What’s on your mind?

[Scepticalscribe]

Strawberries grow in our garden

Lucky you.

Nothing beats either strawberries or tomatoes grown locally.

(not now obviously!).

Well, yes.

I’m not much of a fruit eater so only eat the odd one now and then.

Actually, I love fruit, almost all fruit, (with the possible exception of both bananas and kiwis; those I will eat, but do not love them), and will happily devour fruit in vast quantities.

The invariably delicious grapes, apples, pears - and, above all plums (which are usually tasteless here) - that I consumed last week left me both speechless with gratitude, yet greedy in the matter of consumption.

As does Mrs AFB.

Indeed.

I did see Mrs Blackbird with one in her mouth not too long ago.

Ah.

I can well imagine her sheer, blissful enjoyment.

Here we currently have vile weather. The sort of dark, wind and rain that makes you glad you have nowhere to go.

Oh, gosh, yes.

Vile, the sort of utter vileness you don't normally experience until well into November.

There was an ugly (and ominous) brassy light earlier, an unpleasant backlight to the dark stormy wind and rain of the day (and yesterday).

 

[mtbdudex]

Mtb celebration of life for fallen fellow bikers, trail volunteers, is tomorrow Saturday 10/4.
Reverse ride, forces you to slow down and reflect . 16 miles, should take 2.5 hours or so.

I knew both casually, still each soul touches us.

As I age, too many souls are leaving us.

I took these 2 weeks ago.

 

[rm5]

There are lots of memorials tomorrow, apparently. Not only yours, but also one at my university for a professor who recently passed away, and also for a dear family friend who passed in April (which is in Colorado, so I'm not able to attend it).

 

[Apple fanboy]

Watching the wind this morning how many trees or branches we might lose was on my mind.
Looks to have calmed down for a bit now.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Watching the wind this morning how many trees or branches we might lose was on my mind.
Looks to have calmed down for a bit now.

Yes, somewhat calmer today here, as well.

This time last week I was in sunny - well, sunnier, for autumn was slowly creeping in, there, too - climes, eating (nay, devouring) fresh fruit (apples, pears, grapes, plums, peaches, granted, green peaches, but perfectly palatable all the same) plucked straight from where they grew, in the warm and mellow sunshine of early autumn. Bliss.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yes, somewhat calmer today here, as well.

This time last week I was in sunny - well, sunnier, for autumn was slowly creeping in, there, too - climes, eating (nay, devouring) fresh fruit (apples, pears, grapes, plums, peaches, granted, green peaches, but perfectly palatable all the same) plucked straight from where they grew, in the warm and mellow sunshine of early autumn. Bliss.

Actually I think it’s got worse through the day.

Currently on a two hour free electricity slot (by free I mean we’ve already paid!).

So just about every battery powered device is on charge. Car idevices and power banks.
Mrs AFB did a batch of broccoli bread to use the oven.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Actually I think it’s got worse through the day.

Currently on a two hour free electricity slot (by free I mean we’ve already paid!).

So just about every battery powered device is on charge. Car idevices and power banks.
Mrs AFB did a batch of broccoli bread to use the oven.

Very windy here, too.

Even though my vegetable supplies are pretty low (well, one clears out fridges etc before heading off for a week or so), I have decided to defer a visit to the farmers' market until next week, when, with luck, the weather should have improved, and, secondly, I should have a car at my disposal.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Actually I think it’s got worse through the day.

Sigh.

Pouring here, again, now, and horribly windy.

Ugh.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Very windy here, too.

Even though my vegetable supplies are pretty low (well, one clears out fridges etc before heading off for a week or so), I have decided to defer a visit to the farmers' market until next week, when, with luck, the weather should have improved, and, secondly, I should have a car at my disposal.

Well hopefully you won’t starve for the week!

Mrs AFB will be heading to the shops on Tuesday before I head off Wednesday to make sure she is well stocked. She gets through at least 6-7 broccoli florets a week.

