This morning Christmas past was brought to memory at a very early hour!!!
I think it started around 11 pm last night when the neighbours, who have 2 small children, were toiling away putting Christmas presents together. Unfortunately for me they were doing it just outside my bedroom window.
But this is Christmas and it started to bring back very pleasant memories of when my children were little and I toiled until all hours of Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning to get the kids' presents put together and presentable after coming home late from the work Christmas party. I think that the worst one was a tin plate kitchen set for my daughter. Complete with stove, bench, sink and other things that I don't remember now. The big problem was that the instructions to put the things together was in CHINESE!!! Great fun!!!
Then !!!!!!!! The kids next door woke up and wanted to see their presents arrayed in the back yard next door. Again, just outside my bedroom window. The hour was 4.45 am!!!!!!!!
Joy To The World and all that. At first I didn't go much on the noise as it took me a little while to realise what was going on, then, like a flash from the blue, I realised that it was CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!!
I laid there and listened to the whoops and cries of joy as they saw what their wonderful parents had toiled so hard to put together last night while the youngsters were sleeping.
I still didn't know what it was until I ventured out of my cosy bed, still half asleep, and looked out of my window. Lo and behold!!!! There stood a fully erected trampoline complete with netting sides and a netball/basketball ring free standing at the side of the house.
Those kids just didn't know what to play with first and I am pretty sure that they had other presents inside just waiting to be opened.
That was when the realisation hit me that living here in Queensland, we are so far away from family and I really started to miss the kids and grand kids. Memories started flooding back of Christmases past when my kids were small and still believed in Santa. The laughter and kisses and cuddles when they opened their presents was as if it only happened today.
Last Christmas wasn't as touching as today as there were no young children living next door.
I would dearly loved to have been able to just join in their joy with them for a couple of minutes, but that was pushing neighbourly friendship a bit too far as we have only just started to get to know them.But all in all, it made my Christmas seem just that little bit closer to home and all day I have been thinking about what my kids and grand kids were up to today.
Enjoy your Christmas and share the joy where ever you can.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Wet Season
Looks like the "Wet Season" is finally here although it is a month late!!
Last month was the driest November for nearly 30 years with temperatures from 30 to 36 Celsius for days on end. There was no rain for 23 days. We finally had a decent rain on 23 and 24 November with 47 ml and 24 ml on those days. But it was still stinking hot.
December has set an all time record with the coldest December day on record in South East Queensland. Today the maximum was only 18 degrees in Ipswich, and it was bloody cold. I even got out my trackie daks and put some socks on.
I checked the rain gauge about 1730 (5:30 pm for those non-service people) and we have had nearly 60 ml since 0700 (7:00 am) this morning.
Hopefully the rain will ease off for a day or so to let what we have had do some good and then drop some more.
With the dry we have had over the last month, the ground is almost water resistant and it needs intermittent rain to wet the sub-soil or it will just run off down the drains.
But I suppose I can't complain. I have a 10,000 litre water tank full to over flowing and a good hose that reaches to the bottom of the garden for when its dry. The only things when its so dry is the ants and other insects that don't like me watering of an evening when they are settling down for the night ----- and they bite!!!
Last month was the driest November for nearly 30 years with temperatures from 30 to 36 Celsius for days on end. There was no rain for 23 days. We finally had a decent rain on 23 and 24 November with 47 ml and 24 ml on those days. But it was still stinking hot.
December has set an all time record with the coldest December day on record in South East Queensland. Today the maximum was only 18 degrees in Ipswich, and it was bloody cold. I even got out my trackie daks and put some socks on.
I checked the rain gauge about 1730 (5:30 pm for those non-service people) and we have had nearly 60 ml since 0700 (7:00 am) this morning.
Hopefully the rain will ease off for a day or so to let what we have had do some good and then drop some more.
With the dry we have had over the last month, the ground is almost water resistant and it needs intermittent rain to wet the sub-soil or it will just run off down the drains.
But I suppose I can't complain. I have a 10,000 litre water tank full to over flowing and a good hose that reaches to the bottom of the garden for when its dry. The only things when its so dry is the ants and other insects that don't like me watering of an evening when they are settling down for the night ----- and they bite!!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
My Garden Loves Rain!!!!
At last, after 23 days of brilliant sunshine, we have finally had some rain!! I read our rain gauge every day at 7:00 am (but only when there has been rain) and I haven't had to venture to the gauge for the past 23 days. Yesterday, Thursday, the gauge read 47 ml, and today a further 24 ml which put a smile on my face.
No matter how diligent you are watering the garden in dry spells, nothing beats a good shower of rain. All of our vegetables and fruit trees, not to mention the flowers, have been showing distinct signs of heat stress even though they have been watered regularly. I planted out 60 odd chilli plants one evening and only 3 or 4 survived. So its back to the seed bed to grow some more. It is almost heart breaking to look down at the garden and see the beans, tomatoes and cucumbers bowing their heads in the heat. Then, miraculously, as the sun goes down, they spark up agin for the night to absorb what dew there may be in the air or drink in the water I provided for them.
But since the rain everything is starting to look like they really want to produce bumper crops. Maybe the dry made them push their roots further into the soil looking for moisture, but whatever it was, they are doing well now.
My wife Kay uses vegetables from our garden for all her cooking when they are available. Kay has started her own blog mainly about cooking and has included recipes for her delicious dishes. Some are in Malay, but most have English ingredients and methods. If you want to learn some luscious recipes go to: umikal.blogspot.com/ If you find a recipe that you like but it is in Malay, leave a message for Kay in her "COMMENTS" on her site and I'm sure that she will arrange for a translation for you.
I thought I had better take some pics this morning just to show how things are surviving. Even our potted stuff, which we put out every time it rains, is growing well.
The turmeric (or tumeric) in a pot is doing exceptionally well and we also have a couple of more plants throughout the garden, which are also looking up. It is amazing how herbs manage the dry weather. They just keep on keeping on (apologies to the paint company!!!).
As I said before, the beans haven't been looking too flash in the heat but just look at them now!!! Complete with a huge grasshopper!!!!
Cucumbers and lettuce are really susceptible to dry weather and I have found it hard to get them to climb. They just seem to want to lie there and wait, no matter how many times I helped them to climb. The lettuce is doing OK though.
The fruit trees have not shown a great deal of stress, although the bananas have a lot more dead leaves than normal, but they are all growing well and hopefully will produce fruit this season. One lot that has really survived is the strawberry patch. They are covered in flower and are producing large, sweet fruit right now.
A couple of things I must do at the end of the season:
1. Give the passion fruit a haircut.
2. Replant strawberry suckers.
Hopefully that will ensure another good crop next year.
One good thing about the dry weather is that it helps to cut down on the numbers of snails trying to eat my veges!!!!!
No matter how diligent you are watering the garden in dry spells, nothing beats a good shower of rain. All of our vegetables and fruit trees, not to mention the flowers, have been showing distinct signs of heat stress even though they have been watered regularly. I planted out 60 odd chilli plants one evening and only 3 or 4 survived. So its back to the seed bed to grow some more. It is almost heart breaking to look down at the garden and see the beans, tomatoes and cucumbers bowing their heads in the heat. Then, miraculously, as the sun goes down, they spark up agin for the night to absorb what dew there may be in the air or drink in the water I provided for them.
But since the rain everything is starting to look like they really want to produce bumper crops. Maybe the dry made them push their roots further into the soil looking for moisture, but whatever it was, they are doing well now.
My wife Kay uses vegetables from our garden for all her cooking when they are available. Kay has started her own blog mainly about cooking and has included recipes for her delicious dishes. Some are in Malay, but most have English ingredients and methods. If you want to learn some luscious recipes go to: umikal.blogspot.com/ If you find a recipe that you like but it is in Malay, leave a message for Kay in her "COMMENTS" on her site and I'm sure that she will arrange for a translation for you.
I thought I had better take some pics this morning just to show how things are surviving. Even our potted stuff, which we put out every time it rains, is growing well.
The turmeric (or tumeric) in a pot is doing exceptionally well and we also have a couple of more plants throughout the garden, which are also looking up. It is amazing how herbs manage the dry weather. They just keep on keeping on (apologies to the paint company!!!).
As I said before, the beans haven't been looking too flash in the heat but just look at them now!!! Complete with a huge grasshopper!!!!
Cucumbers and lettuce are really susceptible to dry weather and I have found it hard to get them to climb. They just seem to want to lie there and wait, no matter how many times I helped them to climb. The lettuce is doing OK though.
 |
| Bananas |
 |
| Dragon Fruit |
 |
| Lemon Tree |
 |
| Tangelo |
 |
| Mango |
The fruit trees have not shown a great deal of stress, although the bananas have a lot more dead leaves than normal, but they are all growing well and hopefully will produce fruit this season. One lot that has really survived is the strawberry patch. They are covered in flower and are producing large, sweet fruit right now.
A couple of things I must do at the end of the season:
1. Give the passion fruit a haircut.
2. Replant strawberry suckers.
 |
| Peanuts and Corn |
One good thing about the dry weather is that it helps to cut down on the numbers of snails trying to eat my veges!!!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Do our "Oldies" Know When It's Time??
I believe so. Both my grandparents, who raised me from a toddler, knew when they had had enough of this world. I can still recall both instances as clearly as if it happened yesterday.
My grandmother was first to go. Nan was a pillar of strength and remained so until that fatal day. I can still picture her in her high-necked, long dresses with lace around the collar. She was a wonderful cook and, because I wouldn't eat enough which caused a mild case of malnutrition (which was my fault and my fault alone), Nan would cook and bake the most wonderful things to tempt me into eating. And Pop kept this going right up to the day he was taken to hospital.
The morning Nan died started as usual with breakfast and laughs around the kitchen table. I think I was about 6 at the time, but I can still remember that lovely smile that Nan had. After breakfast things got funny. Nan asked me to go back to bed, not in my own, but her and Pop's bed. She wound up the old record player with the huge brass horn and put on one of my favourites, which I think was a fairy tale or something. This is really the only thing that is not too clear. She then gave me my stamp album and asked me to study the world stamps, kissed me and said "See you soon Jim." Nan and Pop both called me Jim. She left the room and some time later I heard a lot of people coming and going, so I got up and went to the kitchen to have a sticky beak at what was happening. I reached the kitchen just as they carried Nan in. I still remember her "granny knickers" around her ankles and the grey look of her face. She had been in the outside toilet and had a heart attack. They told me later that she died instantly. I suppose I was too young at time for it to sink in completely, but all I remember was a great feeling of loss but I couldn't understand why. I was sent home to Mum and no-one tried to tell me what had happened. It wasn't until Pop sat down with me that evening and told me what had happened that I finally understood that Nan wouldn't be coming home. It was devastating to say the least.
