Since we don’t live by politix alone (I sincerely hope), what did people get up to this weekend? Join in, share some tales, regulars and lurkers all!
42 Responses to “Lazy Sunday!”
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first!!
Is it that time of the week again. My, don’t Nick Minchin make time go fast?
Well,
Reading Lady Worsley’s Whim by Hallie Robenhold. Sex, Scandal and Divorce in the 18C.
Mostly though, apart from following the Liberal Party implosion, have been taking notes from John ferling’s Almost A Miracle; Don Higginbotham’s The War for American Independence; and Piers Mackesy’s The War For America, 1775-1785.
Working on researching Bunker Hill, Siege of Boston,Hallifax March 1776 ff. All interelated, partly so when I’ve finished the research I can write all the chapters in a row, but also because I’m waiting for more books to come in, and it will probably take me a couple of months to get them. Contemplating writing a blog post soon on the modern historiography of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Tried to watch Slaughterhouse-5 last night but got bored and turned it off. Had a bit of a read instead.
I played cricket in almost constant rain yesterday – it can be done, but at quite a cost it turns out – and then went for a nap before a good friends big awesome 30th birthday party, after making sure my PA system was all up and running, and dropping off records and laptops and mirror balls &c &c.
Then I left my phone/alarum clock in the living room, and slept through to 6am.
On my phone this morning – “Where are you FDB?” … “Where ARE you FDB?” … “WHERE ARE YOU FDB!?!?!?!?” … “We need extra RCA leads to make the system work for the other DJs” … “Everything is going to shit” … &c &c.
DOH!
Now I’ve resorted to comfort food. Pasta bake with smoked cod, mussels and silverbeet.
Anyone else growing silverbeet in Melbs at the mo? Or anything else really?
There’s one upside to stupid erratic weather – everything is absolutely cranking in the veggie patch.
My son would classify a pasta bake with smoked cod and mussels as “scary”!
Currently growing: Basil, sunfloweres, pumpkins, tomatoes, chives, not much coriander.
Peas died. WhaddidIdowrong?
Isn’t all this rain fantastic?!
Hmm… my peas died too. Sugar snaps. Is there some kind of pea conspiracy?
Beans however are growing apace, and tomatoes are freaking out (in a good way).
FDB @4 that sounds very yummy wots the recipe?
If all those climate alarmists reckon that the Murray Darling basin is going to run dry because of climate change how come we here in SA, home of that enlightened leader, that beacon of truth, St. Nicholas, have just had 50mm of rainfall in the last week and for the first time in 3 years I actually both my tanks full of water, thats about 55,000 litres worth, which should last me at least 2 years?
Well?
Don’t answer, I tried to make the assertion as stupid as I could but failed to imitate a real denialist. Just not ratbagish enough. I’ll try harder next time.
Just suffice it to say we have water here now in the tanks and a wonderful that is.
I might have a shower today.
More lovely rain in Melbourne; the pumpkins are already taking over the back yard. The tomatoes are flowering and the beans are climbing and, even better, the earwig traps are working so the silver beet is flourishing too. Maybe this’ll be a good growing year for veggies.
Just as a matter of interest,did anyone hear that Tasmanian rainfall is a record!?Now doesn’t rain actually bring cooler temperatures,except for the high temperatures that precede storm activity,cannot have one without the other!So I was wondering how this actually works out across the seasonal matters and day night yearly average temperatures!?This weekend I have intensified my thoughts about AGW,there are so many statements being made almost with glee by those pro the AGW view ,that well the silly season normally occurs this time of year,so I heighten my sense of seriousness,because the wobble heads of full employment and status etc. are the first to be accident prone,except for local drivers.Bet Quiggins has an accident,unexpectedly caused by himself within the next month!And don’t be surprised if no-one is game to understand the next two months weather except as it unfolds,as again dust blows from within central Australia to the East.FDB would make a fine farmer,ifs we had the monies etc!I haven’t thought up a combined musical instrument Exair Vortex Tube practical problem solving matter yet.But Wilhelm Riech sites suggest hertzian frequencies cause rain at a common musical instrument comparative matter.Maybe I will just stick to my own blog from now on ready to be a alternative proponent against the AGW Fakirs and their bed of nails.
FDB – what sort of dropkick DJ doesn’t carry extra leads? Jeez, I have a set of RCA leads in me UTE and the closest I’ve come to DJ had a different first letter.
My tomatoes are looking smug, the capsicums and chillies are and the sweetcorn is growing apace. My sugarloaf cabbages are starting to cabbage and if the bloody snails would just eat the bait, I should have a nice little crop. Strawberries are looking divine, but @#!%ing ants are eating them. Does anyone else think ants are a waste of space, along with mice and millipedes?
the capsicums and chillies are flowering (and looking smug) scans better.
yeah loverly loverly rain! Was outside a lot, created a second no-dig patch under the early apricot tree and planted all sorts of nice but non-edible stuff in it! One pumpkin I am growing to take to the Mater (can’t stand the stuff, yuck!) but plenty cucumber, honeydew and charental rockmelon, a watermelon, maize, dwarf beans, climbing beans planted next to the corn. Put in a portwine magnolia and have a hibiscus to plant–what does that need in terms of soil pH, sun/shade, can it cope with some dry spells when I forget to water it etc?
