The other day I went looking for my spouse, and found him in the back yard next to the car. He was looking through the binoculars at our neighbour's place across the street.
I thought it was very odd, as he is not the type to 'spy' on our neighbours.To anyone else, it would have looked very suss, to say the least. I asked him what he was doing and he said that the chap over the road had picked all his apples, and that is why the parrots and other birds are congregating in our yard and eating our apples. Spouse is trying to keep ahead of the birds, and stewing apples and freezing them, but there are very few containers that are the correct size, as he does not want to defrost large quantities as he is the only one who eats them.
Funny thing happened yesterday. He has been saving the margerine containers for the apples as they are just the right size. He froze the latest batch on Saterday. Yesterday morning he was looking for the margerine. I knew it was a fresh one and we hunted through the fridge to no avail. Then I had a brainwave. I said, "I bet I know what has happened. You have put the margerine back in the freezer by mistake when you put the apples in. I will bet you anything that is what you have done" Sure enough, he had done just that. I should have had money on it! Darn it!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I'm Glad that is over!
I tell you folks, I am glad yesterday is just that, yesterday! We left home at 7.30 am to travel to Mt. Gambier because I had to have a bone scan. The day before, one of the receptionist rang to ask if I could come is earlier. I said That I could not as I had a two hour drive to get there. It would appear that NOBODY who lives in a city, be it provincial or a capital , have absolutely any conception of distances. I had an appointment here, with my Ortheopedic surgeon at the end of next month. One of the receptionists rang last week and told me he is not now coming until the end of July. She asked me if I would be going to the city in the next two months and i said I had no idea when I would be. She then asked if I would prefer to see him at Jamestown. I assured her, quite vehemently, I would not. It is north of Adelaide and quite a lot further to travel!! When I arrived at the hospital, the receptionist took my details then told me that the doctor had omitted to put my name on the referral, and she would need to ring and ask them to fax another one with my name on before they could do the procedure. This took some 20 to 30 mins and two phone calls to accomplish. I was under the impression, mistakenly as it turned out, I was to have only my knees x rayed. The radiogropher took some pictures to check my circulation. I am not sure now if she had injected the radioactive isotopes or not. I was then told to return in two and a half hours. When she injected the isotopes, she must have hit the tendon, as it is quite sore today. I have had quite a few bone scans and never had any after effects before.
We went into the city and my other half needed some oil for the car motor. This is to clean the injectors. We then went to a furniture shop, as I wanted to see about purchasing two recliner chairs. I got the shock of my life when the assistant told me ONE was $1,699.00!! Oh, please, cow hide is not that valuable, surely. I told him we only paid $1,000.00 more for a whole suite.Then the bos came in and tried to talk me out of buying fabric coverd chairs, which is what I would rather have. He told me they were greatly inferior, and he had lots of them in the repair shop. I said we were not going to be jumping on them, but he was insistant. The salesman told him not to try to put anything over on me as I was a tough lady. I then said, "Excuse me, but where is the front door, as I am leaving?" Neville said to me when we got in the car, that I should have asked him , if the chairs are such rubbish, why does he sell them. Good question.
We then went to Radio Rentals. Nothing there and NO service either! I had taken my small sterio down to get someone to look at it, to see if the laser could be replaced in the CD player. I was quoted $45.00 to look at it, and, wait for it, $150.00 to $200.00 for the laser!!!! Spouse thought it would be a waste of money and I would be better off buying a new Hi Fi. We then walked over the road to Target. It is in a shamlbes as they are doing refurbishments. Dust and chaos . I was asked by the young man behind the counter if he could be of assistance. I said I was looking for a CD played with external speakers. He scratched his head, and pointed out a small Hi Fi yonder on the shelf. I told him I could not see that far and he walked over with me so I could get a closer look. There was a price ticket on the shelf of $29.00. He said that was not the correct price. Bugger! He scanned it and told me it was $129.00. I bought it as it is a Sanyo and a micro sterio. Just the right size and has a lovely tone. It also has a single tape deck, which suits me just fine. I then went into Spotlight and bought two pairs of cutrains for the sitting room. I have just washed them and was horrified to discover they were covered in white stuff. As there was only liquid detergent in the machine, I am at a loss as to what it could be. I have put one pair through a cycle with no detergent. I will see how that works out.
We traipsed all over the city trying to find a park so we could go and have lunch, as we were both feeling yuk! No parking spaces near a pub to be had. We went to the shopping arcade, and were very lucky there too. The place was jammed, as the kids are on school holidays,and we would have had to queue for ages, and I felt as though I would collapse if I did not get some food very soon. Neville probably felt the same, as it was quite late.
We finally managed to get some pasties. Mine was nice. Cheese and veg. Neville had two meat and veg ones. He said one would have been enough as they were very filling. I had a couple of bites of the other one, and threw it in the bin. It was awful.Some people are easily pleased, it seems and will eat anything. Not me.
It was by then, time to return to the hospital for the scan. Now, under normal circumstances, these things are not a problem in any way. But I have a very painful back, and one has to lie still for 45 mins or more on a narrow steel 'bed'. This thing has a rubber mattress on it, but it does nothing to cushion you from the hardness of the underlying steel plate. With my back condition, I am always unable to move and am in a great deal of pain and discomfort afterwards. I never get any assistance from the staff, and am left to sruggle on my own. This time, however, it was worse, as my knee stiffened and locked , and it was agony trying to get it to move again. When I finally made it to a standing position, the girl asked me to wait while the doctor read the films and wrote a report. Another half hour of sitting around.
