Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Well, one thing I liked about the northern hemisphere was the use of equinoxes and solstices to mark the beginnings of the seasons.

kii said:

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Well, one thing I liked about the northern hemisphere was the use of equinoxes and solstices to mark the beginnings of the seasons.

A puzzle as to the reasoning behind the (Aussie) BoM using the calendar to define the seasons.

Rain patterns

Morning, and a what a chilly one it is, heading for a maximum of 12. Late showers.

Finishing up the housework today. Coles delivery will be between 3:10 PM and 4:10 PM.

Woke up four minutes before the alarm 👍🏼 Mini Me has to be at school early as her school bands for both instruments are performing at the local high school today.

Cool and sunny with a top of 20. Having submitted my essay (which of course has prompted my brain to think of all the things I didn’t include 🤦🏻‍♀️) it’s just regular learning today. Or at school if I get called in.

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Yes. Winter is here.
9 degrees.
It is only going to get to 15 today.

Dark here. The weather has returned to mildness. I’ll go and check the damage when it gets light. power back on 18:30, maybe. 282 outages in the SW. Western Power are going to be busy.

Good morning Holidayers. Presently 4 degrees at the back door, lightly overcast, no wind. We are forecast 12 degrees with showers and windy. I guess I should light the woodheater soon. I’ve just turned the reverse cycle on for the moment.

Activities undecided yet for today. Mr buffy is going to Hamilton for an ambulance old farts lunch. Wives and partners can go, but I’m not interested. I might get a little bit of weeding done before it rains although the radar suggests it’s not far away. There are bits of cleaning inside the house that should be done, but I’ve never been exactly houseproud and it’s easy to push them down the activities list…

Not political so here

Oregon’s Bay Area

There are some stories that arrive in the world already broken, already carrying the weight of everything we should’ve done better, and still, somehow, they manage to become a candle in the dark.

This is one of those stories, and I need to warn you now that it involves a veteran, a dog, a handwritten letter, and the kind of love that has to tear itself in half just to keep someone else safe, so please locate your nearest emotional support beverage accordingly.

In Fort Worth, Texas, a 65-year-old disabled veteran named Tom walked to Fire Station 8 with his dog, Jake, a bottle of water, and a three-page handwritten letter. Tom had been homeless for nearly two years, living in a camp with the one soul he still had in this world, and he had reached the devastating conclusion that he couldn’t get help for himself while still keeping Jake safe beside him.

That’s the part that broke me first, because this wasn’t a man abandoning a dog, this was a man using the last strength he had to save the only family he had left. In the letter, Tom explained that Jake had been raised to love everyone, that he was “nothing but love,” and that giving him up was the hardest decision he had ever made. He had seen the fire station’s Safe Place sign, and in what must have been one of the loneliest moments of his life, he chose to believe that maybe it meant what it said. “Please help my baby,” he wrote.

There are so many ways to measure the health of a civilization, though the loudest people in the world usually seem to prefer the stupidest ones. They measure it in profit margins, border walls, billionaires, cruelty, and men in suits explaining why compassion is somehow fiscally irresponsible. But I think you can measure it just as honestly by what happens when a heartbroken man ties his dog to a flagpole because he has nowhere else to go.

I think you can measure it by whether someone reads the letter. The firefighters did read it, and they tried to find Jake a home, but when that didn’t work, something else happened. Jake became part of the station. He became a dog with food, treats, toys, firefighters, and apparently enough charm to make an entire crew of grown adults take one look at him and collectively lose the ability to pretend they were not already in love. And while Jake was being cared for, the city’s HOPE Team went looking for Tom.

That part matters to me almost as much as the dog, because it would’ve been easy to let the story end with the rescue of Jake and the warm glow of firefighters doing what firefighters do when they’re allowed to be fully human. It would’ve been easy to make Tom into a tragic footnote, the man who loved his dog enough to let him go and then let him disappear back into the kind of suffering most people have trained themselves not to see.

But they didn’t let him disappear, no, they found him, and they helped get him medical care. Operation Texas Strong stepped in and helped provide him with an RV and a place to live, and after nearly two years outside, Tom had a roof over his head too.

I keep coming back to the shape of that, because Tom thought he was surrendering the one being who still made his life bearable, and instead, the love he had for Jake became the flare that helped people find him. It’s almost too beautiful to look at directly.

I understand, in my own family’s way, what a dog can mean when a person has been through things too heavy for language. My brother was saved by a dog when he came home from combat, and I don’t use the word saved lightly, because sometimes trauma makes a locked room inside a person, and everyone who loves them is standing outside the door with their hands full of useless keys. But a dog doesn’t need the key.

A dog doesn’t ask you to explain the nightmare, or package your grief into something socially acceptable, or convince them that your pain has a reasonable beginning, middle, and end. A dog simply stays, a dog breathes beside you in the dark, follows you from room to room, looks at you like your continued existence is not only acceptable but preferred, and reminds you in the quietest possible way that some love is not conditional on your ability to be okay. Sometimes a dog is the silent sounding board for everything a person can’t say, the only witness who doesn’t flinch.

Sometimes a dog is the small warm proof that even after war, and loss, and poverty, and fear, and all the ways this world can strip a person down to the bone, there is still something in you worth loving. So, when I think of Tom leaving Jake at that fire station, I don’t think of a man walking away from love. I think of a man walking love to the safest place he could find.

And maybe that’s why this story has stayed under my skin, because it isn’t only a beautiful story, it is a beautiful story born from tragedy. It’s a story about what happens when one person’s private heartbreak becomes visible enough that the rest of us can no longer pretend we didn’t see it. It’s a story about a dog being saved, yes, but it is also a story about a man being remembered by a world that had nearly forgotten him.

I suppose that’s why I needed to write about it this week, because I’ve missed you all so much, and because life here has been a tremendous, exhausting, unbelievable blur of paperwork, work gloves, hope, panic, lists, repairs, and the kind of bone-deep fatigue that makes a person briefly consider becoming a decorative moss in the forest.

We have been working so hard to get the house ready, and I am so relieved that we passed the appraisal. I’ve typed that sentence and stared at it for a while, because it still doesn’t feel entirely real. That was the biggest hurdle left, the mountain standing between our family and the chance to stay in the home where our children have grown, where our memories are tucked into every corner, and where so much of our ordinary, beautiful, impossible life has unfolded.

Before all of this happened, when I thought for sure we would have to leave, I walked through this house and found that I could barely let myself enjoy the things my family had once loved together. The kids would bring up the fairy garden we had been planning, and I could hardly look them in the eyes, because how do you plan a fairy garden in a place you are grieving before you have even lost it?

I thought about watching my two oldest children grow into little humans here, into these strange and wonderful people with opinions, jokes, arguments, dreams, and the audacity to keep needing snacks. I thought about the rooms that held their babyhoods, the corners that held our Christmas mornings, the yard that held our muddy shoes, and the small daily rituals that make a house into a history.

And then I would look at Ezra and feel something in me fold in on itself, because I thought he wouldn’t get to grow up here too. That is a particular kind of heartbreak, the kind where the future keeps walking toward you and you can’t bear to meet its eyes. But then people came.

People came with kindness, with help, with encouragement, with resources, with faith when mine was threadbare, and with the kind of love that doesn’t simply say, “I hope it works out,” but instead rolls up its sleeves and starts looking for the door no one else has checked yet. You brought us back from the brink.

I don’t know how to write that in a way that is big enough, because gratitude sometimes feels too small a word for being able to breathe again inside your own life. I’ve tried to find a better one, but language keeps handing me the same little basket, so I will fill it as fully as I can and say thank you.

When I think about Tom and Jake, I think about the firefighters who could’ve treated the dog as someone else’s problem, and I think about the outreach workers who could’ve let Tom remain invisible, and I think about the people who understood that saving the dog and saving the man were part of the same moral equation. And when I think about our own family, I think about you.

I think if there is any hope left for humanity, it’s people like that, and it’s people like you. It’s the ones who still stop, who still read the letter, and those who still look for the person behind the crisis, the family behind the fundraiser, the veteran behind the dog, the child behind the classroom project, and the living world behind the headline.

It’s the children saving the eagles, too. It’s those kids, and the people teaching them that the world is not disposable, that wild things are not decorations, and that strength is not proven by domination but by protection. It’s every adult who shows a child how to love something vulnerable without needing to own it, how to care for the planet without becoming numb to how much pain it is in, and how to understand that being human is not a license to take everything we can reach.

Maybe it won’t be us who redeem humanity directly, in fact, I think our job is smaller and more sacred than that. Our job is to become the right kind of teachers, the right kind of neighbors, the right kind of witnesses, and the right kind of people standing beside the next generation with our hands open and our hearts stubbornly intact. Maybe our job is to show them how to love each other better than we were taught, how to protect the beings who can’t ask in words, and how to recognize a Safe Place sign not as a decoration, but as a promise.

Because that’s what this week keeps teaching me. Hope is not always clean, and it is almost never simple.
Sometimes hope is born from a man having to give up his dog, from a family nearly losing their home, and sometimes hope begins in the unbearable moment when love has done everything it can alone, and then, by some mercy, other people arrive to carry what one heart couldn’t carry by itself.

Tom loved Jake enough to bring him to safety, the firefighters loved Jake enough to make him family, the HOPE Team loved Tom enough to go looking, and you loved us enough to help bring us home.

So yes, I still believe there is hope for humanity, even now, even after everything, even when the evidence against us is loud and well-funded and wearing a tie on television. I believe it because somewhere in Fort Worth, a dog named Jake is probably being spoiled absolutely rotten by firefighters who didn’t plan on becoming his people, and somewhere nearby, a veteran named Tom has a roof over his head because his love for that dog touched something human in everyone who heard it.

I believe it because my brother came home from war and a dog helped him remember how to stay, I believe it because my children may still get their fairy garden, and I believe it because when our family was standing at the edge, you reached for us.

And I believe it because every now and then, in this heartbroken and miraculous world, someone leaves a letter, someone reads it, someone goes looking, and love, battered but not beaten, finds its way back home.

Written by Shanley Hurt

Bogsnorkler said:

Dark here. The weather has returned to mildness. I’ll go and check the damage when it gets light. power back on 18:30, maybe. 282 outages in the SW. Western Power are going to be busy.

Presumably you’ll get some compensation for the outage.

Bubblecar said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Dark here. The weather has returned to mildness. I’ll go and check the damage when it gets light. power back on 18:30, maybe. 282 outages in the SW. Western Power are going to be busy.

Presumably you’ll get some compensation for the outage.

The prize is that everyone has electrickery turned back on.

Bubblecar said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Dark here. The weather has returned to mildness. I’ll go and check the damage when it gets light. power back on 18:30, maybe. 282 outages in the SW. Western Power are going to be busy.

Presumably you’ll get some compensation for the outage.

$120, so that’s OK.

Bought this thingy from Temu. It’s a heating, vibrating strap for my wrist, which gets a bit stiff in the colder weather, making it difficult to type with. Works a treat 👍🏼 I’ve got in on backwards right now so the control panel doesn’t get in the way of typing.

Divine Angel said:

Bought this thingy from Temu. It’s a heating, vibrating strap for my wrist, which gets a bit stiff in the colder weather, making it difficult to type with. Works a treat 👍🏼 I’ve got in on backwards right now so the control panel doesn’t get in the way of typing.

Don’t press that flame button too hard.

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Bought this thingy from Temu. It’s a heating, vibrating strap for my wrist, which gets a bit stiff in the colder weather, making it difficult to type with. Works a treat 👍🏼 I’ve got in on backwards right now so the control panel doesn’t get in the way of typing.

Don’t press that flame button too hard.

You really don’t need to end up being rocket launches into space.

ms spock said:

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Bought this thingy from Temu. It’s a heating, vibrating strap for my wrist, which gets a bit stiff in the colder weather, making it difficult to type with. Works a treat 👍🏼 I’ve got in on backwards right now so the control panel doesn’t get in the way of typing.

Don’t press that flame button too hard.

You really don’t need to end up being rocket launches into space.

Launched

AussieDJ said:

kii said:

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Well, one thing I liked about the northern hemisphere was the use of equinoxes and solstices to mark the beginnings of the seasons.

A puzzle as to the reasoning behind the (Aussie) BoM using the calendar to define the seasons.

chill, Churchill, no wonder this place is spooky

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck ms spock :)

I hope it’s a fruitful visit.

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

It’s hard to get out of bed.

Bubblecar said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck ms spock :)

I hope it’s a fruitful visit.

Thank you Mr Car

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck Spocks.

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Best of luck and some hugs.

Bogsnorkler said:

Not political so here

Oregon’s Bay Area

There are some stories that arrive in the world already broken, already carrying the weight of everything we should’ve done better, and still, somehow, they manage to become a candle in the dark.

This is one of those stories, and I need to warn you now that it involves a veteran, a dog, a handwritten letter, and the kind of love that has to tear itself in half just to keep someone else safe, so please locate your nearest emotional support beverage accordingly.

In Fort Worth, Texas, a 65-year-old disabled veteran named Tom walked to Fire Station 8 with his dog, Jake, a bottle of water, and a three-page handwritten letter. Tom had been homeless for nearly two years, living in a camp with the one soul he still had in this world, and he had reached the devastating conclusion that he couldn’t get help for himself while still keeping Jake safe beside him.

That’s the part that broke me first, because this wasn’t a man abandoning a dog, this was a man using the last strength he had to save the only family he had left. In the letter, Tom explained that Jake had been raised to love everyone, that he was “nothing but love,” and that giving him up was the hardest decision he had ever made. He had seen the fire station’s Safe Place sign, and in what must have been one of the loneliest moments of his life, he chose to believe that maybe it meant what it said. “Please help my baby,” he wrote.

