Aussies! Check in here!

[darkelf9]

Yeah shit weather were having here in Victoria, can’t wait for summer to arrive and go to the nudist beach at point impossible.
At the moment it’s my heater turned up and wearing plenty of clothes when going outdoors.

Isn't this the point where people usually say..."we need the rain", which is ok provided you're not caught in it.

I've discovered fingerless woollen gloves over the past couple of Winters. Using the spare doona as well. They do the trick when at home. Even resorted to using the heater for a few hours during the day on those very cold mornings just to warm up the lounge.

 

[CuriousGirlSydney]

Hi everyone.
I’m a long time lurker/reader, but have only just started exploring the forums.
35/f/northern beaches of Sydney.

And yes, we need the rain! This winter has been pretty spectacular, I’m still managing to sunbathe by a sheltered pool.

 

[missswannie]

Could do with a bit more rain over this end. Blue sky and 24 here. The garden looks like it needs the sprinklers to come back on but the winter watering ban lasts a bit longer yet.

Off at a fundraiser lunch for the RFDS. Two of the new PC24 rough and ready medi-jets in WA already, one in SA. $13m a pop. They'd like another two here as a minimum. The big end of town put their heads together and between 4 companies said yes to one, the smaller end of town is pooling and seeing how close they can get to the second new one. I have to say, they are a very nice piece of kit. Pilatus makes a durable plane.

 

[Meritts]

Queensland is doing it tough also. So dry here with towns running out of water believe it or not. Then there is our govt. Who have introduced a new levy on primary producers.
So we could do with some rain here too

 

[darkelf9]

Hi everyone.
I’m a long time lurker/reader, but have only just started exploring the forums.
35/f/northern beaches of Sydney.

And yes, we need the rain! This winter has been pretty spectacular, I’m still managing to sunbathe by a sheltered pool.

Hey Curious,

Welcome to the thread. Best way to get involved is just jump in and post stuff about what's happening in your world.

 

[darkelf9]

Queensland is doing it tough also. So dry here with towns running out of water believe it or not. Then there is our govt. Who have introduced a new levy on primary producers.
So we could do with some rain here too

Hey Merrits,

You guys could always ask Tassie for some rain. They seem to be getting everyone's rain on the east coast.

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

Mid way thru Aug so not much of Winter temps left. Still getting some rain but with that wind it just keeps blowing thru. Then we got some wet stuff here in Melbourne town on the day it wasn't predicted. At the moment the wind is rattling windows and making tree branches sway.

Had another busy couple of days doing maintenance jobs on both sides of the city. And yep the year of replacement continues at my place. I've been to Bunnings more often in the last month than I've been shopping. Latest issue was washers in the washing machine hose. Can't just get washers for those these days so have to buy a new hose. So annoying. Everything comes in a kit these days as we are just a throw away society so that costs more.

And another month of medical stuff to do, none of which is related. It's like doing a Contiki tour of the various medical facilities around the city. My GP must think I've gone AWOL.

Well Alan Jones is complaining about women again. At some point you'd reckon giving an old white privileged man a mic is not a good idea. Even that Qld MP Canavan is having a go a people in Melbourne for having hook turns. Then again he isn't from a big city so I guess his lack of knowledge can be excused. Probably needs to get treatment for his foot in mouth disease.

The Aussies did well in the cricket. Stayed up for most of it. Warner failed again so he needs to lift his game, can't rely on Smith all the time.

Hope your weekend is good for you. Only time to do the washing here in Melbourne town before more of the wet stuff starting on Monday.

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

So another week of the wet and windy stuff for Melbourne town. Seems it rains on days I want to do stuff outside not to mention those cold southerly winds. If you don't need to be outside then why would you?

Saw the 4 Corners story on new apartments and the basic takeaway is don't buy a new one. By new I mean anything built with the last 10-15 yrs. Those Chinese investors will not be happy. Seems most of the people living in these new apartments are Chinese at least that's what I've seen from the TV courage.

