And the rain has moved on! Isn’t it wonderful to finally wake up to sunshine? The last storm certainly dumped us a bonus before it moved towards the coast. We got 3 inches Friday night. One of the down sides of progress was that those on the south side of the paved part of Torrens Street had about 4 inches flooding through the yard. Up side is that it washed all the nasties away from the house.
Our friendly fish venders who travel through here regularly were bogged on the Aramac road and stranded all night. Luckily they had their van or it would have been pretty uncomfortable. Bet they were glad when morning, and rescue, arrived, though.
How nice it is to see the Christmas lights around the town. Especially worth mentioning are those on the Police Station. It gives the town a welcome feel to see them flickering for the girls. Hope Santa is good to them. This will probably for the last Christmas as an official building.
The continuing debate about who is smarter—feline or canine?
A Smart Cat Story on today’s news.
A quick-thinking pussycat has saved his owners' house after a fire broke out in the kitchen while they were Christmas shopping.
Five-year-old Pepper has been hailed a hero for his actions - he opened a window, which allowed smoke to escape and alerted neighbours, who contacted firefighters and stopped the fire spreading to the rest of the house.
The cat had learnt to open windows so he could let himself out at night. He would hop on a kitchen bench and turn the latch with his paw.
Owner Sharon White, of Totnes in Devon, said Pepper showed off his window-opening skills at a dinner party.
"Everyone was applauding him, I think it spurred him on," she said.
"He can climb back in through the window by jumping diagonally on to the ledge as well so he really does come and go as he pleases.
"Pepper is still a bit spooked by the ordeal but is still managing to eat plenty of food."
The West Australian December 14, 2010, 7:31 am
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
8th December.
Tuesday a group of concerned locals attended the meeting with the Police officials to hear how discussions re closure of the Torrens Creek’s Police Station. Although the discussion is still open, and emails regarding local needs and concerns are encouraged, it is anticipated that the station will eventually close. As it was pointed out, the station was established when there was a vastly different transport system. Now, with cars and four wheel drives so much quicker than the horse, it is seen to be more necessary to have personnel out in the field. That , combined with the availability of official sites on the internet where registration, etc. can be handled, release officers for more intensive road patrol, and other duties.
Seems another page of our history turns.
Speaking of history. Here are some interesting dates for this week:
Monday 6th - William Arnott, biscuit manufacturer was born 1827,
Tuesday 7th— Sir Robert Lucas Tooth, brewer was born 1844. Interesting the brewer not the biscuit manufacturer got knighted, I think.
Wednesday 8th— the first Australian harvest was made in 1789.
Thursday 9th— “Breaker” Morant born in England 1864.
former Prime Minister born in Bordertown 1929.
Friday 10th— Queensland declared a separate colony in 1859.
Monday 13th—the first stage appearance of Dame Edna Everage in Melbourne, 1955
Tuesday a group of concerned locals attended the meeting with the Police officials to hear how discussions re closure of the Torrens Creek’s Police Station. Although the discussion is still open, and emails regarding local needs and concerns are encouraged, it is anticipated that the station will eventually close. As it was pointed out, the station was established when there was a vastly different transport system. Now, with cars and four wheel drives so much quicker than the horse, it is seen to be more necessary to have personnel out in the field. That , combined with the availability of official sites on the internet where registration, etc. can be handled, release officers for more intensive road patrol, and other duties.
Seems another page of our history turns.
Speaking of history. Here are some interesting dates for this week:
Monday 6th - William Arnott, biscuit manufacturer was born 1827,
Tuesday 7th— Sir Robert Lucas Tooth, brewer was born 1844. Interesting the brewer not the biscuit manufacturer got knighted, I think.
Wednesday 8th— the first Australian harvest was made in 1789.
Thursday 9th— “Breaker” Morant born in England 1864.
former Prime Minister born in Bordertown 1929.
Friday 10th— Queensland declared a separate colony in 1859.
Monday 13th—the first stage appearance of Dame Edna Everage in Melbourne, 1955
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Finally I’m back on line. Hopefully the problem is fixed permanently. It is scary how necessary the internet has become to my life. I guess it is another symptom of the instant gratification generation - and the loss of patience.
This is the last day of November. Only 4 weeks until Christmas and I haven’t even got my cards. The early rain has upset the shopping routine too. Couldn’t get into town last week and now it’s going to be a rush to get all the parcels off in time. Among the many emails waiting to be opened when I got back on line I came across the following message which I thought was worth passing on. Nice to know that other countries approve of what we are doing.
Powerful stuff. May we all learn from it.
This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and very well made. I hope that by passing this along to others, it will make a difference and if just one life is saved, it will all be worth the effort .
I think that Australia should be complimented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV. It is very moving and very life like, so it has a very strong impact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
Some Things are Sent to Try Us. (a character I met last week, with a bit of poetic license .)
He drove up from Isisford,
that’s due south from Longreach,
for a trip he'd carefully planned
in a boat off Mission Beach.
But now beside me at the bar
his ruddy face was bleak
as he explained his presence
here in Torrens Creek.
“This flamin' wet weather
keeps followin' me around -
rained so hard along the coast
I think the fish all drowned.”
His granite face impassive
stern lips gave a bare tweak,
“Now it seems I'm stranded -
be here for another week.
“The road's cut, the creek's up
between here and Barcaldine.
so I'll stay 'til it goes down
and we see some more sunshine.
He sighed and settled on his stool,
Then downed his amber brew,
“Guess I'll chill here awhile
before I can shoot through.
“The beer's good, company too.
lots of peace and quiet,
and actually the menu here
beats my no fish diet.”
His eyes twinkled, he waved his glass
and called for another round,
adding, “So if my wife calls for me
please tell her I can't be found.
“I'll veg. out for awhile
play a round of golf - or more,”
swung his imaginary club
then he hollered “Fore!”
He seemed to be reconciled
to this unforeseen delay
separating him from family
500 kilometres away.
.
This is the last day of November. Only 4 weeks until Christmas and I haven’t even got my cards. The early rain has upset the shopping routine too. Couldn’t get into town last week and now it’s going to be a rush to get all the parcels off in time. Among the many emails waiting to be opened when I got back on line I came across the following message which I thought was worth passing on. Nice to know that other countries approve of what we are doing.
Powerful stuff. May we all learn from it.
This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and very well made. I hope that by passing this along to others, it will make a difference and if just one life is saved, it will all be worth the effort .
I think that Australia should be complimented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV. It is very moving and very life like, so it has a very strong impact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
Some Things are Sent to Try Us. (a character I met last week, with a bit of poetic license .)
He drove up from Isisford,
that’s due south from Longreach,
for a trip he'd carefully planned
in a boat off Mission Beach.
But now beside me at the bar
his ruddy face was bleak
as he explained his presence
here in Torrens Creek.
“This flamin' wet weather
keeps followin' me around -
rained so hard along the coast
I think the fish all drowned.”
His granite face impassive
stern lips gave a bare tweak,
“Now it seems I'm stranded -
be here for another week.
“The road's cut, the creek's up
between here and Barcaldine.
so I'll stay 'til it goes down
and we see some more sunshine.
He sighed and settled on his stool,
Then downed his amber brew,
“Guess I'll chill here awhile
before I can shoot through.
“The beer's good, company too.
lots of peace and quiet,
and actually the menu here
beats my no fish diet.”
His eyes twinkled, he waved his glass
and called for another round,
adding, “So if my wife calls for me
please tell her I can't be found.
“I'll veg. out for awhile
play a round of golf - or more,”
swung his imaginary club
then he hollered “Fore!”
He seemed to be reconciled
to this unforeseen delay
separating him from family
500 kilometres away.
.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November 2.
In keeping with the good news month, our water continues to flow—red. But I have been informed by Ms Keating, the shire’s Health Officer, that an engineering firm, Base IGI, is studying the water situation in Prairie, Stamford and Torrens Creek in an attempt to improve the quality provided. Meanwhile, boil your water until the pump’s fixed.
After losing our Post Office this year we are now told that we are in danger of losing out Police Station as well. A meeting is called for Wednesday, 25th of October to ‘gauge public opinion about policing services in the community’. Despite the short notice, it should be an interesting meeting. For those unable to attend but would like to have input
email PolicingSmallerCommunities@police.qld.gov.au or phone Acting Inspector Joe Kitching on 47268704 within the next week.
A more comprehensive meeting will be held next month, with more adequate warning of time and venue.
So Near and yet So far.
The Aramac—Torrens Creek has always been a bone of contention.
This north-south road cuts the trip south by a day (when weather conditions permit) and affords the Aramac end quicker access to health facilities, especially now their hospital has closed. It also offers the traveller some wonderful sights. Animals, birds and changes of scenery that tourists who are brave enough to travel that road can dine out on their experiences for ever.
Aramac took the initiative and began working at their end, sealing it to make an all weather road. Working steadily through the past couple of years they have sealed up to 30ks from the junction with the Flinders Highway.
Prior to the elections this year, funding for the road’s completion was withdrawn and now, with the wet season approaching the road has been closed to traffic twice already. With a warning of a more serious cyclone season this year how will those living down this road cope? Dept. Main Roads has still not, as yet, responded to my call.
I’ll end this cheery snippet of rural life with this truism:
Two of the greatest qualities in life are: Patience and Wisdom
In keeping with the good news month, our water continues to flow—red. But I have been informed by Ms Keating, the shire’s Health Officer, that an engineering firm, Base IGI, is studying the water situation in Prairie, Stamford and Torrens Creek in an attempt to improve the quality provided. Meanwhile, boil your water until the pump’s fixed.
After losing our Post Office this year we are now told that we are in danger of losing out Police Station as well. A meeting is called for Wednesday, 25th of October to ‘gauge public opinion about policing services in the community’. Despite the short notice, it should be an interesting meeting. For those unable to attend but would like to have input
email PolicingSmallerCommunities@police.qld.gov.au or phone Acting Inspector Joe Kitching on 47268704 within the next week.
A more comprehensive meeting will be held next month, with more adequate warning of time and venue.
So Near and yet So far.
The Aramac—Torrens Creek has always been a bone of contention.
This north-south road cuts the trip south by a day (when weather conditions permit) and affords the Aramac end quicker access to health facilities, especially now their hospital has closed. It also offers the traveller some wonderful sights. Animals, birds and changes of scenery that tourists who are brave enough to travel that road can dine out on their experiences for ever.
Aramac took the initiative and began working at their end, sealing it to make an all weather road. Working steadily through the past couple of years they have sealed up to 30ks from the junction with the Flinders Highway.
Prior to the elections this year, funding for the road’s completion was withdrawn and now, with the wet season approaching the road has been closed to traffic twice already. With a warning of a more serious cyclone season this year how will those living down this road cope? Dept. Main Roads has still not, as yet, responded to my call.
I’ll end this cheery snippet of rural life with this truism:
Two of the greatest qualities in life are: Patience and Wisdom
November 9th.
The annual Torrens Creek Golf Hambrose was played at the beginning of November, quite a bit earlier than usual. The weather stayed fine for the 17 contestants who came to test their skills for the prize of a Christmas Ham. Winners were all locals, Bruce and Liz Grimmer and Pete ? walked away with the goods this year. Well done, guys.
