Tag: Monday Musings

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No idea why….

These days my attention span is getting shorter and shorter – I’m not really a television watcher, nothing seems to hold my interest (sport is different 😊) and unless a book ‘grabs me’ early on you can say goodbye to me finishing it.

So why have I suddenly become a watcher of free streaming on ‘catch up’ TV ?
Previously the only things I’d been known to binge on were chocolate and potato chips😊

It all began early in May, I thought I’d try this 👇 but missed the first episode

The Messenger – tv series adapted from Markus Zusak’s novel.
After ‘catching up’ on that one… it became an evening ritual to watch another
And as they were all available it wasn’t long before I’d seen all eight of them

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Messenger_(Zusak_novel)

https://thenewdaily.com.au/entertainment/2023/04/17/the-messenger-markus-zusak/.
… … …

Now isn’t it the case that sometimes one thing leads to another….. sorting through old photos from o/seas trips I found these from a day trip to Castleton Derbyshire –

then browsing another station’s offerings the same week I noticed this 👇

so over the next couple of weeks 2 series of life in a Derbyshire village came and went in my lounge room with me sitting comfortably, knitting away, looking at the iPad close by….earphones in – closed captions on….(accents you know) rather than at a screen blaring away on the other side of the room. They may not be recent productions but they were new to me not having been shown live down here

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Village_(2013_TV_series)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2394340/.
… … … …

After a few trial 1st ep. runs of some other series I’m watching this now👇
2 episodes in (hooked) and thoroughly enjoying it!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8270482/

https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/hiding-the-past-when-your-husbands-a-detective-is-a-challenge-in-clean-sweep/hw1hynr71.
… … …

Monday Musings – a time to think and ponder
After a friend discovered my new ‘routine’ she suggested this
Departure
there are 3 series available
What’s it like? Good – Bad – Mmm – maybe?


So has anyone else done anything out of character recently?

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Snippets of life….

One thing I do like about the ‘new’ pool I’m going to is the warm hydrotherapy section.
Trouble is it gets busy, full of people trying to encourage their body to work. I’m sure every senior and injured person in the area uses it. Many just hang/stand around the edges in little groups ‘relaxing’ and I’ve unintentionally ‘listened in’ to some strange conversations

Warm water hydrotherapy pool
Lane swimming limited by classes, baby play and toddler teaching pools at far end

Last week’s overheard gem – between a couple of ladies (who had previously told me they both have ‘bad backs’)
Are you a scruncher or folder?? “
“Need a few stretches before I can reach round there”
“I have to scrunch because I can’t reach under”.
🥺🤔😊.

The other Sunday there were trams and trains to ride on as well as coffee and cake at The Bourke Street Club (yes, that one Andrew) then it was up the road to the Comedy Theatre.
Once (the musical) was interesting, basic stage with minimal props, at that lovely theatre with its bar right there in the stalls. Some of the actor/musicians ‘performing’ before curtain up was a novelty- definitely stopped the audience from getting restless pre-show. We enjoyed the music, unfortunately we ‘missed’ a lot of the dialogue, sound from some of the actor’s mics wasn’t the best.

Theatre time again meant confronting someone about infection.
Last time we went he felt there was no need – something I disagreed on…..which we both paid the price for. This time – not by ‘hen pecking’ just ‘suggesting’ – I made sure he got the message. . 
Gotta love a man who does as he’s told
😊😊😋

This is something I do not want to experience again

Known as the WordPress White Screen of Death it came to visit last week.
I was not happy when I saw it – I’d never seen it before and definitely don’t want to see it again!.

Still Waters (the blog) was readable on line but there was nothing to work with on the site. Just an empty white page with a trademark in the middle.
Lots of ‘searching’ – lots of reading, wondering how and why – lots of head scratching.
In the end I logged out altogether, turned the iPad off completely and went to bed.
And mystery of mysteries, when I logged back into w/press again in the morning- everything was the way it was before!

I never know what’s going to happen from one day to the next in my life
What little bits of your life have had you scratching your head recently?

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On my mind…..

The time for our winter trip up north is getting really close which means over the past few months we’ve been thinking about the M word and the B word.  Those two words  ‘Money and Budgets’ – are bandied around a lot on the Internet and can be the bane of our lives if we aren’t able to manage them properly.

Money matters – doesn’t it – as far as I’m concerned it most certainly does – some months it seems there isn’t going to be enough to go round, then somehow we manage to scrape through.
Gas and Electric prices are on the move, health insurance is supposedly rising again next month, so many items in the supermarket are going up and don’t mention the cost of petrol– these are what are affecting us at the moment. I’ve nearly always shopped with a list but recently have even taken to using a calculator as well – just to keep an eye on the total of the ticket!

2009

We all have different methods of keeping check on where the cash is and what we spend it on; mine is no more special that anyone else’s and I certainly don’t always keep to the budget we have decided on at the beginning of each year.

For me, I find it helps if I keep a physical record of purchases and payments – anyone remember my exercise books from a few years ago?  It was an idea that helped us when life was a little more difficult than it is now. These days I use a ‘very simple’ cash in/cash out plus reports app called Spending Tracker….

It doesn’t provide you with more money nor will it stop you spending money you ‘don’t have’ but if you record what you do spend (and there are lots of categories for that to happen) it will show you visually where you are overspending; to me its a help because I need to know we are able to survive (and also save a bit) on what we do receive.