Lived in an apartment in the early 90's and whilst it was an old one it was structurally solid, of course you don't know what you're really buying till you live in a place and discover the various issues. Then again everyone purchasing a property would understand that money needs to be spent on it even a new one, but nobody expects to have to evacuate their home because it could collapse.

The experience with private industry continues to be that when it's de-regulated there are no rules. Govts like to de-regulate to save on dollars. Basically happened whenever an LNP party gets into power since they are all for private industry getting a free hand. When the watchdog is working for the private company you can't expect anything else but safety to be compromised. Especially when you have a local govt working with the developers. Everyone gets a taste of the money on offer and the general public are the losers. Local councils love it cause they get higher revenue thru rates and since local councils are now affiliated with a political party there is no due diligence done.

I've always like older homes cause workmanship was better and things were built to last. Was thinking of buying an apartment as an option but it seems I should put a line thru that option.

The issue in Hong Kong is now playing out in our cities. It's very clear that China has an influence in our Uni's. We seem to be ok with taking Chinese money and turning a blind eye to everything else. Now we have even given them an open invitation to increase their influence in the Pacific thanks to ScoMo telling the Pacific nations that climate change is not a problem as their people can always come here for jobs. Wonder if he so cold blooded if they come here seeking a new home? All we are doing is creating the refugees of the near future. Now that's dumb politics.

Hope the rest of the week is good for you. The only places getting the wet stuff at the moment are the very southern parts of the country.

 

[Gelista]

Hey all, newbie here, have lurked for a little while, thought i'd start posting! 37 Male from Adelaide. Ask me anything! Looking forward to getting involved!

 

[scumbag]

Hey all, newbie here, have lurked for a little while, thought i'd start posting! 37 Male from Adelaide. Ask me anything! Looking forward to getting involved!

Welcome... also in Adelaide, but in the Hills, have fun.

 

[Gelista]

Welcome... also in Adelaide, but in the Hills, have fun.

Nice. Down the beach myself.

Thank god that hell of a footy season is over!

 

[darkelf9]

Hey all, newbie here, have lurked for a little while, thought i'd start posting! 37 Male from Adelaide. Ask me anything! Looking forward to getting involved!

Hey Gelista,

Welcome to the thread. Best way to get involved is just post about yourself for people to get to you know you.

So a tram strike in Adelaide last week, that must have impacted dozens of people

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

A few dry days in Melbourne town before more of the wet stuff mid week then more rain on the weekend. The heavy winds have finally buggered off as well but it's still cool.

So the private health system is facing issues due to people who can afford to pay for it dropping out which puts more pressure on the public system. Next these people will be complaining of the lengthy wait times in the public system because of all those people on lesser incomes clogging up the system. I mean it's outrageous that households on two high incomes and two cars taking an OS holiday once a year have to wait in the hospital system. They pay their taxes after all and in the words of Kath and Kim, they're "effluent" people.

The argument I've heard is that these same people are willing to pay higher taxes to have a better public health system which is horseshit considering they all voted to get a tax cut. They can take their sippy cups to the local café to claim they care about the environment, then go on an OS holiday on a jet aircraft. They aren't going to live long enough to compensate for that. Then they really will need their private health care.

The regular AFL games are over for another and everyone gets a chill week. The top three have the same win/loss ratio. The Cats and the Tigers look the strongest.

As for the cricket well the Aussies managed to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. They had the fumbles and lost chances, also didn't help that the umpire wasn't willing to give Stokes out with one run to win. Still the pomes did very well and the Aussies were one bowler short. All to play for in the next two and the pomes have to win both to get the Ashes back.

Managed to resolve the final plumbing issue so happy about that. I've saved lots of dollars on plumbers just took lots of trial and error to find solutions. Can give the trips to Bunnings a rest till the warmer months. When it will be painting time again for a final time.