Life went on with Pop being my principle carer, although I did spend a little time at home with Mum and the other kids, but apparently that didn't work out too well and I was soon back where I belonged - with Pop.
He was a giant of a man!! Well over 6 ft tall, in his 70's and not a grey hair in his full head of hair and not an ounce of fat on him.
I well remember him working in his garden, both vegetables and flowers. The garden at the back of our place wasn't big enough for everything he wanted to grow, so he was kindly allowed by our neighbour, Mrs White, to use a vacant plot at the rear of her place. We used to get there by climbing an old style over the fence. Pop grew everything possible!! From potatoes, tomatoes, beans, asparagus, artichokes, beetroot, cabbages, carrots, parsnips and everything else you could possibly grow in the Tasmanian climate. There were also heaps of grapes growing along the dividing fence and about a half dozen varieties of plums.
Pop also kept chooks and I still remember how many handfuls of wheat I used to feed them every now and then, when I was allowed. On Friday evenings I used to take the eggs that Pop had wrapped in threes in newspaper around the neighbourhood to sell. They were all regular customers so Pop knew how to wrap the eggs for each person.
On weekdays I can still remember Pop standing at the front gate watching me walk up the hill to go to school, and he was there also when I was coming home. I often wondered if he stood there all day!!!
Around Mother's Day, Pop would pick his wonderful chrysanthemums and I would also take them around to sell. On Mother's Day we always visited Nan at the cemetery and put white chrysanthemums on her grave. He would tell me then that that was where he would go soon!!!!
Every Saturday Pop would take me to the matinee at the pictures where I would swap comics with other kids there. Then, Saturday night, he would always cook me steak and vegetables for tea. Today I often wonder how he afforded all these things he spoilt me with on the old age pension.
The fatal day was on a Saturday. We got home from the pictures and had tea and he was just serving up bread and butter custard for dessert, (I have never eaten bread and butter custard since!!!), when he suddenly sat down on the settee in the kitchen and asked for a cup of hot water. When I got that for him he told me to run next door and get Mr Robinson, which I did. An ambulance arrived and he was whisked away to hospital, which was only about half a mile from home. I went to Mum's place and was not told anything at all about how Pop was.
On Sunday afternoon Mum took me to the hospital to see Pop and I can still see him lying in the bed with his feet raised. He asked Mum, "Poll. Cover my feet please. They are cold". They were covered all the time!!! When it was time to go Mum lifted me up to kiss Pop good-night, and he said "See you soon Jim", but didn't seem to want to let me go.
I was in the bath that night when Dad walked into the bathroom and said "He's gone son". I don't remember what really happened then, but Dad told me later that I put my head under the bath water and possibly tried to drown myself. I survived, even if broken hearted. I was 11 at the time.
A major part of life had gone with both Nan and Pop gone. Their deaths seemed to take everything out of my will to exist and it took a long time for me to accept that fact.
Mum stood with me at the top of Galvin Street to watch the funeral go along Wellington Street and then it seemed just like a bad dream and that I would walk into Pop and Nan's place and they would be there. BUT THEY WEREN'T!!! And I had to move back to Mum's house where I felt very uncomfortable for a long time. That's why I joined the Navy at age 15.
Life must go on but I often think back on those days and hope that I will have the courage to face death with dignity when my time comes, just like my dearest and beloved best friends did - Nan and Pop.
My grandmother was first to go. Nan was a pillar of strength and remained so until that fatal day. I can still picture her in her high-necked, long dresses with lace around the collar. She was a wonderful cook and, because I wouldn't eat enough which caused a mild case of malnutrition (which was my fault and my fault alone), Nan would cook and bake the most wonderful things to tempt me into eating. And Pop kept this going right up to the day he was taken to hospital.
The morning Nan died started as usual with breakfast and laughs around the kitchen table. I think I was about 6 at the time, but I can still remember that lovely smile that Nan had. After breakfast things got funny. Nan asked me to go back to bed, not in my own, but her and Pop's bed. She wound up the old record player with the huge brass horn and put on one of my favourites, which I think was a fairy tale or something. This is really the only thing that is not too clear. She then gave me my stamp album and asked me to study the world stamps, kissed me and said "See you soon Jim." Nan and Pop both called me Jim. She left the room and some time later I heard a lot of people coming and going, so I got up and went to the kitchen to have a sticky beak at what was happening. I reached the kitchen just as they carried Nan in. I still remember her "granny knickers" around her ankles and the grey look of her face. She had been in the outside toilet and had a heart attack. They told me later that she died instantly. I suppose I was too young at time for it to sink in completely, but all I remember was a great feeling of loss but I couldn't understand why. I was sent home to Mum and no-one tried to tell me what had happened. It wasn't until Pop sat down with me that evening and told me what had happened that I finally understood that Nan wouldn't be coming home. It was devastating to say the least.
Life went on with Pop being my principle carer, although I did spend a little time at home with Mum and the other kids, but apparently that didn't work out too well and I was soon back where I belonged - with Pop.
He was a giant of a man!! Well over 6 ft tall, in his 70's and not a grey hair in his full head of hair and not an ounce of fat on him.
I well remember him working in his garden, both vegetables and flowers. The garden at the back of our place wasn't big enough for everything he wanted to grow, so he was kindly allowed by our neighbour, Mrs White, to use a vacant plot at the rear of her place. We used to get there by climbing an old style over the fence. Pop grew everything possible!! From potatoes, tomatoes, beans, asparagus, artichokes, beetroot, cabbages, carrots, parsnips and everything else you could possibly grow in the Tasmanian climate. There were also heaps of grapes growing along the dividing fence and about a half dozen varieties of plums.
Pop also kept chooks and I still remember how many handfuls of wheat I used to feed them every now and then, when I was allowed. On Friday evenings I used to take the eggs that Pop had wrapped in threes in newspaper around the neighbourhood to sell. They were all regular customers so Pop knew how to wrap the eggs for each person.
On weekdays I can still remember Pop standing at the front gate watching me walk up the hill to go to school, and he was there also when I was coming home. I often wondered if he stood there all day!!!
Around Mother's Day, Pop would pick his wonderful chrysanthemums and I would also take them around to sell. On Mother's Day we always visited Nan at the cemetery and put white chrysanthemums on her grave. He would tell me then that that was where he would go soon!!!!
Every Saturday Pop would take me to the matinee at the pictures where I would swap comics with other kids there. Then, Saturday night, he would always cook me steak and vegetables for tea. Today I often wonder how he afforded all these things he spoilt me with on the old age pension.
The fatal day was on a Saturday. We got home from the pictures and had tea and he was just serving up bread and butter custard for dessert, (I have never eaten bread and butter custard since!!!), when he suddenly sat down on the settee in the kitchen and asked for a cup of hot water. When I got that for him he told me to run next door and get Mr Robinson, which I did. An ambulance arrived and he was whisked away to hospital, which was only about half a mile from home. I went to Mum's place and was not told anything at all about how Pop was.
On Sunday afternoon Mum took me to the hospital to see Pop and I can still see him lying in the bed with his feet raised. He asked Mum, "Poll. Cover my feet please. They are cold". They were covered all the time!!! When it was time to go Mum lifted me up to kiss Pop good-night, and he said "See you soon Jim", but didn't seem to want to let me go.
I was in the bath that night when Dad walked into the bathroom and said "He's gone son". I don't remember what really happened then, but Dad told me later that I put my head under the bath water and possibly tried to drown myself. I survived, even if broken hearted. I was 11 at the time.
A major part of life had gone with both Nan and Pop gone. Their deaths seemed to take everything out of my will to exist and it took a long time for me to accept that fact.
Mum stood with me at the top of Galvin Street to watch the funeral go along Wellington Street and then it seemed just like a bad dream and that I would walk into Pop and Nan's place and they would be there. BUT THEY WEREN'T!!! And I had to move back to Mum's house where I felt very uncomfortable for a long time. That's why I joined the Navy at age 15.
Life must go on but I often think back on those days and hope that I will have the courage to face death with dignity when my time comes, just like my dearest and beloved best friends did - Nan and Pop.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Passionfruit Year 2
Our passionfruit (or passion fruit, depending where you come from) is thriving!!! This is its second year and I thought that I was lucky to have somewhere between 80 and 100 fruit last time. The vines have grown immensely and after showing some buds for a week or more, have finally exploded into bloom. The flower only lasts for one day, and then is enclosed again by petals and the fruit develops.
Check out these "before and after" shots of our vines.
This was the passionfruit vines just before they started to produce flowers towards the end of last year, and now they are producing again. It is hard to imagine that in a few months, these two plants provided us with nearly 100 passionfruit!!!
Now!!!! This is the same plant at the moment. Flowers have just begun to appear and then enclose themselves, producing those luscious, purple tropical passionfruit. Can't wait to try them fresh off the vine, although we still have a huge supply in the freezer from the last crop. But, I suppose we will use them over the summer.
Thanks to Paghat's Garden, I can explain briefly how passionfruit got its name. I had known all along that the cross in the centre of the flower depicted the crucifixion of Jesus, but the following explanation goes into a bit more depth. If you want to read more on this subject go to www.paghat.com/passiflorasymbolism.html.
This is very good reading and explains several aspects of the naming of the passionfruit.
"The five petals & five sepals are ten apostles, leaving out Judas the betrayer & Peter because he denied knowing Jesus. The purple carolla Bosio reportedly had seventy-two filaments, the number of thorns in Jesus's crown. The three pistil stigmas are nails. The five stamens are the number of wounds, so that to this day, Catholics in South & Central America call it "The Flower of the Five Wounds." The leaf represents the spear that placed the wound in Jesus's side. The dark spots under the leaves are the 33 pieces of silver paid to Judas. When the flowers are spent after a single day (the time Jesus spent on the cross), the petals do not drop from the vine but re-close over the ovary, & this symbolises the Hidden Wisdom that constitutes the Mysteries of the Cross, and is like Jesus enclosed in the tomb."
The reference to the petals not dropping but close to protect the developing fruit can be seen clearly in the pic below. Also, you will be able to understand references to parts of the flower from the above explanation.
Even though it is a very beautiful flower and produces wonderful fruit, I never cease to be mazed at the beauty and simplicity of the flower. I think that also the whole plant deserves to be recognised as one of Nature's Wonders.
Three cheers for the passionfruit!!!! Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Penny Has Finally Dropped
I don't know whether I am slow, doddery, in the throes of Alzheimer's or just plain thick, but for ages I have enjoyed having a smoke in the outside entertainment area where I often get ideas for a blog. This is where the problem started.
I would consider at length a subject for a blog and then, when it was time to go inside and write it, I had forgotten what I was going to write about!!! Frustration and feelings of inadequacy to say the least.
So, last night I had this great idea for a blog and went inside and promptly forgot what I had decided on!! Then it all came to me like a great flash of light from the great beyond ........