~ ~ ~ ~
Sitting here on a rather cool morning wondering if it’s maybe a bit early to start gathering together warmish weather clothing to take up to Bowen? From the look of the weather forecast it’s not as if it’s going to be worn down here in the next 5 weeks.
Perhaps I’ll just make myself another cuppa and have breakfast instead – then gather my bathers and towel together ready for exercise in the pool time later this morning

Oh, and what tricks do you have for keeping an eye on your finances?.
Is there enough to go round or have you had to cut back again?

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Now for something different!..

The recent middle of May Saturday morning (that’d be the one just gone, the 13th) in my suburb east of Melbourne was cold with a heavy sky. The front looked no better out of a dirty window than it did in real life out the back. There was a strange weird look to everything. Some might say it’s late Autumn- others early winter. Whatever….it takes some getting used to!

*****

I spent the morning trawling for something I remembered from years ago….one of those memes bloggers used to take part in
And it’s Just right for Musing over on a Monday morning😊

What you do is, make a google search for “unfortunately (Your name here)”….
don’t forget the quotation marks!

Here a just a few of the ones that came up for my name…..
“Unfortunately Catherine”

Family hero.
https://myhero.com/c_malonza

  • Unfortunately, Catherine dropped hers. My parents asked if anyone would share and I said I would. But then I started licking the ice cream right in her face without letting her taste it. She cried, but still never got to taste it.

Citizen of Bay City Michigan
http://www.ladypines.com/CatherineSabourin.htm

  • Unfortunately, Catherine died at the age of 40, on May 19, 1907 from a hemorrhage. The story passed down is that her death was caused by an interrupted pregnancy.

Character in Movie
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0155267/plotsummary

  • Unfortunately, Catherine gets involved too deeply with Thomas to keep a professional distance to the case. Fortunately, Thomas seems to fall for her, too

Historical figure
https://daily.jstor.org/catherine-of-aragon-europes-first-female-ambassador/

  • Unfortunately, Catherine’s competence as a diplomat didn’t override her fertility shortcomings in her husband’s eyes. After twenty-three years of marriage, the couple had only produced one living daughter, the future Mary I of England. Henry, desiring a legitimate son, sought a legal separation.

Another historical figure
https://www.ipl.org/essay/Catherine-The-Great-The-Legacy-Of-Catherine-FK3RS22FJEDR

  • Unfortunately, Catherine’s successor and son, Paul I, did not share many of these views. His personal relationship with Catherine was poor.

~ ~ ~ ~
It appears that bad luck seems to follow me all over the place and I certainly didn’t have any luck with men.
Why don’t you give it a try – see how you go.

*****

And this is the reason Melburnians find it difficult to know what to wear at this time of the year.
Cool misty photos above – taken early. Temperature 8c/46f.
These below – taken in bright sunshine mid afternoon. Temperature 13c/55f.
That sunshine makes all the difference

Same grubby window – sorry about blind reflection
Outside- different angle
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New furniture was delivered

And it didn’t cost me a cent!

Over the years I’ve mentioned a certain bench in the local park
It’s about half way up a slight rise in the land – about the time you start to think ‘this path is definitely not flat’

The first photo I took of it was way back in 2009. Victoria was still in drought and everything had a dry crisp look to it. The council were just beginning to develop the reserve but because of the lack of rain it took a while. It was also about that time my back condition worsened and I stayed closer to home – so even though I might have wandered round the duck pond I didn’t venture ‘up the hill’ and snap what I jokingly called my bench for quite a while.

2009

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The drought broke, plantings were made, everything greened up – and flourished.

It’s taken aawhile for the changes to be realised (a great deal of the work is done by volunteers) there have been additions and removals, Australian native plants grown, left to their own devices, most have survived, growing strong and sturdy (sometimes a little too rampantly so have been cut back, some died
And for some reason it has become almost a tradition that I take a photo when I walk up that way…..which means you are able to see how much the little bare area next to a couple of established gums has changed.
Some photos are better than others – (time of day, various cameras, iPads & phones, where I was standing, zooming in or not, plus some cropping) but if you click or use the finger slide method to enlarge you’ll get a fair idea of how it has ‘grown’

2011

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2012

~ ~ ~ ~

2013

~ ~ ~ ~

2015

~ ~ ~ ~

2016

~ ~ ~ ~

2017

~ ~ ~ ~

2018

~ ~ ~ ~

2019

~ ~ ~ ~

2020

~ ~ ~ ~

Rain and more rain (thanks to La Niña) Covid restrictions as well as a temperamental back that had me doing other exercises rather than walking stopped me going up there for another couple of years and look what I discovered the other day – a very swish looking new bench. Much more upmarket than the simple wooden ones.

2023
2023

It’s Monday morning again….I’ve been sitting here for a little while with my usual early cuppa in hand thinking about the many changes that are going to be made to the area…..

….catering for changing population wants/needs/attitudes/expectations rather than those happy with more natural surroundings…..…..

Hopefully as long as the green space is still here in our suburb (and it doesn’t get swallowed up by ‘new improvements’) all will be well.

Anyway I must get on – can’t sit here for much longer – changes at my usual pool (urgent repairs/closure) meant the users have had to go elsewhere – I’ll talk about the ‘new’ one some other time. Let’s just say it is different 🙁

And talking of Mondays, it’s the start of the 2nd week of the month, how did that happen? Is anyone else concerned about the speed with which the weeks and months are passing by this year?

Have there been any changes (big, little, horrendous) to your way of life recently?


Sharing with Denyse’s weekly link up Wednesday’s Words & Pics .

