Monday, April 30, 2007

Life's unfairness etc.

Today is the seventh birthday of my two eldest grandsons. Yu-Jin lives in Perth, W.A., so there was no chance we would see him today. I was very touched a couple of weeks ago, when he rang me for our usual Tuesday night chat. He said he knew we were a long way away, and we would not be able to come to his birthday, but he was asking me anyway, because he wanted me to know he wanted us there. Lovely boy.
On Friday, I was struck down with the 'dreaded lurgi'. This was two hours after, I had been to the doctor! Talk about 'Murphy's Law'. (Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.) Because of this, I was unable to go to Keith this arvo to see Lachlan for his birthday, either. My husband very obligingly went up there and took his gift, and some other things for Deb. I was most surprised and grateful that he did.
Hubby also walked down the street twice over the weekend, to buy me some lozengers, and again this morning, to buy some Senega & Ammonia cough medicine. It tastes terrible, but seems to be doing it's job. My sister in Wales asked if I could get some antibiotics, as the infection has settled on my chest. I said, by the time I could get in to see the doctor, I would be nearly better. I have slept most of the day, and had strange dreams. I will head back to the cot soon.

Friday, April 27, 2007

How many of Me?

Wish I could cut & paste. Then I would not have to write this out 'long hand'. First name, Susan. There are 1,197,710 People in the USA with the first name Susan.
Statistically the 25th most popular first name.
More that 99.9% of people with the first name Susan are female.
(Phew!)
Names similar to Susan. Susannah
Last Name Ham.
There are 24,135 People in the USA with the last name Ham.
Statistically the 1454th most popular last name.
Famous people with the last name Ham.
Jack Ham.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Smiley Riley.

Last Tuesday my friend Sue and I went down town for our usual weekly coffee etc. She made a comment about going to Keith in the arvo, but I was not sure what she meant, so let it slide. I had not asked her to take me, so was not sure if she was serious.It turned out, she was. We journeyed up there, after lunch, and spent about an hour and a half with Deb and the children. The boys were into their usual 'point scoring', so I asked Deb if she would like me to take Riley(4), home for a couple of days. She said."Yes, please!" As she was going to Naracoorte today to shop, and we were too, I said it would fit in nicely.We called in to his Dad's work place, so he could say goodbye, as this had not been a planned excersize.
I have had Lachlan, nearly seven, here a few times, and he is no trouble. He is very quiet and easy to entertain.
Riley, on the other hand, is full of energy and gets bored very quickly, so he is hard work. Riley goes full throttle all day, untill he drops, then he is out like a light. He slept on the couch, and did not stir until 7.30 AM.
It was exhausting for me, trying to keep Riley interested. He never stops talking, and does not listen when he is told to do something. He is like his uncle Mark. He has a great thirst for knowledge and like the proverbial cork, bobs straight back up when he is 'pushed down.' I love this boy to bits.
I read him stories, he watched videos, listened to music on my portable CD player, and did some painting.He played with the go cart for a while. He eats well, but still talks when he is doing that. He played with the Lego, army men, blocks etc. We played Uno, Go Fish, and he got me to make up words with the Scrabble. He can't read of course, but I bet he will remember most of it. He is brilliant with numbers, too.
He was worried about his Pop, as he was down at the farm overnight. He said it was a long way, and would he be lonely. It was dark, and he might get lost or be afraid. I assured him his Pop would be alright. He followed his Pop around like a shadow when he came home yesterday, constantly asking questions. He found a couple of sea shells outside somewhere, and took them home.
When we met Deb etc at the shopping centre this morning, I took the boys to a cafe in the complex and bought them a hot chocolate and something to eat. Lachlan had a Lamington and Riley a choc muffin. He could not eat it all, as they are very big. He didn't drink much of his chocolate, either. Then we went in to Woolies and did the shopping. I had my groceries put aside for later pick up, and Neville and I went to the pub for lunch. After lunch, we went to the garden centre. He wanted some Snow Pea seedlings. They were $17.00 per kilo,in Woolies.They didn't have any.
I wanted some plastic inserts for a couple of half circle hanging baskets.(They used to have a straw type of filler, but the Magpies pinched it for their nest.) They did not have them.I wanted to plant some trailing flowering plants, as they are outside the kitchen window, and it looks drab. They are on a steel frame that is covered in chicken wire. I bought a couple on Harden Bergias instead. One pink the other
white. I hope they will grow, as I have the purple one out the front, and it is doing very well, mainly because I ignore it. If I fuss over things, they invariably die! I also bought four Pansy plants. I have a big tub to put them in. There is no point in putting in Spring flowering bulbs, as we can not water them because of the restrictions.
We went back to the 'cheapo' shop, but they did not have any Snow pea seeds either. I did manage to purchase a new collar for my cat, though.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