Why not use my mini laptop outside to write as I think of it?? I told Kay and she said that it was a great idea and asked why I hadn't thought of it before!!! Very sensible woman, my wife. My laptop has been in retirement for quite a while. I had even removed the battery to save any damage as I didn't think I would be using it too much, if at all, for some time.
So now the laptop has been reinstated as a working tool and I can write to my heart's content in the open, fresh air and enjoy my smokes as well???
Talking of smoking, my doctor often has a shot at me for smoking. Mainly because I now smoke roll-your-own smokes and they create an awful yellow nicotine stain on your fingers and he used to point that out. So I have invested in a cigarette holder and have cut out the staining for good. I can now smoke with the holder clenched between my teeth and type TWO HANDED!!!! Miracle of miracles.
I think that maybe I could be mistaken for one of those great authors like Hemingway sitting in his own little bit of Paradise writing with his own cigarette holder clenched in his teeth and thinking of those millions he would receive from sales of his book. But, woe and alas, I don't really have the imagination to write a best seller, although I have dabbled in writing a novel.
I have written the basis of several chapters of a book of fiction loosely based on my escapades when I was in the Navy, but I'm sort of stuck as I have vague memories of actions and escapades but nothing really concrete enough to put on paper. One day they may all come back to me and I can write some more. Maybe having the laptop outside could be the inspiration I need.
One thing I do regret with this small laptop is that it isn't big enough to install my music writing programme. If I could put it on here I could also finish writing my march.
Well I think that's enough rambling for my first outdoor blog. I think that maybe I will become a bit more "prolific" in the future now that I can write my thoughts down before I forget them!!!!!
I would consider at length a subject for a blog and then, when it was time to go inside and write it, I had forgotten what I was going to write about!!! Frustration and feelings of inadequacy to say the least.
So, last night I had this great idea for a blog and went inside and promptly forgot what I had decided on!! Then it all came to me like a great flash of light from the great beyond ........
Why not use my mini laptop outside to write as I think of it?? I told Kay and she said that it was a great idea and asked why I hadn't thought of it before!!! Very sensible woman, my wife. My laptop has been in retirement for quite a while. I had even removed the battery to save any damage as I didn't think I would be using it too much, if at all, for some time.
So now the laptop has been reinstated as a working tool and I can write to my heart's content in the open, fresh air and enjoy my smokes as well???
Talking of smoking, my doctor often has a shot at me for smoking. Mainly because I now smoke roll-your-own smokes and they create an awful yellow nicotine stain on your fingers and he used to point that out. So I have invested in a cigarette holder and have cut out the staining for good. I can now smoke with the holder clenched between my teeth and type TWO HANDED!!!! Miracle of miracles.
I think that maybe I could be mistaken for one of those great authors like Hemingway sitting in his own little bit of Paradise writing with his own cigarette holder clenched in his teeth and thinking of those millions he would receive from sales of his book. But, woe and alas, I don't really have the imagination to write a best seller, although I have dabbled in writing a novel.
I have written the basis of several chapters of a book of fiction loosely based on my escapades when I was in the Navy, but I'm sort of stuck as I have vague memories of actions and escapades but nothing really concrete enough to put on paper. One day they may all come back to me and I can write some more. Maybe having the laptop outside could be the inspiration I need.
One thing I do regret with this small laptop is that it isn't big enough to install my music writing programme. If I could put it on here I could also finish writing my march.
Well I think that's enough rambling for my first outdoor blog. I think that maybe I will become a bit more "prolific" in the future now that I can write my thoughts down before I forget them!!!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Mao Tse Tung Time
Last time I wrote it was barbie time. Now its Mao Tse Tung time. More on that later.
Kay was cooking a lovely meat dish for lunch today and I happened to go out for a smoke. It was about 30 C or 83 F outside at lunch time. I was shocked to see about 37, 853 flies (give or take a couple) buzzing around the fly wire of the kitchen window. I don't usually waste fly spray on the odd fly or two, but rather use my trusty $1 fly swat. But today I had to spray or I would have ended up with a very bad case of RSI using the swat.
There was every kind of fly you could imagine - the small pests of house flies, green marsh flies (which give a nasty bite) and big, noisy, black blow flies and everything in between. I don't know where they came from, but I was satisfied when I saw most of them writhing in death throes on the concrete.
Now, for the reference to Mao Tse Tung!!
During his rule in China he published an edict that EVERY person was to kill and collect 20 flies every day!!! They then had to take them to the village counting area where they were counted and the persons name "ticked off" on the register. If they didn't make the quota, they were penalised in some way such as reduction in their rice ration (or so I have been told). In rice growing areas they had to kill 2 swallows every day as they were destroying the rice crops.
I believe that it was a very successful project and the fly population was drastically reduced. Its a shame that it didn't continue and that more populated areas didn't begin something similar but without penalties, maybe even a small reward??? And ........... Why did Noah allow them on the ark in the first place, and where did he keep them????? Food for thought!!!!
As far as my Mao Tse Tung actions - I try to get 20 flies with my trusty swat each day before breakfast and so far I have been mostly successful.
It may seem trifling, but I do enjoy the short respite without flies buzzing around me while I have my cup of tea. When they come back I start again!!!
Kay was cooking a lovely meat dish for lunch today and I happened to go out for a smoke. It was about 30 C or 83 F outside at lunch time. I was shocked to see about 37, 853 flies (give or take a couple) buzzing around the fly wire of the kitchen window. I don't usually waste fly spray on the odd fly or two, but rather use my trusty $1 fly swat. But today I had to spray or I would have ended up with a very bad case of RSI using the swat.
There was every kind of fly you could imagine - the small pests of house flies, green marsh flies (which give a nasty bite) and big, noisy, black blow flies and everything in between. I don't know where they came from, but I was satisfied when I saw most of them writhing in death throes on the concrete.
Now, for the reference to Mao Tse Tung!!
During his rule in China he published an edict that EVERY person was to kill and collect 20 flies every day!!! They then had to take them to the village counting area where they were counted and the persons name "ticked off" on the register. If they didn't make the quota, they were penalised in some way such as reduction in their rice ration (or so I have been told). In rice growing areas they had to kill 2 swallows every day as they were destroying the rice crops.
I believe that it was a very successful project and the fly population was drastically reduced. Its a shame that it didn't continue and that more populated areas didn't begin something similar but without penalties, maybe even a small reward??? And ........... Why did Noah allow them on the ark in the first place, and where did he keep them????? Food for thought!!!!
As far as my Mao Tse Tung actions - I try to get 20 flies with my trusty swat each day before breakfast and so far I have been mostly successful.
It may seem trifling, but I do enjoy the short respite without flies buzzing around me while I have my cup of tea. When they come back I start again!!!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Barbie Time Is Here!!!
Well it certainly seems that bar-b-q time has arrived in sunny Queensland, even though it is deemed to be "storm season". The weather does what it does best here --- one day beautiful and the next day WIND AND RAIN!!! You all thought I was going to say PERFECT, weren't you???
It was great to have friends around for the afternoon on Sunday. I flashed the barbie up and the kids took over. So I just sat back chatting with my mate Brian and sinking a couple of cold XXXX Goldies.
Zarina had a bit of a scare on yesterday and was rushed to hospital, but fortunately, she is now well on the way to recovery. We are all thinking of you love.
Mariam and Adzlan did most of the cooking on the barbie and we feasted on fried chicken, bar-b-q chicken and barbied 2 inch thick tuna steaks. A feast fit for a king.
These two girls did a lot of the preparation inside after they arrived at home. The care they took in making the fruit and vegetables look so inviting was phenomenal. Well done girls. You are welcome in the kitchen any time.
Kay worked from about 8 am preparing the inside-cooked meals and preparing the meats for the barbie as well (except the tuna, which was Adzlan and my job). You can always count on a feast when Kay decides to entertain and I don' utter one word of complaint. Its almost like being back in Malaysia. Everything is so authentic.
I also did my bit during the morning by cutting up the chickens but I mainly spent my time outside tidying up so the place looked presentable.
So, just to finish, I would like to recommend to you that if you get an invite from Kay, please don't turn it down because you will regret it when you hear what was laid on!!!!
Those who didn't come or couldn't, EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!!!!!
It was great to have friends around for the afternoon on Sunday. I flashed the barbie up and the kids took over. So I just sat back chatting with my mate Brian and sinking a couple of cold XXXX Goldies.
 | ||||
| Zarina and Brian |
 | |
| Mariam and Adzlan |
 |
| Mimi and Aina |
 |
| My hard working wife Kay |
I also did my bit during the morning by cutting up the chickens but I mainly spent my time outside tidying up so the place looked presentable.
So, just to finish, I would like to recommend to you that if you get an invite from Kay, please don't turn it down because you will regret it when you hear what was laid on!!!!
Those who didn't come or couldn't, EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!!!!!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Nursery Rhymes
When my daughter was in kindergarten, I had only recently been discharged from the Navy. As you would know, sailors have a very bad habit of changing words and phrases to suit their needs. It so happened when Katrina was learning nursery rhymes. I sort of taught her the rhymes we used to say in the boozer (ship's bar) to help pass the time.
Unfortunately, she recited them at kindergarten and told the other kids that they were saying the wrong words. Consequently, I received a "request" from her teacher to "refrain from teaching Katrina sea shanty style nursery rhymes".
So I thought that seeing that it has been a time since my last entry, I would regale you with some old and bold sailors' nursery rhymes.
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
And a bloody great onion right in the middle!!
Little Jack Horner sat in the corner
Eating his Christmas pie.
He put in his thumb
And pulled out a bicycle and said
"Whoa. How did Santa fit that in there."
Little Boy Blue come blow your trumpet
If the sheep don't like it
They can bloody well lump it.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses
And all the King's men
Had scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Little Miss Muffett
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey.
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And she said "Piss off hairy legs".
So as you can see from this smattering of rhymes, I could not have possibly been popular with the teacher!!
Be back in a while with more glittering repartee for your enjoyment.
Unfortunately, she recited them at kindergarten and told the other kids that they were saying the wrong words. Consequently, I received a "request" from her teacher to "refrain from teaching Katrina sea shanty style nursery rhymes".
So I thought that seeing that it has been a time since my last entry, I would regale you with some old and bold sailors' nursery rhymes.
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells,
And a bloody great onion right in the middle!!
Little Jack Horner sat in the corner
Eating his Christmas pie.
He put in his thumb
And pulled out a bicycle and said
"Whoa. How did Santa fit that in there."
Little Boy Blue come blow your trumpet
If the sheep don't like it
They can bloody well lump it.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses
And all the King's men
Had scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Little Miss Muffett
Sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey.
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And she said "Piss off hairy legs".
So as you can see from this smattering of rhymes, I could not have possibly been popular with the teacher!!
