programmes in our neighbouring Anglican church hall, and the minister and secretary have been given the former offices at another Presbyterian church who had built a new suite.
So now we have to decide what we are called to do, and while the practicalities of buildings are a major financial issue, everything must start with Why are we a congregation? What is God wanting us to do, and how are we to go about it?
We're in pretty good heart considering, though the discernment process is a big job to tackle – we have also the situation where our minister has been called to move on, so we must find a new one in the midst of everything else.
A pilgrim people, indeed.
Please pray for us too.
And may the right doors open for Zappa and Rexory, and the support that they need be with them.
GG
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Prayers for you all.
Ministry is a bitch.
I am currently feeling disconnected from the church and that too is a result of my wife's ministry and the demands of my work.

I simply don't have the emotional energy to give at church as well as work and home. I keep coming back the the whole 'season' thing.
It's a time to withdraw after a time of activity.
And I'm OK with that. It will pass.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
We shall, GG. What a predicament, and we had not really known the complications until your post. May your congregation emerge stronger at the end.

[ 12. May 2013, 11:08: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, I too am in a crossover season. It is so easy to get cynical about what passes as "community" and "teamwork" in my denomination. But I have discovered one door is closing and two others are opening. In the uncomfortable dark hallway between them, there is some space and grace for recovery.

I suspect most of us need occasional healing time from being church. My prayers to all of you who are at unscheduled rest stops.

 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
I feel a change coming on as well. As for the graceless liberal-pinko poppycock that got served up on Sunday . . .

Meanwhile, the writing project that was supposed to be finished last October but was derailed by my health issues is finally complete. It's a set of 6 novellas (about 12k words each) in a series - think of it as a 6 episode TV series. The compendium is out today, and then there's weekly release of the episodes individually from today as well.

This is a bit of landmark as far as moving on goes. This project has been hanging over me as a symbol of what I couldn't do after the heart attack - for months I couldn't sit at the computer to write with a clear head. So, now it's done, and I'm on to new things, including daily cricket writing for 3 months starting in June.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
rexory - I share your pain.

The problem with juggling a parish and a chaplaincy, as I am doing, is an interconnected two-fold: disconnection between the two worlds and resultant burn-out. I am feeling it badly now.

I am keeping you in my meager prayers, Rexory.

---

Yes, I'm not really wanting to try and "serve two masters". Got a knock-back today from a parish for which I was interviewed. Not sure I really wanted it, anyway. But I've only got till 30 June as full-time here. I will not panic
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Medical Update: I saw my specialist yesterday, after having a PSA test done on Monday. The results - zero cancer cells detected. Will have another PSA done in 6 months just to be sure - and after that yearly ones through my GP (which is how they discovered the bastard in the first place).

Life takes on a whole brighter and affirming perspective today! Kinda matches the lovely bright sky outside atm.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
EL
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
And continuing the medical theme, Evangeline, the Hba1c requirement for driving has been overturned.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
And continuing the medical theme, Evangeline, the Hba1c requirement for driving has been overturned.

---

I knew they'd listen to me eventually

I knew of some softening of the wording, I'll have to have a closer look. Thanks Patdys
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Unfortunately, softening of the wording is as good an apology as you are likely to see.

I have just managed to get an entry into the Port Macquarie Ironman in May 2014. Because I had lots of spare time...

Right now, 9 hours later, I am in the what have I done phase? The cost of entry however will sharpen my mind wonderfully towards training however.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Well done dmli, and thanks for the update.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
How was everyone's Pentecost? Nice red day at St Docs, the Sunday schoolers made flame headbands and flames on sticks, all decorated with glitter (early primary decorating doesn't get better than glitter
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My Pentecost was different this year.

As a minister in the UCA Frontier Services division, I do some worship deputation work every year. Accordingly I visited two little churches yesterday, to speak on the ministry of FS. We had decided that they would do the Pentecost thing, and I would concentrate on how the Rev John Flynn, the man on the $20 note, started FS, School of the Air, and the RFDS, was inspired by God... It was a lovely morning. I was welcomed, and it was great to see how other UCA churches do Pentecost.

Back home, lay folks led my church....

Then in the afternoon, my church hosted the first ever Grand High Tea. We have a congegation of about 30. 90 folk turned up. We made $800. We provided fab food. We borrowed fancy china and silver ware. The senior school music students provided entertainment. Something utterly unknown out here in the middle of nowhere. Great success!
A memorable Pentecost!
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Sounds really good Rowen. As somebody educated by the Pressies/turned Uniting I know and admire John Flynn.

The Grand Tea sounds like a fab idea. It must have been the day for it 'cos I went to a champagne afternoon tea at QVB Tearooms after church, a fundraising one would have made me feel better about eating scones and cream though
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Those of us on team.... Yumminess continued, as we all got to take a plate of leftovers home.
Oh, and John's ministry places included a church in my parish, and we are all rather proud of that!

[ 20. May 2013, 02:20: Message edited by: Rowen ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
My weekend had a High Tea as well - at a Prison Ministry reunion with a Mother's Day flavour, because Mother's Day is quite difficult for some of us. We were encouraged to wear something Mumsy - so you need to imagine BL in a possum fur opera cape (think Wallis Simpson) - a Not Very Useful garment I have inherited from my mother.

But it was fabulous fun, with lace tablecloths and pretty china and a scrumptious spread that would have cost $50 per head at the Hyatt or Adore Tea. One of my girls tells me that at such places one can sample tea flavoured jams and mayonnaises - and all I could think was...Why?

Pentecost, interestingly, was spent in a nursing home, where I was nabbed to be the reader at a Catholic Service.

I gets around.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
And i church on Mothers' Day, having been asked to 'say a few words', I talked of how nearly 30 years after Mum's death I still find myself responding to something with 'This will interest Mum' or 'I must share this with Mum'. And all over the church women were smiling and nodding in a shared experience.
Please smile and nod if you've been there too!
Does this happen to sons as well as daughters?

GG
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
For me, to some extent GG , but not in the sort of present tense you use - more in the past. For example, we recently saw John Bell's magnificent production of Henry IV, with him as Falstaff. We spoke a lot afterwards about how my mother would have enjoyed it and the particular features that would have appealed to her - and it's a dozen years since she died. Or recently, the demolition of a nearby house and the construction of a tasteless monstrosity in its place. I can't speak for other sons, though.
 

---

Posted by Dee. (# 5681) on :
 
Hello everyone, just dropping in to see how you are all doing!
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
waves.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Hello Dee, good to see you. Hope all is going well for you.

