My official retirement date was my birthday which falls in mid January. But my manager wanted to re-organise the office post Christmas break, so my last two weeks were spent 'working from home' notionally.
As the man said, it's great to have the freedom to do anything, and the greater freedom to do nothing.
How are those further north coping with the rain and wind overnight and today?
We've had a couple of little gusts that I've noticed, but I am not happy with the amount of rain that has not come - at least not to my place. Just grey and no action, very cross making.
I've been giving Cheery husband the car each day, I think he is getting cross about paying for parking and I am cross because I don't have the car. I suppose I could drive him, but am not a fan of morning traffic.
Wet and windy up here but I think it's worse near the coast or south of where I am. Some properties near The Entrance by the ocean were evacuated yesterday and I've seen reports of tree branches falling on trains. Two suburbs in my council were without power...not sure if it's been restored.
There are weather warnings for some parts of the North Island and for the north of the South Island in the next few days as that weather system moves our way. Fortunately for me the worst of it is not forecast to hit Christchurch. for which I am very grateful.
Sun is trying to come out here after 36 hrs of heavy rain. Sydney metro has luckily been spared flash flooding but both Central/ Mid-North and Wollongong/ South Coast not so fortunate. Still blowing a gale in these parts but luckily no trees down around here. Train services to Central Coast and Blue Mountains have been disrupted by trees blown onto tracks and surf conditions still dangerous. Now to step ( reluctantly) out the front door…
Just returned from two days in Disaster Recovery Centre near Kempsey to find that there is a power outage where we live from the high winds, plus a request for availability for next week at a different centre.
Fortunately we can run on batteries so we will still be having a hot meal this evening.
To anyone from Taree or Newcastle to the Victorian border, keep yourselves safe.
We had no idea of the extent of the troubles until we came to the posts above. We're ok apart from a bit of rain here and there. Prayers and best wishes for all those affected.
Weather fine up here, it's our one week per year of winter. Overnight as cold as 11°, daytime as high as 26°, cloudless blue sky, just enough wind to dry clothes on the line.
Nor me Piglet. Christchurch temperatures may reach 26C during a few days at the height of summer but winter is meant to be cold to give me an excuse to snuggle in bed with my cat.
Is anyone on our largest off-shore island willing to picket the vegemite factory for me? I couldn't find the low salt version on the shelves when I was supermarket shopping yesterday and was told that the makers had deleted it from their range. It is one of my favourite spreads, along with NZ made Fix and Fogg's Everything Butter which has peanut, almond, hemp, pumpkin, chia, sesame, sunflower, and flaxseed.
The butter is amazing and is also used in a modified form to feed American astronauts and, with added poison, to bait traps for predatory animals such as rats and possums. It has made a significant contribution to conservation efforts here.
Is anyone on our largest off-shore island willing to picket the vegemite factory for me? I couldn't find the low salt version on the shelves when I was supermarket shopping yesterday and was told that the makers had deleted it from their range.
Website still shows it available, in Aus at least. But it contains Vit B6 which is now known to be a baddie, so perhaps it's been withdrawn from shelves. Marmite has a low salt offering, but the brand name has been stolen in NZ by an American Adventist cult. You'll need to look on International aisles in New World, FourSquare, whatever, for MyMate which is pukka Marmite.
Thanks FD. I was aware of Sanitarium being Seventh Day Adventist. They have what I consider an unfair advantage here as religious bodies, even those running commercial businesses, get tax breaks that commercial ones don't.
I wasn't aware of vitamin B6 being a baddie, so thank you. I will investigate further.
Piglet it sounds like Wellington, the capital city of NZ.
Until I moved to Christchurch I'd never experienced a wind that wasn't cold, but here in Christchurch we get a hot Nor'Wester in summer that dries clothes in on the line record time. We also get what an elderly relation called "the beasterly easterly" which comes off the sea and is both cold and wet.