Despite the downturn in tourism due to the higher valued Australian dollar, The Exchange Hotel has been busy hosting busloads of tourists.
One group from Mackay, Golden Oldies, are regular visitors who have ties to the west and travel here annually. They enjoyed a break and a meal on their way further west to Mt. Isa.
Another Oz Tours bus brought some fun-loving sightseers for the night, and naturally they had to leave their mark on the highest point of the famous graffiti bar. To the appreciation of the local patrons.
And the 150th Melbourne Cup was a fun run for those who decided to watch in in company. I’m a bit sorry that Bart didn’t get his 13th win, but isn’t it wonderful how the old cup goes from strength to strength. This win will ensure more overseas contenders and bring in more big bucks. Too bad I didn’t have my money on the winner, and I had picked a couple of ones that were “certain”.
Lateral Thinking (Will this become a new fashion?)
Now I ask you...Who stands and looks at a pair of men's briefs and sayshummmm...I can make a nice summer top from these!! On the other hand...$6 for a three pack is a good price!! Only in America.
The annual Torrens Creek Golf Hambrose was played at the beginning of November, quite a bit earlier than usual. The weather stayed fine for the 17 contestants who came to test their skills for the prize of a Christmas Ham. Winners were all locals, Bruce and Liz Grimmer and Pete ? walked away with the goods this year. Well done, guys.
Despite the downturn in tourism due to the higher valued Australian dollar, The Exchange Hotel has been busy hosting busloads of tourists.
One group from Mackay, Golden Oldies, are regular visitors who have ties to the west and travel here annually. They enjoyed a break and a meal on their way further west to Mt. Isa.
Another Oz Tours bus brought some fun-loving sightseers for the night, and naturally they had to leave their mark on the highest point of the famous graffiti bar. To the appreciation of the local patrons.
And the 150th Melbourne Cup was a fun run for those who decided to watch in in company. I’m a bit sorry that Bart didn’t get his 13th win, but isn’t it wonderful how the old cup goes from strength to strength. This win will ensure more overseas contenders and bring in more big bucks. Too bad I didn’t have my money on the winner, and I had picked a couple of ones that were “certain”.
Lateral Thinking (Will this become a new fashion?)
Now I ask you...Who stands and looks at a pair of men's briefs and sayshummmm...I can make a nice summer top from these!! On the other hand...$6 for a three pack is a good price!! Only in America.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
19th October
Internet Problems.
I’m still having network problems. After an early start yesterday, my network crashed. That’s with the new modem installed. I rang technical support (after doing all the usual things they tell me to do) and eventually they told me to pull the thing apart, disconnect everything, and leave it off for about thirty minutes, then ring them back. Nothing worked, so the technician said that the modem needed to be sent back. ‘‘Again?” I squeaked in agony. Another three weeks of isolation loomed. But I’m an optimist and kept trying to get the wretched thing up and running. No luck yesterday.
Today, ever the optimist, I turned on the unit and walked away. As I walked away, the virus protector informed me that it had just been updated. My day was made.
These problems led me to look for alternative network providers, and to find out what redress we have if we feel the service is not satisfactory.
I rang Mr. Katter’s office and his staff member was right on the ball. Very helpful and informed me that there is an ombudsman to regulate these services. The TIO number is 1800 062 058. Before you ring, make sure you have your contract and other documents handy.
Some historic dates for this week.
19th 1895 Banjo Patterson’s Man from Snowy River and other stories published in 1895.
20th Sydney Opera House officially opened 1973.
21st irrigation pioneer, William Chaffey born in Canada 1856.
AND
25nd the 1,000,000 Holden car rolled off the assembly line in 1962.
Recipe:
ROSELLA PICKLE.
Ingredients; Rosellas, vinegar, spice, peppercorns, chillies, salt and water.
Mode: Peel the fruit from the seed pod in as large pieces as possible. Throw them into salted water for five or six hours. Then boil the vinegar with some whole spice, peppercorns and bird’s-eye chillies. Put the fruit into jars or bottles and pour the vinegar over it when cool. Tie down and store away for a week or two.
The Antipodean Cookery Book, 1895.
Did you know?
Each king in a pack of playing cards represents a real leader.
Spades = King David.
Clubs = Alexander the Great
Hearts = Charlemagne
Diamonds = Julius Caesar
Perception—an interesting experiment.
The following is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. MetroStation, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a socialexperiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007,this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. Duringthat time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most ofthem on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged mannoticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stoppedfor a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.About 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at hiswatch and started to walk again.At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard andthe child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This actionwas repeated by several other children, but every parent - withoutexception - forced their children to move on quickly.At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normalpace. The man collected a total of $32.After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no oneapplauded. There was no recognition at all.No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatestmusicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces everwritten, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, JoshuaBell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sitand listen to him play the same music.This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. MetroStation, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a socialexperiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.This experiment raised several questions:* In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do weperceive beauty?* If so, do we stop to appreciate it?* Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musiciansin the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one ofthe most beautiful instruments ever made . . .How many other things are we missing as we rush through life? just because of the preprogrammed MIND - the product of the dead past. Contributed by Carole.
I’m still having network problems. After an early start yesterday, my network crashed. That’s with the new modem installed. I rang technical support (after doing all the usual things they tell me to do) and eventually they told me to pull the thing apart, disconnect everything, and leave it off for about thirty minutes, then ring them back. Nothing worked, so the technician said that the modem needed to be sent back. ‘‘Again?” I squeaked in agony. Another three weeks of isolation loomed. But I’m an optimist and kept trying to get the wretched thing up and running. No luck yesterday.
Today, ever the optimist, I turned on the unit and walked away. As I walked away, the virus protector informed me that it had just been updated. My day was made.
These problems led me to look for alternative network providers, and to find out what redress we have if we feel the service is not satisfactory.
I rang Mr. Katter’s office and his staff member was right on the ball. Very helpful and informed me that there is an ombudsman to regulate these services. The TIO number is 1800 062 058. Before you ring, make sure you have your contract and other documents handy.
Some historic dates for this week.
19th 1895 Banjo Patterson’s Man from Snowy River and other stories published in 1895.
20th Sydney Opera House officially opened 1973.
21st irrigation pioneer, William Chaffey born in Canada 1856.
AND
25nd the 1,000,000 Holden car rolled off the assembly line in 1962.
Recipe:
ROSELLA PICKLE.
Ingredients; Rosellas, vinegar, spice, peppercorns, chillies, salt and water.
Mode: Peel the fruit from the seed pod in as large pieces as possible. Throw them into salted water for five or six hours. Then boil the vinegar with some whole spice, peppercorns and bird’s-eye chillies. Put the fruit into jars or bottles and pour the vinegar over it when cool. Tie down and store away for a week or two.
The Antipodean Cookery Book, 1895.
Did you know?
Each king in a pack of playing cards represents a real leader.
Spades = King David.
Clubs = Alexander the Great
Hearts = Charlemagne
Diamonds = Julius Caesar
Perception—an interesting experiment.
The following is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. MetroStation, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a socialexperiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007,this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. Duringthat time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most ofthem on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged mannoticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stoppedfor a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.About 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at hiswatch and started to walk again.At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard andthe child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This actionwas repeated by several other children, but every parent - withoutexception - forced their children to move on quickly.At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normalpace. The man collected a total of $32.After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no oneapplauded. There was no recognition at all.No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatestmusicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces everwritten, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, JoshuaBell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sitand listen to him play the same music.This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. MetroStation, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a socialexperiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.This experiment raised several questions:* In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do weperceive beauty?* If so, do we stop to appreciate it?* Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musiciansin the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one ofthe most beautiful instruments ever made . . .How many other things are we missing as we rush through life? just because of the preprogrammed MIND - the product of the dead past. Contributed by Carole.
The weather’s turned - again ! This time I know it’s my fault. Sorry. It has been so hot lately that I took the plunge and put away my winter clothes yesterday. After all, it was close to 30 degrees so I thought I would be safe. It was so warm at night that the cane toads were out in force. Great big lumbering monsters baring me from the outside world.
I always enjoy changing wardrobes. I discover clothes I’d totally forgotten so it’s almost like getting a new wardrobe. One of the benefits of getting older, I guess. Anyway, today it’s cold again, the toads are hiding but they reminded me of the news article which triggered the following poem
Evolution?
Pothole was a young ringer
working his way out west
eradicating the prickly pear,
an imported cacti pest.
The cactoblastis grubs,
introduced to eat the pear,
became a bigger problem -
sugar cane its favourite fare.
To stop the devastation
of important cash crop earners
the cane toad was suggested
by some scientific slow learners.
Cane toads over-run our state
from coast to western border,
ugly poisonous interloper
defying our natural order.
The cactoblastis has now gone,
prickly pear's an exotic fruit,
soon Pothole's prodigy will send
our toads to China, earning lots’a loot.
F.Mackay. 2010
I always enjoy changing wardrobes. I discover clothes I’d totally forgotten so it’s almost like getting a new wardrobe. One of the benefits of getting older, I guess. Anyway, today it’s cold again, the toads are hiding but they reminded me of the news article which triggered the following poem
Evolution?
Pothole was a young ringer
working his way out west
eradicating the prickly pear,
an imported cacti pest.
The cactoblastis grubs,
introduced to eat the pear,
became a bigger problem -
sugar cane its favourite fare.
To stop the devastation
of important cash crop earners
the cane toad was suggested
by some scientific slow learners.
Cane toads over-run our state
from coast to western border,
ugly poisonous interloper
defying our natural order.
The cactoblastis has now gone,
prickly pear's an exotic fruit,
soon Pothole's prodigy will send
our toads to China, earning lots’a loot.
F.Mackay. 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
12th October
Well the good news is, we have water after a miserable day without any. The other news is that it is being pumped from the creek. It reminds me a bit of the Jaws movie ... Just when we thought we were safe to put out our summer clothes the dirty water is back. I can hear that creepy theme music.
Unless you have a great filter system, beware of those rusty stains on your good whites and don’t forget to boil your drinking water. The council is working on the pump problem.
Had an email waiting for me when I finally got back on line. Maggie, the dog from ‘Running in Pink’, says that she and owner Deborah De Williams have made it around Australia. Deborah is the first female to run the entire distance, not sure about the dog. Some of you will remember her stay here last year and I imagine quite a few saw her on ‘Sunrise’. What a great achievement, such persistence. You can visit her website on www.runningpink.com.au
I wonder how many watched the Bathurst race on Sunday? I’m still recovering. What a nail-biter. of us have actually driven the circuit? I bet there are a few stories out there. Might make an interesting book of memoirs. The view we got from the helicopter shows what an awesome circuit it is. The race has become an icon over the years and is a real family affair., they say.
Many thankIt was so full of action that I couldn’t leave the television until the ads. Today they say that the leaders were almost out of fuel when they finished. How many s to Trish’s visitors who helped me when my Gopher broke down while I was walking the dogs one afternoon during the school holidays. They noticed the problem and fetched my husband. This saved me trying to get the dogs home without transport.
The storm bird is certainly not lying this year. We are getting our fair share of rain and thunder. Not like Brisbane, thank goodness but it has kept our grass green. The interesting thing I’ve noticed is that there are very few ants—lots of fleas this year, but no ants.