There are so many ways to measure the health of a civilization, though the loudest people in the world usually seem to prefer the stupidest ones. They measure it in profit margins, border walls, billionaires, cruelty, and men in suits explaining why compassion is somehow fiscally irresponsible. But I think you can measure it just as honestly by what happens when a heartbroken man ties his dog to a flagpole because he has nowhere else to go.

I think you can measure it by whether someone reads the letter. The firefighters did read it, and they tried to find Jake a home, but when that didn’t work, something else happened. Jake became part of the station. He became a dog with food, treats, toys, firefighters, and apparently enough charm to make an entire crew of grown adults take one look at him and collectively lose the ability to pretend they were not already in love. And while Jake was being cared for, the city’s HOPE Team went looking for Tom.

That part matters to me almost as much as the dog, because it would’ve been easy to let the story end with the rescue of Jake and the warm glow of firefighters doing what firefighters do when they’re allowed to be fully human. It would’ve been easy to make Tom into a tragic footnote, the man who loved his dog enough to let him go and then let him disappear back into the kind of suffering most people have trained themselves not to see.

But they didn’t let him disappear, no, they found him, and they helped get him medical care. Operation Texas Strong stepped in and helped provide him with an RV and a place to live, and after nearly two years outside, Tom had a roof over his head too.

I keep coming back to the shape of that, because Tom thought he was surrendering the one being who still made his life bearable, and instead, the love he had for Jake became the flare that helped people find him. It’s almost too beautiful to look at directly.

I understand, in my own family’s way, what a dog can mean when a person has been through things too heavy for language. My brother was saved by a dog when he came home from combat, and I don’t use the word saved lightly, because sometimes trauma makes a locked room inside a person, and everyone who loves them is standing outside the door with their hands full of useless keys. But a dog doesn’t need the key.

A dog doesn’t ask you to explain the nightmare, or package your grief into something socially acceptable, or convince them that your pain has a reasonable beginning, middle, and end. A dog simply stays, a dog breathes beside you in the dark, follows you from room to room, looks at you like your continued existence is not only acceptable but preferred, and reminds you in the quietest possible way that some love is not conditional on your ability to be okay. Sometimes a dog is the silent sounding board for everything a person can’t say, the only witness who doesn’t flinch.

Sometimes a dog is the small warm proof that even after war, and loss, and poverty, and fear, and all the ways this world can strip a person down to the bone, there is still something in you worth loving. So, when I think of Tom leaving Jake at that fire station, I don’t think of a man walking away from love. I think of a man walking love to the safest place he could find.

And maybe that’s why this story has stayed under my skin, because it isn’t only a beautiful story, it is a beautiful story born from tragedy. It’s a story about what happens when one person’s private heartbreak becomes visible enough that the rest of us can no longer pretend we didn’t see it. It’s a story about a dog being saved, yes, but it is also a story about a man being remembered by a world that had nearly forgotten him.

I suppose that’s why I needed to write about it this week, because I’ve missed you all so much, and because life here has been a tremendous, exhausting, unbelievable blur of paperwork, work gloves, hope, panic, lists, repairs, and the kind of bone-deep fatigue that makes a person briefly consider becoming a decorative moss in the forest.

We have been working so hard to get the house ready, and I am so relieved that we passed the appraisal. I’ve typed that sentence and stared at it for a while, because it still doesn’t feel entirely real. That was the biggest hurdle left, the mountain standing between our family and the chance to stay in the home where our children have grown, where our memories are tucked into every corner, and where so much of our ordinary, beautiful, impossible life has unfolded.

Before all of this happened, when I thought for sure we would have to leave, I walked through this house and found that I could barely let myself enjoy the things my family had once loved together. The kids would bring up the fairy garden we had been planning, and I could hardly look them in the eyes, because how do you plan a fairy garden in a place you are grieving before you have even lost it?

I thought about watching my two oldest children grow into little humans here, into these strange and wonderful people with opinions, jokes, arguments, dreams, and the audacity to keep needing snacks. I thought about the rooms that held their babyhoods, the corners that held our Christmas mornings, the yard that held our muddy shoes, and the small daily rituals that make a house into a history.

And then I would look at Ezra and feel something in me fold in on itself, because I thought he wouldn’t get to grow up here too. That is a particular kind of heartbreak, the kind where the future keeps walking toward you and you can’t bear to meet its eyes. But then people came.

People came with kindness, with help, with encouragement, with resources, with faith when mine was threadbare, and with the kind of love that doesn’t simply say, “I hope it works out,” but instead rolls up its sleeves and starts looking for the door no one else has checked yet. You brought us back from the brink.

I don’t know how to write that in a way that is big enough, because gratitude sometimes feels too small a word for being able to breathe again inside your own life. I’ve tried to find a better one, but language keeps handing me the same little basket, so I will fill it as fully as I can and say thank you.

When I think about Tom and Jake, I think about the firefighters who could’ve treated the dog as someone else’s problem, and I think about the outreach workers who could’ve let Tom remain invisible, and I think about the people who understood that saving the dog and saving the man were part of the same moral equation. And when I think about our own family, I think about you.

I think if there is any hope left for humanity, it’s people like that, and it’s people like you. It’s the ones who still stop, who still read the letter, and those who still look for the person behind the crisis, the family behind the fundraiser, the veteran behind the dog, the child behind the classroom project, and the living world behind the headline.

It’s the children saving the eagles, too. It’s those kids, and the people teaching them that the world is not disposable, that wild things are not decorations, and that strength is not proven by domination but by protection. It’s every adult who shows a child how to love something vulnerable without needing to own it, how to care for the planet without becoming numb to how much pain it is in, and how to understand that being human is not a license to take everything we can reach.

Maybe it won’t be us who redeem humanity directly, in fact, I think our job is smaller and more sacred than that. Our job is to become the right kind of teachers, the right kind of neighbors, the right kind of witnesses, and the right kind of people standing beside the next generation with our hands open and our hearts stubbornly intact. Maybe our job is to show them how to love each other better than we were taught, how to protect the beings who can’t ask in words, and how to recognize a Safe Place sign not as a decoration, but as a promise.

Because that’s what this week keeps teaching me. Hope is not always clean, and it is almost never simple.
Sometimes hope is born from a man having to give up his dog, from a family nearly losing their home, and sometimes hope begins in the unbearable moment when love has done everything it can alone, and then, by some mercy, other people arrive to carry what one heart couldn’t carry by itself.

Tom loved Jake enough to bring him to safety, the firefighters loved Jake enough to make him family, the HOPE Team loved Tom enough to go looking, and you loved us enough to help bring us home.

So yes, I still believe there is hope for humanity, even now, even after everything, even when the evidence against us is loud and well-funded and wearing a tie on television. I believe it because somewhere in Fort Worth, a dog named Jake is probably being spoiled absolutely rotten by firefighters who didn’t plan on becoming his people, and somewhere nearby, a veteran named Tom has a roof over his head because his love for that dog touched something human in everyone who heard it.

I believe it because my brother came home from war and a dog helped him remember how to stay, I believe it because my children may still get their fairy garden, and I believe it because when our family was standing at the edge, you reached for us.

And I believe it because every now and then, in this heartbroken and miraculous world, someone leaves a letter, someone reads it, someone goes looking, and love, battered but not beaten, finds its way back home.

Written by Shanley Hurt

Some people write so well.

Makes me feel inadequate; I’ve always had difficulties writing.

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck!

:) :) :)

(((((spockie)))))

Michael V said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Not political so here

Oregon’s Bay Area

There are some stories that arrive in the world already broken, already carrying the weight of everything we should’ve done better, and still, somehow, they manage to become a candle in the dark.

This is one of those stories, and I need to warn you now that it involves a veteran, a dog, a handwritten letter, and the kind of love that has to tear itself in half just to keep someone else safe, so please locate your nearest emotional support beverage accordingly.

In Fort Worth, Texas, a 65-year-old disabled veteran named Tom walked to Fire Station 8 with his dog, Jake, a bottle of water, and a three-page handwritten letter. Tom had been homeless for nearly two years, living in a camp with the one soul he still had in this world, and he had reached the devastating conclusion that he couldn’t get help for himself while still keeping Jake safe beside him.

That’s the part that broke me first, because this wasn’t a man abandoning a dog, this was a man using the last strength he had to save the only family he had left. In the letter, Tom explained that Jake had been raised to love everyone, that he was “nothing but love,” and that giving him up was the hardest decision he had ever made. He had seen the fire station’s Safe Place sign, and in what must have been one of the loneliest moments of his life, he chose to believe that maybe it meant what it said. “Please help my baby,” he wrote.

There are so many ways to measure the health of a civilization, though the loudest people in the world usually seem to prefer the stupidest ones. They measure it in profit margins, border walls, billionaires, cruelty, and men in suits explaining why compassion is somehow fiscally irresponsible. But I think you can measure it just as honestly by what happens when a heartbroken man ties his dog to a flagpole because he has nowhere else to go.

I think you can measure it by whether someone reads the letter. The firefighters did read it, and they tried to find Jake a home, but when that didn’t work, something else happened. Jake became part of the station. He became a dog with food, treats, toys, firefighters, and apparently enough charm to make an entire crew of grown adults take one look at him and collectively lose the ability to pretend they were not already in love. And while Jake was being cared for, the city’s HOPE Team went looking for Tom.

That part matters to me almost as much as the dog, because it would’ve been easy to let the story end with the rescue of Jake and the warm glow of firefighters doing what firefighters do when they’re allowed to be fully human. It would’ve been easy to make Tom into a tragic footnote, the man who loved his dog enough to let him go and then let him disappear back into the kind of suffering most people have trained themselves not to see.

But they didn’t let him disappear, no, they found him, and they helped get him medical care. Operation Texas Strong stepped in and helped provide him with an RV and a place to live, and after nearly two years outside, Tom had a roof over his head too.

I keep coming back to the shape of that, because Tom thought he was surrendering the one being who still made his life bearable, and instead, the love he had for Jake became the flare that helped people find him. It’s almost too beautiful to look at directly.

I understand, in my own family’s way, what a dog can mean when a person has been through things too heavy for language. My brother was saved by a dog when he came home from combat, and I don’t use the word saved lightly, because sometimes trauma makes a locked room inside a person, and everyone who loves them is standing outside the door with their hands full of useless keys. But a dog doesn’t need the key.

A dog doesn’t ask you to explain the nightmare, or package your grief into something socially acceptable, or convince them that your pain has a reasonable beginning, middle, and end. A dog simply stays, a dog breathes beside you in the dark, follows you from room to room, looks at you like your continued existence is not only acceptable but preferred, and reminds you in the quietest possible way that some love is not conditional on your ability to be okay. Sometimes a dog is the silent sounding board for everything a person can’t say, the only witness who doesn’t flinch.

Sometimes a dog is the small warm proof that even after war, and loss, and poverty, and fear, and all the ways this world can strip a person down to the bone, there is still something in you worth loving. So, when I think of Tom leaving Jake at that fire station, I don’t think of a man walking away from love. I think of a man walking love to the safest place he could find.

And maybe that’s why this story has stayed under my skin, because it isn’t only a beautiful story, it is a beautiful story born from tragedy. It’s a story about what happens when one person’s private heartbreak becomes visible enough that the rest of us can no longer pretend we didn’t see it. It’s a story about a dog being saved, yes, but it is also a story about a man being remembered by a world that had nearly forgotten him.

I suppose that’s why I needed to write about it this week, because I’ve missed you all so much, and because life here has been a tremendous, exhausting, unbelievable blur of paperwork, work gloves, hope, panic, lists, repairs, and the kind of bone-deep fatigue that makes a person briefly consider becoming a decorative moss in the forest.

We have been working so hard to get the house ready, and I am so relieved that we passed the appraisal. I’ve typed that sentence and stared at it for a while, because it still doesn’t feel entirely real. That was the biggest hurdle left, the mountain standing between our family and the chance to stay in the home where our children have grown, where our memories are tucked into every corner, and where so much of our ordinary, beautiful, impossible life has unfolded.

Before all of this happened, when I thought for sure we would have to leave, I walked through this house and found that I could barely let myself enjoy the things my family had once loved together. The kids would bring up the fairy garden we had been planning, and I could hardly look them in the eyes, because how do you plan a fairy garden in a place you are grieving before you have even lost it?

I thought about watching my two oldest children grow into little humans here, into these strange and wonderful people with opinions, jokes, arguments, dreams, and the audacity to keep needing snacks. I thought about the rooms that held their babyhoods, the corners that held our Christmas mornings, the yard that held our muddy shoes, and the small daily rituals that make a house into a history.

And then I would look at Ezra and feel something in me fold in on itself, because I thought he wouldn’t get to grow up here too. That is a particular kind of heartbreak, the kind where the future keeps walking toward you and you can’t bear to meet its eyes. But then people came.

People came with kindness, with help, with encouragement, with resources, with faith when mine was threadbare, and with the kind of love that doesn’t simply say, “I hope it works out,” but instead rolls up its sleeves and starts looking for the door no one else has checked yet. You brought us back from the brink.

I don’t know how to write that in a way that is big enough, because gratitude sometimes feels too small a word for being able to breathe again inside your own life. I’ve tried to find a better one, but language keeps handing me the same little basket, so I will fill it as fully as I can and say thank you.

When I think about Tom and Jake, I think about the firefighters who could’ve treated the dog as someone else’s problem, and I think about the outreach workers who could’ve let Tom remain invisible, and I think about the people who understood that saving the dog and saving the man were part of the same moral equation. And when I think about our own family, I think about you.

I think if there is any hope left for humanity, it’s people like that, and it’s people like you. It’s the ones who still stop, who still read the letter, and those who still look for the person behind the crisis, the family behind the fundraiser, the veteran behind the dog, the child behind the classroom project, and the living world behind the headline.