I paid a $20.00 Gap and got outta there. We went back into the city to do a couple of other errands.Then we headed for the hills, so to speak. We stopped in Naracoorte so I could buy some fritz for my daughter, from Woolies, as that is the only place we can get the kind she likes. We then filled the car with gas and I asked Neville to stop at the furniture shop and went in to see what they had in the way of chairs. It was then he told me he did not want a recliner. I asked him what sort he preferred and he told me something with wooden arms and a straight back. He said there had been some like it in the first shop we visited in Mt. Gambier. I asked him why he had not said something, and he told me I was in such an almighty hurry to get out of there, he did not have the chance. These people have a sale on next week and there is a leather recliner for $799.00. This is nuch better that $1,700.00 for one. I told the lass I would come back next week when they have one in stock and see about it.
We went into the city and my other half needed some oil for the car motor. This is to clean the injectors. We then went to a furniture shop, as I wanted to see about purchasing two recliner chairs. I got the shock of my life when the assistant told me ONE was $1,699.00!! Oh, please, cow hide is not that valuable, surely. I told him we only paid $1,000.00 more for a whole suite.Then the bos came in and tried to talk me out of buying fabric coverd chairs, which is what I would rather have. He told me they were greatly inferior, and he had lots of them in the repair shop. I said we were not going to be jumping on them, but he was insistant. The salesman told him not to try to put anything over on me as I was a tough lady. I then said, "Excuse me, but where is the front door, as I am leaving?" Neville said to me when we got in the car, that I should have asked him , if the chairs are such rubbish, why does he sell them. Good question.
We then went to Radio Rentals. Nothing there and NO service either! I had taken my small sterio down to get someone to look at it, to see if the laser could be replaced in the CD player. I was quoted $45.00 to look at it, and, wait for it, $150.00 to $200.00 for the laser!!!! Spouse thought it would be a waste of money and I would be better off buying a new Hi Fi. We then walked over the road to Target. It is in a shamlbes as they are doing refurbishments. Dust and chaos . I was asked by the young man behind the counter if he could be of assistance. I said I was looking for a CD played with external speakers. He scratched his head, and pointed out a small Hi Fi yonder on the shelf. I told him I could not see that far and he walked over with me so I could get a closer look. There was a price ticket on the shelf of $29.00. He said that was not the correct price. Bugger! He scanned it and told me it was $129.00. I bought it as it is a Sanyo and a micro sterio. Just the right size and has a lovely tone. It also has a single tape deck, which suits me just fine. I then went into Spotlight and bought two pairs of cutrains for the sitting room. I have just washed them and was horrified to discover they were covered in white stuff. As there was only liquid detergent in the machine, I am at a loss as to what it could be. I have put one pair through a cycle with no detergent. I will see how that works out.
We traipsed all over the city trying to find a park so we could go and have lunch, as we were both feeling yuk! No parking spaces near a pub to be had. We went to the shopping arcade, and were very lucky there too. The place was jammed, as the kids are on school holidays,and we would have had to queue for ages, and I felt as though I would collapse if I did not get some food very soon. Neville probably felt the same, as it was quite late.
We finally managed to get some pasties. Mine was nice. Cheese and veg. Neville had two meat and veg ones. He said one would have been enough as they were very filling. I had a couple of bites of the other one, and threw it in the bin. It was awful.Some people are easily pleased, it seems and will eat anything. Not me.
It was by then, time to return to the hospital for the scan. Now, under normal circumstances, these things are not a problem in any way. But I have a very painful back, and one has to lie still for 45 mins or more on a narrow steel 'bed'. This thing has a rubber mattress on it, but it does nothing to cushion you from the hardness of the underlying steel plate. With my back condition, I am always unable to move and am in a great deal of pain and discomfort afterwards. I never get any assistance from the staff, and am left to sruggle on my own. This time, however, it was worse, as my knee stiffened and locked , and it was agony trying to get it to move again. When I finally made it to a standing position, the girl asked me to wait while the doctor read the films and wrote a report. Another half hour of sitting around.
I paid a $20.00 Gap and got outta there. We went back into the city to do a couple of other errands.Then we headed for the hills, so to speak. We stopped in Naracoorte so I could buy some fritz for my daughter, from Woolies, as that is the only place we can get the kind she likes. We then filled the car with gas and I asked Neville to stop at the furniture shop and went in to see what they had in the way of chairs. It was then he told me he did not want a recliner. I asked him what sort he preferred and he told me something with wooden arms and a straight back. He said there had been some like it in the first shop we visited in Mt. Gambier. I asked him why he had not said something, and he told me I was in such an almighty hurry to get out of there, he did not have the chance. These people have a sale on next week and there is a leather recliner for $799.00. This is nuch better that $1,700.00 for one. I told the lass I would come back next week when they have one in stock and see about it.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Been away, but I am back now.
I am very happy to be able to write this post, as I had an operation on my left hand two weeks ago, and was therefore unable to.
I had had a Dupuytren Contracture in the palm of my hand for ten years. It would have eventually pulled my fingers in toward the palm, in a claw, making life even more difficult. I love writing my blog and sundry other communications, and it would have been very limiting for me, as I do not get out and about much. It was also becoming painful to use a fork, and it used to 'catch' on all sorts of things.
