Nostr notes by Looking for explanations…

I think we’re generally better prepared, simply because we have ...

2026-07-26T05:27:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…gqgf
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I think we’re generally better prepared, simply because we have more experience of heat & fires. But the possibility of outer suburbs & small towns being over-run by fires, & days in the high 40s… is daunting. 😩

I would dispute that! “Elpecker” would be a very NZ ...

2026-06-14T01:47:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…ycah
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I would dispute that!

“Elpecker” would be a very NZ pronunciation, Aucklandish to be more precise.

Queenslanders can sound similar, with a tendency to reduce many vowels to a flat schwa sound.

(This being said by a woman whose mother completed deportment & elocution classes, and who is somewhat obsessive sbout pronunciation when teaching English.)

I do think that the”typical” Aussie accent of the mid 20th century, as heard on newsreels, was more like this, with the exception of ABC newsreaders & people who attended fancy schools.

Immigration & the rise in domination by American film & TV has had a huge impact on our accent.

I’ve hot washing on now. Rain will probably roll in when it’s ...

2026-05-31T23:58:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…xxzg
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I’ve hot washing on now. Rain will probably roll in when it’s ready to go out. I hate using a dryer other than to finish off towels & sheets etc.

Psych has got much harder to get into. When I did my psych grad ...

2026-05-20T05:07:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…p8rn
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Psych has got much harder to get into. When I did my psych grad dip, at the beginning you only needed a credit average to get into a post grad program. By the end, a distinction average was needed.

I think the main problem is not the intellect but the motives. Too many have issues of their own which aren’t properly managed or resolved. The driver for them is to “help” people who are struggling more than them, making it easier to project & minimise their own stuff.

People who are up front about their own stuff & getting proper support will be much less likel to patronise or “rescue” thrir clients.

I’m pretty sure that a significant number of my mature aged cohort were probably undiagnosed neurodivergent folk, still seeking answers. It was the early 2000s & late diagnosis of adult neurodivergents was still relatively rare. Needless to say, we spent very little time on autism, & none on ADHD.

Hmmm… I don’t think it’s the client’s responsibility to ...

2026-05-19T02:52:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…qfrv
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Hmmm… I don’t think it’s the client’s responsibility to concern themselves with the therapist’s mental health. Of course it’s nice if they’ve got the spoons, but not really their job.

Which is why, obviously, psychologists need “supervision”, which would be more accurately described as debriefing or just plain therapy!

When the gastroenterologist broke the news to partner about bowel cancer ( 2018, all good, stage 2 or 1.5), I projected my concern onto him. He was clearly compassionate, & I immediately empathised with how difficult this part of his job must be. It was my way of delaying having to face & process the situation for myself & partner.

Professional client/patient boundaries are tricky.

Possibly one reason my parents voted Labor. My brother was 14 in ...

2026-05-19T01:54:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…wqs3
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Possibly one reason my parents voted Labor. My brother was 14 in ‘72, & while everyone was talking about the war needing to end, it was taking a long time. There were only a few older lads in my street, & they weren’t called up.

I didn’t know much about the war. Certainly as a younger kid, I didn’t see the TV news. I was probably shielded from it. I was very sensitive to violence & injustice. (Still am.)

So was the crazy pave on a porch extension?

2026-05-13T00:11:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…2d7r
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So was the crazy pave on a porch extension?

If they do win, it’ll be interesting to see how long before ...

2026-05-02T22:32:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…8crx
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If they do win, it’ll be interesting to see how long before there is an almighty falling out between Farley & Hanson. If he’s smarter than Katter, he’ll be much smarter than Hanson, which doesn’t bode well for either of them. Popcorn might be called for.

We went in about April - very hot & Cambodian New Year so ...

2026-04-29T04:15:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…7w43
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We went in about April - very hot & Cambodian New Year so very busy with local tourists who get in free. But so worth it. Sunrise would be beautiful, regardless of the weather.

Argh… glad you squished it in. Pretty spectacular.

2026-04-29T04:06:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…cv73
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Argh… glad you squished it in. Pretty spectacular.

No, manage to leave so little time at Siem Reap.

2026-04-29T01:17:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…0pdx
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No, manage to leave so little time at Siem Reap.

How did you manage to do that? I’m glad they’re protecting ...

2026-04-29T00:48:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…gk8t
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How did you manage to do that?

I’m glad they’re protecting those steps now. I climbed them in…2014. Couldn’t do it now.

Ugh. Hopefully nice inside.

2026-04-28T06:07:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…lvqc
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Ugh. Hopefully nice inside.

I love how they’ve retained the old station buildings in ...

2026-04-28T04:10:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…3xz0
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I love how they’ve retained the old station buildings in Melbourne.