It’s the children saving the eagles, too. It’s those kids, and the people teaching them that the world is not disposable, that wild things are not decorations, and that strength is not proven by domination but by protection. It’s every adult who shows a child how to love something vulnerable without needing to own it, how to care for the planet without becoming numb to how much pain it is in, and how to understand that being human is not a license to take everything we can reach.

Maybe it won’t be us who redeem humanity directly, in fact, I think our job is smaller and more sacred than that. Our job is to become the right kind of teachers, the right kind of neighbors, the right kind of witnesses, and the right kind of people standing beside the next generation with our hands open and our hearts stubbornly intact. Maybe our job is to show them how to love each other better than we were taught, how to protect the beings who can’t ask in words, and how to recognize a Safe Place sign not as a decoration, but as a promise.

Because that’s what this week keeps teaching me. Hope is not always clean, and it is almost never simple.
Sometimes hope is born from a man having to give up his dog, from a family nearly losing their home, and sometimes hope begins in the unbearable moment when love has done everything it can alone, and then, by some mercy, other people arrive to carry what one heart couldn’t carry by itself.

Tom loved Jake enough to bring him to safety, the firefighters loved Jake enough to make him family, the HOPE Team loved Tom enough to go looking, and you loved us enough to help bring us home.

So yes, I still believe there is hope for humanity, even now, even after everything, even when the evidence against us is loud and well-funded and wearing a tie on television. I believe it because somewhere in Fort Worth, a dog named Jake is probably being spoiled absolutely rotten by firefighters who didn’t plan on becoming his people, and somewhere nearby, a veteran named Tom has a roof over his head because his love for that dog touched something human in everyone who heard it.

I believe it because my brother came home from war and a dog helped him remember how to stay, I believe it because my children may still get their fairy garden, and I believe it because when our family was standing at the edge, you reached for us.

And I believe it because every now and then, in this heartbroken and miraculous world, someone leaves a letter, someone reads it, someone goes looking, and love, battered but not beaten, finds its way back home.

Written by Shanley Hurt

Some people write so well.

Makes me feel inadequate; I’ve always had difficulties writing.

Similar here.

Tell you something for nuthin, I am not looking forward to the seconds part of the next assessment. It’s a live Q&A with the assessor just to make sure I know the course content and didn’t wing it with AI.

Already the Safe Browser (in which the Q&A will be held, it locks all other applications on the computer) keeps crashing Chrome.

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Bugger.

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Also, thanks for “ruining” my evening Wordle fun.

Actually I’m a bit bored with Wordle. So, you are forgiven.

New device could make processors run 1,000 times faster without additional waste heat — scientists say it could reduce data center energy demands

A new device could allow computer processors to operate significantly faster, without generating waste heat.

https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/new-device-could-make-processors-run-1-000-times-faster-without-additional-waste-heat-scientists-say-it-could-reduce-data-center-energy-demands

Bogsnorkler said:

Not political so here

Oregon’s Bay Area

There are some stories that arrive in the world already broken, already carrying the weight of everything we should’ve done better, and still, somehow, they manage to become a candle in the dark.

This is one of those stories, and I need to warn you now that it involves a veteran, a dog, a handwritten letter, and the kind of love that has to tear itself in half just to keep someone else safe, so please locate your nearest emotional support beverage accordingly.

In Fort Worth, Texas, a 65-year-old disabled veteran named Tom walked to Fire Station 8 with his dog, Jake, a bottle of water, and a three-page handwritten letter. Tom had been homeless for nearly two years, living in a camp with the one soul he still had in this world, and he had reached the devastating conclusion that he couldn’t get help for himself while still keeping Jake safe beside him.

That’s the part that broke me first, because this wasn’t a man abandoning a dog, this was a man using the last strength he had to save the only family he had left. In the letter, Tom explained that Jake had been raised to love everyone, that he was “nothing but love,” and that giving him up was the hardest decision he had ever made. He had seen the fire station’s Safe Place sign, and in what must have been one of the loneliest moments of his life, he chose to believe that maybe it meant what it said. “Please help my baby,” he wrote.

There are so many ways to measure the health of a civilization, though the loudest people in the world usually seem to prefer the stupidest ones. They measure it in profit margins, border walls, billionaires, cruelty, and men in suits explaining why compassion is somehow fiscally irresponsible. But I think you can measure it just as honestly by what happens when a heartbroken man ties his dog to a flagpole because he has nowhere else to go.

I think you can measure it by whether someone reads the letter. The firefighters did read it, and they tried to find Jake a home, but when that didn’t work, something else happened. Jake became part of the station. He became a dog with food, treats, toys, firefighters, and apparently enough charm to make an entire crew of grown adults take one look at him and collectively lose the ability to pretend they were not already in love. And while Jake was being cared for, the city’s HOPE Team went looking for Tom.

That part matters to me almost as much as the dog, because it would’ve been easy to let the story end with the rescue of Jake and the warm glow of firefighters doing what firefighters do when they’re allowed to be fully human. It would’ve been easy to make Tom into a tragic footnote, the man who loved his dog enough to let him go and then let him disappear back into the kind of suffering most people have trained themselves not to see.

But they didn’t let him disappear, no, they found him, and they helped get him medical care. Operation Texas Strong stepped in and helped provide him with an RV and a place to live, and after nearly two years outside, Tom had a roof over his head too.

I keep coming back to the shape of that, because Tom thought he was surrendering the one being who still made his life bearable, and instead, the love he had for Jake became the flare that helped people find him. It’s almost too beautiful to look at directly.

I understand, in my own family’s way, what a dog can mean when a person has been through things too heavy for language. My brother was saved by a dog when he came home from combat, and I don’t use the word saved lightly, because sometimes trauma makes a locked room inside a person, and everyone who loves them is standing outside the door with their hands full of useless keys. But a dog doesn’t need the key.

A dog doesn’t ask you to explain the nightmare, or package your grief into something socially acceptable, or convince them that your pain has a reasonable beginning, middle, and end. A dog simply stays, a dog breathes beside you in the dark, follows you from room to room, looks at you like your continued existence is not only acceptable but preferred, and reminds you in the quietest possible way that some love is not conditional on your ability to be okay. Sometimes a dog is the silent sounding board for everything a person can’t say, the only witness who doesn’t flinch.

Sometimes a dog is the small warm proof that even after war, and loss, and poverty, and fear, and all the ways this world can strip a person down to the bone, there is still something in you worth loving. So, when I think of Tom leaving Jake at that fire station, I don’t think of a man walking away from love. I think of a man walking love to the safest place he could find.

And maybe that’s why this story has stayed under my skin, because it isn’t only a beautiful story, it is a beautiful story born from tragedy. It’s a story about what happens when one person’s private heartbreak becomes visible enough that the rest of us can no longer pretend we didn’t see it. It’s a story about a dog being saved, yes, but it is also a story about a man being remembered by a world that had nearly forgotten him.

I suppose that’s why I needed to write about it this week, because I’ve missed you all so much, and because life here has been a tremendous, exhausting, unbelievable blur of paperwork, work gloves, hope, panic, lists, repairs, and the kind of bone-deep fatigue that makes a person briefly consider becoming a decorative moss in the forest.

We have been working so hard to get the house ready, and I am so relieved that we passed the appraisal. I’ve typed that sentence and stared at it for a while, because it still doesn’t feel entirely real. That was the biggest hurdle left, the mountain standing between our family and the chance to stay in the home where our children have grown, where our memories are tucked into every corner, and where so much of our ordinary, beautiful, impossible life has unfolded.

Before all of this happened, when I thought for sure we would have to leave, I walked through this house and found that I could barely let myself enjoy the things my family had once loved together. The kids would bring up the fairy garden we had been planning, and I could hardly look them in the eyes, because how do you plan a fairy garden in a place you are grieving before you have even lost it?

I thought about watching my two oldest children grow into little humans here, into these strange and wonderful people with opinions, jokes, arguments, dreams, and the audacity to keep needing snacks. I thought about the rooms that held their babyhoods, the corners that held our Christmas mornings, the yard that held our muddy shoes, and the small daily rituals that make a house into a history.

And then I would look at Ezra and feel something in me fold in on itself, because I thought he wouldn’t get to grow up here too. That is a particular kind of heartbreak, the kind where the future keeps walking toward you and you can’t bear to meet its eyes. But then people came.

People came with kindness, with help, with encouragement, with resources, with faith when mine was threadbare, and with the kind of love that doesn’t simply say, “I hope it works out,” but instead rolls up its sleeves and starts looking for the door no one else has checked yet. You brought us back from the brink.

I don’t know how to write that in a way that is big enough, because gratitude sometimes feels too small a word for being able to breathe again inside your own life. I’ve tried to find a better one, but language keeps handing me the same little basket, so I will fill it as fully as I can and say thank you.

When I think about Tom and Jake, I think about the firefighters who could’ve treated the dog as someone else’s problem, and I think about the outreach workers who could’ve let Tom remain invisible, and I think about the people who understood that saving the dog and saving the man were part of the same moral equation. And when I think about our own family, I think about you.

I think if there is any hope left for humanity, it’s people like that, and it’s people like you. It’s the ones who still stop, who still read the letter, and those who still look for the person behind the crisis, the family behind the fundraiser, the veteran behind the dog, the child behind the classroom project, and the living world behind the headline.

It’s the children saving the eagles, too. It’s those kids, and the people teaching them that the world is not disposable, that wild things are not decorations, and that strength is not proven by domination but by protection. It’s every adult who shows a child how to love something vulnerable without needing to own it, how to care for the planet without becoming numb to how much pain it is in, and how to understand that being human is not a license to take everything we can reach.

Maybe it won’t be us who redeem humanity directly, in fact, I think our job is smaller and more sacred than that. Our job is to become the right kind of teachers, the right kind of neighbors, the right kind of witnesses, and the right kind of people standing beside the next generation with our hands open and our hearts stubbornly intact. Maybe our job is to show them how to love each other better than we were taught, how to protect the beings who can’t ask in words, and how to recognize a Safe Place sign not as a decoration, but as a promise.

Because that’s what this week keeps teaching me. Hope is not always clean, and it is almost never simple.
Sometimes hope is born from a man having to give up his dog, from a family nearly losing their home, and sometimes hope begins in the unbearable moment when love has done everything it can alone, and then, by some mercy, other people arrive to carry what one heart couldn’t carry by itself.

Tom loved Jake enough to bring him to safety, the firefighters loved Jake enough to make him family, the HOPE Team loved Tom enough to go looking, and you loved us enough to help bring us home.

So yes, I still believe there is hope for humanity, even now, even after everything, even when the evidence against us is loud and well-funded and wearing a tie on television. I believe it because somewhere in Fort Worth, a dog named Jake is probably being spoiled absolutely rotten by firefighters who didn’t plan on becoming his people, and somewhere nearby, a veteran named Tom has a roof over his head because his love for that dog touched something human in everyone who heard it.

I believe it because my brother came home from war and a dog helped him remember how to stay, I believe it because my children may still get their fairy garden, and I believe it because when our family was standing at the edge, you reached for us.

And I believe it because every now and then, in this heartbroken and miraculous world, someone leaves a letter, someone reads it, someone goes looking, and love, battered but not beaten, finds its way back home.

Written by Shanley Hurt

Bogsnorkler I am so glad that you and Kingy are safe. If I miss someone I am sorry.

This is so beautiful it made me cry.

You share such exquisite moments of humanity and I read them and I am grateful.

Divine Angel said:

Tell you something for nuthin, I am not looking forward to the seconds part of the next assessment. It’s a live Q&A with the assessor just to make sure I know the course content and didn’t wing it with AI.

Already the Safe Browser (in which the Q&A will be held, it locks all other applications on the computer) keeps crashing Chrome.

I skipped the “not” first time I read that.

Weird thing to look forward to I thought.

Hope all goes well anyway.

Witty Rejoinder said:

New device could make processors run 1,000 times faster without additional waste heat — scientists say it could reduce data center energy demands

A new device could allow computer processors to operate significantly faster, without generating waste heat.

https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/new-device-could-make-processors-run-1-000-times-faster-without-additional-waste-heat-scientists-say-it-could-reduce-data-center-energy-demands

However, manufacturing enough of these devices to make a difference may pose further challenges. Tantalum is a rare metal that is already in high demand, so there may be supply issues to overcome. The device would also need to be tested outside laboratory conditions, where external environmental factors could hinder the results.

Following the successful laboratory demonstration, a prototype chip could be ready by 2030, the scientists said in the study.

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck Spocks.

Thanks DA,

It’s next Monday Divine Angel. They sent me a reminder this morning that I had to cancel the appointment for before 24 hours and they also sent me the URL for the form to fill out which that I rang up and negotiated to do on paper concerned me.

I rang up the reception and she told me the specialist was away this week and my appointment was next Monday.

I said I had negotiated to fill out the form on paper. I asked her about masking again because being sent out the URL when I had already negotiated not to store online information is an issue for me.

Whilst I was saying I didn’t know your system, but understand it better now she hung up on me.

I wasn’t being rude or demanding. I was coming from a curious and concerned place. It doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.

Anyway it is next Monday now. I spent the weekend trying to get in the right frame of mind.

roughbarked said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Best of luck and some hugs.

Thanks roughie, appreciated.

Michael V said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck!

:) :) :)

(((((spockie)))))

Thank you Michael V! 🐸🐸🐸

Divine Angel said:

Tell you something for nuthin, I am not looking forward to the seconds part of the next assessment. It’s a live Q&A with the assessor just to make sure I know the course content and didn’t wing it with AI.

Already the Safe Browser (in which the Q&A will be held, it locks all other applications on the computer) keeps crashing Chrome.

That sounds a bit stressful.

You have really engaged with the course content.

I have learnt content from your discussion here.

I hope it goes okay.

Morning. The power came back on sometime early this morning, and the various electrical items that were on when it went out, suddenly started up again, waking us up.