GG - I woke up one morning about a year after my mother had died thinking, "I haven't talked to Mum for ages - I must ring her." Fortunately I remembered before I picked up the phone. I also thought about ringing Dad about the breakdown of the passenger unit in Wellington recently, but as he's only been dead about 6 weeks that's a bit more understandable.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Dee. (# 5681) on :
 
Hi GG,

It happens to granddaughters too. I occasionally do something or see something and think my Nana would have loved this. Had high tea at the Langham with mum for her birthday and noted how Nana would have loved it.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
For years after my dad dies - a week after my 15th birthday - woke up from dreams in which he was interacting with me happily. Bugger, I would realize, as I transitioned to awakeness.

Hello Dee ;-)
 

---

Posted by Dee. (# 5681) on :
 
Hi Zappa

I occasionally dream of my Nana and wake with the same sentiment...there are some people you never stop missing.

D
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Strewth there were some dumb typos in my last post

Maybe I should try going back to school ...
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
I hope my face book friends who are also on Ship will forgive most posting this here as well as there:
Today has been a very good day to be a priest!
Besides telling my people about the sudden death of a much-loved elderly lady parishioner and that the parish (and I) are about to go half-time!
I got to do 2 Eucharists, baptise three infants (including one little bloke who has two mums) in separate services, have lunch with friends at a nearby restaurant, and chat with a couple about their prospective marriage. Home at 4.30 pm, having left at 6.45 am.
I'm tired, but I love my job :-)
Will someone please remind me about this next time you hear me whinge?
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
I think parent dreaming or wishing is a fairly common thing. My Dad died 45 years ago, and I still dream and think of him.

Rexory, good news on FB and still good news here, my friend.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rexory, how is the half-time parish actually going to work when now you're doing over 40 hours?

Today I am 60, which seems so weird - I don't feel that old. I made myself a yummy birthday cake (Alison Holst's Diabetic Christmas cake recipe) and took it to church yesterday to share at the after function bunfight, where it received rave reviews. I still have half left so will distribute it quickly as, unlike other fruit cakes it does not keep well. The Catholic bloke from the church over the road who comes to our drop-in group will definitely be included as I've had heaps of his banana cake - some of which didn't even have bananas in it .

Tonight I'm having a ginger-flavoured bubble bath.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Happy birthday!!!!! (sorry, but I can't change the grumpy face)

[ 27. May 2013, 07:06: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Indeed, happy birthday Huia!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Woot! HB Huia!

Chez Curly is in a state of chaos this week with my 50th party here on Sat night. 100+ guests, and friends playing live music.

Off to buy the liquid refreshments tomorrow. Yikes!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Whoa ... Huia happies:

I would say "hari rā huritau" but as that is in a foreign language, and despite its meaning "happy birthday", it might be frowned upon
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:

I'm tired, but I love my job :-)

---

I used to, but I'm struggling at the moment. On the other hand, at the moment I still have one, and you have soon only half a one, so I should shut the **** up.

[ 27. May 2013, 10:03: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Birthday bubblies to you youngies – Huia 60 wow!! Mr C 50 golly gosh!! May you both have many blessings in store in the next decade.

GG
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Many, many happies, dear Huia! Someday, if you're good, you may be as old as I.

Not that either of us is a patch on GG!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks everyone.

Mr Curly, I don't think I could cope with that many. I'm definitely an introvert.

I forgot to say it's also Adam Pater's bithday as I remember we are ship twins (though some years apart as far as I know).

I am now going to toddle off to bed as the overnight temperature is forecast to drop to 0 degrees celcius here tonight. One happy result of the quakes - and losing my chimneys, is that I now have a heat pump so the house won't be too cold when I wake up.

Huia
 

---

Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on :
 
Bother... too late, I am.

Happies, Huia.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
And to you, Adan Pater. Was thinking of my lovely visit back there in the mists of time.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Feeling very glad that (1) having returned from Matarangi on Saturday we put the warm sheets and winter duvet on the bed (2) we can batten down the hatches and stay inside all day and (3) as soon as the sun returns I can go out and photograph the first flowers on the winter-blooming kowhai that will continue to have flowers until the others start in September.

GG
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Rexory, how is the half-time parish actually going to work when now you're doing over 40 hours?

Huia

---

One of life's great mysteries - they will have to be three Tardis days, methinks! I think I rename myself "Father Who"!

Many happies, too, you young thing
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Belated birthday greetings to Huia, Adam Patar and Mr Curly, many happy returns
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Thanks! The Festival of Mr Curly begins on Saturday, and runs for 16 days!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Wow Mr Curly, you really know how to celebrate.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I was just a wee tad grumpy with my head of maintenance this morning when he told me I hadn't booked the chapel for a chapel service. I don't think he expected such a rich vocabulary display in response.


 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I was just a wee tad grumpy with my head of maintenance this morning when he told me I hadn't booked the chapel for a chapel service. I don't think he expected such a rich vocabulary display in response.

---

Why on earth would a chaplain want a chapel for a chapel service. You are so unreasonable, Zappa!
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Sorry!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
The marquee has been raised, but in bad news, my bestie from Perth spent three hours waiting to depart Bogan City for Party City before the flight was cancelled.

Leaves a big hole in the band!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I was just a wee tad grumpy with my head of maintenance this morning when he told me I hadn't booked the chapel for a chapel service. I don't think he expected such a rich vocabulary display in response.

---

Goodness, fancy discovering that ordained people are human too

He needs to get out more.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
OMG. A frickin hilarious video about Hitler finding out about Rick Smith running for Archbish of Sydney.


 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I was just a wee tad grumpy with my head of maintenance this morning when he told me I hadn't booked the chapel for a chapel service. I don't think he expected such a rich vocabulary display in response.

---

Goodness, fancy discovering that ordained people are human too

He needs to get out more.

---

A bad day got worse after that - my principal hung me out to dry, as he has hung all my predecessors out to dry, over an unfortunate incident that he decided to amplify (and save his arse). It will make it much easier to tender my resignation, sooner rather than later, but I cannot play that card just yet.

To top it off I got a speeding ticket that day, too.
 

---

Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
I just thought I'd pop a note on here to say I'm joining you all. From the UK to NZ for at least a year. Gosh so excited and terrified.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Oooh how exciting Macrina. What are you going to do in Enzed?
 

---

Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
Nursing. It's a bit of a massive change for me from living basically in Birmingham to a little town of about 40,000 people where I know no one. But I feel that it's one of those things I've wanted to do basically since I first landed in NZ over 4 years ago so...I'm doing it.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Cool. . Go you!
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
You'll get a welcome if you come our way.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Hey Macrina, if you're anywhere near Christchurch send a PM. most of us natives are friendly.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Good on you Macrina. As they say you NEVER regret the things you do, only the things you don't do. I'm sure that you will have culture shock moving to a small town but it wouldn't be worth doing if you were going somewhere that was too much like home. I've always found New Zealand a really lovely place, with friendly natives Don't forget to cross the ditch and come visit us ozzies sometime.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Macrina:
I just thought I'd pop a note on here to say I'm joining you all. From the UK to NZ for at least a year. Gosh so excited and terrified.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Macrina:
Nursing. It's a bit of a massive change for me from living basically in Birmingham to a little town of about 40,000 people where I know no one. But I feel that it's one of those things I've wanted to do basically since I first landed in NZ over 4 years ago so...I'm doing it.