A friend gave me a delightful package of spices for Christmas - ...

2026-04-27T05:23:27Z

A friend gave me a delightful package of spices for Christmas - sachets of gorgeous spice blends, each with their own recipe. (All for cakes etc, not savoury.)

I made one a while back (a delicious spicy apple cake) & another for a family dinner on Saturday - grated dark chocolate, orange & lemon zest, 3 tabs of the spice mix, processed dates, honey, buckwheat flour, almond meal, eggs, butter, full cream milk… & topped with dark chocolate ganache & roasted pistachios. Should’ve been amazing… in spite of testing, turned out to be uncooked in the middle & sank. Cut that out to resemble a ring cake. Tasted… nice. I think the ingredients fought with each other & cancelled each other out, instead of complementing each other. Ganache was the best part.

No photo I’m afraid. Not really very pretty…

I think I’ve got 3 sachets left to try.

#Baking

Tax fossil fuel & other many companies more, tax billionaires ...

2026-04-27T04:55:36Z

Tax fossil fuel & other many companies more, tax billionaires out of existence, stop subsidising private education with public money, & invest in public housing in all suburbs, towns etc.

#AusPol

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-24/economic-and-social-mobility-enhance-productivity/106601738?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

My lemon is back in the ground after downing about 6 months in ...

2026-04-24T23:20:50Z

My lemon is back in the ground after downing about 6 months in rehab in a pot. The chrysalis is still in place & green, so healthy.

I didn’t know that the War Memorial was going to acknowledge ...

2026-04-24T22:17:37Z

I didn’t know that the War Memorial was going to acknowledge the Frontier Wars. About bloody time!

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/25/supersonic-strike-navigator-indigenous-ancestry?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Isn’t it great to have that motivation? Next time we do it ...

2026-04-23T11:40:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…fha7
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Isn’t it great to have that motivation? Next time we do it I’m going to ban merely gathering stuff up & shoving it in any all cupboard.

Enrolled Judith! This is not America. Enrolled.

2026-04-22T08:17:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…llwz
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Enrolled Judith! This is not America. Enrolled.

I got the angles & proportions wrong in the larger flower. I ...

2026-04-22T05:07:56Z

I got the angles & proportions wrong in the larger flower. I can sketch, but I’m having trouble losing the details around angles etc when it comes to painting. Photo was taken in Partner’s sister’s garden.
#Watercolour
#Bloomscrolling

Nostr event nevent1qqsygzgpvzueselpegwua22x5ta64zgxvclgaqrnmjg42d96x4g56xgzyzzsxu8ej8kp5kry78k65qjrfa30gtqgpjnh3qmwsk0cvd2yk4m42z773vf

2026-04-20T12:10:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…sx9j
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George… #Fedicats #CatsOfMastodon

2026-04-20T12:08:41Z

George…
#Fedicats
#CatsOfMastodon

Charges I hope. Serious ones.

2026-04-17T05:15:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…n2ce
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Charges I hope. Serious ones.

Suspended with pay…

2026-04-17T00:21:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…t73f
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Suspended with pay…

My friend does. I feel the same way. It really annoys me when ...

2026-04-14T08:35:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…pcfw
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My friend does. I feel the same way. It really annoys me when people dress lightly & then want the heater on, but my friend will dress warmly & still feel cold. Her home is an old Edwardian weatherboard, poorly insulated, (she & ex partner didn’t think about that when they renovated 40 years ago) & has gas ducted heating. Must cost a fortune. They’ve got reverse cycle air con, but she’s doesn’t like the dry air. I’ve suggested a humidifier which could double as a HEPA filter… They’d have trouble getting solar, but councils will have to relax heritage rules for old homes.

When it’s sunny but cold outside, our home is toasty, with no ...

2026-04-14T07:53:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…af5c
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When it’s sunny but cold outside, our home is toasty, with no need for heating. I will often wear fingerless gloves in winter, because my hands get cold & a bit achey even if the rest of me is warm enough. But I tend not to notice the cold until I’m half frozen which isn’t good, so putting the heater on to 18 once I’ve finished my chores &/or if it’s cloudy/ getting dark, isn’t a bad idea.

But a friend feels the cold, so if we have her over, it’s shirt sleeves for us & heater on.

Battery is pretty low this morning & it’s very overcast, ...

2026-04-13T23:12:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…773k
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Battery is pretty low this morning & it’s very overcast, but solar is providing just enough for the dishwasher. I’ll put a load of washing on after it finishes. It’s nearly 16, & I rarely have the heater on during the day anyway.