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Whether to laugh or cry…..that is the question

I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry the other morning – after several sunny days (when I had other things to do) we woke to this….and it poured all day.
I had planned to cut back the floppy branches on a just about finished flowering Oleander on the fence line because every time it rains I get soaked dripped on when I go to that side of the car.
No gardening done – and I got dripped on when I had to get something out of the car

*****
Wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry when I opened my inbox and this turned up.
Those ‘roving reporters’ who take candid shots at functions are a real pain.
I’d like to know who took away my teeth (they’re definitely there) and gifted me what looks like 10 extra kgs of fat body weight….plus I can’t even remember what I said that was so funny!

****
Poor little M (2yr old gt grandson) didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when mummy said, it’s time for your first haircut.
He’s a Big Boy now…..and we all know ice lollies make everything feel better

****
And I definitely had that same – ‘not sure whether to laugh or cry feeling’ – the other day when pre planning some ‘activities’ to take to Bowen. Have to be prepared you know….there’s only 12 weeks before we leave 😊
Great….there’s enough of all three colours left to knit one each of The Trio.
Bummer – after checking dye lots discovered all the Denim Blue weren’t the same
Going to be some serious thinking about how to use it…..sleeves from one- back/front from the others maybe.

~ ~ ~ ~

It’s Monday morning again- first one in April – and I’m wondering what this week has in store for us all. No pool exercises for me today, I’m off to the ‘flu jab clinic
Where hopefully there’ll be lots of laughter and no tears
What is in store for you this week – what are you hoping for?

Oh and it’s not a laughing matter and possible crying would be taking it too far- but I’ve accidentally deleted some comments waiting approval from Friday’s post.
So….if you made one and can’t see it, please write another so I can publish it

#livelovelaugh

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On my mind…

Whats on my mind this week is exercise
or rather the need for some new exercise equipment

These very comfortable but rather well worn
runners/trainers/sneakers recently took a one way trip to the tip

They’d walked many miles here and overseas and had been lurking in the back of the wardrobe for a few years while others (I.e. newer ones) were having fun in the sun
Now I feel it really is time replace ‘the others’ – to trade them in (figuratively not literally)

So I am looking at new ones
BUT
Have you seen the price of them recently?!

One of my daughters is a runner/walker – for several years she took part in the Melbourne Oxfam Trailwalker event  – a fundraiser where teams have to cover 100km in 48 hrs, yes, she did it five times (yes, she became a legend who achieved her goal) and I have to say I admired her for doing it each year – anyway she had goodness knows how many pairs of runners.  I’m sure she told me each pair played a certain role – some were for use on bush and forest trails as well as those for general running – paid – and still does – what to me seems like the earth for them and actually keeps a check on the mileage that they do – seems there is a recommended lifetime for all of them so when they get close to that time out comes another pair.

That’s alright if you can afford it I suppose
but what options are there for the general public

Do you take the time and trouble of visiting a specialist shoe store where they will measure your foot and talk about what you doing  – bit  like going to a hairdresser for the first time or do you visit a large department store where you can try and buy much more cheaply and hope they are comfortable?

Every health practitioner I’ve seen about my spine has told me to ‘help my back’ and tone my body I need to eat a balanced diet and do more exercise.  This new fitness whatever that I’m on means I’m going to have to attempt a lot more walking,  locally in the park or by going to the gym

So I need to go shopping somewhere soon for new shoes to keep my feet moving in the style they deserve.

Wont be today though…..it’s Monday- pool day.
I can walk (run even) in there without the need for shoes.
Just have to finish my tea first – then let my brekky go down- then I’ll be off.

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Forget the ‘yarn snobs’…it’s a Long Weekend!

I should have known better….it’s not as if I don’t have enough to keep me busy during the week….anyway I said maybe when a friend asked …..and then allowed myself to be persuaded……to go along with her to a newly formed ‘drop in’ craft group…..held at one of our larger local libraries
That’s where I came across it again. It being almost a ‘wool/yarn one-upmanship’
A certain type of snobbery that lingers amongst some members of the craft community

Settling in for the morning I spent a lot of time fielding various questions

  • What are you knitting?
  • What are you using?
  • Why on earth are you using that?
  • Oh I wouldn’t use that in a million years!
  • My dear, you should be buying this, that and the other
  • I spin (and dye) my own…always have….always will!

It’s difficult explaining to some the needs and wants of charity knitting. Charities need knitters to provide something warm for someone/something to wear – some will accept items knit with wool (natural fibre) others prefer acrylic (man made). Pros and cons for each yarn. Some refugee charities want flame resistant wool only; because donations are sent to ‘camps’ where open fires are used. Some homeless/ disadvantaged charities ask for acrylic; because laundering and drying (when possible) is a great deal easier.

I’ve often spoken about my choice of yarn to knit with (for charities) and this was the first time ever I had to defend it (plus my choice of using straight needles rather than circular or even DPNs). It was all rather strange and a bit disappointing. I then discovered this was actually an established group (who mentioned they preferred to be called fibre artists). who’d moved to the library – a cheaper meeting place option for them but advertising the group was part of ‘the deal’. 
I said goodbye ‘nicely’ and left wondering if I’d return.
My friend had no issues and was all for it….
Somehow I think my answer is no.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

All that is now at the back of my mind as I slowly wake up this early Monday morning here in Melbourne- the 2nd Monday in March is an annual public holiday to ‘celebrate’ Labour Day – giving us a long weekend…..which Australians never say no to😊
It’s been almost like BC – before Covid – so much to see and do, things going on in the city – statewide as well. Moomba’s been the main one, with the parade and the Birdman Rally back again this year, and there’s been festivals associated with (to name a few) Potato, Food and Wine, Light, Music (folk, jazz, bush, Celtic) plus cultural ones as well

https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/moomba-festival
https://secretmelbourne.com/things-to-do-melbourne-weekend/. 
https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/labour-day-melbourne

