quote:

---

Originally posted by Uncle Pete:
How will coming down under relieve my aches and pains?

---

We've got good drugs - at least I scored some wonderful painkillers from the doctor . Pity I had to go through the worst pain I've ever experienced first I'm carefully recording times and amounts taken, a good night's sleep is great, but I wouldn't want to make it permanent.

If you came back you could visit the Art Gallery, which has finally re-opened.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:
37 here.
No fires near bye, thanks be to God, but three towns on the Great Ocean Road being evacuated...

---

Terrible fires, some forecast to burn for months along that road. Picture after picture of fires right down to water line.

Have you moved yet?
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
oooh...new....shiny... HNY everyone. May it be healthier for us and the planet in 2016. Meanwhile, here in Oz, bonfires and fireworks are not what is needed. May you all wake up with your pets still close by tomorrow.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Happy new year to all.

I did not watch the fireworks although I can see a lot of them frim my balcony. Not a good day yesterday for various reasons. However I heard them. They woke me. Much noisier than usual and very smelly. I suspect there is a barge of fireworks further up the river than usual. Parramatta River is quite close as the crow flies, just a few minutes drive or about fifteen minutes walk away.
 

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Posted by Cranmer's baggage* (# 4937) on :
 
Happy new year to all my antipodean shipmates. I'm expecting an interesting mix of nothing seeming very different while some things change quite a lot,,,,
 

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Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Returning after long absence , but New Year greetings to all. I don't quite know how it happened but while searching for weight watchers info I found Cranmer's baggage on the weight loss thread, so it occurred to me that I should add returning to the Ship to my. New Year's resolutions. Mr WitG and I are currently spending a few days in Clare. We recently ran into MM who was singing lessons and Carols at St A-frame's with Mr W.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Now, is that a coincidence or what!! I was thinking of you this morning, just a few hours ago.

Hope all is well with you. I think you came to lunch or coffee one day when FD was still sailing here.

Welcome back.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Hi WiT & CB!

TP and I said the evening prayer service together after the cricket had finished and before the fireworks to usher in 2016. One thing is certain - the family will always need prayer! TP does not do well on hot nights, and is struggling a bit today. However we have just returned from morning tea at the nursing home with my 97.5yr old mum, B3 and B3.1, B3.2 & B3.3 so the afternoon is definitely for siesta.

He repotted a large orchid into a glazed pot and carried it in as a present for my mother not realising how heavy it was. I was somewhat concerned we might have been beginning 2016 a bit unwisely for his blood pressure.

I have also been to the PO today to send off parcels to the orthodox members of the family. It was fun to get to write 1.1.16 on the postal declarations! So the PO is open, and the bin collectors have just been round. As we expected today to be a public holiday we had not put the bins out, so we are starting 2016 with the same old rubbish...


 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Hi WiT & CB!

I have also been to the PO today to send off parcels to the orthodox members of the family. It was fun to get to write 1.1.16 on the postal declarations! So the PO is open, and the bin collectors have just been round. As we expected today to be a public holiday we had not put the bins out, so we are starting 2016 with the same old rubbish...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kittyville:
I think someone at your post office missed a memo, Banner Lady - both the ACT government and Australia Post seem to think today is a public holiday.

In my council area, bins are collected, public holiday or no - so mine were emptied on Christmas morning,

---

Same here for rubbish. The only day when it is not collected is Good Friday.

PO open on a public holiday? They must be trying to redeem their reputation. Or more to the point, they want triple time penalty rates.

GG, perhaps Good Friday? It does not seem long ago to me that service stations were shut on Christmas day. Too bad if there was a long drive to a holiday destination.

I can't remember a time here of no Sunday papers. The Herald used to have a good editorial for Christmas.

[ 01. January 2016, 06:22: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well, I did go down to the PO yesterday afternoon to find it shut. Notice on door said it was open 8-11am Friday because it was the Australia Post workers half holiday, and would therefore be open 8am-11am today. Maybe it is because we are a Territory and not a State, or maybe the franchised owner has some discretion about when things happen - I don't know. I was surprised to find it shut yesterday avo and equally surprised to see it would be open this morning. I am just happy I got my parcels off.

Recently I tried to put some spare unused stamps on an overseas letter only to be told I had to use specific ones designed and marked for overseas use. Some places won't even accept parcels unless they are in post office preferred boxes or envelopes. This makes it rather hard when there is no box or envelope that will fit the object being posted. So I was very relieved they did accept the outsize artwork I had carefully packaged - though I used white cardboard and taped it to look very like a PO issue box. More rules. More conformity. Grrr. I must be getting old!
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
A Happy New Year to all.

BL, it's unlikely that your living in a territory makes any difference. Not sure, but probably the answer is that it is a franchise operation - in a news agency perhaps? - and that provided it is open for a basic core, the franchisee can pick and choose opening and closing times.
 

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Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
The stamp thing is something to do with GST, I've been told, BL. But I share your frustration with Australia Post and its prescriptiveness and general jobsworthiness.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Hi Worm in the Grass. Good to see you back.

I just followed up a link given on a local community board. The Warehouse (large retail chain here which I think was unsuccessful over the ditch) started putting out it's Easter stock before New Year's Day

I am totally walking stick, pain and drug-free The test will come as I gradually increase my walking, and I still have an x-ray on Tuesday to see if there is any real damage. I am impatiently waiting to see if I can get back on my bike, at least for short rides. I hope *The Great NZ January Shut-Down* doesn't hold up the results for too long.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That really is good news, Huia.

The Warehouse had some branches in some of the northern beach type towns, but that was years ago. Haven't seen them at all for a long time.

We have that shutdown too in many areas. The one that affects my family the most is that the pizzeria, just a hundred metres from where my boys grew up, shuts almost all January. We are well known there and it is a popular gatheting place for birthdays and family dinners. We judge other places against this one.

[ 02. January 2016, 01:19: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Glad to hear you're feeling better, Huia - prayers still ascending!
 

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Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
I unwisely forgot the Aeroguard before dining outside last night and as a result, am covered in mozzie bites. What it is to be popular...

Ah well. For some reason, I tend to only suffer one mass attack per summer, so I have my fingers crossed for this being this summer's one.
 

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Posted by DangerousDeacon (# 10582) on :
 
Happy New Year from the Top End - the cool part of Australia at this time of year ... May God bless all my fellow Antipodeans in 2016, and may the rest of you join us here to share in these blessings!
 

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Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
for all FD and my onboard friends.

May your 2016 be full of wonderful things.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Best of everything good for 2016 to you and FD too, Clarence -

Still miss FD's froth around here.
Grandchildren central today. I will be attempting to get them off the computers and actually building a minecraft village with cardboard and mod lodge today. It will be interesting to see how long their attention spans cope.

Tonight it's family dinner and going to see Star Wars together.
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Happy New Year all. Back at work today, slightly resenting the sunshine after two days of rain, although it was perfectly timed for the garden and the new roses.

Like GG I hope 2016 is better than 2015.

Huia, excellent news. Rosie is off to the physio this afternoon after wrenching her shoulder carrying boxes - she's finally got up the courage to tackle her mother's papers, all 30-something boxes of them, and lugged them all into our living room, which now looks like a bomb site. She did find a photo of their medical school class though, quite fascinating, full of returned soldiers and a surprising number of women (25 out of a class of around 120).
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I hope her shoulder mends quickly. Thirty boxes, that is a lot of sorting.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Clarence, - Best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and FD.

Arabella, what a demanding job for Rosie - both physically and emotionally draining. I hope her shoulder heals quickly.

X-ray today, and contrary to my expectations, my G.P gets the results tomorrow - if she's there. I'll check on that as I prefer to see her or the doctor I saw before Christmas, neither of the other 2 in the practice inspire me and as I'm only getting short stabs of pain it's not urgent.

I find it weird after being in so much pain that it has settled so quickly, but a bit worried that it could flare up again.

Huia
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
The monsoon which inundated DD on Christmas Eve has now drifted south and is uniting with another system to form a dreaded East Coast Low in the coming hours. Homes already inundated to the north of us and roads cut. Your old haunts around Wollombi are on flood watch Lothlorien, with up to moderate levels expected. We pray that it will not be a repeat of April's flooding.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
We were on relatively sandy soil and were fine where we were. Further out near Hunter Lodge main gate, the road and bridge could be cut. We always had supplies and matches for being out of touch for several days. The back road which comes in at side of Wollombi pub is probably not passable by now. Last bad floods the water was up over verandah floor. If you know the pub, that is quite deep..

Neighbours were similarly prepared. Some years back, a constable was tied to a tree at Wiseman's Ferry, pistolwhipped. His service revolver was stolen. All in area decided it was safer not to go at weekends till he was caught. He vanished up past St Albans. We were all equipped with tinned food, shelter, blankets. He could have gone from place to place for several weeks.

He was caught a hundred metres down railway track from my place in a railway shed between Croydon and Ashfield!
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
May shipmates and their loved ones be spared both floods and bushfires.

A calm clear evening. I went out before the light faded to try and spot the familiar stars as they came out one by one – Sirius first of course. Several tui were exchanging their bed-time calls from trees on the slopes behind and near at hand, with occasional whispered melodies.

Peace and aroha to all our readers.

GG

GG
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you GG.

Peace and aroha to you as you start a new year without the physical presence of the grandad.

( I had to look up aroha, although I had guessed the meaning. I guessed love and that was one mentioned on the site where I checked.)

[ 05. January 2016, 09:14: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG I envy you the tui. Although they can be aggressive to other birds, and each other their antics are amusing and their range of calls fascinating. I have been delighted to watch the suburb where I grew up go from a place where the sighting of a tui would be mentioned in a local newspaper to having 17 tui in the kowhai trees at the back of my dad's section on his birthday one year.

There is a group of people who are organising the re-introduction of tui to Banks Peninsula by culling possums as has been done in Wellington, but I haven't heard much about it recently. There are a few bellbirds in different areas of Christchurch and some kereru.

Huia
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia, In this part of the city we get the 'overflow' from Zealandia. Right here it's tui and kereru, the wood pigeon, but I understand kaka are quite common, and I think one flew by as I arrived at a friend's place up the hill the other evening. I've heard of bellbirds not far away, but again, they haven't found us. And I've heard a cuckoo calling recently, and hope the grew warblers that I've also heard haven't been 'visited'. There's sometimes an owl calling up the hill.
Great excitement when saddlebacks were seen in Aro Valley!

GG
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Saddlebacks!!! if there was the least likelihood of them here Georgie-Porgy would become a totally inside cat. She would hate me but I would do it for saddlebacks.

Actually my favourite night bird is the ruru (morepork). When I was growing up there was a family of them in the nearby hills, but they disappeared in later years, though the rangers in the water catchment area of Moore's Valley say they are thriving there. I did hear them when I visited Stewart Island. Next time I'm in Wellington I'll go back to the zoo as they have developed a large native bird area where they are breeding Kaka in partnership with Zealandia.

Huia
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Agreement from us about what you call morepork - although we would call it mopoke or boobook. There are often one or 2 of them nearby and the sound carries well at night.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Barnabas Aus, are you safe this time round. Things don't look good for those caught in floods not long ago.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Agreement from us about what you call morepork - although we would call it mopoke or boobook. There are often one or 2 of them nearby and the sound carries well at night.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:
Your TRIGGER! suggests a method...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
...wicked wasps.[/URL]

---

quote:

---

Barnabas Aus, are you safe this time round. Things don't look good for those caught in floods not long ago.

---

Thanks for asking, Lothlorien. We only had about half the rainfall compared with April, so no overland flow from our neighbours, which was what did the damage last time.

Williams Bridge at Wollombi went under by at least 1.5m, but the worst of the rain hugged the coast on the southern edge of the low, while it stretched further inland to the north of the Hunter River. Sun and breeze today are drying things out, but it will be a few days before streams recede.
 

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Commiserations for those affected by flooding rain this week. Please send some of your rain to Tasmania which is in the grip of severe drought. Where I live we have had negligible rain since September, the lakes are drying up and our hydro-electricity scheme is compromised, while farmers are under severe difficuties. The weather bureau keeps predicting rain but nothing eventuates. So as I said, send your excess rain south please.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Newcastle, NSW made it on to the Canadian Weather Channel today for its flooding; I hope any of you in those parts* are safe.

* my knowledge of Australian geography isn't up to much ...
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Newcastle is roughly two hours up the coast (north) from Sydney. An industrial city at the mouth of the Hunter River.

It and other parts of the Hunter Valley were badly flooded just a few montgs ago and some people have not yet returned to their homes from damage caused then.

Barnabas Aus is in the area but he posted yesterday that he was OK. Dangerous Deacon used to live in a town in the Hunter, but he is now ever so much further north.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
A stunning Spring type day in Sydney today. I've forgotten about the dreadful weather of the last week already.
 

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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on :
 
Apparently it's been seven months since I last posted; things have been busy! I thought you should first look in and greet the locals. Happy New Year and safe times wished to all.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Welcome back, Vulpior!
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Hi, Vp!

B1.2 is 10 today. His mother very unwillingly took him and his BF to Questacon yesterday. Science was never B1's strong suit, and she hates insects, so it was a real test to take him to see what he wanted to see: the Spiders exhibition. Apparently it has been a huge success and the best numbers of visitors to date for the centre. They have displays of live spider habitats, and the local dancing peacock spider is able to be viewed. Loved the photo of B1.2 and his friend trapped in a gigantic web with a huntsman hovering above them. The good news is that B1 declared it was all so interesting she is now much less afraid of spiders. Well done, Questacon.
 

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Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
BL yes it was a shock to return from 30 degree Adelaide on Wednesday evening but beginning to form up now. Can you advise if it is worth trying to persuade Mr WitG to see Star Wars?
Lothlorien I have now had time to read last year's thread and realise you have been having far too many misfortunes recently. I hope your granddaughter continues to recover.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you. One more lumbar puncture on 21/1. If ok, she is officially in remission. Monthly tests instead of fortnightly and probable nightly medication but a positive thing to look forward to. Diagnosed two years ago on New Years Day, she was a very sick girl for a long time.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Hi WtG. I didn't end up going with the grandchildren to see Star Wars that evening - TP decided we would do a matinee by ourselves instead last Friday. We both loved it. The plot is recognisable as is almost every scene in some way or other - it is a very clever homage and a launching pad for what is still to come. TP enjoyed seeing Harrison Ford playing the cranky old bugger with an out of control son. I enjoyed seeing Chewbacca going ape.
It definitely did not disappoint....nor was it completely satisfying, so fans will be lining up for the next one. And you will probably feel like you can work out the plot for the next one all by yourself! Take him if he enjoyed the original 3 movies. It will feel like putting on his favourite comfy jacket.
 

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Posted by DangerousDeacon (# 10582) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Newcastle is roughly two hours up the coast (north) from Sydney. An industrial city at the mouth of the Hunter River.

It and other parts of the Hunter Valley were badly flooded just a few montgs ago and some people have not yet returned to their homes from damage caused then.

Barnabas Aus is in the area but he posted yesterday that he was OK. Dangerous Deacon used to live in a town in the Hunter, but he is now ever so much further north.

---

Ah, Newcastle! God's country

I think it is more appropriate to say that Sydney is two hours south of Newcastle, rather than position Newcastle in relation to Sydney.

And good to hear that the flooding has passed you by this time.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have family there too, DD. My uncle was general manager of gas company for many years. His family loved it. They were much more sporting than mine was. Cousins did most sports attended Newcastle High, two boys and a girl. One of these is a prominent kidney specialist of world renown and is closely associated with John Hunter Hospital.

[ 10. January 2016, 09:13: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
We drove down to the beach yesterday, straight from church and stopping on the way for lunch. Woke this morning to a glorious summer day, warm to hot, good waves for body surfing, clean and quiet. The present plan is to stay a week, perhaps 2, here. Just the 2 of us, as Dlet is back to work, although if we stay the second week he will probably come down for the weekend. It is good to stop still.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Happy New Year all!

Gee D's post makes me wish I were still on holidays...first day back at work today. Routine is good: at least that is what I am telling myself.

Had a wonderful Christmas with the family just north of Newcastle; the 3 nieces are growing far too quickly. Left way before the rains and floods came [parents and sister and family are not near the river so they are fine; though my auntie in Dungog had some more backyard washed away...]

The trip back home was via Merimbula, Wilson's Prom and the Yarra Ranges: bushwalking, sight-seeing and generally eating far too much. I had not seen those parts of the world so it was wonderful. Beautiful country.

37C here today. And 40C forecast for Wed. Bring on winter.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
In full renovation planning for the laundry - our designated summer job this year. So a trip to the new Ikea store in our region is on the itinerary for this morning. Hunkering down with James Bond in a very cool movie cinema planned for this hot afternoon. Crazy daughters are doing gym things this evening while I shall be sipping fruity things with my feet up.

I like summer.

 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I like summer and the holiday feeling which comes with January. I do not like the forecast of probably 40° C for Sydney tomorrow and hotter for western suburbs.

Son is on holidays at Charlotte Pass with his girls and fiancee and her children. Two days ago they were playing in leftover snow from winter. Today it was 35 at Thredbo before a violent storm cooled things down. Still in Snowies.

We can do weather just as on British thread.
 

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Posted by Cranmer's baggage* (# 4937) on :
 
Lothlorien, I feel similarly about summer. Yesterday was a perfect day - warm & sunny with just enough sea breeze to make being active pleasant. Today was over 40C, and very unpleasant. Mercifully the change has arrived - with a short sharp shower of fat rain.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
In this part of the land, it has been a very liveable day, with the max in the mid-20s, clear and sunny and not too strong a breeze. We ate dinner outside on the deck as the sun set (and the mozzie candles burned!) and are still there, listening to the surf below and finishing the last of the wine. Some beautiful fresh bream, caught this morning and simply grilled over charcoal with some steamed and buttered asparagus. A really good Tahbilk Marsanne, almost 6 years old now and probably a further 15 or more years ahead of it, all for less than $20 at a chain bottle shop. A good way to wind down after what was a difficult year for both of us.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Bream? Yum!

I was trying to have a quiet holiday time, but my neighbour has decided that the hedge she planted between us to keep out stray dogs (which apparently only come through my section, rather than coming up her drive) is insufficient and a proper fence needs to be built. Apparently couple of dogs visited her while she was gardening. From her description I'm not sure who was attacking who, but she has previously threatened to shoot any trespassing dog (I don't think she actually has a gun as she attacked these two with gardening implements). She is genuinely afraid of being attacked by dogs, so however ill founded I think that fear is, I am taking it seriously.

In addition there is water coming either from her section or my water main that I need to call a plumber to investigate. I hope it is my water main as it would be simpler to deal with as we only communicate through letters in the letterbox because she never answers the front door and regards entering my property, even to discuss the fence with me as trespassing.

Huia
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia, at least she's not hostile – right?
Takes a moment to give thanks for my lovely neighbours, who help in all sorts of ways.
Maybe I've become the street's kuia (respected female elder).


GG
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
TP has decided Ikea is the modern equivalent of Dante's vision of hell. Trapped in a windowless circular world of homewares with shopping-frenzied demons wielding outsized trolleys threatening from every direction. Unable to find his way through the maze to toilets or coffee when he most needed them, I could hear him muttering "We're doomed, we're all doomed." Last time he said that was when Rudd was elected.

Sigh. Next time I shall leave him in a bookstore.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I'm with TP on the opinion of Ikea. Last I visited was just before I moved in here almost five years ago.

However one son has inherited his father's genes on this. He has been there several times recently as he and fiancee rearrange her girl's room so his two girls can stay there every second weekend.

The best fish I ever ate was super fresh. While camping on south coast a very long time ago we were given some fish to cook for breakfast by people in a tent near ours. It had been out of the water perhaps thirty minutes. It beat cereal and toast hands down.
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Maybe I've become the street's kuia (respected female elder).

---

Maybe? Sounds highly likely to me.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I know you're probably all going to want to jump on me from a great height for saying this, but we'd give our eye-teeth to have an IKEA within hailing-distance; our nearest one is about 1500 miles away in Montreal. However much the actual shops and the silly names they give their furniture annoy you, their stuff really is rather good (and absurdly cheap).


 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Hey Piglet - you don't have to convince me - or my daughters. I like their company and its ethos a lot. If you want basic storage stuff all in one place with a thousand different design options for maximising small space it is ideal. And probably the best quality flatpack furniture I've seen. Ikea has a good range of classic farmhouse style as well, so I will definitely be going back.

TP, however, needs to be left safely back in the eighteenth century where he belongs. Hopefully now he will leave me to just get on with it!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I use the bits and pieces I bought, but hate shopping there.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG, she has been hostile, threatening to kidnap my cats and throwing dirt through the (broken) fence when she was smoothing out a lawn, but since I wrote saying that I was sorry she had been scared by the dogs, she has become much more friendly. Also the friend who is building the fence is meeting her more than halfway by cutting down and removing the hedge she planted and can no longer look after. I'm glad that he has the tools and the skills to be able to do this as he's offering us 'mates' rates which makes it easier on the budget.

I think she has had a difficult life and I don't think she has much support. I live fairly quietly, but my life seems to be a gay social whirl compared with hers.

Kuia of the street - doesn't surprise me in the least.

Huia
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
There was a big crafts/NZ souvenir shop at Porirua (since moved), the sort where dozens of craftspeople each had a display, really good stuff. It had a small lounge in one corner where husbands could be parked – comfortable chairs, daily paper, I think there was a coffee/tea maker. Brilliant.
As for Ikea never having actually got lost or gone mad in one – only experienced one when daughter lived in Perth – novelists find it useful: characters walk into a house step into the lounge, see that it's been largely furnished in Ikea – so you know exactly what to expect.

GG
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Talk about a land of contrasts! Son is nearing the end of a holiday at Charlotte Pas, the highest resort in the Snowy mountains. Yesterday it was 38 at Thredbo, another resort and the children had a wonderful time in an icy creek. Tonight, the temperature at Charlotte Pass feels like -2 and will go lower. It is their last night and the children are hoping for snow. Unlikely, I think.

Still a bit over 20 here but nowhere near the 39 it reached.
A bit too high for Huia, I think.

Actually I just checked the forecast for there.. It says snow is probable over 1800 metres.

[ 14. January 2016, 11:27: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
The cold snap has made me feel rather seedy, but it has brought TP to life. He has spent the last two days pulling a mountain of ivy off the back wall of our house. Planted over 30 years ago as ground cover, it now rivals Gormanghast, encroaching over windows and guttering and providing a large insect habitat.

Piles of it now cover our courtyard, waiting to shrivel in the next hot spell. We will need to fix a lot of weatherboard bits and replace a window screen, but it is a relief to see it down. I loved the wall of greenery, but as the rest of the garden is now well established, there are plenty of other green walls in our yard.

We have, however, planted some of the ivy shoots along the back of my studio. Hopefully the vigorous greenery will cover the metal wall completely and provide some cool insulation eventually.

On the other hand, I may live to regret this decision too!
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Our whole section is so clean and tidy – being past keeping it that way I get our lawnmowing man to do a complete jjob once or twice a year.
The high board fence on our NW side was constructed from dunnage* maybe 46 years ago; some of the rotted boards have been replaced but to replace the whole fence, even paying a half share, could be more than my resources could handle, given that the smaller fence on the other side has some rotten boards too.
However, 6-8 metres of the big fence is covered with a kind of rampant broad-leaved ivy, which gets severely trimmed each year. The fence supports the ivy and the ivy holds the fence up. No worries there.

*free from the shipping company that the Grandad worked for.

GG
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
TP has decided Ikea is the modern equivalent of Dante's vision of hell. Trapped in a windowless circular world of homewares with shopping-frenzied demons wielding outsized trolleys threatening from every direction. Unable to find his way through the maze to toilets or coffee when he most needed them

---

FD and I started supplementing our household of old bits of family furniture and second hand shop bits and pieces with Ikea stuff when we were still living in UK. It took several visits to realise that the reason why I always ended up arguing with him about half way through was because I was (a) hungry (b) thirsty and probably (c) needed the loo.

Having figured that out, we always now start our visit with an unwholesome big and cheap breakfast in the cafe, washed down with lots of coffee and all is well.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG - I pull out any ivy I see because it climbs up my brick house and its roots crumble the mortar. At some stage either someone here or next door planted it - I wish they hadn't, both the neighbour on that side and I struggle with it. I know what you mean about the cost of fencing though, if I didn't have a friend who could buy supplies at trade prices I'd be stuck, and the fence isn't very long.

The other cost will be the plumber coming on Monday to sort the water seepage. Pity my builder friend doesn't like working with water too. So far this year is proving quite expensive. I may have to send Georgie-Porgy out to work.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
A delightful evening was had with AdamPater and the Paterfamille ...
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Also be wary of Virginia Creeper - it gets into the mortar, then grows, expands, and bang goes a garden wall. Very hard to get rid of, so don't give it a home to start with.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
I've just recorded my shock on the National Radio website and on the thread about terms of clerical address, after hearing a reporter giving the views of 'an Anglican reverend' on standardising the date of Easter.
Now I can simmer down and finish my breakfast .

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I've over reached myself today. Plumbers at 8am, who sorted out the puddle (a join in my water main, probably by the people who put the driveway in as they hit the pipe at least once), men delivering the freezer at 11, the vet in the afternoon for vaccinations, but Georgie-Porgy seems a bit off colour as well and has lost weight. She was really agitated and we were both looking forward to some quiet when we got home...

Then the fence builder arrived to attack the trees on the boundary with a chainsaw. The bad timing wasn't his fault, but I was glad when he left. I think both G-P and I are a bit anti-social.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
I've just recorded my shock on the National Radio website and on the thread about terms of clerical address, after hearing a reporter giving the views of 'an Anglican reverend' on standardising the date of Easter.
Now I can simmer down and finish my breakfast .

GG

---

Our ABC's website recently referred to 'the reverend at All Saint's Anglican Church Woollahra' but I could not be bothered writing just to receive a standard reply.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Moving today, from remote Victoria to remote and higher Victoria.
Organised chaos.
See you on the other side.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
The funeral of a neighbour of my mother's today. She was 108, and sharp as a tack until the day she died. Her not very young grandson will be taking the funeral as he is a minister.

