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May. 30th, 2022 01:22 am
Childhood memories
Karuizawa
Trees, tall as towers greet us.
Chibi-chan! Bear-chan!
Dark wooden floors echo under our feet.
Don't go past the (magic) well!
There could be bears in the woods.
Damp pine and rich earth.
Kintaro lurks, unseen, red coral at his neck.
Trees, tall as towers greet us.
Chibi-chan! Bear-chan!
Dark wooden floors echo under our feet.
Don't go past the (magic) well!
There could be bears in the woods.
Damp pine and rich earth.
Kintaro lurks, unseen, red coral at his neck.
Tags:
It rained heavily overnight, so no need to water the plants today. When I went out this morning they all looked so perky, it's clear they're loving the rain.
I dreamed that an old friend and I were hunting all over Melbourne because I had lost all my stuff - glasses, shoes, money etc. I know it's a metaphor for losing my interesting life to MS and Covid. I woke up very depressed.
But luckily an email arrived with good news for those of us on Ocrevus - yes, our B cells don't respond to the vaccine, but apparently the T cells step up. So maybe I won't have to hide in a bunker forever. Of course, all of the research that I have found is on Pfizer, but I hope that AstraZeneca is similar. Might not be though, as AZ is not an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer.
The cat was in a very lively mood today. Spring, I guess! She is definitely more active on days in the high teens. As am I!
I dreamed that an old friend and I were hunting all over Melbourne because I had lost all my stuff - glasses, shoes, money etc. I know it's a metaphor for losing my interesting life to MS and Covid. I woke up very depressed.
But luckily an email arrived with good news for those of us on Ocrevus - yes, our B cells don't respond to the vaccine, but apparently the T cells step up. So maybe I won't have to hide in a bunker forever. Of course, all of the research that I have found is on Pfizer, but I hope that AstraZeneca is similar. Might not be though, as AZ is not an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer.
The cat was in a very lively mood today. Spring, I guess! She is definitely more active on days in the high teens. As am I!
Jun. 4th, 2020 04:49 pm
Podcast rec (political)
As a non-American, I found this podcast informative and powerful.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2020/jun/04/the-death-of-george-floyd-will-anything-change-in-the-us
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2020/jun/04/the-death-of-george-floyd-will-anything-change-in-the-us
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Apr. 19th, 2020 11:34 pm
Covid-19 questionnaire.
1. Are you an Essential Worker?
No, I'm on the Disability Pension.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine started?
We moved house from 7 -20 February and I had a bottle of liqueur mead and 3 small bottles of cider which were consumed during that period and soon after.
3. If you have kids... Are they driving you nuts?
I do, and no, they are good housemates. They're aged 17-23 and I feel lucky to have their company. My Dad lives alone and is feeling very isolated, whereas I really don't live a terribly different life from before.
4. What new hobby have you taken up during this?
I am still unpacking boxes. Given that some days taking a shower uses up all my energy this is a long-term project.
5. How many grocery runs have you done?
Every 6 months I have an infusion of an immuno-suppressive medication, most recently on April 6th. Since that time I have gotten a drive-through coffee twice and filled up the petrol tank once. Everything else has been home delivered or fetched by a kid. I do have to drive the youngest to their baking traineeship twice a week but I don’t get out of the car.
I’m told that a ‘flu shot won’t produce antibodies for at least 4 weeks after the infusion, so I figure I should be super-careful for at least that period.
6. What are you spending your stimulus check on?
In Australia we're getting something similar - in my case it will total about $1500. It's going straight into the bill-paying account but I have used the knowledge that it was there to fund a few luxuries like a weekly takeout chosen in rotation by us all. I am contemplating a new tablet at about $240. This one has only 3Gig of usable space.
7. Do you have any special occasions that you will miss during this quarantine?
The one I am saddest about is my middle child's 21st. He wanted a party.
8. Are you keeping your housework done?
See 'moving house'. We did have a bit of an issue with washing the dishes which was mostly solved by switching to a system where everyone is responsible for washing their own colour-coded crockery and for the pans they use on the night they cook.