Some photos here: http://polanimal.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=158&start=50 and todays stuff will be there tomorrow morning.
In between gardening online enjoying the stupid ructions the Libs are putting themselves through very much indeed!
Garlic, spuds & onions going mad though we’ve not had the rain of Vic & SA. The usual suspects, grapes, figs, lillies & lilacs doing nicely and the resident macropods enjoying the succulent lawn growth – saves me mowing.
Hmmm Demi finished the year with only the first title, CCD or Community Companion Dog but I think it was tough luck the trial a couple weekends ago was in the middle of the November heatwave, I think she could have gotten a ‘leg’ towards the next title, Companion Dog (CD.) so next year that is what we will go for and get!
Also dong agility and there Demi is a natural, fast, willing, loving the obstacles (esp the tunnels and the A Frame scramble) and I think we will have a title or two in that this time next year. I probably bored the pants off quite a few here whinging about her slow progress but thanks for putting up with that!
Also dong agility=also doing agility
Yes our peas died too, trying again. Beans, corn and tomatoes are jumping out of the ground, i planted six varieties of cerry tom in last week of August and five varieties have set fruit. eating button squash and Grey Zuccs, tho a lot of fruit is not setting, harvested the garlic last week, the Hbomb is pulling the carrots out of the ground and usually gets me to wash them before eating, strawberries got trashed by the snails and ants, Jane, after living in the midst of one of those argentine ant colonies in california, i can get annoyed, but kinda treasure the variety we have here.
bunching onions are getting picked and separated and replantd as needed, 1/2 doz lucky dip chillies, a similar amount of lucky dip pumpkins, a couple of watermelons and a score of basil are just getting established. Herbs, cos, tamarillo and lemon going well , but stone fruit and passionfruit are not happy. the rhubarb, white, needs separating, will have to start giving it away. Asparagus still not doing much.
so apart from a bit of gardening, lots of kid stuff, flying a kite, tea parties, trains, dancing and circus games and books, cooking two small dinner parties and a few other chores i took great pleasure in the political circus. kids are in bed and i am wondering how the Wailers free gig is going at the Espy and if they and Ry Cooder will catch up while they are here.
Yes, what is it with the peas! I have no idea.
JM, your stories of Demi are making me sad as we haven’t been back to Obedience class since son had his accident in November. Maggie the kelpie/Rottie/Border collie? cross was the more talented of our two and she now has a seemingly permanent limp which so far is undiagnosed. 2 vets have tried and we haven’t been able to make her react to pain anywhere. She is more than happy pottering inthe park but is just gimpy.
Hannah was limping too Helen.
Didn’t stop her cavorting at full speed but was obviously hurting her after she had slowed down for a while and wanted to get back to flat out activity.
Vet diagnosed arthritis, not too severe fortunately but enough to warrant a course of injections to boost her joints, permanently on tablets [which she hates] and fish oil.
What with these extra dietary addiditions and her normal diet that is well balanced and home made this dog eats far better than her humans.
It now rains in November in Vic – its our new September. Seen some stats from a farmer in central Victoria last year after they contacted me to ask – is this new normal and should we plan on it every year? Good November rain in Vic 2 years in 3 at the moment (since 96).
Planted some more heirloom tomatoes, and the rest of it is going ape-droppings as evidenced by a few … Checked the companion planting manual to refresh vege and fruit tree relationships before putting stuff in (new house with orchard, temporary unfortunately – being developed next year – not my decision), reckons peach trees are allelopathic. After four weeks can confirm this is true – within root zone.
Get it up, good and mulched I reckon – it will be dry and hot later, but the plants should be well enough established to grow on the shower and washing machine water if that’s all you have.
Bloody computers.I just spent a long time doing a blog entry and couldn’t get away from the page without losing it.Microsoft..stick it somewhere.Will you.And make sure Gates has my problem with him!
Net your fruit trees in January, everyone. We lost our excellent apricot tree which just frizzled and burned in a heatwave – leaves just burned off. It died, even though it got regular washing machine water.
Hannah’s Dad – She is on Glucosamine, but she doesn’t have arthritis in the affected leg. The vet can tie her front legs in a bow behind her ears practically.
She is really extremely flexible. And she doesn’t get shirty at the vet doing that. She’s a mystery. The investigation continues!
Helen @22 – not shark cartilage glucosamine I trust … there are other sources no?
Just dust here in Armidale, I think. Not game to go outside to check.