Nostr event nevent1qqs20738rzcyc8vz53ea4h4eyvcvtcwzx5ww3runqvx9v8py7dj456czyzzsxu8ej8kp5kry78k65qjrfa30gtqgpjnh3qmwsk0cvd2yk4m42ueeph4

2026-04-13T13:00:00Z

George…

We had a gas boosted hot water system, replaced with a heat pump ...

2026-04-13T08:10:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…khc7
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We had a gas boosted hot water system, replaced with a heat pump hot water service. (We e removed all gas.) The house was designs ed with north facing roof & windows, which helps.

If they did it properly & fairly, so that you didn’t end up ...

2026-04-13T04:26:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…k8ld
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If they did it properly & fairly, so that you didn’t end up out of pocket for a new battery sooner than expected, & could control it so you weren’t left with a low battery when it wasn’t convenient, I wouldn’t mind. But with our utility companies being for profit, that’s highly unlikely.

All essential services should be provided by publicly owned utilities.

Peak hours are weird nowadays. My main motivation is reducing my ...

2026-04-12T10:04:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…v86r
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Peak hours are weird nowadays.

My main motivation is reducing my carbon footprint, & if I can contribute clean energy to the grid, even better. But I draw the line at making the battery part of a network. That would reduce the battery life. Electricity companies & governments need to invest in big batteries. Household batteries come at a significant cost, but won’t make a big difference to power networks.

We’re approaching our first winter since we had our house ...

2026-04-11T23:52:38Z

We’re approaching our first winter since we had our house battery installed. This morning I switched on the dishwasher, & brought in a load of neatly dry washing (ahead of the next rain showers) some of which I put in the dryer to finish off. I then checked the battery. It’s low (unusual, but the oven & cooktop were used yesterday, & I even put the heater on for a while last night), & the load was using both solar & battery. I’ve turned the dryer off & now the solar is both running the DW & charging the battery. Only just I’m guessing - the sun is trying to peel through the clouds, but with very limited success.

The heat pump hot water service will come on soon, so I won’t put the dryer on until that’s finished. The rest of the washer is in the airer, on the sun which is just now peeking through the skylight windows. (But rain isn’t far off.) So today could be an early indicator of what I’ll need to do to maximise our system’s efficiency.

#Solar
#Battery

A neighbouring apartment, vacant, had one doing the low battery ...

2026-04-11T09:27:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…t7dn
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A neighbouring apartment, vacant, had one doing the low battery “peep” for months.

Such a loss. Dawes must’ve felt like the bottom fell out of his ...

2026-04-10T12:54:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…wz8x
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Such a loss. Dawes must’ve felt like the bottom fell out of his world. ( or the front fell off.)

High pitched ringing, not constant, often switches on due to ...

2026-04-10T12:42:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…jdu7
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High pitched ringing, not constant, often switches on due to excess TV volume. In my head, not my ears, if that makes sense. Sometimes the volume sneaks up without us noticing, or is higher on the next show. Or we turn it up due to rain etc, & forget to turn it back down.

😁 I looked like a thug in my first sketch! I did the second ...

2026-04-10T12:11:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…j04u
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😁

I looked like a thug in my first sketch! I did the second from a photo, using a grid, & it took hours. Proportions & angles are crucial. So many erasures & adjustments…

😁. But peeved about the AI generated alt txt. Older woman… ...

2026-04-09T12:07:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…qez4
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😁. But peeved about the AI generated alt txt. Older woman… humph! 😂

For me, yes. So many alterations & corrections. A very slight ...

2026-04-09T11:46:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…yf6t
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For me, yes. So many alterations & corrections. A very slight adjustment to an angle, proportion etc can make so much difference to the expression, the harshness, softness etc.

I can see why people practise by drawing/painting themself. You’d lose a lot less friends… 😂

This is my second self portrait pencil sketch, which I whipped up ...

2026-04-09T11:35:18Z

This is my second self portrait pencil sketch, which I whipped up over the course of about 4.5 hours.

#Graphite
#SelfPortrait

I think Netanyahu is holding the strings here, not vice versa.

2026-04-08T06:05:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…70j3
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I think Netanyahu is holding the strings here, not vice versa.

Is there an alternative? ❤️

2026-04-06T23:01:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…sr5t
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Is there an alternative? ❤️

Autistic people are often criticised for our “lack of ...

2026-04-05T23:47:34Z

Autistic people are often criticised for our “lack of empathy”. This isn’t just because most people don’t understand how autistic people express & demonstrate empathy. It’s also about projection.

When people have a fault or a flaw, they often find it easier to recognise in others than themselves. Sometimes a reluctance to confront that fault or flaw results in them projecting it into others more than ever. The philandering husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. The guy who disapproves of violent men, but treats his own wife with contempt. (I’m picking on men here, but it’s definitely not confined to them. They’re just the examples that came to mind.)