Apparently vaping is now causing a high incidence of respiratory conditions. No fucking kidding. Some may see it an issue, I call it natural selection, removal of the dumb gene from the human species.

Hope the rest of the week is good for you.

 

[missswannie]

It was Polly Farmer's state funeral today. Well attended and hearing his life story is still nothing short of amazing. His football history was game changing but his foundation work and putting thousands of kids through school post football career was amazing. I shouldn't say I enjoyed a funeral but I certainly came away from it with nothing but respect.
A funny week ahead over west. 20C at the start, 27C by Wednesday, then 50mm of rain in the latter half. Predictably for this end of the world, everyone is taking Wednesday off to hit the beach.

 

[PertPerth]

It was Polly Farmer's state funeral today. Well attended and hearing his life story is still nothing short of amazing. His football history was game changing but his foundation work and putting thousands of kids through school post football career was amazing. I shouldn't say I enjoyed a funeral but I certainly came away from it with nothing but respect.
A funny week ahead over west. 20C at the start, 27C by Wednesday, then 50mm of rain in the latter half. Predictably for this end of the world, everyone is taking Wednesday off to hit the beach.

I thin it actually reached 30C, didn't it? I heard folks talking about the record heat for winter....

I can't remember when I popped in last - I hope everyone is doing well! Life has been a bit of a blur. My 40th year is really turning out to be a doozy. Midlife crisis and a half. Mostly just me not being at my peak and coping by drinking more wine/bubbly and eating more chocolate than usual.
In short, Mum had a stroke and is now in a fancy-shmancy home. I'm now her guardian and EPA and guarantor. My schizophrenic brother who I was estranged from is now coming to me for money, rather than going to mum...and all is still going on with my ADHD son and me being a solo mum working fulltime.

The good news is that I just booked another trip to Singapore for Christmas and new years, seasons passes to Adventure World, a case of nice wine and a new vibrator. Alls well that ends well. Or something like that.

What's everyone up to for Father's Day?

 

[Polarity]

I thin it actually reached 30C, didn't it? I heard folks talking about the record heat for winter....

I can't remember when I popped in last - I hope everyone is doing well! Life has been a bit of a blur. My 40th year is really turning out to be a doozy. Midlife crisis and a half. Mostly just me not being at my peak and coping by drinking more wine/bubbly and eating more chocolate than usual.
In short, Mum had a stroke and is now in a fancy-shmancy home. I'm now her guardian and EPA and guarantor. My schizophrenic brother who I was estranged from is now coming to me for money, rather than going to mum...and all is still going on with my ADHD son and me being a solo mum working fulltime.

The good news is that I just booked another trip to Singapore for Christmas and new years, seasons passes to Adventure World, a case of nice wine and a new vibrator. Alls well that ends well. Or something like that.

What's everyone up to for Father's Day?

That is a doozy.
Get in touch, have got a friend who's all over the new toys.
She's fucking amazing, and giving me lots of reviews.
I'm also able to help out with wine.
Happy to help.

 

[darkelf9]

I thin it actually reached 30C, didn't it? I heard folks talking about the record heat for winter....

I can't remember when I popped in last - I hope everyone is doing well! Life has been a bit of a blur. My 40th year is really turning out to be a doozy. Midlife crisis and a half. Mostly just me not being at my peak and coping by drinking more wine/bubbly and eating more chocolate than usual.
In short, Mum had a stroke and is now in a fancy-shmancy home. I'm now her guardian and EPA and guarantor. My schizophrenic brother who I was estranged from is now coming to me for money, rather than going to mum...and all is still going on with my ADHD son and me being a solo mum working fulltime.

The good news is that I just booked another trip to Singapore for Christmas and new years, seasons passes to Adventure World, a case of nice wine and a new vibrator. Alls well that ends well. Or something like that.

What's everyone up to for Father's Day?

Hey Pert,

Good to see that you are keeping a sense of humour. Yep family are a pain in the arse. I have a brother who has had a clueless ride in life and when my mum passes on it will up to me to look out for him and he is my older brother so it should be the other way around.