---

Enjoy yourself Macrina and prayers that your time in NZ is fruitful. Just remember that a town of that size either in NZ or her is not small; a town of 350 is.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Gee D having just re-read Macrina's post I was going to post exactly what you did. It's only in about the last 15-20 years that a settlement of 20,000 (or a Cathedral) was all that was needed for a population centre to become a city.

It's definitely winter now. We had such a warm autumn I wondered when it would happen, but last week we had a sleety blast, followed by a brilliant couple of days, and now the rain. Georgie-Porgy has fallen in love with the heat pump, but I am reserving judgement until I get the power bill .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Today I am 60, which seems so weird - I don't feel that old.

---

Slightly late Happy Birthday from me.

I know what you mean about not feeling it - I turned 50 earlier in May, and I'm sorry, but it just isn't computing. My mum, at 79, tells me her head feels about 35 (she thinks her body is around 85) so I have a good example. 35 was a good year, I might stick there too.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Huia , that used be the rule of thumb here, along with a very vague requirement that the town be an independent centre. That made it hard for large suburbs - such as Parramatta and Liverpool in NSW. These days, it's pretty much population alone. I'd be very surprised if many mayors knew if there were a cathedral or not.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Yay - I have not become suddenly deafer - one of my hearing aids had a cracked tube which I discovered when it finally broke. Even better - it only cost $10 to replace.

It's such a relief .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rescuing this from the second page to announce to Aussie snow bunnies that Coronet Peak in Queenstown is open and skiable.

(though why anyone would want to is beyond me )
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Rescuing this from the second page to announce to Aussie snow bunnies that Coronet Peak in Queenstown is open and skiable.

(though why anyone would want to is beyond me )

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:

I am feeling sorry for myself after tripping over an uneven footpath. I have a small lump on my head and have probably bruised ribs and strained wrist muscles. Fortunately it was in a fairly deserted area of town so I didn't have an audience. I watch kids in the playground bounce back really quickly after a fall, but it seems as you get older it takes a bit longer.

Huia

---

Sympathies, Huia. Just keep saying "I fell over", not "I had a fall". The latter is only for old people!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Thank you Tree Bee. We thought we may have seen her at the Coronation Memorial Service at CCSL, but she was not there.

Plenty of rest for you Huia. Take your nurofens, sit with your feet up, a good cup of tea next to you and a book to fall asleep over. Best wishes.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
RE Loth - That's good to know,

I am feeling sorry for myself after tripping over an uneven footpath. I have a small lump on my head and have probably bruised ribs and strained wrist muscles. Fortunately it was in a fairly deserted area of town so I didn't have an audience. I watch kids in the playground bounce back really quickly after a fall, but it seems as you get older it takes a bit longer.

Huia

---

Sympathy sent from my sore foot (doctor says plantar fasciitis) to your sore bits. It might take a bit longer but hey! we'll get there.

GG
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
And prayers for Rowen as her region of Victoria floods.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Thank you.
It is kinda wet.
Well, very.
Totally actually.

We keep losing power too. Thank God for wood heaters.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you all for your concerns. I looked in here yesterday. Life basically ran over me. I've not been well, am not actually depressed but certainly not on top of the world. Arthritis problems have flared badly and there have been a couple of days when it has been difficult to walk much more than 100 metres. Shoulder is bad and lifelong sinus problems have risen again.

A friend has dragged me out a couple of times to visit friends down south and has taken me to lunch a couple of times at local cafes.

Evangeline, I have spoken to Fr G. but probably not for about six weeks now.

Problems with family too. Son who was kicked out by partner is not too bad but there was also an added complication of work spill caused by our beloved premier. It took about two months for him to get his old job back and he is now permanent instead of contracting as he did for eight years.

However, we are watching his ex self destruct through bad choices and decisions. Not the person we all though we knew and she has become involved with a real scum bag to use my sister's term. Even her friends are worried about her.

Eldest son is not well. He really had to have back operation last year as he could not live as he was then. He has been meticulous about rehab, but the operation has not been the success we all hoped for. In addition, he and his wife seem to have put aside their discernment regarding a friend and they are planning on going to France in a few weeks on what I consider to be something weird. Have sold most of their six or seven properties and are giving away al sorts of things. I have no idea how he thinks he will travel as he cannot sit for more than abut ten minutes.

Middle son has been made redundant from his not-for-profit placement agency.

Just too much on my plate.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Lothlorien, I am sorry for your aches and pains. I wish that your family could sort itself out. Many prayers from here to you. God bless.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Lothlorien, not good news at all on many fronts. Prayers for you and your family.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Good to hear from you Loth, but sorry to hear about the slew of problems and dramas


 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Lothlorien, you have our prayers. My wife has had to go onto pain patches over the last couple of moths for similar arthritic pain. She was almost unable to function on some days, but is now approaching some normality. Please don't let the black dog get you. We've been there as well, and wouldn't wish it on anyone.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Loth I've missed you.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My prayers too.

If you were just watching the weather channel.... It was my town they kept mentioning re floods and rain.
Not very comforting!
But we survive!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Loth and family.

Without any expectation of anything in particular, I just thought I'd share that I turned 50 today. Nice breakfast with family, church, footy, then performed, and watched Biggest perform, at a casual open mic acoustic afternoon at church.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Congratulations, Mr C - Oh, to be 50 again.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Happy birthday.
Still rainrainrainrain. Went for a drive this afternoon.... The sightseeing thing. It was quite interesting, seeing the floods.
My house, and need my side of town is safe, but damp.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rowen and the people of your area

Happy Birthday Mr Curly - may they all last as long

Loth I'm glad to see you posting again - I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. Having so much going on at once can be awfully draining - I hope you can do something good for yourself.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Happy Birthday Mr Curly! We Geminis have lots to celebrate and share. It's a long time since I turned 50, but I shared in my grandson's first birthday party yesterday which was a joyful day.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
here's a challenge for us, perhaps you can help.

3 diamond doves are here. In Haines, Alaska.

I have no idea how they got here. However, they seem to think they're cold (it's breaking heat records for us!) and they're big old targets for the eagles. We need to live trap them.