And then there’s the fact that until we’ve had a very good reason to think what it must be like to be that person, we rarely do so. It’s easy to criticise privileged men for failing to interrogate patriarchy until they become a father of daughters, but how many white feminists have really engaged with & listened to feminist WOC? How many cis gay people have really grappled with issues faced by transgender people?

Some members of marginalised groups are much more likely to truly empathise with members of other groups. They relate to the feelings, if not the life experiences. And the more intersectional a person’s issues, the more likely this is. But some are so focussed on their own issues that they defensively downgrade the difficulties faced by others in comparison to their own.

Empathy, however it is shown & expressed, requires compassion & imagination. Research has shown that boys who read fiction are generally more empathetic than those who don’t. This might be correlational - empathetic boys are more likely to read fiction, but maybe reading fiction gives readers insight into the minds & feelings of other people.

And regardless of how people express their empathy, we need a lot more of it in this world.

Oh my gawrsh!!!!! 😂😂😂

2026-04-05T23:20:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…yje5
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Oh my gawrsh!!!!! 😂😂😂

Yesterday was… interesting. Partner drive me to the station ...

2026-04-05T22:59:22Z

Yesterday was… interesting.

Partner drive me to the station before heading off to golf.

I took the train to the city to meet my friend. When we both drive to a different spot, I’m always late, but yesterday I was early, so I sat & sketched a city skyline.

The weather was glorious, as it often is at Easter.

Friend & I had interesting conversation as normal, leaving me with questions, answers & lots to process. (They’re probably the only friend I’ve had who is at least as interested as I am in human behaviour & “working ourselves out”, & who is at least as highly educated as myself in relevant areas. And probably “smarter”, whatever that means. Certainly older & wiser.)

I then caught trains home & was very glad I’d taken my hiking sticks. On the walk home from the station I realised I’d forgotten to take a house key. One neighbour, who might even have a key, was out. The other… I didn’t want to bother or risk being regarded as a sweet silly old lady.

Then I remembered the key lock, which I’ve never used, the code for which my partner set … & which I had forgotten.

I sat in out little front yard & played games & read, then lay back on my bag & snoozed.

Partner didn’t check his phone but came straight home from golf because the bar was closed. I was fine, if a bit sleepily dopey, but cats were grumpy, locked inside & able to see me outside.

Day finished with partner’s delicious soup, TV & knitting.

Quiet day today, painting & processing. I’m outside with the cats, but will have to retreat from the rain. The fresh wet smell is lovely.

The gollofing was but the peeling wasn’t. 😁

2026-04-05T13:29:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…0qak
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The gollofing was but the peeling wasn’t. 😁

Treasury & Fitzroy. Beautiful. Lots of people using free ...

2026-04-05T13:27:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…nwmg
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Treasury & Fitzroy. Beautiful. Lots of people using free trains & picnicking. Not too many, just more than I would normally expect.

We might do a rail trip to some regional towns when school goes back. They must be struggling with so many people staying home.

Morning all. The sun is about to peel over the roof & the ...

2026-04-04T22:42:13Z

Morning all. The sun is about to peel over the roof & the cats are sniffing the morning smells. Partner is goloffing & I’m catching free pubic transport into town yo meet a friend in some gardens. Happy spring festival in autumn to everyone in the southern hemisphere.

I only have one, haven’t done it yet, & will probably ...

2026-04-04T21:52:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…rfvc
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I only have one, haven’t done it yet, & will probably continue to forget..,

I asked a friend to send me photos of flowers, but she also set ...

2026-04-03T07:36:06Z

I asked a friend to send me photos of flowers, but she also set me this, so…

I’m using some paper I bought a couple weeks ago, in a very busy art supplies shop where I just grabbed it & got out, & it’s not very good at all…, but I’m still pretty happy with this, especially the apple. Hands are hard, & skin tones are hard too.

#Watercolour

I never knew anal gland problems were a thing…

2026-04-02T03:10:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…yduc
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I never knew anal gland problems were a thing…

I was interested to read that the Australian Winter Olympic team ...

2026-04-01T20:41:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…0wlu
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I was interested to read that the Australian Winter Olympic team were masking when they were away. Sad how athletic competition is one of the few circumstances where Covid mitigation is still regarded as worthwhile.

Warne was not the sharpest tool in the box. He had a good cricket ...

2026-04-01T19:33:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…tnfc
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Warne was not the sharpest tool in the box. He had a good cricket mind, but that was it. Anyone can catch Covid, even if they’re being extra careful, but some people are particularly likely to due arrogance, ignorance & just plain lack of cognitive ability.