Labour Day celebrates the achievements of workers advocating eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.source

So why the photo of an umbrella – stapler – desiccated coconut and a pillow

Well these will be handy in some places in the world

Because it seems 13 March 2023 is

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/open-an-umbrella-indoors-day/

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/fill-our-staplers-day/

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/coconut-torte-day/

and the pillow is especially for those who turned their clocks forward last night

National Napping Day

Oh and here’s a little gem about a March 13th happening
(from the days before professional soccer players ruled the game)

In 1875 March 13th was on a Saturday. The Royal Engineers played against the Old Etonians in the fourth Football Association Challenge Cup Final.

* ……The first match was notable chiefly because it was played in a “howling gale”. The conditions considerably favoured the Etonians team, which had the wind at its backs for all but 10 minutes of the 90, and all 30 minutes of extra time (teams in this period changed ends after every goal- this game was the last to feature this rule)

This game was a draw…..the replay(which The Engineers won) was 3 days later

Cuthbert Ottaway (Old Etonians) received an ankle injury and did not recover in time for the replay…

*…..Etonians also lost the services of three other players who had prior commitments. Unable to obtain adequate replacements, the Old Boys arrived at the ground an hour late and lost the delayed replay 0–2

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1875_FA_Cup_final

#enjoyeverymoment

Linking to  Wednesday’s Words & Pics hosted by Denyse. 

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Say goodbye to February…..

This might be of interest to some of you – I find it fascinating.
AI – artificial intelligence.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

WordPress is trialling a new experimental ‘robotic’ feature
‘AI paragraph ‘
Enter a title and it will come up with some paragraphs relevant to those words.
I tried it several times and received a similar but different ‘post’ each time.
(I’ve copied and pasted some to form this one post but there were more
each slightly different to the other – skip to the end if you don’t want to read them all)
(geared to northern hemisphere)

There are other online ways and means to get similar results
No wonder schools and other educational organisations are concerned.
ChatGPT writes smart essays

~ ~ ~ ~
Say goodbye to February 1

February is finally drawing to a close and it’s time to bid farewell to the shortest month of the year.  As the days get longer we are excitedly preparing for the upcoming months and all the fun activities that come with them.

Even if the nights might remain cool for some time there’s no denying the promise of spring is already in the air   Now that February departures its time to welcome back blooming flowers lighter clothing and a sense of renewal that has been absent since the beginning of winter 

Let’s make the most of these last days. Whether you decide to hit the ski fields for one last run embrace a cozy evening at home or start planning for upcoming holidays make sure you take the time to enjoy what February has to offer before bidding this month farewell 

~ ~ ~ ~
Say goodbye to February 2

February is coming to an end, and with its end comes the welcoming of the new season, spring! It’s time to say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to the new green leaves of spring.

The March days ahead are full of possibilities and adventure, with warmer temperatures and longer days. This is the perfect time to break out your warm clothing, get outside, and enjoy the change in the environment. Perhaps you could pick some flowers or start your own garden – the opportunities are endless.

Take some time this month to make memories and explore the beautiful outdoors. Laugh with your loved ones and make plans for the days ahead. You will soon be surrounded with the colors of the new season – from the fresh blooms of vibrant yellows and purples, to the deep greens of trees coming back to life.

As February comes to an end, take some time to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the natural world around you. When you find yourself missing this winter month, remember the memories you created and all the exciting things to look forward to in the months ahead. Say goodbye to February and hello to the beautiful season of spring!


~ ~ ~ ~
Say goodbye to February 3

We bid farewell to February – a month of cold days and shorter days. But as we move into March, we can look forward to exciting new things and warm days ahead. Soon the birds will be singing, the trees will be budding, and the grass will be growing lush and green – a renewed and vibrant landscape.

As we take time to appreciate the beauty of Spring, let us take a moment to consider all that this month has meant both to us, and the world. February filled us with the spirit of love, joy, and togetherness, and amidst the winter weather we found creative ways to stay connected to each other and the world.

Say goodbye to February, but also thank it for all it has given us. Here’s to a wonderful start to March, a month that will no doubt be packed full of new experiences, exciting moments, and unbeatable beauty.

~ ~ ~ ~
Say goodbye to February 4

February has been a busy and eventful month. We said hello to longer days and new beginnings, celebrated Valentine’s Day and perhaps even enjoyed the last cold snaps of winter.

But now, it’s time to say goodbye to February and move into March with all of the new possibilities that it brings. As the days get longer with more sunshine, and the temperature begins to rise, so do our spirits. We enjoy nature that’s seemingly coming alive before our eyes as gardens and parks begin to bloom. The birds are singing. The sky is full of color. Oh, March!

It’s time to start thinking of warmer days and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, playing outdoor sports and simply taking some time to enjoy the beauty of nature. This is a great time of year to get active and promote wellness in our lives.

Let’s say goodbye to February and hello to the possibilities that March brings us.

~ ~ ~ ~

AI – artificial intelligence.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

Something to think about on Monday morning as I enjoy my early morning cuppa.
A machine able to write my blog posts – interesting and on the surface FUN.
Hmm…I wonder if it’s clever enough to fix my commenting on other blogs problem???


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U is for….