9. What movie have you watched during this quarantine?
None. I’m not really a movie watcher. I read, listen to podcasts and do non-timed puzzles if I don’t have sufficient energy to move around.
10. What are you streaming with?
I haven’t needed to.
11. 9 months from now is there any chance of you having a baby?
No
12. What's your go-to quarantine meal?
I am currently having fun with tater tot casseroles. The last one was pretty good! I can’t eat gluten or milk products, and various household members can’t or won’t eat mushrooms, hot peppers and fish. When the kids were living full social lives this meant that we ate curry on the night that one kid wasn’t home, mushrooms another, etc, but we’re all home all the time now.
13. Is this whole situation making you paranoid?
No. It is what it is.
14. Has your internet gone out on you during this time?
Not a lot. Having just changed providers, we had a few teething issues, but it’s been okay.
15. What month do you predict this all ends?
Hmmmm. It depends where we live and whether our Government wishes to pursue eradication. Our numbers are low enough for it to be an option, as we live in an island nation. Not in the next 6 weeks, where I live.
16. First thing you’re gonna do when you get off quarantine?
Visit my Dad. He lives a long way away and I fear for him. He’s in his 80s, and he lost half a lung to cancer a few years ago.
17. Where do you wish you were right now?
In my own home. We were forced to sell the property I owned in February (long story) and I can’t afford to buy a large enough property in the area I need to live in until youngest finishes school. I hate renting.
18. What free-from-quarantine activity are you missing the most?
Nipping down to the shops to see what’s on special. I normally shop at outlet stores first, then fill the gaps at a major grocery. Right now, most of it is being delivered by the major grocery and it drives me insane to pay full price! Although I am grateful to have the delivery, under the circumstances,
19. Have you run out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer?
No, I fortunately bought toilet paper and soap twice in a row when we moved. I forgot that I had already bought it! I felt pretty silly at the time, but we’re still going on that lot. I don’t usually use hand sanitiser, but I would now, if I could get it.
20. Do you have enough food to last a month?
Always. My ex used to get paid monthly and he has budgeting issues, so I would go out and buy a month’s worth of groceries on payday, including long life milk. It’s a way of life, now. I buy a carton of crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, baked beans etc at a time.
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Apr. 1st, 2020 10:43 pm
Ham and Zucchini slice
This recipe serves 4.
Adapted from a recipe at taste.
INGREDIENTS
- 150g leg ham, cut into strips
- 1 small red onion, sliced and separated into rings
- 2 small zucchini (or 1 medium), sliced thin
- Other vegetables to taste (corn, capsicum etc)
- 2/3 cup (80g) cheddar cheese or plant cheese, grated
- A generous sprinkle of parmesan
- 2/3 cup (100g) self-raising flour
- 5 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup (125ml) olive oil
METHOD
Preheat oven to 170°C.
Place vegetables, ham, cheese and flour in a llightly greased 6-cup lasagne dish and stir to coat everything with flour.
Add combined eggs, oil, (dill), salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and flatten in dish.
Cook for 30 minutes or until golden and set. Serve with salad and/or oven-roasted potatoes.
Add combined eggs, oil, (dill), salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and flatten in dish.
Cook for 30 minutes or until golden and set. Serve with salad and/or oven-roasted potatoes.
*Saved because Middlechild really liked it.
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Mar. 12th, 2020 07:06 pm
3 things, an occasional series.
Good
Dinner, chiefly the fact that I made it. I've been very tired after the move and relying on a lot of pre-made food - tv dinners, soup in pouches etc. Admittedly a tater tot casserole is not the height of healthy eating, but it's a step in the right direction! Veal, french onion soup, frozen vegies, tater tots, sliced ham, cherry tomatoes and real cheese on one side, vegan 'cheese' on the other.
Bad
The ex is not well. He hasn't looked well recently, and now he's having dizzy spells. The doctors are doing all the tests but nothing is showing up. :/
Educational
The things you learn from virology podcasts! Recommended by melannen, This Week in Virology is chatty and occasionally a bit scary.
http://www.microbe.tv/twiv/
Dinner, chiefly the fact that I made it. I've been very tired after the move and relying on a lot of pre-made food - tv dinners, soup in pouches etc. Admittedly a tater tot casserole is not the height of healthy eating, but it's a step in the right direction! Veal, french onion soup, frozen vegies, tater tots, sliced ham, cherry tomatoes and real cheese on one side, vegan 'cheese' on the other.