The wheelie bin was jammed in the corner of the back yard, but the bin liner is long gone. Lots of tree debris spread around, and the nectarine tree is now naked 8^0

Otherwise no material damage found at Chateau Kingy.

All I can say is – thank fuck that storm is over.

I’ve experienced prolonged strong winds in the desert, but with fewer large trees overhead or nearby. There was the large pecan tree next door, which if it fell might have clipped our home. Also having a flat roof was a little bit better, I think. Our metal workshop was a slight concern, but it was quite new and well constructed. IIRC the construction had a high wind rating.

Also those desert wind storms rarely had a lot of rain with them. Just flying sand and rocks hitting your windows.

Witty Rejoinder said:

New device could make processors run 1,000 times faster without additional waste heat — scientists say it could reduce data center energy demands

A new device could allow computer processors to operate significantly faster, without generating waste heat.

https://www.livescience.com/technology/electronics/new-device-could-make-processors-run-1-000-times-faster-without-additional-waste-heat-scientists-say-it-could-reduce-data-center-energy-demands

It can’t come quick enough.

Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers

Link

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Good luck Spocks.

Thanks DA,

It’s next Monday Divine Angel. They sent me a reminder this morning that I had to cancel the appointment for before 24 hours and they also sent me the URL for the form to fill out which that I rang up and negotiated to do on paper concerned me.

I rang up the reception and she told me the specialist was away this week and my appointment was next Monday.

I said I had negotiated to fill out the form on paper. I asked her about masking again because being sent out the URL when I had already negotiated not to store online information is an issue for me.

Whilst I was saying I didn’t know your system, but understand it better now she hung up on me.

I wasn’t being rude or demanding. I was coming from a curious and concerned place. It doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.

Anyway it is next Monday now. I spent the weekend trying to get in the right frame of mind.

I feel your anxiety about medical appointments, but I am the opposite with forms. I prefer to fill out my information online. The amount of history that the US doctors require is mind boggling (plus the paper forms have really tiny areas to write in and I can’t print that small). It’s not only the medical issues your family has, but who and when. Which is really difficult when 3 of your siblings have no contact with you.

Take a breather today and regroup. The issue with the receptionist is their problem, not your problem.

kii said:

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

Good luck Spocks.

Thanks DA,

It’s next Monday Divine Angel. They sent me a reminder this morning that I had to cancel the appointment for before 24 hours and they also sent me the URL for the form to fill out which that I rang up and negotiated to do on paper concerned me.

I rang up the reception and she told me the specialist was away this week and my appointment was next Monday.

I said I had negotiated to fill out the form on paper. I asked her about masking again because being sent out the URL when I had already negotiated not to store online information is an issue for me.

Whilst I was saying I didn’t know your system, but understand it better now she hung up on me.

I wasn’t being rude or demanding. I was coming from a curious and concerned place. It doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.

Anyway it is next Monday now. I spent the weekend trying to get in the right frame of mind.

I feel your anxiety about medical appointments, but I am the opposite with forms. I prefer to fill out my information online. The amount of history that the US doctors require is mind boggling (plus the paper forms have really tiny areas to write in and I can’t print that small). It’s not only the medical issues your family has, but who and when. Which is really difficult when 3 of your siblings have no contact with you.

Take a breather today and regroup. The issue with the receptionist is their problem, not your problem.

Ta kii

I bit the bullet and did some cleaning in the kitchen. The sort where you remove stuff, clean, clean removed stuff, put it all back. I think the next clean will either be more of the pantry, or taking all the crockery out of the cupboard and cleaning the shelves. But I’ve used up my motivation for today. I will cook myself a couple of eggs and a rasher of bacon for lunch and then decide if I go back to bed to read (it’s dark and rainy here) or do more iNaturalist identifications. Or knit. Or sort out more patient records. This being retired thing still hasn’t trained me in how to be bored…

ms spock said:

roughbarked said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

Cold here now 15° with a potential of 20°.

Off to see a specialist today.

Nervous if they will listen to me or not.

Or if they can assist me or not.

I hate to have any medical appointments. I get so anxious.

Wish me good luck.

I hope everyone has a good day, gets some TLC or some doggy hugs.

I am so behind in the posts. I won’t catch up.

Best of luck and some hugs.

Thanks roughie, appreciated.

Just get well soon and keep bringing yoour cheery self in. :)

i’ll look at the weather, I see it approaching from the west, or north-west, dark cloud, ominously ominous dark darkness, Noah hammering in the distance, or it could be a pesty woodpecker sabotaging the effort

roughbarked said:

ms spock said:

roughbarked said:

Best of luck and some hugs.

Thanks roughie, appreciated.

Just get well soon and keep bringing yoour cheery self in. :)

Ta roughie

buffy said:

I bit the bullet and did some cleaning in the kitchen. The sort where you remove stuff, clean, clean removed stuff, put it all back. I think the next clean will either be more of the pantry, or taking all the crockery out of the cupboard and cleaning the shelves. But I’ve used up my motivation for today. I will cook myself a couple of eggs and a rasher of bacon for lunch and then decide if I go back to bed to read (it’s dark and rainy here) or do more iNaturalist identifications. Or knit. Or sort out more patient records. This being retired thing still hasn’t trained me in how to be bored…

I don’t think being bored is in your DNA buffy.

You just love learning and doing things.

Your brain is tremendously active.

kii said:

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Also, thanks for “ruining” my evening Wordle fun.

Actually I’m a bit bored with Wordle. So, you are forgiven.

Thanks. But ‘chill’ wasn’t the answer … it appeared on the way to getting the correct word.

AussieDJ said:

kii said:

AussieDJ said:

Getting the word ‘chill’ in the Wordle thread a few moments ago just reminded me.

Welcome to Winter!

Also, thanks for “ruining” my evening Wordle fun.

Actually I’m a bit bored with Wordle. So, you are forgiven.

Thanks. But ‘chill’ wasn’t the answer … it appeared on the way to getting the correct word.

I realised that after I checked the Wordle thread. Still, it was a spoiler, but cleverly done to start the Chat thread with.

transition said:

i’ll look at the weather, I see it approaching from the west, or north-west, dark cloud, ominously ominous dark darkness, Noah hammering in the distance, or it could be a pesty woodpecker sabotaging the effort

1-5mm 95% today
5-10mm 100% tomorrow
5-10mm 95% day after that
1-5mm 75% the day after the day after

some be overlap/duplication/error, the weatherology people can’t know for sure what will fall either side of midnight, this is exactly the situation for which they throw the dart, a highly calibrated dart I might add

transition said:

i’ll look at the weather, I see it approaching from the west, or north-west, dark cloud, ominously ominous dark darkness, Noah hammering in the distance, or it could be a pesty woodpecker sabotaging the effort

Get some gopher wood, pilgrim.

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

Bogsnorkler said:

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

I don’t know that song, but I do know the road to Gundagai.

transition said:

transition said:

i’ll look at the weather, I see it approaching from the west, or north-west, dark cloud, ominously ominous dark darkness, Noah hammering in the distance, or it could be a pesty woodpecker sabotaging the effort

1-5mm 95% today
5-10mm 100% tomorrow
5-10mm 95% day after that
1-5mm 75% the day after the day after

some be overlap/duplication/error, the weatherology people can’t know for sure what will fall either side of midnight, this is exactly the situation for which they throw the dart, a highly calibrated dart I might add

But a fair chance that even that will miss us.

Bogsnorkler said:

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

My sister in Bunbury lost her outside shower cubicle(her inside shower is getting renovated by NDIS to fit a wheelchair).

Bogsnorkler said:

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

I’m sure the local authorities are working on getting it cleaned up.

Thanks everyone for all your kind words.

It is much appreciated.

Maybe things are automated on the reception’s end? Maybe she’s just having a bad day? I had a big cry and read another forum. The receptionist doesn’t know about Cyclone Alfred, crazy neighbours, houses burning down next door, smoke and mould damage, losing 90% of your stuff, yelling and abusive tradies and an Insurance Company which doctored a photo to deny a claim. Blah, blah, blah

Kind words very appreciated.

Inspired by buffy I will go and be productive.

party_pants said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

I’m sure the local authorities are working on getting it cleaned up.

Yep, didn’t see any out today but I guess they have to get things organised first.

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Kingy said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Lots of trees down on the road into Bunbury.

My sister in Bunbury lost her outside shower cubicle(her inside shower is getting renovated by NDIS to fit a wheelchair).

Bloody!

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Bit before my time. I’m more of the Kieran Perkins and Thorpie generation.

party_pants said:

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Bit before my time. I’m more of the Kieran Perkins and Thorpie generation.

Thorpedo, they used to call him. Which is bit unfortunate when you think about it.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Peak Warming Man said:

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Bit before my time. I’m more of the Kieran Perkins and Thorpie generation.

Thorpedo, they used to call him. Which is bit unfortunate when you think about it.

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier* and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

*Fraser

Apart from the stadium build, the big news in Brisbane is little Leaf.

Leaf is a koala residing in the trees of Ormiston College. Council approved those trees to be demolished. Leaf has been balled up in a tree watching the bulldozers move in and destroy her home.

Bubblecar said:

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Jim Frazier invented the Frazier lens.

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Jim Frazier invented the Frazier lens.

Jim’s Lenses

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

party_pants said:

Work has begun on the site for the new Olympics stadium in Brisbane. Protestors have been rounded up and evicted, legal challenges have been lodged. The QLD premier has warned protestors not to get in the way of the bulldozers.

All terrific stuff. They need to get this thing built and in service a year before the Olympic Games begin.

Will it be completed on time and on budget?
Not bloody likely.

I love stadium build projects, so I’ll be following this one. Even though I don’t think the Olympics are worth the money spent on it.

The Olympics used to be good when we had Dawn Frazier and Herb Elliot and John Landy, those were the days my friend.

Jim Frazier invented the Frazier lens.

I remember protesters chanting, “Give Frazier erasure! Give Frazier erasure!”

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bit before my time. I’m more of the Kieran Perkins and Thorpie generation.

Thorpedo, they used to call him. Which is bit unfortunate when you think about it.

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Ian said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Thorpedo, they used to call him. Which is bit unfortunate when you think about it.

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Nah, you’ve got that backwards…

furious said:

Ian said:

Divine Angel said:

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Nah, you’ve got that backwards…

LOL

Marjorie Jackson, the Lithgow Flash, is still alive aged 94.

I remember her on an advert in the 1970s saying, “They used to call me the Lithgow Flash, but now the only running I do is the running of my home.”

furious said:

Ian said:

Divine Angel said:

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Nah, you’ve got that backwards…

Lolol….

Ian said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Thorpedo, they used to call him. Which is bit unfortunate when you think about it.

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Why did no one cash in on that sponsorship deal??

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

it won’t be cheap. I still think the Devils won’t be commercially viable without subsidies from the state government. I think the population base is just too small.

Divine Angel said:

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

I mean either way that’s a great deal

Hei Long is of the opinion that he and I should go to the futon bed out the back, I should get under the doona and read, and he should snuggle in on top of the dog sheet. As there is no heating out there and it’s about 9 degrees outside, I think I’ll put his little coat on him. And take the phone with us. Mr buffy is not back from his Old Farts ambulance lunch in Hamilton, and he usually phones to let me know he is on his way home.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

it won’t be cheap. I still think the Devils won’t be commercially viable without subsidies from the state government. I think the population base is just too small.

Thousands of people bought “foundation memberships” some time ago for $10, but all that got them was a bumper sticker. They’re genuinely shocked that they now have to fork out big $.

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

I mean either way that’s a great deal

You could get 200 for $5.

Anyway I’d better go in that shower.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

I note that the completely broke Tassie Gubmint is clawing back money from health and other important things. But it is subsidising the AFL to build the (some consider eyesore) stadium for them to sit in, with a supposed three quarters of a billion dollars. I expect that that subsidy will blow out to maybe three billion dollars.

furious said:

Ian said:

Divine Angel said:

I remember when Kieran Perkins had his signature on milk.

I thought that was Michael Klim.

Nah, you’ve got that backwards…

:)

Quick as a flash.

:)

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Here on the island, a lot of people are irate that Tassie Devils membership fees are much higher than they were expecting.

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

I note that the completely broke Tassie Gubmint is clawing back money from health and other important things. But it is subsidising the AFL to build the (some consider eyesore) stadium for them to sit in, with a supposed three quarters of a billion dollars. I expect that that subsidy will blow out to maybe three billion dollars.

Bread & Circuses, not Health & Roads. (Sir Humphrey Appleby GCB KBE MVO).

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

I mean either way that’s a great deal

Ain’t no one making money on that deal. They’re probably only good for chicken feed anyway.

Kingy said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

…it’s a very complicated setup but apparently a family of four, joining now, will have paid nearly $2000 to secure seats for 2028, when Tasmania starts playing in the AFL.

I note that the completely broke Tassie Gubmint is clawing back money from health and other important things. But it is subsidising the AFL to build the (some consider eyesore) stadium for them to sit in, with a supposed three quarters of a billion dollars. I expect that that subsidy will blow out to maybe three billion dollars.

Bread & Circuses, not Health & Roads. (Sir Humphrey Appleby GCB KBE MVO).

One of the chaps.

roughbarked said:

transition said:

transition said:

i’ll look at the weather, I see it approaching from the west, or north-west, dark cloud, ominously ominous dark darkness, Noah hammering in the distance, or it could be a pesty woodpecker sabotaging the effort

1-5mm 95% today
5-10mm 100% tomorrow
5-10mm 95% day after that
1-5mm 75% the day after the day after

some be overlap/duplication/error, the weatherology people can’t know for sure what will fall either side of midnight, this is exactly the situation for which they throw the dart, a highly calibrated dart I might add

But a fair chance that even that will miss us.

and I chainswed rest of the load, big logs cuts them into firesize, then afterward sharpened chainsaw, in case have a big tree come down, seems a bit windly with promise of more

and guess who’s tired, I may have sleeping sickness, some imminent encephalopathy, yeah i’ve got the encephalitis lethargica, which I could claim to remember that term from reading sacks and watching awakenings, but I had to look it up and remind myself, I had to make the right cluster of neurons ring, the right dendrite or dendritic structure.