U is for Unload

A couple of definitions of unload are:
To dispose of, to dump
To relieve of something burdensome, unburden

Once or twice a year -depending on where you actually live
most shires and councils
have what we call hard rubbish collections

It is a service for every household
whereby you can leave all those things
enormous or small – broken or otherwise – that you want to get rid of
on the nature strip out the front of your house
and a big truck comes along and does the deed for you

It lets you get rid of it – to unload – to unburden – For Free

It frees you from the thought of having to organise all that moving
lifting and paying!!

This is what happens here at this time of the year
Starting this week in my local area

Thats it in theory
In practice its slightly different!

It’s when that old saying
‘One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure’
comes into play
and the Hunters and Gathers come out.

Little cars and big utes will glide by, suddenly stop and drivers pick through the piles.  Even when times are not hard like they are now it seems as though everyone is out for a bargain – turning into scavengers – in many cases utilising their skills
by upcycling their gains
Unloading others of their useable cast offs before the council truck arrives!

The going rate on scrap metal must have gone up lol
Anything that looks ‘metal’ goes in a flash – washing machines, dryers, bicycles, as well as various other metal bits and pieces are swooped on and removed almost as soon as it hits the nature strip.

Anyway, judging by my ‘nosiness’ while out walking
(yes, I’ve had a little squizzy at some piles here and there)
I think sales in TVs must have rocketed.  From what I’ve seen
just about every house I’ve passed has at least one sitting on the grass.
It surely can’t be the result of the switch to digital that so many older people with older sets were upset over – that happened over 20 yrs ago.
Obviously bigger and better is the way to go – or are those new ‘you beaut’ ones not lasting as long
I wonder if they will have a truck just for them (tvs) on their own.

The trouble with all this ‘trawling aka car window shopping’ and then unburdening is that it starts to get messy.  Instead of the nice neat (as per council guidlines) separated piles of junk we end up with something like this

A new version of urban sprawl 😊


I’m still wondering if (after breakfast) there’s time (before the garbos arrive) for me
to do a bit more cruising the streets with a view to window shopping
through my car’s window

Linking to  Wednesday’s Words & Pics hosted by Denyse. 

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New Year Small Changes….

The end of January has arrived. ……Australia Day has been and gone
Rain and flood have never been far away, fire has been making its presence known
There has been cricket and tennis as well as road cycling to watch
Many surprise wins, early disappointments plus shock eliminations.

Here in Victoria lots of little kids will begin the school year today
I wonder how many sets of twins will feature on the news this evening?

Sunrise and sunset times are changing.
Very slowly the days are becoming shorter – nightfall is arriving slightly earlier

Various community commitments, clubs and classes are returning
After the long summer break life in general is beginning again

So much happening which means just one thing – the year proper has now begun.
~ ~ ~ ~

I decided to take me out of the blog name and it’s back to being called ‘Still Waters’.
Not a big change, still about a life that appears to be
All smooth on the surface but really has lots going on underneath.

Trouble is I feel it’s getting a bit stale and what to write about is becoming a problem
I’m getting short on ideas – visitors & comments are down – so am open to suggestions.
~ ~ ~ .

Looking back to December 2021 I spent a bit of time mulling over this
****.
Well, the votes at both clubs were taken in early 2022, the amalgamation went ahead. There was a very mixed reception to the move….on both sides.
I was all for it and gave it a go – but as the old saying goes ‘be careful what you wish for’ it turned out to be not quite what I’d envisioned. Some members love it – others haven’t been back.
Too many people – cramped seating – enclosed room, no windows, no natural daylight, mixed membership that included many ‘know it all old men’ who stifled discussions. One more meeting after returning from Bowen sealed it – I’d had enough.

About that time the news came that the choir I sang with would possibly fold in 2023.
Two of my pleasures out the window just like that.
~ ~ ~ ~

New Year Small Changes

Just by chance late last year I found (and joined) another smaller Probus branch. A Ladies Club who meet on a different day
Which has allowed me in 2023 to change the day of another social engagement.
Another choir meets not too far away. You might say a ‘slightly better one’.
Each choir has a sort of repertoire they’re known for.
My ‘old’ one was show tunes singalong oriented- this new one (under the U3A banner) sing more involved numbers, much in parts as well as acapella. Which I have missed since leaving the local Sing Australia group – driving to night time rehearsals was becoming a problem.
Big smiles when I gained a hotly sought after place on enrolment day so all is not lost

Not a change of day but a small change of volunteer responsibilities. A move to a different area in the aged care facility where I’m now assisting those who are at a different level of care, more in line with the qualifications I gained many years ago. A little less ‘meaningful’ chat than was over the tea trolley but definitely an understanding – many smiles and much laughter.

~ ~ ~~.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years – my enjoyment of an early cup of tea
We’ve arrived at the last Monday in January so while I’m supping I’m going through folders and enjoying the recent colours of Summer.
Officially we have just one more month – I’m hoping it will hang around a lot longer just the same as Winter did 😎😊

#enjoyeverymoment

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Why are we so different

Do we really see everything differently?
Are males more accepting than females?

Why are females always shown to be dissatisfied with their bodies
yet
Males tend to think they look like ‘body beautiful’

How old do we have to be before we can look in a mirror and see a whole body
not one with
~ skinny legs/a big bum/fat belly/thick waist ~

Do any of you have the answer ?

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On my mind

What I have ‘on my mind’ this week is not a real problem
but one I’ve been thinking about for a while  

I have an old wing back armchair out on the back deck

Someone once said it wasn’t what she expected of me

 – what ever that might mean – 

and yes, maybe it does look a bit odd having it there….