Speaking of fleas, ‘Margaret’s Handy Hints’ says not to try and wash the fleas off your dog, as fleas swim, but rub a good quality flea powder through their hair regularly.
And did you know—the oldest recorded written recipe (about 4000 years old) is for Beer? Who’d have guessed? www.beerinstitute.org/
Unless you have a great filter system, beware of those rusty stains on your good whites and don’t forget to boil your drinking water. The council is working on the pump problem.
Had an email waiting for me when I finally got back on line. Maggie, the dog from ‘Running in Pink’, says that she and owner Deborah De Williams have made it around Australia. Deborah is the first female to run the entire distance, not sure about the dog. Some of you will remember her stay here last year and I imagine quite a few saw her on ‘Sunrise’. What a great achievement, such persistence. You can visit her website on www.runningpink.com.au
I wonder how many watched the Bathurst race on Sunday? I’m still recovering. What a nail-biter. of us have actually driven the circuit? I bet there are a few stories out there. Might make an interesting book of memoirs. The view we got from the helicopter shows what an awesome circuit it is. The race has become an icon over the years and is a real family affair., they say.
Many thankIt was so full of action that I couldn’t leave the television until the ads. Today they say that the leaders were almost out of fuel when they finished. How many s to Trish’s visitors who helped me when my Gopher broke down while I was walking the dogs one afternoon during the school holidays. They noticed the problem and fetched my husband. This saved me trying to get the dogs home without transport.
The storm bird is certainly not lying this year. We are getting our fair share of rain and thunder. Not like Brisbane, thank goodness but it has kept our grass green. The interesting thing I’ve noticed is that there are very few ants—lots of fleas this year, but no ants.
Speaking of fleas, ‘Margaret’s Handy Hints’ says not to try and wash the fleas off your dog, as fleas swim, but rub a good quality flea powder through their hair regularly.
And did you know—the oldest recorded written recipe (about 4000 years old) is for Beer? Who’d have guessed? www.beerinstitute.org/
Monday, October 11, 2010
8th October
G'day - I have been off line for the past three weeks and now I discover we are now behind the rest of the east coast. Yes, daylight savings has started. I don’t know about you but I get so fed up with having to juggle time zones in the summer. It goes on for so long too. Now I have to remember when is the best time to ring—when is school, tea, and all the other commitments mothers have with young children. And the poor things all have to get up in the dark. I always hated that!
Since I last wrote Terry and Carole have returned from their holidays in Bali, just missing one of the best ever Torrens Creek’s Golf Open weekend.
The weather was kind; the course was picture perfect with a green covering, thanks to the gentle rain we’d had leading up to the weekend. Molly and Pedro Borrinson catered for the club and produced a hungi so tasty that appreciative diners, golfers and visitors, were reluctant to leave. OLiver Twist—eat your heart out. What will the Hambrose bring?
Weather continues to confound. Last week of September saw a spectacular storm here on the Sunday. Two inches were recorded in half and hour and the wind was strong enough to blow the rain, mixed with leaves and branches, horizontal so it is doubtful that the measurement was accurate. It was the best storm I’ve seen here in years. What will the rest of the season be like? Apparently the catchments down south are filling to capacity.
The three weeks I was off line was long enough to show me that I am addicted to the internet. I had real withdrawal symptoms. My service provider promised that it would be only one week. These people based in cities have no idea of logistics of country living, nor the distances, even the overnight courier took two days, plus. Bring on the cable Broadband—PLEASE?
One thing I did learn by accident. There is a new scam to be aware of. A foreign gentleman rang me one evening and asked if I was getting an error message on my internet. I was a little suspicious and led him along for awhile. He said he could fix the problem. By that time I was fed up and told him that I doubted that as I had no modem at the moment. He hung up immediately.
According to my server provider the scammer, when accepted to fix the problem, charges a one off price, does nothing but pockets the money. There have been a couple of such calls in our town, so beware.
Since I last wrote Terry and Carole have returned from their holidays in Bali, just missing one of the best ever Torrens Creek’s Golf Open weekend.
The weather was kind; the course was picture perfect with a green covering, thanks to the gentle rain we’d had leading up to the weekend. Molly and Pedro Borrinson catered for the club and produced a hungi so tasty that appreciative diners, golfers and visitors, were reluctant to leave. OLiver Twist—eat your heart out. What will the Hambrose bring?
Weather continues to confound. Last week of September saw a spectacular storm here on the Sunday. Two inches were recorded in half and hour and the wind was strong enough to blow the rain, mixed with leaves and branches, horizontal so it is doubtful that the measurement was accurate. It was the best storm I’ve seen here in years. What will the rest of the season be like? Apparently the catchments down south are filling to capacity.
The three weeks I was off line was long enough to show me that I am addicted to the internet. I had real withdrawal symptoms. My service provider promised that it would be only one week. These people based in cities have no idea of logistics of country living, nor the distances, even the overnight courier took two days, plus. Bring on the cable Broadband—PLEASE?
One thing I did learn by accident. There is a new scam to be aware of. A foreign gentleman rang me one evening and asked if I was getting an error message on my internet. I was a little suspicious and led him along for awhile. He said he could fix the problem. By that time I was fed up and told him that I doubted that as I had no modem at the moment. He hung up immediately.
According to my server provider the scammer, when accepted to fix the problem, charges a one off price, does nothing but pockets the money. There have been a couple of such calls in our town, so beware.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
7th Sept.
The passengers from last Tuesday’s Aussie Tour bus were given a special treat when Nev., guitarist and singer, entertained them for the evening. He and his wife were travelling through and decided Torrens Creek was the best place to spend the night. Obviously a seasoned performer, Nev. catered for all styles and tastes and kept the music going into the wee hours, to the glee of locals and passengers alike. Just goes to show, you never know what you might miss if you don’t stop for awhile.
Carole and Terry are away for two weeks well earned holiday. Welcome back to Shaz and Gaz who have returned for a stint behind the bar to keep us all happy while the holiday makers make merry. We hope they enjoy their stay with us.
Spring cleaning is the ideal time to sort out those unwanted items that could get a bit of cash so don’t forget the Car Boot Sale to help the Torrens Creek Progress Association on 18th September, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm. Donation of a gold coin is all it costs to set up a stall. Coffee and tea will be available for a small charge.
The weather is behaving strangely. Over 25 ml. Sunday. The photo shows the cloud rolling in late afternoon. Not even the ants were prepared for it. We had nary a one in the house - but cockroaches are another story. I heard that Eucalyptus oil is an excellent defence against them so have been washing the floors and cupboards out with a mixture water and oil. It is not advisable to use more than half a cap to the bucket of water as it tends to make floors slippery.
I notice that the tourist traffic has decreased slightly but that didn’t deter these early birds at Pentland last Wednesday morning. The police were out in force, checking vehicles and breathalising drivers before 10am. This was quite a turn out for the little town. And it wasn’t even school holidays...
Sunday, August 29, 2010
26th August
The weather’s turned - again ! This time I know it’s my fault. Sorry. It has been so hot lately that I took the plunge and put away my winter clothes yesterday. After all, it was close to 30 degrees so I thought I would be safe. It was so warm at night that the cane toads were out in force. Great big lumbering monsters baring me from the outside world.
I always enjoy changing wardrobes. I discover clothes I’d totally forgotten so it’s almost like getting a new wardrobe. One of the benefits of getting older, I guess. Anyway, today it’s cold again, the toads are hiding but they reminded me of the news article which triggered the following poem
Evolution?
Pothole was a young ringer
working his way out west
eradicating the prickly pear,
an imported cacti pest.
The cactoblastis grubs,
introduced to eat the pear,
became a bigger problem -
sugar cane its favourite fare.
To stop the devastation
of important cash crop earners
the cane toad was suggested
by some scientific slow learners.
Cane toads over-run our state
from coast to western border,
ugly poisonous interloper
defying our natural order.
The cactoblastis has now gone,
prickly pear's an exotic fruit,
soon Pothole's prodigy will send
our toads to China, earning lots’a loot.
F.Mackay. 2010
I always enjoy changing wardrobes. I discover clothes I’d totally forgotten so it’s almost like getting a new wardrobe. One of the benefits of getting older, I guess. Anyway, today it’s cold again, the toads are hiding but they reminded me of the news article which triggered the following poem
Evolution?
Pothole was a young ringer
working his way out west
eradicating the prickly pear,
an imported cacti pest.
The cactoblastis grubs,
introduced to eat the pear,
became a bigger problem -
sugar cane its favourite fare.
To stop the devastation
of important cash crop earners
the cane toad was suggested
by some scientific slow learners.
Cane toads over-run our state
from coast to western border,
ugly poisonous interloper
defying our natural order.
The cactoblastis has now gone,
prickly pear's an exotic fruit,
soon Pothole's prodigy will send
our toads to China, earning lots’a loot.
F.Mackay. 2010
24th August
Well, the election results were certainly interesting. It is estimated that it will be at least ten days until the results are known. The first hung parliament since the war. Certainly shows how the voters feel about their choices. I’d certainly like to hear what the negotiations are with the two leaders and the independents, but of course we won’t.
5th September is Fathers’ Day. The origins of this special day are younger than I’d have thought. I found this on the internet (where else?) and found it interesting.
While mothers have had their special day since 1914, fathers have only recently officially received the recognition they so richly deserve. After all, dad is the pillar of the family unit, the one who made us feel safe, loved to tickle and tease, and above all gave us a sense of security. While mom was the pillow to fall on, dad was the rock who held us up. Here are some thoughts and facts on Father's Day, dedicated to every man out there who proudly wears the name DAD.
Origins
In 1909, listening to a sermon on Mother's Day, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd felt inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts and felt there should also be a Father's Day. Her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, had as a single parent raised his six children in Spokane, Washington after his wife's death. She initially suggested June 5th, the anniversary of her father's death, however, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June. Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924 but the all-male U.S. Congress was mindful that passing a measure so favorable to males could be seen as a conflict of interest. In 1926, The National Father's Day Committee met for the first time in New York City. Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday in 1966, but the holiday was not officially recognized until the presidency of Richard Nixon in 1972 when he signed into law a permanent U.S. Father's Day to be observed on the third Sunday of June.
Inspiring Words
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years. - Mark Twain I'm sure we all remember our teenage years and how true and insightful this statement by Mark Twain is. Here is another of my favorites: It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. - Anne Sexton
You’ll note that the dates are different in the northern hemisphere. This caused confusion in our family, with children in different continents and hemispheres.
I hope all you DADS have a great day and, although I no longer have a dad I will make his favourite pud. for him
Plum Duff.
His was a favourite, and very filling, dessert in earlier times in Australia, although it was more suited the to colder climates from whence they came. It was probably eaten with a hard sauce or, if the family was affluent, cream.
Ingredients
1/4 cup plain flour, 1/4 cup s.r. flour, pinch salt,1/2 teaspn bicarb soda, 60gm suet, 1 egg, 2 tblspn sugar, 1 cup cooked prunes cut into small pieces, 1 teaspn mixed spice.
Method.
