Having lived in Newfoundland, where they get icebergs floating past from the other end of the planet, I'm not so sure that it sounds crazy. The water is indeed very pure; they make vodka and GIN from it there.
The water's there - if Dr. Sloane and his team can work out a way of harvesting it, then I say good for them!
I must plant daffodil bulbs in the next couple of days - I remember someone telling me they should be planted before the frost.
I've planted about 150 tulips and a lesser number of ranunculus and daffs (there were lots of daffs already here). Saw two interesting looking packs of tulips this morning at Mitre 10 and will stick them in tomorrow. Having a large garden is a great thing.
Rosie went to the local ANZAC service as part of the Council's waiata (singing) group. She thought it was very moving. She's never been to one before, but she was taken with the range of people who turned up.
GeeD, Piglet, maybe I need to revise my thinking about icebergs. As Piglet says, the water's there and if they can melt it and transport it, we'd all benefit.
APW that sounds like a spectacular show of flowers for spring
I would not be rethinking icebergs. To put it politely, the idea's daft. It was roundly condemned here at the time, even by newspaper editorials.
APW - Thanks for telling us Rosie's reaction. Our experience is that the most moving services are in the small country towns or suburbs. Our own has a good attendance, but it's clearly run by locals for locals. There used be one- may still be - in another suburb which was more of a good time out, with a free bbq and so forth after. It drew the crowds but was not a memorial service.
Photos were taken yesterday and my place looked lovely. All good. Today I have a painter touching up a couple of hairline cracks and patching a bit where blutack pulled paint off wall. Etc. Stuff shifted all over the place. Part of his brief before payment was to leave place clean and tidy.
Online by Friday and straight into inspections. Agent assures me there will be people there even so soon after listing. I have to make myself scarce. That ptobably means McDs, a place I have been into possibly three times in seven years.
I would not be rethinking icebergs. To put it politely, the idea's daft. It was roundly condemned here at the time, even by newspaper editorials.
APW - Thanks for telling us Rosie's reaction. Our experience is that the most moving services are in the small country towns or suburbs. Our own has a good attendance, but it's clearly run by locals for locals. There used be one- may still be - in another suburb which was more of a good time out, with a free bbq and so forth after. It drew the crowds but was not a memorial service.
We're in a small country town, and from what Rosie said, it sounded very like what I grew up with in another small country town. Although she made no mention of tea with a dollop of rum in it, which was a specialty of my childhood RSA. I thought it was a waste of tea.
APW - it was supposedly the drink given before the dawn landings and later before the start of an offensive. That may well be true and AFAIK it's still available here before the main Dawn Service.
APW - I saw what you did with your much smaller garden at your last place, and that was delightful. With the slightly warmer climate, and much more space I imagine spring will be amazing at your place.
I love the way the stalks of tulips in a vase bend themselves as they age. Like an unexpected sculpture.
Today I was going to buy myself some sheepskin slippers. I was so glad I didn't make it to the sheepskin factory, because I read in the paper they are having a sale starting tomorrow. Last time I went to their sale I bought two slippers that had been dyed from different vats, so their colours were slightly different. They cost about a third of the usual price, which in turn is about half of the shop price , so I'm hoping for a similar find tomorrow. I can cope with being out in the wind and rain, but cold feet at night drive me to distraction.
I was tempted by slippers on Tambo Teddies site, mornings will be colder when we move. Then I remembered I had some bootlike slippers with side zips and some sheepskin scuffs. Both pairs hardly worn. They do look cosy. And I am always dressed before breakfast. https://tamboteddies.com.au/teddy/slippers/ here is link. I bought my sister a Tambo Teddy lastyear, as Freedom, a bear I bought when she had first mastectomy is coming to the end. She loved him.
Loth, the ones I am after have a similar design, but with a rubber sole about a centimetre thick. I hope to pay no more that $35. I'm also hoping that they are also selling possum innersoles separately so I can give my current slippers a new lease of life. In the colder months I put my slippers on as soon as I get home or get up. If pushed (because I hear the rubbish truck coming) I can even make a quick dash outside wearing them.
In my mind I often hear my mum saying, Put your slippers on girl.
Getting my headlights cleansed...for rego. Cheaper than replacing. A bit foggy.
Lunch at a local café.