At that age one can guarantee there will be much family and not so much friends attending!
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Biggest is on tour with the First XI. Game 1 on Friday at was successful, game 2 washed out and rescheduled to the rest day. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the 3 visiting teams came down with food poisoning on Sat night/Sunday morning, filling the local hospitals with young men on drips. Play was due to resume yesterday, and we assume no (further) news is good news.

Apart from that, the holidays roll on quietly with home activities, movies and other outings. I'm splitting my time between work and tracking various friends' fabulous holidays on facebook. I'm trying to build anticipation for our long weekend at the beach.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Lots going on around the Antipodes. Prayers for those moving, in sickness, with food poisoning, and where quiet is needed; and prayers for those who have lost a loved one in BL's mother's friend.


I seem to have been struck with the demon of sleeplessness. For the past 4 nights I have either had no sleep or ~ 1 hour, in bits and pieces. No idea why; the anxiety/depression that usually causes me such sleeplessness is nowhere to be seen. I feel fine. Apart from being exhausted, and annoyed through the night as the clock moves on too slowly...

Will see if I can spend a little time at work this afternoon after the third doctor's appointment in as many days. I want to do something to keep my mind off it. And I am blessed to have a good and understanding manager.

[ 18. January 2016, 22:56: Message edited by: Ian Climacus ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
This may sound a bit daft, IC, but someone recommended to me years ago that you could combat occasional sleeplessness by having a bowl of cereal about half an hour before going to bed. I don't know why it worked, but it did.

I find milky hot chocolate isn't a bad idea either.

IANAD, etc. etc.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Thank you Piglet: certainly a suggestion I have not heard before. I do not have any cereal here currently: may go and get some. Though I may wait until it is slightly cooler than the ~40C it is currently!

[ 19. January 2016, 05:11: Message edited by: Ian Climacus ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
40°C??? No wonder you can't sleep!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Excerpt from the eulogy of a 108yr old:

"When she was 11, she went to Sydney town centre where she was to meet her mother at Mark Foy's department store after school. There were no cars back then. Just horse drawn buses, trams, a few trains and hansome cabs where the driver stood behind the carriage. News of the First World War ending caused such a crowd of partying people that she knew she would never find her mother. So she decided her mother would have to find her, and made her way to her Aunt's cafe a few streets away."


 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
"Made her way to her Aunt's café..." Sounds as if she was not only clever but sensible, even at that age. That would have been an interesting eulogy to hear. Husband's grandmother died at 98 and we used to think of all the changes and developments which she had lived through.

From about first class, I was allowed to travel on train by myself and was also allowed to local park with my brother and sister, by ourselves. I allowed my sons much the same freedom but am more wary with grandchildren. Not because I doubt them, but because I don't want to be on wrong side of their mothers who did not have same freedom as my sons.

I allow them to go to service station downstairs for milk or batteries or similar and have done so for several years. I watched from balcony at first but now allow the older two to take my keys to get back in front door. I send them to basementwith rubbish and to letterboxes to get my mail.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
40°C??? No wonder you can't sleep!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Of course he would only have been interstate had he set foot on the southern bank.

---

He said water was usually so cold he would warm up a bit on the Victorian bank before swimming back.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Such a good day today. My middle (and favourite) brother rang from America at 7am and we talked for an hour. We hadn't spoken for the best part of a year although he had tried to ring several times. (He doesn't have a phone so I couldn't ring him).

Other good things I've posted in the weight loss thread, but the phone call set the tone for the day

Huia
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Hurrah for wonderful days Huia!


Yes, the 40 was indeed a daytime temp: though it was still ~30C at 21:30 last night -- cooled down a bit after that. I did take a swim in the Murray the other day and can confirm the chilliness. It was refeshing though.

Colleagues from the Dubbo and Bathurst campuses are down for a team get-together: great to see them again. We'll go out for dinner tonight which will be nice.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
If you listen carefully, you may hear the sound of a bell echoing around the world. Miss M , my granddaughter, has officially just been declared in remission from the acute leukaemia diagnosed on New Year's Day, 2014. She looks so different, she was a very sick little girl for many months

She has rung the bell outside the wards to signal the remission. This means no more chemo,not even night time tablets every night. There will be monthly checks,

We are very grateful to all who prayed and who still pray. Shipmates and their friends, families and colleagues from all over the world have prayed for her. Thank you. We cannot say how much we appreciate every one of you.
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
That's very good news, Lothlorien
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Excellent news Loth &
 

---

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

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
That's very good news, Lothlorien
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Wonderful news, Lothlorien.

Tomorrow I'm up to Napier for the first time since Mum died, to see my aunties and the lovely ladies in Mum's retirement village who looked after me while I was cleaning out her house. We're taking a long weekend and staying in a motel on the Parade - I decided I couldn't face staying with anyone this time.

The best news is that my Aunty Margaret, who was in hospital very ill at the time Mum died, is back in her own home feeling much better. When I last saw her I thought I'd be coming up for her funeral, so I'm very happy that we'll be able to visit her.
 

---

Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on :
 
for Miss M
 

---

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :
 
That is fantastic news Lothlorien! Such a relief for all of you.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Fortunately we came back from the coast yesterday, and missed driving in the storms this afternoon. A very relaxing break away, Dlet, a mate and the mate's girlfriend came down at the weekend (she's a lovely girl, we've known her parents since we were at school) mostly good weather and missed much of the intense heat at home. A bit under a fortnight of holidays to go.

[ 21. January 2016, 09:25: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
You were fortunate not to drive in the storms, Gee D. Two trees came down on my niece's place near the Hawkesbury River. My sister checked for damage and then remembered the polo ponies. Fortunately they were safe. One tree is now what used to be called a widow maker. It has landed in another tree and split part of both.

[ 21. January 2016, 09:51: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Cranmer's baggage* (# 4937) on :
 
Lothlorien, that's wonderful news about Miss M.

I'm feeling rather overwhelmed. On Tuesday I heard from one of our active 80 year old parishioners that her even more active husband had fallen 3 metres off a ladder and been airlifted to the big trauma hospital in the big smoke. He's still in ICU. Today another gent of the same age, still plays tennis every week, does all the handyman stuff around the church, faithful worshipper and generally top bloke, came off a ladder and damaged his spine so seriously the doctors doubt if he will ever walk again. He's been airlifted to the same hospital, in the same ICU.

I'm trying to manage communication with the families and help the folk of the parish and the wider community deal with this, while wanting to scream "will you darling old gits get down off the *^£€+% ladders already!"

[ 21. January 2016, 10:41: Message edited by: Cranmer's baggage* ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Eighty-somethings + ladders = oh dear!

for a swift recovery for both gentlemen.

And for Lothlorien and Miss M!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Lothlorien, I read your news with tears -good ones - what a relief.

Arabella, today's forecast temperature for Napier is hot, so I hope it cools down a bit for the weekend.

Old blokes and ladders are a bad combination. Dad got stuck on the roof and my youngest brother had to go around and talk him down slowly. When I rather anxiously asked if he was going up again he grumped, "Can't, Kim took the ladder."

Which meant Kim had to come back and finish painting the roof. As he said, "No good deed ever goes unpunished".

Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, TP has been up ladders pulling down ivy, clearing gutters etc and I have begged him not to do it while there is no one else home. Apparently over the age of fifty, more falls off ladders happen for men than any other type of fall. Last year B1.1's other grandad fell off the top of a water tank while he was unblocking the inlet. Broken leg, ribs and punctured lung meant a long recovery period and an early retirement.

It is not easy for handymen to stop, or alter their habits I guess. I was pleasantly surprised when one elderly parishioner, after asking me to change a light bulb for her, said she had vowed never to stand on a chair again after her 70th birthday. I hope I will be that sensible when the time comes.

Loth: Best top of the page post ever! I am so very pleased for Miss M and family. May 2016 be a good year for her.
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Lothlorien: wonderful news! Thanks be to God.
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Great news Lothlorien!

We were in Sydney yesterday for The Greats at the Art Gallery. Got back to our car at Lindfield just as the storm clouds were gathering, and managed to head up the M1 just ahead of the worst weather.

Such stupid driving behaviour though! I sometimes think Central Coast residents are vaccinated with a keep right virus, and it was worse in the rain.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Absolutely marvellous news Lothlorien!

Like so many others around the world, we've been banging the gates of heaven with intentions for Miss M's name since the news - will be great time when I announce this latest on Sunday!

Joy all round!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you all. This is a major milestone indeed. She will still have having checkups even as an adult. When I think of what she looked like two years ago, it is hard to believe the difference and there were days when we doubted if she would see another day.

She is looking forward to being a junior bridesmaid at her dad's wedding in March. Gown is chosen.

I am more emotional this morning than yesterday as the import of the news sinks in.

[ 21. January 2016, 22:14: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Only just turned to page 3 and Lothlorien's lovely news.
So happy to hear of Miss M's new status. And yes, I shall still pray for further blessings for her.

GG
 

---

Posted by Marama (# 330) on :
 
Great news Lothlorien!
My daughter's sister-in-law (they're married to a pair of brothers) is a survivor of childhood leukemia at a time when the outcomes were considerably grimmer than now. She is now the mother of two, and healthy.
 

---

Posted by DangerousDeacon (# 10582) on :
 
Wonderful to have a good news day! For remission from cancer, from birthdays, for recovery from illness and for healing long weekends away in beautiful Napier - we thank you Good Lord!

 

---

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
Fantastic news, Lothlorien! Lovely to start 2016 on such a positive note.
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Napier was gorgeous - sunny, if a bit hot , we had a lovely place to stay, and we got round all the rellies and then some (we were ostensibly visiting my mother's generation, but everywhere we went we saw my cousins). We also went to open homes and talked with real estate agents, moving closer to our future (most surprisingly, Rosie was enthusiastic about living semi-rurally, something I would never have imagined!).

We were really lucky to have mistakenly booked a B&B room instead of a motel room. Lovely hosts, right on the beach, peaceful, and we were the only guests because the hosts decided they wanted a quiet weekend!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Australia Day here and for once I was really happy with the Australia Day Awards. That is apart from the ceremony coming outdoors from Canberra in a huge storm. Who could not have thought of an awning for the stage? A bouquet to Jeremy Fernandez from the ABC who handled things well as the presenter, dodging the drips and golf umbrellas.

I loved the two young men who have set up vans with washing machines and driers for homeless people to do washing for free. One of them mentioned that their main motivation was from a homeless man who said he had spoken to no one for many days. So the vans give an opportunity for a cuppa and a chat too. Just young kids really.

David Morrison was amazing in his short acceptance speech.

From the calibre of all finalists whose ideas and work were all shown, a decision in all categories must have been difficult.

Here's a link to the two young men and there are links there to other awards. They haven even expnded their services to those whose homes were damaged in cyclones.

[ 25. January 2016, 22:35: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Happy Australia to all. I've just been listening to Eric Bogle singing his song 'Shelter'. It really says a lot of what I feel about my country and is more meaningful to me than many jingoistic songs.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Slightly belated happy Australia Day from over on this side of the planet. Hope you all had a good day.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Happy Awstraya Day maties. I agree, the winner was worthy and Rosie Batty was a hard act to follow. Such a difference from many of the winners of yore who seemed to sink without trace after being chosen. The current crop are people with a national vision and the chops to do something about it.

Not sure about the Southern Horizon flag as the front runner for a republican Australia. I guess I could live with it - but does it look more like a tea towel than a flag? This is the question I always ask myself whenever flag options are floated! I can certainly see it as a beach towel. But it is a bit too gaudy for coffin draping, IMHO.

I spent today visiting the newest little Australians in my own immediate family and have seen six of the seven grandchildren today. Tired now...
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I shall jump in with Seven Little Australians then! Ethel Turner lived down the line at Killara, but I think her side of the street is now Lindfield.

I had hoped to stay at home for the rest of the week, but with what has come in shall need to go in (at least a bit) every day. Madame's safe until Monday.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
At least it will be a short week,Gee D.

One son returns to work tomorow. The place shut Christmas/New Year and he took holidays, two weeks in Charlotte Pass and then home. Tomorrow will be a shock.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Loth, those young guys sound amazing, and worthy recipients of such an honour.

Arabella, the B&B sounds interesting. I am considering going to a Progressive Spirituality conference in Napier in May, so something like that could be a good place to book. Is it central? I will have to check maps or email some of the locals as I haven't been in Napier for since I taught in Wairoa in 1979 ( now I'm feeling really old )

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Loth, those young guys sound amazing, and worthy recipients of such an honour.

Arabella, the B&B sounds interesting. I am considering going to a Progressive Spirituality conference in Napier in May, so something like that could be a good place to book. Is it central? I will have to check maps or email some of the locals as I haven't been in Napier for since I taught in Wairoa in 1979 ( now I'm feeling really old )

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Loth, those young guys sound amazing, and worthy recipients of such an honour.

Arabella, the B&B sounds interesting. I am considering going to a Progressive Spirituality conference in Napier in May, so something like that could be a good place to book. Is it central? I will have to check maps or email some of the locals as I haven't been in Napier for since I taught in Wairoa in 1979 ( now I'm feeling really old )

Huia

---

You could bunk in at the Deanery, you know.
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
My eldest niece is 11 today. Time flies...

Australia Day was spent floating down the Murray on a pool float from Kmart followed by a bbq at a colleague's place. Some people put quite a bit of effort into their floats... If only I had applied the same effort to sunscreen: my feet are rather red raw today. Thankfully I slopped it on liberally elsewhere.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
It sure does fly, Ian. I remember the old wiblogs when she was born. My eldest grandchild starts year 12 this year.

Sunburnt feet? Ouch.
 

---

Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
You okay Huia? That was not a fun wee shake. 4.1 they're saying and felt good a strong right here. Luckily nothing fell over here
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Macrina, I'm fine. I didn't even know it had happened until I got a text message from a friend and 4.1 is moderately strong. Possibly it was centred on the other side of town. I'm glad I put the crockpot in a safe place to bubble away, having lost one meal due to the shakes (it was still plugged in, so I didn't lose the crockpot itself).

Now I need to check for any plaster cracks.

Yesterday when I was in town I heard some noise from a construction site that I thought was the beginning of a quake and I felt jittery. It's a while since that has happened.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
At 4.1, you weren't really trying. Have another go at it. But glad to hear that you're ok. Was this a fresh quake or still an aftershock from the big one?

A couple of sort of half-days at work, catching up and getting ready for next week. Some of my solicitors kindly remembered me in the traditional way through January, always pleasant.
 

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Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
I'd rather not have another go if it's all the same thanks .

They reckon it's 'within the expected range of the aftershock sequence' so I guess there is our answer.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Sorry Macrina, I had overlooked that you also were in Christchurch. I imagine that half the problem is not knowing when the next one's going to strike.

Thanks for that advice about the aftershocks, I gather that they can go on and on for a decade or more.

[ 28. January 2016, 10:27: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Severe storm warning for these parts. Thunder is rolling at 10am and the temp is dropping. If there is accompanying hail I hope it is small. A friend had her kitchen ceiling fall in a few days ago because of the weight of ice on the roof. Freaky for mid-summer. Many pergolas in Southern Canberra are now shredded or shot with holes and I have just put the car under cover. The planned trip to the arboretum this avo might have to go on hold.
And enjoy the wine, Gee D, because the grape growers around here are just beginning to harvest. They will be lucky to escape any damage.
 

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Posted by Japes (# 5358) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ian Climacus:
My eldest niece is 11 today. Time flies...

---

I also remember the wiblogs when nieces came along. Time is flying far too fast!
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Around 11pm last night the lightning storm was making the ground shake so much I could feel it under my feet. Two hours later it hit the coast, where two of my daughters were in a beach house on a hill watching the horizontal lightning over the sea, while trying to keep all the doors and windows from blowing in.
Somewhere in between a small town got flattened. The pictures are freaky. Sandstone blocks concreted together were unable to withstand the "storm surge".

Enough already.
BL. Sighing for the lost long hot summer I spend all winter dreaming about.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
The Hunter seems pretty safe so far, but fingers crossed. As the Father has a standing order for several dozen each Lovedale and OP and OH (you can get the current releaase 2011) of that for under $30 a bottle which is an incredible bargain) that area looks safe. The vintners at the north end of Lake George must be contemplating a poor vintage though, and are probably looking at their insurance policies.

What was the small town so badly hit? Nothing on the SMH or ABC sites as far as I can see. Our place is safe, but then it's up a bit from the beach on the southern headland, so reasonably well protected.

We had our regular end-of-summer-break dinner last night and even with the early storm we managed to eat with the outside doors wide open, listening to the second or third round pouring down. At least Friday night's downpour had been a good warning and the menu was changed to have everything cooked indoors. Back to the new year in earnest tomorrow morning for us both.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well, the storm was the lead story on the ABC news last night and is on the front page of the ABC news website this morning - but maybe only in this area? This is the report of what happened at the hamlet of Forbes Creek.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Crikey, BL - that's frightful. for everyone affected.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
It looks very similar to what happened at Kurnell a few weeks ago. That was labelled a tornado.

No storms forecast for Sydney today but late showers. I do not call 11:00 am late.
 

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Posted by Cranmer's baggage* (# 4937) on :
 
We had flash flooding in these parts on Thursday last week. Some pretty crazy summer weather happening across this country!

I thought as I strolled along the main street of this little seaside town this afternoon how good it felt for things to be back to normal. We are grateful for the summer visitors (they make a huge contribution to our economy) but when the population increases three-fold as it does from Boxing Day to Australia Day, it does change the dynamic somewhat! Today, the sun is out, the sea is blue, the surf is good, and the shops are not crazy. Aaaahhhhhhhh......
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Thanks for the link BL, that really is horrifying. That sort of damage did not happen here even in the great storms of 1991 and 2001. Did not see the TV news and it was not on the website when I visited it.

I should have said that it is the Heavenly Father who has that standing Mt Pleasant wine order.
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Sunny and breezy up here today Gee D, so the threat of botrytis is unlikely. There hasn't been any doomsaying in the local media, in fact tending towards a high quality vintage has been the message thus far. I will be at a meeting with John Drayton Tuesday evening so will enquire.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Can you tell him that some of us have happy memories of vintages gone by.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
If you listen carefully, you may hear the sound of a bell echoing around the world. Miss M , my granddaughter, has officially just been declared in remission from the acute leukaemia diagnosed on New Year's Day, 2014. She looks so different, she was a very sick little girl for many months

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
... back to Pig Island ...

---

Now that sounds like one seriously cool place!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Sorry piglet - the name leads you astray - the place Zappa and Co were tramping is one of the most beautiful in the world. (Of course I'm not biased).

However an average yearly rainfall of 6,412mm (252 inches) and industrial sized sand flies (technically blackflies) may discourage the faint-hearted.

When I win Lotto I'm going to cruise Milford Sound (tramping is hard work).

Huia
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
We walked the Milford Track when the kids were young teens. It was a tremendous family occasion: we shared it as a family, but with several other families in the group, the kids could chum up while the parents spent time with other adults. Our daughter aged 14 made friends with twin girls from Oz, so back home she got a paper round and saved up to visit them later in the year. She never stopped travelling after that.
Zappa, at one of the lodges we were warned to keep toilet doors shut at night, but someone didn't, and in the morning we found the kea(s) had draped the whole area in white streamers.
Wish I could g again.

GG
 

---

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Gee D it seems the two vignerons on our committee were out among the vines getting the fruit in, as they were both apologies for the meeting. Weather is still favourable, so they would be hoping to get a fair bit done before the storms return.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Or trampling on the grapes perhaps?

Happy memories of Drayton's wines, although it seems quite a while since I last drank one. I must look them up.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Off to Akaroa and the Waitangi Day commemorations (which are tomorrow).

Today my sister-in-law is taking my eldest brother (not her husband, but she has power of Attorney) to the doctor as the start of an assessment process. His behaviour is deteriorating and he really isn't safe to continue in his living arrangements. As he is under 65, when elder health care provisions kick in this may not be as smooth as it would otherwise be.

G sounds increasing confused when I ring him, but it can be difficult for me to work out what's going on because he tends to mumble at such times and my hearing isn't the best.

I know that racing up to Wellington wouldn't help, but...

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia, I hope that the process has the best outcome for your brother and for the family. Tricky for under 65 – the oldies in our cuzzies' group are well looked after.


GG
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
for Huia and her brother. Finding the right level of care for someone in that situation isn't easy.
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
My s Huia.
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
And the Milford Track is on my list...

Sounds wonderful Zappa. As Lothlorien wrote a great way [in my mind] to celebrate a big birthday. I may steal the idea next year, which will be my big 40.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I just emptied letterbox and had a nasty shock. A bill from strata agent for replacing what they have said is a smoke alarm unit. $181.50.

It was just the battery in a hardwired unit which passed compulsory fire alarm inspection recently.

The guy took approximately rwo minutes to replace the battery. That makes a stupendous hourly rate

I have emailed strata manager and suggested there is some mistake. I haven't said I won't pay, but there is something wrong with bill.
 

---

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Several of those nasty threatening tax scam calls today. Strangely the number comes up on our display, so I was able to report all of the information to the complaints line. What I can't understand is how these calls have been going on for over 12 months and yet nobody has been caught and charged. We realised that these were hoax calls, but apparently many people have been hoodwinked into paying up. All very unpleasant and disturbing.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have a landline but never use it. It was installed when I moved here as a way around cheaper installation for computer, although I have forgotten details. I changed providers just after it was installed and really pay nothing for it.

I stick to mobile. If someone really wants me, they ring mobile, not landline. Occasionally if I am at computer, I will answer it. There have been several scammers who hang up when they realise they have rung someone who knows what she is talking about. Others are mostly charities which are allowed under the do not call register. I feel bad turning these down but have a system of charitable donations in place. I just say I already do that and that I don't give in response to requests over phone.

Still, Nigerian scam letters get responses. Incredible.
 

---

Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
I have a landline but never use it. It was installed when I moved here as a way around cheaper installation for computer, although I have forgotten details. I changed providers just after it was installed and really pay nothing for it.

I stick to mobile. If someone really wants me, they ring mobile, not landline. Occasionally if I am at computer, I will answer it. There have been several scammers who hang up when they realise they have rung someone who knows what she is talking about. Others are mostly charities which are allowed under the do not call register. I feel bad turning these down but have a system of charitable donations in place. I just say I already do that and that I don't give in response to requests over phone.

Still, Nigerian scam letters get responses. Incredible.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by DangerousDeacon:
An exhausting couple of days. We have declared our cathedral to be a place of sanctuary for asylum seekers. Whilst such gestures tend to be symbolic, there is a real possibility that it might become more than that, which is forcing me to consider the practical implications. Nothing like applied theology to keep one awake at night.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
Rowen it is lovely to read you are going from working one day a week to one day a month. Enjoy.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
Rowen it is lovely to read you are going from working one day a week to one day a month. Enjoy.

---

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by DangerousDeacon:
An exhausting couple of days. We have declared our cathedral to be a place of sanctuary for asylum seekers. Whilst such gestures tend to be symbolic, there is a real possibility that it might become more than that, which is forcing me to consider the practical implications. Nothing like applied theology to keep one awake at night.

---

There is a thread on "sanctuary" in Purgatory, for those who want to follow this up - including its theological, practical, and legal aspects.
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
So happy for you Rowen. Given you are not *too* far away from where I find myself currently, a visit may be in order. Esp. if I can escape the 35+ temps. I may stay here in winter though.


to DD and the cathedral, and all offering sanctuary. s for all the work that goes with it, and any challenges ahead.

The Anglicans are having pancakes in the rectory garden shortly. Even though Orthodox Lent is a month away, I feel I should show a spirit of ecumenism and partake of such things. I'll probably annoy them for Ash Wed too.

[ 09. February 2016, 05:24: Message edited by: Ian Climacus ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
My eldest grandchild passed his driving test first time around today. Now on P plates. In his last year of High School. He asked his dad to collect him from school this morning for a bit of practice. Then the test and back to school.

His mother would not find out till he arrived home from school. Independent teenager.
 

---

Posted by Bronwyn (# 52) on :
 
Just popping in. I've been away for a very long time. Just really want to get involved again.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Welcome back!

Yesterday B1 drove to Sydney with B1.1 & B1.2 to embark on a 10 day cruise. B1.2 was excited. B1.1 was as non communicative about it all as only a 15 yr old boy can be. Photo received last night of them standing in front of the ship on Sydney harbour with a very small B1.2 grinning from ear to ear and a very large B 1.1 looking unimpressed. I suspect it was because of the amount of his mother's luggage he had to lug.

This was B1's way of celebrating getting through a couple of tough years, so I hope they have a good time, and there are no gastro outbreaks! She will be celebrating her birthday on board.

Meanwhile our house is considerably quieter - though not for long. Tradies are arriving in 30 minutes to begin work on renovating our laundry. Had to do it while the washing machine is not needed every day....
 

---

Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
I think you're needed on the recipe thread in Heaven, BL. It was you with the amazingly simple fruit cake, wasn't it?
 

---

Posted by LeRoc (# 3216) on :
 
I am an amazingly simple fruit cake.


(Sorry.)
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Feeling fruit cakey myself, after being stung on the head yesterday. Small waspy thing has left me with a throbbing temple. Silly insect, to be buzzing about outside my studio during the hottest part of the afternoon.

I really didn't need any more headaches - it's quite enough trying to co-ordinate all the different bits of the renovations in full swing at Chez Banner while juggling other pressing family matters. B3 is struggling at present, so much talking time is needed.

But after a busy day, TP and I headed off to The Church with the Pond, to hear MM's choir doing Vaughan Williams mass for five voices on Ash Wednesday. It was one of the loveliest services we've been to, though we did get some interesting looks afterwards when, properly ashed, we went into the shopping precinct next door for dinner. Well done MM. Your soprano was superb.
 

---

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patdys:
Rowen it is lovely to read you are going from working one day a week to one day a month. Enjoy.

---

---

Sorry, meant to add.....
Life is tough, but someone needs to check out wineries, coffee shops, galleries and suchlike.
It may as well be me, don't you think?