Sift the flour, salt and soda. Shred suet and rub into flour. Beat the egg, add sugar and then the prunes. Gently fold in the flour. Tip the mixture into a floured pudding cloth, gather at top and tie securely. Place in a large pot of boiling water and boil for 3 hours. Dried mixed fruit can be used instead, or with prunes. Delicious cold as well. My dad used to take it for ’smoko’.
Life’s Lesson (from Dad)
My dad taught me to make gravy,
how to save the juices from the roast,
blend in flour to a smooth paste
over the right spot on the wood stove.
He showed me how to stir in fluid
from the vegetables to add flavour,
said there was no need for seasoning
if the food was cooked properly.
Frances Mackay 2010.
5th September is Fathers’ Day. The origins of this special day are younger than I’d have thought. I found this on the internet (where else?) and found it interesting.
While mothers have had their special day since 1914, fathers have only recently officially received the recognition they so richly deserve. After all, dad is the pillar of the family unit, the one who made us feel safe, loved to tickle and tease, and above all gave us a sense of security. While mom was the pillow to fall on, dad was the rock who held us up. Here are some thoughts and facts on Father's Day, dedicated to every man out there who proudly wears the name DAD.
Origins
In 1909, listening to a sermon on Mother's Day, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd felt inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts and felt there should also be a Father's Day. Her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, had as a single parent raised his six children in Spokane, Washington after his wife's death. She initially suggested June 5th, the anniversary of her father's death, however, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June. Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924 but the all-male U.S. Congress was mindful that passing a measure so favorable to males could be seen as a conflict of interest. In 1926, The National Father's Day Committee met for the first time in New York City. Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday in 1966, but the holiday was not officially recognized until the presidency of Richard Nixon in 1972 when he signed into law a permanent U.S. Father's Day to be observed on the third Sunday of June.
Inspiring Words
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years. - Mark Twain I'm sure we all remember our teenage years and how true and insightful this statement by Mark Twain is. Here is another of my favorites: It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. - Anne Sexton
You’ll note that the dates are different in the northern hemisphere. This caused confusion in our family, with children in different continents and hemispheres.
I hope all you DADS have a great day and, although I no longer have a dad I will make his favourite pud. for him
Plum Duff.
His was a favourite, and very filling, dessert in earlier times in Australia, although it was more suited the to colder climates from whence they came. It was probably eaten with a hard sauce or, if the family was affluent, cream.
Ingredients
1/4 cup plain flour, 1/4 cup s.r. flour, pinch salt,1/2 teaspn bicarb soda, 60gm suet, 1 egg, 2 tblspn sugar, 1 cup cooked prunes cut into small pieces, 1 teaspn mixed spice.
Method.
Sift the flour, salt and soda. Shred suet and rub into flour. Beat the egg, add sugar and then the prunes. Gently fold in the flour. Tip the mixture into a floured pudding cloth, gather at top and tie securely. Place in a large pot of boiling water and boil for 3 hours. Dried mixed fruit can be used instead, or with prunes. Delicious cold as well. My dad used to take it for ’smoko’.
Life’s Lesson (from Dad)
My dad taught me to make gravy,
how to save the juices from the roast,
blend in flour to a smooth paste
over the right spot on the wood stove.
He showed me how to stir in fluid
from the vegetables to add flavour,
said there was no need for seasoning
if the food was cooked properly.
Frances Mackay 2010.
Monday, August 23, 2010
17th August, 2010
Four days until the election and it’s any one’s game. Despite all the debate about debates and question time and meeting the “real” candidates I am pretty sure the ‘great unwashed’ have made up their minds how they will vote. Thanks to postal voting, we’ve already voted. Now we have to wait and see what happens. I wonder which candidate will consider completing the Aramac road? I haven’t seen any of the candidates so, haven’t asked them if it is in their priorities. Should have done so before I voted, I guess.
Travellers beware of the kangaroos which are out in large numbers on the roads from dusk till dawn. Probably picking the green grass that is still visible along the drains. The number of dead ‘roos along the highway has certainly escalated over the past month and apparently the country roads are worse.
Starting the day.
I’ve just returned from our normal start to the day on the golf course. How lucky we are to have this gem right at our back door. The course is looking great, just ready for September’s Open. The wattles are out, really making it an idyllic spot. Our dogs love this part of the day and nag from 6am until we are ready to leave. Who rules our house?
To capitalize on Golf Day the Progress Association proposes to have a car boot sale at The Flying Doctor’s. Stalls are invited. To find out more information please ring 47 417378. It is hoped that this will become a regular event. Suggestions for encouraging participation would be appreciated at the next Progress Association meeting on Saturday 28th August at 5 pm.
Odd News
American road painters were left red-faced after they painstakingly inked the world "SHCOOL" outside a high school in North Carolina.
Another employee, who did not wish to be named, told the US news station KSBW that the error had caused amusement within the company."We're trying to find someone who can spell and get them out there to fix that ASAP," he said.
The error was not the first misspelling in the area; just last month, a resident posted a photo on Facebook showing that the town's name had been misspelled as "Guiliford" on a detour sign printed by the state's department of transport. Spelling the word "school" has proved a challenge to other US road painters in the past. Last year a road crew directed Miami drivers to "SCOHOL. Maybe this is where Ms. Gillard’s ‘super teachers’ should be tried and tested?
.Warm Lemon Tart
It is our anniversary today and I’m making a special meal that includes this tart recipe I found
In the library’s Better House and Garden. If it works we may last together another few years.
Ingredients:
4 eggs, 1 cup sugar,1/2 cup almond meal, 1 cup desiccated coconut, 1 cup lemon juice, 270ml
Light coconut milk, 1/2 cup plain flour sifted with 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons castor sugar. Sifted icing sugar for dusting.
Method:
Preheat oven to 180C, brush 26cm pie plate with melted butter. Separate eggs and put yolks, sugar, almond meal, coconut, lemon juice, coconut milk, baking powder and flour into medium mixing bowl and whisk until just combined.
Whisk egg whites and caster sugar in a medium glass bowl until soft peaks form. Add whites to egg mixture and fold to just combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pie plate and bake for 30—35 minutes until firm to touch and golden. Serve with lightly whipped thickened cream.
Don’t forget, to keep this page interesting we need your input. Until next week, keep well. Frances.
Travellers beware of the kangaroos which are out in large numbers on the roads from dusk till dawn. Probably picking the green grass that is still visible along the drains. The number of dead ‘roos along the highway has certainly escalated over the past month and apparently the country roads are worse.
Starting the day.
I’ve just returned from our normal start to the day on the golf course. How lucky we are to have this gem right at our back door. The course is looking great, just ready for September’s Open. The wattles are out, really making it an idyllic spot. Our dogs love this part of the day and nag from 6am until we are ready to leave. Who rules our house?
To capitalize on Golf Day the Progress Association proposes to have a car boot sale at The Flying Doctor’s. Stalls are invited. To find out more information please ring 47 417378. It is hoped that this will become a regular event. Suggestions for encouraging participation would be appreciated at the next Progress Association meeting on Saturday 28th August at 5 pm.
Odd News
American road painters were left red-faced after they painstakingly inked the world "SHCOOL" outside a high school in North Carolina.
Another employee, who did not wish to be named, told the US news station KSBW that the error had caused amusement within the company."We're trying to find someone who can spell and get them out there to fix that ASAP," he said.
The error was not the first misspelling in the area; just last month, a resident posted a photo on Facebook showing that the town's name had been misspelled as "Guiliford" on a detour sign printed by the state's department of transport. Spelling the word "school" has proved a challenge to other US road painters in the past. Last year a road crew directed Miami drivers to "SCOHOL. Maybe this is where Ms. Gillard’s ‘super teachers’ should be tried and tested?
.Warm Lemon Tart
It is our anniversary today and I’m making a special meal that includes this tart recipe I found
In the library’s Better House and Garden. If it works we may last together another few years.
Ingredients:
4 eggs, 1 cup sugar,1/2 cup almond meal, 1 cup desiccated coconut, 1 cup lemon juice, 270ml
Light coconut milk, 1/2 cup plain flour sifted with 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons castor sugar. Sifted icing sugar for dusting.
Method:
Preheat oven to 180C, brush 26cm pie plate with melted butter. Separate eggs and put yolks, sugar, almond meal, coconut, lemon juice, coconut milk, baking powder and flour into medium mixing bowl and whisk until just combined.
Whisk egg whites and caster sugar in a medium glass bowl until soft peaks form. Add whites to egg mixture and fold to just combined. Spoon mixture into prepared pie plate and bake for 30—35 minutes until firm to touch and golden. Serve with lightly whipped thickened cream.
Don’t forget, to keep this page interesting we need your input. Until next week, keep well. Frances.
Monday, August 9, 2010
10th August
10th August (Really this time)
What a strange winter this has been. Today is so dark and wet, and warm. And the nights have been hot and so windy. I can’t remember it being like this since we’ve moved up here. I hear that it is very cold down south this year, so we are all suffering. I guess southerners more than us.
Looks like Torrens Creek has missed out on ‘The Whisper’ again this week. Wonder is it because I put the wrong date on the page? Somehow I was a week ahead of myself. Now I’m behind. So figure…
In winter we seem to get more emails. If you are like me, you love the reminder from friends, and sharing a laugh with them. But there are some safety measures which need to be followed to ensure that people can not invade your mail boxes with spam, or add your address to their mailing lists, then sell that list to other nuisance users. Remember to always delete the sender’s address from the top of the message to prevent this happening. I learnt the hard way when some hacker infiltrated my computer and ran up $2000.00 around Christmas time one year. Not a nice Christmas present. The server was aware the account was overusing but did not warn us. So we changed servers. The following advice will help. (Thanks Gordon.)
E-Mail Tracker Programs --very interesting and a must read!!!
The man that sent this information is a computer tech. He spends a lot of time clearing the junk off computers for people and listens to complaints about speed. All forwards are not bad, just some. Be sure you read the very last paragraph
He wrote: By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with snopes.comand/or truthorfiction.com for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites.
Advice from snopes.com VERY IMPORTANT!!
1) Any time you see an email that says "forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends", "sign this petition", or "you'll get bad luck" or "you'll get good luck" or "you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it" or whatever --- it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' email addresses to use in SPAM emails or sell to other spammers. Even when you get emails that demand you send the email on if you're not ashamed of God/Jesus --- that is email tracking, and they are playing on our conscience. These people don't care how they get your email addresses - just as long as they get them. Also, emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease "how would you feel if that was your child" --- email tracking. Ignore them and don't participate!
2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers -- to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.
You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them. You will be providing a service to your friends. And you will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam emails in the future!
Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of listing regardless how inviting they might sound! Or make you feel guilty if you don't! It's all about getting email addresses and nothing more.
You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT! Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached! Plus, we are helping the spammers get rich! Let's not make it easy for them!
ALSO: Email petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress of any other organization - i.e. social security, etc. To be acceptable, petitions must have a "signed signature" and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the email trackers.
Tips for Handling Telemarketers
Three Little Words That Work!!
(1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...'
Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt.
Then when you eventually hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task.
These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting..
(2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end?
This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone.
This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.
What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call, and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer!!!