A Day In The Life Of ..........

Well, today has been pretty well packed, for me.
Nothing mind blowing, just ordinary.
First thing I did this morning was bring in the daily paper. Spouse made me a cup of tea, and I scanned the paper. I never read much of it, as there is too much to read, and not much of it is of interest to me. I mainly do the cross words. They give the old gray cells their morning workout.
Then, as it is my Daughter-in-Law's birthday, I tried to ring her, but got no answer. I have since learned she was in the shower, I sent her a text message and wished her a happy birthday. She sent back a text thanking me. I did one of the cross words, then checked my emails, while I cooked toast and two poached eggs for my breakfast. Then I had my shower and got dressed. I did most of the other cross word before I had to go down town and do some errands and get my hair trimmed. I paid off my lay-by, which consisted of a new bread maker and toaster. My bread maker is on the way out, and the toaster is useless. All that before lunch.
I had not finished my lunch, when my spouse said, "When are we leaving?" I said,"Leaving for where?" He said "Naracoorte." Now I will back track and fill you in dear readers.
Every week, on Tuesday, we get a discount sales pamphlet from a chain store, which has a small store in Naracoorte. This week they had men's, women's and children's sneakers for $9.95. When he brought it in with the mail, he said he should get a couple of pairs as he does a lot of walking. I said he should go today, as they do not get a lot of stock in, and if he waited until next week, when he goes down to the farm,they would be all sold. He said he would think about it. Nothing more was said. Last night I received some news, that threw me somewhat, and I spent a lot of time on the phone, talking to the person concerned, and others. Spouse went for his walk while I was on the phone. I was still on the thing when he came back, and he watched a bit of telly and went to bed. There was no communication between us, so I could hardly know that he was going to Naracoorte, could I? I told him I am not a mind reader and he needs to talk to me. He said he had told me last night. I informed him of the above, and knocked that on the head.
We bought the sneakers first, and it was as I surmised, there were only two pairs in his size.
I bought a couple of jump suits for my grand-daughter, then we went out to the farm. After he had ascertained when he would need to go down next week to water, he picked a few pumpkins. I walked down the fence line to look at the Tasmanian Blue Gums he has growing, and jokingly said,"I must have lost weight." He said "Why do you say that?" I said,"This skirt is nearly dragging on the ground!" The joke is of course, I HAVE lost weight! The skirt was always long, but not this long. I know, I know, I have a weird sense on humour.
We went back into Naracoorte to Woolworths, and I bought a few things, for my daughter, my friend and myself. Then I bought myself a drink and we filled the car with petrol and came home. Not awe inspiring, but busy for us.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Just William.