Nostr event nevent1qqsz223c84uqew0vg322vn3ktvrlqn4mpau7zw8rhy2vu6mx00fjxwszyzzsxu8ej8kp5kry78k65qjrfa30gtqgpjnh3qmwsk0cvd2yk4m42r4q6u4

2026-03-31T20:29:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…xsxz
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https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/shane-warnes-manager-fumes-at-dr-norman-swan-for-claiming-cricket-stars-death-was-linked-to-covid/news-story/a02d257614d93741533cf82407b87e14

He got it wrong with Kitching, but I remember wondering why he should be criticised for raising the possibility that Covid was a factor in Warne’s death. I still don’t get it.

Pretty sure.

2026-03-31T20:24:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…zrpa
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Pretty sure.

Yep, but I think Norman Swan got taken to task for mentioning ...

2026-03-31T14:59:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…rpcl
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Yep, but I think Norman Swan got taken to task for mentioning that.

And what took so long? I know some antivaxxers in NZ. 2 had heart ...

2026-03-31T05:16:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…39pv
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And what took so long? I know some antivaxxers in NZ. 2 had heart attacks & 2 others seriously debilitating strokes within months of catching Covid.

I got my ADHD meds! I bought some beautiful flowers. I had a nap, ...

2026-03-31T05:09:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…v5mm
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I got my ADHD meds!

I bought some beautiful flowers.

I had a nap, which I really needed. 😂
#3GoodThings

I’ve also lived in poverty. Not severe, nowhere near as bad as ...

2026-03-30T23:55:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…gt8a
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I’ve also lived in poverty. Not severe, nowhere near as bad as many others have experienced, but not something I would recommend. But have there been some good outcomes? Did my children learn some good lessons?

I have suffered a lot of emotional trauma in my life. There were ...

2026-03-30T23:49:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…nx8l
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I have suffered a lot of emotional trauma in my life. There were no silver linings, but some of the consequences of those events have been… not bad. None of those consequences in any way make up for the trauma, the loss etc. Not having to “bother “caring” for elderly parents in no way makes up for all of the times when they weren’t around, the things they missed out on, the things that my children & I missed out on.

I felt guilty seeing my friend deal with her elderly parents, and the toll that took on her, when I’d never had to do that. It felt strange, because there had been so many times in the past when I had felt envious.

Who has done that? Mine died when I was a teen. I can tell you ...

2026-03-30T23:26:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…ctkg
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Who has done that? Mine died when I was a teen. I can tell you that wasn’t great, at all. Not then. Not ever.

Who is suggesting we deny elder care? Or worse? I’m in my mid ...

2026-03-30T11:10:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…ckj3
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Who is suggesting we deny elder care? Or worse?

I’m in my mid 60s. At this point, I hate to think that I could spend 10 plus years merely existing at the end of my life.

A friend’s father-in-law has been in a lovely care home, frequently visited & taken out since his wife died, but has been utterly miserable. He just turned 100.

I know that my ideas of a “life worth living” will probably change as I age. And an existence that might bore or depress me now might be something I’ll enjoy in 20 years. And I don’t want other people making abitrary decisions about my life. But I don’t want medications etc used to prolong life once I’m ready to push off.

I don’t know what the answer is. It’s definitely not in authorities saying when it’s time to knock off our oldies. But nor does it make sense to use all available pharmaceutical & medical technology to prolong our misery once life holds no more joy.

I’m not suggesting compromising with fascists, or engaging with ...

2026-03-30T01:19:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…3fjr
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I’m not suggesting compromising with fascists, or engaging with them at all.

The author hasn’t called for that at all. What they do point ...

2026-03-29T20:33:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…rxpj
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The author hasn’t called for that at all. What they do point out is that older people are living much longer in a poor state of health than ever before.

The extreme positions on this issue, fascistic extermination or prolonging life at all cost for as long as technically possibly while healthcare & housing for others fall into neglect are both unacceptable. The answer is somewhere within the enormous space between them.

Been chatting to Heather about this… Me today is not the same ...

2026-03-28T22:07:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…2g0x
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Been chatting to Heather about this…

Me today is not the same person as me in 20-30 years time, if I’m still around. Me then will be a version of me now, probably similar to some extent, but different. Their ideas of what constitute “a good life” will probably be quite different to “Mine” now.

To what extent do “I” have the right to judge whether of not “their” life will be worth living?

Most of us would agree that the Nazi-like disposal of people deemed to be unproductive is utterly repellant. But the the preservation of life well beyond any ability to enjoy it is also, maybe to a lesser extent, cruel. The answer will lie somewhere in the sensible centre, but humanity’s ability to negotiate around the sensible centre seems to be diminishing.

I think that tells you something. They couldn’t refuse to care ...