She doesn’t really like to use the car when I’m away. Although she’ll have to for work on Friday.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well hopefully you won’t starve for the week!

Mrs AFB will be heading to the shops on Tuesday before I head off Wednesday to make sure she is well stocked. She gets through at least 6-7 broccoli florets a week.

She doesn’t really like to use the car when I’m away. Although she’ll have to for work on Friday.

There was curry (yum) last night, proper Indian takeaway curry; curry - and pizza - are two dishes that, no matter how one attempts to cook them, or prepare them, or tweak them, or faithfully follow recipes, - are never, but never, as good when prepared at home as they are from their ancestral ethnic restaurant (and/or takeaway) sources.

In any case, there are plenty of eggs (free range, organic), and some preserved meat (guanciale); in other words, pasta shall probably feature prominently over coming days.

Yesterday, I had spoken with (actually, texted) the (organic, ethical, environmentally aware) butcher who has a stall in the market; he will have shin of beef on the bone for me next week (plus, organic chicken thighs, skin and bone attached as that is where the flavour is), their own (homemade) sausages.

And I can always pay a visit to the cheesemonger during the week, to stock up on cheese.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

While I am amply supplied with wine, I noticed that I was low on beer - I hadn't had time to replenish my supplies prior to my trip abroad.

That deficiency was remedied this afternoon (dashing around between vicious showers and strong gusts of wind), although I don't actually have the beer, as it will be delivered in due course.

As I am attempting to hold off switching on my electric blanket (once on, that won't be off until late spring) until Hallowe'en, I also invested in a hot water bottle, one of those cuddly ones that is covered by a furry fleece, (amazingly, there was a choice of colours to be had in those furry fleecy hot water bottles - they came in fetching shades of shocking pink, optimistic teal, and sober, charcoal grey) as there are few feelings better than a hot water bottle at your back once the darker days of autumn exert a firm grip on the month.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Three days ago, dashing through an airport, clutching bags, about to board the bus to take me to one of the planes I took, the buckle on my leather watch strap (which I knew to be not far from the end of its mortal days, but had hoped that it would see me home safely) decided to expire dramatically.

Candidly, I was fortunate that the suspiciously quiet descent of the watch from my wrist was arrested (and spotted) in time, (by me). Foul weather since my return has prevented me from heading into the city - and the jeweller's - from where I had originally purchased the watch (an Omega) all of 16 years ago, in order to replace the leather strap.

Standard sizes won't work, as that is not what the watch takes, a deliberate part of the design intended to frustrate attempts to replace the watch manufacturer's, or brand's, own straps, with something more readily obtained and reasonably priced.

Yes, first world problems, granted, but an inconvenience all the same. That is now one of several things on an expanding (paper) list (which is simultaneously shrinking, as I tick stuff off).

 

[Apple fanboy]

While I am amply supplied with wine, I noticed that I was low on beer - I hadn't had time to replenish my supplies prior to my trip abroad.

That deficiency was remedied this afternoon (dashing around between vicious showers and strong gusts of wind), although I don't actually have the beer, as it will be delivered in due course.

As I am attempting to hold off switching on my electric blanket (once on, that won't be off until late spring) until Hallowe'en, I also invested in a hot water bottle, one of those cuddly ones that is covered by a fleece, (amazingly, there was a choice of colours to be had in those fleecy hot water bottles - they came in fetching shades of shocking pink, optimistic teal, and sober, charcoal grey) as there are few feelings better than a hot water bottle at your back once the darker days of autumn exert a firm grip on the month.

I’ve been using a hot water bottle (a furry grey one as you describe) for a week or so now most nights.

I’ve just made a hot chocolate as well on a rather miserable night. Supposed to be dry tomorrow and even sunny on Monday.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Three days ago, dashing through an airport, clutching bags, about to board the bus to take me to one of the planes I took, the buckle on my leather watch strap (which I knew to be not far from the end of its mortal days, but had hoped that it would see me home safely) decided to expire dramatically.