My year of stuff needing attention around the house just keeps on giving. Just when I've addressed one thing something else goes wrong and needs fixing. It's one of those years. May be the house is revolting knowing I'll be selling it next year.

Keep staying positive

 

[darkelf9]

Morning all,

Well the economy keeps tanking and the govt keeps blaming other people now it's apparently due to the OS economy, prior to that they said what happens OS is something they planned for. Can't have it both ways.

Was a warm day yesterday so I was in the backyard hacking at stuff. It was even warm enough to build up a sweat. Lots to do in the backyard since I've ignored that part of the garden for a while. Until it gets warm enough to start painting again, the backyard will be my main focus in the coming months.

Currently don't have neighbours on either side so just waiting for the next renters to move in to the place on the other side. Lots of noise and movement in the street during the day thanks to the ongoing building works which will continue for at least another 12-18 months. This all leads to lots of fighting for car space in the small street. A quiet retirement it ain't.

There is movement on the place next door so building is going to start soon and a new fence so I have to remove some stuff along that fence line. It's good that I get on well with the owner but no doubt more drama to come on that front.

So it's going to be 33 in Brisbane, can't call it Brisvegas, been to Vegas way cheaper and not as humid and frankly more fun.

Busy couple of days to end the week and the knee pain continues, so trying to manage that.

Hope the rest of the week is good for you.

 

[missswannie]

Been a rainy week over this way. The farm had 90mm and a friends wheat farm on the eastern fringes of the belt had 15mm so a good top up. 28C on Sunday and Monday over here on the coast so a good day out on the beach again. It is spring after all. Talking of which, the wild flowers are out all over the place now.

Talking about the economy, I have had an interesting day of AFL game offers this morning. First was a couple of seats in a box for the Eagles v Essendon match on Thursday. Druggies v Druggies, should be ok. Then someone offered to host me in their box at the Gabba on Sat for Lions v Richmond. Interesting. Barely 30 mins later, would I like to go to a full package box on friday at the G for Geelong and Collingwood. Again tempting, just keep flying. Common problem, about half time the corporate discussion is going to turn to either getting them out of the shit or merged or sold to a couple of other people in the box and they'll expect a game plan by the final quarter and drinks down at the hotel after, because they have to release their quarterly statements in the next week or so. Which of course would be cheaper than going on contract. WA public servants were reminded this week that any sports or concert tickets or invitations have to go on the register. Shame, seeing which public servant is in which box has always been a good indicator for a speccy on the stock market.

 

[scumbag]

Well the economy keeps tanking and the govt keeps blaming other people now it's apparently due to the OS economy, prior to that they said what happens OS is something they planned for. Can't have it both ways.

Hahaha They also blamed the election for all the economy talk. Hmmm who took that stance?

 

[darkelf9]

Been a rainy week over this way. The farm had 90mm and a friends wheat farm on the eastern fringes of the belt had 15mm so a good top up. 28C on Sunday and Monday over here on the coast so a good day out on the beach again. It is spring after all. Talking of which, the wild flowers are out all over the place now.

Talking about the economy, I have had an interesting day of AFL game offers this morning. First was a couple of seats in a box for the Eagles v Essendon match on Thursday. Druggies v Druggies, should be ok. Then someone offered to host me in their box at the Gabba on Sat for Lions v Richmond. Interesting. Barely 30 mins later, would I like to go to a full package box on friday at the G for Geelong and Collingwood. Again tempting, just keep flying. Common problem, about half time the corporate discussion is going to turn to either getting them out of the shit or merged or sold to a couple of other people in the box and they'll expect a game plan by the final quarter and drinks down at the hotel after, because they have to release their quarterly statements in the next week or so. Which of course would be cheaper than going on contract. WA public servants were reminded this week that any sports or concert tickets or invitations have to go on the register. Shame, seeing which public servant is in which box has always been a good indicator for a speccy on the stock market.