(3) Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.
When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.
Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 44 cents postage, 'IF' and when they receive them back.
It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes.
One of Andy Rooney 's (60 minutes) ideas.
Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back!
If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.
You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 44 cents.
The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!
Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again. You get the idea!
If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.
THIS JUST MIGHT BE ONE E-MAIL THAT YOU WILL WANT TO FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS
What a strange winter this has been. Today is so dark and wet, and warm. And the nights have been hot and so windy. I can’t remember it being like this since we’ve moved up here. I hear that it is very cold down south this year, so we are all suffering. I guess southerners more than us.
Looks like Torrens Creek has missed out on ‘The Whisper’ again this week. Wonder is it because I put the wrong date on the page? Somehow I was a week ahead of myself. Now I’m behind. So figure…
In winter we seem to get more emails. If you are like me, you love the reminder from friends, and sharing a laugh with them. But there are some safety measures which need to be followed to ensure that people can not invade your mail boxes with spam, or add your address to their mailing lists, then sell that list to other nuisance users. Remember to always delete the sender’s address from the top of the message to prevent this happening. I learnt the hard way when some hacker infiltrated my computer and ran up $2000.00 around Christmas time one year. Not a nice Christmas present. The server was aware the account was overusing but did not warn us. So we changed servers. The following advice will help. (Thanks Gordon.)
E-Mail Tracker Programs --very interesting and a must read!!!
The man that sent this information is a computer tech. He spends a lot of time clearing the junk off computers for people and listens to complaints about speed. All forwards are not bad, just some. Be sure you read the very last paragraph
He wrote: By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with snopes.comand/or truthorfiction.com for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites.
Advice from snopes.com VERY IMPORTANT!!
1) Any time you see an email that says "forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends", "sign this petition", or "you'll get bad luck" or "you'll get good luck" or "you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it" or whatever --- it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' email addresses to use in SPAM emails or sell to other spammers. Even when you get emails that demand you send the email on if you're not ashamed of God/Jesus --- that is email tracking, and they are playing on our conscience. These people don't care how they get your email addresses - just as long as they get them. Also, emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease "how would you feel if that was your child" --- email tracking. Ignore them and don't participate!
2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers -- to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.
You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them. You will be providing a service to your friends. And you will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam emails in the future!
Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of listing regardless how inviting they might sound! Or make you feel guilty if you don't! It's all about getting email addresses and nothing more.
You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT! Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached! Plus, we are helping the spammers get rich! Let's not make it easy for them!
ALSO: Email petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress of any other organization - i.e. social security, etc. To be acceptable, petitions must have a "signed signature" and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the email trackers.
Tips for Handling Telemarketers
Three Little Words That Work!!
(1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...'
Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt.
Then when you eventually hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task.
These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting..
(2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end?
This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone.
This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home.
What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call, and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer!!!
(3) Junk Mail Help:
When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away.
When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope.
Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 44 cents postage, 'IF' and when they receive them back.
It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes.
One of Andy Rooney 's (60 minutes) ideas.
Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back!
If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them.
You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 44 cents.
The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice!
Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again. You get the idea!
If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.
THIS JUST MIGHT BE ONE E-MAIL THAT YOU WILL WANT TO FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS
Monday, August 2, 2010
3rd August
Wow, we are certainly paying for our week of warm weather. It’s almost eleven and I am still shaking with cold. At least here we can be pretty sure that we’ve got a good day ahead. Lots of tourists escaping from the south now—and, I guess, the political arena. Yesterday saw the Variety Bash cars coming through town on their way north. What a fun way for enthusiasts to raise money for charity.
It’s been an interesting campaign so far. All aimed at the larger areas of population. Even the coalition is forgetting our rural areas. I see Mr. Abbott (or Mista Rabbit, as Ms Gillard calls him) intends to drop the Broadband idea. With the cable well on the way to being finished here does that mean that we will still be relying on worse than Third World communications, that the work is seen as a ‘waste of money’? Will the work that has already been done be scrapped and - again - we will have a useless cable passing our doors, with no access to the benefits of speedy internet? How far seeing is that?
Congratulations to the Fire Brigade on Saturday’s burn-off. A large area was cleared with a minimum of fuss. Conditions were perfect and residents in town suffered little effect from the smoke. Thanks guys, shows what good team work can do.
The monthly meeting of the Progress Association was cancelled due to the town burn-off. Unless notified the next meeting will be held the last Saturday in August, as usual, at 5 pm.
Odd News from France.SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRA, France (Reuters) - A team of engineers plan to venture where no man has gone before after unveiling a pedal-boat submarine on the French Riviera.Nicknamed "the Scubster," the 3.5 metre-long one-man yellow submarine has echoes of the fancy gadgets from fictional spy James Bond.Powered by twin propellers connected to a pedal belt, the mini-sub can reach speeds of 8 km an hour (5 mph) if its pilot is in good shape, and can reach depths of 6 metres (20 ft)."I've been up in the air by pedalling, underwater with my bike and now underwater with a submarine," Stephane Rousson, the man behind the invention, told Reuters.The vessel managed an hour under water in the Mediterranean waters off the Cote d'Azur this week and is entirely controlled by hand or pedal. Hermetically sealed, the passenger breathes with a mask and a bottle of oxygen.Whether it will have commercial success remains to be seen, but Rousson believes it may capture the attention of an emerging high-end market of yacht owners with "pocket submarines.""And if it doesn't take off, I'll race it," said the 40-year old from Nice, who plans to take part in the 2011 International submarine race in the United States.(Writing by John Irish; Editing by Steve Addison)
It’s been an interesting campaign so far. All aimed at the larger areas of population. Even the coalition is forgetting our rural areas. I see Mr. Abbott (or Mista Rabbit, as Ms Gillard calls him) intends to drop the Broadband idea. With the cable well on the way to being finished here does that mean that we will still be relying on worse than Third World communications, that the work is seen as a ‘waste of money’? Will the work that has already been done be scrapped and - again - we will have a useless cable passing our doors, with no access to the benefits of speedy internet? How far seeing is that?
Congratulations to the Fire Brigade on Saturday’s burn-off. A large area was cleared with a minimum of fuss. Conditions were perfect and residents in town suffered little effect from the smoke. Thanks guys, shows what good team work can do.
The monthly meeting of the Progress Association was cancelled due to the town burn-off. Unless notified the next meeting will be held the last Saturday in August, as usual, at 5 pm.
Odd News from France.SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRA, France (Reuters) - A team of engineers plan to venture where no man has gone before after unveiling a pedal-boat submarine on the French Riviera.Nicknamed "the Scubster," the 3.5 metre-long one-man yellow submarine has echoes of the fancy gadgets from fictional spy James Bond.Powered by twin propellers connected to a pedal belt, the mini-sub can reach speeds of 8 km an hour (5 mph) if its pilot is in good shape, and can reach depths of 6 metres (20 ft)."I've been up in the air by pedalling, underwater with my bike and now underwater with a submarine," Stephane Rousson, the man behind the invention, told Reuters.The vessel managed an hour under water in the Mediterranean waters off the Cote d'Azur this week and is entirely controlled by hand or pedal. Hermetically sealed, the passenger breathes with a mask and a bottle of oxygen.Whether it will have commercial success remains to be seen, but Rousson believes it may capture the attention of an emerging high-end market of yacht owners with "pocket submarines.""And if it doesn't take off, I'll race it," said the 40-year old from Nice, who plans to take part in the 2011 International submarine race in the United States.(Writing by John Irish; Editing by Steve Addison)
Monday, July 26, 2010
T.C. 27th
It’s been raining since before 5 am. Good, steady, rain that means I don’t have to water today. Which is just as well because something drastic has happened to our water supply and yesterday there was not enough pressure to rotate the sprinkler. Makes chasing the hose pretty much a whole days occupation when that happens.
Those of you who have not been getting the Whisper over the last few months will be pleased to note that it will now be delivered with the mail. It will be nice to have the regular delivery again so we know what is happening in time to join in.
Odd News.
Top of the plops - Pigeons ruin KOL gig
Monday, July 26, 2010 » 10:00am
Rock band Kings of Leon abandoned a US concert after just three songs because pigeons kept pooing on their heads.
The musicians managed to struggle through the first part of their set despite being repeatedly splatted - but the final straw came when the bass player Jared Followill was hit near the mouth by one especially large dropping.
The band, from Nashville, made the decision to leave the stage in St Louis, Missouri,before they were completely covered in excrement.
Their publicist Andy Mendelsohn issued a statement blaming an infestation of pigeons living in the rafters of the Verizon Amphitheatre in the city.
'Jared was hit several times during the first two songs. On the third song, when he was hit in the cheek and some of it landed near his mouth, they couldn't deal any longer, ' it said.
'It's not only disgusting - it's a toxic hazard.'
Drummer Nathan tweeted: 'So sorry St. Louis. We had to bail, pigeons sing in Jared's mouth and it was too unsanitary to continue.
'FULL REFUNDS 4 ALL. SO SORRY. Don't take it out on Jared, it's the f... venue's fault. You may enjoy being s on but we don't. Sorry for all who traveled many miles.'
When the band arrived at the venue, they were warned there had been a significant infestation problem with summer shows over the years, but they (Bigpond Odd Spot)
Guess it wasn't quite the same as "Raindrops Keep Falling..."
This following piece arrived in my “In Box” just after I’d had a conversation with an off shore service assistant. It may be politically incorrect but is relevant to our times.
“TENJOOBERRYMUDS"…
ja unnerstan dat?By the time you read this, you’ll be able to. In order to continue getting-by in Australia, we all need to learn the NEW English language called Englasiaish! Practice by reading the following conversation until you are able to understand the term "TENJOOBERRYMUDS". With a little patience, you'll be able to fit right in. Now, here goes....
The following is a telephone exchange between maybe you as a hotel guest and a call room-service somewhere in good old Oz today......
Room Service : "Morrin. Roon sirbees."
Guest : "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service."
Room Service: " Rye . Roon sirbees...morrin! Joowish to oddor sunteen???"
Guest: "Uh..... Yes, I'd like to order bacon and eggs."
Room Service: "Ow July den?"Guest: "......What??"Room Service: "Ow July den?!?... pryed, boyud, poochd?"
Guest: "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry.. scrambled, please."
Room Service: "Ow July dee baykem? Crease?"
Guest: "ummm... crisp will be fine."
Room Service: "Hokay. An Sahn toes?"
Guest: "What?"
Room Service: "An toes. July Sahn toes?"
Guest: "I... ummm... don't think so."
RoomService: "No? Judo wan sahn toes???"
Guest: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means."
RoomService: "Toes! Toes!...Why Joo don Juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder den?"
Guest: "Oh, English muffin!!! I've got it! You were saying 'toast'... Fine...Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
Room Service: "We bodder?"
Guest: "No, just put the bodder on the side."
Room Service: "Wad?!?"
Guest: "I mean butter... just put the butter on the side."
Room Service: "Copy?"
Guest: "Excuse me?"
Room Service: "Copy...tea... meel?"
Guest: "Yes. Coffee, with meel uh milk please... and that's everything."
Room Service: "Wanminnie. Cramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin, we bodder on sigh and copywith meel ... rye??"