2026-03-28T20:51:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…dqq2
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I think that tells you something. They couldn’t refuse to care for grandad, but can’t bear the thought of you having to do the same for them.

Matthew Flinders.

2026-03-28T01:57:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…xq3e
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Matthew Flinders.

I’m pretty sure he didn’t do that…

2026-03-28T01:54:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…m7ye
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I’m pretty sure he didn’t do that…

I’m starting to wonder if Narelle is going to circumnavigate ...

2026-03-27T23:55:55Z

I’m starting to wonder if Narelle is going to circumnavigate the country…

Argh… When a friend of mine assumed the main responsibility of ...

2026-03-27T21:54:21Z

Argh…

When a friend of mine assumed the main responsibility of caring for her aged parents, I became uncomfortably aware of the fact that I wasn’t having to perform this role. My friend is the youngest of 4 children, but never had children if her own, so I guess it made sense that she took on the main role of… administrator & advocate really.

And while I’ve grown very close to partner’s parents, the fact that we live in another country… Of course he has guilt issues, which means that he returns like the prodigal son & spends money on them & probably pisses off people back there.

The idea of 12 years or so of existence, highly dependent on the care of others, even if I’m in aged care…

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/28/burden-of-extended-care-for-aged-parents-new-phenomenon?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Waving metal sticks around in the air isn’t really a good idea ...

2026-03-27T09:01:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…az9m
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Waving metal sticks around in the air isn’t really a good idea during stormy weather…

Partner’s golf yesterday was later than usual. He left early ...

2026-03-26T18:35:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…89rp
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Partner’s golf yesterday was later than usual. He left early for some practice, and then met a mate at the 19th when rain cancelled the actual game.

Tonight was going to be date night at a local restaurant, but ...

2026-03-25T10:58:08Z

Tonight was going to be date night at a local restaurant, but then I remembered that we had tickets for the ASRC’s Feast for Freedom, with Sri Lankan & Palestinian asylum seeker chefs. Kon was inspirational as usual & the food was delicious. 2 MasterChef contestants were in attendance. Melbournians love their restaurant food, but spending money on good food for a good cause is particularly enjoyable.

Spotting a possum on the way home was a bonus. And yes, it was a dark sky.

I forgot to fast for my blood test on Saturday, so am doing it ...

2026-03-22T22:49:58Z

I forgot to fast for my blood test on Saturday, so am doing it today at a doctor’s surgery with a pathology nurse. I haven’t been here before & was pleasantly surprised to see masks being worn by everyone… except the ambos taking a patient to hospital. 🤯 Only blueys (kn95 for me), & I can’t see any HEPA filters, but still at least an acknowledgment that mitigation matters.,

George has been down the lane way many times, occasionally to the ...

2026-03-22T00:05:29Z

George has been down the lane way many times, occasionally to the very end. This is Fred’s 3rd or 4th visit, and the furthest he’s been.
#Caturday

Watercolour painting, March 2026. As you can see, it takes time, ...

2026-03-21T04:54:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…q7uy
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Watercolour painting, March 2026. As you can see, it takes time, & patience. Not everyone’s thing of course, & those with more experience & talent can no doubt do better, but I’m pretty happy.

#Watercolour
#Bloomscrolling

Original hibiscus photo taken in Russell NZ early 2019. ...

2026-03-21T04:51:12Z

Original hibiscus photo taken in Russell NZ early 2019.

You know a restaurant is good when most of the people dining ...

2026-03-20T02:40:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…jxqs
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You know a restaurant is good when most of the people dining there are of that culture.

Apart from the environmental issues, it probably compares with ...

2026-03-18T20:11:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…43dg
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Apart from the environmental issues, it probably compares with other “meat” farming practices where animals are held in small enclosures for most/all of their lives. If it’s not okay to cram hens into cramped dark spaces to lay eggs, it’s not okay to subject other animals to the stresses of such practices for “meat”. (I know that people who are vegetarian for ethical reasons will be having conniptions over this. Like duh!)

And for some reason many people see marine life other than mammals as less worthy of compassion. Fish are birds of the water, no less deserving of compassion than ducks, chickens, turkeys etc.

Maybe all fish needs to be clearly labelled “farmed” or “wild caught”, & other meats free range or feed lot or whatever the term is for keeping animals in small enclosures is.

The mere fact that we call flesh “meat” or “fish” is odd. Some fish is very dense & “meaty”. Some is very oily or “fatty”. It’s all from animals.

This was a real learning experience, gouache over dark ...

2026-03-18T09:43:38Z

This was a real learning experience, gouache over dark watercolour, scraped back with a toothpick! I can see I need to add some pink gouache to the centre, & the veins in the petals are too dark, but I’m pretty happy.