My surgeon told me to go to my GP to have the stitches removed, a week to ten days after surgery. I duly made an appointment for last Friday, thinking at the time it might be a bit previous. My doctor removed the half plaster splint and padded bandage. I was glad that was gone, as it was very hot and because I had not been able to wash the atiseptic off, very itchy. I have also had a layer of dead skin come off since. It turned out my hand was no where near healed enough to remove any stitches. My doctor advised me to come back on Tuesday, or at the latest, Wednesday, to have them removed. I went back Wednesday, and the stitches were embedde in my skin. I discovered this morning , when I removed the adhesive dressing, that my GP had missed one of the stitches. I rang the surgery early, and told the receptionist my dilemma, and she made a booking for me. I will go and have it removed this afternoon. It will, no doubt, hurt like the dickens! I told the doctor Wednesday, while he was removing them, "You realize that up until this moment, I have had no pain in my hand?" He just smiled. I have a large zig zag wound. Never seen that before.
I had had a Dupuytren Contracture in the palm of my hand for ten years. It would have eventually pulled my fingers in toward the palm, in a claw, making life even more difficult. I love writing my blog and sundry other communications, and it would have been very limiting for me, as I do not get out and about much. It was also becoming painful to use a fork, and it used to 'catch' on all sorts of things.
My surgeon told me to go to my GP to have the stitches removed, a week to ten days after surgery. I duly made an appointment for last Friday, thinking at the time it might be a bit previous. My doctor removed the half plaster splint and padded bandage. I was glad that was gone, as it was very hot and because I had not been able to wash the atiseptic off, very itchy. I have also had a layer of dead skin come off since. It turned out my hand was no where near healed enough to remove any stitches. My doctor advised me to come back on Tuesday, or at the latest, Wednesday, to have them removed. I went back Wednesday, and the stitches were embedde in my skin. I discovered this morning , when I removed the adhesive dressing, that my GP had missed one of the stitches. I rang the surgery early, and told the receptionist my dilemma, and she made a booking for me. I will go and have it removed this afternoon. It will, no doubt, hurt like the dickens! I told the doctor Wednesday, while he was removing them, "You realize that up until this moment, I have had no pain in my hand?" He just smiled. I have a large zig zag wound. Never seen that before.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Frugal Bastard was right! How 'bout that?
Nearly a month ago, it was my birthday, once again. My lovely son, as indicated in the title of this post, generously gave me some money, and said he would like me to take myself and a friend, (and his father) out to lunch to celebrate. I spent the actual day driving to and from and around Adelaide, so did not have the opportunity to be taken out for a meal.
I said at the time, that I would keep it in a safe place, and that it would not melt if I did not use it straight away. He agreed with me on that score.
A few days ago I was going through my purse, getting rid of unwanted receipts etc, when I came upon the money. I had to think for a minute as to why it was there and what I was to do with it.
The 'penny dropped' quite quickly, and I asked my mate Sue yesterday, if she would like to come with us for a meal today.
We three had lunch at the Bordertown Hotel. It was quite nice. For a change. Neville and Sue had the fish and I had, wait for it, crumbed Turkey chops!
There was much speculation and hilarity about how they could get chops from a turkey!
It was, I believe, meat from the thigh of the bird, as it was dark meat and a bit sinewy. Most of it was very nice. My salad and their veges were uninspiring, but quite edible.
We had a choice for dessert of fruit pudding, custard and cream, or, Sago and peaches. Sue had the Sago and we had the pudding.
Thank you dear boy for my celebration lunch and the fun we all had as well.
Frugal was correct. Money does not actually 'melt', though it does tend to disappear rapidly.
I said at the time, that I would keep it in a safe place, and that it would not melt if I did not use it straight away. He agreed with me on that score.
A few days ago I was going through my purse, getting rid of unwanted receipts etc, when I came upon the money. I had to think for a minute as to why it was there and what I was to do with it.
The 'penny dropped' quite quickly, and I asked my mate Sue yesterday, if she would like to come with us for a meal today.
We three had lunch at the Bordertown Hotel. It was quite nice. For a change. Neville and Sue had the fish and I had, wait for it, crumbed Turkey chops!
There was much speculation and hilarity about how they could get chops from a turkey!
It was, I believe, meat from the thigh of the bird, as it was dark meat and a bit sinewy. Most of it was very nice. My salad and their veges were uninspiring, but quite edible.
We had a choice for dessert of fruit pudding, custard and cream, or, Sago and peaches. Sue had the Sago and we had the pudding.
Thank you dear boy for my celebration lunch and the fun we all had as well.
Frugal was correct. Money does not actually 'melt', though it does tend to disappear rapidly.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Funny Bugger!
My mate Sue and I have great times together. We 'send each other up' something chronic, all the time. I try to make her laugh whenever we meet, as her life has a lot of tension in it, most of the time. I rang her at lunch time today, to tell her I had another bucket of scraps for her chooks, and I needed more buckets, as I was on to my last one. She said she would be around later. I reminded her I had a doctors appointment this arvo, so she said to let her know when I got home.
Neville said, while I was getting the scripts made up, my phone rang, but he couldn't find it. It was in my bag which I had left in the car, as I only needed my purse. Duh! I said it was probably Sue, and that was the case when I checked for missed calls.
I did some other errands, and we came home. I sent Sue an SMS to aprise her of that fact so she could come around.
When she was coming in the door, I said she had to throw her hat in. If it did not come back at her, she was welcome to come inside. She had never heard that saying before. She improvised, as she did not have a hat she threw the buckets in, instead. We both 'cracked up' laughing. Then she said, "They haven't come back at me, so it must be safe to come in." She was coming in anyway!
i am always saying, you don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps.
Neville said, while I was getting the scripts made up, my phone rang, but he couldn't find it. It was in my bag which I had left in the car, as I only needed my purse. Duh! I said it was probably Sue, and that was the case when I checked for missed calls.
I did some other errands, and we came home. I sent Sue an SMS to aprise her of that fact so she could come around.