So, my darling Aussies, and particularly of the bird nerd variety - what food can we coax them in with? I'm reading grass seed is their natural food, which at the moment the natural world here has in abundance. We need something really delicious to grab their attention. Ideas? What would make Christmas for a couple of really lost Australian diamond doves?
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Where's Athrawes when you need her? No idea what kind of seed would most tempt a diamond dove. The crested pigeons around here seem to like the crushed acorns on our driveway, and the Chinese pistachio tree. Maybe some crushed nuts?
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Comet, I would PM Athrawes, she may have an idea - although I think parrots are more her thing.

Getting colder here and snow is expected - I want enough for a day off school (no snow ploughs here). Water is cascading down the Port Hills and I am wondering about the possibility of a slip as they are less stable since the quakes.

Huia
 

---

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Loth heartfelt thoughts and prayers. Life is very hard at times, isn't it?
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Hi Comet,

Try here for some suggestions.

They may have escaped from someone's aviary.

Did the move to Haines go smoothly?
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
thanks, everyone!

they might be escapees, but it's a small town here and I'm not hearing of anyone who has an aviary. birds are tricky here - even with central heat the power often goes out during winter storms so there's always a risk of it getting too cold for exotics.

move was essentially smooth, BA, thanks for asking! it's a long haul with a lot of stuff to get here, but hey - I'm here now! haven't landed a solid job yet, but that will come. heat is doing my head in. getting into the 30s C! (stop laughing! that's crazy for us!)

the doves are purported to have first been noted about the time you were in the 'hood, BA. did you leave anyone behind?

[ 17. June 2013, 03:07: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Ok, just happened to be speaking with someone who is a serious contributor to a bird watching magazine. He says the only real way to tempt birds into a trap is with a bird call they recognize as their own species. This can be downloaded via an ap on your cellphone.
He is very interested in your story of Aussie birds in Alaska - reckons it might make a good article. I am pm-ing you with his contact details - he can text you the ap details too.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
thanks, Banner Lady. I'll put him in contact with my mom, she's an ornithologist here. (which is how I got in the middle of this) I'm sure she'd be happy to help his with his article. I'll pass along to her the info on calling. She was talking about doing that, anyway.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
(missed the edit window)

mom asked me to correct myself- she is not technically an ornithologist, she is a naturalist who specializes in birds and bears.
I was sloppy with my language.

(it's just so AWESOME living with my mom again and getting corrected and stuff! way to feel 12 again! whee! )
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Ah yes, my mum is 95 and still trying to organize me! (Pushing molasses up hill there).
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oh God. Mothers.
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
Loth
Dampness in Rowenville
for Zappa and mothers... er Zappa, was this something you were called or is the issue with another human being?
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I suspect your Mum had her hands full with you, Zappa.

I simply try to stay out of my children's lives. This makes me a "cold and distant, uncaring type mother", as opposed to an "interfering old biddy." I'm sure there's a place somewhere in between that's right, but I haven't found it yet, and neither have they.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Actually she sent me to boarding school aged eight, so I don't think I troubled her too much. Still don't. Except apparently I don't ring often enough.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Floods holding their own, or going down. Rain occasional now... As opposed to constant. Still cold of cours. and muddy.
Bad head cold though.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
We were being threatened with snow tomorrow and Friday, but they've revised this to sleet for areas under 200 metres above sea level and the forecast overnight temperature low for Saturday has beem revised to -4 rather than -6.

It's quite amazing. I went to do my usual weekly shop and the supermarket shelves only has really expensive artisan bread left and I think I bought the last 2 litres of cheap milk. Thank goodness no one seemed to be overbuying cat food, so there was heaps of that for the fat'n'fluffy one.

I intend to wait out the bad weather with 6 litres of bacon hock and vege soup which I've just made in the crockpot.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Actually she sent me to boarding school aged eight, so I don't think I troubled her too much. Still don't. Except apparently I don't ring often enough.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Actually she sent me to boarding school aged eight, so I don't think I troubled her too much. Still don't. Except apparently I don't ring often enough.

---

Once every school holidays might be appropriate...
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
We were being threatened with snow tomorrow and Friday, but they've revised this to sleet for areas under 200 metres above sea level and the forecast overnight temperature low for Saturday has beem revised to -4 rather than -6.

---

Howling wind (up to 170km so far) and rain here - our new garden shed has parted company with its bolts and is now in pieces by the back door and the wheelbarrow is teetering where I can't reach it about to fall over the path. I had a very scary drive to and from Wainuiomata tonight for work - motorway speed signs down to 50 because of the wind. All the way through our session the lights were flickering as though we were in a B-grade horror movie, and when I reached Lower Hutt, the power was out to about half the area.

I like the idea of your soup, Huia, sounds exactly right for hunkering down in the cold. Any other Kiwis enjoying the extreme weather?
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
The soup itself is wonderful but at some cost. I fell over a week ago and had grumbling pain in my ribs which I attributed to bruising. Yesterday I picked up the 6 litre crockpot full of soup and caused myself futher damage.

I know I am a total wuss about pain, but this was horrible and for a while all I could do was stand there clutching my side. I couldn't ring a friend because even speaking hurt. Fortunately I found a few paracodiene in the cupboard but am going to the doctor today because the three I have left won't get me through the weekend.

Meanwhile Georgie-Porgy, lunatic cat is out in the gale force sleet I know she has safe hidey-holes, but I wish she would come in.

Huia

[ 20. June 2013, 19:36: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
Any other Kiwis enjoying the extreme weather?

---

Extremely relieved not to be there!
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
I hope the doctor can help you Huia, sounds horrible.

My main concern about the storm has been alleviated - Rosie's very elderly parents have power. I hope the 30,000 households without it get it back soon.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Just catching up after wondering where everyone was: for a week my computer didn't tell me there was a page 13.

Loth, good to hear you're okay, even with all your problems. My sore foot pales into insignificance. May you see light at the end of the tunnel.

Arabella and Huia – where we are it could have been a lot worse. Slept soundly and the only 'damage' we found outside was the rubbish and recycling bins blown over. Prayers with all you workers who have to go out in the storm, and hope it's already blowing itself out. Don't know if it's a 10-year storm or a 100-year storm but neither means anything these days.

Happy birthday Mr Curley. I won't say 'Oh to be 50 again' because even 80 is fun when you have all your faculties and not too many aches. On Tuesday I began my annual treat at High School with 8 eager gifted 12/13-year-olds starting 4 sessions on history and geography of language. Will I still be doing it when I'm 90???

GG
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you GG. Was moving more easily this week but everything has seized up again, possibly because of cold weather and I have barely been hobbling today. I have just seen forecast of cold and wild days for weekend but not as badly as NZ had it. Flood watch out for several rivers. So far only "watch" not "warning."

Am copying Huia's example and making soup, a winter staple in my place. Potato and leek this time. Fresh bread made this morning and easy to make more.