#Watercolour
#Gouache

Very slow start today. The cats had clearly been out in the catio ...

2026-03-16T23:10:39Z

Very slow start today. The cats had clearly been out in the catio earlier, seen how wet everything was, & opted to stay on the bed until after I got up instead of knocking things off my bedside table or clawing the bed base until I got up. (George, not Fred.)

The three of us eventually went out, (partner reading in bed!) me standing to eat Brekky cos everything’s drenched & I couldn’t be bothered pulling another chair out.

The guys have a fancy filter drinking fountain that we inherited when we adopted them. Fred opted for licking rainwater of succulents outside. (No photo unfortunately.) Typical!

I picked a few ripe cherry tomatoes at risk of splitting after the rain, although this variety has pretty tough skins.

The last of the zinnia are starting to flower, but are pretty small, & I’m not sure how vivid they’ll be. I might end up pulling them out soon, but while there still some bright flowers there, they’ll remain.

A thoroughly soggy sight this morning, but gardeners will be happy. Fruit growers might be despairing however. I doubt this year’s vintage will be very impressive.

Obviously the water quality in the bay will be poor, and the water temperature will be dropping. I wonder if we’ll get another swim in? (I’m not an iceberger; that’s a person who swims during the cooler months.)

I had a cautious exchange with a woman yesterday who had just ...

2026-03-16T22:13:37Z

I had a cautious exchange with a woman yesterday who had just cancelled her holiday flights to Israel. In the course of this conversation, she mentioned that the old Shah’s son is primed & ready to step into a leadership role. I refrained from saying that a puppet leader is what led to the Islamic revolution last century. That the last thing the region needs is a puppet government forced onto Iran.

I get that the current Iranian regime has been awful for many, many people, not least the Iranians! But imposing a US backed government on the Iranian people? Really?

But I held back. I didn’t know the woman, and had nothing to gain (& a fair bit to lose) by openly expressing my views in that situation.

Sigh. Binary thinking is so simplistically flawed.

Okay, so no more scrolling, or reading or watching news for me ...

2026-03-13T00:34:59Z

Okay, so no more scrolling, or reading or watching news for me today. My blood pressure spiked, so much that I rang nurse on call. She’s said to rest & keep monitoring. I’ve cancelled Pilates. Maybe I’ll just draw & paint…

We just binged Mr Bates vs the Post Office, after I read ...

2026-03-12T12:14:12Z

We just binged Mr Bates vs the Post Office, after I read something about it this morning.

What a great story of the little people winning justice, those who didn’t die in the process… Heads should‘ve rolled.

I’ve transited through Dubai on a number of occasions, even ...

2026-03-12T02:22:10Z

I’ve transited through Dubai on a number of occasions, even stayed over in the airport hotel once, but never been tempted to visit Dubai itself. The blatant hedonism of the advertising, combined with the knowledge that all of that glitz was built & is maintained by exploited labourers, meant that the option never entered my thoughts.

I imagine that the appeal of building a resort destination on the Gaza Strip is lessening somewhat. The historic parts of the Middle East have always appealed, but in my younger years, there was so much conflict between Israel & Egypt, Israel & Lebanon, and then the Gulf war, & the Iran Iraq war…

But a few years of relative peace made younger people & greedy capitalists think that money was to be made & good times to be had. Little or no interest in the history & culture of the region, let alone understanding & respect, has been demonstrated.

And now, the egos of those involved has caused them to overstep, resulting in the deaths & injury of many thousands; the destruction of essential infrastructure, homes & businesses; attacks on neighbouring nations (by both sides); the cancellation of thousands of international flights; the closure of a major shipping lane through which much of the world’s oil usually travel’s; enormous impacts on world economy and significant environmental damage.

WTAF?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/the-shine-has-been-taken-off-dubai-faces-existential-threat-as-foreigners-flee-conflict?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Not just anti-immigration. Also, women should give up their ...

2026-03-11T06:13:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…qra9
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Not just anti-immigration. Also, women should give up their career cos we sure as heck ain’t going to make it easier for men to do their fair share or make childcare more accessible.

I call this, “Le petit dejeuner du chien”. The alt txt ...

2026-03-11T05:45:12Z

I call this, “Le petit dejeuner du chien”. The alt txt provides perfect “art wank”.

Got em! And one for future daughter in law. ...

2026-03-10T11:40:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…q5z0
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Got em! And one for future daughter in law.

So the jets are flying over in the build up to the Grand Prix. We ...

2026-03-08T03:06:39Z

So the jets are flying over in the build up to the Grand Prix. We need a hefty carbon tax.

He was a bit lost for a while there. Had managed to eventually ...