Guest: "Whatever you say."
Room Service: "Tenjooberrymuds."
Guest: "You're welcome"
Remember I said, "By the time you read through this YOU WILL UNDERSTAND 'TENJOOBERRYMUDS' "......and you do, don't you!
Those of you who have not been getting the Whisper over the last few months will be pleased to note that it will now be delivered with the mail. It will be nice to have the regular delivery again so we know what is happening in time to join in.
Odd News.
Top of the plops - Pigeons ruin KOL gig
Monday, July 26, 2010 » 10:00am
Rock band Kings of Leon abandoned a US concert after just three songs because pigeons kept pooing on their heads.
The musicians managed to struggle through the first part of their set despite being repeatedly splatted - but the final straw came when the bass player Jared Followill was hit near the mouth by one especially large dropping.
The band, from Nashville, made the decision to leave the stage in St Louis, Missouri,before they were completely covered in excrement.
Their publicist Andy Mendelsohn issued a statement blaming an infestation of pigeons living in the rafters of the Verizon Amphitheatre in the city.
'Jared was hit several times during the first two songs. On the third song, when he was hit in the cheek and some of it landed near his mouth, they couldn't deal any longer, ' it said.
'It's not only disgusting - it's a toxic hazard.'
Drummer Nathan tweeted: 'So sorry St. Louis. We had to bail, pigeons sing in Jared's mouth and it was too unsanitary to continue.
'FULL REFUNDS 4 ALL. SO SORRY. Don't take it out on Jared, it's the f... venue's fault. You may enjoy being s on but we don't. Sorry for all who traveled many miles.'
When the band arrived at the venue, they were warned there had been a significant infestation problem with summer shows over the years, but they (Bigpond Odd Spot)
Guess it wasn't quite the same as "Raindrops Keep Falling..."
This following piece arrived in my “In Box” just after I’d had a conversation with an off shore service assistant. It may be politically incorrect but is relevant to our times.
“TENJOOBERRYMUDS"…
ja unnerstan dat?By the time you read this, you’ll be able to. In order to continue getting-by in Australia, we all need to learn the NEW English language called Englasiaish! Practice by reading the following conversation until you are able to understand the term "TENJOOBERRYMUDS". With a little patience, you'll be able to fit right in. Now, here goes....
The following is a telephone exchange between maybe you as a hotel guest and a call room-service somewhere in good old Oz today......
Room Service : "Morrin. Roon sirbees."
Guest : "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service."
Room Service: " Rye . Roon sirbees...morrin! Joowish to oddor sunteen???"
Guest: "Uh..... Yes, I'd like to order bacon and eggs."
Room Service: "Ow July den?"Guest: "......What??"Room Service: "Ow July den?!?... pryed, boyud, poochd?"
Guest: "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry.. scrambled, please."
Room Service: "Ow July dee baykem? Crease?"
Guest: "ummm... crisp will be fine."
Room Service: "Hokay. An Sahn toes?"
Guest: "What?"
Room Service: "An toes. July Sahn toes?"
Guest: "I... ummm... don't think so."
RoomService: "No? Judo wan sahn toes???"
Guest: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means."
RoomService: "Toes! Toes!...Why Joo don Juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder den?"
Guest: "Oh, English muffin!!! I've got it! You were saying 'toast'... Fine...Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
Room Service: "We bodder?"
Guest: "No, just put the bodder on the side."
Room Service: "Wad?!?"
Guest: "I mean butter... just put the butter on the side."
Room Service: "Copy?"
Guest: "Excuse me?"
Room Service: "Copy...tea... meel?"
Guest: "Yes. Coffee, with meel uh milk please... and that's everything."
Room Service: "Wanminnie. Cramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin, we bodder on sigh and copywith meel ... rye??"
Guest: "Whatever you say."
Room Service: "Tenjooberrymuds."
Guest: "You're welcome"
Remember I said, "By the time you read through this YOU WILL UNDERSTAND 'TENJOOBERRYMUDS' "......and you do, don't you!
Monday, July 19, 2010
20th July
The rumble of heavy machinery down the back streets of Torrens Creek heralded the progression of cable laying through town this morning. The company is laying fibre optic cable to accommodate the Broadband Internet installation which, a spokesman told me, hopefully means that we will—sometime in the future—all be able to have access to a more reliable internet. The cable will be continued to Townsville before any upgradings to our services occur. Wonder what happens to the existing cable that runs through Torrens Street , to which we never had access?
Another skill learned. I’ve worked on a few chain production lines, headed prawns in Normanton, detailed towels in Richmond (to name a couple) and now I have added to the list. I’m a pill-popper processor. Ever tried to quickly empty those capsules and pills enclosed in alfoil and plastic? Extracting one is bad enough, try a whole medicine kit. By the end of the day I was quite adept. Like shelling peas, it was.
The old medications in the Flying Doctor’s kit have finally been disposed of. We spent an interesting Sunday burning the remains. The results were a little like Guy Fawkes night. Our dogs ran for cover as capsules exploded in the drum. Burnt remains of foil scatter the yard at some distance from the site. Some of the medications have been returned to the Flying Doctor’s, as requested and useful items for minor accidents have been returned to the rooms.
Did You Know? (Another email received-Thanks Sandra)
Microwaving Water!
A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil... When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the! Water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the buildup of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.
He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc...., (nothing metal).
General Electric's Response:
Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds! Before moving it or adding anything into it.
Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: 'Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).
What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.
What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken.'
Another skill learned. I’ve worked on a few chain production lines, headed prawns in Normanton, detailed towels in Richmond (to name a couple) and now I have added to the list. I’m a pill-popper processor. Ever tried to quickly empty those capsules and pills enclosed in alfoil and plastic? Extracting one is bad enough, try a whole medicine kit. By the end of the day I was quite adept. Like shelling peas, it was.
The old medications in the Flying Doctor’s kit have finally been disposed of. We spent an interesting Sunday burning the remains. The results were a little like Guy Fawkes night. Our dogs ran for cover as capsules exploded in the drum. Burnt remains of foil scatter the yard at some distance from the site. Some of the medications have been returned to the Flying Doctor’s, as requested and useful items for minor accidents have been returned to the rooms.
Did You Know? (Another email received-Thanks Sandra)
Microwaving Water!
A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil... When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the! Water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the buildup of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.
He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc...., (nothing metal).
General Electric's Response:
Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds! Before moving it or adding anything into it.
Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter: 'Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).
What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.
What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken.'
Monday, July 12, 2010
TC 13th July
Well, school’s in, our visitors are gone and the wind is back. Guess all’s right with the world?
Do you ever get asked, “Why do you live here?” Often, I bet. Sometimes I do wonder, then a week like last week happens and I thank God that I do live here. City people miss so much. The new butcher birds have arrived and compete with the dogs for their food. Every time the birds win I get the benefit of their wonderful whistle.
Then the bower bird has his go. Strange that the dogs always seem to be the target. He confuses my boys by mimicking “Bossy” from the hotel, or sends them running because a cat sounds in distress. Chasing the happy jacks completes the day’s work-out. Simple things, but things I missed during my working life.
The Golf Course is looking good. Barry ha been busy mowing in preparation for September’s big tournament. Locals are brushing up their strokes in hopes of being able to compete this year.
Christine Scott rang from Charters Towers last week to find if the wattle is out yet. It was a miserable, grey day when we drove into Charters but on the way out the sun came out just as we reached the hills. It illuminated them, was a spectacular sight. Also lots of soap bush, gravillia and melaleuca out on the ranges to colour trip home.
Lots of bikers on the road now, both pedal and motor, some returning from a rally around Cape York dropped in for supplies yesterday and that reminded me that the Burdekin River V Twin and Vintage Charity Bike Show will be on in Charters Towers on 17th July, at the Show Grounds. Entry for Adults is $15.00 and kids under fifteen are free. For more information call Steve on 04 28511 168.
I believe Steve and his gang plan a trip out to Torrens Creek later in the year.
Remember our Darts Nights? They were fun, weren’t they? A games night, including darts, pool, cards, Xbox or board games, has been organized for the last Saturday of the month starting around 7pm, after the Torrens Creek Progress Association Meeting which begins at 5pm. Ring 47 417378 for more details.
Another Aussie Pioneer Staple. Camp Pie.
Meat in the bush was often tough—for your own needs , you killed only the beasts that were no good for selling. So people devised ways to make the meat more edible and easier to store for periods when there was no fresh meat. Camp pie was born. Commercial versions of this recipe used a lot of sodium nitrate to break down the meat fibres, horrible stuff!
Ingredients:
700gm shin beef, 250gm bacon, 1 tsp. salt , mace, 1tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp mustard, 1 tablespoon geletine, one egg beaten.
Method: mince the beef and bacon, add salt, a little mace and cayenne pepper, the mustard and the geletine. Mix in the beaten egg to holdthe mixture together and pack tightly into a billy can. Cover with buttered paper and put the lid on. Steam for 2 1/2 hours. Then take it from the fire, remove the lid and put a weight on the camp pie until it is firm. Serve sliced, with bread, butter and salad or on sandwiches.
Do you ever get asked, “Why do you live here?” Often, I bet. Sometimes I do wonder, then a week like last week happens and I thank God that I do live here. City people miss so much. The new butcher birds have arrived and compete with the dogs for their food. Every time the birds win I get the benefit of their wonderful whistle.
Then the bower bird has his go. Strange that the dogs always seem to be the target. He confuses my boys by mimicking “Bossy” from the hotel, or sends them running because a cat sounds in distress. Chasing the happy jacks completes the day’s work-out. Simple things, but things I missed during my working life.
The Golf Course is looking good. Barry ha been busy mowing in preparation for September’s big tournament. Locals are brushing up their strokes in hopes of being able to compete this year.
Christine Scott rang from Charters Towers last week to find if the wattle is out yet. It was a miserable, grey day when we drove into Charters but on the way out the sun came out just as we reached the hills. It illuminated them, was a spectacular sight. Also lots of soap bush, gravillia and melaleuca out on the ranges to colour trip home.
Lots of bikers on the road now, both pedal and motor, some returning from a rally around Cape York dropped in for supplies yesterday and that reminded me that the Burdekin River V Twin and Vintage Charity Bike Show will be on in Charters Towers on 17th July, at the Show Grounds. Entry for Adults is $15.00 and kids under fifteen are free. For more information call Steve on 04 28511 168.
I believe Steve and his gang plan a trip out to Torrens Creek later in the year.
Remember our Darts Nights? They were fun, weren’t they? A games night, including darts, pool, cards, Xbox or board games, has been organized for the last Saturday of the month starting around 7pm, after the Torrens Creek Progress Association Meeting which begins at 5pm. Ring 47 417378 for more details.
Another Aussie Pioneer Staple. Camp Pie.
Meat in the bush was often tough—for your own needs , you killed only the beasts that were no good for selling. So people devised ways to make the meat more edible and easier to store for periods when there was no fresh meat. Camp pie was born. Commercial versions of this recipe used a lot of sodium nitrate to break down the meat fibres, horrible stuff!
Ingredients:
700gm shin beef, 250gm bacon, 1 tsp. salt , mace, 1tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp mustard, 1 tablespoon geletine, one egg beaten.