Divine Angel said:

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

I mean either way that’s a great deal

Ain’t no one making money on that deal. They’re probably only good for chicken feed anyway.

It is cheap sweet corn seed for next season.

1 star because my kid almost fell off a pier

Divine Angel said:

1 star because my kid almost fell off a pier

Clutching at straws there.

Nasty surprise in my letterbox – a redback spider a “Letter from Clive Palmer to the people of Australia”, featuring a photo of two grinning goons shaking hands (Babet & Clive).

Straight in the bin.

Bubblecar said:

Nasty surprise in my letterbox – a redback spider a “Letter from Clive Palmer to the people of Australia”, featuring a photo of two grinning goons shaking hands (Babet & Clive).

Straight in the bin.

Recycling bin?

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Nasty surprise in my letterbox – a redback spider a “Letter from Clive Palmer to the people of Australia”, featuring a photo of two grinning goons shaking hands (Babet & Clive).

Straight in the bin.

Recycling bin?

General rubbish.

transition said:

roughbarked said:

transition said:

1-5mm 95% today
5-10mm 100% tomorrow
5-10mm 95% day after that
1-5mm 75% the day after the day after

some be overlap/duplication/error, the weatherology people can’t know for sure what will fall either side of midnight, this is exactly the situation for which they throw the dart, a highly calibrated dart I might add

But a fair chance that even that will miss us.

and I chainswed rest of the load, big logs cuts them into firesize, then afterward sharpened chainsaw, in case have a big tree come down, seems a bit windly with promise of more

and guess who’s tired, I may have sleeping sickness, some imminent encephalopathy, yeah i’ve got the encephalitis lethargica, which I could claim to remember that term from reading sacks and watching awakenings, but I had to look it up and remind myself, I had to make the right cluster of neurons ring, the right dendrite or dendritic structure.

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

who reads random stuff, I knew salmonella could be bad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalopathy

“Salmonella encephalopathy: A form of encephalopathy caused by food poisoning (especially out of peanuts and rotten meat) often resulting in permanent brain damage and nervous system disorders”

transition said:

who reads random stuff, I knew salmonella could be bad

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalopathy

“Salmonella encephalopathy: A form of encephalopathy caused by food poisoning (especially out of peanuts and rotten meat) often resulting in permanent brain damage and nervous system disorders”

Peanuts, what misery can’t they cause.

Bubblecar said:

transition said:

roughbarked said:

But a fair chance that even that will miss us.

and I chainswed rest of the load, big logs cuts them into firesize, then afterward sharpened chainsaw, in case have a big tree come down, seems a bit windly with promise of more

and guess who’s tired, I may have sleeping sickness, some imminent encephalopathy, yeah i’ve got the encephalitis lethargica, which I could claim to remember that term from reading sacks and watching awakenings, but I had to look it up and remind myself, I had to make the right cluster of neurons ring, the right dendrite or dendritic structure.

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

and guess what’s for dinner, car

interrogate me, i’ll tease you with cryptic responses

transition said:

Bubblecar said:

transition said:

and I chainswed rest of the load, big logs cuts them into firesize, then afterward sharpened chainsaw, in case have a big tree come down, seems a bit windly with promise of more

and guess who’s tired, I may have sleeping sickness, some imminent encephalopathy, yeah i’ve got the encephalitis lethargica, which I could claim to remember that term from reading sacks and watching awakenings, but I had to look it up and remind myself, I had to make the right cluster of neurons ring, the right dendrite or dendritic structure.

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

“Don’t pay too much heed to the horror headlines. I’m sure things will start getting better eventually,” replied Bubblecar, lamely.

transition said:

and guess what’s for dinner, car

interrogate me, i’ll tease you with cryptic responses

Noodles with a fried egg, grated carrot and gravy.

Coles truck is here. Name: Paul.

Ugh…the garden power tools have started up. I think it’s my son.

Bubblecar said:

Nasty surprise in my letterbox – a redback spider a “Letter from Clive Palmer to the people of Australia”, featuring a photo of two grinning goons shaking hands (Babet & Clive).

Straight in the bin.

In an envelope addressed to Clive, posted without a stamp and dropped in the mail.

Divine Angel said:

Apart from the stadium build, the big news in Brisbane is little Leaf.

Leaf is a koala residing in the trees of Ormiston College. Council approved those trees to be demolished. Leaf has been balled up in a tree watching the bulldozers move in and destroy her home.

:(

I have the email addresses from the protesters if you want them.

Woodie’s foot surgery is this week, innit? Might even be today.

*Sends sparkly healing vibes in Woodie’s direction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And sparkly vibes to everyone else who requires them too 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

Apart from the stadium build, the big news in Brisbane is little Leaf.

Leaf is a koala residing in the trees of Ormiston College. Council approved those trees to be demolished. Leaf has been balled up in a tree watching the bulldozers move in and destroy her home.

:(

I have the email addresses from the protesters if you want them.

Old mate Clive has a house about ten minutes from there. I can pop it in his letterbox if you like.

buffy said:

Hei Long is of the opinion that he and I should go to the futon bed out the back, I should get under the doona and read, and he should snuggle in on top of the dog sheet. As there is no heating out there and it’s about 9 degrees outside, I think I’ll put his little coat on him. And take the phone with us. Mr buffy is not back from his Old Farts ambulance lunch in Hamilton, and he usually phones to let me know he is on his way home.

:)

Spiny Norman said:

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

Apart from the stadium build, the big news in Brisbane is little Leaf.

Leaf is a koala residing in the trees of Ormiston College. Council approved those trees to be demolished. Leaf has been balled up in a tree watching the bulldozers move in and destroy her home.

:(

I have the email addresses from the protesters if you want them.

Old mate Clive has a house about ten minutes from there. I can pop it in his letterbox if you like.

No, no, no.

The point to buffy’s exercise is that Clive has to pay for it to be returned.

Divine Angel said:

Woodie’s foot surgery is this week, innit? Might even be today.

*Sends sparkly healing vibes in Woodie’s direction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And sparkly vibes to everyone else who requires them too 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

To Woodie 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Well. That was an interesting book. All the Way to the River, by Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat Pray Love fame.

She becomes besties with a woman who, several years later, is diagnosed with cancer. They become lovers for the rest of Rayya’s life. But it is not the story of Raya dying from cancer. It is a memoir of addiction, of Elizabeth enabling one last drug binge lasting several months. It is Elizabeth and Rayya spiralling into their own addictions, the inevitability of death enabling their choices. At one point, Elizabeth contemplates killing her lover just to stop the spiral and protect them both.

I heard about the book through the lens of “what a shit human Elizabeth is” but as I read it, I I read through the lens of compassion. Elizabeth has a disease which makes some terrible decisions. Interestingly, she doesn’t write with remorse, just stating the facts. I’m sure some details are, at the very least, exaggerated, but nonetheless I found it to be an interesting read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars

Divine Angel said:

We went grocery shopping earlier. Local fruit barn has a special.

Just another BTGTEIYOWO deal.

(Buy two, get two, even if you only wanted one)

I knew I saw him at the local production of JCS!

Divine Angel said:

Woodie’s foot surgery is this week, innit? Might even be today.

*Sends sparkly healing vibes in Woodie’s direction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And sparkly vibes to everyone else who requires them too 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Twas to be but not to be.

I need a public hospital admission first. or I’m up for $500 for first calendar year hospital admission. (Private health inisurance excess). Mr Foot Surgeon only does “private”.

I need an oscopy of some sort done “public” to get the first calendar year hospital admission out of the way. Paperwork for endoscopy will be delivered to Public Hospital this week.

Woodie said:

Divine Angel said:

Woodie’s foot surgery is this week, innit? Might even be today.

*Sends sparkly healing vibes in Woodie’s direction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And sparkly vibes to everyone else who requires them too 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Twas to be but not to be.

I need a public hospital admission first. or I’m up for $500 for first calendar year hospital admission. (Private health inisurance excess). Mr Foot Surgeon only does “private”.

I need an oscopy of some sort done “public” to get the first calendar year hospital admission out of the way. Paperwork for endoscopy will be delivered to Public Hospital this week.

Ugh, red tape-oscopy.

Woodie said:

Divine Angel said:

Woodie’s foot surgery is this week, innit? Might even be today.

*Sends sparkly healing vibes in Woodie’s direction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And sparkly vibes to everyone else who requires them too 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Twas to be but not to be.

I need a public hospital admission first. or I’m up for $500 for first calendar year hospital admission. (Private health inisurance excess). Mr Foot Surgeon only does “private”.

I need an oscopy of some sort done “public” to get the first calendar year hospital admission out of the way. Paperwork for endoscopy will be delivered to Public Hospital this week.

Strange.

Well anyway Woodie, the sparkly healing vibes and use if needed. I can always send more.

Divine Angel said:

Well anyway Woodie, the sparkly healing vibes and use if needed. I can always send more.

Taa so muchly. 😁

Divine Angel said:

Well anyway Woodie, the sparkly healing vibes and use if needed. I can always send more.

You do know that sparkly healing vibes are as useless as prayers, don’t you?

Getting down to single figures overnight 🥶

Life with son#2. I asked him if he had been using the leaf blower or the chainsaw…the noise I heard earlier.

Thirty minutes later he is standing at the glass door with the chainsaw running. That was to demonstrate the sound that it makes.

I nearly started an OH&S lecture about this behaviour, but he wouldn’t have been able to hear me.

Little shit he is.

Just found out one of the dogs we regularly petsit will cross the rainbow bridge on Wednesday. This pic was taken six months ago when I was housesitting.

Divine Angel said:

Just found out one of the dogs we regularly petsit will cross the rainbow bridge on Wednesday. This pic was taken six months ago when I was housesitting.

Bugger.

Divine Angel said:

I think “stylish” is in the eye of the beholder.

Divine Angel said:

Just found out one of the dogs we regularly petsit will cross the rainbow bridge on Wednesday. This pic was taken six months ago when I was housesitting.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh

I am sorry, it is so sad when they pass the rainbow bridge.

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Dunno about all vets but our local sends birds over the rainbow bridge pretty quickly, unless it’s a native species.

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Goodonya Arts for getting out there and helping people.

It’s been a busy few days for the SES. You and the other SES vollies don’t get the kudos you deserve. I was mostly staying indoors during my volunteering time off, and appreciating those who were out in the miserable cold, wind & rain, chainsawing trees off roads, slinging tarps on roofs and all the other stuff that goes with the task.

Nice work.

Divine Angel said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Dunno about all vets but our local sends birds over the rainbow bridge pretty quickly, unless it’s a native species.

Yes, this bird also, the wing was pretty badly broken, we all knew what the outcome would be, yet we couldn’t just leave it there, and suffer until it died or got attacked by a cat.

Arts said:

Divine Angel said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Dunno about all vets but our local sends birds over the rainbow bridge pretty quickly, unless it’s a native species.

Yes, this bird also, the wing was pretty badly broken, we all knew what the outcome would be, yet we couldn’t just leave it there, and suffer until it died or got attacked by a cat.

Fair.

You’re doing good things, Arts.

Just finished work, and a ton of admin bullshit.

I’ll just go back a few posts and see what fun has been had in here…

Kingy said:

Just finished work, and a ton of admin bullshit.

I’ll just go back a few posts and see what fun has been had in here…

Not much. I’ve been behaving myself…mostly. Yesterday Bubblecar insulted my birthday thread I made especially for him, and now I am sulking.

Kingy said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Goodonya Arts for getting out there and helping people.

It’s been a busy few days for the SES. You and the other SES vollies don’t get the kudos you deserve. I was mostly staying indoors during my volunteering time off, and appreciating those who were out in the miserable cold, wind & rain, chainsawing trees off roads, slinging tarps on roofs and all the other stuff that goes with the task.

Nice work.

For me the strong wind and rain is exciting and I like being out in it…. I couldn’t do what you do because uncontrolled fire terrifies me. Everyone who volunteers their time to do these community services deserves recognition and kudos. I appreciate the appreciation. :)

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Well done.

I didn’t realise you were still doing the SES stuff. How long you been doing it for now?

Arts said:

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

sounds like my place.

Back on coal power now. Thanks Western Power.

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Goodonya Arts for getting out there and helping people.

It’s been a busy few days for the SES. You and the other SES vollies don’t get the kudos you deserve. I was mostly staying indoors during my volunteering time off, and appreciating those who were out in the miserable cold, wind & rain, chainsawing trees off roads, slinging tarps on roofs and all the other stuff that goes with the task.

Nice work.

For me the strong wind and rain is exciting and I like being out in it…. I couldn’t do what you do because uncontrolled fire terrifies me. Everyone who volunteers their time to do these community services deserves recognition and kudos. I appreciate the appreciation. :)

Dunno if it helps or not, but I just donated $500 to the SES magazine for advertising.

party_pants said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Well done.

I didn’t realise you were still doing the SES stuff. How long you been doing it for now?

I started in 2002, then took a break in 2005, for 20 years, then I rejoined last year. I still have my original number and old ‘competencies’ so academically I look like I’ve been there for a long time.

I’ll be firing up the chainsaw tomorrow. cutting up fallen stuff.

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Well done.

I didn’t realise you were still doing the SES stuff. How long you been doing it for now?

I started in 2002, then took a break in 2005, for 20 years, then I rejoined last year. I still have my original number and old ‘competencies’ so academically I look like I’ve been there for a long time.

Put in for long service leave!

Bogsnorkler said:

I’ll be firing up the chainsaw tomorrow. cutting up fallen stuff.

Then light it up.

Neophyte said:

Arts said:

party_pants said:

Well done.