When she was coming in the door, I said she had to throw her hat in. If it did not come back at her, she was welcome to come inside. She had never heard that saying before. She improvised, as she did not have a hat she threw the buckets in, instead. We both 'cracked up' laughing. Then she said, "They haven't come back at me, so it must be safe to come in." She was coming in anyway!
i am always saying, you don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Who is protecting who??
I rang my daughter on Monday morning, and asked her if she would like any of the DVDs in the Big W movie catalogue. She said there were a couple she would like, but queried when we would be going to Adelaide again, as the sale ends on the 11th of this month. I said I would put the purchase on my credit card. I rang, and the girl on the switchboard placed the call. The phone just rang and rang. I tried twice more, to no avail. I tried a fourth time and the girl on the switchboard asked me, when I told her I was having no luck, if I would like them to ring me back when they were free. I said I would, and gave her my phone number. I am still waiting for that call.
I have just rung again, and this time I was put straight through. The lass took the information and went to see if they still had the DVDs. She was out of one of them, which was a three in one pack so, I asked if she had one of the movies on it's own. This was the one my daughter particularly wanted. she had a look and said she did. I told her I would pay for them on my credit card. She informed me I would need to fax a copy of both sides of my credit card and my drivers license, as proof that the card was not stolen. I told her I do not have a drivers license, and would have to fax my pension card details.
Something made me balk at this requirement. I told her I had never been asked to do this, and she said they had been doing it for some years. I told her I bought something last year with my card over the phone and had not been asked to do this. She did not believe me of course.
I rang my daughter and told her, and she immediately said not to do it, as it would risk my identity, as some unscululous person could use the details for their own nafarious purposes. She said, as they would have all the numbers AND my signature, there would be nothing to stop them robbing me blind.
Thank God I listened to the' still small voice.' Phew!!
It begs the question, who is being protected from whom by this kind of thing? I wonder how many people risk it?
I have just rung again, and this time I was put straight through. The lass took the information and went to see if they still had the DVDs. She was out of one of them, which was a three in one pack so, I asked if she had one of the movies on it's own. This was the one my daughter particularly wanted. she had a look and said she did. I told her I would pay for them on my credit card. She informed me I would need to fax a copy of both sides of my credit card and my drivers license, as proof that the card was not stolen. I told her I do not have a drivers license, and would have to fax my pension card details.
Something made me balk at this requirement. I told her I had never been asked to do this, and she said they had been doing it for some years. I told her I bought something last year with my card over the phone and had not been asked to do this. She did not believe me of course.
I rang my daughter and told her, and she immediately said not to do it, as it would risk my identity, as some unscululous person could use the details for their own nafarious purposes. She said, as they would have all the numbers AND my signature, there would be nothing to stop them robbing me blind.
Thank God I listened to the' still small voice.' Phew!!
It begs the question, who is being protected from whom by this kind of thing? I wonder how many people risk it?
Coffee, gimme coffee!
For those of you who never see the news, whether in the printed media, or on television, or hear it on radio, we, in Australia, are sweltering in an oppressive heat wave. There are some of our 'cousins' in the UK and Europe, who say they would swap us for our weather in a heart beat. Trust me folks, you would die! There will be some relief this weekend, and I for one can't wait.
I am not, dear reader, one of those people who can drink hot beverages in this weather, as they only serve to heat me up more, and thereby add to my distress, and discomfort.
When my husband and I were first married, I was aghast to see him drinking a pot of steaming hot tea on a scorching hot day, with the sweat DRIPPING off him, and he assured me, it made him feel cooler! Yeah. Right! Well, this morning, after nearly two weeks of not having my morning cup of coffee, I decided to have one as it was not very warm today at the time I arose. Aaagh, bliss! I did enjoy it. It is starting to warm up again now, so I am glad I decided to have it when I did. Roll on the cooler weather.
I am not, dear reader, one of those people who can drink hot beverages in this weather, as they only serve to heat me up more, and thereby add to my distress, and discomfort.
When my husband and I were first married, I was aghast to see him drinking a pot of steaming hot tea on a scorching hot day, with the sweat DRIPPING off him, and he assured me, it made him feel cooler! Yeah. Right! Well, this morning, after nearly two weeks of not having my morning cup of coffee, I decided to have one as it was not very warm today at the time I arose. Aaagh, bliss! I did enjoy it. It is starting to warm up again now, so I am glad I decided to have it when I did. Roll on the cooler weather.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
The Phantom Chocolate Eater.
I have been purchasing Christmas food hampers from a reputable company for some years now. Part of the contents is usually, some boxes of chocolates.In last year's, there was a large box of Cadbury Favourites. This consists of mini bars of most of their most popular products.
I opened the box the other night,and tipped them in to a wooden bowl, when Sue came around and we played Scrabble.This morning, I chose a couple of them, and was most surprised to discover, that the mini Crunchy was A. not sealed properly, & B. someone had taken a big bite out of it before putting it into the wrapper.
It would appear that chocolate packers are not all put off by so much chocolate,and still like the odd nibble of what they are packing.
I opened the box the other night,and tipped them in to a wooden bowl, when Sue came around and we played Scrabble.This morning, I chose a couple of them, and was most surprised to discover, that the mini Crunchy was A. not sealed properly, & B. someone had taken a big bite out of it before putting it into the wrapper.
It would appear that chocolate packers are not all put off by so much chocolate,and still like the odd nibble of what they are packing.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The mystery of the disappearing shopping list.