Did others see the animated gif on Google for winter solstice today? I wondered at first if it was for Julia Gillard who is a knitter but title says it's a solstice celebration.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I thought of you when I saw it Loth. Hats and collar and used frequently and ver welcome in this weather..

The verdict from the GP was cracked rib/s and possible retinal damage (which I though was light refracting through a scratch in my glasses lens ). Retinal scan Monday. Meanwhile heavy duty painkillers, with kiwifruit for the side-effects.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
From Lothlorien:

quote:

---

Am copying Huia's example and making soup, a winter staple in my place. Potato and leek this time. Fresh bread made this morning and easy to make more.

---

Yum. My potato & leek starts with sauteed potatoes in butter, goes on with leeks and white wine, milk, finally sour cream. A reaction to the tinned stuff.

GG
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, definitely soup weather. We had home made minestrone last night. It will be pumpkin, sweet potato and leek tonight.

Yesterday morning I drove from Canberra to Goulburn. It was 2 degrees at 11am, and Lake George looked very Tolkienish, with long drifts of cloud around the base of the surrounding hills.

TP has taken to wearing a white cotton glove over his arthritic hand, with a black fingerless one over the top. He says it helps keep the pain at bay during the cold weather, but it does look rather like he has one skeleton hand. Not sure how the grandchildren will cope with it!
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
BL, when I was in Perth a few years ago I got some rubbing oil that was recommended by the Arthritis ?Foundation, and it has been very effective when my hands have been painful. Am I allowed to name stuff? Anyway it's called El**** and contains eucalyptus and tea tree oil.

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG that leek and potato sounds positively decadent.

My retina is apparently OK, but I have posterior vitreous detachment. It seems that some similar symptoms can show up for serious problems and common, not so serious ones. This is one of the reasonably common and not-so-serious ones In time the floaty bits and the flashes of light should lessen.

The other good news is that they have started to dig foundations for rebuilding the supermarkst. As the land is swampy they have to dig deep. Mountains of small rocks are being buried to stabilise the ground. I was told completion date would probably be around Easter, and was tempted to say something about resurrection, but didn't know if that comment would upset my informant, so refrained.

Huia -sporadically diplomatic
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Well, that's both good and bad news about your eye. How are your aches and pains from your fall coming along?
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Six months 'til Christmas
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Six months 'til Christmas

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Well, that's both good and bad news about your eye. How are your aches and pains from your fall coming along?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
-4C is positively winter-balmy in these parts.

---

What can I say Pete - I'm a wuss. When we were studying Canada in Primary School - aged about 9 or 10 - I remember feeling very grateful that my ancestors came to NZ rather than Canada, my sole criterion being relative temperatures.

GeeD - I might risk the bath in a few days, At present I'm relying on showers because it would be so to get stuck.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evangeline:
Yawn, deja vu with Australian politics. I can't stand that jumped up pompous little pipsqueak who is challenging. He started off as a parody of John Howard, now he's just a parody of himself.

---

It's been a fascinating time. As it happens I don't see things your way, and even went so far as to write to my local Labor member (Warren Snowdon) at the time of the last legitimate spill (not Crean's debacle) that he had rocks in his head if he supported Gillard (he did). But I have to admit that some of the anti-Gillard stuff has been nasty gender-based attacks (including a vicious meme posted on Facebook that my son-in-law has shared), and, while I am firmly in the Rudd camp, I believe Gillard has been a great sign of hope for women in politics.

I've always believed, though, that she should have been tapping Rudd on the shoulder about now rather than knifing him in the gut three years ago.

At any rate, let's hope Rudd gets a chance to lead the way on compassionate response to asylum seekers. He remains one of my favourite political leaders.

And because this is a thread amongst friends I won't engage in any further Rudd/Gillard tete a tete ... my hope is that somehow Abbott, against all odds, can be stopped.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
From Zappa

And because this is a thread amongst friends I won't engage in any further Rudd/Gillard tete a tete ... my hope is that somehow Abbott, against all odds, can be stopped.

Yes, indeed, and this looks like the best chance there is. The Jesuits must wake up each morning worrying how they could have sent out a man like him.

And Huia, prayers for continuing recovery. Remember that nurofen is your friend.

[ 26. June 2013, 22:05: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
TP emerged this morning to say he had had the worst nightmare of his life last night.

He dreamed Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister again.
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 


We got our PM back
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
We are in the dark, literally. Our power went off last Saturday morning and we still haven't got it back. We've been visiting the library a lot! ETA for return of light and heat is currently Sunday (was Wednesday, then Saturday).

The weird thing is that our neighbours have power, but our next but one neighbour lost his as well, and we're the only two houses still in the dark in our suburb.

However, we've been managing, with the help of the shower at the gym and the library. This weekend we're singing the Verdi Requiem with the NZSO, so that's another 10 or so hours in a warm place. Its given me a lot more sympathy for Christchurch (not that I didn't have it already, but just lots more now).
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
It's been a fascinating time.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
At any rate, let's hope Rudd gets a chance to lead the way on compassionate response to asylum seekers. He remains one of my favourite political leaders.

---

Whilst the mood in this household was one of jubilation - and the shared belief that JG was simply a bad leader, which fact had nothing at all to do with her gender, with regards to immigration and refugees I don't hold out much hope of a more humane policy shift.

If the interview last night on Lateline with our Foreign Minister is anything to go by (quoting things like most refugees nowadays are just financial refugees, and that those with soft hearts need to toughen up), then I think detention centres are likely to get even more crowded - and for longer!
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 
Woohoo, Melbourne. Drinks with a cousin tonight and then networking and conference. Fit in the odd run if I can. Gold Coast next weekend and cairns the weekend after. Then back to the grind. Conference, marathon and holidays. Collapse in a heap is in there somewhere.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
I always thought Rudd a bad leader and insincere too. He was ousted by his colleagues for being so unpopular in polls etc and for instigating so many rushed schemes that he washed his hands of and put all the blame back on his Ministers when they went pear-shaped. That's not leadership.

As Zappa said though this is a thread amongst friends so I will cease and desist my vitriolic dislike of our new PM

Is that NT news for real? Hilarious priorities, mind you being without a fridge in the NT is a pretty dire circumstance.
 

---

Posted by the giant cheeseburger (# 10942) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evangeline:
I always thought Rudd a bad leader and insincere too. He was ousted by his colleagues for being so unpopular in polls etc and for instigating so many rushed schemes that he washed his hands of and put all the blame back on his Ministers when they went pear-shaped. That's not leadership.

As Zappa said though this is a thread amongst friends so I will cease and desist my vitriolic dislike of our new PM

Is that NT news for real? Hilarious priorities, mind you being without a fridge in the NT is a pretty dire circumstance.