---

Hey, I am now a part time supply handbag*. I am not complaining.
(And I am aware how hard you work).
And yes, you do deserve the beauty and joy in your job.

*the minister's accessory.
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Sympathy to BL regarding laundry renovations. We spent a good deal of the second half of last year without a washing machine. Fortunately for me and my bad knees, Mr WitG did nearly all carting of washing to laundromat and friends' houses. Is it possible to set up the washing machine outside?
We now have a washing machine back and will shortly have a terrific laundry cupboard around it.
Welcome back Bronwyn!
Rowen, good luck with your new venture. So you do not have a circuit, as a Catholic priest would have in a country area?
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
BL, in years gone by, the good burghers of Manuka would not have batted an eyelid about it. How sadly times have changed. We sang one of our regular congregational settings at St Sanity's with the usual hymns - "40 days and 40 nights", and "O Sacred head once wounded" with the choir singing slightly different lines, we the standard, etc.

I found your fruit cake recipe in Oblivion. You then thought that it was SR flour and jogged by that, so does Madame. In her second batch, she added the grated zest of an orange to the overnight marinading - a variation endorsed by quite a few. She made a couple of dozen mini-muffins from part of the second batch, cooking a bit less. That was very popular at the gathering to which she took them. Basically a coupe of bites each and easy to balance half on a saucer until ready to eat it.

[ 11. February 2016, 08:01: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, I tried it with gluten free flour from a market stall too - and that was a disaster. I suspect the "gluten free flour" was actually corn flour because it set like cement and made wonderful bricks. But the recipe was fine with SR flour and a splash of butterscotch schnapps in the ginger ale. I agree it makes very good small cakes.

Laundry and back room floor now tiled, wall behind washing machine to be tiled tomorrow. Plumber has just been (7pm at night) and will return on Sunday!!! Tradies are busy in Canberra, so they all tell us. Plenty of work about if you can lassoo the right ones in a row.

House is a happy mess and I am glad the grandchildren are not in situ for the next week. The smell of tile glue and accessibility issues mean TP and I are inhabiting the studio at the moment. Glad we have an alternative to camping in the courtyard!
 

---

Posted by Halo (# 6933) on :
 
Like Bronwyn, I also thought I'd pop in after a long time away. I like to come back every now and then and see who is still on board. Always good to see the antipodean crew again!
 

---

Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Hello and welcome back Bronywn!
[edit: and Halo!]

I should get to Canberra again... Fond memories of MM's choir. And BL's presence of course!

The Albury Anglicans had a beautiful Evensong service last night, with the trusty hymns Forty Days & Forty Nights & Jesus, lover of my soul, and the choir singing Lord Jesus, think on me to a tune developed in-house which was very moving -- among several other music pieces. A challenging homily too.

Following from Sunday's Evensong celebrating 25 years of their bell tower [after a fire devastated the church] and bell ringers it has been a rather musical week for unmusical me.

I am tiring of the 35C+ temps...though not as bad as people over in Perth. My mud hut at work has been retrofitted with A/C but it still gets warm down our end; the drop-toilets [yes, environmentally friendly!] are the coolest spot I've found so far, though you do not want to spend too much time there! Lovely surrounds though.

All the best for the continued renovations BL. And hope the headache from the sting is gone...

[ 11. February 2016, 08:24: Message edited by: Ian Climacus ]
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ian Climacus:

The Albury Anglicans had a beautiful Evensong service last night, with the trusty hymns Forty Days & Forty Nights & Jesus, lover of my soul,

---

I hope you sang the latter to Aberystwyth. Much as I love most of the wide range of modern hymns we sing, it grieves me to think I may never sing alto in that one again.

GG
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
You mean people sing it to something other than Aberystwyth? Hereticks!

I always think of the hymn Lord Jesus, think on me to the tune
Southwell. D. would sometimes play Britten's arrangement from Noye's Fludde in the last verse - very atmospheric!
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
When you were talking about Jesus lover of my Soul I was trying to imagine this song to Aberystwyth.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
No comments about that Evangeline. I had thought i had forgotten it, but no, I hadn't.

Grandson now in fifth class at a primary school on Central Coast had one of those bomb scares that have happened this year. Parents have not yet been told if it was yet another call from overseas or whether it was a copycat call from here. School was evacuated as obviously it had to be.

When I worked at Tax Office when Ex Mr L was off hurt, such calls were commonplace. Instructions were to keep person on phone talking as long as possible whole alerting someone near by a note. Call could be traced. Then everybody out to local park and a welcome cup of coffee.

[ 12. February 2016, 04:46: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Minutes after I posted about bomb threats at schools, I found this article in the SMH A French teenager is apparently being held in relation to threats made to schools worldwide.

[ 12. February 2016, 05:01: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
The Marama was a school teacher in England during the IRA bombings of the 1970s. Since there really were bombs on some such occasions, all bomb threats had to be taken seriously enough to evacuate the school until the police gave the all clear. Such threats always then came by telephone.

The teachers soon learnt that the question to ask when everyone was outside was "which class were supposed to have a maths test today?".
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I guess telephone technology re tracing calls will bave improved since then.

My first teaching post was at what was then a fairly rough high school on edge of Sydney.

Hoax calls were made often. Usually saying there was a fire in a gas pipe under school and someone had already been burnt. All emergency sevices were thus called out.

Strange to say. The calls all came from a public phone box. Not too many of those around these days.

If this call was one of the automated OS calls, i imagine few would have known it was a small school on the central coast. Of course, every service still was alerted. Just an automated call working through a list of schools.

[ 12. February 2016, 06:52: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Evangeline:
When you were talking about Jesus lover of my Soul I was trying to imagine this song to Aberystwyth.

---

Ugh!!

GG
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
We lived in Belfast from 1988 to 2003, and while the level of IRA/UVF/whatever bombing had subsided from its peak in the 70s, there were still occasions when we had to get out of Marks & Spencer pretty damn quick.

By that time, the police were usually able to decode which particular branch of (God-fearing)* terrorists were making the call, and act accordingly.

Most of the calls were hoaxes, intended to cause as much disruption as possible; if a call had been received saying there was a bomb in such-and-such a place, the first response was often to stop all the traffic coming into and out of Belfast, which would slow things to a crawl, making everyone late for work (or unable to get home).

* Definition of The Troubles: one set of God-fearing Christians knocking seven shades of sh*t out of another set of God-fearing Christians.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I note a high school in Goulburn was affected too, so rural areas are just as vulnerable. Welcome to being global citizens, I guess.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
The Primary school where I volunteer had a lockdown practice last year which I found more disturbing than any fire or earthquake drills. The kids and teachers coped well, though there was some fudging in the reception class as to the whys and wherefores.

Some of the children have PTSD due to the earthquakes which means changes in routine can be more distressing.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have suggested to son that he tells his son that those concerned appear to have been caught. He looks a typical boy, good at sport etc, but is intelligent and thinks a lot about things. We had a time last year where he swore at his mum, was defiant to his dad, poorly behaved at school. These may sound typical of boyhood at that age but not from him.

After some sessions with a counsellor, we discovered he was grievingm that his cat had been killed the previous year. Counsellor gave him some coping mechanisms which helped greatly. We know this time to keep an eye on him.
 

---

Posted by RainbowGirl (# 18543) on :
 
My school had lockdown practices frequently. Never had a bomb threat as far as I know, but they had all 1000 kids (aged 3-18) trained in what the different bell sounds meant. One for lockdown, one for evacuate off school property, one for evacuate to the ovals, a bell to let us know all clear and a final bell to let us know we could return to our classrooms.

Lockdowns were complete with hiding under the desks, drawing curtains/blinds and staying absolutely still and silent. They introduced them a few weeks after 9/11, and continued drilling us in them until I graduated. I assume the practice is continuing.

I still have no idea what purpose they were trying to serve, in a small country town that had never seen an earthquake, and the closest natural disaster was that one time ten years ago when the science lab flooded.

It saddens me that lockdown drills seem to have now become a necessity in the schools.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rainbow Girl I think it was because I realised how vulnerable all the kids would be. There are low, uncurtained windows in the front and back of each classroom and the best the planners could come up with was locking all the doors and the children hiding were they could or huddling together and keeping low.

I'm sketchy on the details but I found, quite by chance while playing on the net that an armed man has killed someone at a school in NZ. I think it was 70 or 80 over an extramarital affair.
 

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Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
Pardon my non Saintly language but that F**king B***rd earthquake can F**k right f**king off.

5.7 close to Christchurch and shallow. Right near the anniversary too.

Hope you're okay Huia...
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
IT was a nasty little bugger.

I was in the supermarket and all I could think of was I don't want to deal with the insurance company again

I think there has been some damage over at the Port, but I don't know how bad it is.

G-P and I are OK and all services are functioning _power, water and internet.


Huia
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Huia
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 

For all for whom this latest large earthquake brings back nothing but too many terrible memories and feelings!@

 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Oh, Huia and Macrina! That's a pretty solid shaking.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Prayers for Christchurch,continuing to be shaken.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Well, selfishly I am relieved nothing is damaged in my house that will need insurance involvement. I can't say the same for my brain - I have just spent 20 minutes looking for the kindle which I put in the cupboard when I was getting treats to lure Georgie out of hiding. I was convinced I had left it on the bus

My lovely young over-the-road neighbour knocked on the door to check I was OK - which I am, but a bit more shaken than I had thought I was. I am going to stretch out in the shade of a tree in the back garden with a cup of tea and my kindle. Tonight I will have a lavender bubble bath to relax. At least I have learned some good self care skills in the last few years.

Thanks for the support.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Very glad the insurance company does not need to be called, Huia. Good to see the NZ crew checking in, too.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
After I had written a reply about earth quake a few posts up, I thought of the platitudes thread. It was definitely not meant that way, but here is a second attempt.

Huia and Macrina and Christchurch citizens, I am so sorry you have this today and all the ongoing aftershocks.

[ 14. February 2016, 03:49: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Oh Huia and Macrina, NOT AGAIN!!!
I'm sure I could cope with one, but not with lots and lots.
Peace and comfort to you and all around you.

It's great to have lovely neighbours, too.

GG
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
for Huia, Macrina and the people of Christchurch - that really is the last thing you need.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
After posting I caught the six o'clock news – isn't it amazing that as soon as the quake starts people who have their cell phone in their hand start taking videos? So we get the cliff collapsing at Sumner in clouds of dust.
The seismological spokesperson says it's still an aftershock, (one of?) the biggest in four years. Not a new event.

With you all:

GG

[ 14. February 2016, 04:35: Message edited by: Galloping Granny ]
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 
I just learned about the quake, and my thoughts went to Shipmates. I am glad to hear things are (pretty much) OK. My thoughts are with you!
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Hope y'all are ok
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Prayers and thoughts for Huia and Macrina and the people of Christchurch. Glad you are OK but very stressful for you. Puts hailstorms in perspective. WitG
 

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Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 
I will stop popping on here only to complain of earthquakes sooner or later I promise. I do read the rest of the thread I am just a terrible cliche maker (don't worry Lothlorien I appreciate all good thoughts).
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Loth, I didn't feel your response was platitudinous, but the support of a friend, and much appreciated.

Apparently we had tremors through the night. I felt a few, then I was rocked to sleep. One thing I noticed when I woke up is that my balance is slightly affected - I had forgotten that happens, sort of like booze-free hangover. It's Ok, but it gives a slightly unreal feeling. I am going to be extra careful not to fall over today.

Yesterday at church we sang How Can I keep From Singing. I love that song. This morning I looked it up on You Tube and played some variations so I have it firmly fixed in my mind. Positive earworms remind me that there is so much more to life than the current annoyances.

A beautiful dawn and a hot day to follow.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you, Huia, as that is how it was intended to be received. I realised later that I was looking at it from a hostly point of view. We read every new post and it struck me then that it could have come from that thread. So, the second attempt.

Booze free hangover? I have one of those after an unfortunate run in with a gastric upset last night.

I could not even finish the champagne my son had bought. He is trying some out to see what he might like for the weding early March. Like many of us, he has champagne tastes but beer budget. Were money no object, there are several. I liked the one he had but can't remember the brand. Then I could not have any more, or finish my meal.

Edited: a bad day when I make mistakes in spelling the name of a friend.

[ 14. February 2016, 21:28: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I now have an image in my mind of NZ as the deck of a ship rolling on the high seas with its inhabitants attempting to stay upright on it each day. Sea legs needed from time to time, I guess. Yes, please be careful Huia, until your inner plumb line settles. And I sincerely hope that's it for a while, as far as tremors go.

I read somewhere that menopause can cause a shift in balance for some people, and is a time to be more careful too. Not something I was expecting, but it has been true for me. I try to be much more sedate in the way I move about these days!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I'm a bit vague on how they use the pattern of past aftershocks to predict future possibilities, but a seismologist was on the radio saying we have a 63% chance of having an aftershock between magnitude 5 and 5.9, an 8% (unlikely)mag 6 and 6.9 and 1% of one over mag 7 in the next year.

I must collect emergency water and batteries again as some people lost power. At least I always have a week's supply of my essential medication. Tomorrow I'll restock the food cupboard.

Tonnes of rocks have fallen off the Port Hills and it is very lucky that this occurred on a Sunday when the workers trying to stabilise the area have a day off.

One thing positive for me that has come out of this is the support between people. I had a group of teenagers approach me outside the supermarket to check I was ok, the woman who lives at the corner came out of her house -because she obviously needed to talk (she lives alone) and a NZ website I visit had lots of messages from all over the country. Although there was little damage to buildings* (unsafe ones have already fallen down or been demolished) I think the psychological damage, especially to those who have been fighting insurance battles is and will continue to be a problem.

Between Sept 2010 and Feb 2011 we had frequent a/shocks - they were horrible, but not unexpected. I think that because we haven't had one this large for a long time we forgot it was a possibility. We need a balance between recognising the possibilities and not being paralysed with fear by them.

*apart from my local library, which is closed due to damaged light fittings

Huia

[ 15. February 2016, 03:50: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
I'm glad you're OK, Huia and Macrina.

I was emailing another friend from Christchurch today, and she was bewailing the fact that she'd only really got her children back to an even keel recently after the earlier earthquakes. This latest one has set her 8-year-old daughter back several steps.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Yes, and with all this going on the Ministry of Health, showing all the insight of blind tapeworms, is cutting funding for mental health in Canterbury.

I am close to being incandescent with rage, especially for the children.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Whoops, wrong Ministry It's the Ministry of Social Development - which to Kiwis shouldn't be a surprise.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
I couldn't believe it when I read about it. It just seemed so at odds with what's required in Canterbury.

My colleagues in Christchurch haven't seen a drop off in acuity since 2010, nor has there been a drop in total numbers. Its been hard work for child and adolescent mental health professionals, all of whom are dealing with their own recovery as well.

Quite literally, crazy thinking. But about what I'd expect from the current political situation.
 

---

Posted by Halo (# 6933) on :
 
Glad you Chch folks are all okay!! We didn't feel the earth move this far up the country fortunately, as we were visiting a low lying area near a dam and it would have been quite a run up the hill carrying the kids if it had come to that! I don't go fast at the best of times and out running a busted dam on my own would have been quite a challenge, albeit a highly motivated one.
Fortunately we don't get shaken up here that I have felt. Can only imagine what it must be like living through all these aftershocks, especially one of that strength.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Halo, thanks for your support.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
I couldn't believe it when I read about it. It just seemed so at odds with what's required in Canterbury.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

Grandson now in fifth class at a primary school on Central Coast had one of those bomb scares that have happened this year. Parents have not yet been told if it was yet another call from overseas or whether it was a copycat call from here. School was evacuated as obviously it had to be.

When I worked at Tax Office when Ex Mr L was off hurt, such calls were commonplace. Instructions were to keep person on phone talking as long as possible whole alerting someone near by a note. Call could be traced. Then everybody out to local park and a welcome cup of coffee.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bronwyn:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

Grandson now in fifth class at a primary school on Central Coast had one of those bomb scares that have happened this year. Parents have not yet been told if it was yet another call from overseas or whether it was a copycat call from here. School was evacuated as obviously it had to be.

When I worked at Tax Office when Ex Mr L was off hurt, such calls were commonplace. Instructions were to keep person on phone talking as long as possible whole alerting someone near by a note. Call could be traced. Then everybody out to local park and a welcome cup of coffee.

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Hmm my daughters school as per department requirements have to practice lock downs fire drills etc. although it's a main stream school many children have additional needs some funded like my daughter others not. It's an accepting school. Not just the nearest school. She told me about the fire drill and lock down with some anxiety(this is part of her condition). I explained it's not only for baddies coming into the school but other reasons(have heard of animials causing this response to keep kids safe inside). Made up a story about an escaped elephant from the nearby circus entering school grounds. Certainly distracted her...she repeated it to friends a teacher and another mum. The only difference was she said it was my school and real. Made everyone laugh.
Said also everyone has to practice teachers and kids so they can keep everyone safe. All you need to do is listen to your teacher carefully and do what they say.

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Also glad Christchurch peeps ok. It's very tough.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Very glad you are okay, Huia & Macrina.



 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Today I had to explain post traumatic stress to a teacher at school. She had heard some jerk from another city saying on the radio that Christchurch people should be used to quakes by now, after all there have been so many

She was feeling a bit ashamed of her reactions on Sunday (and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and tonight x2). I do realise it's difficult for people in other places to understand (and after all, the cricket commentary was interrupted for the news ), but I want to say to those people that they may be sick of hearing about it, but living through it is no picnic either.

If the earthquakes were a person I'd kick them in the shins - hard!

Huia - ex-pacifist
 

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Posted by ThunderBunk (# 15579) on :
 
Huia, I'd have expected you to aim about 2'6" higher (assuming the quakes to be male, of course)

[ 19. February 2016, 07:22: Message edited by: ThunderBunk ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by ThunderBunk:
Huia, I'd have expected you to aim about 2'6" higher (assuming the quakes to be male, of course)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Huia:
... some jerk from another city saying on the radio that Christchurch people should be used to quakes by now ...

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Just because you're used to them doesn't make them any the less frightening, dangerous or trauma-inducing. You're right - what a jerk.

Are things settling down a bit now?
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Tired, very tired. Laundry is finished - and I am enjoying having utility cupboards for the first time since we got hitched a very long time ago. Spent this morning putting together a fairly substantial garden pergola.

I have now put together 10 flatpack things in 5 days. I don't wish to see another one for at least a year. I know it can give a sense of satisfaction when finally built, but it's a bit like painting with numbers. Reasonable outcome, minimal skill required.

And I am completely over going to Ikea. There is a limit to how many times a human can patiently queue in one day. I think I have already exceeded my quota for 2016!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Well done. My laundry here is in my bathroom. I can understand your feelings about Ikea. Two sons feel the same way, the other one collected his father's genes on that topic and has been several times since Christmas. To give him his due, he and fiancée have been adapting place for his girls who come every second weekend.

[ 20. February 2016, 01:16: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
We have six dining chairs that were bought in various branches of Ikea in the UK over a period of a couple of years, and by the time D. assembled the last one he could put it together in about half an hour.

Being a Brit, I have a genetically-programmed capacity for patient queuing, so Ikea doesn't bother me at all; my only gripe is that our nearest branch is about 1500 miles away.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
There's not been a lot of news in Oz about the cyclone in Fiji but it seems to have been severe. I seem to recall some of our number were or are residing there, hope you're safe. I hear there is pretty much no power throughout the country, so doubt you'll be checking in.
 

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Posted by Marama (# 330) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Evangeline:
There's not been a lot of news in Oz about the cyclone in Fiji but it seems to have been severe. I seem to recall some of our number were or are residing there, hope you're safe. I hear there is pretty much no power throughout the country, so doubt you'll be checking in.

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AS far as I know there are no shipmates currently residing in Fiji. Tukai and I were there until last year, and still have many friends there. From the Facebook threads we are receiving - some mobile phone contact must still be possible - most of the country is affected, power and water mostly down, buildings damaged, but so far few deaths reported, thankfully. The severity of the situation can be judged by the fact that the Methodist church cancelled all services today, and had previously advised people to get prepared for the cyclone, get somewhere safe, and pray - in that order.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I found this article tonight , suggesting reconnaissance by plane would be necessary to assess damage. 12 metre high waves and strong winds have damaged communications and infrastructure. I saw pictures tonight of planes in hangars. Hangars were ripped apart and planes damaged.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Thanks for the updates
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I'm avoiding the news at the moment because of the earthquake anniversary, but I believe NZ sent an Orion yesterday with emergency supplies. It will also be also used to fly over and assess damage.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Forget about funnel web spiders and snakebite and blue ringed octopus and other such things down under. It is Bunya pine nut season.

Here is a video of the nuts. Lanyon an historic house on the Murrumbidgee River just out of Canberra has beautiful grounds. However there are many of these trees and lots of warnings of the danger of the nuts falling.

I have tasted these, not unpleasant, and also seen flour made from the dried seeds.

[ 27. February 2016, 00:40: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Marama (# 330) on :
 
Update on the Fiji Cyclone Winston:

The death toll has now risen to 42. Yesterday I learned that five of these were relatives of a friend and ex-colleague, killed on Koro Island, which was at the centre of the storm and virtually flattened. Tara and her family

I had been concerned for my ex-students many of whom who are now teachers in rural high schools. Such schools often have some boarders, serve as the local evacuation centres, (and the teachers' houses are often old and not very well built). Few have been able to check in on Facebook (no power, and many other demands on their time) One however has posted to say he had been busy evacuating the entire student body to Suva after the school was flattened. Everyone lost all their possessions - but no casualties

And from a colleague still in Suva: Busy skimming off the weevils from my boiling pasta by candlelight. but at least there's gas to cook with.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Much damage,as in Vanuatu.


 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 

 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Most Southern Queensland beaches are closed today because of the unsafe conditions generated by the tail end of Cyclone Winston. One surfer is missing. I was rather alarmed yesterday when the weatherzone site said there was a possibility of Winston reforming, but I note that the latest forecast is for it to weaken to a rain depression over the next 72 hours.

Having lived through 5 big cyclones in her 98 years, my mother is quite happy not to be living in Queensland right now.

The devastation in Fiji is really only just coming to light. It will take them years to rebuild. However some specially designed homes *survived okay. I hope someone important gets behind the building of more like this for the needy.

Sorry for broken link it went to ABC news site. Have tried fussing with iPad and it won't accept even a Tiny URL correction. Will try again when I am at bigger computer.

[ 27. February 2016, 22:15: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Sorry Loth, that link seems to be playing up.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Sorry, BL. I will check it. It worked when I previewed the post.

I have spent quite a while trying to fix this. Will work on it again later on computer.

Hopefully this works for all. I have previewed it on computer and all seems well. Village survives cyclone.

cyclone housing Link to ABC news site

[ 28. February 2016, 00:31: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I had seen that on the ABC's site. If the particular design worked (and why can be explained), perhaps it should be replicated in other villages.

We have always thought of Fiji as rather an anomaly - no money and poverty in that sense, but in contrast to other countries where poverty rules, there seems enough money so that people are well fed and clothed. There a very, very few beggars to be seen, and while some of the clothing is pretty basic it is suitable for the climate. The same with the housing. Nothing elaborate and likely to be blown down in the next cyclone, but again suitable for the climate and reasonably easy to replace when it is damaged.

That may not be the situation this time and we may have been far too romantic in our assessment of the position there in good times. In any event, medical aid is needed badly, as is food.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Medical aid is also in train for Rowen who has arrived in town for knee surgery. We seem to be making a habit of picnicking in her motel rooms.

She seems remarkably cheerful for one who has had to drive over hill and dale, and through fire, flood and snow while in pain to get seen to at a proper hospital.

She really has earned her snow-country mountain woman stripes.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Please pass my best wishes and prayer for recovery to her.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Thank you.
It was fun to eat lunch with Banner Lady.

Driving into Canberra yesterday..... A different world from my remote home!
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Prayers ascending, Rowen - hope it all goes well.
 

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Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
prayers and good wishes for the surgery, Rowan
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Another nasty little twitch – thinking of Huia and Macrina. Or maybe it didn't wake you? (Yeah, right).



GG
 

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Posted by Macrina (# 8807) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Another nasty little twitch – thinking of Huia and Macrina. Or maybe it didn't wake you? (Yeah, right).



GG

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I wish my poor flatmate is really unnerved and knocked on my door last night to talk after it. I got her PRN Milo today.

This thread has reminded me I need to donate to Fiji! That sounds like a nasty bit of weather up there.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Prayers and best wishes, Rowen.

And prayers and best wishes also for our shaken friends across the Tasman.

And s for all in Fiji. I too read that housing story.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Although it was smaller than the Valentine's Day one, I think those early morning wake up ones are horrible and that one seemed to have a long tail where you're not sure whether it's actually stopped or not. Unfortunately Radio NZ failed to have Vicky McKay on duty as the Continuity announcer - she was brilliant during the first September 4th quake.

Besides listening to the radio my other strategy is to have a recorded book on hand as it's like having a bedtime story to lull me back to sleep.

The day got worse after that as I lost my kindle in the mall or at the bus stop I was feeling both angry with and sorry for myself when I bumped into one of the children from school whose infectious enthusiasm totally broke my mood.

Tomorrow is my Nordic Walking class which released so many endorphins last time I thought I might become addicted.

Huia
 

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Posted by Marama (# 330) on :
 
Oh Huia, that's dreadful - both the loss of the Kindle and another earthquake.

On Fiji housing: Yes Peter Drysdale's houses at Koroipita, and the Habitat for Humanity design (superficially similar - not sure about the technical details) both seem to have stood up to the cyclone very well. As I understand it the key is the use of screws not nails to join pieces of wood, and plenty of cyclone strapping to attach the roof (and a few other, fairly cheap, techniques).

What will happen now is that people in villages and squatter settlements will collect up as much building material as they can from the wreckage and rebuild their houses. Which is fine - but much better if they can be persuaded and funded to use the more secure fastenings etc. It is clear that big improvements in durability can be made quite cheaply, but even so I'm not sure about the financial and technical support govt and aid organisations can give, especially in a tight time frame.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I had no idea New Zealanders were this innovative. First the cardboard cathedral, and now the licensing of this celebrant.