Be back in a while with more glittering repartee for your enjoyment.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Cocka-Bloody-Toos
I enjoy watching and listening to the birds that flock around our house each morning. From the tiny wrens to Willie Wagtails to parrots of every imaginable colour to the noisy Indian minas. And of course the handsome cockatoos.
There has been one cockatoo in particular that has been hanging around for a week or two. He (or she) sits on the fence or in a tree and carries on a conversation with no one in particular. I have enjoyed immensely the bravado of this bird as nothing seemed to annoy it except me trying to get close to it.
That was until this morning ..............
I was reading the paper and the cockatoo, as usual, perched on the fence and began to sidle along, getting closer to me in the covered entertainment area. It reached the passionfruit vines and hopped onto the covering foliage and then, without any delay, ducked its head into the foliage and came back up with a very ripe passionfruit in its beak!!!!!
So much for my envisaged friendship with this bird!!!!
It is nothing but an opportunistic THIEF!!!!
There has been one cockatoo in particular that has been hanging around for a week or two. He (or she) sits on the fence or in a tree and carries on a conversation with no one in particular. I have enjoyed immensely the bravado of this bird as nothing seemed to annoy it except me trying to get close to it.
That was until this morning ..............
I was reading the paper and the cockatoo, as usual, perched on the fence and began to sidle along, getting closer to me in the covered entertainment area. It reached the passionfruit vines and hopped onto the covering foliage and then, without any delay, ducked its head into the foliage and came back up with a very ripe passionfruit in its beak!!!!!
So much for my envisaged friendship with this bird!!!!
It is nothing but an opportunistic THIEF!!!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
OUT OF THE DOLDRUMS
At long last I can see clearly now. That seems like maybe a good name for a song!!!! I seem to have spent so long down in the dumps and very confused with myself because of this dreaded PTSD. I finally got jack of it and spent quite a session with my doctor. He proposed that I see a counsellor to see if that would help. And, lo and behold, after several sessions I feel as if a great load has been lifted from me.
I have had counselling before and that was when I was finally diagnosed with PTSD. I went to the VVCS or Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service (now known as Veterans and Veterans' Family Counselling Service). The people there are absolutely wonderful. They have been trained specifically for dealing with veterans and their inherent problems rising from war service. This time I went back to them and the counsellor I am now seeing is ex-Army and ex-Police Force (or should I say Police Service???) so he knows where I'm coming from. He didn't see active service but dealt with a lot of bad stuff while in the Police.
He showed me how to control my temper and mood swings by breathing. This brought on another problem of sorts. When I was studying for my teaching papers, I developed a series of breathing exercises to allow instrumentalists and vocalists control their breathing, which seems to have been very successful as some of my ex-students still use the process. Anyhow, while doing the relaxation breathing, I found I was falling into my own exercises and that seemed to increase the value of what I was doing. The counsellor seemed quite pleased with that although I thought maybe it would be wrong.
He also encouraged me to get back into things I used to do, so, after a couple of sessions I got up the courage to go to the RSL and volunteer myself for anything that I could do to help them. It seems that at the moment they don't have much going on, so I will just wait until they need me. But at least I have made a start.
Another thing he encouraged me to do was to get interested in music again. I composed a march while I was studying in 1982 and I have barely looked at it since, until now. I am in the process of re-writing it and I have found that it is an enjoyable pastime. Of course I don't have the skills on hand as I had in 1982, but they are coming back bit by bit.
I have been lucky to find a music writing programme on-line for a reasonable price, so I can now write music and listen to the results, which sometimes are horrendous, but usually easily fixed. It seems that my ear for notes is still with me to a certain degree. One day I might even find a concert band to play it. The local RSL has a Youth Band, so maybe they might be approachable. I have spoken to the bandmaster and explained to him that I wanted to volunteer my services somewhere, and when he found out my musical history, he sort of hinted that maybe, just maybe, I could stand in for him as conductor when he wasn't available. Now that is something that I could do pretty well!!!!
I have also been told by my doc that physiotherapy is a must. So I have been for the first assessment visit and see him again tomorrow week for the first agony session. The physio was quite amazed that I hadn't been referred to a specialist of some kind like a neurologist or surgeon when I first injured my leg. Maybe that could be on the agenda too.
So much going on and so little space to write about it. I will keep you informed as to how I progress with everything as time goes on. So, until the next time, just please be glad for me and my little success in recovery.
I have had counselling before and that was when I was finally diagnosed with PTSD. I went to the VVCS or Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service (now known as Veterans and Veterans' Family Counselling Service). The people there are absolutely wonderful. They have been trained specifically for dealing with veterans and their inherent problems rising from war service. This time I went back to them and the counsellor I am now seeing is ex-Army and ex-Police Force (or should I say Police Service???) so he knows where I'm coming from. He didn't see active service but dealt with a lot of bad stuff while in the Police.
He showed me how to control my temper and mood swings by breathing. This brought on another problem of sorts. When I was studying for my teaching papers, I developed a series of breathing exercises to allow instrumentalists and vocalists control their breathing, which seems to have been very successful as some of my ex-students still use the process. Anyhow, while doing the relaxation breathing, I found I was falling into my own exercises and that seemed to increase the value of what I was doing. The counsellor seemed quite pleased with that although I thought maybe it would be wrong.
He also encouraged me to get back into things I used to do, so, after a couple of sessions I got up the courage to go to the RSL and volunteer myself for anything that I could do to help them. It seems that at the moment they don't have much going on, so I will just wait until they need me. But at least I have made a start.
Another thing he encouraged me to do was to get interested in music again. I composed a march while I was studying in 1982 and I have barely looked at it since, until now. I am in the process of re-writing it and I have found that it is an enjoyable pastime. Of course I don't have the skills on hand as I had in 1982, but they are coming back bit by bit.
I have been lucky to find a music writing programme on-line for a reasonable price, so I can now write music and listen to the results, which sometimes are horrendous, but usually easily fixed. It seems that my ear for notes is still with me to a certain degree. One day I might even find a concert band to play it. The local RSL has a Youth Band, so maybe they might be approachable. I have spoken to the bandmaster and explained to him that I wanted to volunteer my services somewhere, and when he found out my musical history, he sort of hinted that maybe, just maybe, I could stand in for him as conductor when he wasn't available. Now that is something that I could do pretty well!!!!
I have also been told by my doc that physiotherapy is a must. So I have been for the first assessment visit and see him again tomorrow week for the first agony session. The physio was quite amazed that I hadn't been referred to a specialist of some kind like a neurologist or surgeon when I first injured my leg. Maybe that could be on the agenda too.
So much going on and so little space to write about it. I will keep you informed as to how I progress with everything as time goes on. So, until the next time, just please be glad for me and my little success in recovery.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Want More Trivia???
Some from around the world
During his or her lifetime, the average human will grow 590 miles of hair. (And I'm struggling to keep my one and a half inches of what's left of my hair)
The average Human bladder can hold 13 ounces of liquid.
You lose enough dead skin cells in your lifetime to fill eight five-pound flour bags.
Your thumb is the same length as your nose.
The storage capacity of human brain exceeds 4 Terabytes
Now from Australia
The original fifty cent piece in Australian decimal currency had around $2.00 worth of silver in it before it was replaced with a less expensive twelve sided coin.
That's about it for your trivia fix this time. Keep watching for more to come. And don't forget to read my previous blog about Googie Withers.
Beer is made by fermentation cause by bacteria feeding on yeast cells and then defecating. In other words, it's a nice tall glass of bacteria doo-doo. (Well... I didn't know that. Maybe if I had known I wouldn't have got to like it so much!!!!)
There are more psycho-analysts per capita in Buenos Aires than any other place in the world.
Newfoundland's time zone is half an hour off of all the others. So are Iran's, bits of India's, Afghanistan's, Burma's, and Nauru's.(And some other islands. Like Australia.)
The first man to distill bourbon whiskey in the United States was a Baptist preacher, in 1789.
The ancient Egyptians recommended mixing half an onion with beer foam as a way of warding off death. (That concoction would kill you anyhow)
The Chinese, in olden days, used marijuana only as a remedy for dysentery. (Almost give you the shits, wouldn't it??)
The average Human bladder can hold 13 ounces of liquid.
You lose enough dead skin cells in your lifetime to fill eight five-pound flour bags.
Your thumb is the same length as your nose.
The storage capacity of human brain exceeds 4 Terabytes
Now from Australia
The original fifty cent piece in Australian decimal currency had around $2.00 worth of silver in it before it was replaced with a less expensive twelve sided coin.
In 1940 the Fauldings pharmaceutical company developed Zinc Cream, the iconic white sun block made from zinc oxide. (Now authorities are warning Australians that by using sun block you have successfully blocked out the life-giving vitamin D from sunlight. Can't win can we??)
Bats always turn left when leaving a cave.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is over 8 kilometres in circumference.
More than 85% of Australians live within 50 km of the coast.
In a lifetime the average Australian will consume half a tonne of cheese, eight tonnes of fruit and ten tonnes of vegetables. (The never mention beer in these HEALTHY stats)
The name "Australia" is derived from the Latin "australis" meaning "southern".
The hottest day in Australian history was in Oodnadatta, South Australia, on the 2nd of January 1960. It was 50.7 degrees Celsius.
Australia's coastline stretches almost 50,000 kilometres.
Australia has the greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species.
Australia has an average of three people per square kilometre, making it one of the lowest population densities in the world.
The explorer ship, Endeavour, Captained by Captain James Cook, was originally designed to haul coal.
The 'dingo fence' in Australia is the longest fence in the world. It is about twice as long as the Great Wall of China.
The first telephone exchange opened in Melbourne with less than 45 customers.
The first radio station in Australia was known as 2SB, broadcasting out of Sydney in 1923.
Kalgoorlie in Western Australia embraces the world's largest political electorate, covering a mammoth 2.2 million square kilometres.
That's about it for your trivia fix this time. Keep watching for more to come. And don't forget to read my previous blog about Googie Withers.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Googie Withers
News has arrived that the great actress Googie Withers has passed away.
She was a wonderful actress and I remember seeing her in many films in my younger days although she sort of disappeared from our screens in the 70's I think.
Another thing I remember from that time was the advice given to young men aspiring for an acting career:
"If you want to be an instant movie star, sit in a cold bath of water until your googie withers!!!!!!"
She was a wonderful actress and I remember seeing her in many films in my younger days although she sort of disappeared from our screens in the 70's I think.
Another thing I remember from that time was the advice given to young men aspiring for an acting career:
"If you want to be an instant movie star, sit in a cold bath of water until your googie withers!!!!!!"
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The "Last Post" Discussion
There seems to be a lot of confusion about whether the American bugle call "Taps" was ever called the "Last Post". I am not an expert in this subject, but to my knowledge, Taps has never been referred to as the "Last Post".