I didn’t realise you were still doing the SES stuff. How long you been doing it for now?

I started in 2002, then took a break in 2005, for 20 years, then I rejoined last year. I still have my original number and old ‘competencies’ so academically I look like I’ve been there for a long time.

Put in for long service leave!

Good plan

Arts said:

Bogsnorkler said:

I’ll be firing up the chainsaw tomorrow. cutting up fallen stuff.

Then light it up.

I have a friend just around the corner who has a burn pile on the farm. Take it there and it gets aflamed once a year. Last lot was burnt about a month ago.

kii said:

Divine Angel said:

Well anyway Woodie, the sparkly healing vibes and use if needed. I can always send more.

You do know that sparkly healing vibes are as useless as prayers, don’t you?

Leave Spocky alone!

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Arts said:

Another day of being in the out helping people with fallen branches/trees, leaky roofs, and I got to push over s structure that was precariously leaning on a fence. Then angle grind the crap out of it….

We found an injured bird and took it to the local vet.

The number of people living in houses that are patched together with chewing gum and dental floss is concerning, especially when they are elderly….

Goodonya Arts for getting out there and helping people.

It’s been a busy few days for the SES. You and the other SES vollies don’t get the kudos you deserve. I was mostly staying indoors during my volunteering time off, and appreciating those who were out in the miserable cold, wind & rain, chainsawing trees off roads, slinging tarps on roofs and all the other stuff that goes with the task.

Nice work.

For me the strong wind and rain is exciting and I like being out in it…. I couldn’t do what you do because uncontrolled fire terrifies me. Everyone who volunteers their time to do these community services deserves recognition and kudos. I appreciate the appreciation. :)

Some people ask “What is the meaning of life, why am I here?”.

I also wondered that for a long time, and went to work every day.

It wasn’t until I realised that helping other people made me feel good inside, that I looked for a way to do it properly.

Some days it’s just a hard slog for no result.

But some days you go home thinking to yourself, “I made a difference in the world, I made someones life better. Someone was having the worst day in their life and needed someone to help, and I got to be that person. They probably don’t even know who it was, but it doesn’t matter. We know.”

Those are the good days. They make it all worth the bad days.

It’s looking like transition is about to get some weather.

Good luck stout yeoman, you’ll have some more spare timber to chainsaw up tomorrow.

Kingy said:

It’s looking like transition is about to get some weather.

Good luck stout yeoman, you’ll have some more spare timber to chainsaw up tomorrow.

Is that you Arts?

Kingy said:

It’s looking like transition is about to get some weather.

Good luck stout yeoman, you’ll have some more spare timber to chainsaw up tomorrow.

all sharpened ready to go

getting windier now

transition said:

Kingy said:

It’s looking like transition is about to get some weather.

Good luck stout yeoman, you’ll have some more spare timber to chainsaw up tomorrow.

all sharpened ready to go

getting windier now

and got my thick wire rope out earlier, couple big D-shackles, chucked them in back of the ute, in case need drag something

We all know the chain fountain, but what would happen if a long chain were to be piled on a desk/table/etc and one end hung down over the edge so that gravity takes it the same way as the chain fountain starts? My mathematical model of the fountain (which may very well be wrong) suggests that it would rise in a similar way to what happens in the container in the fountain.

btm said:

We all know the chain fountain, but what would happen if a long chain were to be piled on a desk/table/etc and one end hung down over the edge so that gravity takes it the same way as the chain fountain starts? My mathematical model of the fountain (which may very well be wrong) suggests that it would rise in a similar way to what happens in the container in the fountain.

pretty sure it forms an arc off the edge

Bogsnorkler said:

Arts said:

Bogsnorkler said:

I’ll be firing up the chainsaw tomorrow. cutting up fallen stuff.

Then light it up.

I have a friend just around the corner who has a burn pile on the farm. Take it there and it gets aflamed once a year. Last lot was burnt about a month ago.

nothing a ute full of anfo can’t fix

btm said:

We all know the chain fountain, but what would happen if a long chain were to be piled on a desk/table/etc and one end hung down over the edge so that gravity takes it the same way as the chain fountain starts? My mathematical model of the fountain (which may very well be wrong) suggests that it would rise in a similar way to what happens in the container in the fountain.

The chain fountain only works if the angle of the links can only change by about 20-30 degrees.

If it is an actual chain as we know it as a chain like links like an anchor chain with no restriction in the angles of links, it just pours over the side.

The “Chain Fountain” relies on the fact that that particular link of chain can’t suddenly change angle past 30 degrees, and is restricted by the change of angle, forcing pressure into the remaining chain in the bucket/table/cup, which pushes force into the bucket, which cannot move, and Newtons second law of motion means that the energy has to go somewhere, so into the links of chain.

Those links have nowhere else to go but up.

It has taken me some time to understand what is going on with the chain fountain, it did my head in for a while. But I hope this description helped.

Kingy said:

btm said:

We all know the chain fountain, but what would happen if a long chain were to be piled on a desk/table/etc and one end hung down over the edge so that gravity takes it the same way as the chain fountain starts? My mathematical model of the fountain (which may very well be wrong) suggests that it would rise in a similar way to what happens in the container in the fountain.

The chain fountain only works if the angle of the links can only change by about 20-30 degrees.

If it is an actual chain as we know it as a chain like links like an anchor chain with no restriction in the angles of links, it just pours over the side.

The “Chain Fountain” relies on the fact that that particular link of chain can’t suddenly change angle past 30 degrees, and is restricted by the change of angle, forcing pressure into the remaining chain in the bucket/table/cup, which pushes force into the bucket, which cannot move, and Newtons second law of motion means that the energy has to go somewhere, so into the links of chain.

Those links have nowhere else to go but up.

It has taken me some time to understand what is going on with the chain fountain, it did my head in for a while. But I hope this description helped.

chain as we know it as a chain like the links in an anchor chain

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/south-west-sand-mine-bob-brown-joins-protest/106736952

I’m very involved with this.

Everyone wants to not have it in my backyard, but these people are all living in a home that I built for them with sand from somewhere else.

Now a $5000 housepad for first home buyers is going to cost $35000 because I have to cart sand from 130km away to place it on a sand dune.

Hey Bob, Where do the first home buyers get sand from when they want to build on a sand dune?

Kingy said:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/south-west-sand-mine-bob-brown-joins-protest/106736952

I’m very involved with this.

Everyone wants to not have it in my backyard, but these people are all living in a home that I built for them with sand from somewhere else.

Now a $5000 housepad for first home buyers is going to cost $35000 because I have to cart sand from 130km away to place it on a sand dune.

Hey Bob, Where do the first home buyers get sand from when they want to build on a sand dune?

Build on the rock and not upon the sand?

kii said:

Kingy said:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/south-west-sand-mine-bob-brown-joins-protest/106736952

I’m very involved with this.

Everyone wants to not have it in my backyard, but these people are all living in a home that I built for them with sand from somewhere else.

Now a $5000 housepad for first home buyers is going to cost $35000 because I have to cart sand from 130km away to place it on a sand dune.

Hey Bob, Where do the first home buyers get sand from when they want to build on a sand dune?

Build on the rock and not upon the sand?

just live on boats

Another nippy morning on the shield-shaped island. Heading for a max of 12 with 95% chance of showers.

Making the sausage rolls today, but I won’t bake them until just before lunch tomorrow, so they’ll be fresh out of the oven.

Currently 9 degrees outside, 12 in the bedroom, heading for a sunny 22.

Mini Me has viola before school. If I’m not working today I will go to the local butcher and baker (but not the candlestick maker) to enquire about donations or discounted products for the school’s sports day next week. They’ve been good to us in the past.

Dreamed I was driving a bus.

I assume my brain was reprocessing a situation I witnessed yesterday. There’s two turning lanes at an intersection to turn right. A hybrid SUV in the innermost lane broke down. The cars behind it went around, using the other lane to turn, except the bus couldn’t. Being so big, it couldn’t just go around the stalled car and had to wait for the next time the lights turned green. When the lights did turn again, people pushed the car around the corner, allowing the bus to finally turn.

(I was on my way to Aldi, remembered it wasn’t open yet, so used the u-turn lane 200m past that intersection and arrived just in time to see the car being pushed through the intersection.)

Good morning Holidayers. Presently 9 degrees at the back door, dark and rainy. Mt Gambier radar indicates it will be rainy for a bit and then not. And probably again later. We are forecast 15 degrees with showers. I’ve relit the woodheater. First time for ages that there were some glowing coals left – we don’t stack it at night.

Bakery Breakfast with our Hamilton archery friend. Nothing else decided for today yet.

Good morning everybody.

13.0° C, 72% RH and clear with a light air. BoM forecasts a top of 23° C, fog and no rain. No sign of the fog yet. Probably not going to happen.

Lots of little jobs to do today. Things I have been putting off. I’ve done a couple already. Refilled the rice jar. Started a shopping list disposed of the finished lime juice bottle.

One job I have to do is to cut up and freeze some Spanish Mackerel I was given yesterday. A 1.3 kg lump. The fish was 23 kg. Caught from a stand-up paddleboard.

Divine Angel said:

Dreamed I was driving a bus.

I assume my brain was reprocessing a situation I witnessed yesterday. There’s two turning lanes at an intersection to turn right. A hybrid SUV in the innermost lane broke down. The cars behind it went around, using the other lane to turn, except the bus couldn’t. Being so big, it couldn’t just go around the stalled car and had to wait for the next time the lights turned green. When the lights did turn again, people pushed the car around the corner, allowing the bus to finally turn.

(I was on my way to Aldi, remembered it wasn’t open yet, so used the u-turn lane 200m past that intersection and arrived just in time to see the car being pushed through the intersection.)

Nice to see people co-operating.

Michael V said:

Good morning everybody.

13.0° C, 72% RH and clear with a light air. BoM forecasts a top of 23° C, fog and no rain. No sign of the fog yet. Probably not going to happen.

Lots of little jobs to do today. Things I have been putting off. I’ve done a couple already. Refilled the rice jar. Started a shopping list disposed of the finished lime juice bottle.

One job I have to do is to cut up and freeze some Spanish Mackerel I was given yesterday. A 1.3 kg lump. The fish was 23 kg. Caught from a stand-up paddleboard.

Looks a precarious platform for catching such a heavy fish.

Divine Angel said:

WTAF?

btm said:

We all know the chain fountain, but what would happen if a long chain were to be piled on a desk/table/etc and one end hung down over the edge so that gravity takes it the same way as the chain fountain starts? My mathematical model of the fountain (which may very well be wrong) suggests that it would rise in a similar way to what happens in the container in the fountain.

Do the experiment!

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Good morning everybody.

13.0° C, 72% RH and clear with a light air. BoM forecasts a top of 23° C, fog and no rain. No sign of the fog yet. Probably not going to happen.

Lots of little jobs to do today. Things I have been putting off. I’ve done a couple already. Refilled the rice jar. Started a shopping list disposed of the finished lime juice bottle.

One job I have to do is to cut up and freeze some Spanish Mackerel I was given yesterday. A 1.3 kg lump. The fish was 23 kg. Caught from a stand-up paddleboard.

Looks a precarious platform for catching such a heavy fish.

I’ll say.

Seems my Alice in Wonderland bracelet is out for delivery today 🥳

transition said:

Bubblecar said:

transition said:

and I chainswed rest of the load, big logs cuts them into firesize, then afterward sharpened chainsaw, in case have a big tree come down, seems a bit windly with promise of more

and guess who’s tired, I may have sleeping sickness, some imminent encephalopathy, yeah i’ve got the encephalitis lethargica, which I could claim to remember that term from reading sacks and watching awakenings, but I had to look it up and remind myself, I had to make the right cluster of neurons ring, the right dendrite or dendritic structure.

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

OK/ Well the good news is that the pension stilll exists.

roughbarked said:

transition said:

Bubblecar said:

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

OK/ Well the good news is that the pension stilll exists.

and if you and/or lady have reached the required age you should be claiming it.

If you don’t, it’s just voluntary taxation, which is very nice of you, but the money could go to better use.

13.7 °C
Lowest 11.2 °C 4:24 am
Highest 13.7 °C 8:30 am
5 mm of rain since 9 am.

bugger. My gauge only said 3.5mm

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

*crosses Paparazzi stalking off Arts’ birthday present list

we had rain, i’ll read the gauge shortly, i’m sensing the necessity all and anyone should know

now, to breakfast

transition said:

we had rain, i’ll read the gauge shortly, i’m sensing the necessity all and anyone should know

now, to breakfast

All the seed I sowed yesterday got watered overnight. :)

Slop is what it is.

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

roughbarked said:

transition said:

Bubblecar said:

Sooner or later you’ll be too old for this gruelling frontier lifestyle.

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

OK/ Well the good news is that the pension stilll exists.

they keep putting the age up to generate false hope, and i’ll have to travel into my end days parallel to those enjoying the pension, torture so that will drive me to be a hermit, a complete recluse, so that I might not further the torture by seeing a contented pensioner or have one say hello to me or inquire how are you?, even ovoid the possibility of an episode of geriatric road rage, or wheelchair road rage. I’m having a dystopian vision, the end of the pension, a time when full body transplants started to be a thing, people beheaded in back allies and just heads left behind.

Bubblecar said:

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

Yikes

Sausage roll filling mixed and mixed.*

Now waiting for the pastry sheets to thaw.

*1 kg pork mince, heaped cup breadcrumbs, 2 thirds cup water, heaped teaspoon powdered sage, level teaspoon mace, half teaspoon allspice, teaspoon salt, teaspoon white pepper, teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

Yikes

haven’t cgi existed long time

Bubblecar said:

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

Bloody hell!