Funny, I always thought of you guys as rather conservative in your outlook. Clearly not!
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
What an ironic co-incidence ! The film Spotlight, about child sex abuse by RC priests in Boston and the cover-up thereof won the Oscar for best picture on the same day that Cardinal Pell began his 4 days of testimony to the Australian Royal Commission on child sex abuse.

On All Saints, it may be appropriate that we pray for the victims of these long-ago sins, and for the avoidance of such practices in the future. For those who might like to make more robust comment on these issues, including about the Cardinal's "I knew nuttink" testimony, I have opened a thread in Hell.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Thanks Tukai -
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Funny, I always thought of you guys as rather conservative in your outlook. Clearly not!

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I'm not sure how you gained that impression.

First country in the world where women won the right to vote, women Priests in the Anglican church before much of the rest of the Anglican Communion, amongst the first countries to ordain women, (the Methodists and Presbytarians beat the Anglicans IIRC) equal marriage laws... If mymemory was better and this wasn't in All Saints I could probably dredge up more examples. I could probably bore you all rigid on the topic

We are a bit wacky too, which is trait I prize


After complaining loudly about the Government's lack of support for mental health in Canterbury, I've just seen a news item that they will increase the funding following the Valentine's Day aftershock. I really hope some of this is directed at children. The behaviour of the new entrants to school has definitely been affected, and more teenagers are showing signs of post-traumatic stress. The burnout of Mental Health workers has also increased greatly.

Huia
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Huia:
... We are a bit wacky too, which is trait I prize ...

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Quite right too; wackiness is much under-rated.
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
It is with much joy that the end of the cricket season can be announced - Middle's with a whimper, as they were forfeited to today in the (rather pointless) playoff between 10th and 11th in local club comp.

Biggest, on the other hand, has taken 5/11 and 2/9 in the last 2 games, and with one other result falling their way, the school has ended up winning the competition. There was much rejoicing.

And yes, there were soccer trial games today....

mr curly
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Rowen has returned to the south (well, souther than here) after an unfortunate deferral to her knee surgery. I am amazed that though she cannot walk, she can drive herself such long distances (5 hours). I hope it is all sorted out soon - but it looks like the good folks of Swift's Creek will have to do without her for a bit longer while she yoyos up and down the ranges with a bung knee.
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
A Canberra shipmeet might be in order when Rowen hits town again. Depending of course on how she might feel about it.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Indeed! We can sort out details later on!

My thanks to Banner Lady, who was kindness itself.
Presently, holed up in the pretty seaside town of Mallacoota, Victoria, with friend, high on massive amounts of antibiotics. But I will go home by Sunday, and do church and things like that. Back in Canberra by the 18th
And I can walk, but it hurst and I am slow.

[ 07. March 2016, 05:16: Message edited by: Rowen ]
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I can think of few more restful places to be than Mallacoota. Peace and quiet, and prayers for a steady recovery.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Take care, Rowen.
 

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Posted by Ian Climacus (# 944) on :
 
Rowen.

I dropped by Mallacoota on a driving holiday in January; a lovely spot. Rest well.
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Rowen

Those who have watched as Middle has grown up may choke on your evening glass of wine at the news that he is now a learner driver.

With me having pronounced the cricket season "over", Biggest was called up to play for the representative CAS team in the NSW Schoolboys Carnival to cover an injury. He managed 4-33 today with the ball, with no complaints about missing another 2 days of school.

After spending 105 minutes operating a clutch in the monumental Sydney traffic snarl this morning, I need a massage.

mr curly
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Mr Curly, eldest grandson is now a licensed driver, as of three weeks ago. First go and in a manual. I was behind him at Christmas and was impressed by his steadiness. He went for the test having arranged it by himself and asked his dad to take him. Apparently the first thing he wanted was to arrange to take me to his dad's wedding this Saturday. Then he let his mother know about getting license when he came home from school. I feel honoured he wanted to take me. Midday at church and then afterwards at Lachlans at Old Government House. Honeymoon is a month in France in April.

That was an appalling mess on bridge this morning. I was not impressed thst 99% of reporting was about accident and nothing about the motor cyclist. News tonight showed his boots and gloves on road.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Curly:
... 105 minutes operating a clutch in the monumental Sydney traffic snarl ...

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Automatic transmission is a wonderful thing.

Like most Brits, I passed my test in a manual, but my Better Half had an automatic (and has almost exclusively since), so I did some of my learning in that as well, and decided that it was much better.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
We drove manuals until well into our sixties (I think!) – feeling that we wanted the control of choosing gears after decades of experience. In the end we were persuaded that older drivers benefited from the less stressful experience of driving an automatic.

This led to a hitch when we rented a car and a manual seemed a good choice. The Grandad started it up and complained that he couldn't get it into gear – he'd forgotten he had to use the clutch.

When our children got their licenses we felt totally safe being driven by either of them from the word go. Both are great drivers.

GG
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I feel safe with A. I drove home from local pizzeria many months ago with him. Down a busy suburban side street, right turn into my street, round the underpass at end of my building. This is two way but many hoon around it and take corner from middle of the road. Then parking in a fairly narrow spot. I found out later this was his first time on any public road.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Strange event #5783.

My brother has morning coffee everyday at coffee shop near station. The talk this morning is of a woman who arrived in a battered hatchback from which she took a goat. Said goat is now tethered in council carpark, hopefully with some water.

A local identity had a pet goat which went everywwhere with him. That goat died recently so perhaps this is a replacement? Or a political stunt? Or an allegory?

Guess I will hear more later.

This is in North Shore car park, not some place out in the sticks.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Thanks for your support, dear people. Operation next week.

Anyway, the work four wheel is an automatic. Police advised us so, what with the mountain roads, mostly dirt, winding, in snow...
There is a saying out here. "Drive a manual- change gears every time you breathe"
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
... The Grandad started it up and complained that he couldn't get it into gear – he'd forgotten he had to use the clutch ...

---

My late father-in-law had the opposite problem. Back in the early 80s when D. was teaching, he acquired a little chamber-organ (it's about 5' high by 3' wide and a foot deep) and had to transport it from the south of England to Orkney. His car (his first automatic) wasn't big enough so he and his father swapped cars until the end of the next school term. There's a notorious stretch of road about an hour from the north coast called the Berriedale Braes, with lots of steep inclines, treacherous drops and hairpin bends. On one of the bends my father-in-law forgot that he was in an automatic and when he went for the clutch he got the extra-wide brake pedal instead.

D. said there were still visible skid-marks on the road for months afterwards ...
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
I recently had a guest from Canada staying for a couple of nights. As I drove her along narrow suburban streets that snake around the hills, with cars parked sometimes on both sides, she couldn't stop exclaiming at my exceptional driving skill. If you live here, it's just normal. But I've seen experienced drivers from, say, Christchurch or Hastings, in a state of real terror.

An older colleague when I was teaching in Napier in the fifties reported having driven to Auckland in her Morris Minor. To cross the city, she hired a taxi. As they chatted she admitted she didn't have the nerve to drive in the city traffic. But the taxi driver confessed he wouldn't drive over the Napier-Taupo Road (which some people are still a bit wary of sixty years later).

Not much later I drove the Skippers Road but I wouldn't do it now. Crown Range is doesn't deserve its fearsome reputation though.

GG
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Napier has its exciting streets, particularly on the Hill. When I sat my drivers license, in 1980, the traffic officer hadn't checked the route beforehand. He first took me into very complicated roadworks, then to get away from them, down a street that rivals anything in Wellington for narrowness. Where, lo and behold, a large moving van was stuck in a hairpin bend. I got to show off my backing skills for around 200 metres. At this point, the officer was so freaked out, he apologised, told me I'd passed, and we went back to the station.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
When I went for my test, I was driving a Renault R4. Gear box is right behind radiator and lever comes straight through over engine for several feet. Then though dashboard and a rightangle bend up.

Pokice sergeant had never seen anything like it and told me if I could drive that, I could drive anything. Reluctantly he asked me to drive around the block. Teo minutes later I had my luttle piece of paper.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
If we're getting our licences...

I was several years into teaching when one of the senior girls (Napier again) offered me a ride into town and remarked 'I suppose you drive, Miss G?' So when I went home for the holidays I asked Dad to teach me. For the next year, each time I came home he had me drive slowly round the block, changing gears, up and down. In the end, teaching in a country town, I got the local driving teacher to take me on. It was such a flat area that the only place to learn a hill start was where a road went up over the railway embankment. So when the time came for the local policeman to test me, we drove round a block or two, and then he said 'Well, if Laurie D says you're good enough, I'll pass you.'

How very different from today's palaver.

Hard to believe I could once double-declutch quite smoothly, thus greatly impressing a young student I was taking home from a school event.

GG
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
When we first bought the jeep in 1998 Himself had a licence but had never really driven so I had to sort of re-teach him and, with The Big City resembling a pancake in its flatness, we had to find a bridge for the hill start bit - it is not part of the test here but we were going drive across the mountains so thought it was a good idea.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
If we're getting our licences...

I was several years into teaching when one of the senior girls (Napier again) offered me a ride into town and remarked 'I suppose you drive, Miss G?' So when I went home for the holidays I asked Dad to teach me. For the next year, each time I came home he had me drive slowly round the block, changing gears, up and down. In the end, teaching in a country town, I got the local driving teacher to take me on. It was such a flat area that the only place to learn a hill start was where a road went up over the railway embankment. So when the time came for the local policeman to test me, we drove round a block or two, and then he said 'Well, if Laurie D says you're good enough, I'll pass you.'

How very different from today's palaver.

Hard to believe I could once double-declutch quite smoothly, thus greatly impressing a young student I was taking home from a school event.

GG

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quote:

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Originally posted by Evangeline:
My Dad says when he got his licence if you could drive around the block without hitting anything, you'd pass. Although he did have to do a reverse park, the Policeman looked out the window and said "That's as close as bugger is to swearing" and gave him his licence.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lothlorien:
The day has finally arrived for Miss M's dad's wedding ...

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Hope you all have/have had a wonderful day.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Yes indeed, have a great day.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I was very nervous beforehand but the ex Mr L was quiet.

It was a good day but I left home just before 10:00 a d arrived back after 6:00. Hot is not the word. Stinking hot as Mum would have said and very humid as well. No rain.

Everyone is very happy for them, not just wedding good wishes but deep genuine happiness. The service was fine and the reception at old government house was good.

My side of the family had upsetting news halfway through the meal and my sister had to leave. Her daughter had a home polo game at Richmond this morning and was then to come on to reception.

She went over her polo pony's head. No bones broken but she is thoroughly shaken up and is in Nepean Hospital.

One of her top front teeth went through her bottom lip and is now broken off and is embedded in her chin. She will be having plastic surgery in a day or so.

[ 12. March 2016, 07:21: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Glad everything went well for your son, Lothlorien and may it continue to do so. Prayers for your niece, sounds very unpleasant.
WitG
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Crikey, Loth, that sounds v. nasty for your niece.

Glad to hear the wedding went well though.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Ouch. The pony accident sounds nasty - especially coming so soon after the recent death of the 17 yr old at a horse event. It must have shaken everyone up.

Drama here last night too when a massive gum tree broke in half and almost took out my new studio (with me in it). The council assessment team is on its way, but it looks like we got off lightly. 30 centimetres more to the right and we might have lost more than a washing line, a fence and some roof guttering. TP is rubbing his hands at the thought of all the eucalyptus mulch that might come out of it!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Yes, the other accident was very much in our minds too.. The concensus of onlookers was that Bear Paw, her pony stumbled and did not unbidden lower her head. The same thing happened with that other horse, although they were not at polo.

It was made worse because my sister's phone was flat so message arrived in a roundabout way and she had to borrow a phone to get details.

She brought niece home last night, very stiff and sore and sorry for herself. Plastic surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at a private hospital. Ten dental work for snapped off tooth

As my sister says, it could have been much worse. She can't even write it but says K could have broken her N(eck).

An unfortunate habit of eucalypts. Very glad you and yours are Ok.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
We have been very fortunate. I. Would say blessed but other family members might not use that word. Niece is feeling a bit better but has a very sore spot on her head. My sister discovered it corresponds to a distinct mark of a hoofprint on the helmet. It also shows that she did a somersault at some stage of the fall.

I guess that means a new helmet will be needed.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Glad to hear she's on the mend. Is it OK to ask if the horse is all right?
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Yes, Horse is ok, thanks. She apparently stumbled which is what caused the fall.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Christchurch twitching again this morning?
Always think of Huia and Macrina and Georg Porgy.



GG
 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Christchurch twitching again this morning?
Always think of Huia and Macrina and Georg Porgy.



GG

---

 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Not again.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Georgie and I held onto each other.

Rude words from me to Chorus, telecommunications the lines company whose employee decided that because my phone wasn't working he would cut off the internet too It took me pleading a medical condition to be fast tracked into having everything fixed in a week (despite all the promises of coming back the next day).

The Vodafone supervisor who sorted it in the end was called Emmanuel

Huia
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
...The Vodafone supervisor who sorted it in the end was called Emmanuel

Huia

---

God was obviously with both you and him.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I was tempted to comment on his name, but bit my tongue.

The phone has started making crackling noises, which was how it all started last time but I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Magical thinking is my default setting.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Rowen is back in town for take two. Praying it's all straight forward this time!
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Better luck this time Rowan. BL that tree problem sounds dramatic
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Rowen
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Thank you
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Worm in the Grass:
Better luck this time Rowan. BL that tree problem sounds dramatic

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
Rowen

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Worm in the Grass:
BL that tree problem sounds dramatic

---

Yes, yes it was. It is a BIG widow maker. Even the ACTEW AGL guys went a bit pale when they saw it. They had their truck parked underneath it last week when they were working in the laneway. It will be removed eventually, but there are still locals letting their toddlers play around it. I feel like hanging a big sign on it saying "I am a very dangerous tree. Please stay away." But then I guess every second kid in the neighbourhood would try to climb it!

Anyway I got neither cooked nor crushed. So the family will still have to fork out for a cremation one day.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I forgot to mention it brought down power lines that wrapped around the carport adjoining my studio. So we had the fire brigade, the electricity guys and Parks and Gardens workers swarming about in the wee small hours.

Sad news is that we don't get any of the wood chips. They have already taken away two truckloads, with at least as much more waiting to be processed just from the two branches that came down.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Banner Lady, were any of the grandchildren around during all this excitement?
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Fortunately they were away last weekend.

TP is sad. No mulch for us, but the council will cover the cost of our replacement washing line and guttering. TP had rung them only a few weeks ago to notify them the branch was in the power lines. They came out to look and said it was fine. (!) However they did replace the leaning light pole (the one that had had a "condemned" cross on it for the last decade because it was lurching alarmingly that long ago). Had they not put in the concrete pilon ten days ago I reckon every light pole in the laneway would have gone down like dominoes falling.


Rowen has been safely delivered for slicing and dicing today. It is her right knee, so she will be unable to drive for a while.
She is, however allowed to invite people to have dinner with her while recuperating. There may well be a hospital shipmeet in the very near future.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Hope all goes well for her, with a quick recovery.

I reported a power pole in back lane some years ago. It had long spongy strips coming off it and I could see the rot inside. It was fine, apparently, but one on road in front was replaced. Nowhere near as bad as the laneway pole.


Anniversary of my mum's death in 2009. Last week it was dad's anniversary from 1998.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Extremely windy. Showers of acorns are bombarding our roofs and Rowen's patrol car.

The gum trees are so far still standing....but it's going to be a long afternoon. Hope the weather blows past quickly.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
It really was one of those days.
I hadn't alerted my immediate neighbours, at the turning place at the top of our cul-de-sac, of the big tree trimming job, because they'd all be at work.
The Arborists arrived and got to work on the trees across the front of our section, and D-next-door squeezed her car past their car and drove off.
So they moved their vehicle but there was still a problem with the fallen branches and when she got back D waited crossly while they moved them.
Then they went and the guys with a van and a big trailer came to load the mess – two loads. And D went out again.
Before they left, when they were tidying up the fallen scraps, a friend came to see me. Before I could guide her to a park, one of the young chaps noticed that she had a flat tyre, so she would have to stay on the one piece of level road while the wheel was changed.
I spoke gently to D (who managed to get past) but she made it clear she was 'still wound up'. I haven't seen her throw a wobbly for maybe ten or twelve years. But how was I to know she'd chosen to take today off work?
The AA came and changed the wheel. And an hour later D, who had promised me a pot of soup, turned up totally unwound, with soup and some Southland-style cheese rolls.
All is peace again in our little corner.

GG

[ 18. March 2016, 08:17: Message edited by: Galloping Granny ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Always the way, isn't it. I have just had baked chicken dinner but cheese rolls sound very inviting.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
If a mysterious post appears here in my name, you can blame our 1 year old grandson. Already he seems to know more than me about how the touch screen on a tablet operates.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Heh. My 70 year old country mouse sister came to town for a visit two weeks ago and asked my grandsons to show her their favourite hobbies. Obligingly B1.2 put his favourite on-line creation game on the big screen and determined to show her all that he could build. Ten minutes later she lurched out of the room looking quite green. She simply couldn't cope with the speed at which he did things on-line and had motion sickness from watching.

Mind you she can skin a crocodile and he can't. It was not so much a generation gap as a generation chasm.

Anyway, in more recent news, Rowen's resurrection has not been as straight forward as hoped. But at least the operation is behind her, and she is in good hands. All prayers appreciated.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Please let her know we are praying for her and offer our support. If she can't drive, how will she get that big beast of a van back again?
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Prayers and upholding from over here as well.


 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
And over here.
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
And over here
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Rowen – always in my prayers.

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rowen

Last night we had a farewell party for the Minister who been at the church for 10 years. The last service he leads will be Easter Day. I know this is a big change in any church, but I think living through through the earthquakes and supporting each other individually over the last five years has formed special bonds between us.

In the process of congregational consultation we have been asked what we value about the way services are led, our links with the wider community and the ways the church functions. It's been a valuable exercise for me, though I see myself as an attender of the church, rather than a Presbyterian (this church is at the liberal end of Presbyterianism in NZ and I probably wouldn't cope in a more conservative one.)

Having given my input, all I can do now is wait and see who is called.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Saint Banner Lady has been my hero these last few days, helping me so much. And I thank her.

Day one since op..... A combination of asthma, minor infection and pain control is keeping me in a high dependency unit, but things seem to be going ok.

Thanks for your prayerful support,folk!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Prayers still ascending, Rowen.

Also for Huia's church, for wisdom in selecting your new minister.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Rowen

In the process of congregational consultation we have been asked what we value about the way services are led, our links with the wider community and the ways the church functions. It's been a valuable exercise for me, though I see myself as an attender of the church, rather than a Presbyterian (this church is at the liberal end of Presbyterianism in NZ and I probably wouldn't cope in a more conservative one.)

Having given my input, all I can do now is wait and see who is called.

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
... the congregation changed with the Vicars ...

---

That does happen to a certain extent, especially if the new one is substantially further up/down the candle than the old one.

You hear of cases where new vicars will bring their own congregation with them and apparently scare off the one they've inherited, but in the end the real die-hards will probably stay, on the premise that they've lived through x different vicars already ...
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Piglet, hanging in there was my mother's attitude when we had a difference of opinion with one of the Vicars, fortunately we resolved it before he left.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
There are rallies today in each of Australia's main cities on the theme "Refugee Lives Matter". The Marama and I will be at the one in Canberra along with a substantial number of our fellow parishioners.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
And in other refugee news...Rowen is in good spirits and making a spirited recovery. She is no longer in the high dependency unit and now needs things to occupy her not inconsiderable grey matter while still attached to various tubes.

As she is musical, I thought perhaps one challenge to throw at her would be composition. A choral piece with harmonies? A light opera? Something Gilbert and Sullivanish? And the subject....truck driving? Manse living? Hotel staff antics and conversations? Help me out with suggestions please!

I know Rowen likes craft but with limited use of arms I have been trying to think up some mostly one handed crafting possibilities....crochet? Needlework bookmarks? William Morris style colouring books?

There will be several more days of hospital before travel arrangements back to the deep south need to be made. And no, Loth, she will not be driving the truck. Angels are hovering to do that for her. But I suspect her Holy Week will be an largely meditative one.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Does she have access to a Kindle or ipad with Kindle app? While there is plenty of heavy stuff, there is also much light stuff to suit many tastes. Much free too. Even a laptop can use that app.

[ 20. March 2016, 07:00: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
((Rowen))

The weather has broken just in time for outdoor Easter drama activities.

Those in the North can see a preview of the Easter musical at Turramurra UC tonight at 8. Those more central can see a preview at Newtown Mission on Thursday at 8, then the real thing is on Friday at Martin Place at 1.30, followed by a procession up Pitt St.

Today is "negotiating" with the sound crew for Friday, issuing instructions to marshals, finding a drummer, writing some monologues for Friday service then getting ready for the show tonight.

Meanwhile. FOX are doing a big live event of "The Passion" in New Orleans on Palm Sunday, based on The Manchester Passion. Looking forward to seeing it sometime.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
This being Holy Week, two of us in the north shall be at St Sanity each evening for a 7.45 Eucharist. Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Good luck with the production.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
The lovely St Banner Lady just popped in, with books, toiletry supplies and a cheery smile.
Just in time to find me here, before I move to a rehab ward soon.
Things seem to be going ok, and again, thanks for your prayers. Much appreciated.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I have been visited by the pastoral care team member twice now, two different folks.
Most of my ministry was a hospital chaplIncy, so it is very interesting to experience it all from the other end.
They were very encouraging.

Off to rehab today, as things are going well, apparently.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Progress sounds good, Rowen. May it continue well.
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Glad things are progressing well Rowen

[ 21. March 2016, 10:26: Message edited by: Doone ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Rowan looked quite chipper when I saw her this morning, although that was before the physio session! Very glad they are not sending her home too soon. She will be getting an entirely new perspective on Easter this year...and should be warned that Canberra empties by about half its population then...I do hope this does not include the necessary staff needed for her wellbeing.

First autumn fog this morning. The fire may be going on at Chez Banner at breakfast time tomorrow!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Friends in Southern Highlands south of Bowral have had a couple of small fires at night. Sydney feels as if the season has changed. So much better than last week.

Good news about Rowen's recovery. I remember DIL's mum had both knees done at once as each was too bad to support her while the other healed. She had several weeks in rehab hospital.

[ 23. March 2016, 04:54: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Well I though autumn had started here until I saw we had a temperature of 26c forecast for tomorrow. They also predicted rain and possibly hail - so who knows?

Rowen, I hope your recovery continues smoothly.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, a rainy Easter predicted here too. I am hoping for a sedate time of it as I have put my back out and so am doing things veeeery slooooowly. No going up and down ladders to finish the painting of our renovations. Sigh.

The good news is that there will be chocolate!

 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Could you be foreman of other workers? Nah, guess not. That would be as stressful as doing job yourself.

Perhaps you and Rowen could hobble around supporting each other. Take care, BL, and pass my greetings to Rowen please.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I am having a few days at my niece's place in the Hills district of Sydney. Niece is at Byron Bay Blues Fest and her mother and I are here. Now online as I was finally reached with wifi password.

We had lunch at a nursery café at Galston where I had an amazing mixed seafood dish with a tangy chilli sauce. My sister knows all the backroots as she lived here for a long time. We came to an intersection with a Christmas tree of road signe to about eight places,

There was a neat well made sign next to this. The arrow in one direction said Utopia. Pointing in the other direction was a sign, to the rest of the world.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
As Facebook friends know, I'm going the whole Yul Brynner tomorrow ... but in a good cause ... (and yeah, I know, but it's not the first time I've outed myself shipboard, and I'm in the Gallery anyway, albeit less dramatically)
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I hope the warmer temperatures continue for a while in your neck of the woods then. Failing that possum and merino beanies are soft and warm. I often have to fight the cat for mine.

Good cause too Zappa.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Middle son has done this for many years in honour of his grandmother who had leukaemia and then last year with Miss M. This year was different. His wedding was in the middle of the time and he pulled out of the shaved head.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Scary noise - followed by a wee wobble. Business as usual.

It's weird how the loudness of the sound doesn't always relate to the strength of the aftershock. But that one was only about 5.5 kilometres away.

I have a theory that I feel them less when I'm reading a good book than when I'm at the computer, so off to bed with my library book.

Huia

[ 26. March 2016, 09:01: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Christ is Risen!

Unfortunately, so is the contents of our sewer pipe. Currently supervising plumber who seems to have his electric eel stuck deep in the back yard.

Good vibe for the play and procession in town on Friday, and lots of good coverage on news. Next is debuting my acoustic duo at a local bar at 4 pm. Will be tired tonight!

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Christ is Risen!

Unfortunately, so is the contents of our sewer pipe.
mr curly

---

Only on the Ship would we see this!

Yay, Easter Day and our Minister's last service before he retires

But he wasn't there. He was taken to hospital yesterday with vertigo. Please pray for R.

The co-oped Minister who celebrated Communion and the two Elders did a great job between them.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Christ is Risen!

Unfortunately, so is the contents of our sewer pipe. Currently supervising plumber who seems to have his electric eel stuck deep in the back yard.

Good vibe for the play and procession in town on Friday, and lots of good coverage on news. Next is debuting my acoustic duo at a local bar at 4 pm. Will be tired tonight!

mr curly

---

Fortunately the weather is cooler than when that happened to us on a hot Australia Day. There were comments about how appropriate it was .

[ 26. March 2016, 22:46: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Well done Zappa!

Huia - hope your ex-minister's going to be OK.
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
Christ is Risen!

Unfortunately, so is the contents of our sewer pipe.
mr curly

---

Only on the Ship would we see this!