Today we drove to Naracoorte to do some shopping and so Neville could do some jobs at the farm. My cleaning lass came this morning, and we left soon after she had finished. I had some errands to do in the town, so did not go directly to the super market. We were originaly going to do this tomorrow, but, as it will be New Years' Day, there would not be any shops open, other than the super market.
I picked up one of my laybys, and am listening to the CDs now Who is on them, who else but Andre, of course. They are some of his very early recordings. I think they have doubled up with some of the tunes, but I do not care.
The son of the lady in the music shop came in while I was paying for my CDs, and he brought his mum a chicken and leek pie from the cafe nearby. It smelled so good, I went and bought one plus a cappuccino. Very nice.
I dropped a film in to be put on a disc, and I have just realized I forgot to pick it up. Darn it. .I then looked around for clothes for my grand daughter, but found none. I then checked out prices of digital cameras.The one I like is a tad expensive at over $300.00! I will need to save up for it.
I then went to do the grocery shopping, and this is where the mystery took place. When one enters the super market, one walks into the baked goods section. I wanted some cheap bread for Neville for when he goes to the farm. They had some in the catalogue. 2 for $4.00. It was nowhere to be found. I KNOW I had my shopping list in my hand at this juncture. As I could not find the bread, I walked to the info desk and asked for a specials leaflet. I walked straight back to the bread etc. I found some Home Brand bread that was cheaper, and then I went to take out my list, and the darn thing had vanished!! I retraced my steps and looked through ALL my shopping bags about three times. Nada!!I looked in my handbag, Nada. I even asked people if they had seen it. Still nothing. One woman shopper said she had not seen it, and I would probably find it when I got home! I told her again, I had had it in the shop. She reitierated, that I would find it when I got home. I am abslutely stunned that people do not listen. The young check out girls are just as bad. I have not the foggiest notion where the thing could have gone.
When Neville came for me, I was reading a magazine. We went to ask for our goods, and the woman there did not listen either.While he was waiting for them, I went to the cafe and bought a drink and some Sushi. They have only just started to make it, and it is very good.
We went to the service station and filled the car and then I asked him to call in to the furniture shop as I wanted to check out single beds and mattresses. I had promised my daughter some time ago, that I would buy her one for her daughter.
I have put one on layby. It is a tubular steel one painted white. It is a bit fancier than the ones the boys have, but it is for a girl after all. That done, we came home.
I picked up one of my laybys, and am listening to the CDs now Who is on them, who else but Andre, of course. They are some of his very early recordings. I think they have doubled up with some of the tunes, but I do not care.
The son of the lady in the music shop came in while I was paying for my CDs, and he brought his mum a chicken and leek pie from the cafe nearby. It smelled so good, I went and bought one plus a cappuccino. Very nice.
I dropped a film in to be put on a disc, and I have just realized I forgot to pick it up. Darn it. .I then looked around for clothes for my grand daughter, but found none. I then checked out prices of digital cameras.The one I like is a tad expensive at over $300.00! I will need to save up for it.
I then went to do the grocery shopping, and this is where the mystery took place. When one enters the super market, one walks into the baked goods section. I wanted some cheap bread for Neville for when he goes to the farm. They had some in the catalogue. 2 for $4.00. It was nowhere to be found. I KNOW I had my shopping list in my hand at this juncture. As I could not find the bread, I walked to the info desk and asked for a specials leaflet. I walked straight back to the bread etc. I found some Home Brand bread that was cheaper, and then I went to take out my list, and the darn thing had vanished!! I retraced my steps and looked through ALL my shopping bags about three times. Nada!!I looked in my handbag, Nada. I even asked people if they had seen it. Still nothing. One woman shopper said she had not seen it, and I would probably find it when I got home! I told her again, I had had it in the shop. She reitierated, that I would find it when I got home. I am abslutely stunned that people do not listen. The young check out girls are just as bad. I have not the foggiest notion where the thing could have gone.
When Neville came for me, I was reading a magazine. We went to ask for our goods, and the woman there did not listen either.While he was waiting for them, I went to the cafe and bought a drink and some Sushi. They have only just started to make it, and it is very good.
We went to the service station and filled the car and then I asked him to call in to the furniture shop as I wanted to check out single beds and mattresses. I had promised my daughter some time ago, that I would buy her one for her daughter.
I have put one on layby. It is a tubular steel one painted white. It is a bit fancier than the ones the boys have, but it is for a girl after all. That done, we came home.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
Greetings to all who celebrate this Holy Day. May God bless you mightily out of the abundance of His bounteous love and mercy and peace. May He prosper you always.
I am never sure what this day will bring each year. As our son and his family live in Perth, W.A., we have only spent one Christmas with them, and that was ten years ago before their son was born, in Perth.
As there have been certain misunderstandings in the clan, we were not able to spend any time with our daughter and her family today. We circumvented that problem yesterday. Our daughter brought the children down so we could have Christmas with them and give them their gifts. It was lovely to see the joy and pleasure on the children's faces as they opened their gifts. The boys were thrilled with their gifts. We gave Lachlan Junior Scrabble, and he was delighted. We gave Riley a large Cars McQueen car. We gave Willow, somewhat predictably, a doll. This one laughs, cries and other things, when her tummy is pressed. Willow immediately started to take it's clothes off! Willow is only 21 months old. There was a jigsaw colouring book for Riley, and some chocolates. For Lachlan, a sticker book and chocolates. We gave Willow a little book about fish, with thick cardboard pages and on the spine was a clear plastic 'aquarium' with moving fish in sparkly gel and water. She also received chocolates which no doubt her mother has confiscated to dole out at her discretion!