Hello

transition said:

roughbarked said:

transition said:

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

OK/ Well the good news is that the pension stilll exists.

they keep putting the age up to generate false hope, and i’ll have to travel into my end days parallel to those enjoying the pension, torture so that will drive me to be a hermit, a complete recluse, so that I might not further the torture by seeing a contented pensioner or have one say hello to me or inquire how are you?, even ovoid the possibility of an episode of geriatric road rage, or wheelchair road rage. I’m having a dystopian vision, the end of the pension, a time when full body transplants started to be a thing, people beheaded in back allies and just heads left behind.

The bingbot says:

“To receive the Age Pension, you must meet the Age Pension age of 67, along with other requirements including residency, income, and assets tests (Services Australia). You can apply up to 13 weeks before your 67th birthday, and payments can begin on your birthday if your claim is processed in time. Both men and women are treated equally under this rule, and there are no current plans to increase the pension age further.”

dv said:

ha!

transition said:

roughbarked said:

transition said:

too old when i’m dead

but on a serious note it comes up often, even today, I think I mentioned getting the pension eventually, lady said “if it still exists”, she killed all hope in me, i’m irretrievably despondent now, depressed, gone over the cliff into a hopeless deep despair

what comforting words do you have for me, car, save me, dog deep, give me hope

OK/ Well the good news is that the pension stilll exists.

they keep putting the age up to generate false hope, and i’ll have to travel into my end days parallel to those enjoying the pension, torture so that will drive me to be a hermit, a complete recluse, so that I might not further the torture by seeing a contented pensioner or have one say hello to me or inquire how are you?, even ovoid the possibility of an episode of geriatric road rage, or wheelchair road rage. I’m having a dystopian vision, the end of the pension, a time when full body transplants started to be a thing, people beheaded in back allies and just heads left behind.

Oh surely Trump could do with a replacement brain.

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Bubblecar said:

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

#metoo. I have worked with journos for a number of years. Maybe they were the good ones.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

roughbarked said:

Slop is what it is.

At least a slight improvement on last year’s.

It should render him catching with hulk hands

trees both live and dead having been planted by moi.

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Arts said:

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

there is a difference between a journalist and a reporter.

Bogsnorkler said:

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

there is a difference between a journalist and a reporter.

and a news photographer and the paparazzi.

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Arts said:

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The mild mannered ones are usually good

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

It is what the ABC and SBS are useful for.

Being woken up by spam texts is bound to put me in a worse mood than usual.
Pooltrackr can go fuck themselves. I don’t have a monthly service to clean a swimming pool.

dv said:

IDGI

roughbarked said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

It is what the ABC and SBS are useful for.

‘Yeah but Kim Williams used to work for Murdoch. There is legislation preventing the commercialisation of ABC, but they do have more human-interest and celebrity stories than they used to.

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

Ah.

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

Ah.

What’s with this clear explanation of meme stuf?

It’s not the forum way.

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

Ah.

Could you now proceed to explain how stan became this description?

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

Ah.

Could you now proceed to explain how stan became this description?

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

Divine Angel said:

roughbarked said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

It is what the ABC and SBS are useful for.

‘Yeah but Kim Williams used to work for Murdoch. There is legislation preventing the commercialisation of ABC, but they do have more human-interest and celebrity stories than they used to.

He had previously been an ABC executive before his time with News Ltd.

dv said:

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Ah.

Could you now proceed to explain how stan became this description?

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

roughbarked said:

dv said:

roughbarked said:

Could you now proceed to explain how stan became this description?

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

doesn’t she just mean the land of the quicksilver

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

dv said:

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

Because someone expects me to underconstumble their meme?

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

dv said:

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

You took the words right out of my brain, SCIENCE.

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

Because someone expects me to underconstumble their meme?

No.

kii said:

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

then why do you ask about it

Because someone expects me to underconstumble their meme?

No.

Well why the duck post them then?

Anyway…
I slept, I woke up. It’s a bit cool, but no snow expected. I require brekky. After yesterday’s excitement I have nfi what I can do today to experience that level of dopamine rush.

kii said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

You took the words right out of my brain, SCIENCE.

Some bias about Eminem as white boys can’t rap.
Its pretty stupid as music is universal

roughbarked said:

kii said:

roughbarked said:

Because someone expects me to underconstumble their meme?

No.

Well why the duck post them then?

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it’s not all about you.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Arts said:

Kingy said:

Is that you Arts?

No. We did have the nine news catch up with us at one property, but we had already cleared most of it up, so nothing photo worthy by then. Besides, I would never allow myself to be in the media.. apart from my absolute dislike of journalists, I am not buying the crew a carton.

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

my absolute dislike isn’t widespread, it’s seagull specific; mass generated, headline grabbing, story twisting slop targeted.

Give me a good investigative journo who does the hard yards and reports with integrity and ethically and I am all on board.

Bogsnorkler said:

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

there is a difference between a journalist and a reporter.

yeah, you are right.. maybe I should have used the term reporter..

Cymek said:

kii said:

SCIENCE said:

then why do you ask about it

You took the words right out of my brain, SCIENCE.

Some bias about Eminem as white boys can’t rap.
Its pretty stupid as music is universal

we don’t know if music is universal as one can’t extrapolate from a sample of one.

😎

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

dv said:

The song Stan is about an obsessed fan.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

SCIENCE said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

doesn’t she just mean the land of the quicksilver

The QLD students were mercury stans

Latest New Science headline:

“A dazzling new take on gravity could reveal the true nature of reality.”

If it turns out that it is not in fact 42, I’ll let you know.

Young magpie with parental unit carolling outside my window. Utter bliss.

kii said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

IDGI

Eminem is a rapper, and had a song called Stan. Stan is now a term for someone obsessed with someone or something, e.g. a Disney stan. So the person is saying don’t talk about Eminem when talking about rap, yet references a famous Eminem song in her social media bio.

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

You took the words right out of my brain, SCIENCE.

ah but all we mean is what Divine Angel alluded to ^ there, as in, the cultural impact is inescapable so this is a meta twist on the meta twist

Bogsnorkler said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

Always something new to learn.

Bogsnorkler said:

Cymek said:

kii said:

You took the words right out of my brain, SCIENCE.

Some bias about Eminem as white boys can’t rap.
Its pretty stupid as music is universal

we don’t know if music is universal as one can’t extrapolate from a sample of one.

😎

pretty sure it’s film that is universal, the music is just a back lot

Bogsnorkler said:

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

You see, having never bothered listening to any Rap or Eminem etc., I’d likely have no idea nor a care. ;)

then why do you ask about it

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

SCIENCE said:

then why do you ask about it

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

disagree, precious forum time is for conflict and hostility and maximum disrespect, so bigoted ignorance and ignorant bigotry are important content to include

SCIENCE said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Cymek said:

Some bias about Eminem as white boys can’t rap.
Its pretty stupid as music is universal

we don’t know if music is universal as one can’t extrapolate from a sample of one.

😎

pretty sure it’s film that is universal, the music is just a back lot

but is it paramount?

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

SCIENCE said:

then why do you ask about it

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

SCIENCE said:

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

disagree, precious forum time is for conflict and hostility and maximum disrespect, so bigoted ignorance and ignorant bigotry are important content to include

Well, yes…you might have a point. I’m not sure, I’ll get back to you on that.

Bogsnorkler said:

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

There’s still so many forumites she hasn’t alienated yet.

My Alice in Wonderland bracelet arrived in this satchel.

Bogsnorkler said:

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

because the answer may actually be interesting regardless of ones care factor.

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

It’s just stuff to rile various people up. Observations, character notes, revenge content, and so forth. It gives you something to complain about. Stuff like that.

At least I don’t make my personality about cartoon characters and various trashy commercialised pop culture from movies. Now that is childish crap.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bogsnorkler said:

kii said:

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

There’s still so many forumites she hasn’t alienated yet.

Exactly!!

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

kii said:

One could use the Google machine and not use precious forum time and space to display your proud ignorance.

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

It’s just stuff to rile various people up. Observations, character notes, revenge content, and so forth. It gives you something to complain about. Stuff like that.

At least I don’t make my personality about cartoon characters and various trashy commercialised pop culture from movies. Now that is childish crap.

LOL. You’ll be criticising Brindabella similarly in a week now that she’s on the verge of your enemies list.

Witty Rejoinder said:

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

It’s just stuff to rile various people up. Observations, character notes, revenge content, and so forth. It gives you something to complain about. Stuff like that.

At least I don’t make my personality about cartoon characters and various trashy commercialised pop culture from movies. Now that is childish crap.

LOL. You’ll be criticising Brindabella similarly in a week now that she’s on the verge of your enemies list.

Each to their own isn’t it

The new Toy Story movie looks good. Taylor Swift is the queen of Easter eggs and has been laying them for a while, leading fans to think she’s got a song on the soundtrack.

Turns out fans were right and the new song will be out Friday. Sif we need more Taylor Swift on the radio… but I’ll take Mini Me to see TS5 at the cinema during the holidays.

Speaking of Easter eggs, Pixar puts A113 in all their movies. It’s the animation dept number.

Whoops. Submitting fingers worked a little too fast.

“A bid by a luxury resort near the Blue Mountains to increase its helicopter flights to more than 200 trips a week has been criticised as “excessive” and “unwarranted” by its neighbours.

Emirates has lodged a request with the New South Wales government to boost the number of helicopter trips to its Wolgan Valley site near Lithgow from a maximum of 28 per week to 210.

Increasing the flights to 30 per day would equate to a helicopter flying across the valley and nearby national parks every 22 minutes.”

Divine Angel said:

Whoops. Submitting fingers worked a little too fast.

“A bid by a luxury resort near the Blue Mountains to increase its helicopter flights to more than 200 trips a week has been criticised as “excessive” and “unwarranted” by its neighbours.

Emirates has lodged a request with the New South Wales government to boost the number of helicopter trips to its Wolgan Valley site near Lithgow from a maximum of 28 per week to 210.

Increasing the flights to 30 per day would equate to a helicopter flying across the valley and nearby national parks every 22 minutes.”

I saw that, that’s a lot, the chances for Nam flashbacks would increase as well

Procrastination overcome. I have ordered those little silicone doovers for my earrings. Now I might soak all my silver jewellery in some magic potion to clean them and making stuff shiny again.

Divine Angel said:

Taylor Swift is the queen of Easter eggs and has been laying them for a while

a woman of many talents. do they come foil wrapped? and if so how does she do that?

I thought I saw a malleefowl but it might have been something else.

Subscribe for more

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

Peak Warming Man said:

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

can you substitute bacchanalian instead?

Bogsnorkler said:

Divine Angel said:

Taylor Swift is the queen of Easter eggs and has been laying them for a while

a woman of many talents. do they come foil wrapped? and if so how does she do that?

You know, I’ve never looked closely enough.

Peak Warming Man said:

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

Sounds pretty good, where do I sign up?

Do intellectuals sit around smoking pipes and thinking thoughts that no one’s thought before?

Divine Angel said:

Peak Warming Man said:

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

Sounds pretty good, where do I sign up?

Do intellectuals sit around smoking pipes and thinking thoughts that no one’s thought before?

some of us do.

Witty Rejoinder said:

kii said:

Bogsnorkler said:

so why do you waste it with your puerile posts?

It’s just stuff to rile various people up. Observations, character notes, revenge content, and so forth. It gives you something to complain about. Stuff like that.

At least I don’t make my personality about cartoon characters and various trashy commercialised pop culture from movies. Now that is childish crap.

LOL. You’ll be criticising Brindabella similarly in a week now that she’s on the verge of your enemies list.

Nope, she’s not on my enemies list. Even you aren’t on that list. There’s only one person on it. I have many lists. Many, many lists.

Bogsnorkler said:

Divine Angel said:

Peak Warming Man said:

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

Sounds pretty good, where do I sign up?

Do intellectuals sit around smoking pipes and thinking thoughts that no one’s thought before?

some of us do.

OK mr guy of great wisdom.

How do you know no-one has thought the thoughts you are thinking before?

Bogsnorkler said:

Divine Angel said:

Peak Warming Man said:

While composing a post in which I was going to use the word Epicureans I stayed my hand and took the time to look it up.
It’s not quite what I thought it was so I still have a ways to go before I’m an intellectual.

“Epicureans are followers of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Their philosophical system—Epicureanism—is a materialistic worldview that teaches that pleasure is the highest good in life, achieved not through indulgence, but through simplicity, friendship, and the absence of physical or mental pain.”

Sounds pretty good, where do I sign up?

Do intellectuals sit around smoking pipes and thinking thoughts that no one’s thought before?

some of us do.

Earlier, I was looking at all the certificates on my wall thinking, you know, I could add to the letters after my name by purchasing a PhD.

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

kii said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

kii said:

It’s just stuff to rile various people up. Observations, character notes, revenge content, and so forth. It gives you something to complain about. Stuff like that.

At least I don’t make my personality about cartoon characters and various trashy commercialised pop culture from movies. Now that is childish crap.

LOL. You’ll be criticising Brindabella similarly in a week now that she’s on the verge of your enemies list.

Nope, she’s not on my enemies list. Even you aren’t on that list. There’s only one person on it. I have many lists. Many, many lists.

When I get mad and I get pissed
I grab my pen and I write out a list
Of all the people that won’t be missed
You’ve made my shitlist
For all the ones who bum me out (shitlist)
For all the ones who fill my head with doubt (shitlist)
For all the squares who get me pissed (shitlist)
You’ve made my shitlist
Shitlist
Shitlist
When I get mad and I get pissed (shitlist)
I grab my pen and I write out a list (shitlist)
Of all you assholes that won’t be missed (shitlist)
You’ve made my shitlist
Shitlist
Shitlist
Shitlist
Shitlist, yeah

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

The Rev Dodgson said:

Bogsnorkler said:

Divine Angel said:

Sounds pretty good, where do I sign up?

Do intellectuals sit around smoking pipes and thinking thoughts that no one’s thought before?

some of us do.

OK mr guy of great wisdom.