2026-03-04T21:58:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…qzg2
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He was a bit lost for a while there. Had managed to eventually complete his graphic design course & find rewarding work… then broke up with ex & Covid hit & .. He decided to save up & buy a house & a dog. Could only afford a very ordinary little house (& even then with substantial help), but then got a lovely dog & slowly started renovation. Then met a gorgeous woman the old fashioned way, in a pub. And now they have a lovely little home, & 2 dogs.

We spent several hours at Peninsula Hot Springs yesterday, thanks ...

2026-03-04T21:52:22Z

We spent several hours at Peninsula Hot Springs yesterday, thanks to a gift voucher. Soaking in hot water, looking at beautiful views, not bad…

Then visited son & partner & their 2 lovely dogs. Charlie dog is always so thrilled to see us.

Overwhelmed by the work son has done on the house. Kitchen living room all opened up now, with a steel beam in the roof making that possible. A very simple little 80s brick home is now something completely different. He will replace awful aluminium sliding door at the back with a timber one. The little Tassie Oak screen near the front door is a lovely touch. That cabinet is also his work. And the map of the world.

New ensuite, bathroom & laundry were completed last year.

#Renovation

I haven’t spent as much time in the fediverse as usual over the ...

2026-03-04T20:46:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…q8j4
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I haven’t spent as much time in the fediverse as usual over the last few days. Too much angst. But this morning I decided to look at your timeline. Last I’d read, Summer was out of sorts & I wanted to check how she was.

I smiled at photos of Summer, oohed & ahed over photos of scenery & skies, & admired your beautiful embroidery.

A fear tears leaked out & trickled down my face. Quiet tears, tears of wonder & appreciation.

Thank you for sharing your photos, your delightful conversations with Summer, your quiet wisdom.

I’d be happy if they banned overnight camping in these places. ...

2026-03-03T23:51:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…s8we
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I’d be happy if they banned overnight camping in these places. Having to cull dingoes because of tourist behaviours is tragic.

Limit visitor numbers, either by first come first served, or by ...

2026-03-03T22:17:13Z

Limit visitor numbers, either by first come first served, or by ballot. Charge a visitor’s fee to cover or adequately subsidise costs of adequate staffing to supervise. (But not do large that visiting the island is beyond reach for ordinary families.) Have an educational video on the ferry & sub-titles & signs in multiple languages. 1 warning, then significant fines & forced to wait at ferry terminal for next trip off the island.

Remote places are special because they’ve been remote for so long.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-04/maria-island-tasmania-major-upgrades-public-opinion/106409882?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

😁The locker bays in corridors used to stink of it.

2026-03-03T02:15:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…av65
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😁The locker bays in corridors used to stink of it.

Roadworks sent me off walking again, which has loosened up my ...

2026-03-02T23:58:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…yjna
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Roadworks sent me off walking again, which has loosened up my back. I used to visit Bridge Rd years ago for the factory outlets, which are all gone now. Most of the buildings here, many from the late 1800s, have plaques about the original businesses. Lots of boot makers, tailors, a blacksmith, “Dance professor” etc.

Exactly. On a year 10 school camp yo Central Aus years ago, I ...

2026-03-02T23:45:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…n9sw
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Exactly.

On a year 10 school camp yo Central Aus years ago, I banned the use of aerosols on the bus, in the interests of asthmatic students. In reality it was because I detested Lynx etc.

And nothing’s changed. We’re still, relatively, lucky, except ...

2026-03-02T22:31:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…c0e3
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And nothing’s changed. We’re still, relatively, lucky, except for the underprivileged who are probably falling further behind.

Normally I’d be outside with the cats at this time, but partner ...

2026-03-02T22:29:30Z

Normally I’d be outside with the cats at this time, but partner has an appointment at the Epworth, so the view is just a little different.

It’s been a while since I’ve caught a commuter train in Melbourne. The first thing I noticed getting on, not yet masked, was the heady mix of “fragrances”. Couldn’t get my mask on quick enough.

And of course so many people were rigged up, while I’m wearing a linen too & floaty pants. The breeze is definitely cool, but it’s humid & im sweating from the brisk walk from the station. Bloody thermostat.

Too early for shops, so coffee it is. And the water bottle reminds me of beer bottles & my father’s Sunday morning “choir” sessions with neighbours. Except it’s a screw top.

It’s noisy out here, cars & teams, but I’m enjoying the breeze.

Maybe I’ll do watercolours of street scenes like this soon.

#Morning

Excellent work. Sounds like he has married, & respects, a ...

2026-03-02T06:21:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…pu7l
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Excellent work. Sounds like he has married, & respects, a “difficult” woman. (And was raised by one.)