After they had opend their presents, we adjourned to the town, and Deb did some shopping and I took the boys to the cafe and we had milkshakes. They had very blue, Blueberry ones, and I had chocolate. We met my friend Sue and an elderly lady who has coffee there regularly. I introduced the boys to Mrs. King,(Ailsa) and they were very polite and respectfull. After we had finished our milkshakes, we went to the play ground for a while. I took some photos, and pushed Riley on the swing. He then discovered he had broken his sun glasses. We walked to the elcheapo shop, so I could buy him some new ones. To make all things equal, I bought Lachlan a truck and a bag of lollies each.I think they have done very well this year, judging by what they said they got today.
On Tuesday evening, we visited my brother and I took his gift and a huge box of chocs up. I invited him, yet again, to have lunch with us today. He was, as usual, a no show. He did not bother to let me know he would not be coming. That is par for the course with him. I hope he enjoys the book I gave him.
My darling daughter gave me a wonderful four place setting, dinner set. It has strawberries and chocolates around the edge of it. It is very novel and I love it. We used it today.I was a bit cross with her, (not really) as I had told her that the only gift I wanted today, she had already given me. A few weeks ago, she came and cleaned and tidied my pantry. That was all I wanted.
I cooked roast chicken, something that is supposed to pass for turkey breast, roast potatoes, carrotts, parsnips, brussels sprouts and green beans with slivered almonds, and gravy. We had chocolate self suacing pudding and icecream. We toasted each other with orange juice, and I prayed for peace, harmony and family unity for next year
This is the first Christmas Neville and I have had on our own for 36 years. It has been quite peaceful, if a little lonely and sad. It is the first Christmas without my beloved mother, and my little puddytat. All in all, we have much to be thankful for, as we are better off than a lot of others.
I am never sure what this day will bring each year. As our son and his family live in Perth, W.A., we have only spent one Christmas with them, and that was ten years ago before their son was born, in Perth.
As there have been certain misunderstandings in the clan, we were not able to spend any time with our daughter and her family today. We circumvented that problem yesterday. Our daughter brought the children down so we could have Christmas with them and give them their gifts. It was lovely to see the joy and pleasure on the children's faces as they opened their gifts. The boys were thrilled with their gifts. We gave Lachlan Junior Scrabble, and he was delighted. We gave Riley a large Cars McQueen car. We gave Willow, somewhat predictably, a doll. This one laughs, cries and other things, when her tummy is pressed. Willow immediately started to take it's clothes off! Willow is only 21 months old. There was a jigsaw colouring book for Riley, and some chocolates. For Lachlan, a sticker book and chocolates. We gave Willow a little book about fish, with thick cardboard pages and on the spine was a clear plastic 'aquarium' with moving fish in sparkly gel and water. She also received chocolates which no doubt her mother has confiscated to dole out at her discretion!
After they had opend their presents, we adjourned to the town, and Deb did some shopping and I took the boys to the cafe and we had milkshakes. They had very blue, Blueberry ones, and I had chocolate. We met my friend Sue and an elderly lady who has coffee there regularly. I introduced the boys to Mrs. King,(Ailsa) and they were very polite and respectfull. After we had finished our milkshakes, we went to the play ground for a while. I took some photos, and pushed Riley on the swing. He then discovered he had broken his sun glasses. We walked to the elcheapo shop, so I could buy him some new ones. To make all things equal, I bought Lachlan a truck and a bag of lollies each.I think they have done very well this year, judging by what they said they got today.
On Tuesday evening, we visited my brother and I took his gift and a huge box of chocs up. I invited him, yet again, to have lunch with us today. He was, as usual, a no show. He did not bother to let me know he would not be coming. That is par for the course with him. I hope he enjoys the book I gave him.
My darling daughter gave me a wonderful four place setting, dinner set. It has strawberries and chocolates around the edge of it. It is very novel and I love it. We used it today.I was a bit cross with her, (not really) as I had told her that the only gift I wanted today, she had already given me. A few weeks ago, she came and cleaned and tidied my pantry. That was all I wanted.
I cooked roast chicken, something that is supposed to pass for turkey breast, roast potatoes, carrotts, parsnips, brussels sprouts and green beans with slivered almonds, and gravy. We had chocolate self suacing pudding and icecream. We toasted each other with orange juice, and I prayed for peace, harmony and family unity for next year
This is the first Christmas Neville and I have had on our own for 36 years. It has been quite peaceful, if a little lonely and sad. It is the first Christmas without my beloved mother, and my little puddytat. All in all, we have much to be thankful for, as we are better off than a lot of others.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Christmas down the toilet? I hope not!
After many, many years of moaning, complaining and whinging, by yours truly, we finally have a new toilet cistern and seat. The seat was not important, but came as part of the package.
The old one had been driving me demented, as it would not flush properly, and I had to tip a bucket of water down it each time. Grrrr!
It is an ecologically designed system, and has two buttons. The old one had been here for 32 years.
We bought it at Bunnings on Monday, and you should have heard the shenanegans the sales man and The Man About The House carried on with!! They were trying to outdo each other on whether this one would fit or not. The sales man was a bit arrogant, as he had no idea what our old cistern looked like, and therefore could not know if it would fit. He assured us there would be no dramas, even after I told him how old it was. He said he had fitted one in his house and it is over 100years old. Big deal!
I just hope that The Man About The House is not thinking of fobbing me off with this as my Christmas present. The proverbial will hit the fan if he tries!!
Watch this space.
The old one had been driving me demented, as it would not flush properly, and I had to tip a bucket of water down it each time. Grrrr!
It is an ecologically designed system, and has two buttons. The old one had been here for 32 years.
