Before Christmas Break

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

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
　

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.
.

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
　
　

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.
　
　

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.
　
　
　

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