Well, folks, everybody is having a go at Ben Cousens, so, I will have my say about William.
It seemed to everyone, that he was going to make a match of it with Kate, but it is not to be. I do agree with his statement that he is too young to marry. He needs to grow up first!
She was obviously very much in love with him, but if as reported in the Press, he broke off their relationship in a phone call, then I think she has had a lucky escape. To do such a thing is just 'not cricket', as the saying goes, and I would have thought he had more integrity than that. I also thought he had more respect and consideration for her feelings, knowing that it would be all over the papers in a flash. He seems to have a backbone like a jellyfish, and has gone waaaay down in my estimation. His mother would have been horrified at such behaviour. He is turning into just another 'hooray Henry'. Yuk!
As for the report that the Queen had said to him that the monarchy could not tolerate another Diana rerun, I do not believe it. Why would a loving grandmother say such an unkind and insensitive thing to her grandson. She would not have couched it it such terms, but we have to remember that she is first and foremost, the Sovereign, and her 'business' is keeping the monarchy viable, and free from scandals. It has to be remembered that Diana was not alone in her marriage, so she should not be singled out for all the blame.
One of the letters in today's paper said, 'If Diana was not suitable for the royal family, then how is it that the scandalous Camilla, is? Charles did not marry the wrong woman, Diana married the wrong man.' I quite agree. I wish Kate all the very best for her life, and hope William does not live to regret this.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter.

Not a lot happened over Easter. We stayed home, as usual, partly because it is too dangerous on the roads. There is the Oakbank race meeting in the Adelaide Hills, and lots of people going there from all parts of the country. It is just another excuse for the 'Hooray Henries' etc to get plastered, and driving on our roads. Not good. Fortunately, our state was fatality free. I don't think we had any crashes, either.
We traveled to Keith on the Saturday arvo, to take the Easter eggs to our daughter and her family, and to see our beautiful grand-daughter. The boys were thrilled with their bags of goodies, and put them away in their room. I asked Riley(4) where he had put them. He said under his bed. I asked him why, and he said,'So the Easter Bunny can't find them and eat them.'
We stayed for three hours. I was in the kitchen talking to Pete and Deb and their friends, and talking to and mucking about with the boys. Spouse sat in the lounge and watched a movie called, Final Run, about a computerized locomotive, that had malfunctioned, and was hurtling towards a town and it's hospital. The late Robert Urich was the star, and of course, he saved the day.
My friend Sue came around several evenings and we played Scrabble. She is getting TOO good! She is beating me more and more, and by bigger scores. I have really honed my 'killer instinct,' as my son calls it, and it is no holds barred now! That's about it.folks. Not terribly inspiring I know.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Post Script

Just thought I would give Australia Post a pat on the back for good follow up care. As reported in this space, I have had enormous trouble with the company I purchased an Easter hamper from.
I have never had a 'beef' with Oz Post. They can only deliver if the things are posted. Well, today, a lady from Australia Post rang me to make sure I had received the hamper. I was happy to say I had, and was also very gratified that someone bothered to check.
Thanks a bunch folks!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Foiled, again.

Last Thursday, spouse and I traveled to Naracoorte to do the fortnightly grocery shopping. We had lunch at our favourite 'watering hole', and then decided to visit his brother and his wife. When we arrived, we discovered Irene was not home, she was working at the high school canteen. Haydn made us a cuppa, and we chatted about nothing in particular. I thought there was something on his mind, as he seemed distracted. He finally came to what was bothering him, which was this. He asked, 'You know that red car of mine?' we said we did. He then prevaricated some more, and said it was too late, then maybe it wasn't after all. 'Well, I sold it this week, and bought the neighbour's 2005 Ford Falcon.' I was going to ask if you would like to buy it.' He said it was still in the yard, and we could go and see about it if we liked. It is a 1997 Ford Falcon.It is in very good condition.Haydn said he only got $4,000.00 for it.
We went and had a look at it before we picked up the groceries. It had not been washed or detailed. The salesman came out and asked us if he could be of assistance. I asked him how much he wanted for the car. His mate said, '$20,000.' I said, 'I suppose you still believe in the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny?' The salesman went back to the office and came and told us he wanted $7,500.00, for it, with warranty. He then said, if we wanted to take it as is, we could have it for $5,500.00, with no warranty, as he had paid $5,000.00 for it. This was a blatant lie, as Haydn had told us what he was paid for it. He then asked if we knew the car. I said we did. "Oh, do you know Haydn ---?" I had to admit he is my brother-in-law. The stupid man should have realized that we would know how much he paid for the car after that. I didn't bother picking him up on his lie.
I rang Haydn that night and related the tale to him. He nearly choked when I told him what they wanted for the car. He said he was sorry he had not asked Neville if he would like it. He said he had intended to. I said we would have been happy to pay him $4,000.00. for it. Ah, well, such is life. Neville would have ruined it by using it for a farm vehicle, anyway.