And then my first piano lesson. The screams you in NZ will hear will be those of my teacher. Be thankful I'm not doing violin as I suspect the cats responding would be audible to MaryLouise in SA!
If only we could make similar sensible use of our possums. Fortunately there does not seem any ban on importing socks etc fom NZ
Learn to knit. Possum yarn is readily available here and socks are not difficult once you read directions. Knitting is a great stress relief and a relaxing thing to do. My feet scream loudly if I force them into commercial socks. Pure Aussie wool makes very warm socks too. With a bit of nylon in the yarn they can be machine washed and dried.
Huia, my sheepskin scuffs have that type of sole. When we move I may be glad of them. Many shopping centres here have kiosks for ugh boot etc at beginning of winter.
One pair of slippers= $29! and they are tinged with purple. The scuffs were cheaper, but I like surround warmth and I don't keep scuffs on my feet easily.
I gave the $45 possum innersoles a miss, but bought $15 sheepskin ones instead.
I saw some wonderful possum and merino knitware made by a company called Lothlorian as well as some beautiful alpaca scarves. I might check on another local firm that is also having a sale to see if they can fill some other gaps in my winter wardrobe.
Loth, moving to the Mountains you'll be just down the road from the original ugg boot man, who has been fighting a trademark battle for years with the US conglomerate who pinched his idea.
There were a few poeple through mmy place. I am not surptised . I had been online a bare 24 hours before first inspection. One contract was taken for perusal and possible offer. It does not seem much, but it is a start. I would expect more interest in a week. I had coffee downstairs and nearly froze. It was chilly this morning here. Tomorrow I will have an extra layer of clothing with me.
I have drooled over The Wool Company's current catalogue with beautiful garments of possum/merino/silk. Fortunately I don't need anything new but I did by a beret of this combination which is a perfect match with one of my best (artificial fibre) tops. My friends want to stroke it.
GG
Silk can be quite warm so it would go well with possum. I have found that the possum yarn is super warm but it needs to be mixed with another fibre as it is not strong.
What are your respective churches doing about the redress requirements imposed by the Royal Commission? My state has sadly decided to sell a vast number of churches to fund the scheme as we don't have the ready cash. This will cause great distress to many people who feel that they are being punished for sins committed by other perpetrators. The non church going community is jumping with glee at what is happening to the churches although they have expressed concern that some small cemeteries may be affected (strange to only care about the dead!) It seems to me that although the crimes committed in the past were heinous, you don't find forgiveness by paying out money. The distress caused by the closure of churches, particularly in small communities, will be felt for a long time and the repercussions could be traumatic. Sorry for this whinge, but I am very upset.
Rhubarb, our diocese has embarked on a mixed strategy of a levy of 10% on top of the parish's diocesan contribution, retention of the majority of funds from any property sales [but also having all properties professionally valued, so that if sales proceed we get the value, which hasn't been the case in the past] and redeployment of diocesan investments. There has also been a restructure of the workings of the diocese, with some savings in salaries and allowances predicted. The bishop reckons we'll still come up short, but the policy has been to support the victims as best we can, and it is public knowledge from testimony at the RC that some of our settlements have been more generous than is currently being suggested in the national scheme.
Loan all approved and ready to sign. Things slow here but one contract on my place was taken on Saturday. It was online late Thursday, so early days yet. Loan covers all costs and proceeds from here will be paid in when it is sold. Redraw facility if needed but no plans to use that.
Slightly chilly up in apple country, Batlow, for the annual cider festival today. I returned with 2 packs of 4. And sampled a mulled cider which kept me warm.
Very sad news yesterday: the deeply loved and admired Anglican priest Canon Rowan Smith, the former Dean of Cape Town and St Georges Cathedral in Cape Town, died after some months in hospital. A good friend and inspiration to so many of us through the 1980s until now.
7:00am and breakfast is done. Cleaner is coming at 8:00 as another inspection is tomorrow. So I have bee awake since 4:00. Another early start tomorrow. Compulsory smoke alarm inspection. I had hoped to miss this year as it is usually in August. It starts at 7:00am although it is often earlier, and there is a stiff fee if technician cannot get into the apartment. My sons tell me that PJs are probably common sights, but not for me. I understand the legally compuslory inspection but early like that on a Saturday is another matter entirely. Alarm is tested and front door closure is also checked as the door is a heavy fire door.
Hope it all went well Loth. I would have some difficulty being awake, let alone up and about by 7 am at this time of year. Fortunately the furry alarm clock ensures I wake up before 8.
I'm not sure if it's age, but I'm feeling the cold much more than I have in the past, which isn't helped by the temperatures plummeting. I did find some lovely Australian striped socks suitable for diabetics, made from merino and Peruvian alpaca so that was a help. I may never take them off
Today is my birthday, so a friend took me out for afternoon tea, which was lovely, and another friend and I are meeting for lunch on Tuesday. My mother always said you should stretch your birthday out as long as possible.
That sounds a good plan, Huia- lots of little treats for as long as possible. Happy Birthday to you from here too.
My chilly mortal of a daughter has, even when the temperatures are in the 20s (C) here, a duvet, a quilt and two fleeces on her bed, plus she's wearing full length pyjamas (long sleeved top and trouser bottom), a hooded sweatshirt and fleecy bedsocks to be warm enough to sleep. I am only wearing a t-shirt and am kicking off the duvet.
Went fishing this afternoon with my former manager, who has become a dear friend, and his family. A beautiful lake just outside of the beautiful town of Beechworth in Victoria. Trees ablaze with coloured leaves and a chill in the air.
My first time fishing since I was a youngster. Won't be threatening any fish any time soon. But it was a great afternoon.
So, the cat’s out of the bag:
This morning I announced to my parishes that I’m retiring on 31st October. With annual and long service leave, we’ll finish mid-late July. Much excitement!
Happy birthday Huia. I too am a great believer in stretching the celebrations out. I managed quite a long strech of nice things this year.
Whne I was in my late fifties I got a bit depressed about the thought of getting older. Now aged 65 I'm determined to enjoy myself for as long as I can.
Last n ight I was perusing some info passed on by agent to us from vendors of property we willbe moving to at the end of July. Under Hills hoist, there is a netted large strawberry garden. Established gardens and all fruit trees are apaprently prolific. Raised vege garden. Two avocado trees, a mango, peach and cherry. Tahitian lime, orange, blood orange (yum), lemon, madarine, lemonade and a wampi. I had never heard of this. It is a Vietnamese/Thai citrus, good for eating, syrups etc. One tree can have over 30 kg of fruit in a season. 600 + square metres of chook run with shed, feeders etc and around 20 chooks. Fresh eggs! Well built pizza oven, cat run partially roofed, large rainwater tank and pump,compulsory in that area. So much more. The owners are selling because of ill health for one and PTSD for the other. Not to mention new ride on mower, other power tools and similar.
So, the cat’s out of the bag:
This morning I announced to my parishes that I’m retiring on 31st October. With annual and long service leave, we’ll finish mid-late July. Much excitement!
Definitely cause for excitement. Looks as if late July is a good time to choose. That is when we move.
I hope this means an improvement in health for you, Rexory.
Best wishes on your retirement Rexory - time to relax.
Loth with all the produce and eggs that sounds wonderful. I like eggs, but not to the extent of keeping hens - although there was a disused henhouse here when I bought the property.
Happy Birthday Huia, and happy retirement Rexory. And happy new job for me - just been appointed to the management position at the local library. After 18 months gardening, I think full time work is going to be a bit tiring, but the job looks interesting, and my manager is lovely.
Comments
The water's there - if Dr. Sloane and his team can work out a way of harvesting it, then I say good for them!
I've planted about 150 tulips and a lesser number of ranunculus and daffs (there were lots of daffs already here). Saw two interesting looking packs of tulips this morning at Mitre 10 and will stick them in tomorrow. Having a large garden is a great thing.
Rosie went to the local ANZAC service as part of the Council's waiata (singing) group. She thought it was very moving. She's never been to one before, but she was taken with the range of people who turned up.
APW that sounds like a spectacular show of flowers for spring
APW - Thanks for telling us Rosie's reaction. Our experience is that the most moving services are in the small country towns or suburbs. Our own has a good attendance, but it's clearly run by locals for locals. There used be one- may still be - in another suburb which was more of a good time out, with a free bbq and so forth after. It drew the crowds but was not a memorial service.