Candidly, I was fortunate that the suspiciously quiet descent of the watch from my wrist was arrested (and spotted) in time, (by me). Foul weather since my return has prevented me from heading into the city - and the jeweller's - from where I had originally purchased the watch (an Omega) all of 16 years ago, in order to replace the leather strap.

Standard sizes won't work, as that is not what the watch takes, a deliberate part of the design intended to frustrate attempts to replace the watch manufacturer's, or brand's, own straps, with something more readily obtained and reasonably priced.

Yes, first world problems, granted, but an inconvenience all the same. That is now one of several things on an expanding (paper) list (which is simultaneously shrinking, as I tick stuff off).

At least the watch didn’t hit the floor and break. I suspect you would find a different brand strap online, but it’s the sort of thing I much prefer to buy having seen it and felt it in the real world.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I’ve been using a hot water bottle (a furry grey one as you describe) for a week or so now most nights.

I’ve just made a hot chocolate as well on a rather miserable night. Supposed to be dry tomorrow and even sunny on Monday.

I looked at the bright teal and shocking pink fleecy hot water bottles (encouraged by a lovely girl who served me in the pharmacy), and yes, (probably predictably) proceeded to select a hot water bottle clad in a sober, charcoal, grey fleece.

So, I, too shall be tucked up later this evening with a grey furry hot water bottle.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I looked at the bright teal and shocking pink fleecy hot water bottles (encouraged by a lovely girl who served me in the pharmacy), and yes, (probably predictably) proceeded to select a hot water bottle clad in a sober, charcoal, grey fleece.

So, I, too shall be tucked up later this evening with a grey furry hot water bottle.

Mine is charcoal grey. Mrs AFB has a light grey one. She has one most nights in the year. Maybe 20 days she feels warm enough without.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

At least the watch didn’t hit the floor and break.

Indeed.

That would have been grim, actually infuriating.

The watch itself was one that I had been eyeing with interest for at least two years before I bought it; originally, on a teacher's salary (junior lecturer when I was an academic) it was well beyond me, but two years in the Caucasus with the EU was transformational in a number of ways.

I suspect you would find a different brand strap online, but it’s the sort of thing I much prefer to buy having seen it and felt it in the real world.

Agree completely.

I'm the same; for such things, I far prefer to see, choose, - above all, to and to feel, touch - and discuss the strap with the vendors before buying something that will be on my wrist for a year or so.

And, for reasons of comfort, I prefer leather straps - which do wear out - to metal ones.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My brand new, charcoal grey, furry fleece clad, hot water bottle is currently warming my bed.

I almost blush to admit that I am anticipating joining it with an unseemly degree of uninhibited delight and pure pleasure.

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

There was curry (yum) last night, proper Indian takeaway curry; curry - and pizza - are two dishes that, no matter how one attempts to cook them, or prepare them, or tweak them, or faithfully follow recipes, - are never, but never, as good when prepared at home as they are from their ancestral ethnic restaurant (and/or takeaway) sources.

In any case, there are plenty of eggs (free range, organic), and some preserved meat (guanciale); in other words, pasta shall probably feature prominently over coming days.

Yesterday, I had spoken with (actually, texted) the (organic, ethical, environmentally aware) butcher who has a stall in the market; he will have shin of beef on the bone for me next week (plus, organic chicken thighs, skin and bone attached as that is where the flavour is), their own (homemade) sausages.

And I can always pay a visit to the cheesemonger during the week, to stock up on cheese.

One of those curious differences between Australia and Britain.
The place of the Indian takeaway has almost completely been taken by the Chinese takeaway. Sweet 'n' Sour Pork, Lemon Chicken, Combination Fried Rice have been the mainstay of the Aussie takeaway for many decades.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

One of those curious differences between Australia and Britain.
The place of the Indian takeaway has almost completely been taken by the Chinese takeaway. Sweet 'n' Sour Pork, Lemon Chicken, Combination Fried Rice have been the mainstay of the Aussie takeaway for many decades.

Actually, I quite like Chinese takeaway, but, far prefer a good Indian.