---

quote:

---

RECAP: KEV loves BILL, PENNY, GOOD PEOPLE, ZIPPING, hates JULIA, SWANNY, TONY. JULIA hates KEV, BILL, TONY, HOWARD, loves TIM. #spill

---

quote:

---

CANBERRA WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY: SMUG WARNING. CHANCE OF BLOOD. HUMILITY 0.2% #spill

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evangeline:
Is that NT news for real? Hilarious priorities, mind you being without a fridge in the NT is a pretty dire circumstance.

---

quote:

---

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... you, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.


This inscription appears on the Kemal Atatürk Memorial, ANZAC Parade, Canberra.

---

 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
I had no idea that my box was full. Ack! Thanks! Will email.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Gwai The New Zealand Listener sometimes accept poems.

Yay for the nor'wester. The temperature reached 17c today, and possibly may tomorrow

In other great news - the Army is no longer occupying the centre city here* and most of the barricades are down, except when a large building is being demolished or for construction. I hope the good weather continues to Thursday because I want to walk around places I haven't been able to visit since Feb 2011.

* yes, I know their presence was necessary for safety and to prevent looters, but I hated it.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I've been on the road down to chez Draught since Sunday (3,300 kms, via a Town With A Bookshop, 55 hours on the road including four roadside sleeps and a visit to a shippie in aforementioned town) so now I'd better let you know what I've already splurged on Facebook ... we're off to NZ again, moving to a town for which I haven't yet thought up a moniker, to a position which I won't identify here.




Got that?
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Hope the aforementioned Shipmate is reading lots from the bookshop and that all is well chez Draught.

Interesting news. When does the move take place?
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
October. Hopefully it will be a little warmer then in the wobbly isles, and equally hopefully I may be a little bit over the beginnings of the demonic "build-up" in the Top End.

Kuruman can't wait! She has a great job in the Top, but the climate is not altogether to her taste.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Kuruman can't wait! She has a great job in the Top, but the climate is not altogether to her taste.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
we're off to NZ again, moving to a town for which I haven't yet thought up a moniker, to a position which I won't identify here.



Got that?

---

What a tease!

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Good to know you're moning up in the world

Pack your winter woolies Zappa, you know that summer happens in February.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Briefly

But I guess we'll survive (kuruman and kuruzapplet # 2 will thrive while kuruzapplet # 1 and I will shiver 361 days of the year).

But it's home.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Prayers for you and Kuruman in this expedition.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Today there is a party in town to celebrate the re-opening of Cathedral Square and it's sunny as well

The city is coming back, even if we still don't know the decision on the Cathedral .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Chilling on the sunny Gold Coast. With extended family

mr curly
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Chilling on the sunny Gold Coast. With extended family

mr curly

---

Chilling here in Perth - because it's cold!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
This video is a must see for all Anglicans in Sydney, especially those who will be attending Synod to elect a new archbishop. Quite short, but to the point.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 


That was brilliant, thanks Loth!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Staying up late with Biggest and Middle watching the cricket.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
I love that video! The dialogue (whatever it is) is so topical. And captioned.

Wipes
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I realise it's is probably a typo, but how did the ABC let a large poster go all through production and distribution with a spelling mistake? Local ABC shop is selling "Dr Who CUSIONS."
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I didn't know that ++Canterbury had his own range of shops - is this the new look since Justin Welby took over?
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Haha! National Broadcaster. Australian Broadcasting Commission.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I didn't know that ++Canterbury had his own range of shops - is this the new look since Justin Welby took over?

---

He does, I was in one the other day, lovely range of rugby tops and sporting wear.

 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Over the next two days, I will be involved with the State Government/Vic Council of Churches disaster chaplaincy program, as we go over to a group of villages in a mountainous area, and do post fire/flood impact assessment/pastoral care. If you have a spare moment in the next 48 hours, please keep us all in your prayers.
Today I went to a training day for another part of their processes. It has all been interesting so far, and I assume the next days will be too.
 

---

Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
I'm here! Landed on Sunday, cleared Immigration and am legal for at least a year. Woohoo. Bit of a shock coming from an actual bona fide Summer into a cold southerly though.

I've been staying with a friend for a week so took myself to her local Christchurch parish this week. They were lovely and welcoming and put me onto an Anglican parish right around the corner from me in my new city that I didn't know existed.

Timaru today.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Welcome to the Antipodes Macrina, hope you have a wonderful time.

Rowen for the training and thank-you and PTL for the work that you and other clergy do in rural and remote areas.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Welcome to the South Island Macrina, I hope you enjoy your time here.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

At any rate, let's hope Rudd gets a chance to lead the way on compassionate response to asylum seekers. He remains one of my favourite political leaders.

---

Is he still a favourite Zappa?
 

---

Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Rowen

Tell us how you go.
 

---

Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on :
 
Can anyone here point me to where I need to go to apologise for being Australian?
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I know it's no consolation Adam, but with the current government here I think the same would happen if they sailed further east.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Greetings, Macrina, from Te Ika a Maui. I'm sure you'll make good friends in Timaru and have many happy experiences.

GG
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Top of page hog is back.

As is the very tired quiz master from soccer club trivia night. Ie back home watching the cricket.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :
 
Not quite the nailbiter it was last match.........bleeding runs at the mo.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Another quake - 6.7 centred in Seddon, a small town to the north. Felt here in Christchurch as a looonngg rolling one (because a second one followed the first). Closer to Wellington than Christchurch. Some buildings in Wellington lost windows

Hope GG and Arabella are OK.

Huia

[ 21. July 2013, 05:55: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Another quake - 6.7 centred in Seddon, a small town to the north. Felt here in Christchurch as a looonngg rolling one (because a second one followed the first). Closer to Wellington than Christchurch. Some buildings in Wellington lost windows

Hope GG and Arabella are OK.

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Prayers for Arabella, Galloping Granny and Huia with the earthquake and aftershocks in the northern South Island. All the anxiety ond lack of sleep.....

---

from me too for all.
 

---

Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on :
 
Indeed.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
I find earthquakes more interesting that terrifying* as long as I'm in a safe place – for the 6.5 I was in a building constructed with The Big One in mind so that it could be used as a Civil Defence centre. In fact a number of the Mature Adults present dived rather awkwardly under tables and struggled even more awkwardly to their feet afterwards.

*If I lived in Chch it would no doubt be different. But I lived in Murchison as a child, and was in Martinborough for the Masterton quake in about 1943, so an earthquake doesn't surprise me.

GG
 

---

Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on :
 
This is all a bit unsettling ('scuse the pun) as I contemplate my visit to Christchurch (and elsewhere) in October to see my son - I already have enough things to worry about this trip, like travelling alone halfway round the world, possibly driving in a foreign country etc etc!