We bought it at Bunnings on Monday, and you should have heard the shenanegans the sales man and The Man About The House carried on with!! They were trying to outdo each other on whether this one would fit or not. The sales man was a bit arrogant, as he had no idea what our old cistern looked like, and therefore could not know if it would fit. He assured us there would be no dramas, even after I told him how old it was. He said he had fitted one in his house and it is over 100years old. Big deal!
I just hope that The Man About The House is not thinking of fobbing me off with this as my Christmas present. The proverbial will hit the fan if he tries!!
Watch this space.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Useless inventions.
I have stated in a recent posting that I attended Andre Rieu's concert in Adelaide last week. I took my non digital camera with me, but left it in my new friend's car. We were unable to retrieve it when we went over for the concert, as we traveled on hired buses, and there was no time.
I was kicking myself, as I thought I would not be able to take any pictures. However, after intermission, I remembered my mobile phone has a camera in it. Saved by the bell, or so I thought.
I was only able to take a few pics and then it said my memory was full.
I thought it would be a 'snap' to download them onto my computer hard drive. Therein lies the dilemma. Firstly, I do not have a USB cable for the phone. Secondly, there is no memory chip either. When I went to the electrical shop this morning to see about purchasing a USB cable, I was informed that I could not retrieve my pics at all. The only way to empty the memory, is to delete the pics.
As you can imagine, dear reader, I was not impressed! As I said to the young man in the shop, "What a useless invention. Fancy making a phone with a camera in it that you can't download pictures from to keep them." He heartily agreed, and said there are camera phones now that have rectified the problem.This of course is cold comfort to me.
My friend is going to see if she can retrieve them somehow, as she has the same carrier, and is going to swap the SIM cards over and see if that works.
I was kicking myself, as I thought I would not be able to take any pictures. However, after intermission, I remembered my mobile phone has a camera in it. Saved by the bell, or so I thought.
I was only able to take a few pics and then it said my memory was full.
I thought it would be a 'snap' to download them onto my computer hard drive. Therein lies the dilemma. Firstly, I do not have a USB cable for the phone. Secondly, there is no memory chip either. When I went to the electrical shop this morning to see about purchasing a USB cable, I was informed that I could not retrieve my pics at all. The only way to empty the memory, is to delete the pics.
As you can imagine, dear reader, I was not impressed! As I said to the young man in the shop, "What a useless invention. Fancy making a phone with a camera in it that you can't download pictures from to keep them." He heartily agreed, and said there are camera phones now that have rectified the problem.This of course is cold comfort to me.
My friend is going to see if she can retrieve them somehow, as she has the same carrier, and is going to swap the SIM cards over and see if that works.
Monday, November 24, 2008
'Hot' Porridge.
Last Thursday morning, my daughter came and tidied my pantry for me. I had recently received my Christmas food hampers, and needed the pantry seen to and old stock disposed of. While she was doing this, I cleaned the top of the wall oven cupboard, which meant the herbs and spices were rearranged.
One of the hampers I bought contained an electric pancake maker. I used it for the first time last night. I put caster sugar and cinnamon on my pancakes. I left the cinnamon on the bench, instead of putting it back on the oven cupboard.
This morning when I arose and went into the kitchen, The Man About The House was in the process of making his porridge, and said to me, "The first lot was no good as I put that chilli powder on instead of the cinnamon, which is here." Oooops! My husband is a Diabetic and we read somewhere that cinnamon is good for keeping his blood glucose levels down. I think he would need to consume a great deal of it to have much effect, but if he is happy, why disabuse him?
I have no idea why I had a jar of chilli powder, as neither of us like spicy food. I must have mistakenly thought it was cinnamon, as they were probably close together and my eyesight is not good. The chilli was thrown in the bin.
One of the hampers I bought contained an electric pancake maker. I used it for the first time last night. I put caster sugar and cinnamon on my pancakes. I left the cinnamon on the bench, instead of putting it back on the oven cupboard.
This morning when I arose and went into the kitchen, The Man About The House was in the process of making his porridge, and said to me, "The first lot was no good as I put that chilli powder on instead of the cinnamon, which is here." Oooops! My husband is a Diabetic and we read somewhere that cinnamon is good for keeping his blood glucose levels down. I think he would need to consume a great deal of it to have much effect, but if he is happy, why disabuse him?
I have no idea why I had a jar of chilli powder, as neither of us like spicy food. I must have mistakenly thought it was cinnamon, as they were probably close together and my eyesight is not good. The chilli was thrown in the bin.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu VIII
Dear Andre,
Well, you would have to be blind, deaf or worse, to not be aware of your presence in Australia. There have been more than enough knockers who call themselves journalists, passing judgment on you, and your particular kind of music and your presentation of it. If I hear or read the phrase, King of Schmaltz one more time I will SCREAM! If these opinionated deadbeats, who have probably never been to any classical music concert, don't like this kind of music, then no-one is holding a gun to their heads and making them listen to it. If they criticize you for your appearance, your hair, your type of music, or anything else, it just proves they are extremely narrow minded and would only be happy if they were pulling someone to pieces. They also probably have no finesse or refinement about them. They more than likely listen to what I term, head banging noise. Heavy Metal, hard rock etc.
I was fortunate to be able to attend your concert in Adelaide on Tuesday the 18th. I was not expecting to be able to attend any of your concerts, but, I have a very generous son, who loves his Ma very much, and I am very fortunate indeed to have such a son, and will be eternally grateful for that fact. He very kindly offered to make this particular dream come true.