Having spent 9 years as a trumpet player in the Navy, I did my fair share of bugling duties (which were also referred to as "BUNGLING" duties, depending on the ability of the bugler or bungler), and I also carried on that tradition for many years after my discharge in civilian life providing the bugle calls for ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Ex-Service Days and funerals.
The Duty Bugler was detailed as duty for one week at a time in HMAS Cerberus and there were usually 4 or 5 of us on call, so we only had to look forward to a week of long days with early mornings. The day started with "Wakey Wakey" at 0530 for Recruit School and 0600 for the rest of the establishment. The usual routine for the day was then in motion with "Colours" at 0800 when it was wet weather, otherwise a band and guard would play for "Colours". Also, the bugler would play "Colours" on weekends. "Stand Easy" morning and afternoon, "Secure" and "hands to Dinner" at 1200. At 1300 the Ship's Company mustered for the "March Down" to individual schools for afternoon training. "Secure" again at 1600 followed by "Men Under Punishment" and Libertymen". "Hands to Supper" at 1800, then "Sunset" at the specified time and then the always dreaded "Rounds" at 1900 where the Duty Lieutenant Commander (DLC) would inspect the accommodation blocks in company with the Duty Chief Petty Officer, Duty Petty Officer and bugler who sounded the "G" as we progressed to alert the masses that we were nearing your area.
Just to top the day off the last two bugle calls were "First Post" at 2040 and "Last Post" at 2100.
Now!!!! This is where the contention begins!!!!!
The melody of the "last Post has been attributed to Josef Haydn. It was reportedly written by him in the late 1700's to align all the British Military and Navy bugle calls. The call comes from a Dutch custom called "Taptoe" thus the phrase Military TATTOO was derived from this term. Taptoe originated by signalling the turning off of beer taps at the end of the day and it is quite feasible that the American "Taps" derived its name from this practice.
The Dutch bugle call "Taptoesignaal" is used for remembrance events, as is the "Last Post", but it is not the same tune as the "Last Post" and neither of these calls are to be confused with American "Taps", which has a different tune and origin. "Taps" has been used by the U.S. Army since 1862 and has never been referred to as the "Last Post". The term "Last Post" is exclusively British.
During my time in the Royal Australian Navy I had the honour of meeting and playing with many U.S. military bands. Being the inquisitive one that I am, I asked the question concerning the use of the term "Last Post" as an alternative to "Taps", and, Lo and Behold!!! None had ever heard of it referred to as the "Last Post".
End of discussion!!!!!!
Having spent 9 years as a trumpet player in the Navy, I did my fair share of bugling duties (which were also referred to as "BUNGLING" duties, depending on the ability of the bugler or bungler), and I also carried on that tradition for many years after my discharge in civilian life providing the bugle calls for ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Ex-Service Days and funerals.
The Duty Bugler was detailed as duty for one week at a time in HMAS Cerberus and there were usually 4 or 5 of us on call, so we only had to look forward to a week of long days with early mornings. The day started with "Wakey Wakey" at 0530 for Recruit School and 0600 for the rest of the establishment. The usual routine for the day was then in motion with "Colours" at 0800 when it was wet weather, otherwise a band and guard would play for "Colours". Also, the bugler would play "Colours" on weekends. "Stand Easy" morning and afternoon, "Secure" and "hands to Dinner" at 1200. At 1300 the Ship's Company mustered for the "March Down" to individual schools for afternoon training. "Secure" again at 1600 followed by "Men Under Punishment" and Libertymen". "Hands to Supper" at 1800, then "Sunset" at the specified time and then the always dreaded "Rounds" at 1900 where the Duty Lieutenant Commander (DLC) would inspect the accommodation blocks in company with the Duty Chief Petty Officer, Duty Petty Officer and bugler who sounded the "G" as we progressed to alert the masses that we were nearing your area.
Just to top the day off the last two bugle calls were "First Post" at 2040 and "Last Post" at 2100.
Now!!!! This is where the contention begins!!!!!
The melody of the "last Post has been attributed to Josef Haydn. It was reportedly written by him in the late 1700's to align all the British Military and Navy bugle calls. The call comes from a Dutch custom called "Taptoe" thus the phrase Military TATTOO was derived from this term. Taptoe originated by signalling the turning off of beer taps at the end of the day and it is quite feasible that the American "Taps" derived its name from this practice.
The Dutch bugle call "Taptoesignaal" is used for remembrance events, as is the "Last Post", but it is not the same tune as the "Last Post" and neither of these calls are to be confused with American "Taps", which has a different tune and origin. "Taps" has been used by the U.S. Army since 1862 and has never been referred to as the "Last Post". The term "Last Post" is exclusively British.
During my time in the Royal Australian Navy I had the honour of meeting and playing with many U.S. military bands. Being the inquisitive one that I am, I asked the question concerning the use of the term "Last Post" as an alternative to "Taps", and, Lo and Behold!!! None had ever heard of it referred to as the "Last Post".
End of discussion!!!!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Trivia - Continuation 1
Well, I have researched the subject quite extensively and I have found a treasure trove of "Useless Facts" of which I have selected a few to get your minds working, and maybe you may even find some of them a bit obvious or even "funny". But it doesn't matter what you think of them, the important thing is that maybe you will remember some of them and use them to amaze someone over a beer or two!!!
So, here we go. Some of them I have added my own thoughts to, but mainly I will let you just read and enjoy...
A Hawaiian stamp of 1851 with a face value of 2 cents was the sole reason Gaston Leroux, a Parisian philatelist, murdered its owner, Hector Giroux.
Lawsuits filed by California inmates cost the taxpayers more than $25 million in 1994.
Archduke Karl Ludwig (1833-1896), brother of the Austrian emperor, was a man of such piety that on a trip to the Holy Land, he insisted on drinking from the River Jordan, despite warnings that it would make him fatally ill. He died within a few weeks.
The Ritz cracker was introduced to markets in 1934, but gourmets had to wait until 1953 for the invention of cheese in a can.
The fortune cookie was invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodle maker. And the Dim Sim was invented by a Chinese restaurant owner in Melbourne in the 1950's.
So, here we go. Some of them I have added my own thoughts to, but mainly I will let you just read and enjoy...
A Hawaiian stamp of 1851 with a face value of 2 cents was the sole reason Gaston Leroux, a Parisian philatelist, murdered its owner, Hector Giroux.
Lawsuits filed by California inmates cost the taxpayers more than $25 million in 1994.
Archduke Karl Ludwig (1833-1896), brother of the Austrian emperor, was a man of such piety that on a trip to the Holy Land, he insisted on drinking from the River Jordan, despite warnings that it would make him fatally ill. He died within a few weeks.
If you would like to make a Siberian happy, give him a horse-meat steak.
The fortune cookie was invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodle maker. And the Dim Sim was invented by a Chinese restaurant owner in Melbourne in the 1950's.
An apple, onion, and potato all have the same taste. The differences in flavor are caused by their smell. To prove this - pinch your nose and take a bite from each. They will all taste sweet. (Are you really game to try this??)
There are more than 200 kinds of chili peppers, none of which belong to the pepper family.
In Bavaria, beer isn't considered an alcoholic drink but rather a staple food. (Now they have the right idea!!!)
And here are some good old Australian useless facts ...
Lake Cadibarrawirracannais a salt lake in central South Australia. It is located in the northeastern portion of the Woomera Prohibited Area, east of the Stuart Highway. Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, meaning "Stars dancing on water", is the second longest official place name in Australia. (Try and pronounce that and not get a twist in your tongue).
Mamungkukumpurangkuntjunya Hill in South Australia is the longest official place name in Australia and means "Where the devil urinates". (This one is worse, but I like the translation better!!!)
The first Sub Branch of the Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia was started in Launceston, Tasmania in May 1980. (Previously, Vietnam Veterans could only join the South East Asian Veterans' Association).
The first car radio was fitted to an Australian car built by Kelly Motors in NSW in 1924.
Per capita, Australians read more newspapers than any other nation.
The world's first electric drill was patented by Arthur Arnot while he was an employee of the Union Electric Company in Melbourne in 1889.
In 1992 the world's first multi-focal contact lens was invented by optical research scientist Stephen Newman in Queensland.
So there is a taste of my sometimes passion. I will bring you more over time, so keep looking in and mostly, just enjoy.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Trivia
What is trivia???
Some say it is useless facts or just something to prove that you are more intelligent than the next person.
I believe that trivia is a very important part of gaining and retaining knowledge. To some it may seem "trivial", but you must admit that trivia is interesting.
Let me give you a couple of trivial quotes. Some will say that they are not true, but I would like to think that they are actual statements.
The first I would like to share is a quote by Winston Churchill. It is reported that he was attending a function well before he became British Prime Minister and was quite drunk at the time. He was approached by an "upper-class" woman who said to him: "My God Sir, but your are very drunk." He replied: "Maybe so Madam, but you are very ugly and I will be sober tomorrow." I suppose it didn't really put him in good standing with the hoy-polloy of the time, but I also think that it wouldn't really worry him either.
It has also been told that, during World War I in the trenches, a high-ranking "toffee-nosed" General, or some such rank, ventured into the Australian Diggers' lines and fronted up to a young bloke. He asked the Digger straight out, with the English Public School accent: "Did you come here to die, my good man?" And the Digger replied: "No mate. I came here yesterdie." Of course, it translates as yesterday, but the story really tickled my fancy.
One conversation I was involved in, happened in 1971 while I was serving in HMAS Sydney on our way to America. The sea was very rough and the breakfast lines were understandable short. I elected to have bacon and a fired egg, but when I got to the end of the line my egg had a very well fried cockroach sitting on top of the yolk, and very well presented. I approached the Chief Petty Officer Cook and pointed out the fact that there was a "cocky" in my egg. He said, without even a grin, "Shh. Not so loud. If they hear you they will all want one!!!" That is a true story!!!!!
Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a true trivia buff. I enjoy learning about new things and the more obscure, the better. Since I am a smoker and have recently changed from tailor-made cigarettes to "roll-your-own", I have found a wealth of knowledge on the covers of the cigarette papers. Whoever thought of putting trivia on the packets was a genius. I use Tally-Ho papers and the trivia on them is mainly Australian, so I will educate you in my next blog with some "little-known facts" and "useless information" about Australia and why we love this country and our own bit of this wonderful, big earth.
Some say it is useless facts or just something to prove that you are more intelligent than the next person.
I believe that trivia is a very important part of gaining and retaining knowledge. To some it may seem "trivial", but you must admit that trivia is interesting.
Let me give you a couple of trivial quotes. Some will say that they are not true, but I would like to think that they are actual statements.
The first I would like to share is a quote by Winston Churchill. It is reported that he was attending a function well before he became British Prime Minister and was quite drunk at the time. He was approached by an "upper-class" woman who said to him: "My God Sir, but your are very drunk." He replied: "Maybe so Madam, but you are very ugly and I will be sober tomorrow." I suppose it didn't really put him in good standing with the hoy-polloy of the time, but I also think that it wouldn't really worry him either.