---

A number of years ago the opening sentence at our main service on Easter morning was, "The toilets in the ladies' room aren't working." Too bad we weren't Mystery Worshipped that day!
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
The plight of Rowen (who we hope to call on soon!) reminds me of one Easter a few years ago, when it was me waking up in recovery from intensive care. It made the message of the Resurrection even more poignant than usual.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Mr Curly, was this Cross procession your group?
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Such an unusual Easter for me....
The first, with no services, in 26 years.
Fabulous hospital chaplaincy team, especially the lovely Budhist nun, over the Easter week.
Dealing with pain and dependency, although both are lessening somewhat. After a lifetime of independence, it is weird to need help. Today we ditched the frame and embraced crutches full time! Big step forward.
The blessed Saint Banner Lady popped in today, having heard my plea, and brought in outside food, which was yummy! She is also dealing with my washing, the sweetheart.
Some visits by UCA ministers, including the hierarchy, having heard my current funding only gives 18 months at a time. He wanted just to say hi. We know each other anyway, but that was a good thing to do.
Many conversations with staff, who ave discovered what it is I do. Many of them are Christian, and keen to talk with me, which is lovely.


So, as Easters go.... Odd.
As part of life itself, bearable.

Any visitors welcome! Truly.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
A most unusual Easter Sunday for me too. Having promised to accompany my mother to the Catholic service in her nursing home this morning, the rostered lay person did not turn up to take it. It was handballed to me, the Holy Spirit got creative and a service was had. Not sure how the local priest is going to react when he finds this out, but even I enjoyed the homily as I really had no idea what was going to come out of my mouth.

I think I managed to quite surprise my parent. I know it surprised me! Good thing someone had recently posted a Facebook clip of catholic preacher Brennan Manning pondering what question we might each be asked at the pearly gates. A springboard for many ideas.

It was good to laugh about it with Rowen afterwards, too.

The rest of the day was spent visiting family; meeting a new foster dog that needs anxiety meds every morning; and exchanging potty humour with two of my pre-school aged grandchildren. "Poo" is their most used word at present.



Happy Easter everyone!
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Banner Lady
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Mr Curly, was this Cross procession your group?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:

Currently supervising plumber who seems to have his electric eel stuck deep in the back yard.

---

That sounds so much like it should be a euphemism for something...
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Ex Minister is out of hospital

Hey Zappa - how about an 'after' photo to go with the 'before' one?

I don't know if you remember Zappa, but some years ago someone posted Shit Happens on the Ship and your reply was So does Resurrection. I made an Easter card of it and I still think it was on of the shortest, most helpful sermons I've ever heard. I often hear it in my mind when shit does indeed happen.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
you sent me a card and I still have it!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
That's lovely to her Zappa.

A friend has his on display and a rather conservative visitor admired it, but was less keen when he realised a rude word was involved

I realised the other day that I hadn't done much creative stuff for ages apart from designing and stitching a small wall hanging, so I have spent some time working on a new design, which would go a lot more easily if I remembered to wear the right glasses while stitching

Huia

[ 30. March 2016, 08:36: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
If I had an NZ$ for every time I get as far as the top of the stairs before I realise I am still wearing my computer specs I'd be a bit richer than I am now - I just can't do stairs in these, or not safely.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
... I hadn't done much creative stuff for ages apart from designing and stitching a small wall hanging ...

---

That's a small wall hanging more than I've done.


 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
If I had an NZ$ for every time I get as far as the top of the stairs before I realise I am still wearing my computer specs I'd be a bit richer than I am now - I just can't do stairs in these, or not safely.

---

Ha, you too! I changed to progressive lenses last year, and the first couple of months was precarious, particularly on stairs.

Huia, none of my prescription glasses work for sewing by hand. I usually sew without glasses at all and end up with a colossal headache. I'm wondering about trying a pair of ready made magnifying glasses from the chemist.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Yes, changing depth of eyesight does stuff up one's sewing skills rather muchly. BL has even been known to swear at the self-threading sewing machine!

Rowen has had a tough morning, but I have delivered to her the makings of a sling shot, so that she can at least now make paper balls and peg them at the walls. This is the rough part of being clergy...trying to contain one's frustration and pain in a very public place. Hospital stay looks like stretching out into next week. Daylight saving will be over by then, so she will step out into a changed world!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rowen, ongoing prayers for recovery and frustration..

Arabella, I ended up buying 2 pair of progressives, one for day to day use and the other for needlework and reading. I took a work in progress with me, choosing a piece with a high stitch count(more stitches per inch) so the second pair of glasses could be accurately calibrated. I got headaches using hobby glasses as my eyes are of unequal strength. It was expensive, but it has paid off in terms of lower frustration levels, fewer headaches, better needlework and the ability to read for hours at a time. Next time I will probably buy them 6 months apart to spread the load moneywise.

Well the third technician from Chorus (telephone lines company has come and gone, and still my landline phone isn't working. At least he didn't cut of my internet this time. This one thinks the problem is with how the wiring comes into the house, but they are not allowed onto the section unless someone is home, which I wasn't today as Vodaphone deemed it unnecessary. He's coming back on Monday afternoon, but I'm not holding my breath. Maybe I should try bribing him with some muffins -it can't be much fun working for a company that doesn't seem to be well liked, in a place like Christchurch where the ongoing shakes make connections and people more fragile.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Huia, that's a good idea. I'm not due new glasses for a while yet, but I might have to think about proper reading glasses.

I like the image of Rowen practising her slingshot skills. Hope you improve quickly but well.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
...and there's me thinking a slingshot was a GIN based cocktail! I thought Rowen was going to amuse the other inmates with her cocktail shaker skills!

Sadly they can't make progressives with my prismatic prescription - they are like the bottoms of coke bottles on the outside and wafer thin on the inside...

...but then I am almost as old as UnclePete!


 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:

...but then I am almost as old as UnclePete!

---

I didn't think even God was that old


Huia -if ya can't make fun of ya favourite Uncle, who else can ya choose?
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
My progressive lenses are adequate for most sewing tasks, but I have a very large magnifying glass on a loop that hangs around my neck. I use that for particularly tricky hand sewing.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
Yes, changing depth of eyesight does stuff up one's sewing skills ...

---

I should be OK then - I haven't any for it to stuff up.

Because I have Complicated Eyes* I probably shan't need bifocals or vari-focals. Every cloud has a silver lining.

* I was born with congenital cataracts, which have been treated with surgery, contact lenses, spectacles and an implant lens.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
My progressive lenses are adequate for most sewing tasks, but I have a very large magnifying glass on a loop that hangs around my neck. I use that for particularly tricky hand sewing.

Moo

---

I was going to suggest using one of these too. I made a cross stitch picture for daughter Erin when she got married and the stitches were very small. The magnifying glass was essential but I restricted its use to one hour as it still hurt my eyes.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I almost never do embroidery or cross stitch now because of this. Aida fabric with a high thread count was almost impossible to see where stitches should go. I did find it was better to do it outside in good light. That made a big difference. Fortunately, my main craft is knitting.

I have a daylight lamp with an adjustable stem which arcs over the handiwork. Strength of light can also be adjusted by varying pressure on the switch. This was majorly expensive, about AUD150.00. However it helps a lot and I was told bulb should last twenty years or more. Very frugal to run , too, so I guess things even out a bit over the years.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I'm glad to say that last week was the week that was, not to continue, and most unlikely to be repeated. On Maundy Thursday, I was asked to take on a 4 day hearing starting Tuesday as counsel previously in it had become seriously unwell. So lots of juggling the work I had planned doing and a weekend of reading and preparing a case I'd never seen before. Then all the work through the week needed as well. Still, it's now over and a walk early yesterday, a glorious autumn day, with Madame and Dog helped put the world back together.

We do hope that Rowen's now improving, even if slowly. She has been very fortunate to have had your support BL, as well as the relative convenience of Canberra for health services.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well, I have had a hugely exhausting weekend, and have been unable to do a hospital run for a few days. Builder and other tradesmen arriving to do quotes in the morning, canteen roster at the nursing home just before lunch and another meeting in the afternoon. I am hoping to get to the hospital in between. I know Rowen understands there is always a lot going on at Chez Banner, which is a blessing. But please do keep her in your prayers, and send her ideas and fun messages to alleviate the boredom.

More than a week in a hospital is hard for anyone. Even the very holy!
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
The very holy is definitely improving, and sees that so, every day.... But is bored. Hopefully this is my last week.

Of course I have understood how BL is placed. It was a quite weekend, with lots of reading, and sleep.... Both enjoyable activities.

Thanks for your kind support, dear folk.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
IANAD, but I reckon that in any situation involving recovery from illness/injury/surgery, sleep is the very thing that you need.

May you get lots of it, and get well very soon - prayers still ascending.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I'm another great fan of sleep - I consider a siesta the absolute height of civilisation!


eta: and Rowen, however bored you may be in hospital it is still worth hanging on in there and not trying to get back into w*rk too quickly. I know you know this but it is also worth repeating.

[ 04. April 2016, 03:14: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I am absolutely gobsmacked. I lost my Driver's Licence and went through all the palaver of form filling and getting someone to sign the back of a photo saying it was me. I handed in the documents on Thursday last week and the new Licence was in my letterbox today

How's that for efficient?

Also the nice man from Chorus fixed my phone (I hope).

Huia - on a roll
 

---

Posted by Baptist Trainfan (# 15128) on :
 
The UK Passport people can be good, too. We renewed ours a few weeks ago. On the Monday we completed the forms and paid online, had our photographs taken (which is the bit that neither of us like!), and sent them off to the Passport Office in Peterborough. On the Saturday morning we had a ring at the door; and there was a courier with our passports all duly completed. We were impressed!
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Rowen's escape plans are looking more promising now she is down to using only one crutch.

It is a glorious autumn week here in the national capitol, with much colour and warmth, yet cool enough to sleep well at night.
I have guttering to paint today - the challenge is how to keep all the falling leaves from sticking to it after I have done it!
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
They are opening the prison door on Friday. Friends will take me home, and stay a couple of weeks. Yay! I want my own bed and pillow.
I forget to bring winter clothes away with me, apart from my new dressing gown, which my friend was taking up for me. So, at least I will be warm and cosy, if odd-looking . Still. It is a Very Nice new dressing gown.
Again, BL is a saint!
Thanks again for your messages of support.
I will be very slowly easing back into work. Driving restrictions demand tat for a few more weeks.
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Rowen
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Excellent news Rowen!

Take it easy, and don't try to do too much too soon.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
After many more adventures and delays this morning, Rowen is finally wending her way to the chillier parts of the deep south.

Her patrol car looks like something out of a Quentin Blake illustrated story book...piled high with disability equipment, suitcases, boxes, packages, two dogs, three cats, several kittens and two somewhat unravelled humans. I sincerely hope the story has a happy ending with everyone tucked up safe and warm somewhere nice tonight.


 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Lovely news. I hope that pillow is just as you imagine it. That was what I needed at my sister's, my own pillow.

Take care, Rowen and may the healing continue.

[ 08. April 2016, 05:27: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Did any of those kittens arrive chez BL? Best wishes and prayers for Rowen as she recuperates.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
No Gee D, the travelling zoo belongs to Rowens newest chauffeur. I always knew clergy had to be adaptable, but my estimation of Rowen's bravery has gone up considerably since this morning. And spare a prayer for whoever has car cleaning duty tomorrow!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
That's better then. I had visions of the manse being overrun with cats.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Rowen, I hope your pillow was welcoming. That is a long trip for someone who has been in hospital for that length of time. Take it easy and luxuriate in being back there.

Take care and enjoy your friends and their kindness.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My first weekend.... We broke the journey with friends in Mallacoota.
Home today.
The car was due for a proper cleaning now, so my friend's animals were ok.
So, tonight, MY real bed and pillow.

I will take things very easily for the next while. My hosts and my friend are plying me with toast, or anything else I want. WARM toast, HOT tea.... NOT like hospital t and t!
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Good to hear it, Rowen - look after yourself and don't try to do anything too soon.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Hospital toast is cold and leathery. Did you have trouble getting into 4WD? take good care, or perhaps I should say, enjoy the care from your friends.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Festina Lente [make haste slowly] has to be the watchword for now, Rowen, however irking it might be - it really is worth it not to rush.
 

---

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
You will be flooded with good advice, Rowen, so I send only a description: after hip replacements in two consecutive summers, I can report with conviction that enough painkillers, enough exercise, and particularly enough rest, will speed recovery in the pleasantest way possible.

Not forgetting enough TLC from friends and, and WINE.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
The OT gave me some lessons in getting out and in of the four wheel drive.... I was scared but she said it was quite small compared to some such cars she had worked with. I use a small stool or the curb. She was loathe to use the stool because after all, one found curbs everywhere. I was forced to explain that out in the country blah blah blah! She was astonished. "What, no curbs out there!?"

It is great to be home. Cold.but great.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by jacobsen:
You will be flooded with good advice, Rowen, so I send only a description: after hip replacements in two consecutive summers, I can report with conviction that enough painkillers, enough exercise, and particularly enough rest, will speed recovery in the pleasantest way possible.

Not forgetting enough TLC from friends and, and WINE.

---

And I can report that modern hip replacements are great – my right one's going well after 19 years, and my left revision after ten.

Go well!!

GG
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Welcome home Rowen
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Glad to hear that Rowen is now home and in good company. Our apologies to Rowen for not visiting you more often when she was in hospital , but the Marama and I both picked up colds which made us unwelcome at a hospital.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Lots of fruit arriving at once to make jellies. Two cartons of quince juice in the freezer from the fruit that arrived just before I went on holiday. This week the dear folk at Whitianga sent me a box of crab apples that we'd admired on the tree opposite the church, and that provided 3 litres of juice ready to go. And the japonica windfalls that arrived yesterday had to be processed at once in two large lots – now dripping while I put my feet up and wait for help.
Anyone want some? All proceeds to Christian World Service (I'd better print some labels).

GG
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Still gently living.... Friends here are helping out, which is delightful.
Today, one of them drove us up onto Mt Hotham. No snow, but very cold. We picnicked in the car, and then found a cafe for hot chocolate.
The local GP is pleased with things, four weeks after the operation, so that's a good start.
Next weekend, we will finally have my induction service here in the mountains. Important people couldn't fit me in, before my hospital stay, so we have had to wait til now. But it should be a great event, with a fair few folk coming. As it involves a massive drive for many, people are booking rooms in the motel and such like. We don't often see crowds out here in the church, so hooray for us!

Again, thanks for your well wishes!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thanks for friends and helpers and important folk too. May the induction go well and your work there be blessed. Preferably without massive fires.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Rowen, glad you're home. There's nothing like your own bed.

I have a sinus infection. My Doctor reluctantly prescribed antibiotics, which I am reluctantly taking as a chest infection would be far worse. I spent most of today either reading or asleep, but need to get out tomorrow as I am having withdrawal from fresh fruit symptoms .

GG I would like to buy a couple of jars of japonica jelly, if you could bring them when next we meet please - I might even share with my brothers - if they are lucky.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Glad to hear you got home safely, Rowen. Hope the induction service goes well and everyone has safe travels there and back.

Most importantly, look after yourself and don't try to do too much.

Remember - baby steps!
 

---

Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 
Had a baptism at church this morning. An unfamiliar (to me) lady in front turned around and asked:
'Is it a joint christening today?'
Me: 'Not that I'm aware of'
She: 'Then you must be here for (name).
Me: 'No'
She: 'Then who are you here for?'
Me: 'We are part of the congregation'
She: 'The what?'
Me: 'We are here for Sunday worship that happens here each week and the christening is part of the service'
She: Looking completely baffled, turns and faces the front.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Yes, I vergered at a recent baptism, outside our usual timing of the main Sunday Eucharist. I know that I had been in a church in the last decade as had the priest, the parents of the little one being done and his 2 year old brother. I only know that because the priest told me that he'd dunked the 2 year old himself. I'm very doubtful if more than 2 or 3 others of the 75 or so people there had been inside a church in that period, let alone to a service. Perhaps we'll soon have civil celebrants for baptisms as well as weddings and funerals.
 

---

Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Yes, I vergered at a recent baptism, outside our usual timing of the main Sunday Eucharist. I know that I had been in a church in the last decade as had the priest, the parents of the little one being done and his 2 year old brother. I only know that because the priest told me that he'd dunked the 2 year old himself. I'm very doubtful if more than 2 or 3 others of the 75 or so people there had been inside a church in that period, let alone to a service. Perhaps we'll soon have civil celebrants for baptisms as well as weddings and funerals.

---

 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Yes, I vergered at a recent baptism, outside our usual timing of the main Sunday Eucharist. I know that I had been in a church in the last decade as had the priest, the parents of the little one being done and his 2 year old brother. I only know that because the priest told me that he'd dunked the 2 year old himself. I'm very doubtful if more than 2 or 3 others of the 75 or so people there had been inside a church in that period, let alone to a service. Perhaps we'll soon have civil celebrants for baptisms as well as weddings and funerals.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:
I'm sure there are celebrants who would perform canine or feline weddings, if asked, too!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:
I'm sure there are celebrants who would perform canine or feline weddings, if asked, too!

---

Such as:

---

I am quite sure that animals in heat are not monogamous, for the most part. Or is the neighbourhood tomcat considered polygamous? And does that make it ok? (I've read the link and am completely gobsmacked.)
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I admit to organising my share of animal funerals* as a child, and the girl next door married off her dolls regularly, but I found the whole idea of an animal wedding totally repugnant. I am surprised at the strength of my reaction.

I can understand the funerals to some extent as part of someone's grieving process, but that's about the human's need, but a wedding, even seen at the most basic level, requires the freely given commitment of two people.

* the last animal I buried was Patchy, my elderly, grumpy cat. Georgie-Porgy came and watched. On the other hand my Dad told me that when the cat I had sent him to look after when I couldn't, died he engaged the services of a professional to dig the grave - my brother Kim, who was then working at the local cemetery.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Pete, i share being gobsmacked about that link.

I notice there is no mention of fees involved.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Disclaimer: I've never owned a pet, so I'm not really qualified in these matters.

I can almost understand people's need for some kind of funeral service for their pets (although I imagine it would only involve the family, a little marker of some sort and a patch of the back garden) but weddings?



As Loth said, there doesn't seem to be any mention of the fees: I suspect the whole thing is yet another ruse to part the gullible from their hard-earned cash.

[ 19. April 2016, 01:40: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Have just spent the morning with eldest grand daughter making various pet paraphernalia for her toy dogs and cats. (Carry bags, collars, leashes, bedding etc). I can only hope she will one day put in as much effort for the real thing.,

I have never been able to understand the need for us to treat pets like they were humans; as if they have human emotions; and needed human trappings in order to live well.

When we lavish upon our pets more care than we do upon human refugees, the world is definitely screwy.

Just sayin'.

[ 19. April 2016, 04:22: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Not good news. Pets should be decently buried (or left with the vet for cremation) but none of this. Sounds very Eastern Suburbs or Mosman to me - a way of being showy just to be showy.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I had a lovely surprise this morning. I opened the door and there was eldest son, supposedly still in Shanghai.

He had half a dozen medical and legal appointments relating to an accident and several operations some years ago. He managed to tie them all up this week, along with a dental appointment. Flew in late Monday evening, flies out again late Friday evening. Sleeps flat both ways.
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Sleeps flat both ways.

---

The only way to go long-distance and not feel as if you've gone 12 rounds with he heavy weight champion of the world (or in my case, only 1 - same result!)
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
He has had two major back operations in the last few years and sitting up kills the back. Still sees physio weekly, pain management clinic weekly and assorted other specialists each month.

I was so surprised to see him back here yesterday, but he had legal matters to add into the mix.

As you said, flat bed seats are the only way for him. He can fly to Shanghai direct but has discovered a break at Kuala Lumpur puts him in the right time zone, gives him time for a shower to wake up. He arrives in China ready for work and return business class costs just under $4000. Less this time as he bought ticket in China. He has unlimited entry business visa so does not need to fuss about that.

Flights to London several times last year were also broken to allow him time to move around.

[ 20. April 2016, 23:27: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I manage to get jet-lag in the 5½ hours it takes to fly from St. John's to London; as the flight usually leaves at about midnight Newfoundland time, you lose "overnight" and arrive at Heathrow at silly o'clock in the morning.

I'm usually asleep in the taxi almost before we're out of the airport precincts, and when we get to D's mum's, I might last until mid-afternoon before I have to go and flake out.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Some friends came to stay about a decade ago when we were in rented house and halfway through afternoon one was saying:

I'm doing really well, I haven't felt jet-lagged at all!

and ten minutes later suddenly said:

I think I have to go and lie down now.

I freely admit that I do the 11 hours from Colombo [our nearest major hub] to London, or back, on drugs - there is an OTC travel sickness thing available both here and in UK that just makes me drowsy enough but not too much, it's fabulous. No food, just water and a walk up and down the aisles every few hours and I generally feel almost fine.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I can sympathise with that - I'll be thinking I'm doing fine and then quite suddenly realise that I'm absolutely not.
 

---

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
I had my flu vax today. My GP is very keen that all his patients receive it and even chases up people to make sure they do. Last year he only had two patients refuse to be vaccinated and they both came down with flu. He said that none of his patients last year who were vaccinated succumbed to flu. Here's hoping his actions work for me this year!
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
My GP insists we have the shots every year - not that I object. The irony is that he hates injections and won't have it himself
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by rexory:
... The irony is that he hates injections and won't have it himself

---

I used to work with a doctor whose job included Occupational Health and with it the task of making sure that her colleagues got the jabs they needed. She said they were terrible patients, and in some cases the solution would be to sneak up behind them with a loaded syringe ...

[ 22. April 2016, 00:24: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
B3 had an interesting day in medical admin yesterday. A visiting officer dropped dead in the meeting room. Despite being surrounded by trained and trainee medical personnel, there was no happy ending. Father of 8 and only 49.

 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Oh, how dreadful.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
That's awful, BL - his family must be distraught.

Because of my work (well, my boss's work to be exact - she's a geneticist), whenever I hear of an apparently healthy person dropping dead like that, my first thought is that it may have been a genetic heart condition called ARVC, whose first symptom is often sudden cardiac death.

Prayers ascending for the gentleman's soul, and for his family.


 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Made worse because he was on secondment from another country, so much paperwork ensued. Proud to say B3 showed her worth in the situation and was personally congratulated by the powers that be for her compassion and command. I hope that does her job prospects some good, as she has only just begun to settle back in to full time work and is still looking for the right niche.

It must be a horrible situation for anyone to lose a family member overseas - so much red tape on top of the sudden grief. And all the staff need care too, after a tragedy like that. B3 could at least debrief to us, and has many other things in her life on which to focus, for which I am grateful. Sigh.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
for all. What a horrible situation.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I hear Rowen's induction went well and so I guess she has now "officially arrived"!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That's good. Any news how recovery is going?
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I finally was inducted into my new parish yesterday. Folk drive up to five hrs to attend, and quite a few spent the night. It was a lovely service, as my woman minister friend from Sake delivered the message, and the only other clergy person, the 86 yr old Anglican woman priest, welcomed me with open arms. Apparently, she is relieved there will be another minister in the region, as she is feeling a tad old, and should retire. The liturgy was the usual, but I love it, and the hymns were chosen by me, with special significance
A cold day..... Why, it's only 1. now, but it reached 13 yesterday.

My leg is improving daily. I make my way into Canberra Monday week, to see the specialist ad hopefully get the all- clear, especially in regard to driving. As it is now, I continue to slowly ease back into work, grateful that a friend is staying with me and driving. Oh, and planting potatoes, as folk do....

She is lighting the fire, as I type.
Thanks for your concern, folks!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
So good to hear from you, Rowen. Potatoes and a fire, sounds wonderful to me. Take care, enjoy the country air and enjoy having someone care for you. I woukd find the last hard to do, but I recognise that my sons and the family act because we are family. So they try to be inconspicuous and I try to accept their help.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Glad to hear everything went well, Rowen.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I have been painting gnomes with the grandchildren for their great grandmother's Nursing Home garden. We have completed a catafalque party with gnomes in Air Force, Navy and Army uniforms plus a nurse and a chaplain holding a wreath. We installed it on Friday, as that was the day they were holding their Anzac Day service.

It has caused much comment. Possibly because one of the gnomes looking on is painted as Darth Vader. Sadly, not many of them know who that is!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Glad your induction went well Rowen and that you continue to improve.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
ditto from here, too.

I hope you get the all clear AND I also hope that if it is given you will still be gentle with yourself and not go straight into top gear!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I have been painting gnomes with the grandchildren for their great grandmother's Nursing Home garden. We have completed a catafalque party with gnomes in Air Force, Navy and Army uniforms plus a nurse and a chaplain holding a wreath. We installed it on Friday, as that was the day they were holding their Anzac Day service.

It has caused much comment. Possibly because one of the gnomes looking on is painted as Darth Vader. Sadly, not many of them know who that is!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
ditto from here, too.

I hope you get the all clear AND I also hope that if it is given you will still be gentle with yourself and not go straight into top gear!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
There really are some extraordinary people around. As WW says, don't overdo it just yet.

In other news, we are biting our nails because we completely unexpectedly saw our dream house on Sunday and are putting in an offer on it tomorrow morning. 2 1/2 hectares, about half of that in wonderful native bush and trees, big entertaining-friendly modern house with room for giving concerts, and around 100 roses. Flat section, but on a hill - can see the sea out one side, bush on the other.

We weren't planning to buy a house now. We were planning to downsize when we did. We were planning to buy in a completely different province. Even if our offer isn't accepted, we now know a LOT more about what we like.

---

Good luck to you, whether you buy this house or another.

GG
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Best of luck, APW!
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
It sounds wonderful Arabella. Sitting in suburban Christchurch, with no real bush anywhere and my few roses blighted by insufficient rain and voracious aphids, I am a tad envious but of course I wouldn't be able to have a cat, so Georgie-Porgy would veto such a move.

Best wishes with the house buying process, whichever province you end up living in.

Rowen, sometimes I forget how vast Australia is. Best wishes in your new place.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Like Cranmer's Baggage, I guess Rowen will be spending a lot of time in her vehicle. Some people love driving, but I am always exhausted after a long drive...so I have the greatest respect for all those who then fall out of the four wheel drive to do a church service.