Certainly is crazy weather what with bushfires in Qld and heavy rain predicted in the south. Apparently there is going to be localized hail in Melbourne which seems to be code for..."we don't really know where". Given my run of luck lately no doubt it will happen just when I need to go out later in the day.

Yep whilst you have more of govt relying on private industry the level of bribes for govt contracts will remain high, although those companies see it as a way of doing business. Mind you the situation was worse in the 70's and 80's. For the price of a bottle of whiskey sub-contractors could get govt contracts. Things were cheaper back then.

 

[darkelf9]

Hahaha They also blamed the election for all the economy talk. Hmmm who took that stance?

I'm waiting for them to blame refugees for the slowing of the economy. "It's those damn refugees having kids that's causing less growth." Kinda like the statement that Pacific Island countries shouldn't worry about climate change cause their people can come here and pick fruit. No logic to the reasons.

We have people not managing to get thru a week with enough food to eat, meanwhile we'll have a $7 billion surplus just so the govt can boast about it. Makes no sense.

 

[darkelf9]

Just passing thru.

Couldn't stay awake for the entire last session of the cricket. Did see Smith makes his double ton (yes I know I'm not using the metric version of 'tonne' but then again it's not an official SI unit). Let's just hope the Aussies don't fuck this one up again. The only hope England has is the rain. They just look flat. The last test must have taken a lot out of them.

Waiting for more rain and some hail and a thunderstorm to come thru my side of Melbourne. Hopefully won't happen when I need to be out and about later for yet another medical appointment, and another trip to Bunnings, this time to replace a garden tool. Also going to look for one of hands free torches that hikers wear. Mind you I won't be hiking but will come in hand for those repair tasks where you need both hands.

Knee issues keep persisting which is hampering any physical work around the house. Just waiting for it to get better and putting up with the pain. Not a fan of taking lots of pain meds.

Hope the weather doesn't impact too many people over the next few days.

 

[missswannie]

Certainly is crazy weather what with bushfires in Qld and heavy rain predicted in the south. Apparently there is going to be localized hail in Melbourne which seems to be code for..."we don't really know where". Given my run of luck lately no doubt it will happen just when I need to go out later in the day.

Yep whilst you have more of govt relying on private industry the level of bribes for govt contracts will remain high, although those companies see it as a way of doing business. Mind you the situation was worse in the 70's and 80's. For the price of a bottle of whiskey sub-contractors could get govt contracts. Things were cheaper back then.

The preferred method these days is to influence the outside consultant. Public servants and ministries are so risk adverse that they need to have consultants in to review each decision and keep them on track. Needless to say the largest supplier of consultants in Canberra is also the largest sponsor of local sports teams, charities, schools, etc. The number of consultants on their books embedded in government is outstanding. The consultant can then invite his or her workmates to the footy or take advise on the situation at hand. I know who I talk to in Canberra to get across the issues....

 

[darkelf9]

The preferred method these days is to influence the outside consultant. Public servants and ministries are so risk adverse that they need to have consultants in to review each decision and keep them on track. Needless to say the largest supplier of consultants in Canberra is also the largest sponsor of local sports teams, charities, schools, etc. The number of consultants on their books embedded in government is outstanding. The consultant can then invite his or her workmates to the footy or take advise on the situation at hand. I know who I talk to in Canberra to get across the issues....

I think the main reason they use consultants is to find someone to blame when things go wrong. Always keep a blame hound in your back pocket. Plus in Canberra they were never good at attracting and keeping experienced and practical people. It is also easier to terminate a consultant than a PS. Although I know Canberra is a different environment to other public service areas in the various parts of the country. They always have to import talent there since nobody actually wants to live there which is why they also pay them more for equivalent jobs in other parts of the country. Lots of people in Canberra with lots of degrees and very little practical knowledge cause it was never was and still is not the engine room for solutions, just lots of policy based on theory.