It has also been told that, during World War I in the trenches, a high-ranking "toffee-nosed" General, or some such rank, ventured into the Australian Diggers' lines and fronted up to a young bloke. He asked the Digger straight out, with the English Public School accent: "Did you come here to die, my good man?" And the Digger replied: "No mate. I came here yesterdie." Of course, it translates as yesterday, but the story really tickled my fancy.
One conversation I was involved in, happened in 1971 while I was serving in HMAS Sydney on our way to America. The sea was very rough and the breakfast lines were understandable short. I elected to have bacon and a fired egg, but when I got to the end of the line my egg had a very well fried cockroach sitting on top of the yolk, and very well presented. I approached the Chief Petty Officer Cook and pointed out the fact that there was a "cocky" in my egg. He said, without even a grin, "Shh. Not so loud. If they hear you they will all want one!!!" That is a true story!!!!!
Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a true trivia buff. I enjoy learning about new things and the more obscure, the better. Since I am a smoker and have recently changed from tailor-made cigarettes to "roll-your-own", I have found a wealth of knowledge on the covers of the cigarette papers. Whoever thought of putting trivia on the packets was a genius. I use Tally-Ho papers and the trivia on them is mainly Australian, so I will educate you in my next blog with some "little-known facts" and "useless information" about Australia and why we love this country and our own bit of this wonderful, big earth.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Four Seasons
Antonio Vivaldi wrote a wonderfully descriptive collection of four violin concertos titled "The Four Seasons".
But .... this is not about that beautiful music. Its about the seasons in Australia.
Officially each season begins on the 1st of the month. That being: Winter - June, Spring - September, Summer - December and Autumn - March. Anyone who has lived in Australia will tell you that Mother Nature and her weather patterns do not coincide with the official start of each season. You will find that the weather feels like a season has started well before the official date, or sometimes, even well after that date. Pundits claim that it is global warming or too much methane in the atmosphere caused by the amount of cattle Australia has roaming the grasslands. But when it all comes down to it, I believe that weather systems are cyclic.
I remember when I was a kid going to school in Tassie during winter, the water in the roadside gutters would freeze with the frost and remain frozen for days at a time. The paths leading to and from school also provided an excellent frost covered slipway for us to slide down, which always raised Mum's ire as we often wore our shoes out well before their use-by date!!!
Over the intervening years the weather was much milder in Tasmania and you would rarely see a frost linger more than a few hours, not for days!!! That was until 4 or 5 years ago when the weather changed back to what I remembered and the gutters again froze for days and the kids of today found the same joy as I did in skating along the gutters and down gentle slopes. Oh!!! to be a kid again!!!!
Here in Queensland, I believe that winter has not really started yet. Yes, it is cold, but not every day. Its more like late autumn without the wind. I must admit that it is very cold further south in Victoria and Tasmania. The reports say that they will possibly have the best snow skiing season for many a year. Already they have posted their lowest maximum temperature on record for June. So we can't complain too much. Maybe we are just getting acclimatised to Queensland weather because last winter didn't seem to be as cold here. Still used to Tassie winters I suppose.
Something that is agreed upon world-wide is when the equinox and solstice occurs. The equinox is when there is equal amounts of daylight and darkness in a full day and solstice is when the difference is greatest.
Winter equinox in Australia (read summer for the Northern hemisphere) occurs on the 20th or 21st March, depending on the year. The summer equinox in Australia occurs on 22nd or 23rd September. That is when there are equal amounts of day and night.
The solstice is the opposite. Summer solstice, where we get the longest day and shortest night, occurs in Australia on 21st or 22nd December and the winter solstice where we get the shortest day and longest night occurs on 21st or 22nd June.
Back in medieval times the equinox and solstice were celebrated with pagan rituals, and I believe that in some parts of Britain these rituals are still observed today.
But here in Australia, and especially Tasmania, they mean that certain jobs need to be done in the garden such as fertilising and preparing beds for sowing, pruning and even collecting and saving seeds, so maybe there is even a bit of pagan ritual in that???
Whatever you believe about the weather or how the weather treats your particular part of the world, it is Mother Nature at work providing us mere mortals with the best, but sometimes trying, conditions for us to survive.
But .... this is not about that beautiful music. Its about the seasons in Australia.
Officially each season begins on the 1st of the month. That being: Winter - June, Spring - September, Summer - December and Autumn - March. Anyone who has lived in Australia will tell you that Mother Nature and her weather patterns do not coincide with the official start of each season. You will find that the weather feels like a season has started well before the official date, or sometimes, even well after that date. Pundits claim that it is global warming or too much methane in the atmosphere caused by the amount of cattle Australia has roaming the grasslands. But when it all comes down to it, I believe that weather systems are cyclic.
I remember when I was a kid going to school in Tassie during winter, the water in the roadside gutters would freeze with the frost and remain frozen for days at a time. The paths leading to and from school also provided an excellent frost covered slipway for us to slide down, which always raised Mum's ire as we often wore our shoes out well before their use-by date!!!
Over the intervening years the weather was much milder in Tasmania and you would rarely see a frost linger more than a few hours, not for days!!! That was until 4 or 5 years ago when the weather changed back to what I remembered and the gutters again froze for days and the kids of today found the same joy as I did in skating along the gutters and down gentle slopes. Oh!!! to be a kid again!!!!
Here in Queensland, I believe that winter has not really started yet. Yes, it is cold, but not every day. Its more like late autumn without the wind. I must admit that it is very cold further south in Victoria and Tasmania. The reports say that they will possibly have the best snow skiing season for many a year. Already they have posted their lowest maximum temperature on record for June. So we can't complain too much. Maybe we are just getting acclimatised to Queensland weather because last winter didn't seem to be as cold here. Still used to Tassie winters I suppose.
Something that is agreed upon world-wide is when the equinox and solstice occurs. The equinox is when there is equal amounts of daylight and darkness in a full day and solstice is when the difference is greatest.
Winter equinox in Australia (read summer for the Northern hemisphere) occurs on the 20th or 21st March, depending on the year. The summer equinox in Australia occurs on 22nd or 23rd September. That is when there are equal amounts of day and night.
The solstice is the opposite. Summer solstice, where we get the longest day and shortest night, occurs in Australia on 21st or 22nd December and the winter solstice where we get the shortest day and longest night occurs on 21st or 22nd June.
Back in medieval times the equinox and solstice were celebrated with pagan rituals, and I believe that in some parts of Britain these rituals are still observed today.
But here in Australia, and especially Tasmania, they mean that certain jobs need to be done in the garden such as fertilising and preparing beds for sowing, pruning and even collecting and saving seeds, so maybe there is even a bit of pagan ritual in that???
Whatever you believe about the weather or how the weather treats your particular part of the world, it is Mother Nature at work providing us mere mortals with the best, but sometimes trying, conditions for us to survive.
Monday, June 6, 2011
IS THIS REALLY WINTER????
Here we are almost through the first week of winter and the temperature is still a very mild 20 to 24 during the day with beautiful clear, cloudless skies. But the mornings are a bit chilly at around 5 to 8 degrees when I go to get the paper. I bet my old mate Buffalo in Canada wishes he was here!!!!!
The temperature today was 7 to 26!!! And while I was watching the news at 1800, it was still 21, so no cardigan tonight. Beautiful and mild and almost balmy. You can almost hear the vegetables in the garden growing. Although I only have a few in this time of year, I think that they are thankful for the weather. The onions and garlic especially are thriving.
SIR LOP A LOT
We have had a lot of trouble with the trees over the back fence. I bought an extension lopper to bring down the limbs really hanging over on our side. The property I think is rented so they don't do much about them ---- until today. More shortly.
The trees hanging over the back fence have cut out the early morning sun, so our plants have suffered. The lopper I used to cut off some of the offending branches helped, but I just couldn't get high enough to really do any good.
I had a problem the other week when Kay was still in Melbourne. I got a bit over zealous and tried to cut a branch that was too high and too big. Consequently, the lopper got stuck in the branch and I had the devil's own time trying to get it unstuck. After about an hour of pulling and pushing, and trying to saw the branch off, I lost my temper (unusual for me????) and got the ladder and before I even reached up to get hold of the lopper, it came away and fell to the ground. Was I pissed off??? You betcha!!!! But at least I had the tool again and I eventually cut that offending branch off at a thinner spot. Job done!!!
Today the joy of all joys. Sir Lop A Lot (actual working name of the crew) and his crew turned up at the back neighbour's place and began with chain saws to cut the trees. We asked them if they were to cut them down, but disappointingly, they were only trimming them. But they did a fair job and at least we can now get a little morning sun onto our plants by the fence.
As you can see by the pics, they didn't cut as high as we would have liked, but at least there is a glimmer of hope that the sun will shine through. Maybe later on, they may come back and we may have a clearance of the back fence!!!!!
The temperature today was 7 to 26!!! And while I was watching the news at 1800, it was still 21, so no cardigan tonight. Beautiful and mild and almost balmy. You can almost hear the vegetables in the garden growing. Although I only have a few in this time of year, I think that they are thankful for the weather. The onions and garlic especially are thriving.
SIR LOP A LOT
We have had a lot of trouble with the trees over the back fence. I bought an extension lopper to bring down the limbs really hanging over on our side. The property I think is rented so they don't do much about them ---- until today. More shortly.
The trees hanging over the back fence have cut out the early morning sun, so our plants have suffered. The lopper I used to cut off some of the offending branches helped, but I just couldn't get high enough to really do any good.
I had a problem the other week when Kay was still in Melbourne. I got a bit over zealous and tried to cut a branch that was too high and too big. Consequently, the lopper got stuck in the branch and I had the devil's own time trying to get it unstuck. After about an hour of pulling and pushing, and trying to saw the branch off, I lost my temper (unusual for me????) and got the ladder and before I even reached up to get hold of the lopper, it came away and fell to the ground. Was I pissed off??? You betcha!!!! But at least I had the tool again and I eventually cut that offending branch off at a thinner spot. Job done!!!
Today the joy of all joys. Sir Lop A Lot (actual working name of the crew) and his crew turned up at the back neighbour's place and began with chain saws to cut the trees. We asked them if they were to cut them down, but disappointingly, they were only trimming them. But they did a fair job and at least we can now get a little morning sun onto our plants by the fence.
As you can see by the pics, they didn't cut as high as we would have liked, but at least there is a glimmer of hope that the sun will shine through. Maybe later on, they may come back and we may have a clearance of the back fence!!!!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
An Arts and Crafts Family - Part the Second
As promised - a continuation..............