I'm sure there was a good reason Jesus sent his followers out two by two. And very glad Rowen will have helpful company for a little while longer.
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
All visitors will be welcome.
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
All visitors will be welcome.

---

Does that mean your offer has been accepted?
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
When do you move?
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
APW -
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Sorry, I was posting in between appointments yesterday! Yes, the offer has been accepted, conditional on a builder's report.

We won't be moving until July, as they need to find another house with some very specific amenities. Suits us, as we weren't even thinking of buying right now, so we can take the time to sort ourselves out.

But if anyone needs a bed on the Kapiti Coast (many, many lovely attractions), give us a yell.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Congratulations (and fingers crossed for the building report. Is this the first house you've bought together, in which case double congratulations?

[ 29. April 2016, 03:56: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
We've lived in our lovely house in Wellington for nearly 22 years. Sadly, the garden is like the Himalayas, so we had planned at some stage later this year to start looking for a flat section on which to garden more happily into late middle age.

Its all about the knees.

Thanks everyone. Its been a very exciting week.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom:
We've lived in our lovely house in Wellington for nearly 22 years. Sadly, the garden is like the Himalayas, so we had planned at some stage later this year to start looking for a flat section on which to garden more happily into late middle age.

Its all about the knees.

Thanks everyone. Its been a very exciting week.

---

Someone else to see on one of those days out up the coast. All th best for the new venture.

GG
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
My childhood favourite part of the country, after we spent a holiday at Raumati when I was 5 and only had one brother.

July would be a better time to move any plants you want to take with you too .

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Feeling a bit empty here today.

One son and his wife still have unspecified time on business in Shanghai. A month before Christmas, now another month and some weeks at least still to go.

Middle son who was married on March 12, flew out today for a month in France. This is their honeymoon. Driving around and then a week in Paris and a few days in Bangkok on way home. Youngest son was coming down this weekend but has picked up a nasty infection and does not feel up to train journey down.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Chez Banner is, on the other hand, a bit TOO busy. Sometimes I have to book in computer time, TV time and shower time. I suppose it shows how far I still have to grow as a human that I can find this a tad annoying.

BL. Definitely not adept at communal living!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Not adept at communal living? Neither am I. I can handle conferences etc for a short time, but found things difficult when we had seven adults at home and the occasional hanger on. One bathroom but a fairly decrepit shower downstairs extra at the time. And an outside loo in addition to one in bathroom. Talk about peak hour rush.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
My nephew was recently considering joining the Navy. His grandmother pointed out the communal living aspect of it and he rapidly changed his mind, saying that he couldn't even bear 5 day long school camps, let alone months at sea.

Actually visiting the ship when it was docked in Wellington was also a good reality check for him.

Autumn is beginning to bite. Today I made my first bacon hock soup of the year. Thank goodness for crockpots where nothing boils over.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
My childhood favourite part of the country, after we spent a holiday at Raumati when I was 5 and only had one brother.

July would be a better time to move any plants you want to take with you too .

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
GG, the film Secondhand Wedding is set in that area with a few shots of Kapiti Island. When I saw it I was reminded of my childhood ambition to swim to the island, but I was never able to swim that far. I'd still like to visit it one day.

Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
GG, the film Secondhand Wedding is set in that area with a few shots of Kapiti Island. When I saw it I was reminded of my childhood ambition to swim to the island, but I was never able to swim that far. I'd still like to visit it one day.

Huia

---

Well don't be paying for accommodation when you do. I still haven't been to Kapiti Island either. My old church used to do the occasional tree planting day there, but I don't know if DOC still have those.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Been up Kapiti a couple of times in recent years ... being a Kapiti boy myself it was extra special. Prices have come down recently.

[ 01. May 2016, 22:58: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Thanks Arabella, I'm thinking possibly Feb/March next year. I know you have to get a permit from DOC, but I think the people who run the boat over from Paraparaumu organise that. I know it may get booked up, given the record number of tourists we've had lately so I thought I'd make some enquiries around August.

Cheaper trips sound good Zappa.

My youngest brother, the hyperactive one, has been over there, possibly with DOC. I think he has also kayaked around the island because when we were clearing out the family home he was interested in some old maps of Kapiti that Dad had stored.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Half their luck, as the saying goes. Son and his wife have just arrived in Paris after a twelve hour flight from Bangkok where they spent a couple of days.

They are hiring a car and driving around for three or so weeks. I have no idea of their journey. Then a week in Paris and another couple of days in Bangkok. This is their honeymoon after wedding in early March.

Good AirBnB accomodation in Bangkok. Clean and comfortable with a helpful owner. AUD $19 a night.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
That sounds good value, Lothlorien. Paris may be marginally more expensive, he says euphemistically.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Son picked up the car they are hiring for trip, a Renault Mégane, and they are now in Alençon for the night and part of today.

Like me, he was brought up with French cars and drives a Mégane here. Also has a seven seater Renault Scenic for driving blended family. He is proud that in 200 km of driving in what is to him the wrong side of the road, he hit the door only rwice while feeling for the gear lever.

They are having a ball so far, good food and wine, lots of walking and now the start of driving for three weeks.

Lots of beautiful photos.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My specialist was pleased with me. I can drive now.... Makes life easier.
But there's no rushing into things. My first big task was getting a car issue fixed. They wanted the car for a full nine hours. The Nissan place is a few hours away from my house, and it is a Nissan issue....
So, a friend and I booked two rooms in a motel in this town, and our plan today was to check the car in, after a leisurely breakfast and a good sleep, and then spend the day with movies and gentle walks, then get the car and spend the night...
Such is my difficult life.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I'm back on the ranks of the unemployed!
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I'm back on the ranks of the unemployed!

---

 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That is good news, Rowen. Glad you can drive again.

Zappa.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Zappa, thinking of you and your family

Rowen, I admire your planning skills.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I'm back on the ranks of the unemployed!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
I'm back on the ranks of the unemployed!

---

because that's a waste of a very good priest. Hoping, however, that it is a healthy place for you personally, and that things unfold in a way that serves you and yours well in the longer term.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Fr Max-Augustine Eggert, the leader of the group to which our shipmate Emli belongs, was killed earlier this week. He was charged by a bull on his property at Putty (near Sydney), gored and thrown, breaking his neck. Of your charity, pray for him, his family and his community.
 

---

Posted by Cranmer's baggage* (# 4937) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Fr Max-Augustine Eggert, the leader of the group to which our shipmate Emli belongs, was killed earlier this week. He was charged by a bull on his property at Putty (near Sydney), gored and thrown, breaking his neck. Of your charity, pray for him, his family and his community.

---

 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I saw that but did not connect the name. Horrible news.

Prayers for Emli and all those in that community.. May he rest in peace and rise in glory and may light perpetual shine on him.

[ 05. May 2016, 08:32: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Zappa, very best wishes for you and Kuruman as you search for a new appointment. Sydney's out. of course.

Rowen that's excellent progress. Are you up to chopping the firewood yet? Good exercise generally and excellent for regaining balance.
 

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Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Oh how dreadful, Lord have mercy.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Zappa, very best wishes for you and Kuruman as you search for a new appointment. Sydney's out. of course.

---

I'm banned for a year. Actually I doubt I'll ever relicence - I've done a 29 year dash and it may be time to lay up my stole.

In any case after media exposure overnight I think my (former!) bishop will extend that year for life - with hard labour. He specifically stated that there was to be no media battle ... and then realised a cryptic, tantalising media release.
 

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Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 
Bloody media. Limp-wristed bishop!
 

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Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 
Amend the post above to read spineless bishop.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
Zappa and Kuruman, you are much loved on these boards and in many other places - and with very good reason. You will always hold a deep place in our hearts and in our prayers.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Oh, don't get me started on the compassion of the church...especially to its own workers.

Jesus wept.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
Who was it that said that the Church is the only organisation which kills its wounded?
 

---

Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Zappa and Kuruman
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
My love and prayers too.
 

---

Posted by DangerousDeacon (# 10582) on :
 
Back from Solomon Islands. And back to bad news from the land of the long white cloud. Prayers for you Zappa and for your family.
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Zappa and Kuruman
 

---

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :
 
Many thanks everyone for your prayerful support at this time of mourning. The sudden death of Fr Max has left so many bomb craters of grief and bewilderment. As some of you might have read in the newspapers, Fr Max was killed by his own bull - he was not gored, as some reports said - but that is little consolation.

Please prayer for his wife Jane, their family, the community of Putty, and for the five Communities of Our Lady - worship communities now in shock and struggling on so many different levels. Please also pray for guidance and support for myself as Community Leader and the ministry team as we pastor to all (including each other).

Fr Max's requiem is being celebrated on Thursday next at 12 noon, at St Alban's Anglican Church, Epping. I feel that this is going to be one of the hardest funerals I've ever taken outside of those of my parents, and we all need all the prayers possible.
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 

 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 


Prayers for the fallen, and all those struggling with sudden loss.
May the Spirit carry you gently.
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
To add to prayers. Sudden deaths are always a great shock. And also for Zappa and Kuruman

Hoping he attempt to push it over on a bishop. (But not my favourite retired one).


 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Zappa & Kuruman

While Biggest now has his "P's", it would appear Mrs Curly and Middle have had an eventful driving lesson this afternoon, with the car ending up on its side after a slow-motion roll. All (physically) unharmed.

Not sure we'll be enjoying the 50th we are going to tonight quite as much as we were hoping to.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That woukd be a very unpleasant shock to the system. Hope they are both ok.

My eldest grandson, Biggest's age and year, spoke to me yesterday. Could he bring his two sisters to lunch tomorrow. His dad is in France and I Am not sure if he had asked his mother or even if this was his own idea. However, I was enthusiastic and will take everything else at face value. He has had Ps for a bit longer than your son and is a consistently careful driver who travels at traffic speed on freeway. Or whatever the latest name is for such.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
We're in good space ... though I'm in the Western Isles at he moment enjoying the love of six daughters ...

My prayers have been whispered too for Fr Max and all who grieve for him

[ 07. May 2016, 20:54: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Prayers continuing, Zappa. That's a lot of love available from your daughters. All good.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Goodness, Mr. Curly, that sounds more than a bit scary. Hope everyone is OK.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oh gosh Mr Curly ... do be careful about delayed shock ... but it sounds as though you're aware of that
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
{{{{Zappa and Kuruman}}}}
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Oh gosh Mr Curly ... do be careful about delayed shock ... but it sounds as though you're aware of that

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:

I think a video of it would look hysterical and make us a fortune on Funniest Home Videos. Alas

---

(sings) "always look on the bright side of life"
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
55 days election campaign! Heaven help us all. Far too long, even tnough there has been an unofficial campaign for a while.
Blerk!
 

---

Posted by Worm in the Grass (# 10999) on :
 
Yes indeed Lothlorien. This is probably a good time to announce that Mr W and I are spending the next five weeks out of the country. France, then Mr W in Poland at a choir competition and me in Germany and then Enland and Wales. May start a shipment thread.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Sounds wonderful. Middle son is honeymooning in France and I am just off phone to them. They have had a couple of days in Bangkok, Paris for a couple of days. Driving around, now on way to Bordeaux. Another couple of weeks touring, then final week in Paris. Then back to Bangkok and home. Weather has been wonderful and son has been seeing how far his schoolboy French will go. Doing quite well, actually.

Enjoy your time away. I hope you have as wonderful a time as they are..

Edited to add: a shipmeet thread with some ideas of dates and places would be good.

[ 08. May 2016, 10:40: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Home last night from a weekend in sunny Napier.

A week ago it was 'Well, we won't see Zappa 'cos he'll be busy with the Synod and we'll be busy at the Progressive Spirituality conference.'

Now it's 'What if all the church hierarchy had to wear a "What Would Jesus Do?" bracelet (and not just the Anglican ones)?'

Zappa and all his loved and loving ones.

GG
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Spent my 35th Mother's Day with my mother - who was having her 70th Mother's Day. Does somewhat put my efforts into perspective!

I don't even want to imagine another 35 years of family drama.
 

---

Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
I do hope that there is nothing serious and that shock does not set in. Where did it happen - the Comenarra or Lady Game Drive?

---

Nothing so dramatic. Turning left onto Canoon Rd from Chisolm - in full view of the long line of traffic going the other way out of the netball courts after the last game had finished. At least there were plenty of people to help.

They both seem to be OK. Awaiting news from the insurer.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
Home last night from a weekend in sunny Napier.

A week ago it was 'Well, we won't see Zappa 'cos he'll be busy with the Synod and we'll be busy at the Progressive Spirituality conference.'

Now it's 'What if all the church hierarchy had to wear a "What Would Jesus Do?" bracelet (and not just the Anglican ones)?'

Zappa and all his loved and loving ones.

GG

---

Ta ... as it happened I had long been shouldered out of any involvement in the hosting of synod ... I wasn't even on the planning committee for the liturgy at the cathedral, because after all why would the dean be asked to have a part?

Which would just perhaps make me wonder if my departure wasn't somewhat prearranged. But why would I think that? After all, all church processes are clear, transparent, and just as Jesus would do.

And do I care that I out myself and my thoughts? Nah.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Yes, plenty of people to help right your car, and to embarrass poor Middle. Must have ruined his party plans for the evening.

Seriously though, we are remembering them. It looks as if there will be no after-effects.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Sounds wonderful. Middle son is honeymooning in France and I am just off phone to them. They have had a couple of days in Bangkok, Paris for a couple of days. Driving around, now on way to Bordeaux. Another couple of weeks touring, then final week in Paris. Then back to Bangkok and home. Weather has been wonderful and son has been seeing how far his schoolboy French will go. Doing quite well, actually.

---

Your son seems to be travelling pretty quickly. Tell him to slow down and enjoy France. He should not rub in the French loss at Agincourt though. Still a cause to hate the English in some parts.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have said that to him re speed. He has spent a couple of nights in the one place. I had no input into itinerary so it is a surprise to me too. He has broken journey to Bordeaux for a couple of nights. Not one long dash.

[ 09. May 2016, 10:02: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
It is possible to do Barcelona to Caen with just one overnight stop - you see a lot of road! Toll roads may be swift but a road is a road is a road!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
I'm not talking about speed in the kph sense, but in the pace that they are travelling through a beautiful part of the world. Nantes to Bordeaux is 14 days minimum.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
It depends on how much time you have available, I suppose.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Up to a point, up to a point.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Dear Goddess it's cold and miserable in Melbourne!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
But you already knew that! 7 degrees in Sydney but morning temps are varying at my place lately from down there up to 15.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Fire on here. Definitely on at Rowen"s! Yes, snowfalls have happened in Tassie and Victoria. All we had was fresh wind and showers. TP is happy because after a long dry autumn, the tanks are full again, and he is in his temperate climate comfort zone at last.

Today I will be visiting my mother who has had no phone line for nearly a week. This has upset various members of the far flung family who wanted to call her on mother's day. This needs sorting out.

I really understand why those in aged care facilities get so ticked off with the attitude "Well, they've got nothing to do, and all day to do it, so they can wait some more."

The worst part is knowing it is my largely generation doing this to them. When we are in the same situation (and there will be many more of us), I doubt we will have the same patience. But if what goes around comes around we will be in deep trouble.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
"Yeah, it's been a bit cold here in the Alps" said Rowen, sardonically.

[ 10. May 2016, 22:02: Message edited by: Rowen ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Snow overnight Rowen?

These mornings are just the best for breakfast. The sun is low enough to come in under balcony above and fill my loungeroom. I am sitting here enjoying warm sun on bare feet. It istill around 7 degrees here, possibly our coolest morning this year, but lovely. Autumn has been too hot.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Just a bit cooler here – I wore a warm jacket when I went for my walk along the stream in the bush*. And lots of rain at last.

And on sunny days the sun is low enough to stream through the living room windows and make it really warm.

*Why do the medical professionals always ask 'how long did you walk for?' rather than 'How far did you walk?' From where I park my car to the picnic ground, it's half a kilometre. I tried doing it really briskly yesterday; it took 7-8 minutes and I got a bit puffed but I reckoned it was good cardio stuff for an oldie – 4 km an hour, eh? But I walked back more slowly, and stopped to watch the water and listen to the birds. What sort of exercise is strolling?

GG
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
No snow in my town, but friend and I drove up to our two Victorian ski resorts.... And drank hot chocolate, took photos of snow, marvelled at the fog, and generally were cold and excited!

Mind you, very cold in my town too! Just not that cold.....

[ 11. May 2016, 10:18: Message edited by: Rowen ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I always have to get my head round the fact that as the mercury rises here, it's going to be falling with you. A Facebook friend who lives in Melbourne was talking about mulled wine today, and my response was, "but it's nowhere near Christmas yet".


 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
GG I think the strolling with the sounds of water and birds is renewing in a different way from striding it out.

On Monday when I was in Wellington visiting my brother we climbed up the track behind his place, but slowly as that's all he was able to do. It didn't cause me to breathe heavily (because of the pace), but my feet complained the next day.

It's still over 20c here, but the wind is gale force.

Huia
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Think I'll take a drive to Brizzie today
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Think I'll take a drive to Brizzie today

---

Wave as you go past.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
I did, I'm sure, as I dodged the 'roos through the night
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
It's Pentecost Sunday, one of my favourite feast days. To celebrate, today I am making red velvet curtains for TP's study. I may not go to church today as I spent all afternoon yesterday there...but some of my banners will sub for me. They were hung for a general craft exhibition but the minister asked if they could use them at his church today as meditation aids. The wind of the Spirit still works in wondrous and mysterious ways, even when feeling becalmed. May it blow across your part of the deck today.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Summer has ended . At 6pm it was 6c here with a rider that it feels like 4c . People running snowfields are beginning to get excited and the temperatures for the rest of the week are all below 20c.

Usually that wouldn't worry me too much but I'm feeling a bit delicate and unwell. Also my heat pumps need servicing. All in all it's a good time to curl up in bed with a good book and a fluffy cat. Pity she can't make hot chocolate.

Huia

[ 17. May 2016, 07:05: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Yes, plenty of people to help right your car, and to embarrass poor Middle. Must have ruined his party plans for the 0evening.

Seriously though, we are remembering them. It looks as if there will be no after-effects.

---

Thanks all for your concern. All humans are well. The car, however, was officially pronounced DOA today.

Now in the market for another old car.

mr curly
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Summer has ended ... the temperatures for the rest of the week are all below 20c.

---

Just below 20°C is probably my favourite temperature. It's certainly close to the upper limit of my comfort zone ...

[ 17. May 2016, 13:35: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Ugh .... life becomes disturbing for me under 30. Under 20 has me up to about four layers including thermals.

But being currently in Brisbane where it's lurking around 30 I'm happy.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Our first minus temp today. We have just reached 0.c now.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have been watching forecasts. Thredbo has been below zero for quite a few nights lately.

Do you have a good fire which can be damped down and resurrected each morning, or do you flick a switch?
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Both. The air-con goes on, until the slow combustion is hearty enough to take over.
Bed is wonderfully cosy of course, but you can't stay there all day. But you can try.
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Rowen, are we twins separated at birth? Since I've had my Tablet I spend even more time in bed.

Bliss!
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Also my heat pumps need servicing.
Huia

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Rowen, are we twins separated at birth? Since I've had my Tablet I spend even more time in bed.

Bliss!

---

Sometimes I wonder if mum cheated dad.... With a bear! Yay for hibernation!
 

---

Posted by Tilley (# 13687) on :
 
Freezing my toes off here. Both cats are running round like cheetahs, possibly trying to keep warm that way, or because Prince Boofhead (large cat) is a pain and likes to occasionally thump Princess (smaller cat).
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Perhaps it would be tactless of me to mention the large yellow ball in the sky over Newfoundland ...
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
A brisk and chilly wind yesterday stripped away the last of the autumn foliage in our street. Things are looking wintry - which suits TP greatly. Still no frost, though - it's now a month later than usual - which suits me greatly.

I now have two pomegranate trees in large pots on pedestals flanking each side of the door to my winter palace...ahem...studio. The cold weather landscaping projects have begun. It is ten degrees warmer in the studio than in the house at this time of the year so I feel a most creative winter is in the air.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Lovely in Sydney this morning, smoke free so far. I pity the RFS, They are damned if they let a puff of smoke from a controlled burn drift over Sydney and damned if they do no controlled burns and big fires rage in summer. Burns are not the only answer but they help when summer fires start.

No frost, BL? Friends in southern highlands had their first yesterday and other friends southwest from you had first frost about ten days ago. You must be in a little warm spot there.

[ 19. May 2016, 22:55: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
We have yet to have a frost, which is unusual because there has been snow inland. Apparently there is a warm ocean current which is affecting the coastal temperatures. Next week lower temperatures are forecast with overnight lows of 2 degrees c. I must get some warmer night attire and a couple of hotties (Georgie is a hottie hogger!).

Huia
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
We have yet to have a frost, which is unusual because there has been snow inland. Apparently there is a warm ocean current which is affecting the coastal temperatures. Next week lower temperatures are forecast with overnight lows of 2 degrees c. I must get some warmer night attire and a couple of hotties (Georgie is a hottie hogger!).

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
... Next thing I'll be putting the bathroom heater on when I shower ...

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
... Next thing I'll be putting the bathroom heater on when I shower ...

---

Even in the depths of winter*, I never put the heater on in my bathroom, and always open the window a few inches while I'm showering, just to let out the steam (there's no extractor fan).

Don't get me wrong - we do heat other parts of the house - I just hate having too much heat when I'm getting dressed.

* when the temperature is routinely several degrees below freezing

---

Spartan! But what would the temperature in the house/bathroom be when it's say -3° outside?
I admit to ending my hot shower with a 'cold' bit but it feels cold if I drop the temperature about 10°

GG
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
TP - no heating on in the bathroom and shower set to 39 degrees all year round. Me - heating on for 8 months of the year in the bathroom and shower set to 43 degrees. He is as thin as a rail and never feels the cold. I am very matronly with plenty of padding and feel it dreadfully. Go figure.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
TBH I have no idea what the temperature is in the house; if I feel cold I turn on a heater, but as most of our rooms are fairly small, it doesn't take long for them to heat up.

FWIW, I'm generously proportioned, and almost always hotter than I'd like to be (and although I'm in my mid-50s, I've been like that since my late 20s, so it's not just the hormones speaking!)

[ 21. May 2016, 01:16: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Anything below 25C and I'm cold!
 

---

Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:
... Next thing I'll be putting the bathroom heater on when I shower ...

---

Even in the depths of winter*, I never put the heater on in my bathroom, and always open the window a few inches while I'm showering, just to let out the steam (there's no extractor fan).

Don't get me wrong - we do heat other parts of the house - I just hate having too much heat when I'm getting dressed.

* when the temperature is routinely several degrees below freezing

---

Spartan! But what would the temperature in the house/bathroom be when it's say -3° outside?
I admit to ending my hot shower with a 'cold' bit but it feels cold if I drop the temperature about 10°

GG

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dennis the Menace:
My late Mum used to say to finish a shower with cold as it close the skin pores and keeps in the heat. [/QB]

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:
In the Alps...... -3 outside? No internal heating system, just slow combo/ reverse cycle in living room, and various heaters.
So, probably -3 in the bathroom too. I use a big heater.
Brr.

---

Hmmm ... I tend to think heaters and bathrooms are a bad combination. Don't do a Thomas Merton!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I am really exited. My brother is coming over from the US and will be here for my birthday on Friday.

This is how Christmas used to feel when I was a kid

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:
In the Alps...... -3 outside? No internal heating system, just slow combo/ reverse cycle in living room, and various heaters.
So, probably -3 in the bathroom too. I use a big heater.
Brr.

---

Hmmm ... I tend to think heaters and bathrooms are a bad combination. Don't do a Thomas Merton!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
Hi folks
Been a long while

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
I am really exited. My brother is coming over from the US and will be here for my birthday on Friday.

---

I hope you are excited rather than exited.

Moo
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rowen:
In the Alps...... -3 outside? No internal heating system, just slow combo/ reverse cycle in living room, and various heaters.
So, probably -3 in the bathroom too. I use a big heater.
Brr.

---

Hmmm ... I tend to think heaters and bathrooms are a bad combination. Don't do a Thomas Merton!

---

.

House we moved into when sons were small had a radiator high up on wall. Useless in my opinion, it shone on head and made me feel ill. It was safe but we removed it when we renovated and did not replace it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
... Next thing you'll be deriding hairdryers in the shower ...

---

Pffffttt ... pffffttt ... fizzzzz ... bang ... oops!

Welcome back!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
I am really exited. My brother is coming over from the US and will be here for my birthday on Friday.

---

I hope you are excited rather than exited.

Moo

---

I knew there was something wrong with that post but my brain is too busy with the excitement. It's weird because I don't think there is much difference physiologically between excitement and panic and I'm experiencing both. (the panic is about tidiness - he couldn't care but I want the place to be welcoming.

I rang my older brother to tell him and I think he was crying. He has been worried for a long time that he would never see our brother again and I think has been quite depressed.

Huia
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Huia, in case I don't post my birthday wishes on Friday – have a frabjous day and a heartwarming reunion. Yes I will be thinking of you at some stage. Make the most of every minute, tidy or not.

GG
 

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

I am no longer panicking because Student Job Search have come up trumps. I had been blaming myself over my muddle, forgetting that I had made a time with my usual helper and she just didn't turn up then my brother changed his plans.

I am still planning my birthday massage, but a week later

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful - Mae West.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Clean kitchen and bathroom and somewhere to sleep are the most important things, I reckon. Food in the fridge, perhaps some soup or casserole done in slow cooker in next couple of days.

Don't spoil his visit by pushing yourself too much. It is you he is coming to visit, not the house. Relax a bit or you may be too tense to enjoy the time with him.

[ 23. May 2016, 09:54: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Loth is absolutely right - enjoying each other's company is your main priority. If it's feasible, eat out occasionally while he's with you, so you don't need to faff about with cooking.

Have a wonderful time, and, as GG said, a frabjous birthday!

eta: I don't know why my computer's spell-checker objected to the word "frabjous" - if it was good enough for P.G. Wodehouse, it's good enough for me.