Bad
The ex is not well. He hasn't looked well recently, and now he's having dizzy spells. The doctors are doing all the tests but nothing is showing up. :/
Educational
The things you learn from virology podcasts! Recommended by melannen, This Week in Virology is chatty and occasionally a bit scary.
http://www.microbe.tv/twiv/
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Mar. 9th, 2020 08:21 am
3 things, an occasional series.
In the past 24 hours:
Good
The house is beginning to resemble a place to live rather than a storage facility for mismatched boxes. In particular, we have sufficient room to use the kitchen in moderate comfort. Two more days should see it finished, I hope.
Bad
I got a note from Coles that my groceries order would not contain:
Educational
I have learned a lot about Covid-19 over the past days. I'm going to let that stand for this post's educational component!
Good
The house is beginning to resemble a place to live rather than a storage facility for mismatched boxes. In particular, we have sufficient room to use the kitchen in moderate comfort. Two more days should see it finished, I hope.
Bad
I got a note from Coles that my groceries order would not contain:
- toilet paper (No surprise - we'll be okay for another fortnight)
- cat litter (eep! Needs urgent attention)
- milk (We always order longlife milk, but apparently the hoarders have taken it all)
- tissues (I let our stock run low before the move. In retrospect, not such a good idea.)
- pasta (We have 1 packet left. Annoying.)
Educational
I have learned a lot about Covid-19 over the past days. I'm going to let that stand for this post's educational component!
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Oct. 5th, 2018 01:26 pm
Rats in the wiring
Metaphorical rats, I assure you!
But that's how I described multiple sclerosis to my job provider yesterday. MS strips the insulation from your nerves, I said, but you don't know which ones they'll target, so it's like having rats in your wiring. You're never sure what's going to be flickering from day to day.
And sometimes - although I didn't say this to her - you come to the reluctant realisation that the wiring of a particular section is simply, irretrievably stuffed. You mostly stop flicking the switch because you know that at best it just won't work. At worst you might get an ominous fizzing sound and start an electrical fire, and this is still the only home you've got: you really don't want to burn it down.
Except when you do. But that's another story.
But that's how I described multiple sclerosis to my job provider yesterday. MS strips the insulation from your nerves, I said, but you don't know which ones they'll target, so it's like having rats in your wiring. You're never sure what's going to be flickering from day to day.
And sometimes - although I didn't say this to her - you come to the reluctant realisation that the wiring of a particular section is simply, irretrievably stuffed. You mostly stop flicking the switch because you know that at best it just won't work. At worst you might get an ominous fizzing sound and start an electrical fire, and this is still the only home you've got: you really don't want to burn it down.
Except when you do. But that's another story.
Jul. 11th, 2018 05:52 pm
A hell of a week
My 84yo Mum has been in a nursing home for a while now. Dad (also 84) goes every day to feed her lunch. She has good days and bad days, but she always kisses him back when he leaves for the day.
Wednesday last week my Dad found out his cancer is back. He already lost half a lung to this and requires operations to take half the other lung and a few centimetres of bowel. He told the specialist that he needs to do this so he can keep taking care of Mum.
Sunday Mum had a stroke. They thought on Monday she was dying and Dad spent hours dealing with doctors and staying with her. She was moved to palliative care. My brother and his wife who live nearby stepped up, too.
Tuesday evening Dad tripped and fell at the petrol station. He was in a lot of pain but he didn't call an ambulance until this morning (Wednesday). He's broken his hip. Operation tomorrow.
Mum's developed an infection.
If Mum dies I have no doubt that Dad will go too. He is only struggling to recover to take care of her. They're a matched pair.