Easter Hamper.

As my readers will be aware, I have been having enormous trouble over the non arrival of my Easter egg hamper. Two weeks ago, I rang the company to ascertain it's whereabouts, and was told it would be here in a week. The same thing the next week, No hamper. I was given a tracking number, and told to trace it myself, but it should be here by the next Thursday, as they had sent another one.I wrote them a letter. letting them know that I was NOT a happy customer. I received a phone call, apologizing, and assuring me that a replacement had been sent. It was still not here last Friday, so I again rang Australia Post,to be told that it had only been posted the previous day, the day it was supposed to arrive.(This was a week after, I had been told another one had been sent.) I was told that it should get here by tomorrow, or Wednesday at the latest.
Well, wonder of wonders it has just arrived!!! As the parcel postie said, it can't be delivered if it isn't posted. I was thinking about writing to them again, and letting them know what I think of them, but have decided to let sleeping dogs lie.I will not be ordering any Christmas hampers from them after this year.

Losing weight can be a drag.

Since I got a 'wake up call' in September last year, I have been doing my utmost to shed the extra kilos that have accumulated over the last twenty years or so. So far, I have lost 10.9 kilos in six and a half months. Now, some of you would think that is nothing startling, but you have to take in to consideration the fact I can do no kind of exersize. I love walking and swimming, but they are both not possible.
I went to the clinic last Friday and had a health check, including being weighed. I was very disappointed, to say the least, to discover I had only lost another 500grams in three weeks! My doctor and the clinic sister were both very encouraging and supportive, and said that at least it is still coming off, however slowly. They, and others, have said I am doing extremely well to have lost as much in the time, under the circumstances. I guess they are right, but I am impatient and want to lose it faster.
To encourage me further, the clinic sister asked me if I had seen her fake kilo of body fat. I said I had not. She got it out of a drawer, and gave it to me. It looked disgusting but as she said, I have lost nearly 11 of them. Puts a different perspective on the whole thing. I picked up a 10kilo bag of potatoes later, and was shocked to think I had been carrying that much extra weight around. The doctor said he can see the difference, and I said he might, but I can't. I will just have to rethink my eating and plod along.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

I, have had a busy day!

I started the day by doing the washing. Then, I emptied the fridge and defrosted it, and roped my spouse into cleaning it out, as I can not do that. Then I made Aberdeen Sausage. This is a steamed meat loaf, which has been a favourite of my family for years. We used only to have it a Christmas, but we love it so much any time of year is OK by us. I made two, and Deb took the smaller one. As there are fresh bread crumbs in the mixture, I had to make a new loaf, as I used the last of the one I made yesterday. In between putting out loads of washing, I mucked around on the computer. Then I realized it was lunch time and I had nothing ready, so I grabbed some crumbed fish and corn fritters out of the freezer, and put them on to cook. I had tomato, cucumber and beetroot with mine. Yum! I put a turkey leg roast on to cook in 'george'(George Formby roaster.) and was just about to have a catnap. when, to my great surprise, and delight, our daughter and her baby daughter arrived, totally unexpectedly. Deb said she had come to do some shopping. They were in Adelaide yesterday, trying to buy clothes for them all. Not a lot of luck there, it would seem. Deb walked straight over to her father and put Willow in his arms. He did not show one iota of interest in the baby. He hasn't shown any since she was born. It must be very hurtful for all of them. This is the first time he has seen her. While Deb was shopping, I had 3/4 of an hour catnap. I had just woken up, when she and Willow returned. Deb fed the baby, and asked how long she had been shopping, and I said no more than an hour. She said it must be more relaxing with just the baby, as it didn't seem that long.
After they departed, I roped my spouse into helping me get the washing in, then we had tea. It might not seem like much work, but my gammy knees think otherwise.