Method: mince the beef and bacon, add salt, a little mace and cayenne pepper, the mustard and the geletine. Mix in the beaten egg to holdthe mixture together and pack tightly into a billy can. Cover with buttered paper and put the lid on. Steam for 2 1/2 hours. Then take it from the fire, remove the lid and put a weight on the camp pie until it is firm. Serve sliced, with bread, butter and salad or on sandwiches.
Monday, July 5, 2010
School Holidays
6th July
The weather has reverted to what it should be at this time of the year, thank goodness, (that wind is a killer!) and the tourists are certainly making the most of it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the caravan park so full since I’ve lived here. Obviously the word has got around about our hidden assets.
Speaking of assets. Big congratulations to Bill Holzwart for his 21st birthday. Friends, including “Charlie’s Angles”, travelled from interstate to help him celebratethis milestone. Must be something about twenty-firsts because, despite the gloomy predictions of ,“It’s always cold for Stamford Races,” the weather was kind for the evening and seems to have been the beginning of real holiday weather. Hope the kids enjoy their last week of freedom.
Welcome back to the Norths. James arrived Sunday to start work again on 6th, and Caroline flies up with the kids on the seventh. It will be great to have them back in town. Guess they will notice a few changes since they’ve been gone. Not the least, the mail service.
The new postal delivery started last Thursday and by now we’ll have all met the new post man. I’d forgotten, after having a mail box for so long, how nice it is to have the mail come to the door, even if only twice a week. And did you know that the price of a stamp has been increased—again? Sixty cents to post a letter now, so save those stamps you have for Christmas cards, is what the financial guru’s advise, as many post offices don’t carry the 5 cents stamps.
I was going to post another of Shirley’s recipes but, what the hey, it’s holidays so instead I posted this bit of fun:
BUT before I do—Can anyone PLEASE tell me how to cook Yellow Belly? So it’s edible???
EXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS):
1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16.A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. The short fortune teller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.
22. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
31. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
32. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
33. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
34. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
35. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
36. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
37. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
38. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
39. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
40. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.
'41. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
42. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
43. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a Nurse said, 'No change yet.'
44. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
45. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
Laugh while you can, now a woman has ‘the power’, who knows where it will end?
The weather has reverted to what it should be at this time of the year, thank goodness, (that wind is a killer!) and the tourists are certainly making the most of it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the caravan park so full since I’ve lived here. Obviously the word has got around about our hidden assets.
Speaking of assets. Big congratulations to Bill Holzwart for his 21st birthday. Friends, including “Charlie’s Angles”, travelled from interstate to help him celebratethis milestone. Must be something about twenty-firsts because, despite the gloomy predictions of ,“It’s always cold for Stamford Races,” the weather was kind for the evening and seems to have been the beginning of real holiday weather. Hope the kids enjoy their last week of freedom.
Welcome back to the Norths. James arrived Sunday to start work again on 6th, and Caroline flies up with the kids on the seventh. It will be great to have them back in town. Guess they will notice a few changes since they’ve been gone. Not the least, the mail service.
The new postal delivery started last Thursday and by now we’ll have all met the new post man. I’d forgotten, after having a mail box for so long, how nice it is to have the mail come to the door, even if only twice a week. And did you know that the price of a stamp has been increased—again? Sixty cents to post a letter now, so save those stamps you have for Christmas cards, is what the financial guru’s advise, as many post offices don’t carry the 5 cents stamps.
I was going to post another of Shirley’s recipes but, what the hey, it’s holidays so instead I posted this bit of fun:
BUT before I do—Can anyone PLEASE tell me how to cook Yellow Belly? So it’s edible???
EXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS):
1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes inverse.
5. In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16.A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. The short fortune teller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.
22. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
31. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
32. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
33. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
34. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
35. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
36. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
37. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
38. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
39. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
40. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.
'41. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
42. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
43. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a Nurse said, 'No change yet.'
44. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
45. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
Laugh while you can, now a woman has ‘the power’, who knows where it will end?
Monday, June 28, 2010
29th June
School Holidays Start with a Bang.
A bleak Friday saw the start of school holidays and a rush of traffic along the highway. One unfortunate couple from Townsville had their holiday dream terminated at Warrigal Creek when they miscalculated a road train and totalled their caravan. End of a dream, but fortunately no one was injured.
With many tourists on the road now, and unfamiliar with our highways, it is wise to err on the side of caution and remember not all drivers are as adept as you.
Remember, too, that lights make you more visible on those grey days. So light up and give us all a chance.
Post Office Closes on Wednesday.
The end of an era has been marked by a rustle of activity here in Torrens Creek as we demonstrate our individuality in providing unique post boxes. Recycled objects range from a microwave oven, to a bar fridge and freezer parts.
I’d looked up some boxes on the net, and was inspired by a post box with a flamingo draped over the top. I thought I could make a cat for ours, then thought Nah, why bother when our cats will take up residence there anyway.
If you want to see some really inspiring mail boxes check out this site:
www.Rvtravel.com There are some real works of art there. Can’t wait to see what last minute wonders will be produced here.
Telephone Scam Warning.
This warning went around the net last year but I thought it was worth alerting readers as apparently the scam has started again.
I got a call last night from an individual identifying himself as an Telstra Service technician who was conducting a test on our telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero ( 0), hash (#) and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which allows them to place long distance telephone calls billed to your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many of the local gaols/prisons.DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE. PLEASE pass this on to your friends. The email was signed by Stephen CooperDetective Senior Constable 29748Victoria Police State Crime Squads Level 12, 412 St. Kilda Road , Melbourne (03) 9865 2663 or 0414644499 (Thanks Carol for passing this on)Temperamental Chef? (Odd News)
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - An Australian restaurateur fed up with the waste left by diners has ordered her customers to eat everything on their plates for their sake of the earth or pay a penalty and not return.
Chef Yukako Ichikawa has introduced a 30 percent discount for diners who eat all the food they have ordered at Wafu, her 30-seat restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, that describes itself as "guilty free Japanese cuisine."
"To contribute toward creating a sustainable future we request a little more of our guests than most other restaurants," she says in a list of her restaurant's policies that is pinned on the door to the eatery.
This list includes finishing all dishes ordered which are organic and free of gluten, dairy, sugar and eggs and the chef and her staff tell people who don't clear their plates to choose another restaurant next time.
"Finishing your meal requires that everything is eaten except lemon slices, gari (sushi ginger) and wasabi," says the menu.
"Please also note that vegetables and salad on the side are NOT decorations; they are part of the meal too."
Wafu's strict policy has been welcomed by some but criticized as overbearing by some reviewers. Ichikawa is undeterred.
"Wafu is not just a restaurant; it is an extension of Yukako's personal ethos toward nourishment and sustenance," says a statement on the restaurant's website.
"We are not only committed to serving meals that nurture and respect the body but are actively dedicated to the notion of waste prevention, and take seriously our responsibility toward the environment and sustainability for the future."
(Writing by Belinda Goldsmith, Editing by Michael Perry)
Wonder how popular this place is???
A bleak Friday saw the start of school holidays and a rush of traffic along the highway. One unfortunate couple from Townsville had their holiday dream terminated at Warrigal Creek when they miscalculated a road train and totalled their caravan. End of a dream, but fortunately no one was injured.
With many tourists on the road now, and unfamiliar with our highways, it is wise to err on the side of caution and remember not all drivers are as adept as you.
Remember, too, that lights make you more visible on those grey days. So light up and give us all a chance.
Post Office Closes on Wednesday.
The end of an era has been marked by a rustle of activity here in Torrens Creek as we demonstrate our individuality in providing unique post boxes. Recycled objects range from a microwave oven, to a bar fridge and freezer parts.
I’d looked up some boxes on the net, and was inspired by a post box with a flamingo draped over the top. I thought I could make a cat for ours, then thought Nah, why bother when our cats will take up residence there anyway.
If you want to see some really inspiring mail boxes check out this site:
www.Rvtravel.com There are some real works of art there. Can’t wait to see what last minute wonders will be produced here.
Telephone Scam Warning.
This warning went around the net last year but I thought it was worth alerting readers as apparently the scam has started again.
I got a call last night from an individual identifying himself as an Telstra Service technician who was conducting a test on our telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero ( 0), hash (#) and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which allows them to place long distance telephone calls billed to your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many of the local gaols/prisons.DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE. PLEASE pass this on to your friends. The email was signed by Stephen CooperDetective Senior Constable 29748Victoria Police State Crime Squads Level 12, 412 St. Kilda Road , Melbourne (03) 9865 2663 or 0414644499 (Thanks Carol for passing this on)Temperamental Chef? (Odd News)
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - An Australian restaurateur fed up with the waste left by diners has ordered her customers to eat everything on their plates for their sake of the earth or pay a penalty and not return.
Chef Yukako Ichikawa has introduced a 30 percent discount for diners who eat all the food they have ordered at Wafu, her 30-seat restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, that describes itself as "guilty free Japanese cuisine."
"To contribute toward creating a sustainable future we request a little more of our guests than most other restaurants," she says in a list of her restaurant's policies that is pinned on the door to the eatery.
This list includes finishing all dishes ordered which are organic and free of gluten, dairy, sugar and eggs and the chef and her staff tell people who don't clear their plates to choose another restaurant next time.
"Finishing your meal requires that everything is eaten except lemon slices, gari (sushi ginger) and wasabi," says the menu.
"Please also note that vegetables and salad on the side are NOT decorations; they are part of the meal too."
Wafu's strict policy has been welcomed by some but criticized as overbearing by some reviewers. Ichikawa is undeterred.
"Wafu is not just a restaurant; it is an extension of Yukako's personal ethos toward nourishment and sustenance," says a statement on the restaurant's website.
"We are not only committed to serving meals that nurture and respect the body but are actively dedicated to the notion of waste prevention, and take seriously our responsibility toward the environment and sustainability for the future."
(Writing by Belinda Goldsmith, Editing by Michael Perry)
Wonder how popular this place is???
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Week ending 22nd June
By now you all will have received your “Dear Valued Customer” letter from the Postal Department. (Strange how it felt like “Dear John” letter.) A week from now our Postal Agency closes and we say ‘good-bye’ to an important aspect of country living. The Post Office was where people met and chatted, passed the time of day with people they hardly saw because of the different work loads and distances travelled. It was a pleasant outing, a way to keep in touch with the rest of the community. We looked forward to the walk with the dogs (and cats) as a great start to the day.
How often did we share a cup of tea and a slice of freshly cooked cake before getting back to the daily grind, or waited for the bus? I remember how impressed I was with the country Post Office atmosphere when I first arrived in Torrens Creek. It was inviting and encouraged tourists to stop for a while, before continuing their journey. Now, at the end of the month, it will be gone.
The closure does not mean the end of an Agency here, but it does mean that there is not enough time to organize a replacement in the short time we were warned of the closure. This is not due to the Postal Department but because they could not notify us until they had the official letter from the present Agent, so the A/Area Operations Manager Retail North QLD informed me.
Do we need a Postal Agency in Torrens Creek? What does it mean to you?