How do you know no-one has thought the thoughts you are thinking before?

there can only be one mind that thinks the thoughts i think.

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

That’s so terrible

Cymek said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

That’s so terrible

it predates my earliest joke.

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

You’ll never reach the dizzying heights of intellectualism with jokes like that

Divine Angel said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

You’ll never reach the dizzying heights of intellectualism with jokes like that

Here, have these intellectual thoughts on scarecrows being outstanding in their field

Jaysus Chris…next door has a loud pump thing going.
I hate people.

The Rev Dodgson said:

Divine Angel said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Was he out standing in his field.

You’ll never reach the dizzying heights of intellectualism with jokes like that

Here, have these intellectual thoughts on scarecrows being outstanding in their field

Is that site a satire for mansplaining?

Just bought myself a birthday present on Steam.

This game which was recommended by esselte, but I also bought the special Archaeologist Edition.

But I won’t be playing it until I get my new 43” monitor.

Divine Angel said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

Divine Angel said:

You’ll never reach the dizzying heights of intellectualism with jokes like that

Here, have these intellectual thoughts on scarecrows being outstanding in their field

Is that site a satire for mansplaining?

Knowbody knows.

Teaching me boy to drive, it turns out I had an antiquated notion of the difference between stopping and parking.

“To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle
is attended or not – except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic,
complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods
(for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

“..picking up or setting down passengers or goods (for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

So that’s the difference between parking and standing?

dv said:

Teaching me boy to drive, it turns out I had an antiquated notion of the difference between stopping and parking.

“To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle
is attended or not – except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic,
complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods
(for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

Most probably took some one a week to write that.

Bubblecar said:

Just bought myself a birthday present on Steam.

This game which was recommended by esselte, but I also bought the special Archaeologist Edition.

But I won’t be playing it until I get my new 43” monitor.

Good

Bubblecar said:

Just bought myself a birthday present on Steam.

This game which was recommended by esselte, but I also bought the special Archaeologist Edition.

But I won’t be playing it until I get my new 43” monitor.

Hope it’s as good as minesweeper.

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

The radio had a trivia quiz. One of the questions was, “What’s the number represented by the Roman numeral X dash-dash?” He clarified it was X eye-eye and I wondered if the I was actually called dash.

Anyway the caller got it wrong, she said 22.

dv said:

I thought I saw a malleefowl but it might have been something else.

Subscribe for more

I tawt I taw a puudy tat.

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Scarecrow was an intellectual. He wanted to sit around thinking things no one’s thunk before. He was right about one thing though, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.

Was he out standing in his field.

groan

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?

Bogsnorkler said:

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?

I am Groot

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

Good enough day here ms spock, albeit quite cold.

About to iron a tablecloth for the birthday lunch tomorrow.

not exactly a kind bedtime story

imagine an australian pm called pauline

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

I find the widespread dislike of journalists a little strange. Now unless you get all your news from a little old lady named Mabel at the bus stop you consume the hard work of journos on a daily basis.

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

Bubblecar said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

Good enough day here ms spock, albeit quite cold.

About to iron a tablecloth for the birthday lunch tomorrow.

Presents, don’t forget to tell us about all the presents you get.
It’s all about seeing the look on peoples faces as they give you stuff.

Divine Angel said:

roughbarked said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

It is what the ABC and SBS are useful for.

‘Yeah but Kim Williams used to work for Murdoch. There is legislation preventing the commercialisation of ABC, but they do have more human-interest and celebrity stories than they used to.

And they sacked Antoinette Lattouf for posting a Palestinian charity or some such.

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

I’m a massive cynic and when it comes to power, fame or money being involved I automatically distrust or at least question what people say
Charisma, acts of propaganda in the guise of patriotism, simple minded accusations or blame for complex problems are all warning signs.
If you crave power as an individual you are extremely dangerous as why would you want this unless you are going to use it against others

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

:)

💚

Bubblecar said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

Good enough day here ms spock, albeit quite cold.

About to iron a tablecloth for the birthday lunch tomorrow.

You are all ready to go for the big day tomorrow.

I have an iron. I can’t remember the last time I used it.

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Greetings Earthlings 🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽

I hope folks are having good days, as best that you can.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

:)

💚

Oh, I’m fine. I just think it’s a good song 😁

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

:)

💚

Oh, I’m fine. I just think it’s a good song 😁

Lol…at the lyrics.

Did Spock ask if you are fine…?

dv said:

Teaching me boy to drive, it turns out I had an antiquated notion of the difference between stopping and parking.

“To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle
is attended or not – except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic,
complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods
(for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

What about “standing”. I think there was a difference between parking and standing way back when.

buffy said:

dv said:

Teaching me boy to drive, it turns out I had an antiquated notion of the difference between stopping and parking.

“To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle
is attended or not – except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic,
complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods
(for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

What about “standing”. I think there was a difference between parking and standing way back when.

Oh, someone asked that.

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Cymek said:

Distrust and hassling people for ratings on the tv I think but it does lump them all together

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

Do you actually read this mainstream media you are so critical of? The ‘NYTimes’, the ‘Washington Post’, ‘The Guardian’, CNN, Axios, Politico, ‘The New Yorker’, ‘The Atlantic’ and many others are highly critical of Trump and in no way cover up the problems of his administration either now or in his first term. To think otherwise is frankly to be living in a fantasy world.

I read the article, they’re not talking about RFK jr

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/flesh-eating-screwworm-found-within-31-miles-us-border-says-usda-2026-05-29/

Cymek said:

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

I’m a massive cynic and when it comes to power, fame or money being involved I automatically distrust or at least question what people say
Charisma, acts of propaganda in the guise of patriotism, simple minded accusations or blame for complex problems are all warning signs.
If you crave power as an individual you are extremely dangerous as why would you want this unless you are going to use it against others

You are definitely not an example of the people who I am referring to Cymek.

You engage deeply with and question everything. Sadly this is not widespread.

Prof David Cay Johnson talks about Reagan cut the education budget by 25%. Now 60% of Americans are reading and writing at a 5th grade level. 1 in 3 of these are reading and writing at an 8 year old level. They are very time poor without developed critical thinking skills.

Both Robert Reich and David Cay Johnson have talked about the exploitation of the last 50 years.
Both Centrist Dems and Reps collaborated together to use the neoliberalist “Poverty as a Policy Choice” for the last 50 years. This means a tremendous amount of frustration and rage.

70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. They work 2-3 jobs over 6-7 days, pay rent & skip meals so their kids can eat. They can’t afford a $400 medical emergency. They are one missed shift away from homelessness.

When you are so time poor your news consumption is basically click bait titles as you walk down the street. There was some research that showed that these clickbait titles had an effect on the outcome of Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Robert Reich says it is 80% living paycheck to paycheck to paycheck.
“Link” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/29/us-economy-workers-paycheck-robert-reich

So if you see a clickbait title and dismiss it as a clickbait title, Cymek, it may be irrelevant because you are not the intended audience. The intended audience maybe captured by that clickbait title because of how it positioned that person.

Now we have microtargeted advertising. It is possible that not a single journalist or member from another political party sees the misleading, targeted advertising. If they do, the target audience may not see the journalist’s break down of that misleading ad.

The manipulation of certain sections of different American society and even Australians is hard to track.

Cymek said:

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

I’m a massive cynic and when it comes to power, fame or money being involved I automatically distrust or at least question what people say
Charisma, acts of propaganda in the guise of patriotism, simple minded accusations or blame for complex problems are all warning signs.
If you crave power as an individual you are extremely dangerous as why would you want this unless you are going to use it against others

You are definitely not an example of the people who I am referring to Cymek.

You engage deeply with and question everything. Sadly this is not widespread.

Prof David Cay Johnson talks about Reagan cut the education budget by 25%. Now 60% of Americans are reading and writing at a 5th grade level. 1 in 3 of these are reading and writing at an 8 year old level. They are very time poor without developed critical thinking skills.

Both Robert Reich and David Cay Johnson have talked about the exploitation of the last 50 years.
Both Centrist Dems and Reps collaborated together to use the neoliberalist “Poverty as a Policy Choice” for the last 50 years. This means a tremendous amount of frustration and rage.

70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. They work 2-3 jobs over 6-7 days, pay rent & skip meals so their kids can eat. They can’t afford a $400 medical emergency. They are one missed shift away from homelessness.

When you are so time poor your news consumption is basically click bait titles as you walk down the street. There was some research that showed that these clickbait titles had an effect on the outcome of Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Robert Reich says it is 80% living paycheck to paycheck to paycheck.
“Link” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/29/us-economy-workers-paycheck-robert-reich

So if you see a clickbait title and dismiss it as a clickbait title, Cymek, it may be irrelevant because you are not the intended audience. The intended audience maybe captured by that clickbait title because of how it positioned that person.

Now we have microtargeted advertising. It is possible that not a single journalist or member from another political party sees the misleading, targeted advertising. If they do, the target audience may not see the journalist’s break down of that misleading ad.

The manipulation of certain sections of different American society and even Australians is hard to track.

Divine Angel said:

ms spock said:

Divine Angel said:

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ‘em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ‘cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

:)

💚

Oh, I’m fine. I just think it’s a good song 😁

I think it is a good song too.

buffy said:

dv said:

Teaching me boy to drive, it turns out I had an antiquated notion of the difference between stopping and parking.

“To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle
is attended or not – except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic,
complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods
(for a maximum of 2 minutes).”

What about “standing”. I think there was a difference between parking and standing way back when.

Some places have a 5 minutes or 15 minutes of standing.

Witty Rejoinder said:

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

One can choose to read/listen/watch only the good ones and boycott the bad ones.

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

Do you actually read this mainstream media you are so critical of? The ‘NYTimes’, the ‘Washington Post’, ‘The Guardian’, CNN, Axios, Politico, ‘The New Yorker’, ‘The Atlantic’ and many others are highly critical of Trump and in no way cover up the problems of his administration either now or in his first term. To think otherwise is frankly to be living in a fantasy world.

Yes, I consume way too much American MSM. I also consume a significant amount of Independent Media as well.

When Biden was showing signs of aging. It was the title story above the fold of the front page of many newspapers. It was the lead story of TV bulletins and on news ticker after the initial story. That is not happening now for Trump.

Jake Tapper wrote a book about Biden’s decline.

That coverage, on the whole, is not been given to Trump’s aging, memory losses, gaffs, falling asleep whilst in meetings and his ramblings are being edited down to sound coherent. Biden didn’t receive the same treatment.

In the podcast focus groups and interviews with Americans, done across multiple platforms. The lack of knowledge is concerning.

There are a significant amount of Americans who don’t know what is going on.

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

ms spock said:

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

Do you actually read this mainstream media you are so critical of? The ‘NYTimes’, the ‘Washington Post’, ‘The Guardian’, CNN, Axios, Politico, ‘The New Yorker’, ‘The Atlantic’ and many others are highly critical of Trump and in no way cover up the problems of his administration either now or in his first term. To think otherwise is frankly to be living in a fantasy world.

Yes, I consume way too much American MSM. I also consume a significant amount of Independent Media as well.

When Biden was showing signs of aging. It was the title story above the fold of the front page of many newspapers. It was the lead story of TV bulletins and on news ticker after the initial story. That is not happening now for Trump.

Jake Tapper wrote a book about Biden’s decline.

That coverage, on the whole, is not been given to Trump’s aging, memory losses, gaffs, falling asleep whilst in meetings and his ramblings are being edited down to sound coherent. Biden didn’t receive the same treatment.

In the podcast focus groups and interviews with Americans, done across multiple platforms. The lack of knowledge is concerning.

There are a significant amount of Americans who don’t know what is going on.

It’s claimed people get the leader they deserve is this the case for the USA.
They elected this man directly and now must pay the piper.
Their society decayed to this point an outright criminal became president.
He was going to fix all that was wrong most of which was the natural decay of an empire that became corrupt and bloated.
They portrayed a false narrative to the world when they should have been looking after their own people
A living wage and free health care (up to a reasonable ability) is decency not communism

Hi Team

Just thought I’d pop in to see how everyone is and to update you on the sale of mum’s property. We got a offer in a few weeks ago and it’s just gone unconditional, so looks like everything’s in place for it to change hands.

We’re going down there this weekend to start packing up the “styling” furniture and things. We’re planning on spending the night and having a bit of a goodbye “party”.

ms spock said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

ms spock said:

The problem being that you end up living with the consequences of the bad ones.

Without the MSM covering up the the problems of Trump.

America wouldn’t have the terrible situation they have now.

Americans watching MSM really have little or no idea of what is happening.

Do you actually read this mainstream media you are so critical of? The ‘NYTimes’, the ‘Washington Post’, ‘The Guardian’, CNN, Axios, Politico, ‘The New Yorker’, ‘The Atlantic’ and many others are highly critical of Trump and in no way cover up the problems of his administration either now or in his first term. To think otherwise is frankly to be living in a fantasy world.

Yes, I consume way too much American MSM. I also consume a significant amount of Independent Media as well.

When Biden was showing signs of aging. It was the title story above the fold of the front page of many newspapers. It was the lead story of TV bulletins and on news ticker after the initial story. That is not happening now for Trump.

Jake Tapper wrote a book about Biden’s decline.

That coverage, on the whole, is not been given to Trump’s aging, memory losses, gaffs, falling asleep whilst in meetings and his ramblings are being edited down to sound coherent. Biden didn’t receive the same treatment.

In the podcast focus groups and interviews with Americans, done across multiple platforms. The lack of knowledge is concerning.

There are a significant amount of Americans who don’t know what is going on.

If anything Biden’s decline was underreported which is why his debate performance was so heavily criticised. I don’t what you are reading but there has been more than ample coverage of Trump’s ongoing unhinged and erratic online commentary, behaviour, sleepiness etc to the point that everyone who cares to stay informed knows he shits his pants.