I had a dream when I fell asleep this afternoon:
I dreamed that Dad had been taken to hospital and I was asking at the front desk where he was but no-one could tell me. Then I saw Mum, but every time I caught a glimpse of her and tried to follow she would disappear around the corner. I ran as fast as I could (which was pretty fast as I had no disabilities in my dream) but I couldn't catch up with her. Then I saw L (my friend whose husband is currently on palliative care for cancer) chatting at a table with some friends. She looked upset and I didn't like to disturb her but she saw me and came to ask how I was and give me a hug. I told her that I couldn't find Mum, but she was with Dad and she must be around here somewhere. I kept looking.
Yeah that dream is not subtle.
I'm 54. I know I'm lucky to have had my parents this long, but I don't want to let them go.
Wednesday last week my Dad found out his cancer is back. He already lost half a lung to this and requires operations to take half the other lung and a few centimetres of bowel. He told the specialist that he needs to do this so he can keep taking care of Mum.
Sunday Mum had a stroke. They thought on Monday she was dying and Dad spent hours dealing with doctors and staying with her. She was moved to palliative care. My brother and his wife who live nearby stepped up, too.
Tuesday evening Dad tripped and fell at the petrol station. He was in a lot of pain but he didn't call an ambulance until this morning (Wednesday). He's broken his hip. Operation tomorrow.
Mum's developed an infection.
If Mum dies I have no doubt that Dad will go too. He is only struggling to recover to take care of her. They're a matched pair.
I had a dream when I fell asleep this afternoon:
I dreamed that Dad had been taken to hospital and I was asking at the front desk where he was but no-one could tell me. Then I saw Mum, but every time I caught a glimpse of her and tried to follow she would disappear around the corner. I ran as fast as I could (which was pretty fast as I had no disabilities in my dream) but I couldn't catch up with her. Then I saw L (my friend whose husband is currently on palliative care for cancer) chatting at a table with some friends. She looked upset and I didn't like to disturb her but she saw me and came to ask how I was and give me a hug. I told her that I couldn't find Mum, but she was with Dad and she must be around here somewhere. I kept looking.
Yeah that dream is not subtle.
I'm 54. I know I'm lucky to have had my parents this long, but I don't want to let them go.
Jul. 3rd, 2018 08:28 pm
(no subject)
Something Good/happy: I had a melanoma cut out of my nose at the hospital this morning. It was quick and easy, if not comfortable. I'm glad it's done.
Something Bad/sad: It feels as if someone took a hammerdrill to the bridge of my nose and it's reverberating through the upper front of my skull.
Something new: Lions Mane mushrooms are said to be good for ms. I shall do further research.
Something Bad/sad: It feels as if someone took a hammerdrill to the bridge of my nose and it's reverberating through the upper front of my skull.
Something new: Lions Mane mushrooms are said to be good for ms. I shall do further research.
Jul. 2nd, 2018 05:52 pm
3 things - Day10
Something Good/happy: I am so proud of MrP today! He got his results back from his first semester at Uni and he got all HDs! He really put in the work.
In addition, I got my final results back for my CertIII and I got it! They just have pass/fail grades but the comment was "Well done you have completed the last unit Purchase goods and services to a high standard."
so I am proud of myself.
Something Bad/sad: MrP applied for Youth Allowance back in February and due to government cutbacks his application has still not been processed. The current advice is to get your MP to intercede but unfortunately our local MP has demonstrated complete indifference to those on government benefits in the past. Thank God his father pays child support for the youngest kid, which means we are significantly better off than many others who rely solely on benefits. We can not only afford to feed and clothe him, but also pay for his books, although I am driving on bald tyres and need to get the roof patched asap where it leaks above his desk.
Something new: There's something seriously wonky with petrol pricing at the moment. I drove along a stretch of road with many different petrol stations this afternoon and the spread of prices seemed really uncompetitive. How can an outlet which is 153c p/l compete with one across the road charging 135c p/l? And the price difference has been like that for several days. Furthermore, it's the large chain charging more than the independent. Very odd.
In addition, I got my final results back for my CertIII and I got it! They just have pass/fail grades but the comment was "Well done you have completed the last unit Purchase goods and services to a high standard."
so I am proud of myself.