….but its really comfortable and also warm to sit in when we are outside on warmish winter’s days and cool summer days as well 

On any day in fact 😊

The thing is I would like to bring it back indoors

Its getting on in years now, the fabric is quite frayed, tattered and torn in places courtesy of a large family and all the cats and kittens we have had in the house so would need lots of loving attention from an upholsterer 

Now as I’m not a big person I’ve always found it hard to get furniture to fit and this was one suite that fitted me perfectly – when we agreed to refurnish I let someone have the deciding vote. unfortunately what we now is – in my mind – enormous and not very comfortable (for me)

What you get for letting men have a choice I suppose 🙁

A friend in need and willing to do a ‘quick cover job’ to suit her means took part of the suite and as I didn’t want to get rid of the other chair out the back it went, covered by a throw over cover that blended in with the outdoor furniture

not the best fit but as they say better than nothing

~ ~ ~ ~

This will tell you how long we’ve had it

Top L + bottom R were taken in 2011. Lots of you will remember Kiera (my brown shadow)…..this was a favoured comfy spot. You’d almost have to fight her for it

(R) Elder daughter the day she was married the first time in 1983 (I think)

Don’t ask – there have been a couple of marriages and I never remember when they were

Thankfully she is much more settled now

‘Older and wiser’ I think the saying is

(L) Younger daughter on her wedding day over 30 years ago

Same chairs – same look to the house as well

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I know that if I went to the expense of having it recovered/reupholstered (and brought inside) its size would make it look a bit odd

We’d have to refurnish again so it would blend in  ……..which would take some explaining on my behalf lol

Realistically I suppose in the whole scheme of things this is nothing
perhaps all it needs is for me to find another chair cover and enjoy it (outside) for what it was and the memories that go with it.
What do you think?

#keeplifesimple

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They didn’t believe me….

Nobody believed me when I said I used to cook cakes

Even the ones who were there 😊

One little boy with his older brother – nearly seniors now
 Oh dear, how did they get to be that old 

This hoard of old photos is really bringing back memories- I can see those two little lads sitting there by the back door as if it were yesterday.

I have some friends who dislike looking at old images because they see the years that have passed them by – me, I love them because I think they remind us of that passage of time and how it has defined the person/s we/they are today  We are able to look back and see how our life has changed.  See what we got up to in those years gone by, how or if we altered our attitudes, losing or gaining friends along the way.  Happily or sadly how we ended up where we are today.

Whether they are forgotten experiences (as in the boys not remembering the chocolate cake) or ones remembered fondly (like me remembering the day I cooked the chocolate cake in the tiny kitchen with the boys hanging around to get a ‘lick of the wooden spoon’) there’s no denying they happened.

So yes in my younger days, even if the family think otherwise
I did cook chocolate cakes 

~ ~ ~ ~

How about you – are there things you’ve done (run marathons, climbed mountains, cooked cakes) that nobody believed you have/could have done??

#enjoyeverymoment

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On my mind…

(This is one of my long ‘thinking out loud’ posts – you’re welcome to leave now )

~ ~ ~ ~

Something that’s been On my Mind these past few days has been how I reacted when I realised the use (or non use) of one thing led to the need and use of another which led to the need for and use of something much more necessary . And after seeing how quickly it struck, the realisation that even fully vaccinated (2 original doses plus 2 boosters) without the last item he would well and truly have been up sh*t creek.
And yes, the full cost of that antiviral medication was $1101.39 AUD!
~ ~ ~

Being annoyed because someone decided…in an auditorium filled with about 1000 other people…( in an environment where now – rightly or wrongly – “…It is no longer a legal requirement for people diagnosed with COVID-19 to isolate…” source)… with case numbers rising again and me sitting beside him wearing one…NOT to mask up… was nothing to how I felt when someone told me a couple of days later ‘he felt a bit off’ but he’d taken a couple of Panadol so should be right.
He seemed to be in denial even though his RAT test was +ve almost instantly (plus the 2nd one because ‘maybe the 1st wasn’t correct’)

A couple of hours later his temp was sky high and he was feeling ‘more than a bit off’
(And yes I know there’s no guarantee when masks are worn but at least you’re making an effort to protect yourself and others……including those you ‘love!)

That first day there was much anger…Angela rightly called it resentment…name calling, some involving words The Golfer didn’t realise I knew….because deep down I was worried. Both for him and also selfishly me.
Everything seemed to take time – I seemed to be constantly on the go. Phone scripts are great if the link works, waiting for ones sent direct to the pharmacy took more time. Needing to start that medication plus use the prescribed inhaler asap seemed to make it go slower.

Then there was daily laundering – clothing and bed linen because of high raised temp/fever 38/39°, vomiting, spilled drinks, you name it, – unexpected incontinence even…yes maybe TMI but an unusual symptom – trying to get him to drink and possibly eat a little something (sore throat, don’t want it!) – dippy eggs with soldiers plus hot water, honey & lemon to the rescue! (Also grated cheese on toast done under the grill so it was soft then cut in quarters so he could nibble from the middle and leave the crusts. Nursery food!).
Health dept. suggestion of keeping everything he used separate and sterilised was interesting but manageable.

Nature was kind so he was able to sit outside most days, which was a help – fresh air and sunshine were good for him – meant I could keep him company at a distance – all the doors and windows inside could be open – also because trying to get him to keep a mask on indoors (near me) was a trial – lots of wars of words – I was ready to clobber him one if I heard the words ‘yes mum’ again.