AT@25 Greenlip mussel I believe. I understand your concern for sharks however the thousands of tons of Australian sourced School, Gummy and other sustainably harvested shark provides a huge amount of cartilage. Glucosamine and condroitin tablets, I found, were ineffective as treatment for pain in my knees both of which were scheduled for surgery. That was four or five years ago and now, in my 70’s, I regularly walk and run mountain trails. The turning point for me was finding South Australian Shark Cartilage and it soon had me pain free, promoted the meniscus growth I required and I was able to cancel the surgery. I have also replaced cartrophen vet for my dogs with a single capsule opened and sprinkled on their food when arthritic pain is a problem. They love it too. No more hand down the throat of an uncooperative Deerhound!
David_h:
“FDB @4 that sounds very yummy wots the recipe?”
It would have been nearly perfect, but I made a schoolboy error. Thinking the mussels (leftover from a big hors d’œuvres spread) I used were in brine, I poured about a quarter cup of their liquid into the sauce. Turns out it had sugar and vinegar in it. Not much, but a creamy pasta bake should not taste sweet and sour.
Anyway, it was just past spirals, blanched silverbeet (loads), paoched and flaked “smoked” cod (the cheap red crap that’s not actually smoked), mussels, then another layer of pasta. Pour over enough cheesy, nutmeggy bechamel to cover, grated gruyere on top, twenty mins in a hottish oven, and you’re done.
It’s sort of a fish florentine, but with pasta.
But use fresh mussels with their liquid, or those ones from a plastic tub without.
Ute Man:
“FDB – what sort of dropkick DJ doesn’t carry extra leads?”
Yairs, tell me about it. Here I was only a five minute drunken bike ride away, in a house teeming with them. I think my circle of party friends have become over-reliant.
Dylwah:
“eating button squash and Grey Zuccs, tho a lot of fruit is not setting”
I have a possibly related problem – loads of male flowers on my zucchini. The females are fattening up nicely when they do show up, but the males outnumber them 3 or 4 to 1. Anyone got any methods for encouraging a plant to be more ladylike? I guess grinding up contraceptives would be a bit mammaliocentric, wouldn’t it?
Currently, my car is totally paid off and Hubby only owes $880 on his. We received a brochure for the new Ford Fiesta ‘econetic’ — a turbo-injected common rail diesel 1.6L 5-door said to have torque of 200nm and 130Kw at the wheels and yet run at 4.6l per 100k city cycle. Best of all, unlike the hybrids, it’s in the affordable range — apparently $25k drive away is possible. Apparently it has a filtyer which takes out most of the PM which would combust on the way out, so that’s nice too. (Apparently, there’s no option for an automatic, which may discourage some)
I was pretty interested, so despite my preference for a PHEV I trotted down to the local dealer for a look see. Sadly, the signs notwithstanding, there were none available to look at. The dealer had sold the only one they had.
Oh dear …
The snowpeas are going well, but the chooks dug out all the sugar snaps. Mystery peas are growing well – key to getting them to grow from seed is to shove them all into the ground together muttering that the bloody things never grow anyway. Guaranteed that they will all come up in a bunch. Pea seedlings bought from hardware shop don’t seem to be reacting well to recent rains. Hopefully they will recover as 3yr old has bottomless appetite for peas in the pod fresh from the garden.
Jan at #9:
“the earwig traps are working”
Do tell… man I hate those things.
Helen @ 19, there is a very good canine chiropractor who lives in Altona, called Bernie Osmond. And he only charges $10. Took Agnes there when she put her back and he fixed her in a visit.
… put her back out…
Gardens, is it?
Why, I’ve rhubarbs, cucumbers and squashes,
And great gourds that work well as galoshes,
I’ve got lettuce worth sellin’
And a hollowed-out melon
Where the stashed-away rainy-day dosh is.
Looks like the bush rats may be eating some very green apples and a few green almonds (no peck marks, tiny gnaw marks well aboove ground level; rabbits and birds crossed off list of suspects).
Anyone know of a repellent?
Yes, it’s gardens, Ms Cherries. Thank you for asking.
Ha! Fine, you’re gold! Im not far from Altona. I’ll google this chiro forthwith.
I’m sceptical about chiros, but hey whatever might work. They scare the shit out of me, but that’s all right, everything scares the shit out of this dog so it’s no worse than taking her to Werribbee for more srs tests (which is the long term Plan.)
Poor Maggie. I hope this works for her and I don’t think it can do any harm.
FDB – you asked about earwig traps …
I heard about earwig traps on RRR’s gardening show. They work. Get an old container with a lid. Poke earwig sized holes around the top of the container, just below the lid. Pour a layer of linseed oil to cover the bottom of the container, close the lid then half bury the container next to your plants. Make sure the earwigs can get into the holes. They are attracted to the oil, go in, and don’t come out.
Very gratifying.
That does sound good. I’m sure there’s a “die slowly” missing there, in between “go in” and “don’t come out”. But in the case of earwigs I can’t muster too much sympathy.
At least it sounds like there’s little chance of collateral damage.
Hear the story about the bloke who fell asleep one night and during that night an earwig burrowed into one ear, chewed right through his brain and came out the other ear. (That’s why they call them earwigs,)
Thanks a bunch, Paul. Now I’ll never sleep again.
It’s probably an urban myth DR(nr.)