Something Bad/sad: MrP applied for Youth Allowance back in February and due to government cutbacks his application has still not been processed. The current advice is to get your MP to intercede but unfortunately our local MP has demonstrated complete indifference to those on government benefits in the past. Thank God his father pays child support for the youngest kid, which means we are significantly better off than many others who rely solely on benefits. We can not only afford to feed and clothe him, but also pay for his books, although I am driving on bald tyres and need to get the roof patched asap where it leaks above his desk.
Something new: There's something seriously wonky with petrol pricing at the moment. I drove along a stretch of road with many different petrol stations this afternoon and the spread of prices seemed really uncompetitive. How can an outlet which is 153c p/l compete with one across the road charging 135c p/l? And the price difference has been like that for several days. Furthermore, it's the large chain charging more than the independent. Very odd.
Jul. 1st, 2018 05:46 pm
3 things - Day9
Something Good/happy: Kit made us all boiled eggs for brunch!
Something Bad/sad: My friend K, loving and beloved husband and father, is on palliative care. He's one of the good guys. F#ck Cancer.
Something new: Canton is now known as Guangzhou, in the region of Guangdong. I had been under the misapprehension that the city was Guangdong, but now I know better. :)
Something Bad/sad: My friend K, loving and beloved husband and father, is on palliative care. He's one of the good guys. F#ck Cancer.
Something new: Canton is now known as Guangzhou, in the region of Guangdong. I had been under the misapprehension that the city was Guangdong, but now I know better. :)
Jun. 30th, 2018 03:57 pm
3 things - Day8
Something Good/happy: I finished my on-line Cert III course in Business! I hit a wall a few months ago and after months of procrastination I skipped that section and kept working slowly on the rest of it. Today I woke up motivated, finished the last section and went back to the skipped section and did that too. Pushed that button and, barring a stuff-up, it is DONE!
Something Bad/sad: That skipped section took me 25 mins. Yep. All that angst and it took 25 mins. *sigh*
Something new: Probity means ethical behaviour, transparency is proving it and accountability is taking responsibility for it.
Something Bad/sad: That skipped section took me 25 mins. Yep. All that angst and it took 25 mins. *sigh*
Something new: Probity means ethical behaviour, transparency is proving it and accountability is taking responsibility for it.
Jun. 29th, 2018 03:45 pm
3 things - Day7
Something Good/happy: Kit has finished their work experience and the term. Despite the sick day, their WE boss gave them a good report and $40 so they're happy.
Something Bad/sad: Our government seems to have passed another law that restricts our liberty to protest and whistleblow.
Something new: one of Australia's 2 major shopping chains was supposed to go single-use plastic bag free in 2 days, but they are pulling back a bit in the face of some unprepared whingers. They'll give them free (but not very nice) reusable bags for the first week. Sheesh, guys, it's not like it's a surprise!
Something Bad/sad: Our government seems to have passed another law that restricts our liberty to protest and whistleblow.
Something new: one of Australia's 2 major shopping chains was supposed to go single-use plastic bag free in 2 days, but they are pulling back a bit in the face of some unprepared whingers. They'll give them free (but not very nice) reusable bags for the first week. Sheesh, guys, it's not like it's a surprise!
Jun. 28th, 2018 03:43 pm
3 things - Day6
Something Good/happy: a day at home... yay!
Something Bad/sad: We are all sick today. I'm exhausted after yesterday, Kit has a tummy bug and MrP has been sleeping as a vocation since he handed in his last essay of the Semester!
Something new: My friend's DIL is such an ass! She cancelled the toddler's nanny for the length of their visit from another country. As Kit said "presumptuous!"
Something Bad/sad: We are all sick today. I'm exhausted after yesterday, Kit has a tummy bug and MrP has been sleeping as a vocation since he handed in his last essay of the Semester!
Something new: My friend's DIL is such an ass! She cancelled the toddler's nanny for the length of their visit from another country. As Kit said "presumptuous!"
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Jun. 27th, 2018 11:09 pm
3 things - Day5
Something Good/happy: Kit had a school concert this evening. They messed up their first song a bit (wrong vocal range really, plus nerves) but they did a great job with the second one, making it more yearning than angry. They looked so good up there! The concert was great fun. It's a small school and it has a real community feel.