I spent the teenage years in a windy town and every time I think I'd like to move back in retirement, the memory of that puts me right off! One pleasant advantage was getting sea breezes of a summer evening and I'm not sure whether that still happens, but it was certainly anticipated on a hot summer day and on the days that it didn't come, there was much grumbling.
I'm glad to hear that people haven't been badly impacted by the heavy recent rain, however I've been thinking about you in the disaster recovery centre @LatchKeyKid. For most of us the suffering there is out of sight and mind, but not so for you and I'm grateful for the work you are putting in there.
I'm not a fan of any day that gets over about 26 degrees, so even though the winter days FD mentions sound wonderful, I don't think I could cope with summers further north, humidity really wipes me out too! My In laws always used to have about a 6 week visit over winter visiting family members in Qld. It worked out well for them, not having to run their heating in an overly large home over the coldest months and they got to see their grandchildren even if it was only for a few weeks each year. I know those kids loved their visits and looked forward to them.
I'm glad to report some nice steady rain yesterday and overnight, hope @Sicut Cervus and @WormInTheGrass have lovely fresh gardens this morning as well.
Given that it's a damp underfoot day, I'm not planning anything much re housework or gardening and having a slow day is very much on the agenda, streaming reading, a bit of both, haven't decided yet!!
Thanks @Cheery Gardener .
I am at Macksville this week. I am being accommodated in an "executive" motel apartment which has separate bedroom, lounge/kitchen, and even has a private verandah. Much plusher than the cheapskate rooms we book for ourselves. I surmise that it is the only room available for the five night stay,
A Naidoc week procession has just gone down the street outside the recovery centre.
All the best for your work at Macksville, LatchKeyKid. Enjoy the executive room!
Enjoy your streaming or reading Cheery Gardener.
Had my first interview for a teacher's aide position today at a Catholic primary school. Managed to answer every question so it went as well as I could hope. Now to wait to hear back... Not confident, given how green I am, but happy to have had an interview.
Beautiful sunny day here. Had a pre-interview corn fritters and cappuccino at the bay to pass the time.
Did they give you any idea how long it would be before you hear anything?
A few days. I am taking it as I didn't hear yesterday I probably didn't get it. But you never know I suppose as they did say a few days.
Set off early this morning for a short coastal walk which was rather nice. A few side to trails to beaches. Enjoying an iced coffee before catching the bus back to my car.
The bus I'm on has the Stop buttons, only a few, on the roof above the centre walkway. Not on poles by the seats as I'm used to. This looks like a newer bus. Anyone else seen those?
Sorry that you weren't appointed @Climacus, I'm glad you got good feedback though, that's encouraging. I wonder if they keep a merit list or similar, in that they might offer you some relief or casual, or another position if one becomes available in a prescribed time period.
I caught up with a lovely friend today, who has also been for a job interview. Hoping for a good outcome for her. We had a very pleasant chat and the time whizzed by, I could spend many more afternoons like this!
Have had a bit of a health issue arising with Cheery son which is stressful. Hoping we can get into the GP before the end of the week, if not we have an appointment for early next week, but waiting is a tad stressful.
Sorry for the triple post. Didn't get the job. But I was told I interviewed well and they liked my passion so I can take some positives away.
So sorry that you were knocked back but keep on applying. I bet that there is a dep list for casuals so worth responding to ask whether this is the case.
Thanks @Climacus, Cheery husband was delayed in making contact with the practice due to a miscommunication between us, so I don't like our chances too much given today is Thursday. But we'll see ...
Looking a bit miserable outside today, so am thinking there will be no garden time today. I might race out with a jug and water a couple of pots which are looking a bit too dry, but other than that, nup, staying inside and watching videos and cuddling cats!
Finally, a sunny day. I have a stack of washing to do. There's a bit of wind too, so that will help. The problem is that winter clothes take longer to dry than summer ones, while having less warm weather to do it in.
Sunny & cold here (officially 13 but more like 7 with wind chill). Hung a stack of stuff over upstairs verandah-including heavy cord trousers & a jumper-and the whole lot was dry in 4 hours. I would appreciate a bit more of the same tomorrow when the sheets are washed!