I learnt the basics of tapestry, or half cross stitch, while I was laid up in a Navy hospital. The Red Cross ladies who visited daily helped me to understand the quality and beauty of needlework. Over the years I completed several quite large tapestries and when I married Kay and she came to live in Tassie, she wanted to learn how to do tapestries, so I taught her the basics and she developed into a very talented needle worker and has completed several of her own.
I gave this tapestry to my Mum for a birthday, I seem to remember, and when she passed away, it was returned to me by my family. It is now hanging in pride of place in our house.
Kay learnt of the magic of patchwork quilting and regularly attended classes in Launceston. She made several very attractive quilts and even some shoulder bags, which she still uses.
Now that we are in Queensland, Kay has found that by attending classes here, her skills have developed beyond all expectations and now she is concentrating on wall hangings. They are spectacular, to say the least.
What is next on the learning agenda for Kay I cannot say, but I think maybe maybe embroidery could be just around the corner.
Because I sold my band saw, scroll saw, drill press and router when we left Tassie, I just don't have the tools or the space now to continue making clocks and plaques, so I have settled to making frames for Kay's wonderful wall hangings. It takes a little time to make them but they are made with the love of timber and the joy I feel when they come together. I only use a tenon saw and chisel to make the half housed lap joints and the only power tools I use is a drill to join it all up.
A real labour of love, in more ways than one.
I learnt the basics of tapestry, or half cross stitch, while I was laid up in a Navy hospital. The Red Cross ladies who visited daily helped me to understand the quality and beauty of needlework. Over the years I completed several quite large tapestries and when I married Kay and she came to live in Tassie, she wanted to learn how to do tapestries, so I taught her the basics and she developed into a very talented needle worker and has completed several of her own.
 | |
| Tapestry I did for Mum |
 | |
| One of Kay's tapestry masterpieces |
 |
| Another of Kay's tapestries |
Now that we are in Queensland, Kay has found that by attending classes here, her skills have developed beyond all expectations and now she is concentrating on wall hangings. They are spectacular, to say the least.
 | |
| Egret Wall Hanging - Kay |
 |
| Japanese wall hanging - Kay |
What is next on the learning agenda for Kay I cannot say, but I think maybe maybe embroidery could be just around the corner.
Because I sold my band saw, scroll saw, drill press and router when we left Tassie, I just don't have the tools or the space now to continue making clocks and plaques, so I have settled to making frames for Kay's wonderful wall hangings. It takes a little time to make them but they are made with the love of timber and the joy I feel when they come together. I only use a tenon saw and chisel to make the half housed lap joints and the only power tools I use is a drill to join it all up.
A real labour of love, in more ways than one.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
An Arts and Crafts Family - Part the First
Between my wife Kay and I, we have dabbled in several of the craft art forms. Kay is extremely talented in this field, where I now just stick to wood work most of the time. This usually entails making frames for Kay's wonderful works of art.
I learnt the basics of rope tying (or as they call it, bends and hitches, in the Navy, or macrame in yuppie circles) while I was in HMAS Cerberus, The Royal Australian Navy Recruit School depot at Crib Point in Victoria. This basic knowledge afforded me the opportunity to develop my own style of decorative rope work. But I think it shouldn't be called rope work as it is Navy-related. There is only one rope on board a ship and that is the bell rope. All other 'ropes' are referred to as 'lines', 'hawsers' etc.
My first ship was HMAS Melbourne, an aircraft carrier, and when she was decommissioned in 1982, she was stripped of all brass work and that was melted down to make miniature ship's bells which were offered for sale. I was fortunate enough to obtain one and went about making a bell rope for this prized collector's item. Of course it was quite a while since I had dabbled much in bends, hitches and plaits, apart from teaching the basics while an Instructor Chief Petty Officer with the Naval Reserve Cadets (as they were then known). I bought several lanyards from Naval Stores and set about rekindling the grey cells to try to produce something that would look sort of OK. You can see the result. I made several attempts, and after a lot of frustration, settled on a mixture of plaits and Turk's Heads. It has become a bit bent and battered over the years but I don't want to pull it apart and repair it as it denotes a very important era of my life. My sea time.
Needlework was the mainstay of sailors in sailing ship days where sails were required to be repaired regularly. A term still used in the Navy is "Make and Mend", which means that you have time off from your regular duties to relax. But in sailing ship days it had a completely different meaning. You would cease your regular duties and plied your skills to making and mending the ship's equipment such as sails, lines, braces, etc. That brings another term to mind - "Splice the Main Brace". Now it means that every sailor gets an extra beer issue free to mark an auspicious occasion such as the death of Winston Churchill, the adoption of a new White Ensign for the Navy (I Spliced the Main Brace on both of these), or the death and succession of a King or Queen. Actually, it originally meant that the main brace on board a ship had to be replaced and spliced, which was a tremendously arduous task and the completion was rewarded with an extra tot of rum.
I had quite a large workshop/shed back home in Tasmania and my love of wood working and the often cheap availability of tools and machines from garage sales, sparked my interest in making something worthwhile and satisfying. So, I began making my own plaques and emblems depicting my Service life. Clocks also became an integral part of my leisure time as I didn't have that much to occupy my mind in the bleak winter days in Tassie. I made Naval Association clocks and then advanced to making stylised Tasmanian clocks, which I used to sell to international students for a quite reasonable price for them to take home as souvenirs and were much cheaper than the mass produced ones that were available and then branched out to include other ex-Service Associations of which I was a member. Some examples are below.
When we left Tasmania I had to sell most of my tools as we weren't sure whther we would have the space here in Yamanto to set up another workshop or not. As it turned out, we didn't!!! So, consequently, my clock and plaque making is currently at an extended halt!!!
This is enough for now. The more intricate stuff really needs its own page, so watch out for "An Arts and Crafts Family - Part the Second".
I learnt the basics of rope tying (or as they call it, bends and hitches, in the Navy, or macrame in yuppie circles) while I was in HMAS Cerberus, The Royal Australian Navy Recruit School depot at Crib Point in Victoria. This basic knowledge afforded me the opportunity to develop my own style of decorative rope work. But I think it shouldn't be called rope work as it is Navy-related. There is only one rope on board a ship and that is the bell rope. All other 'ropes' are referred to as 'lines', 'hawsers' etc.
My first ship was HMAS Melbourne, an aircraft carrier, and when she was decommissioned in 1982, she was stripped of all brass work and that was melted down to make miniature ship's bells which were offered for sale. I was fortunate enough to obtain one and went about making a bell rope for this prized collector's item. Of course it was quite a while since I had dabbled much in bends, hitches and plaits, apart from teaching the basics while an Instructor Chief Petty Officer with the Naval Reserve Cadets (as they were then known). I bought several lanyards from Naval Stores and set about rekindling the grey cells to try to produce something that would look sort of OK. You can see the result. I made several attempts, and after a lot of frustration, settled on a mixture of plaits and Turk's Heads. It has become a bit bent and battered over the years but I don't want to pull it apart and repair it as it denotes a very important era of my life. My sea time.Needlework was the mainstay of sailors in sailing ship days where sails were required to be repaired regularly. A term still used in the Navy is "Make and Mend", which means that you have time off from your regular duties to relax. But in sailing ship days it had a completely different meaning. You would cease your regular duties and plied your skills to making and mending the ship's equipment such as sails, lines, braces, etc. That brings another term to mind - "Splice the Main Brace". Now it means that every sailor gets an extra beer issue free to mark an auspicious occasion such as the death of Winston Churchill, the adoption of a new White Ensign for the Navy (I Spliced the Main Brace on both of these), or the death and succession of a King or Queen. Actually, it originally meant that the main brace on board a ship had to be replaced and spliced, which was a tremendously arduous task and the completion was rewarded with an extra tot of rum.
I had quite a large workshop/shed back home in Tasmania and my love of wood working and the often cheap availability of tools and machines from garage sales, sparked my interest in making something worthwhile and satisfying. So, I began making my own plaques and emblems depicting my Service life. Clocks also became an integral part of my leisure time as I didn't have that much to occupy my mind in the bleak winter days in Tassie. I made Naval Association clocks and then advanced to making stylised Tasmanian clocks, which I used to sell to international students for a quite reasonable price for them to take home as souvenirs and were much cheaper than the mass produced ones that were available and then branched out to include other ex-Service Associations of which I was a member. Some examples are below.
 |
| HMAS Melbourne and Naval Association plaques |
 |
| Naval Association clock |
 | ||
| Tassie Clock with Vietnam Veterans' Plaque |
This is enough for now. The more intricate stuff really needs its own page, so watch out for "An Arts and Crafts Family - Part the Second".
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
GM Gone Wrong????
I read with awe in the paper this morning, an article tucked away on a side column just titled "Melons go bust".
On further reading I had a bit of a giggle to myself and I was quite pleased by what I read. Genetic Modification in fruit and vegetables has finally gone wrong.
I have the wording of the article set out below. Please feel free to have a giggle with me, or even a huge guffaw if you so wish.
Melons go bust
BEIJING: The overuse of a chemical that helps fruit grow faster is causing a rash of exploding watermelons in eastern China. An investigative report by China Central Television found farms in Jiangsu province were losing hectares of fruit to the problem. It said farmers sprayed too much growth promoter, hoping they could get fruit to the market ahead of season.
So there you go. GM isn't always the miracle it is so often reported to be!!!!!
PS...... Continue guffawing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
On further reading I had a bit of a giggle to myself and I was quite pleased by what I read. Genetic Modification in fruit and vegetables has finally gone wrong.
I have the wording of the article set out below. Please feel free to have a giggle with me, or even a huge guffaw if you so wish.
Melons go bust
BEIJING: The overuse of a chemical that helps fruit grow faster is causing a rash of exploding watermelons in eastern China. An investigative report by China Central Television found farms in Jiangsu province were losing hectares of fruit to the problem. It said farmers sprayed too much growth promoter, hoping they could get fruit to the market ahead of season.
So there you go. GM isn't always the miracle it is so often reported to be!!!!!
PS...... Continue guffawing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Garden Gurus Know Everything??????
There was a gardening report in the newspaper the other day reporting that it is a very bad year in Queensland for passion fruit. I don't know where this so-called garden expert got his information, but after you take a look at the pics here, you will wonder why there is so much misinformation flying around. If this is a bad year, I can't wait for a good one!!!!
Kay brought home 2 small passion fruit plants from the market some months ago and we planted them with the hope that we would get a few this season. Well, take a look at what we have got!!! The two early ones have been picked and eaten and they were the sweetest passion fruit I have ever tasted. Can't wait for the rest to ripen and we will have a feast fit for a king.
As you can see there is going to be a bountiful harvest and these are not all of them. Every day there are more flowers and small fruit forming, so maybe we can go commercial??????