Something Bad/sad: I'm rather pleased that this category is proving hard to fill from my personal life. Although I did cry reading a story about the refugee parents separated from their kids on the US border. I'm not casting aspersions at the US - our government's hands are foul on this issue too - but this particular article about a visit to one of the ICE centres was very distressing.
Something new: I now have many of the lyrics of 'The Kids aren't alright' as performed by Kit and the other kids burned into my brain. Cheerful! (not)
Something Bad/sad: I'm rather pleased that this category is proving hard to fill from my personal life. Although I did cry reading a story about the refugee parents separated from their kids on the US border. I'm not casting aspersions at the US - our government's hands are foul on this issue too - but this particular article about a visit to one of the ICE centres was very distressing.
Something new: I now have many of the lyrics of 'The Kids aren't alright' as performed by Kit and the other kids burned into my brain. Cheerful! (not)
Jun. 26th, 2018 05:47 pm
3 things - Day4
Something Good/happy: I had a chicken pie for lunch and it was warm and yummy.
Something Bad/sad: The news has so much in it that does not look good for western democracy that it's hard to choose anything more specific.
Something new: My friend Jax posted a Baked Cauliflower recipe on Facebook that looks good:
1 whole cauliflower, trimmed
1 cup greek-style plain yoghurt
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground chili/garlic
Mix all ingredients except cauliflower into smooth paste. Coat the cauliflower with the paste. Bake at 205C/400F approx 45 minutes until you can easily push a knife through.
She said it was delicious.
Something Bad/sad: The news has so much in it that does not look good for western democracy that it's hard to choose anything more specific.
Something new: My friend Jax posted a Baked Cauliflower recipe on Facebook that looks good:
1 whole cauliflower, trimmed
1 cup greek-style plain yoghurt
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground chili/garlic
Mix all ingredients except cauliflower into smooth paste. Coat the cauliflower with the paste. Bake at 205C/400F approx 45 minutes until you can easily push a knife through.
She said it was delicious.
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Jun. 25th, 2018 09:07 pm
3 things - Day3
Something Good/happy: I feel happy that today I got a lot done (by my standards). I dropped off and collected Kit from work experience; I took them to buy shoes and insoles because 8 hours on their feet was a shock to the system; I made dinner, washed up and put the bins out. Normally I would get no more than two of those done in a day.
Something Bad/sad: I hope Kit isn't getting sick.
Something new: Eldest sent pictures of where he is working this month. It looks pretty different from anything I've seen.
Something Bad/sad: I hope Kit isn't getting sick.
Something new: Eldest sent pictures of where he is working this month. It looks pretty different from anything I've seen.
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Jun. 24th, 2018 11:44 pm
3 things - Day2
Something Good/happy: The 19yo, the 15yo and I went out for lunch today. There's a place just around the corner which is fashionable and open on Sundays. The food was fantastic and we had a fun conversation. Some days the kids are snappy at each other but today they they were happily joking around.
As we crossed the road on the way home we discussed whether the food was worth the prices. The kids decided it really was - as long as I was paying! Lol!
Something Bad/sad: We're going to have to be very frugal for the rest of the fortnight to make up for splashing out! But there was a planned power outage today, it was way too cold not to have a hot lunch and there's not a lot of local cafes open on a Sunday. I s'pose we could have gone to McDonald's. But we didn't ;)
Something new: Shenzhen is tropical, but it is only just inside the Tropic of Cancer. (Discovered while debating whose weather was worse today: ours or eldest's.)
As we crossed the road on the way home we discussed whether the food was worth the prices. The kids decided it really was - as long as I was paying! Lol!
Something Bad/sad: We're going to have to be very frugal for the rest of the fortnight to make up for splashing out! But there was a planned power outage today, it was way too cold not to have a hot lunch and there's not a lot of local cafes open on a Sunday. I s'pose we could have gone to McDonald's. But we didn't ;)
Something new: Shenzhen is tropical, but it is only just inside the Tropic of Cancer. (Discovered while debating whose weather was worse today: ours or eldest's.)
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