He has written an interesting blog entry about the recent opening up of the cordoned off area (Red Zone) of Christchurch after the big quakes Interesting as of course it is from the perspective of someone who has lived there for a year but until last week had never seen the city centre.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG - that's a good place to be. I must say that having had both my chimneys demolished earlier meant I wasn't worried by the thought of bodily harm.

What caught me off balance with the 2 just after 5pm was that they were more rolling than the ones we have been having, and being so far away I wasn't sure whether they were quakes or some weird migraine that was affecting my balance.

Georgie-Porgy was reluctant to come into the house at first, but the lure of the food bowl was sufficient to change her mind .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
Horrible! Hoping this lot pass through quickly, and things stabilise .
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
We are now up to about 80 earthquakes for the day! Huia, I don't know how you managed for months on end, because I feel totally frazzled. Fortunately, I seem to have run out of adrenaline for the moment, so hopefully I will sleep OK.

Some of the quakes have been no worse than a truck driving past would be, but several of them have been well and truly noticeable. My boss and I have been texting each other, and a friend from Christchurch was also in touch to check I was OK, so I feel well supported.

I just read that the hospital I work at has lost the some of the ceiling of the building next to ours.

Thanks for the prayers, I appreciate them.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Prayers for all above and everyone else, as well

Has anyone heard from cosmic dance?

Pete (Who, if had seen the country before 2011, would be already moved in, lock, stock and barrel)
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GR - sorry, I wasn't ignoring your post. Lovely blogpost by your son.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Hang on – what country are we living in? I thought this must have come from The Onion but it seems to be genuinely from a reputable paper.

GG
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
That is hilarious, specially the bit about the earthquake being felt in Napier, Western Australia, some 3302km from Seddon, Melbourne.

Someone will be embarrassed, I hope.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Don't be too upset. According the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) online news, for several hours they were rabbiting on about an earthquake in New Zeland.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
And the Guardian should be embarrassed! They corrected the headline, but the story is still about Oz-tray-lia.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
I didn't at first note that it's the GuardianExpress of Las Vegas.

Another proof that Americans don't know where New Zealand is.

GG
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Nor did I, actually. I wonder if some copyeditor will pull that story (and fire the writer).
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
New article here , but with a wildly misleading picture (from their library?)

GG
 

---

Posted by McChicken (# 2555) on :
 
The big one yesterday was certainly a shock - easily the biggest quake I've ever felt - but as I was just walking into the toilet when it hit, I'm glad it wasn't a minute later.

Had to go into Wgtn for work this morning (and got told to go home as soon as I'd finished what I had to do), and the city is empty. The lights are on but no-one's home. Hardly any damage visible (that I saw) but everyone's taking precautions and telling their employees not to come in until their buildings have been evaluated.

As for the GuardianLV article, the writer's blurb says he has been "a mime [and an] actor". My flatmate says, now he can add clown to the list.
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
If I recall correctly the original article was written by another "reporter". Hopefully he and his editor are looking for other jobs.

I hope more Wellingtonians shippies check in.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
We now have three versions: the original article; above it a rewrite with apology by Tom Ukinsky; and in between a reasonably accurate version by another reporter. Not to mention several hundred comments.

I wish some generous benefactor would shout Tom a trip to NZ in the cause of international friendship and understanding

GG
 

---

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Well you can't expect much from a paper which gets its primary information from Fox News, eh? But I have enjoyed the brouhaha!
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by PeteC:
Well you can't expect much from a paper which gets its primary information from Fox News, eh? But I have enjoyed the brouhaha!

---

Tom's final rewrite quotes, as well as Fox News and NBC, Wellington's Dominion Post (x2), GeoNet, our National Business Review, Reuters, and Wikipedia.
That (young?) man's sure been on a steep learning curve.

GG
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Thinking of you Wellingtonians and those around the Sounds.

So glad we're moving back to Napier. I'm sure they wouldn't have quakes there
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Evangeline:

quote:

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At any rate, let's hope Rudd gets a chance to lead the way on compassionate response to asylum seekers. He remains one of my favourite political leaders.

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Is he still a favourite Zappa?

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Mutter mutter curse curse. I have written to him expressing my rage. I don't think I will hold my breath for a response.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I've been listening to updates on the Seddon Sequence as the quakes are being called. About 30 buildings have superficial damage, but so far none are reported as having structural damage. About 5 or 6 people were treated at the hospital, but none is in a serious condition. A factor in the difference between Wellington and Christchurch damage is that Wellington, which historically has a history of quakes demanded a higher building standard than Christchurch.

In Blenheim (about 20 kms north of Seddon) tenants were worried about a building that was designed by the same person who did the CTV building (the one that collapsed killing over 100 people). The owners are saying it will be strengthened.

Seismologists apparently suggesting there is a one in 5 possibility of another Mag 6 quake in the next few weeks. I hope they are wrong. The stressful thing about quakes is not knowing when omn starts if it is going to be major or just like a big truck going past. it's wearying.

for all those living in the quake zone. Keep some solid shoes and a torch near your bed.

Huia

Edited to add = one of my fave cities Zappa. I hope all goes well.

[ 22. July 2013, 11:30: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Sorry about
"historically has a history of"

Huia - cringing.
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Zappa I hope you and your family enjoy Napier. Its my ancestral area and where I grew up. I visit every month to see my mum and her cousins.

Huia, don't know if you saw Moata's column yesterday. She wrote a great list of things we should know that aren't in normal emergency instructions. It was comforting that I had already attended to all but one of them (which involved alcohol ). There was another jolt around 1.30am this morning.

We're about to have our first great nephew visit us with his parents, from New York, arriving this morning. Our niece emailed on Sunday, nervously wondering if they were likely to be stuck in NZ if there was a big one. Fair worry, specially with their little one having had to have five heart surgeries already.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks for the reminder Arabella - Moata's blog saw me through the worst of the quakes, but I hadn't visited lately. Her advice is the best I've seen anywhere and served with humour, which makes a scary time easier.

I'm hoping Wellington settles down before the end of the month as I have to be up there for a family conference. I feel safer here where the buildings most likely to fall already have It's strange to realise but I haven't been further up in a building than one storey since February last year, also Christchurch being as it is I've rarely been more than a few feet above sea level.

Huia - feet firmly on the (shaking) ground.
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Well the great nephew and his parents have arrived, very tired (and without luggage, which is ... somewhere, apparently).

He took one look at Rosie and shouted, "Nana." Which I thought was pretty good for a 20 month old, to make the connection between Rosie and her older sister (they do look alike).
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
We finally say goodbye to mr and mrs curly senior tomorrow. That's 18 days of not being blue to relax. I'm looking forward to the notion that help=criticize leaving my house, along with Sunrise and Deal or No Deal.