Kay brought home 2 small passion fruit plants from the market some months ago and we planted them with the hope that we would get a few this season. Well, take a look at what we have got!!! The two early ones have been picked and eaten and they were the sweetest passion fruit I have ever tasted. Can't wait for the rest to ripen and we will have a feast fit for a king.
 | ||||||
| Same lot from the back |
 | ||||
| One lot of at least 12 |
 | |
| 15 from the back |
 | ||||||||||
| Another lot of 15 |
 | |
| End lot or about another dozen |
Friday, May 6, 2011
Plant Life Magic
Plant life is on this earth for one reason and one reason only - to reproduce its species. This includes vegetables and fruit, of course.
The magic comes in many different forms and they all create a feeling of wonderment every time I consider it.
Some species of eucalyptus (gums), pinus (pines) and acacia (wattles) seasonally drop or broadcast their seeds over a wide area by "exploding" their seed cases. Out of the thousands of seeds that are ejected from a tree, only a handful will survive to sprout and regenerate the species. The seeds of eucalyptus and acacia may lay dormant in the ground for years waiting for the right conditions to suit their challenge for life. In these cases the seeds need fire for them to burst into life and the Australian bush is ideal for this as bush fires are a natural phenomenon, or sometimes, not so natural when they are caused by arsonists.
The fire awakens the seed and in a few weeks after the fire, little green shoots begin to appear from the ashes and then threats to the next stage of survival begins - destruction by human or animal intervention. After bush fires, humans will clear the burnt areas if the fire was in farmland or grazing land and they will wipe out the native flora and clear the fire debris to make way for more arable land.
This, of course, destroys the young plants struggling for survival, but Nature has allowed for this. Not all the seeds will germinate at once and over time, these resilient little seeds will germinate safely and become the majestic gum and wattle trees we all admire.
Not all seeds are tiny. Coconuts turn up everywhere near the tropics. While I was at sea around South East Asia I saw, on numerous occasions, coconut palms of every size from just sprouted nuts to fully grown ones floating in the ocean. While I was on lookout off Vietnam I actually reported a submarine periscope which turned out to be a coconut palm floating merrily along looking for somewhere to take root. This is far from rare at sea in the tropics and one sighting of what was first thought to be more palms did turn out to be submarines!! As far as I know, the nationality of those subs who stalked us all the time we were in Vietnam waters has never been established, except that they WERE NOT FRIENDLIES!!!!!
In my garden, it never ceases to amaze me that such large and delicious vegetables and fruit can be grown from such small seeds. One little seed will produce a plant which, if tended properly, will produce several kilos of rich, red and juicy tomatoes. And any other vegetable, or fruit for that matter, that grows above ground, will produce more and more the more you pick them. The vegetable grows its babies to produce seed, not to feed us (that is just a lucky by-product for us), so if you pick the mature ones, the plant realises that it has lost that crop of potential seeds and will produce more until, at the last, the plant is too old and tired, and dies.
ISN'T MOTHER NATURE WONDERFUL?????
The magic comes in many different forms and they all create a feeling of wonderment every time I consider it.
Some species of eucalyptus (gums), pinus (pines) and acacia (wattles) seasonally drop or broadcast their seeds over a wide area by "exploding" their seed cases. Out of the thousands of seeds that are ejected from a tree, only a handful will survive to sprout and regenerate the species. The seeds of eucalyptus and acacia may lay dormant in the ground for years waiting for the right conditions to suit their challenge for life. In these cases the seeds need fire for them to burst into life and the Australian bush is ideal for this as bush fires are a natural phenomenon, or sometimes, not so natural when they are caused by arsonists.
The fire awakens the seed and in a few weeks after the fire, little green shoots begin to appear from the ashes and then threats to the next stage of survival begins - destruction by human or animal intervention. After bush fires, humans will clear the burnt areas if the fire was in farmland or grazing land and they will wipe out the native flora and clear the fire debris to make way for more arable land.
This, of course, destroys the young plants struggling for survival, but Nature has allowed for this. Not all the seeds will germinate at once and over time, these resilient little seeds will germinate safely and become the majestic gum and wattle trees we all admire.
Not all seeds are tiny. Coconuts turn up everywhere near the tropics. While I was at sea around South East Asia I saw, on numerous occasions, coconut palms of every size from just sprouted nuts to fully grown ones floating in the ocean. While I was on lookout off Vietnam I actually reported a submarine periscope which turned out to be a coconut palm floating merrily along looking for somewhere to take root. This is far from rare at sea in the tropics and one sighting of what was first thought to be more palms did turn out to be submarines!! As far as I know, the nationality of those subs who stalked us all the time we were in Vietnam waters has never been established, except that they WERE NOT FRIENDLIES!!!!!
In my garden, it never ceases to amaze me that such large and delicious vegetables and fruit can be grown from such small seeds. One little seed will produce a plant which, if tended properly, will produce several kilos of rich, red and juicy tomatoes. And any other vegetable, or fruit for that matter, that grows above ground, will produce more and more the more you pick them. The vegetable grows its babies to produce seed, not to feed us (that is just a lucky by-product for us), so if you pick the mature ones, the plant realises that it has lost that crop of potential seeds and will produce more until, at the last, the plant is too old and tired, and dies.
ISN'T MOTHER NATURE WONDERFUL?????
Monday, April 25, 2011
My ANZAC Day - 2011
For the first time in memory I never left home this ANZAC Day. I was sorely tempted to dress up, put my medals on and go to the RSL, but, because of the cost of transport to achieve this, I resisted the temptation.
I watched the Brisbane ANZAC Parade on TV, then the Dawn Service at Gallipoli and I felt almost as if I should have been there.
With the Brisbane march, I felt shame that I didn't even bother to move myself. This was really brought home when I saw my old Service Band, the Royal Australian Navy Band, marching past the saluting base and heard them playing Alex Lithgow's march, Royal Australian Navy. I shed a tear remembering the many times I had been involved in providing the music for ANZAC Parades and Services.
As a Naval Musician, it was a done thing that we put ourselves out to make ANZAC Day really a day to remember. I clearly remember my first ANZAC Day in the Navy in 1963. I was detailed off to play the Last Post and Reveille at a Diggers' Home in Frankston, which is near HMAS Cerberus in Victoria. I played the bugle calls and did the necessary things to show my respect for the Diggers resident there. Some were Boer War Veterans and others were World War I Veterans. I even think there may have been one old bloke from the Boxer Rebellion.
Anyhow, I had about an hour before the Navy bus with all the rest of the band was to pick me up to take us to Melbourne for the ANZAC Parade and the old blokes insisted that I have breakfast with them, so naturally I agreed. Remember -- I was only 16 at the time!!! BREAKFAST???? It was a continual round of tots of rum!!! So, it turned out that the bandmaster at the time knew what happened each year with us new boys and had the old thermos of coffee ready when they picked me up. By the time we got to Melbourne, I was almost cured of a potential hangover and successfully (???) carried out my duties on parade.
That memory stays with me and will remain as one of the most memorable ANZAC Days I have ever spent.
When I returned to Launceston after discharge, I was asked to bugle for the Naval Association at Navy Day celebrations and, of course, funerals, which I was pleased to oblige. I remember a fantastic little man by the name of Bobby Palmer who was the bugler at ANZAC Day Dawn Service from as far back as I could remember. About 1976, I think, i had a drink with him after the Dawn Service and he went home for a rest before the main march and service, but he never returned. His family found him dead in his armchair. This was devastating news for me as I idolised this man who I knew from a very early age.
So, the next year, 1977, I was asked to provide the bugle calls at the Dawn Service, which I did, and I was told by an old brass bandmaster that Bobby Palmer will never be dead why I play the calls. I continued to provide the calls at Dawn Services, as well as other bugling and band duties, for 19 years. Then I decided to retire undefeated. No one ever made as many mistakes as me and got away with it. Many said that I was one of the best, but that is still a matter of contention with me.
So, this ANZAC Day I sat and thought of those days, my halcyon days I suppose. I no longer play and maybe I regret this as I would love, just once more, to play the Last Post on ANZAC Day.
Three stubbies this evening watching the news did me for the day. I used to have that many and several tots of rum before the sun came up on ANZAC Day!!!!!
Such is life of a retired, lonely Bandie.
I watched the Brisbane ANZAC Parade on TV, then the Dawn Service at Gallipoli and I felt almost as if I should have been there.
With the Brisbane march, I felt shame that I didn't even bother to move myself. This was really brought home when I saw my old Service Band, the Royal Australian Navy Band, marching past the saluting base and heard them playing Alex Lithgow's march, Royal Australian Navy. I shed a tear remembering the many times I had been involved in providing the music for ANZAC Parades and Services.
As a Naval Musician, it was a done thing that we put ourselves out to make ANZAC Day really a day to remember. I clearly remember my first ANZAC Day in the Navy in 1963. I was detailed off to play the Last Post and Reveille at a Diggers' Home in Frankston, which is near HMAS Cerberus in Victoria. I played the bugle calls and did the necessary things to show my respect for the Diggers resident there. Some were Boer War Veterans and others were World War I Veterans. I even think there may have been one old bloke from the Boxer Rebellion.
Anyhow, I had about an hour before the Navy bus with all the rest of the band was to pick me up to take us to Melbourne for the ANZAC Parade and the old blokes insisted that I have breakfast with them, so naturally I agreed. Remember -- I was only 16 at the time!!! BREAKFAST???? It was a continual round of tots of rum!!! So, it turned out that the bandmaster at the time knew what happened each year with us new boys and had the old thermos of coffee ready when they picked me up. By the time we got to Melbourne, I was almost cured of a potential hangover and successfully (???) carried out my duties on parade.
That memory stays with me and will remain as one of the most memorable ANZAC Days I have ever spent.
When I returned to Launceston after discharge, I was asked to bugle for the Naval Association at Navy Day celebrations and, of course, funerals, which I was pleased to oblige. I remember a fantastic little man by the name of Bobby Palmer who was the bugler at ANZAC Day Dawn Service from as far back as I could remember. About 1976, I think, i had a drink with him after the Dawn Service and he went home for a rest before the main march and service, but he never returned. His family found him dead in his armchair. This was devastating news for me as I idolised this man who I knew from a very early age.
So, the next year, 1977, I was asked to provide the bugle calls at the Dawn Service, which I did, and I was told by an old brass bandmaster that Bobby Palmer will never be dead why I play the calls. I continued to provide the calls at Dawn Services, as well as other bugling and band duties, for 19 years. Then I decided to retire undefeated. No one ever made as many mistakes as me and got away with it. Many said that I was one of the best, but that is still a matter of contention with me.
So, this ANZAC Day I sat and thought of those days, my halcyon days I suppose. I no longer play and maybe I regret this as I would love, just once more, to play the Last Post on ANZAC Day.
Three stubbies this evening watching the news did me for the day. I used to have that many and several tots of rum before the sun came up on ANZAC Day!!!!!
Such is life of a retired, lonely Bandie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)