Just sitting in the motel room at the moment. LKKspouse is arriving by train this evening. Scheduled to arrive at 2305hrs. At least the station is only a couple of minutes drive from the motel. We will drive home tomorrow after I finish at the recovery centre at 1pm.
I am glad you've had comfy accommodation @LatchKeyKid, I am sure you can deliver better service when you've had a good night's rest. Safe travels home.
Today is clear, cloudy, damp underfoot and a bit breezy. I am not doing outside activities, other than to check the letter box. Looks like Cheery son will just have to manage with his Tuesday appointment, but so far no more episodes of bler stuff happening, so very relieved.
Had a nice chat with a friend the other afternoon. Their child is selling some collectables on the online seaside place and I'll ask them for an update. If it goes well, I'll encourage cheery son to do similar. He will like the cash and I will like the downsizing!!
I ordered a book online for my Elderly Aunt who had a fall two weeks ago. She's on the mend, but I think a bit sobered by the experience. Today she is at her GP which is a relief to me because two weeks ago she did not want to go. Unfortunately (or fortunately as she would see it), she lives interstate so my interference can only be virtual and not in person. However, she has done two sensible things, bought herself a wheelie walker and is looking into getting an emergency pendant for herself. I suggested one when she moved to her retirement resort, and now she knows why. Better late than never, I suppose.
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As the man said, it's great to have the freedom to do anything, and the greater freedom to do nothing.
11°C here currently...but feels like 4 according to the app. I've left Armidale back to the Terrace; seems just as chilly today!
We've had a couple of little gusts that I've noticed, but I am not happy with the amount of rain that has not come - at least not to my place. Just grey and no action, very cross making.
I've been giving Cheery husband the car each day, I think he is getting cross about paying for parking and I am cross because I don't have the car. I suppose I could drive him, but am not a fan of morning traffic.
Wet and windy up here but I think it's worse near the coast or south of where I am. Some properties near The Entrance by the ocean were evacuated yesterday and I've seen reports of tree branches falling on trains. Two suburbs in my council were without power...not sure if it's been restored.
Fortunately we can run on batteries so we will still be having a hot meal this evening.
To anyone from Taree or Newcastle to the Victorian border, keep yourselves safe.
English muffins as a comfort lunch today. They and crumpets are my go-to comfort food.
Is anyone on our largest off-shore island willing to picket the vegemite factory for me? I couldn't find the low salt version on the shelves when I was supermarket shopping yesterday and was told that the makers had deleted it from their range.
The butter is amazing and is also used in a modified form to feed American astronauts and, with added poison, to bait traps for predatory animals such as rats and possums. It has made a significant contribution to conservation efforts here.
I could never get used to the taste of Vegemite. Yes, I'm one of those.
Website still shows it available, in Aus at least. But it contains Vit B6 which is now known to be a baddie, so perhaps it's been withdrawn from shelves. Marmite has a low salt offering, but the brand name has been stolen in NZ by an American Adventist cult. You'll need to look on International aisles in New World, FourSquare, whatever, for MyMate which is pukka Marmite.
Where I live we are moving from the cold season to the windy season.
https://www.ecosia.org/images?q=bundjalung seasonal calendar&addon=opensearch&_sp=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000#id=8EA470B0CB9275AC19DB557087F40B6118B3EE07
I wasn't aware of vitamin B6 being a baddie, so thank you. I will investigate further.
Piglet it sounds like Wellington, the capital city of NZ.
Until I moved to Christchurch I'd never experienced a wind that wasn't cold, but here in Christchurch we get a hot Nor'Wester in summer that dries clothes in on the line record time. We also get what an elderly relation called "the beasterly easterly" which comes off the sea and is both cold and wet.
I'm glad to hear that people haven't been badly impacted by the heavy recent rain, however I've been thinking about you in the disaster recovery centre @LatchKeyKid. For most of us the suffering there is out of sight and mind, but not so for you and I'm grateful for the work you are putting in there.