Biggest's slide into mediocrity was confirmed with his report that arrived home today.the evidence of the slackness and lying is now in black and white, so ton of bricks being loaded into the hopper.

Middle, who lacks the intellectual firepower, is working much harder.

Had a job interview today for potential contracting role. Seemed positive. Currently spending too much time on cricket blog, with uncertain financial return.

Frazzled overall!

mr curly
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Zappa:
So glad we're moving back to Napier. I'm sure they wouldn't have quakes there

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They've had their quota, surely?

Frequent prayerful thoughts regarding your forthcoming new venture.

GG
 

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Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
for all those on unsettled land.
for those unsettled trying to land here.
for politicians who think that it's OK to treat the refugee like they were detritus.... with a really good dose of anger.
Bastards.
Was never gonna vote for Abbott but neither am I gonna vote for Rudd. If Turnbull was running right now I'd vote for him (If his asylum seeker policy had an ounce of decency and leadership in it)
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Just for once I love Aussie TV: Essie Davis is Phryne Fisher and Kerry Greenwood is one of my most favourite authors.

GG
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Dear all-

Thanks for your prayers and comments re my working in disaster ministry last week… 6 months post-fires… Floods since… East Gippsland, Heyfield area. It was part of the on-going processes employed by the State Government and the Victorian Council of Churches.

We were sent out in pairs, to door knock properties (mostly farms) after extensive publicity re the visitation over several weeks. No-one knocked back a visit and a chance to talk. We were to be a if necessary, listening ear, a referral process, an info conduit and similar. Apparently 6 months is a crucial time in the recovery process.

Now having recovered my energy after my two day deployment in disaster ministries, ... I can reflect back....
The things that stand out:

The incredible amount of land burnt, trees/paddocks/fences gone... Rebuilding and replanting is taking a long time.
The beauty of the region, where it wasn't burnt away.
Little, lonely letter boxes at property gates... But no buildings are there now. Orphaned letter boxes....
Stories of heart-ache, strength, courage, resilience, compassion... So many stories
Symbols and images folk use, to make sense of what happened. One woman told us how her gardens were cremated, but now, with spring coming, she could plant again. And another woman who steadfastly plants daffodil bulbs. Because when they flower in spring, her heart will sing in the sun too.
Mud and flood and water everywhere, as winter is our wet season.... Black, ashed mud. Hard to drive through, but I had the four wheel drive which helped.
The great team of folk who planned this, and the structure in which we work
And finally, the black humour in our car, as my partner got in and out at the farm gates. However, in the haphazardness of fence rebuilding, every gate presents a challenge... Plus the sea of mud.... And dogs and so forth ... And no farms had street numbers up on the temporary gates... Watching the poor woman wrestle with the elements, giggling away. And then, the time where we parked to make notes, and after 10 minutes realising we had parked beside a dead cow.... silly things, but they relieved the tension of our work.

It was an amazing experience, and I was blessed to be asked to take part. I know the area in which we live, so I know this won’t be the last time.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:


Frequent prayerful thoughts regarding your forthcoming new venture.

GG

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quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Just for once I love Aussie TV: Essie Davis is Phryne Fisher and Kerry Greenwood is one of my most favourite authors.

GG

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Me too. Thanks for posting that.

When and where?

Zappa

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Life is just more of the same old here. One son is temping after being made redundant but has had hardly a nibble of worthwhile employment in two months.

I'm being grateful I can get good meat and fruit and vegetables delivered and groceries come from online ordering.

Eldest son is back where he was a year ago. After two ankle reconstructions from falling down fire escape at work, he then found a trapped nerve in his back from same fall. An operation then released the nerve but found more damage than anticipated. He was meticulous in following rehab instructions.

The disc was badly damaged and now he needs either a replacement disc or a fusion of several discs. He's in tremendous pain again, three morphine derivatives, Mobic and Endep, an anti-depressant also used for pain. He lives in a drug induced haze at the moment. His job is one of the very top behind the scenes of government in this state, regardless of politics.

Tonight he tells me that there is speculation that he picked up a very nasty deep seated infection in his spine at last operation. Nothing definite but a possibility. He is now on ultra-strong antibiotics twice a day for three weeks and yoghurt, probiotics etc as well.

And DIL who kicked youngest son out at Christmas has taken up with a very unsavoury fellow who is supplying her with illicit substances. And worse from him too.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

 

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Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :
 
Many, many prayers for you, Loth.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My prayers too
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Loth – thoughts and prayers.

GG
 

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Posted by Arleigh (# 5332) on :
 


ETA - for Loth and family, earthquake-ridden folk and Zappa's relocation.

And everyone, really

[ 26. July 2013, 07:42: Message edited by: Arleigh ]
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Lothlorien

Shakes seem to have settled down quite a bit. I think the best outcome is the number of people I know who have got their emergency kit together.

We are having a lovely time with Mr 20 Months. For a little one who has had 3 open heart surgeries, he's got a LOT of energy.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I'm sorry to hear about your eldest Lothlorien.
 

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Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on :
 
Lothlorien
 

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Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
Lotho
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Please spare a thought and a prayer for this long-time lay preacher taking her turn again tomorrow after several months' break. And for the little flock at St Andrew's-by-the-Sea.

GG
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:

Shakes seem to have settled down quite a bit. I think the best outcome is the number of people I know who have got their emergency kit together.

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I haven't quite got it together again yet. Still I'm working on sorting my brother's one when I get there on Wednesday.

Loth, I'm thinking of you and your family - so much happening at once.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thanks for prayers and good wishes. Eldest son is on nasty stuff, very strong anti biotic. However, surgeon told him of someone who went for a similar operation and infection was discovered. He was four weeks in hospital getting that cleared before the original op could be rescheduled.

On top of all this is a planned stay for unknown duration in Strasbourg for something I think is just not on. They both usually have very good discernment but I think friendship has clouded issues. So apparently this is still on, just delayed. I had hoped they may reconsider and they still could. So downsizing, packing, selling three houses and two units etc.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
A group of people took the Christchurch diocese to court over the fate of the Cathedral. The upshot is that the diocese have the right to demolish what's left of the building. What will take its place is uncertain.

Meanwhile the cardboard Cathedral (on a different site) has had some problems with getting soggy in the huge storm a couple of weeks ago*, but is on track for opening in late August/September. The Catholics are going to build on adjacent land to their original site. The walls that are left of the current building are going to be taken down to a low level and a garden planted within them (from what I understand).

*the bit that got soggy won't be exposed to the elements when the Cathedral is built.

[ 28. July 2013, 05:39: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Another good shake early this morning just after 1am. Rosie thought it was me rolling over...
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :