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AS: Far flung southern lands 2019

LothlorienLothlorien Glory
edited July 2020 in Limbo
We cover a wide area down here. Happy new year to you all.
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  • Dennis the MenaceDennis the Menace Shipmate
    Paid a visit to one of the Op Shops nearby today. I was astounded to see one of the staff with so many piercings. Both ears were covered top to bottom and several rows all around his mouth. Usually they don't bother me but these almost made me ill. Must have cost a small fortune. Yuk!!
  • MaryLouiseMaryLouise Purgatory Host, Epiphanies Host
    Far-flung, indeed. Some rain possibly later this evening, my repotted Buddleia 'Black Knight' in purple flower. Gorgeous scent.

    In the Cape, today is Tweedenuwejaar ('Second New Year') and taken as if it was a public holiday. Few shops open, everyone heading for beaches and mountain walks.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Two days after New Year and every thing is open again,

    Georgie-Porgy hasn't come home so missed breakfast and her morning meds. Rang vet for advice on how late I can give them. Trying not to panic. :anguished:
  • Curiosity killedCuriosity killed Shipmate
    Fingers crossed for you and Georgie-Porgy, Huia.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    edited January 2019
    Yes. Not one to miss a meal.

    I have been sorting boxes long packed. Old linen, hundreds of photos. I can guess many of the faces, but tiny photos taken by a box brownie camera from far away are difficult. I found two postcard size taken on two separate 8 hour day holidays. The dresses on the girls suggest a 1920s date. Horses, pipe bands, brass bands, banners etc. I guess 8 hour working day would have been important to those in a mining town.

    Boys about 12 have shorts and jackets and some have ties too. Cloth caps, long socks and lace up shoes.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    edited January 2019
    Went for another walk along the street and a little black head with white whiskers popped up in the front garden next door - found. fed and medicated. She also took a running jump at the screen door in an effort to break out again.

    I forgot to have her tum shaved this year. Think a vet visit may be in order next week.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Good to have her back.
  • Elizabeth BennettElizabeth Bennett Shipmate Posts: 28
    Good to hear Huia.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Glad to hear she's back!
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    That's good news Huia (both her return and getting her shaved)
  • ClimacusClimacus Shipmate
    Great news, Huia!

    At Newcastle airport waiting for my flight to Auckland. Staying overnight at an airport hotel then flying home tomorrow.
  • Galloping GrannyGalloping Granny Shipmate
    My long-time neighbours on my NW side were students at the college where I taught in the 60s; their children are almost the same age as mine, and the parents finally retired a year ago. They have taken some interesting cruises and tours, and are setting out in a day or two to take their whole whanau on a Pacific cruise: grandparents, three children and spouses, and seven grandchildren — who are understandably madly excited (not sure of ages but some would be teens and I don't think there are any pre-schoolers).
    Thinking of my OE — in 1958/59 I travelled to the UK by boat, and explored the UK and Europe by train and hitch-hiking, staying in Youth Hostels; five years later I flew both ways, did a month's course in France and a summer school in Scotland and travelled by train, and by rental Mini with three friends; in 1986 we took our teenage son and daughter and travelled in the UK and Europe in a camper van, flying home via US and Canada where we had friends and cousins; in 2011 just the two of us hired a car and visited all our old and newer friends in the UK — by which time both our children had travelled much more extensively than I had. Still in affectionate contact with two men I met on my original trips (and their wives!)
    Four very different experiences but with lasting happy memories.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    edited January 2019
    Like most Brits, I have several Australian relatives - my grandmother's two oldest sisters emigrated in the early years of the 20th century - and several of their descendants came over to "do Europe" in the 1970s - some in campervans, some not.

    They had mostly done a fair bit of research into the family history; one couple (who were particularly devout Brethren) had brought a family tree, with everyone they regarded as "backsliders" having been carefully excised.

    Mum and Dad hid the GIN decanter away when they came to visit ... :mrgreen:
  • Barnabas_AusBarnabas_Aus Shipmate
    We spoke to my cousin in Fife, and her daughter, for New Year - on the phone for nearly an hour. It's been three years since we were able to visit and probably a couple more before we make what will be our last pilgrimage. Ironically, we are in more frequent contact with them than some of our relatives living here in Oz.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Still more heat here, and a strong wind which has blown dust in my eyes all morning, even inside. Hoping for some of the change Melbourne had yesterday. It is 39° here. I imagine further inland will be much hotter.

    The chooks are liking it. Nine chooks, eight eggs this morning which will become leftover ham quiche tonight with some cream or perhaps some brie. Cherries to follow.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    At those temperatures it's a wonder they don't lay boiled eggs.

    Temperature here is lower than forecast of 30 c due to the wind that in the winter we call the beasterly easterly, in summer it's a blessing - straight off the sea. Still wondering if I should get my head shaved at the same time as Georgie's tum. :smirk:
  • Elizabeth BennettElizabeth Bennett Shipmate Posts: 28
    Yesterday at 3pm I had to get in the car to take my dd out. The temp read 46degrees. Ahhhh, but it dropped by 17 degrees in an hour. Then it rained, Praise God , I htink the hydrangeas may survive. Today of course it is raining and we have guests coming for a BBQ of Bulgogi. Looks like we will eat inside. In Huias theme of dog shaving, my daughter trimmed the dog yesterday, I don't think she will aim for a career in hairdressing., .😳
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Still 41 here but just spoke to middle son in western suburbs. Pouring with rain and 10 degrees cooler than here currently.This hot spell is not unusual for western towns in NSW but so many days and so hot has been unpleasant.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Huia, the chookhouse here is luxurious. Double brick and sandstone and shaded by huge cypress trees.
  • Dennis the MenaceDennis the Menace Shipmate
    Still 42.3 here with a southerly on its way. A/c been on since late morning. Had a burst water main in the street in the early hours so no water until noon. Luckily we have a tank to get water to flush the loo. Went out for breakfast.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    No strong southerly here but temp has dropped and it is now raining. Nasty fire at South Maroota, far too close to niece’s. However RFS App now has it as being controlled and it is raining.

    It was 41 but is now in 20s

    Better night for sleeping
  • Barnabas_AusBarnabas_Aus Shipmate
    Looking forward to that in a couple of hours Loth! Got in the car about 45mins ago after being in an air-conditioned meeting room for the afternoon. Readout on the dash was 43degC and the vehicle had been parked in the shade of a tree.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Some enormous thunder claps overhead. A small amount of hail and steady rain. Hope the change reaches Hunter soon. So much better than the days of major heat we have had.
  • Barnabas_AusBarnabas_Aus Shipmate
    Arrived much quicker than I expected. Wind whistling around the house. No rain yet.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    We had no rain for quite a while, then a tiny amount of hail but some exceedingly loud thunder overhead. So pleasant to sit in cool over a fairly late dinner and a couple of glasses of wine, a few checks of RFS site to see niece was safe and fire was controlled. A good evening.

    Now, the next morning, house weather system says 17°. A big change. Things are grey and misty, the sandstone flagging is very soaked with rain.

    Late yesterday, the fire very close to my niece was brought under control. Overnight rain will have helped there.
  • WormInTheGrassWormInTheGrass Shipmate
    Yes, very pleasant day here today, after some thunder and some rain here yesterday evening brought the temperature down at least 10 degrees. I think rain was slightly heavier between here and Goulburn.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    I have been sorting more boxes. Lots to Vinnies, some to keep and some rubbish. Found my long lost cook book by Dame Mary Gilmore. Back in the days of wood stove cooking. She remarks she will say little about fires and temperatures because Australian women are used to thinking for themselves and can work all that out without help.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    My step-Grandmother was brilliant at that kind of thing - I need simple recipes, like the poached chicken one I cooked tonight.

    I've had a brilliant couple of days, and as the forecast high here tomorrow is in the low 20s, I'm hoping I achieve some of the goals I've set myself.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    We have several more pleasant days before more heat. Lovely last night to need a blanket on. I woke at 6 and snuggled back down for another hour.
  • ClimacusClimacus Shipmate
    Disgraceful! Such sloth! 😉

    Grey skies here currently which made for a nice and cool walk to work. Feel I'm settling in a bit more socially here at work. I've made friends with the baristas (always good people to know) and having some laughs with colleagues.

    They are a relaxed group ... which kind of bumps up against my manic do-it-quickly-and-as-fast-as-possible attitude. Perhaps it will be good for me.
  • PatdysPatdys Shipmate
    Hello good people.
    Just a quick note to say I have a week in Queenstown from next Wednesday with my much better half and daughter to do silly fun things*.
    I still read, but really only post on the Hell cancer thread.
    My memory says Queenstown is bereft of shippies but I would happily buy a beer/wine/gin for any locals whom I have overlooked.

    *Falling at different rates on land, water and sky.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    Enjoy the time
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Enjoy yourselves Patyds, but beware the industrial sized sandflies. There are plenty of fun, silly things to do there.

    If you decide to go through to Milford Sound (absolutely stunning) there is a playground for keas beside the Homer Tunnel. Before it was built they amused themselves by moving the road cones stored in the tunnel in case of emergencies, thus endangering traffic.

    I hope the weather is kind to you.

    I always think that the setting is lovely, but the town is less so.
  • mr curlymr curly Shipmate
    Have enjoyed a week of milder weather at Thredbo during the biennial family get together. Walked to Mt K, and also walked Main Range track from Charlotte Pass to Thredbo. Magnificent scenery, but legs a little pooped.
    Home today, work on Monday.
    Little Miss is in Vietnam/Cambodia on school trip - she has Skyped in a coup,e of times and is doing fine.
    mr curly
  • WormInTheGrassWormInTheGrass Shipmate
    Mr Curly, that sounds great. Mr WitG and I were in Goulburn yesterday (fortunately inside a bakery) when the heavens opened and bucketted down rain and hail (26 mm in 30min). Extremely glad we weren't driving at the time.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    That was well managed to be inside a bakery.
  • mr curlymr curly Shipmate
    WormInTheGrass wrote: »
    Mr Curly, that sounds great. Mr WitG and I were in Goulburn yesterday (fortunately inside a bakery) when the heavens opened and bucketted down rain and hail (26 mm in 30min). Extremely glad we weren't driving at the time.

    We spent all Friday waiting for bad weather that never quite arrived at Thredbo - not that it was clear. Hot in Goulburn and at home today.
    mr curly
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    And more heat to come. I have spent the afternoon unpacking dinner set and other things. Heirlooms, including a handpainted cake stand and four matching plates. As far as I can calculate, it was a wedding present to several great of grand mother and dates to about 1830. Beautiful violets and snow drops and filigree work in each corner, lovely.

    Mr Curly, son used to go to Charlotte Pass to a lodge at this time of year. He is missing it as essential reovations are being done this year. Lots of hiking and swimming in icy pools with the family.
  • ClimacusClimacus Shipmate
    School trips to Vietnam/Cambodia?!? We got as far as Hill End, panning for gold.

    Nice to hear of good travels...and safety from storms in bakeries.

    Those heirlooms sound amazing, Loth.

    Long weekend here next weekend and I'm thinking of a bus trip down to Wellington for 2 or 3 days. First adventure outside of Palmy (except Christchurch and Akaroa many years ago...)

    The uni may also contribute to the cost of my Masters if I study it there. Am doing the application later.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Now Victoria is a proper university, the best people study there. :wink:
  • ClimacusClimacus Shipmate
    :smiley:
  • Galloping GrannyGalloping Granny Shipmate
    edited January 2019
    [Queenstown: I always think that the setting is lovely, but the town is less so.]
    I spent half of January there, I think in the sixties, staying in the half-finished Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak. We had a kind of refreshment room; people would trudge up the hill, buy coffee & cake, and sit out on the grass listening to the classical music we had playing all the time. Queenstown was very different then; I have made one or two brief visits some time ago but I'd rather not go there again. But I think all round the world favourite tourist places are becoming very crowded.

    [They had mostly done a fair bit of research into the family history; one couple (who were particularly devout Brethren) had brought a family tree, with everyone they regarded as "backsliders" having been carefully excised.]
    I've seen a couple of fascinating TV programmes made by Maori who had researched a non-Kiwi ancestor. The first went to trace his Welsh 'cousins', who were totally fascinated: they knew that one of the family had gone to New Zealand and imagined they might have a few relatives here, but great-grandad from Wales and his Maori wife had, I think, 14 children, all of whom flourished and had large families, and now there's another generation. The New Zealander made respectful visits to an ancestor's grave and the home of his great-grandad's youth, delivering prayers and speeches in te reo (Maori) and gave his commentary in te reo (with sub-titles, but he must have done a lot of translating for the Welsh). Last week's episode went to Samoa. The next/last of the series is tonight.

    Wellington's getting pretty hot too.

    GG
  • rhubarbrhubarb Shipmate
    I was confused reading about Queenstown as I always think of Queenstown in Tasmania, an interesting old mining town on our west coast. I hadn't realised there was another place of the same name not so far away.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Well, Queenstown NZ always reminds us on a miniature Lugarno. It's very attractive beside the lake with mountains behind. No-one could ever accuse the Tasmanian town of looking very attractive save in the brutalist sense.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    I would never vote for Clive Palmer. Receiving a message text that he will bring fast trains only reinforces that feeling.
  • Galloping GrannyGalloping Granny Shipmate
    Friends built a holiday home on the slopes above Queenstown, with a magnificent view of mountains from all front windows, including the toilet — but it took several re-glazes to get clear glass in the latter's window. Since the window was several hundred feet above the town it was hardly likely to have people peeking in.
    This was many years ago. It would be difficult, and very expensive, to build within miles of the town nowadays.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    In the days before drones, GG. Is that still the case?
  • Galloping GrannyGalloping Granny Shipmate
    Gee D wrote: »
    In the days before drones, GG. Is that still the case?
    Good question — but I lost touch years ago.
    I don't know if I could remember their names even.
    But it did remind me of the whare paku*at some tramping huts which are sited on a high promontory with a fine view for (but not of) whoever sits within.

    * toilet/long drop
  • GalilitGalilit Shipmate
    Ahhhhh .... great memories of dunnies at various huts
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Neither of the bathrooms in our house has frosted windows, but they are both too high to see from outside, and they have Venetian blinds, so I don't feel that my privacy is compromised!

    If anyone were flying a drone for the purpose of watching my ablutions, I think I'd just feel sorry for them ... :blush:
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