I'm not a fan of any day that gets over about 26 degrees, so even though the winter days FD mentions sound wonderful, I don't think I could cope with summers further north, humidity really wipes me out too! My In laws always used to have about a 6 week visit over winter visiting family members in Qld. It worked out well for them, not having to run their heating in an overly large home over the coldest months and they got to see their grandchildren even if it was only for a few weeks each year. I know those kids loved their visits and looked forward to them.
I'm glad to report some nice steady rain yesterday and overnight, hope @Sicut Cervus and @WormInTheGrass have lovely fresh gardens this morning as well.
Given that it's a damp underfoot day, I'm not planning anything much re housework or gardening and having a slow day is very much on the agenda, streaming reading, a bit of both, haven't decided yet!!
I am at Macksville this week. I am being accommodated in an "executive" motel apartment which has separate bedroom, lounge/kitchen, and even has a private verandah. Much plusher than the cheapskate rooms we book for ourselves. I surmise that it is the only room available for the five night stay,
A Naidoc week procession has just gone down the street outside the recovery centre.
Enjoy your streaming or reading Cheery Gardener.
Had my first interview for a teacher's aide position today at a Catholic primary school. Managed to answer every question so it went as well as I could hope. Now to wait to hear back... Not confident, given how green I am, but happy to have had an interview.
Beautiful sunny day here. Had a pre-interview corn fritters and cappuccino at the bay to pass the time.
Do I recall correctly that they eventually fixed the dreadful traffic snarl in Macksville?
Maybe. I haven't seen one in the two days I've been here.
Did they give you any idea how long it would be before you hear anything?
Grey day today, so a bit miserable. Fluffy cat is having a morning of being teased by the birds coming into our garden.
I have been having some correspondence with one of my best schoolfriends, so will hop off the ship to drop her a quick note and be back later!!
Yes. A local told me just now that the new road has fixed the snarl. She did also think that it caused greater flooding in some places.
A few days. I am taking it as I didn't hear yesterday I probably didn't get it. But you never know I suppose as they did say a few days.
Set off early this morning for a short coastal walk which was rather nice. A few side to trails to beaches. Enjoying an iced coffee before catching the bus back to my car.
I caught up with a lovely friend today, who has also been for a job interview. Hoping for a good outcome for her. We had a very pleasant chat and the time whizzed by, I could spend many more afternoons like this!
Have had a bit of a health issue arising with Cheery son which is stressful. Hoping we can get into the GP before the end of the week, if not we have an appointment for early next week, but waiting is a tad stressful.
So sorry that you were knocked back but keep on applying. I bet that there is a dep list for casuals so worth responding to ask whether this is the case.
I'm hoping for an appointment today as well, Cheery Gardener. Insomnia in my case. Hope all works out for your son.
Looking a bit miserable outside today, so am thinking there will be no garden time today. I might race out with a jug and water a couple of pots which are looking a bit too dry, but other than that, nup, staying inside and watching videos and cuddling cats!
@Climacus . Condolences. Hope a post for you will come up soon.
Today is clear, cloudy, damp underfoot and a bit breezy. I am not doing outside activities, other than to check the letter box. Looks like Cheery son will just have to manage with his Tuesday appointment, but so far no more episodes of bler stuff happening, so very relieved.
Had a nice chat with a friend the other afternoon. Their child is selling some collectables on the online seaside place and I'll ask them for an update. If it goes well, I'll encourage cheery son to do similar. He will like the cash and I will like the downsizing!!
I ordered a book online for my Elderly Aunt who had a fall two weeks ago. She's on the mend, but I think a bit sobered by the experience. Today she is at her GP which is a relief to me because two weeks ago she did not want to go. Unfortunately (or fortunately as she would see it), she lives interstate so my interference can only be virtual and not in person. However, she has done two sensible things, bought herself a wheelie walker and is looking into getting an emergency pendant for herself. I suggested one when she moved to her retirement resort, and now she knows why. Better late than never, I suppose.