Online by Friday and straight into inspections. Agent assures me there will be people there even so soon after listing. I have to make myself scarce. That ptobably means McDs, a place I have been into possibly three times in seven years.
We're in a small country town, and from what Rosie said, it sounded very like what I grew up with in another small country town. Although she made no mention of tea with a dollop of rum in it, which was a specialty of my childhood RSA. I thought it was a waste of tea.
I love the way the stalks of tulips in a vase bend themselves as they age. Like an unexpected sculpture.
Today I was going to buy myself some sheepskin slippers. I was so glad I didn't make it to the sheepskin factory, because I read in the paper they are having a sale starting tomorrow. Last time I went to their sale I bought two slippers that had been dyed from different vats, so their colours were slightly different. They cost about a third of the usual price, which in turn is about half of the shop price , so I'm hoping for a similar find tomorrow. I can cope with being out in the wind and rain, but cold feet at night drive me to distraction.
In my mind I often hear my mum saying, Put your slippers on girl.
Day off today. Needed it.
Getting my headlights cleansed...for rego. Cheaper than replacing. A bit foggy.
Lunch at a local café.
And then my first piano lesson. The screams you in NZ will hear will be those of my teacher. Be thankful I'm not doing violin as I suspect the cats responding would be audible to MaryLouise in SA!
Learn to knit. Possum yarn is readily available here and socks are not difficult once you read directions. Knitting is a great stress relief and a relaxing thing to do. My feet scream loudly if I force them into commercial socks. Pure Aussie wool makes very warm socks too. With a bit of nylon in the yarn they can be machine washed and dried.
Huia, my sheepskin scuffs have that type of sole. When we move I may be glad of them. Many shopping centres here have kiosks for ugh boot etc at beginning of winter.
I gave the $45 possum innersoles a miss, but bought $15 sheepskin ones instead.
I saw some wonderful possum and merino knitware made by a company called Lothlorian as well as some beautiful alpaca scarves. I might check on another local firm that is also having a sale to see if they can fill some other gaps in my winter wardrobe.
Huia the cheapskate
https://burwood.ljhooker.com.au/unit-in-croydon-nsw-2132-au-bu8f8r#.Wu1SjYp_WhA
GG
I just checked stamp duty payable. Shudder.
Progress.
Hope all goes well, Loth.
Top of 8 yesterday. 18 today. And we even got a bit of rain.
There is an old substation near here and I have just counted 38 birds, probably revolting pigeons, lined up along the side wall, backs to the sun.
A fun day out.
I know
I'm not sure if it's age, but I'm feeling the cold much more than I have in the past, which isn't helped by the temperatures plummeting. I did find some lovely Australian striped socks suitable for diabetics, made from merino and Peruvian alpaca
Today is my birthday, so a friend took me out for afternoon tea, which was lovely, and another friend and I are meeting for lunch on Tuesday. My mother always said you should stretch your birthday out as long as possible.
My chilly mortal of a daughter has, even when the temperatures are in the 20s (C) here, a duvet, a quilt and two fleeces on her bed, plus she's wearing full length pyjamas (long sleeved top and trouser bottom), a hooded sweatshirt and fleecy bedsocks to be warm enough to sleep. I am only wearing a t-shirt and am kicking off the duvet.
Went fishing this afternoon with my former manager, who has become a dear friend, and his family. A beautiful lake just outside of the beautiful town of Beechworth in Victoria. Trees ablaze with coloured leaves and a chill in the air.
My first time fishing since I was a youngster. Won't be threatening any fish any time soon. But it was a great afternoon.
This morning I announced to my parishes that I’m retiring on 31st October. With annual and long service leave, we’ll finish mid-late July. Much excitement!
Whne I was in my late fifties I got a bit depressed about the thought of getting older. Now aged 65 I'm determined to enjoy myself for as long as I can.
Definitely cause for excitement. Looks as if late July is a good time to choose. That is when we move.
I hope this means an improvement in health for you, Rexory.
Best wishes on your retirement Rexory - time to relax.
Loth with all the produce and eggs that sounds wonderful. I like eggs, but not to the extent of keeping hens - although there was a disused henhouse here when I bought the property.
That house sounds like heaven, Loth.
And hooray for great birthdays, Huia.
Congratulations, APW!