[ 23. May 2016, 16:11: Message edited by: Piglet ]
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
I thought it was Lewis Caroll in the Jabberwocky: "O frabjous day, calloo callay!" (and Spellcheck has just gone berserk on my computer!!!!)



B1.2 came home from school last night and informed me I needed to help make him 2 cardboard pickaxes and a fake rock for a school presentation on the goldrush by tomorrow.

Some things never change. Nanna's Acme Instant Stage Props has accepted the challenge, so today I will be designing a rock that needs to split open to reveal a seam of gold in it. Newspaper, spray paint and velcro are the resources at hand. I wonder if this is being marked, or whether the teacher is just a tad sadistic?
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Should reach 8. today.
Bit chilly, really.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
BL, don't forget Book Week is not all that far away! Start thinking.

Perhaps a touch sadistic on the part of the teacher but how long has he known about this? We are not so sadistic as to give so little notice.

Fake pick axe? Teachers must be soft these days. Back in my day...

[ 23. May 2016, 22:31: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I thought it was Lewis Caroll in the Jabberwocky: "O frabjous day, calloo callay!"

---

Having practically memorised Alice in Wonderland, for some reason I could never get on with Through the Looking-glass at all, so the Jabberwocky* isn't in my mental cupboard.

The expression "O frabjous day" was quoted by Bertie Wooster in one of the Jeeves books, and, not realising where he'd got it, I thought it was just the sort of word he would use.

Thank you for the enlightenment.

* The computer doesn't seem to mind the word "Jabberwocky" ...
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Well all the frozen soup I have made over the past two weeks is a good start! One of the three, bacon hock soup, is his favourite. I also found some lamingtons at the local supermarket.

Yesterday I bought some shin beef to make a crockpot stew which will be bubbling when we come from the airport.

Apart from that, this brother is fairly flexible so I fully expect to sit back and have him make some meals

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That all sounds really good, Huia. That slow cooker dish should smell very welcoming when you arrive home.

Relax, have a great birthday, and enjoy the time together.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
Well all the frozen soup I have made over the past two weeks is a good start! One of the three, bacon hock soup, is his favourite. I also found some lamingtons at the local supermarket.

Yesterday I bought some shin beef to make a crockpot stew which will be bubbling when we come from the airport.

Apart from that, this brother is fairly flexible so I fully expect to sit back and have him make some meals

Huia

---

The first thing my daughter wants when she arrives from Canada is a pie.
Not that a a pie can compete with home cooking, but it's one of the things Kiwis miss. Like Minties and pineapple lumps.

GG
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
And passionfruit/fejoa fizzy drink!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
My friend used to miss chocolate fish. She is back there now, so has a chance to indulge. For a long time there used to be a shop in Ashbury which did mail orders of all things NZ like those fish. I think it is closed now.

My sons loved my mum's pies. The meat would be simmered all day in red wine at the side of the Everhot slow combustion stove in the kitchen. She made her own pastry, ever so much better than bought frozen pastry. My pues were rated by them at 8/10. Hers were 12/10.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I stocked up on Vegemite and Lamingtons, but I'm leaving it to him to pick his own beer, possibly Mac's from Nelson. The off license he used to go to when he was last here is now a building site but there are now two micro breweries within walking distance.

One of the places he worked was a tannery. It is now The Tannery - they gutted the building and now there is a second hand bookshop and some very upmarket cafes and bars. My favourite needlework shop opened there briefly before moving to Nelson

It will be interesting to see Christchurch with someone who knew it before the quakes and hasn't seen it since.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
My fifteen year old granddaughter was distracted this morning by thoughts of her history exam today. She was on pedestrian crossing on Brisbane Water Drive out of WoyWoy and was hit by a car on the pedestrian crossing. She is not hurt. probably very stiff and sore tomorrow but nothing was broken.

The bus was early and she was not careful. She rolled up the bonnet and smashed the windscreen before falling off. Amazingly she still went to school on the next bus. However, a witness called the school who followed the place etc and found M and called ambulance which took her to Gosford Hospital.. x-rays show that nothing is broken and she managed to avoid hitting her head. I think reality may arrive with a bang tomorrow, but she was upset today about missing exam. Felt she was letting the family down. She is usually vary blasé about school, although extremely bright. Shows what she is like underneath. Son told her exam was low on his priorities.

The driver reported the accident to police when she realised M had still gone to school.

Perhaps BL and I could collaborate on a book about family life.

[ 25. May 2016, 06:38: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Loth I am so glad she is OK. As you say the aches and pains often come the next day, but at least she has been checked out.

Huia
 

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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on :
 
Lothlorian, what a horrible experience for your granddaughter! I am so pleased she is OK - it could have been so much worse.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Yes, what both Huia and Smudgie said from both of us.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
Has she got Arnica cream for her sore bits?

Most relieved that there is no major damage.


 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
Has she got Arnica cream for her sore bits?

Most relieved that there is no major damage.

---

Not too sure what she has, I know her dad has Hirudoid which helps bruises. Doctors gave her some analgesics at the hospital.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
What a scary thing to happen - and could have been so much worse.

I assume there are provisions for people missing exams in such circumstances, so she shouldn't have to worry on that score.

that she'll be OK.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Loth, is that the same 'Miss M' that we pray for?

GG
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
No, it is her cousin. This M is fifteen, very grown up, very blasé about school etc as many teenagers are, but a softie underneath.

We have a special bond as I minded her several days a week when she was much younger while her mum had part time work. We both have good memories of that.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Its funny when you are so focused on an exam that getting through it 'no matter what' is THE priority. I was on my way to an exam when my car was T-boned and totalled. Although I wasn't physically hurt I still insisted I be taken to the exam - of which I have absolutely no recollection. By the time I finished shock had set in and my writing was so shaky I doubt anyone could have read it. (There were essays on the questions). I was accorded "extenuating circumstances" and given a pass.

Probably more than I deserved anyway! May Miss 15 recover quickly and thoroughly, and hopefully the scans have not missed anything.
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I had a meeting in Bright today- western slopes of the Alps.a friend and I drove over.
Much snow, ice, fog, and much much careful driving.
It was worth it, for the meeting was valuable.
We are staying over, in a warm and cosy cabin, to do some exploring tomorrow... And then brave the mountain tops again.

Much winteriness
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Checkup has just shown no kidney damage fo M after her fight with a car. She is still stiff and bruised, but the news re kidneys is good.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Excellent!
 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Hurrah!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you. I decided yesterday was Good News Friday. Several assorted pieces of good news all arrived together. It made a pleasant change from the rest of the week.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
I tell people that my winter flowering kowhai starts on June the first. But I saw the first blooms yesterday. Happy day!
Also three tui – Dad and two adolescents? Mum, Dad and one offspring? They'll be around a lot.

GG
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Checkup has just shown no kidney damage fo M after her fight with a car. She is still stiff and bruised, but the news re kidneys is good.

---

I'm presuming she can get an aegrotat assessment for her exam?
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
She is in year 10. I assume these were half yearlyexams, it is wrong time of year for anything else. School Cert. at the end of the year. This is just about as useful as the antique Intermediate Cert. was before it was done away with.

Unless a pupil has apprenticeship or similar all lined up, they must do the extra two years.

I assume she would be passed. She is very bright but hides it as it is not cool to be bright, especially for a girl.

[ 28. May 2016, 10:39: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
The travellers arrived home yesterday morning and came here to get keys and his car which had been in my parking spot in basement.

A great start to the return. The battery, over three years old, had died in the nearly five weeks of no use. NRMA took over three hours for battery service and a new one was fitted. Apparently most of Sydney required such service yesterday. The 30 minutes wait forecast was advanced to over three hours very quickly.

I was given some very good mustard from Mont St Michel and a cute little tin plaque with a Renault 4 CV on it. Almost the same colour as Dad's had been. Lots of slogans printed as well. It knew no bad roads and loved mountains. We found that out down here..

[ 31. May 2016, 00:31: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I am exhausted. My brother's stay was great - apart from my not having a functioning oven due to an overenthusiastic student job search helper.

This afternoon I went to see

the Hunt For the Wilderpeople and I loved it. An old bloke (Sam Neill) and a young delinquent on the run from social welfare, the police and ultimately even the army It had (to my mind anyway) links to Goodbye Pork Pie, Lord of the Rings, Smash Palace, Starlight Hotel, Second hand Wedding and the old Crunchy Bar a and Hi-lux advertisements I do enjoy the self referential nature of NZ films

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Glad you had a great time with your brother. That film sounds ...interesting.

[ 02. June 2016, 08:56: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
It's based on a book by Barry Crump who was a real hunting, bush bashing bloke. It was filmed in the Coromandel an area of heavy bush and stunning scenery. Like the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the NZ bush - which I love - was so prevalent it was almost a character in it's own right.

Also it is the only NZ movie ever to have a cameo role for a huia (courtesy of Weta Workshop).

(and no, it wasn't me, but it was obviously a female )

Huia
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
What is a huia?

Moo
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
What is a huia?

---

According to Wikipedia, it's extinct.
 

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Posted by Uncle Pete (# 10422) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:
What is a huia?

---

According to Wikipedia, it's extinct.

---

Except for our very own personification, of course.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Indeed.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Huia .

When we were growing up my younger brother D ( the one has just visited) was convinced that there might be some left. To be fair to him, another bird, the takahe, was thought to be extinct too, but a remnant were found it a remote spot in the South Island over 50 years ago by a dentist, Dr Orbell, who was a keen ornithologist. They are now part of an endangered bird breeding programme. On the 50th anniversary Dr Orbell was flown to the spot where he discovered them, picked one up and was bitten by it. "That's what happened 50 years ago," he said. I have never heard someone being so delighted about being bitten .

When it came to choosing a board name I wanted one that announced to other New Zealanders where I came from, without making it obvious to everyone. Of course I outed myself after the quakes as some people knew where I was, and I wanted to reassure them that I was alive and kicking.

Huia
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
And not only is our Huia not extinct, she makes fine wine in her spare time.

Glad that the visit went so well, such a boost for you.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Huia:
...another bird, the takahe, was thought to be extinct too, but a remnant were found it a remote spot in the South Island over 50 years ago by a dentist, Dr Orbell, who was a keen ornithologist. They are now part of an endangered bird breeding programme. On the 50th anniversary Dr Orbell was flown to the spot where he discovered them, picked one up and was bitten by it. "That's what happened 50 years ago," he said. I have never heard someone being so delighted about being bitten .
...

---

Tragically several were shot on an island sanctuary recently by cullers attempting to reduce the numbers of a somewhat dissimilar bird, the ubiquitous pukeko (the Australian swamp hen, in fact)
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Ignorant peasants. They were told to shoot only birds that were flying (takahe can't, pukeko do, albeit badly ).

Well, a friend rang up and offered to shout me to the pictures (movies)... so I have now seen
Hunt for the Wilderpeople twice .

I still loved it. And Zappa, there is an old Leonard Cohen song - The Partisan included.

They also showed the shorts of something so noisy I took my hearing aids out. How do people sit through the kind of noise that vibrates the air around you?

Huia
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
It's a very long time since I was in a cinema*, and I found the noise level extremely off-putting.

There surely can't be any need for it to be that high.



* I think the offering may have been Angels and Demons.
 

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Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
It's a very long time since I was in a cinema*, and I found the noise level extremely off-putting.

There surely can't be any need for it to be that high.

---

My theory is that they turn the volume up in the hope of drowning out the people who are chatting, talking on their phones, and crackling their candy wrappers.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
The first time I saw it was in a small boutique cinema with two of us in the audience. The second was in a large commercial one.

The small one was best, and I was give headphones to work the hearing loop, but I heard everything clearly with out them.

This was only the second movie I had been to since the big quakes. I will be goig to more of them now.

Huia
 

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Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
Just back from a fabulous weekend in Wellington - botanic gardens and the Gallipolli exhibit at Te Papa yesterday, then Zealandia this morning. Saw the takahe Huia mentions, plus a tui, who sang a repertoire of his own and everyone else's greatest hits. The exhibition is also excellent, but the film they show at the beginning is frankly horrifying (although it needs to be seen).
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kittyville:
plus a tui, who sang a repertoire of his own and everyone else's greatest hits.

---

Kittyville, this sums up tui perfectly. I wish we had them in Christchurch, though it may just be a matter of time because some have been re-introduced to Banks Peninsular and there is a possum trapping programme.

I grew up in a valley near Wellington. There were no tui then, but several years ago on Dad's birthday, there were 17 in the kowhai tree at the back of our section. Mainly due to possum trapping.

I haven't seen the Te Papa exhibition, but Peter Jackson is responsible for the film.

Now I want to go back to Wellington

Huia

[ 05. June 2016, 21:53: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Monday morning and I hope all is well with all. NSW was hit over entire weekend from Friday afternoon till sometime this morning early, by a destructive storm. From the far north of the state to below Sydney. It is apparently weakening and continuing to move south.

Inland areas had welcome rain but not the winds. Very strong winds , torrential non stop rain combined with a king tide to cause a huge surf and massive destruction on the beaches. I haven't checked this morning, but last night there were flood warnings current for almost thirty rivers.

Roads have been flooded and trees brought down. Despite pleas to avoid driving through flood waters, one woman drove through two road blocks and became stranded in flood waters. After being pulled out she was breath tested and charged with drink driving. Some people are idiots, risking not only their lives but also their rescuers' lives.

Some schools are closed, not just in the metropolitan areas and workers have been asked to work from home if possible.

Very small in the overall picture, but I woke up yesterday to one balcony chair blown over and the others blown around on my balcony. In five years, there has been nothing like this. My apartment is in the inside of a L shaped corner. Building behind and to my right usually gives good protection.

[ 05. June 2016, 23:22: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Crikey, Loth - that sounds very scary. for all affected.

I had to Google the Tui - what a beautiful bird. Yet another reason to keep NZ on my bucket list ...
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I just came here because I heard about the horrendous weather in Sydney. I hope everyone I safe.

Piglet tui are lovely, but quite aggressive towards each other (and smaller birds). My mother originally planted a kowhai tree in the hope that tui would be drawn to it (they are nectar eaters). We kids laughed, as in those days sighting a tui was quite rare (as in writing a letter to the local paper if you saw one). I was glad that she lived to see so many, but didn't live to see her kowhai trees chopped down

Sorry, I tried to link to the kowhai but it didn't work. Google images has some lovely photos of them though.

Huia

[ 06. June 2016, 01:47: Message edited by: Huia ]
 

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Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :
 
Hope you're all OK over the ditch. My nephew and his partner couldn't leave their house yesterday - the house was fine but the bottom of the driveway was flooded.

Meanwhile, we're having the most stunning clear days, quite cold, but wonderful. We were at a wedding yesterday in Martinborough, and the photos all show clear blue skies and happy people - what they don't show is that it was around 7 degrees, and the bride and bridesmaids were wearing sleeveless frocks with the side adornment of goosebumps. It was a lovely, lovely weekend.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Four tui in the tree. Must be whanau (family) 'cause Dad isn't chasing them away. He didn't even bother with a few sparrows let alone a visiting kereru – I don't know that he bothers with them anyway, as I've seen one simply ignore him when he rushed at it.

Lovely clear night skies. Still sunset glow in the west when Jupiter is dominant, Sirius and Canopus are bright, and in an hour or so Mars will be rising bright red as Jupiter sets.

GG
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Just seen the news. If shipmates still have their homes, then for all the folk who are so devastated.

GG
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Our area, which took such a hammering last year, avoided major effects this time. For the most part, the rain was gentle and soaking which pleased the farmers of the parish no end. We seemed to be in the eye of the system for the duration.
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Wet and wild but safe where we are - 300mm of rain in our rain gauge. Trees and power lines down around the place on Sunday. As we drove to church on both Sunday morning and Sunday night, we thought we should really be staying at home.

Car hunting continues - checking out a small used Volvo station wagon today. Can I come up with something that the kids would be less happy driving? It's a challenge I am willing to accept.

mr curly

[ 06. June 2016, 20:30: Message edited by: Mr Curly ]
 

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Posted by bib (# 13074) on :
 
Tasmania has experienced some horrific weather conditions over the past few day which is not over yet. There has been loss of lives, stock and property and as I type one of the suburbs near me is being evacuated as the flood surge approaches. Please pray for all here- it is very scary and tragic for many.
 

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 

 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 

 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
... Can I come up with something that the kids would be less happy driving? It's a challenge I am willing to accept.

---

Over in Blighty this is reckoned to be a bit of a joke.

Having said that, it's what D. drove when I first met him, and I still married him.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
Bib - prayers for you and fellow Taswegians affected by the severe weather. We were lucky, some nearby not so, with substantial branches and trees down.

Mr Curly, not sure just how old a Volvo wagon you're looking at. Madame had a V40, from memory 2003, could have been 2004, for many years and was very satisfied with it. It had the 2 litre 4 cylinder, with the low pressure turbo. Plenty of power but good economy. She then gave it to Dlet as it had no trade-in value worth thinking of. He was off his green P plates at the time, so the turbo was no problem. He still uses it, at something approaching a quarter million kms, and sees no need to change. This may give you some help.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
It doesn't matter what car it is: if it belonged to an older relative or was bought by them it is usually considered pretty naff. At least the Volvo is one of the safer options to survive in. These days providing a Kia or a Golf is only a step better than giving your offspring a people mover to tool about in. Shock horror.

B4 was adamant her first car had to be a Mitsubishi Lancer. Must have been a thing with her, because when she was eventually able to buy a new one, she went for the same.

Lovely news on our patch is that B4 is now wearing an engagement ring, after a most romantic weekend proposal. It was a big surprise for her, although the young gentleman had called on TP last week to ask his permission for our youngest daughter's hand in marriage.

Sweet.

More importantly as parents we think they are good for each other. I guess there is something to be said for watching all her other siblings making some unfortunate choices!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
That’s lovely news BL. Especially after the last few days of storms, drownings, destruction and similar.

Bib, Tassie floods and weather were on news last night here, as well as all the destruction along the coast in NSW and Sydney..
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Congratulations to B4 and the future Mr. B4!

On the subject of Volvo estates, the only car I've actually owned* was my dad's old Volvo 145, which looked like this and was, quite simply, the most beautiful car in the history of automotive transport.

It may not have been "cool", but it had been in the family for 15 years by the time I got it, and I'd grown up with it. It nearly broke my heart to sell it when we got married and decided we probably couldn't afford to look after it.

* I've been part-owner of several cars since we married, but the Volvo was the only one that was actually mine - my dad signed it over to me when he retired and bought a smaller car, but wanted to keep the big one in case he wanted to move anything heavy.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
"Beautiful" is not the word I would have chosen, but certainly an excellent design - sensible shape allowing plenty of space for driver, passengers and luggage/shopping/what you will. The same with the following 2 and 7 series. Also well built and very comfortable. All in all, a sharp contrast to what the UK factories were not exactly churning out at the time. They and the V40/S40 I linked to are keeping well, Rarely do you see a ratty one, so obviously they were well made to start with. The same applies to Subaru Foresters although they grew rather too large over the years.

Congratulations to B4.

[ 08. June 2016, 08:02: Message edited by: Gee D ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
We are also celebrating that B4 and partner arrived at the weekend family luncheon in one piece. A car with trailer in front of them jackknifed and spun completely around their car on the wet road. All people involved unscathed. B4's car (fiancé was driving it) was ok. Other car and trailer totalled. Later the same day I drove past a car that had subsided with the road shoulder and emergency services were busy extracting it.

Only absolutely essential driving will be done by us over the next few days as the wet weather returns. B4 has declared she needs to do a defensive driving course, as she doubts she would have handled the situation like her partner. Very sensible.
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
Down in Sydney yesterday. Night prior, at Wolli Creek (who'da thought that place could have so many tall buildings? I remember when it was trees and water) had to wade through water to get to the motel!
Back to the 'Bri and this morning drove down to GonnaDar. Yeah, cos I needed more travel.
Made it back though so it wasn't all bad.
Oh, hang on!
Yesterday was an all day meeting and today was..... an all day meeting.
Someone shoot me!

[ 08. June 2016, 11:44: Message edited by: ozowen ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Ozowen, that area regularly floods in heavy rain. Railway line and the tunnel section at Bexley flood. I think it is Bexley. The last time we had substantial rain, Bardwell Park railway line had water on the station platform, quite deep, even that high up. Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL club, between Wolli Creek and train line was badly flooded not long ago and possibly copped it again. Ruined cellars and equipment.

You have noticed that area has changed to big buildings. More concrete and more run off.

Wolli Creek probably also contributes. It is chockers with man made rubbish, dead trees which catch stuff floating downstream and plants which should be cleared out. Willows, invasive weeds etc. Water just can't get away.

At least part of the creek is protected but the whole area needs investigating and managing by someone who knows what needs to be done and who can get things done.

[ 08. June 2016, 12:03: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Your post deserved a proper answer, not just an addendum at end of my reply to Ozowen.

That must have been scary for everyone. Amazing no one was hurt.

Road surfaces could be weakened by water movement, even though rain has basically stopped. I think you are very wise to avoid driving for a while.

Did you see the woman, from Canberra I think, who drove through two roadblocks and then on to a flooded road. She had to be rescued and after rescue was breathtested and found to be over the limit. She was charged.

Lots of pleas from police, SES, RFS etc for common sense to be used and for motorists not to drive on flooded roads even if water appears shallow.

[ 08. June 2016, 12:13: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Unseasonably fine and mild here On The Leading Edge. But I believe your 'stralyan wet is coming. Kuruman as it happens is in the Northern Rivers NSW region (with another occasional frequenter of this theread, who shall remain nameless but is named after a river in the Northern Rivers NSW region ) at the mo ...
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Forgot to mention ... had a job interview yesterday ... we'll see how it goes
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zappa:
Forgot to mention ... had a job interview yesterday ... we'll see how it goes

---

(If I ever attend a church service where you're officiating, I'll be sure to wear my Ship name tag.)
 

---

Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
"Beautiful" is not the word I would have chosen, but certainly an excellent design - sensible shape allowing plenty of space for driver, passengers and luggage/shopping/what you will. The same with the following 2 and 7 series. Also well built and very comfortable. All in all, a sharp contrast to what the UK factories were not exactly churning out at the time. They and the V40/S40 I linked to are keeping well, Rarely do you see a ratty one, so obviously they were well made to start with. The same applies to Subaru Foresters although they grew rather too large over the years.

Congratulations to B4.

---

I owned two Volvos. A 245 for 7 years and a 265 for 8 years. The 245 had almost 400,000 k's on the clock when I sold it and the 265 almost 300,000. The 265 had a love affair with petrol, it couldn't get enough of it!! We loved both of them, they were used as work horses, helped shift lots of friends, picked fire wood and even slept in on the odd occasion.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Zappa, hope all goes well for you. That river and partner are good support for you and Kuruman.

We had a 265 wagon for some years. Very comfortable, a bit daggy as to reputation but useful and a good size. It was a thirsty beast.

[ 08. June 2016, 22:48: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Zappa
 

---

Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Zappa
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Zappa

GG
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dennis the Menace:
I owned two Volvos.

---

Moi aussi .. though both mine were 850s ... the one, in QLD (still sitting in a shed on a property near Wankydilla) a more prosaic conventially engine four speed auto, but the other, possibly soon to come back to me, is a delicious five speed manual turbo nom nom nom ...
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
The other ... ... still sitting in a shed in QLD
 

---

Posted by ThunderBunk (# 15579) on :
 
I'm sorry, and I know I'm intruding by....ooo about 12000 miles.....but I really can't believe there is a place called Wankydilla.

I regret to say I am chortling.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ThunderBunk:
I'm sorry, and I know I'm intruding by....ooo about 12000 miles.....but I really can't believe there is a place called Wankydilla.

I regret to say I am chortling.

---

Where have you been? W has been (in)famous for many years!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Of course, Rexory.

How about Genoo Genoo. You will need to look up the pronunciation of that one. A bit like some names from what was often known down here a century as the old country or home.
 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ThunderBunk:
I'm sorry, and I know I'm intruding by....ooo about 12000 miles.....but I really can't believe there is a place called Wankydilla.

I regret to say I am chortling.

---

And a fine place it is. Though it's been nearly three years since I was last there

[ 09. June 2016, 23:58: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I love silly place names, which is probably just as well, as about 10 miles from where I grew up is a place called Twatt, and here in Newfoundland we've got Heart's Delight, Heart's Content, Conception Bay and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.

---

I guess that comes in handy when you can't get to Intercourse.

---

 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
There is a town not too far from me called Naff.

Moo
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.

---

I guess that comes in handy when you can't get to Intercourse.

---

Quotes file!
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.

---

I guess that comes in handy when you can't get to Intercourse.

---

Quotes file!

---

Thanks, Piglet -- my first time! (And thanks for getting my gender correct.)

 

---

Posted by no prophet's flag is set so... (# 15560) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pigwidgeon:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Piglet:
...and, of course, the incomparable Dildo.

---

I guess that comes in handy when you can't get to Intercourse.

---

Quotes file!

---

Thanks, Piglet -- my first time! (And thanks for getting my gender correct.)

---

quote:

---

It [Intercourse] refers to the “fellowship” or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at that time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply while visiting this area

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
Up until then I just thought it might be due to the Amish penchant for woodwork and screws.

---

Not so sure about the woodwork...

 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
When the Virginia Tourist Board came up with the slogan, "Virginia is for lovers", someone started selling bumper stickers saying, "Virginia is for lovers, but Pennsylvania has Intercourse".

Moo
 

---

Posted by ozowen (# 8935) on :
 
In Roger Water's album "Amused to Death" there is a song "It's a Miracle"

"They had sex in Pennsylvania, a Brazilian grew a tree. A doctor in Manhatten saved a dying man for free.
It's a miracle."
apparently the bit about Pennsylvania is not all that impressive.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
It's a bit cold in the Victorian Alps!
I am learning what it all means to live here
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mr Curly:
We have an 18 year old in the house as of today. How did that happen?