For me sleeping in the other bedroom (another ‘highly recommended- if possible’ health dept suggestion) was necessary but not fun. Almost had one ear/one eye open most nights… this was my strong confident man shuffling along needing to be guided to the toilet because he couldn’t locate the door, waking me to ask if I put the bins out (not on bin night tho’), heard rustling around in the linen cupboard, no idea where he was, looking for the hot water bottle ( my feet are cold – put some socks on – don’t want to)
Oh dear illness does strange things to people.

It’s all over bar the shouting (and the lingering cough) now, daily health dept ‘check up’ contact calls have morphed into calls alternating with phone questionnaires,…. Wednesday he’s going to venture onto the golf course, attempting just half a round – 9 holes. I’m feeling a little guilty about how I felt and words that were spoken by ME – the one who has spent all her life living, working, then volunteering in a ‘caring environment’.

This time 3 years ago December 2019, we’d have wondered what all the fuss was about.
Now we know better – but – if there was this much stress, frustration and disappointment (How could you – I don’t need this) in a household of just two people, how on earth did households with several covid cases cope?

If you got this far thank you for reading- I just needed to get it off my chest.
Now it’s time for another cup of tea and wonder what this week will bring😊

Life gets a bit messy sometimes, don’t it

#loveispatient

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Wishes

Wish ~ desire or hope for something to happen.
If wishes were fishes we’d all swim in riches!

A winter wish from a few years ago!

Two photos taken in the very early 1950s came to light the other day and a whole lot of emotions bubbled up to surface – some good some not so good

Plus the word Wish….

I would have been about 9 in the first one – it was a happy day.  My grandad from Belfast had come over on the boat to visit us in England and an uncle plus his family were there also.  I had on a new dress and remember wishing I could wear it every day and that Grandad didn’t have to go back home.

As we were growing up there were times when my sister would wish she didn’t have to wear ‘cast offs’ with turned up hems. She would never accept the fact that as much as she wished otherwise, it wasn’t my fault I was growing out of clothes, she was growing as well, money didn’t grow on trees and she was next in line – as you can see.

You never get anything by wishing, my mother was fond of saying.  Hard work and determination is what’s needed!,

That was my mother, wearied from the war years, the one I wished would love me more than the sister she gave my clothes to.  If she loved me, she wouldn’t have got angry and cut (chopped) my hair off with her big scissors.  I remember squealing and shouting as she brushed it one morning, trying to untangle the knots before it was plaited for school, all the time saying to me ‘I wish you would be quiet and stand still’  Oh how I wished I’d done as I was told that day – my mother was no hairdresser and I went to school that morning looking a bit – odd 

It’s strange that all these years later I’m reflecting on this and wishing things had turned out differently – my mother and I never got on, my sister continued to get my ‘cast offs, I never grew my hair long, Grandad went away back across the Irish Sea and I only got to see him 3 more times.

Oh, but listen to this, my sister still wears ‘cast offs’ – chosen very carefully with a good eye for what will suit her – from ‘Green Boutiques’ (aka charity shops)😊

And….. the beach with a hammock turned up on Green Island Qld back in 2009……..still looking for the winning lotto ticket though 😊

Are you a dreamer hoping your wishes come true?
~ ~
or more like my mother
~ ~
who thought wishes were pointless?

Linking to  Wednesday’s Words & Pics hosted by Denyse.
Where you’ll find lots of life to read about

#loveispatient

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The grass isn’t always greener….

I went back to my hairdresser last week.
I’d been seeing him for quite a while, I like J and J knows what I like.
However there have been times when I’d wanted something different.

Earlier in the year an acquaintance said, ‘Try mine, she’s really good’. 
I loved the coffee I was offered, the chair that massaged your back while you get your hair washed, the head massage, the huge mirrors on the wall and looking at hairstyles on her iPad.  So very up to date.

Trouble was she charged like a wounded bull and didn’t listen to a word I said. 
Not the end of the world I told myself, it’ll grow.  

Weeks later when it was time for a trim (and I was too chicken to go back to my ‘man’) I heard someone at the pool raving on about a girl in another place. 
She ‘rents’ a chair in one of those walk in shops, full service but no appointment needed.
Well, as I just said, I certainly couldn’t go back to my ‘man’ looking the way I did, so I gave her a try.

Explained I wanted my fringe trimmed and could she remove some of the straggly layers at the back so I could then start the growing one length process again. 
Clip, clip, clip, not a word was spoken until I heard, ‘Oh that’s looking much better’ as the cape was whisked off, the chair was swivelled round and there she was asking how I wanted to pay.  

No wonder she was cheap, 10 minutes top, I felt like I’d been on a conveyor belt lol

July came and off to Queensland we go where I just pinned back or tied up or the locks to keep them out of my way.

So last week (when the hair was almost down to my shoulders) I was driving past a familiar place and took a punt, opened the shop door hoping he had a spare appointment without having to wait too long. 
Only one client there….’Cathy, how are you?  Come on in, you’re lucky I just had a cancellation.  Give me five minutes’
No questions asked, just accepted me as I was.

J often says there are many ways to cut and style a bob – he just has to find the one to suit you and your hair and stick with it. 
And yes, I heard more stories about J’s Italian grandfather and the men’s barber’s chairs that line one side of J’s shop but best of all I look and feel a lot better

I think the same thing happens with blogging – we know what we like and enjoy, yet often feel there is more out there just waiting to be explored. 
Trouble is we take time away from what we enjoy and end up in mess. 
Lets just say that some of the blogs I ‘found’ during my recent wanders didn’t really keep me engrossed that much after all. 
So I will be visiting many of my previous ‘favourites’ on a much more regular basis, acknowledging my visitors and finding a way to overcome the ‘too hard to comment’ problem on some platforms.