No Chinese takeaway I have ever consumed comes close to the standard reached by the best Indian takeaway (biryani, butter chicken, and the seriously good Indian regional dishes, especially the less well known ones, some of which are absolutely delicious).

However, a good Thai takeaway is an entirely different matter.....

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Eternal truths --

• The sun rises.
• The sun sets.
• My cat is annoyed with me.

Why is my cat annoyed with me currently? Because Daylight Savings has arrived, and feeding time is an hour later.

 

[BotchQue]

Eternal truths --

• The sun rises.
• The sun sets.
• My cat is annoyed with me.

Why is my cat annoyed with me currently? Because Daylight Savings has arrived, and feeding time is an hour later.

This made me chuckle.
My nextdoor neighbor has always had an interesting menagerie of "pets" in his backyard, to include chickens, rabbits, two large German Shepards, a bunch of small, yappy dogs (I call them "bait"), a 110-lb desert tortoise, and a 400-lb pot-belly pig. The pig, "Eric", is quite friendly and will wag its tail at me when I was mowing, or dumping a few apples into his yard, or giving him a carrot during the winter. He's harmless except for those few days in mid-summer when he'd take a huge dump, and the smell was, uh, pretty thick.
Lost my train of thought here; he got fed around my suppertime (Purina Hog Chow?) and for a couple weeks after (before?) DST, he would stamp outside their backyard door and squeal at the top of his lungs; "Feed Me, NOW!!" Always thought that was kinda funny, the critters know better than we do to set one time standard, and stick with it.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This made me chuckle.
My nextdoor neighbor has always had an interesting menagerie of "pets" in his backyard, to include chickens, rabbits, two large German Shepards, a bunch of small, yappy dogs (I call them "bait"), a 110-lb desert tortoise, and a 400-lb pot-belly pig. The pig, "Eric", is quite friendly and will wag its tail at me when I was mowing, or dumping a few apples into his yard, or giving him a carrot during the winter. He's harmless except for those few days in mid-summer when he'd take a huge dump, and the smell was, uh, pretty thick.
Lost my train of thought here; he got fed around my suppertime (Purina Hog Chow?) and for a couple weeks after (before?) DST, he would stamp outside their backyard door and squeal at the top of his lungs; "Feed Me, NOW!!" Always thought that was kinda funny, the critters know better than we do to set one time standard, and stick with it.

This extraordinary time-keeping ability is not just confined to dinner time.

Once, when deployed, or serving, abroad, one of my colleagues (a strapping Canadian member of the RCMP) in the compound somehow adopted a cat; actually, I think that the term "was adopted by a cat" is possibly more fitting (and accurate) in this particular instance.

That cat completely understood the concept of 'office hours', and, each and every day, (irrespective of the season, the angle of the sun, or any other physical manifestation of the passing of time), precisely and punctually at 16.50, could be found, sitting politely and patiently with its tail wrapped around its feet, just immediately outside the office door of my colleague, waiting for 17.00 and the end of the working day when they would proceed to stroll together to his quarters.

 

[WriteNow]

I've been thinking a bit of electric blankets off and on lately. Part of it was the mention above. Part of it is just that I've thought more than once about electric blankets this time of year. I'm sure this thinking coming up now--when it's getting colder and colder out, and it's harder and harder to stay warm at night--is all coincidental. 🤣

But...part of me resists. One factor I wonder and worry about are the possible health impacts of electric blankets. I wonder if EMF could be a problem...

I remember my mother liked her electric blanket. Towards the end of my mother's life, she ended up moving "temporarily" to deal with some family issues, and as I think of it now, it's surprising that she didn't pack her-then electric blanket in the box of "must takes."

 

[avro707]

One factor I wonder and worry about are the possible health impacts of electric blankets. I wonder if EMF could be a problem...

Depending on how cold it is, I just layer up some IKEA quilts, 3 of them works okay - any more then it’s too warm.

I don’t trust electric blankets:

Electric Blankets

www.mfs.sa.gov.au