When I bought the ticket over the phone, I was told I would be approximately 13 rows back from the front. It turned out I was right down the front and to the left of the stage facing it, and was able to see the big screens and did not miss very much at all.( I only mention this fact as I am nearly blind and did not think I would see much.)
The ice skaters were superb! They are very graceful and not a stumble or hesitation anywhere. Likewise the Debutauntes and the ballet. Wonderful.
It was a great shame that the ticket sales were so poor, but, you all gave your all as I expected you would, even though you would have been very disappointed about that, I think you would do that even if there were only a dozen or so people you were playing to. I hope the enthusiasm of the crowd(?) made up for that in a small way. Thank you for your professionalism and verve. Your humour and wry sense of fun.( No beer or wine in Adelaide!! Who had you been talking to, I wonder?)
The highlight of the evening for me, was when I walked to the stage near the end of the concert, and was looking up at you, and grinning like a Cheshire cat, and you bent down slightly and smiled at me, and I blew you a kiss. Thank you sooo much you lovely man.
I am sorry that Marjorie was unable to acompany you out here. I am sure she would have enjoyed the experience had she been able to come.
Best wishes to you all,
With affection,
Susan.
Well, you would have to be blind, deaf or worse, to not be aware of your presence in Australia. There have been more than enough knockers who call themselves journalists, passing judgment on you, and your particular kind of music and your presentation of it. If I hear or read the phrase, King of Schmaltz one more time I will SCREAM! If these opinionated deadbeats, who have probably never been to any classical music concert, don't like this kind of music, then no-one is holding a gun to their heads and making them listen to it. If they criticize you for your appearance, your hair, your type of music, or anything else, it just proves they are extremely narrow minded and would only be happy if they were pulling someone to pieces. They also probably have no finesse or refinement about them. They more than likely listen to what I term, head banging noise. Heavy Metal, hard rock etc.
I was fortunate to be able to attend your concert in Adelaide on Tuesday the 18th. I was not expecting to be able to attend any of your concerts, but, I have a very generous son, who loves his Ma very much, and I am very fortunate indeed to have such a son, and will be eternally grateful for that fact. He very kindly offered to make this particular dream come true.
When I bought the ticket over the phone, I was told I would be approximately 13 rows back from the front. It turned out I was right down the front and to the left of the stage facing it, and was able to see the big screens and did not miss very much at all.( I only mention this fact as I am nearly blind and did not think I would see much.)
The ice skaters were superb! They are very graceful and not a stumble or hesitation anywhere. Likewise the Debutauntes and the ballet. Wonderful.
It was a great shame that the ticket sales were so poor, but, you all gave your all as I expected you would, even though you would have been very disappointed about that, I think you would do that even if there were only a dozen or so people you were playing to. I hope the enthusiasm of the crowd(?) made up for that in a small way. Thank you for your professionalism and verve. Your humour and wry sense of fun.( No beer or wine in Adelaide!! Who had you been talking to, I wonder?)
The highlight of the evening for me, was when I walked to the stage near the end of the concert, and was looking up at you, and grinning like a Cheshire cat, and you bent down slightly and smiled at me, and I blew you a kiss. Thank you sooo much you lovely man.
I am sorry that Marjorie was unable to acompany you out here. I am sure she would have enjoyed the experience had she been able to come.
Best wishes to you all,
With affection,
Susan.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu VII
Dear Andre,
I read yesterday that you are copping some flack from a German baritone, Thomas Quasthoff by name, for playing your very valuable Stradivarius violin at your concerts. He is of the opinion that Senor Stradivari 'would be spinning in his grave', and you should play on a cheaper violin.
Now, several things come to mind in relation to this, it is nobody's business but yours what violin you play, so long as it produces the sound you require and like. if you got the required sound from a plastic one, it is still only your business. Because I think you play the Stradivarius so brilliantly, you could probably obtain a reasonable sound from a plastic one!
You have worked so hard to be where you are today, you deserve to play on the best one you can afford. Stradivari or any other brand, no-one has the right to dictate to you on anything pertaining to your instrument?
I think Herr Quasthoff should stick to what he knows and does best, and let you do likewise.
I would just like to say I have recently finished reading, Andre Rieu, My Music, My Life. How it all began. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is beautifully written and a very easy read. It is informative and entertaining. I felt as though you and Marjorie were sitting next to me and telling me all about your trials, etc, as friends do over coffee or such. Thank you both very much.
I would like to wish you all the best for your upcoming tour of Australia, and if there are DVDs you can bet your bottom dollar I will buy them!
I read yesterday that you are copping some flack from a German baritone, Thomas Quasthoff by name, for playing your very valuable Stradivarius violin at your concerts. He is of the opinion that Senor Stradivari 'would be spinning in his grave', and you should play on a cheaper violin.
Now, several things come to mind in relation to this, it is nobody's business but yours what violin you play, so long as it produces the sound you require and like. if you got the required sound from a plastic one, it is still only your business. Because I think you play the Stradivarius so brilliantly, you could probably obtain a reasonable sound from a plastic one!
You have worked so hard to be where you are today, you deserve to play on the best one you can afford. Stradivari or any other brand, no-one has the right to dictate to you on anything pertaining to your instrument?
I think Herr Quasthoff should stick to what he knows and does best, and let you do likewise.
I would just like to say I have recently finished reading, Andre Rieu, My Music, My Life. How it all began. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is beautifully written and a very easy read. It is informative and entertaining. I felt as though you and Marjorie were sitting next to me and telling me all about your trials, etc, as friends do over coffee or such. Thank you both very much.
I would like to wish you all the best for your upcoming tour of Australia, and if there are DVDs you can bet your bottom dollar I will buy them!
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