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Today is…..


Here in Australia today is Rattle Ya’ Bones Day.
Rattle Ya’ Bones Day is an outcome of a consumer survey report
‘Making the Invisible Visible’

Rattle Ya’ Bones Day is a National Day of Awareness for all muscle, bone and joint conditions. It’s held every year on Halloween (31 October).
Also known as musculoskeletal conditions, these conditions are often downplayed as “normal wear and tear”, “just aches and pains” or “part of getting older”. source

Musculoskeletal conditions involve pain that may affect bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, bursae and/or tendons. The pain can be acute (sudden and severe) or it can be chronic (long-lasting). Depending on the condition, the pain may be localised around one area of your body, or it may affect your entire body.

Because musculoskeletal conditions are internal structural conditions, many patients feel as if their pain and suffering is invisible, which is why, in many instances, mental health issues and musculoskeletal conditions come together. source

Muscle, bone and joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia are the leading contributors to disability worldwide.  And yet, most people are unaware that seven million Australians live with these conditions.
Musculoskeletal Australia says that’s why Rattle Ya’ Bones Day was created; to make these invisible, painful conditions visible and to let people know that help and support are available source

Would you like to see what my ‘bad back’ looks like?.
I try not to (because who wants to hear someone moaning & groaning) but I know I have mentioned my ‘invisible ailment’ before
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

(notes from my Chiro in case I needed treatment whilst away.
“Catherine’s most recent CT scan does note marked disc space narrowing at the L1/2 level with marginal osteophytes. Spinal stenosis is evident throughout the lumbar spine; severe at the L3/4 and L4/5 levels and moderate at the L2/3 and L5/S1 levels. Facet joint degenerative changes are also present at these levels.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday morning has rolled around again, I’m finding it a bit cool this morning so after I’ve finished my early cuppa will have porridge for breakfast.
Then a little later I’ll be off down to the pool.
Some exercises – some water walking or even ‘running’ – a bit of swimming
They all help keep me moving

Andrew spoke about his recently – other bloggers talked to him about theirs
Are you willing to talk about your ‘invisible ailment’

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Four days on the road…..

(Sometimes through a dirty windscreen – sometimes at about 100km an hour 😎)

We left Bowen driving south and said goodbye to cane fields at Proserpine with the little ‘cane train’ railway that runs across the road and where the mill (like others in the area) was working non stop processing the harvest.

Smiled again at the fun signs on the road to Rockhampton (aka locally as Rocky 😊)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockhampton

Had what (at first glance) looked like a very ordinary curry for dinner
Never doubt the talent of pub staff of Indian origin – local beef plus spices
Delicious!

Drove off early the next morning, waving to the ‘bull’ on the roundabout.
See ya next year!

We crossed rivers and creeks – some with water because of recent heavy rains…..some still dry….but waiting until the wet arrives further north later in the year and the water runs south when they and the nearby floodplains will fill.

And it’s that annual flooding rain (plus the flooding caused by recent La Niña events) as well as the constant heavy road transport vehicles (Road Trains) that has cause ‘pothole hazards’. Reasonably easy to see and hopefully manoeuvre safely around in daylight (not good for your car if you don’t) almost invisible at night or worse still downright dangerous when covered in water.

We found the overtaking lane round the corner where we ‘dutifully’ didn’t speed up but let others pass……

Including this big brute further down the road – not that we’d have much option where he was concerned 😟

Lots of other ‘big things’ moving along the road…..as well as…..
well, we’re not sure where this one was trying to go – the shredded tyre tells the tale!
(Nobody hurt and luckily no stock on board)


My last fish ‘n chip pub meal for a while I think – you can only have so much of a good thing. My water was served in a very ‘posh’ crystal looking glass 😊

Another early morning start, a goodbye wave at the Gunsynd statue in the border town of Goondiwindi – then across into NSW.

Where for most of the day it was All Change 🙁☔️

Nothing to see but rain until late in the day when we found a rainbow!

And guess what greeted us the next morning ……yes, more of the same😊

A dreary drive made better by ☕️ & 🍰 at the Tocumwal Pavilion across from the river

Source

Then it was over the Murray and into Victoria.
(I was driving so no photos – the river was the highest I’ve ever seen it)
Things changed, became brighter so by lunchtime we had blue skies and fields of gold

No matter where we’ve been or how long we’ve been away I always have a little smile when this view at a roundabout near Yarra Glen appears. It means we’re nearly home!
Just another 20km to go!
The tv masts on the hills are those very same ones I can see from another angle – much closer to home – from my little library 2km from home 😊

For the next few days we thought Spring had arrived – the sun shone, it was pleasantly warm and a lot of the garden plants thought so too.
The clocks changed – happy summer days are on their way!

Unfortunately the weather had other ideas……it’s back to wind cheaters and tracky dacks round the house plus brollies at the ready if I venture out! This was the forecast yesterday when I was putting this together. Warm clothing still needed.
Come on Spring…it’s nearly November- come out come out wherever you are!

(Please don’t think my whinging about the weather here in Victoria doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about those in other states who are once again ‘living with heavy rain storms and possible flooding’. It must feel like living in a war zone with the prospect of more destruction coming their way….and – rightly or wrongly- we have been led to believe – not much help coming from governments.)

Click/ tap or finger slide to enlarge

Linked to Wednesday’s Words & Pics hosted by Denyse – you’ll find many interesting blogs there. Perhaps you’d like to join in as well.

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