In a time where there is so much centralization of services maybe we do need the personalized service of a local agent. Having had some small contact with the 131318 number provided for contact(?) to all Post Offices, not Agencies, I learned of the pitfalls of doing business with ‘customer service’. The first surprise was that they weren’t allowed to give me the phone number for Charters Towers Post Office. So I had a very confused and difficult three way conversation with CT, the service consultant acting as go-between. It does not make for easy, truthful, reporting but it was a learning experience.
Another interesting lesson carries on from last week’s grizzle about the internet. After waiting for a reply to my phone call regarding the service. I rang and asked for the manager and, when, finally, I spoke to him was told that they were going to try and increase the power for me from Cairns. He also said that it was not necessary to send my modem away to Perth as they would send a tech. from there if it was needed. I haven’t had any trouble with the net since. Pays to go to the top, sometimes.
How often did we share a cup of tea and a slice of freshly cooked cake before getting back to the daily grind, or waited for the bus? I remember how impressed I was with the country Post Office atmosphere when I first arrived in Torrens Creek. It was inviting and encouraged tourists to stop for a while, before continuing their journey. Now, at the end of the month, it will be gone.
The closure does not mean the end of an Agency here, but it does mean that there is not enough time to organize a replacement in the short time we were warned of the closure. This is not due to the Postal Department but because they could not notify us until they had the official letter from the present Agent, so the A/Area Operations Manager Retail North QLD informed me.
Do we need a Postal Agency in Torrens Creek? What does it mean to you?
In a time where there is so much centralization of services maybe we do need the personalized service of a local agent. Having had some small contact with the 131318 number provided for contact(?) to all Post Offices, not Agencies, I learned of the pitfalls of doing business with ‘customer service’. The first surprise was that they weren’t allowed to give me the phone number for Charters Towers Post Office. So I had a very confused and difficult three way conversation with CT, the service consultant acting as go-between. It does not make for easy, truthful, reporting but it was a learning experience.
Another interesting lesson carries on from last week’s grizzle about the internet. After waiting for a reply to my phone call regarding the service. I rang and asked for the manager and, when, finally, I spoke to him was told that they were going to try and increase the power for me from Cairns. He also said that it was not necessary to send my modem away to Perth as they would send a tech. from there if it was needed. I haven’t had any trouble with the net since. Pays to go to the top, sometimes.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Another Week at Torrens Creek
15th June.
Well, I’m sitting here typing for the Torrens Creek page in “The Whisper’ but don’t have much hope of having it reach the office in time for publication. The internet is down—again! According to people I’ve been talking to we aren’t the only ones. For weeks we have been getting
notification of “outages” which inform us that our service may be slow. How about nonexistent?
Cold weather, less than 10 degrees, no internet, cloudy skies –and again no internet. Monday it was sunny and—guess what? We had internet. Of course, Murphy’s Law ruled, and I was too busy to work on the computer. I’m waiting for a phone call from my provider but I don’t hold much hope as the waiting time for my call to be answered by the complaints department took overly long. So much for our ruddy broadband system that is supposed to “keep the country connected”. Should we have our own satellite instead of using others that are overloaded? Probably. As the internet is easily accessible in urban areas I guess this rural problem will go into the too hard basket, along with the radio “black spots”, alternative power sources, ensuring country television ‘free to air” viewing is equal to those in the city, and, of course, let’s not forget the good ol’ cell phone…
All these problems will be solved by the new cost of living increases forecasted for the near future. When they come in we probably won’t be able to afford these communication luxuries.
Keeping this rising cost of living in mind I’ve included a recipe used by the pioneers when things got rough. Enjoy!
Rainforest Turkey Soup (Down south they substituted Cockatoos)
Ingredients: 1 scrub turkey (a protected native bird about the sizeof a rooster), 1 mossy rock (rinsed), 2 litres of sparkling mountain water.
Method: Bring the water to the boil. Add the rock and the turkey. Boil for at least two to three hours. When the rock is tender, discard the turkey and serve the soup piping hot. Then tighten your belt.
It’s now three hours since I rang the server, still no response, but, guess what— the sun has appeared and so has the internet. Guess I’ll make hay whilst the sun shines. Have a good week.
Oh, I nearly forgot in all this trauma. Flying Doctors Rooms will be open between 2pm and 4 pm every Saturday. Come see what we’ve got.
Well, I’m sitting here typing for the Torrens Creek page in “The Whisper’ but don’t have much hope of having it reach the office in time for publication. The internet is down—again! According to people I’ve been talking to we aren’t the only ones. For weeks we have been getting
notification of “outages” which inform us that our service may be slow. How about nonexistent?
Cold weather, less than 10 degrees, no internet, cloudy skies –and again no internet. Monday it was sunny and—guess what? We had internet. Of course, Murphy’s Law ruled, and I was too busy to work on the computer. I’m waiting for a phone call from my provider but I don’t hold much hope as the waiting time for my call to be answered by the complaints department took overly long. So much for our ruddy broadband system that is supposed to “keep the country connected”. Should we have our own satellite instead of using others that are overloaded? Probably. As the internet is easily accessible in urban areas I guess this rural problem will go into the too hard basket, along with the radio “black spots”, alternative power sources, ensuring country television ‘free to air” viewing is equal to those in the city, and, of course, let’s not forget the good ol’ cell phone…
All these problems will be solved by the new cost of living increases forecasted for the near future. When they come in we probably won’t be able to afford these communication luxuries.
Keeping this rising cost of living in mind I’ve included a recipe used by the pioneers when things got rough. Enjoy!
Rainforest Turkey Soup (Down south they substituted Cockatoos)
Ingredients: 1 scrub turkey (a protected native bird about the sizeof a rooster), 1 mossy rock (rinsed), 2 litres of sparkling mountain water.
Method: Bring the water to the boil. Add the rock and the turkey. Boil for at least two to three hours. When the rock is tender, discard the turkey and serve the soup piping hot. Then tighten your belt.
It’s now three hours since I rang the server, still no response, but, guess what— the sun has appeared and so has the internet. Guess I’ll make hay whilst the sun shines. Have a good week.
Oh, I nearly forgot in all this trauma. Flying Doctors Rooms will be open between 2pm and 4 pm every Saturday. Come see what we’ve got.
Monday, June 7, 2010
1st June.
And isn’t it cold these mornings? It’s been pretty busy around the area, despite the weather. One date of note last week was the farewell party for Cynthia and Rowland Bendall from Oakley.
Cynthia and Rowlie have been in the area for over three years and have been active members of the community during that time, despite living out of town.
Rowlie, as Chairman of the Torrens Creek Fire Brigade, and Cynthia, as Secretary/Treasurer, have donated much time and energy in getting the group working together as a cohesive, trained unit. They have supported each social activity the town has provided and, though they will be missed, we all hope they enjoy their new home down in Tingora, near Kingaroy. The new Chairman for the Brigade is Charlie Holzwart from Rangeside, and the new Secretary/Treasurer is Michelle Gatti.
The farewell was held in The Exchange Hotel after the Fire Brigade meeting and the crowded room ensured cold weather was of no consequence.
During the evening the couple were presented with a wooden clock, hand painted with a rural scene, to “remind them of their time here with us”. At the end of the week both travelled to set up their new home. Cynthia will remain there but Rowlie will return to Oakley until the mustering is completed.
Saturday Craft? Want to Learn and Share your Skills?
And isn’t it cold these mornings? It’s been pretty busy around the area, despite the weather. One date of note last week was the farewell party for Cynthia and Rowland Bendall from Oakley.
Cynthia and Rowlie have been in the area for over three years and have been active members of the community during that time, despite living out of town.
Rowlie, as Chairman of the Torrens Creek Fire Brigade, and Cynthia, as Secretary/Treasurer, have donated much time and energy in getting the group working together as a cohesive, trained unit. They have supported each social activity the town has provided and, though they will be missed, we all hope they enjoy their new home down in Tingora, near Kingaroy. The new Chairman for the Brigade is Charlie Holzwart from Rangeside, and the new Secretary/Treasurer is Michelle Gatti.
The farewell was held in The Exchange Hotel after the Fire Brigade meeting and the crowded room ensured cold weather was of no consequence.
During the evening the couple were presented with a wooden clock, hand painted with a rural scene, to “remind them of their time here with us”. At the end of the week both travelled to set up their new home. Cynthia will remain there but Rowlie will return to Oakley until the mustering is completed.
Saturday Craft? Want to Learn and Share your Skills?
Torrens Creek area has many skilled craftsmen and women. In conjunction with the Torrens Creek Progress Association it has been decided to open the Royal Flying Doctors Rooms Saturday afternoons starting June 12th, for those who would like to make use of the “How To” books and encyclopedias we have accumulated over the years. It is hoped that this will lead to workshops such as lead lighting, lathe work, and working with clay as public interest grows. Phone 47417378 for further details.
,
,
Monday, May 24, 2010
Back in Business.
18th May
Well, winter certainly hit us early. The cold winds that brought the rain from the west led me to put away my summer gear on Mother’s Day. I feel sorry for the southern tourists who came through here these last weeks expecting memories of sun and warm days to help them live through their winter months. Let’s hope that things improve from now on.
The cooler weather also makes us look for comfort food. Again I blame Mothers Day for that. All those chocolate ads. Make me crave a Cherry Ripe or two (or three). Instead, I looked through Shirley’s recipes once again and found this yummy healthy Microwave soup recipe.
Cheese and Potato Soup.
360 g. potato, peeled and grated, 1 cup grated carrots, (why do they change from weights to containers??) 250ml water, 1/2 cup diced onion and celery, 2 chicken stock cubes disolved in 250ml water, 1/2 cup evaporated lite milk, 180 grams grated tasty cheese.
In a 2 litre casserole dish combine first 5 ingredients; cover with plastic food wrap and microwave on High until vegetables are tender, 12 to 17minutes, stirring nce during cooking time. Add chicken stock and milk and stir to combine. Microwave on Medium-High until soup is heated through, 6-8 minutes. Add cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted.
Serves 4.
360 g. potato, peeled and grated, 1 cup grated carrots, (why do they change from weights to containers??) 250ml water, 1/2 cup diced onion and celery, 2 chicken stock cubes disolved in 250ml water, 1/2 cup evaporated lite milk, 180 grams grated tasty cheese.
In a 2 litre casserole dish combine first 5 ingredients; cover with plastic food wrap and microwave on High until vegetables are tender, 12 to 17minutes, stirring nce during cooking time. Add chicken stock and milk and stir to combine. Microwave on Medium-High until soup is heated through, 6-8 minutes. Add cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted.
Serves 4.
Meetings.
Fire Brigade Meeting
Wednesday 26th, 7pm.
Progress Association Meeting
Saturday, 29th, 5 pm., Flying Doctor’s Rooms.
PONDERISMS (Thanks Clare)
1.I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes. 2.Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
3.The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
4.Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
5.There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
6.Life is sexually transmitted.
7.Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
8.The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
9.Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
10.Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
11.Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again
12.All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
13.In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
14.How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
15.Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"
16.Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there? I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta its butt."
17.Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
18.If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
19.Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
20.Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
21.WHY DOESN\'T GLUE STICK TO THE INSIDE OF THE BOTTLE?
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