No Volvo for us. A 3-year-old Hyundai i30 wagon will be joining the family to do the hard yards as the kids' shared car for some years to come.

mr curly

---

My nearly 18 year old rang at the weekend. If he came and did some work, would I pay him? So he arrived to tell me he needed to buy J a present, it was their first anniversary! First he had lunch. At least he made it himself. Four eggs scrambled with most of the mushrooms I had, three leftover sausages, some tomato, something else I have forgotten and two bottles of good gingerbeer.

I set him to work but forgot to ask him to clean the bath which meant it was up to me.

Like yours, he is in year 12 with no idea of next year. He is quite bright but not academic. Captains various teams, has been a prefect for two years and has good leadership skills developed from captaining a state team for several years.
 

---

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
My mum always said that the boys had hollow legs at that age.


 

---

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by ozowen:
In Roger Water's album "Amused to Death" there is a song "It's a Miracle"

"They had sex in Pennsylvania, a Brazilian grew a tree. A doctor in Manhatten saved a dying man for free.
It's a miracle."
apparently the bit about Pennsylvania is not all that impressive.

---

The bit about Andrew Lloyd Webber's fingers is reasonably emphatic.
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Helping my co-executor at last inspect the Grandad's masterwork yesterday, his very detailed catalogue of around 20,000 classic Egyptian postcards using the now obsolete Apple software he started on some years ago. We matched the computer file with the big fat folders of printouts, and were amazed and much moved to discover a pencilled addition on the paper file had been added to the computer file the day he died last November.
Still remembering him in his La-Z-Boy with the MacBook on a reading table, talking about our next trip to Matarangi – and glad that we had been there not long before.

GG
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Memories, GG, memories. Bittersweet.

Today is the anniversary of SIL's death, leaving my brother and her son, still in primary school. After a few rather rocky years, he is doing well, has a steady girlfriend and job and is about to start a Masters degree at ANU next semester.

[ 15. June 2016, 23:24: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Whispered prayers for both the previous ...
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
A recognition for the likes of Rowen in the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, where one of the speakers said:
"One of Jesus' favourite words was 'go'. Go into the world preaching and making disciples. Go and heal the sick , visit the lonely, feed the hungry. Go and Love. Go and serve. And that's what our rural and remote minsters do. They go out into the world and meet the needs of the people where they are. But we can't do this if the Church as a whole cannot support this ministry."
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
And despite not taking a second pair of crocs with her, I hope Rowen has some thick woolly socks!!!
 

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Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Tukai, my thanks.... It was very kind of you to post them thus. It's what I try and do. God gives me strength.

And the ability to cope with cold!

And oh, BL, I left home two days ago, for an early meeting..... 8am, -8. Lunch time, we reached 0.

Last night, 8... Positively tropical!
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:
And despite not taking a second pair of crocs with her, I hope Rowen has some thick woolly socks!!!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Best thing ever on my feet are hand knit woollen socks. So comfortable.

I will say that knitting socks on public transport gets both comments and puzzled looks.

The best was a couple of years ago in a train to central coast. An old lady who was originally from Latvia cried when she saw my socks. She had made them for her husband and sons, all dead. She had no idea what a cult following handknit socks have among knitters. She was glad to hear it was not a moribund art,

---

My partner and I are avid knitters. We were travelling to Armidale on the train back in the 80's and as it was a long journey we each broke out our knitting. The guard was most intrigued to say the least. He wouldn't speak but slowed down each time he passed through the carriage to have a look. K was having trouble doing some button holes so I helped him. The little old dear in front was itching turn around and also help but she too wouldn't speak. We must have been intimidating!!!
 

---

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :
 
Perhaps they worried that the two of you were like Madame Defarge, secretly encoding the names of people to be killed.

 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Best thing ever on my feet are hand knit woollen socks. So comfortable.

I will say that knitting socks on public transport gets both comments and puzzled looks.

The best was a couple of years ago in a train to central coast. An old lady who was originally from Latvia cried when she saw my socks. She had made them for her husband and sons, all dead. She had no idea what a cult following handknit socks have among knitters. She was glad to hear it was not a moribund art,

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
The centenarian who said the secret to a long life is 6 gin and tonics a day!!!! How do you get the time for that?

---

How come I've got to 83 without ever drinking one?
Never touched a drop of spirits except the Glenlivet.

GG
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Ah yes, the satisfaction of a well turned hee and the amazement to onlookers of a rightangle bend in the knitting.

A funny story in anextremely unpleasant week.

Back in about 2006, knitting kept me sane and sort of balanced as my life fell apart. I used to knit on the back deck which was covered,

I went out once, feeling miserable, picked up the sock I was working on. Did a bit and decided by the weight on my fingers that it must be time for the heel. Worked it, and proceeded down the foot. Something did not feel quite right so I held it up to inspect. I had a long tube of knitting with two opposing right angles a couple of inches apart. I had done the heel twice. It looked extremely odd.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I have huge admiration for anyone who can knit anything, let alone turning a heel. My only piece of useful knitting was done in 1980; it was one of those chunky Icelandic Lopi sweaters that were much in fashion at the time (rather like this). The pattern wasn't as hard as it looked; it was knitted on a circular needle with almost completely plain stitches, and the diamond shapes were formed by alternating numbers of stitches between dark and light-coloured wool.

It was helped by the fact that (a) I got my mum to do the difficult bits like grafting sleeve-holes; and (b) my sister and brother-in-law were home on holiday while I was knitting it and started working on it while I was at school.

In fact, she was so taken with it that she bought wool and needles and made one for him, and with the left-over wool made a little one for my nephew (who was a rather large bump at the time). I doubt that he ever wore it; the Lopi wool is a bit tickly and maybe not quite the thing for a new-born!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I have just done the postal vote for coming election which can't come soon enough. Three weeks is longer for a campaign than I like, seven is far too long.

There was a comment made about a tablecloth size for senate election some time ago. This one has around 150 names for NSW, but was more like a teatowel than a tablecloth. Things have been changed so if you vote below the party line, you now need number only 1-12.

However, I gain some perverse pleasure in working out the last twenty or so names to consign to final places. Form has been witnessed and sealed and DIL will post it at box outside where she is staying now.

The sitting member here is Liberal. I have never heard his name, nor seen mention of anything he has done or attended, He did not get my vote..

I see that ex Mr L is not standing this year for the oddball, supposedly Christan group he stood for last election. The received few votes and he may well have lost his deposit. The group has only two standing this election instead of three.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Even oddballs gotta have someone to vote for .

This year we have our Local Body elections. So far no one has announced they will be opposing the sitting Mayor, which is OK in my book. Several were hoping that the personally nasty comments that had been made about her would discourage her, so that they could have a clear run, but yahboo sucks to them

Huia - a mature voter.
 

---

Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Three weeks is longer for a campaign than I like, seven is far too long.

---

My feelings also. A recent cartoon by Pat summed it up. It showed a woman selecting the colour of paint that she wanted to watch dry on one wall, while behind on the other wall was a TV screen saying "Election coverage".

Our friends across the ditch do this rather better. I was in NZ for the election of 2011, which was called for 3 weeks after the Rugby World Cup (held that year in NZ). The pollies all knew that no-one in NZ would pay them any attention while the RWC was on, and so the campaign (such as it was) was all done and dusted in 3 weeks, and the result then announced the day after the vote.

But I pity our unfortunate American shipmates who have had 12 months of "campaigning" already (60+ pages on the Ship's thread!) and still have not even reached the formal nomination of candidates!
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Tukai, it seems that if either party gets enough rope, it will hang itself. Both have been doing a good job, especially Sophie Mirabella who has foot in mouth disease in her attempt at re election. No loss in my books, and friends in the electorate are happy to never see or hear her again.

Much prefer our normal shorter campaign.

[ 19. June 2016, 23:53: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Snow has been forecast for later in the week, around here, even if not here... It would be fun if it does do so here though. Everyone is wandering around talking about it snowing...

Work sent me chains this week. Compulsory to carry, and to use if so directed. And ice-crapers, anda thermal blanket etc. I ordered thermal underwear, and it has come too. Yay!

A friend and I are warm and cosy inside. Outside looks dark and very wintery.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
"I ordered thermal underwear, and it has come too. Yay!...A friend and I are warm and cosy inside.:
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I know I'm displaying my ignorance here, but it does sound very strange to my northern-hemisphere ears for Australians speaking about snow and thermal vests; our perceptions of Australia are all Bondi Beach and the outback, neither of which conjures up visions of snow.

When we had the obligatory visit from Australian relatives that all British families had in the 1970s, I remember being very puzzled when a couple of cousins* (probably then in their 20s) said they'd never seen snow.

* I'm not quite sure which part of Australia they came from; I think all my relations are in either Adelaide or Sydney.
 

---

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
The high land in Tasmania gets snow annually. The same happens on the mountainous area immediately north of Melbourne extending up the Dividing Range past Canberra to the Northern Tablelands area of NSW and perhaps even into southern Queensland. Rowen's present parish is in that area north from Melbourne.

Snowfalls in Canberra are brief and the snow does not last long. I don't know about Melbourne, but there is a photo taken in the early 1880s showing snow on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour - can't give you a link. About 50 years before then there had been a similar fall. About 30 years ago, we had a flurry of snow in suburbs around us one Saturday afternoon. It suddenly got very cold after a shower of light rain. About 5 minutes later, there was snow (or a reasonable substitute) for about 10 minutes. It had largely gone by nightfall.
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Ahem. The Snowy Mountains high country area (aka the Snowies) is well known thanks to a poem by Banjo Patterson - The Man from Snowy River - and the fact it has the highest mountain in Australia - Mt Kosciusko. It is where all the snow bunnies head each winter. And yes there is snow. Some years more than others. Plenty of it this year, so far. Snow season always begins on the Queen's birthday weekend.

So in June we think of the Queen and grow cold. Winter is coming! Lots of snow predicted over the next few days. The wind is icy here in the nation's capitol.
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Thanks for the information, folks - I'm now a less unwise piglet.

BL, stay safe when your snow arrives.
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
There was a lengthy segment on Landline last weekend about high country cattlemen. i was interested at first because of agriculture studies. Then drawn in by the scenery. I know there is controversy about cattle in the high country, but these were in superb condition, sleek and well fed. They were being led up the mountain by members of the old family farmers.

Not only were the cattle in superb condition, but the land was also. I am sure there will be patches of erosion etc, but I could show you plenty of that out of Goulburn or Bathurst too.

Lots of experienced horsemen and their dogs. I was particularly taken by the small boy with a felt hat and a drizabone or similar brand. On a pony which he rode carefully, he was perhaps five. There was a girl a bit older and another girl about ten.

They drove the cattle down the main street of Dargo, not that far from Rowen geographically, but further by road, I guess.

[ 21. June 2016, 23:04: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
Just to note....
I only moved here this year, so everything is new and exciting.
And cold.
Dargo is not part of my parish, but a couple of hours drive away. Cute town. fabulous pub food. Divine own label wine.


Our snowfields are such that winter Olympic teams from the northern hemisphere come here and use our winters, ie northern summers, for practice. Good deep snow, and hopefully lots this year.
Major tourist industry here in my world.

And yet, I have had overseas visitors calmly tell me I am telling untruths when I speak of this. A French family tried to convince me that Oz snow was only part of a government conspiracy and didn't really exist. The government apparently used giant PowerPoint on the mountain ranges. Riiiiiiigggghhhhtttt.

[ 21. June 2016, 23:42: Message edited by: Rowen ]
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Wonderful article on the Treasure family in the high country - a book has been written highlighting the cattle keepers of the high country. Many generations of these women know as much about good cattle raising in the mountains as the men. Was rather astounded that they don't have to work hard to muster. They have trained their cattle to respond to the call of "SA-A-A-A-LT". Not much natural salt in the high country and salt licks are a major treat for them. The cows come running for it.
Smart ladies.

[ 22. June 2016, 00:15: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I saw that book on ABC. THe author was also the photographer.

Two hours, Rowen, to Dargo? Not surprised. I knew it would be a lot further than the crow would fly from your place to Dargo.

Salt licks are well known bribes for farm animals, especially with molasses in them.

Edited to add link from ABC and a short video, about a minute long.

For those who do not know, the title mentioning women in particular is a play on the title of Banjo Paterson's poem, The man from Snowy River. High country women

There was movement at the station....

[ 22. June 2016, 02:18: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

---

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Fascinating story and video, Loth.

GG
 

---

Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
... Salt licks are well known bribes for farm animals ...

---

Over here they put salt-licks in the woods to keep the moose away from the roads in winter; otherwise they would lick the road-salt and be a menace to traffic.

Moose are not really the cleverest of God's creatures ...
 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Reminds me of when I walked into a rural cathedral during Lent to find a meditation point set up....it was a salt lick and a candle on a terracotta plate.

Very effective.

And no. I had never seen anything like it before....because I have always been a city dweller. Harvest festivals are also foreign territory to me.
 

---

Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on :
 
I occasionally see men from Snowy River... On horses, herding sheep, cattle or horses across my mountains.
It thrills me! Wearing the coats, the hats, the boots and so on...

The legend becomes reality right in front of my eyes.

Of course, they are using mobile phones now! That makes me google.
"There was movement at the station, as word had got around by text, that the colt from old Regret ...."
 

---

Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Galloping Granny:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
Best thing ever on my feet are hand knit woollen socks. So comfortable.

I will say that knitting socks on public transport gets both comments and puzzled looks.

The best was a couple of years ago in a train to central coast. An old lady who was originally from Latvia cried when she saw my socks. She had made them for her husband and sons, all dead. She had no idea what a cult following handknit socks have among knitters. She was glad to hear it was not a moribund art,

---

There are few achievements as satisfying as a well-turned heel.
I knitted many pairs of thick woollen socks for all four of us, not just for winter cosiness but more for comfort when tramping in the summer. The other day I took all that had been piled in a cupboard for years to Downtown Community Ministry, who will surely have clients with cold feet.

GG

---

Knitting is one of my covert pleasures. There is nothing more comforting than the rhythm of needles and wool. It's my ambition to knit (and wear) Ravelry over knee stripy socks
 

---

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I am sure I could lay my hands on enough scraps to make those. No trouble at all.
DIL would love those but she does not like woollen socks, says they are too hot for her. I refuse to knit acrylic, it burns my fingers and hurts the arthritis in them.

I must get back to the socks I have started. I need that rhythm and comfort.A longtime friend was obviously losing his memory etc. Then three weeks ago, instead of a slow stroll down dementia hill, he seemed to fall over a cliff. He has gone downhill so quickly it is devastating to watch. A group of longime friends have stepped in, he has no family, never married and was adopted. Every day there is a new calamity he can't understand and we have to pick up the pieces and find a way forward. Plain vanilla socks may be just what I need to do.

[ 24. June 2016, 09:53: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :
 
Loth, that sounds like my dear aunt, who contracted shingles, and went from mildly vague and living in her own place to completely demented and needing nursing home care in just over a month. It is indeed a distressing situation, and I can only pray that adequate professional support is available to you all as try to help your friend.
 

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Posted by Doone (# 18470) on :
 
Loth
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 

 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
I am not a knitter, but I love those socks. Unfortunately I think I would get minimal wear out of them as they would be too hot for me.

I'm making carrot and kumara soup today. It's one I haven't tried before, but I need to do something with the 4 litres of chicken stock in the fridge and I already have copious amounts of the chicken barley broth I like. It was going to be pumpkin but I stupidly bought one too big for the microwave and the small axe I used to chop it has gone walkabout. I know there are other ways of dealing with it, but at least it will keep for a while in a cool, dry place.

I also will put the raisins in to soak for rum and raisin muffins. The book group at the library has a mid-winter Christmas meeting on Monday so I volunteered to make them.

Huia
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Thank you all. It is indeed distressing to see. Fortunately we read the writing on the wall and managed to get a valid will drawn up, including Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship being appointed. That took over six months to arrange. We are so glad it was done. POA is now needed for banking etc. He is not eating and taking medication for high blood pressure is doubtful. Lunch at Eaarlwood Bardwell Park RSL is usually followed by cereal for dinner, if he thinks about it. Breakfast some days is after noon.

He has spent this week on a little holiday with one of the group in the southern highlands. This has given us more insights into the problems.

We have some among us with professional experience in medical fields and knowledge of resources etc. That has been helpful. Another couple are ordained and have heaps of pastoral care knowledge and knowledge of specific places for help. I have already been through this with my dad.

Care will be needed and probably residential at that. He can no longer look after himself as he could do a month ago. Probably in Highlands as he has friends there who can visit.

He is moving past the vague realisation that something is not quite right, and being worried about that.. At least that movement makes it a bit easier to actually arrange things for his comfort without argument.

[ 24. June 2016, 23:30: Message edited by: Lothlorien ]
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Loth - it must be heartbreaking for you to see his decline.

for you, for him and for all who have the task of looking after him.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Clarence, if you liked those over the knee socks, I have posted another link to unusual socks on the Craft thread in Heaven. I did not want to have an AS host complaining about knitting cluttering AS.
 

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Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 
Well, I won't be knitting any socks anytime soon, but even SE Queensland is needing some warm gear at present eg Bunya Mountains snow

(Posting whilst wearing thermals, knee socks, long woollen jumper and large wrap to allow for the non heated Qld house)
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Just checking in from frosty Canberra. It is minus four degrees as I type. I have just cranked up the gas heating.

No sympathy for any Queenslanders. Sorry. But it's because I want to be where you are!
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Relatively tropical here. We started the day at 3c and it's now up to 6c and supposedly heading for 12c. I had left the heatpump on all night is my power bill is going to be higher than usual. For some reason I'm feeling the cold more across my upper back and shoulders - maybe that is why shawls were so popular in times past. I use lengths of purple polar fleece, practising for when I am an old woman

Huia
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
I probably shouldn't tell you what temperature it was here today, but your snow made it on to the "Force of Nature" slot on the Weather Channel over here - people in bobble-hats grinning and throwing snow at each other.


 

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Posted by Clarence (# 9491) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Huia:
I use lengths of purple polar fleece, practising for when I am an old woman

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quote:

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Originally posted by Huia:
Relatively tropical here. We started the day at 3c and it's now up to 6c and supposedly heading for 12c. I had left the heatpump on all night is my power bill is going to be higher than usual. For some reason I'm feeling the cold more across my upper back and shoulders - maybe that is why shawls were so popular in times past. I use lengths of purple polar fleece, practising for when I am an old woman

Huia

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gee D:
But of course you've had women as bishops in NZ for much longer then we.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Zappa:
Two excellent examples at the moment.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Huia:
That's the one Clarence.

Gee D, not a role I would be temperamentally or theologically suited to. I did know the Right Reverent Penny Jamieson, as her husband lectured at Victoria University when I was doing my B.A and was attended services at the Chaplaincy. I went to her Ordination. (heavens, that was a long time ago - makes me feel old just to think of it.

Huia

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Penny and I were members of a mums' group (study? discussion? Taizé prayer?) when we both had preschoolers.

GG

[ 29. June 2016, 19:00: Message edited by: Galloping Granny ]
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
12°C maximum in Wellington today, and we expect 10°C tomorrow.

I thought my neighbours were away, but no – like me, they keep the curtains drawn to keep the heat in.

GG
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Didn't get to double figures yesterday where i am. My mum turns 98 today and has declared she wants to go out for her b'day. I hope it doesn't kill her!
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
Happy Birthday to her.Surely you can think of somewhere heated to take her. That leaves just the trip to and from the car.

May she have a wonderful day.
 

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Posted by Piglet (# 11803) on :
 
Happy birthday, Banner Mum!

It was 27° here today, but felt like 33. I'll be delighted to send you a few degrees ...

At least it's supposed to go down to a slightly more manageable 23° tomorrow, and then take a dive to 14° on Saturday - bring it on!
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
A very happy birthday to her. My father turned 99 last month, and is looking forward to getting his telegram next year. Madame's mother is now 97 and doing quite well also. Being great-grandparents has really sparked them both up.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Whereas my Maternal Unit™ was a mere 94 last week.

Blessings on all our nonogenarians.
 

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Posted by Dennis the Menace (# 11833) on :
 
Ok Aussies, vote early, wisely and often!!
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Polling stations are now open.
Get there early before the cake stall runs out of stock! Support the Parents and Citizens Association of your local school! And if the cakes have run out, the the sausage sizzle will still be selling sausage sandwiches.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I did a postal vote which was received a week ago. Too hard to get to polling booth without car. It used to be just a couple of minutes away. I found there were far too many worthy contenders for the bottom vote in senate paper. When I signed up for postal vote, the papers arrive automatically in my letterbox for al three types of elections.

Yes cabs are a possibility but I was stood up again last night for yet another which did not arrive. Son has been at me to use Uber for quite a while, so I downloaded app when I came inside and signed up. He uses it often. When I looked, there were apparently seven cars close to me.
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Dennis the Menace:
Ok Aussies, vote early, wisely and often!!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Kittyville:
We've been moved to another constituency this time round, and my polling place covers both old and new constituencies, so it was barely controlled chaos when I was there half an hour ago. Like Loth, I was underwhelmed by the senate ballot paper. I had intended to vote below the line, but lost the will to.

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You only have to mark 12 boxes below the line for a valid Senate vote. In our case, as there are 12 Labor party candidates, it's easy and saves thinking about a second choice. We're getting a bit lazy, as our vote in the Reps is a lot harder. Normally, we put the Greens last, but this year we have Christian Democrat and Australian Liberty Alliance as well. Neither of those is at all palatable. We're consoling ourselves with the safe prediction of the outcome here.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
I was also moved to another area. I had never heard of the sitting Liberal member, not even in the local papers.

I used to be in a swinging seat very many years ago. It was often used as a prediction for result. Things have changed. Not as safe an outcome as GeeD's area or as predictable, but fairly safe for Libs now. Did have Albanese a few years ago. Two changes since then.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
So when are the first results expected to be announced?

I haven't really been following the issues as closely as I usually do, due to the more headline grabbing happenings further afield.

Huia
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
Vote early, vote often and vote for the dead!

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:

Yes cabs are a possibility but I was stood up again last night for yet another which did not arrive. Son has been at me to use Uber for quite a while, so I downloaded app when I came inside and signed up. He uses it often. When I looked, there were apparently seven cars close to me.

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Lothlorien:
I was also moved to another area. I had never heard of the sitting Liberal member, not even in the local papers.

I used to be in a swinging seat very many years ago. It was often used as a prediction for result. Things have changed. Not as safe an outcome as GeeD's area or as predictable, but fairly safe for Libs now. Did have Albanese a few years ago. Two changes since then.

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The Liberal who won the seat here in 2013 has just retained it. Why have I never heard of him?

Sophie Mirabella has had the elctorat in Indi tell her for a second time that she is not wanted.
 

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Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on :
 
Has she lost Indi? Fantastic!
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Well at least the cross bench will be interesting. What a circus...so glad I wasn't working at a polling place last night.
I have done, in the past, and it would have been a very very late night for most.

My mother has seen out 23 prime ministers in her lifetime and will be glued to the commentary for the next few days. She has a great interest in politics, so I am grateful the government provided the entertainment for her birthday. She may have to wait a bit longer to get the even two dozen.

Thanks for all the well wishes for her.

 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kittyville:
Has she lost Indi? Fantastic!

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Gee D:
A very happy birthday to her. My father turned 99 last month, and is looking forward to getting his telegram next year. Madame's mother is now 97 and doing quite well also. Being great-grandparents has really sparked them both up.

---

quote:

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Originally posted by Banner Lady:
And, speaking of birthdays, it appears Rowen will be spending her next one laid up in rehab in the national capitol. A shipment in the hospital lounge may be called for, with plenteous good cheer from those attending. Let me know if you can swing in to Canberra in early August.

At least we will have some protection in there from the cold winds!

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August the oneth!
Canberra rehab, other knee.
Not the hospital I was at last time.
 

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Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :
 
DILs mum had both done at once as both were very bad and surgeon was concerned neither could support her while the other was worked on. That was many years ago and she faces another replacement in a few weeks for right knee.
 

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Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 
Not sure GIN will be on the birthday menu if Rowen has gone under the knife only two or three days before. But I'm sure we can get some booze into the cake.

 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
For me it's a BCC under my lower lip, to be removed tomorrow under general anaesthetic by the plastic surgeons and then straight home – son will bring me and stay the night.

Waxeyes in my flowering kowhai this morning; at 4 pm it was a *flock* of tuis all guzzling nectar. Then half an hour ago neighbours brought in a tui almost dead found on their drive, but right now I can't look after it any more than they could. Natural causes? or an internecine squabble over drinking rights? Poor thing, so still and sleekly gleaming.

GG
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Poor tui.

The government has announced a working party to decide the options for the Cathedral. It will report back in December. I think the government has become involved because there has been so much squabbling about it including an injunction that stopped the Church Property Trustees from acting. It has got to the stage where developers who own land in the Square say they are reluctant to build because they don't know what the future of the area will be (I think that those who want to build hotels are also reluctant to go ahead because the planned Convention Centre has been downscaled due to investors pulling out).

Selfishly, as long as it doesn't take any of my rates money, or hold up the building of the Library (also in the Square), I just wish they would get on with sorting the issue.

It's the 30th Anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform legislation here. I must be getting old because it doesn't feel like it was that long ago.

Huia
 

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Posted by Tukai (# 12960) on :
 
Mr Turnbull's "cunning plan" [Baldrick (TM)] to call for a double dissolution to rid himself of troublesome Senators seems to have backfired. So for anyone intersted, I've started a thread in purg on "Another case of hubris? the Australian election"
 

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Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :
 
A very bad miscalculation - and look that Ms Hanson and a colleague are likely to get in in Qld. Had it been only an ordinary half-Senate election, she may not have made it herself.
 

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Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :
 
Lucky tui, Huia – I found that he recovered and flew away two days later.

GG
 

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Posted by Mr Curly (# 5518) on :
 
Extended family holiday in the blue mountains. Quite chilly, which is not so convenient when one has a nasty chest infection.

If I can work out how to stop grandad curly turning channel 7s vacuous morning tripe on at full volume as soon as he gets up, we might have a good week.

mr curly.
 

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Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :
 
Take a fuse out somewhere?

GG - glad the tui made it.

Huia
 

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Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :