A quick video of the winter winds here.

Wasn't joking about how hard the winds were blowing!

Winter Storm 2009

Wild and windy weekend

It's been crazy with the weather around here. High winds have had the very tall gum tree swaying like a Bali dancer! Didn't go to Tai Chi as my lower back was making it difficult to balance. Even a deep breath was a bit troublesome. Managed to get pillaging done. Even with sticking to a careful grocery list, the tally was high. Prices keep going up. Found some nifty heat packs that are good for 8 hrs. Made life much easier for both Aikidomayland and I. Oh, did I forget to mention, he pulled a muscle under the left side of his ribs during aikido?

We didn't go to archery today because of the weather. But Aikidomayland did go to a martial arts sword demonstration. When he came back, we went to Foo Gwai, made proper pork bun sacrifice to Akire-yta .

My two extra batteries for my Lumix have taken a hike. Checked every camera bag, every laptop carry case, table drawer, and camera item storage cabinet, and nothing. Nada. Bupkiss. I have done something that will guarantee they resurface. I ordered two more. *sigh*

End of a cold day

Alan helped me reassemble parts of my scooter. Had to put the cargo pod back on. I was seriously considering getting a milk crate but there would be no way to keep things secure inside of it. That meant the cargo pod had to go back on. It was a fun exercise trying to get everything put together with three nosy cats. Ziggy was funny, leaning to one side while standing in the basket of the clothing rack, peeking past a length of silk fabric. Loki and Keito had no problem just getting underfoot.

Have a lot to do tomorrow. Post office to mail something to the US (No ShadoutCarver, I'll not tell you, you will have to wait). Then Tai Chi, then pillaging. Or maybe in reverse. With the weather forecast, it's highly unlikely we will go to archery on Sunday.

Tweet to help Iranian protesters

If you use Twitter, set your location to Tehran & your time zone to GMT +3.30. Iranian security forces are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches. The more people at this location, the more of a logjam it creates for forces trying to shut down Iranians' access to the internet. Cut & paste & pass it on.

via ginmar

'King of Pop' Michael Jackson is dead

Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed.

He was 50.

He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center

It is fixed!

And Aikidomayland picked it up before heading to Aikido. He agrees that the bill to fix it beats almost 10x the bill to replace it!

I has my ride again! Whee!

Just as I was typing this out, I noticed something from the corner of my eye. Loki is dreaming. His back feet are 'running'. I don't believe that only humans dream.

As the Scooter Turns aka The Saga of the Subiaco Sulker!

Ok, the scooter is fixed. The guy loves making up shit on the spot.

"Yeah, your scooter is fixed. Now, I told you before we don't store them here (point of order, no he didn't) and we are out of here at 5:30. That doesn't mean we are closed at 5:30, it means we are gone *insert vamoose noise here*, so ya better get here by 5."

While he was chewing me out, I remained pleasant, even chirpy, while his tone of voice was just rude, and sent Aikidomayland a text message about it. "Scooter fixed, he just told me they don't store them there, you HAVE to be there by 5 to pick up, they will help load it in car."

I told the man on the phone I would call him right back, and he said "Listen, I told you we don't store them, and that's it. Ya just get here in time."

What an asshole.

Aikidomayland messaged back that the pick up time ok by him.

Color me so surprised

Just got a call back from scooter vendor. They are certain it can be fixed. As I told Aikidomayland a few hundred bucks to fix it sure as shell beats a couple of thousand to buy a new one.

This doesn't augur well

Brought my scooter down to the only shop in town that works on them. The guy I traded three emails with regards to replacing the throttle was there, and immediately started being a bit of an asswipe.

"Oh her.. I got 20 emails from her." (him)

"No, you got maybe 4." (me) (turns out it was three)

"We don't have this exact throttle. We don't have this economy button." (him)

"That's fine, I never use it as there is nothing but hills around me." (me)

"We have to make sure it can communicate with the regulator." (him)

I'm starting to get pissed off, but didn't show it. The throttle is a glorified dimmer switch. The further your twist it, the more power. All these 200 watt hub motors are the same, as are the regulators.

I don't like being yanked around. I don't like being called "Little lady" or equivalent. Just because I have tits does not mean I am not knowledgeable. If my frigging back wasn't an issue, I would have done the work myself!

They'll 'get back to me'.

This question is for cat owners ONLY

Is there some rule or law that the smaller the cat, the stankier the leavings in the litter box are?

*gives Ziggy a look*

Cosmos

I managed to rustle up the COSMOS Collection by Carl Sagan. I know some of the info is dated, but the series still holds the same fascination now as it did when it was new.

You know it's cold and damp when....

Your kitty doesn't even wake up to mew with pleasure when you tuck a blanket around him.

Loki co-opts my Cuddlee blanket.

Winter weather

is a great excuse for making a pan of frosted mudcake brownies.

When

Is Aikidomayland going to get it? That I'm not physically ready for the "Continuing Tai Chi" classes, as my back feels like it's being torn, and left leg want to fold during those deep squatting warm up exercises? And it's even worse when it's cold.

Then he wonders why I can't move the next day without dragging my left foot, or eating pain meds. :-/

Sunday

Archery was fun. There was a threat of rain, so DimJim didn't show up. The Oppression that is DimJim was gone, and fun was had by all.

Went to Foo Gwai, and started training the totally new wait staff. Was interesting, to say the least. Missed seeing familiar faces and friends. Such is life. Pork Bun sacrifice to Akire-yta went off without a hitch. Different recipe though.

Came home. I just could not get warm, so crawled under warm blankets with electric blanket on the mattress, planning to just stay there until I felt warm. Over 2 hrs later I woke up. Oy.

Stopped by Slightly Satan's to drop off b-day present.

I'm not whining... really, I'm not

Everything from lower spine down hurts. Consensus is the cold has settled in. Dave, my tai chi instructor, said I was really working today, and appeared off my game. *sigh*

I am loathe to keep taking pain meds, but I don't like being snarly because of constant (and chronic) ouchies. Also, they make me feel as if I'm moving at 3/4 speed compared to the rest of the world. So, I keep toughing it out during the day, and take the meds before I go to bed.

Aikidomayland is taking mercy on me and fixing dinner tonight. I think I will keep him. :)

So much for a quick exam and fix

Went to the 10:30 tai chi session. Was the continuing class not the beginners. Had a few bobbles but managed ok.

Rushed home to get the scooter loaded into the car and up to the repair place, only to arrive 10 mins past closing. To quote Aikidomayland, BUGGAH!

Persistence FTW!

I emailed the only local vendor/repair service of electric scooters in our area, described the problem, and relayed what the other vendors in Adelaide and Melbourne told me. The throttle needs to be replace, the throttles on these electric scooters are of a standard.  One brand is just like the other.  This is what I got back.

Hi Sorry we can't help as we only repair e bikes that we import.

 I can kind of understand that, but I as I have seen other e-scooters like mine around Fremantle, Leeming, and Kardinya, I figured I would ask him this:

Ok, even though the ones you sell, but are currently out of stock, are identical to the one I have, do you know of anyone that can just replace the throttle.

Regards

His second reply

 How do you know that our throttles are the same? If they are the same we  have some throttles in stock.

My reply

Because the other vendors of electric scooters have confirmed it. I called several of them yesterday, and got the same information.   My scooter was from shipped to me from S.A., Adelaide area.  So even though the carapace might differ slightly, the throttles are standard.

Would your not servicing policy change if I tell you that my son's electric bike was t-boned by a guy who ran a stop sign, and I am in the market to replace his e-bike with a new one?   His was totaled, not asking that to be fixed, just to have throttle swapped out on my scooter.

I would normally do it myself, but I had back surgery about three yrs ago, and can't stay stooped over to do it. Not a sob story, just flat out fact.

Still, if you won't swap the throttle out, I politely ask again, do you know of an electric bike/scooter vendor who will.

His final message

Hi If you bring in either the throttle and bike we will have a look IF we have one that fits we will fit it for you. The above has nothing to do with your statement re you may purchase a bike for your son! If we can help we will.

*bows*

DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!

Who would have though a small cat could be so damaging.

Ziggy likes to jump up on things. She has jumped up onto the TV stand, and when she leapt off, the shelf would slide backward. Almost lost the TV once. That sliding shelf has been rectified

But who would have though her antics would tip over a 50+ kilo electric scooter? She knocked it over leaping off of it (gouged the seat too, but that is minor) and it landed hard onto the floor. Now, it doesn't run if there is anyone sitting on it. Propped up on the center stand, it will run at economy but at full power on the center stand, it starts and stops, and then just stops.

I rely on my scooter. It's my transportation. First Alan loses his in an accident, and now mine not working??? Aikidomayland might have a fit, but if I can't fix mine, I am replacing it. I need my own transportation, I will not go back to having to wait for him to pencil me in for dentist/doctor appointments, or for running to the shops for an item or two.

Typing by the melodious sound of rain and low flying helicopters

What passes for winter in Australia has 'arrived', according to the weather forecasters. For me it just means I wear slippers around the house, rather than flips.

Had a lot of entertainment watching Ziggy and Loki have a slap fight. Loki on the windowsill, Ziggy on the TV stand. She wanted on the windowsill and he wouldn't budge. *Swat* *Fwap* *Swat* *Fwap* *Swat* *Fwap* *Swat* *Fwap* . Neither one would give way.

I have to stop visiting "Catch of the Day" because even their 'small fish' can be tempting. It does come in handy for early birthday and holiday shopping. :) (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

Seemingly long day

I ask ahead of time to forgive any and all typos. Using Mini-Me while in bed, under the warm electric blanket heated comforter, and my eyes are still a big dodgy.

Dug out my old Windows XP Registry tweaks to use to speed up the netbook, to free up memory, to optimize my swapfile and a few other things . The difference is noticeable right after the reboot. And until I can get MiniMe to Acer approved computer shop to have the memory installed. I probably could do it myself, but as the machine pretty much needs to be disassembled to add the ram, I would prefer it go into the shop. If I screw it up and break something, I'm SOL. Authorised Acer shop bungle it, they have to fix it.

I definitely did too much raking, shoveling, hauling yesterday. Triceps are stiff to the point I can straighten my arms with difficulty... painful difficulty. I still wish we had a bathtub, instead of just showers. *sigh*

Damn Audible and their extra 15% off!

Too temping to pass up!

I ended up getting 9 audio books for less than $100.

Maybe the yardwork yesterday

Wasn't such a good idea. *wince*

Oy

I attacked the front yard today. Hacked back the rose bush, pulled some weeds. Then shifted 5 containers of mulch and spread them out. So much effort, so much work with so little to show for it.

Sometimes

Some people just don't know when to STFU, and not be a buzz kill. Get some good news, and said buzz kill has to say or do something to bring ya down.

Yanno, just because you're miserable, doesn't mean the rest of the world around you wants to be, too.

Ziggy vs Gravity... This time Gravity won.

She was doing the "Aren't I the *cutest* thing in the whole world?" rolling over, looking at me upside down and fell off the tower again
And then promptly got back up.

"Yes, I MEANT to do that. You were entertained, yes? Oh good, I can groom and rest now. You are dismissed!"

I didn't laugh out loud, but I did chuckle quietly.

I truly love a bargain

I find some good ones on Catch of the Day. And the timing of this one was fortuitous. Aikidomayland's old laptop has been really slowing down. Not because of anything wrong with softare, it's just getting old. I tried using tools to help boost or recover its speed, but to no avail.

I emailed him the the link. Asked if it was the same one he used when the worked at Lion Ore. He said yes, and was gobsmacked at the price. Told him I wanted to get it for early anniversary present. He said "I forbid it" whereupon I clicked on BITE ME, and got it.

Who would have thunk sneezing could be amusing?

I had a tickle in my nose. It finally blossomed into a sneeze.

Ziggy must have been deeply sleeping, because when I sneezed she levitated out of 'loaf formation', tail all FOOFEDand fell off the cat tower.

I checked to make sure she was ok (she was) and then left the room so I could laugh and tell Aikidomayland what happened. I came back in, and she meowed at me (fairly certain it was Cat-o-nese for "Do not do that again") and she accepted pats and pets, and is back on the top of the cat tower.

Weekend update.... in short form

Slept in late for a Saturday, not getting up until 7:15am when the cats demanded to be let out and/or fed. Was still feeling nauseated from the eye exam. Meh. Went pillaging, and Aikidomayland got ingredients to make a delicious soup. Went to the "Continuing Tai Chi Workshop". It was very educational and interesting. It was also very painful the next day. Aikidomayland's soup was yummy.

The Next Day: Sunday. I went to get up, looked over at Aikidomayland and asked him if he knew anyone who could amputate everything on me from the lower back on down. Right leg is sore. My left leg is also sore, but not uniformly. Shows where the 'dead' patches are, where the nerve damage is still present. I guess it's a small blessing because the parts that do have feeling really hurt like hell. Small blessings indeed.

Went to archery, and it was ok. DimJim was being his usual typical dickwit. He was assigned as "Line Captain" by the club president (he blows the whistle to know when it's safe to shot, when to do get your arrows etc).

Some of the kids were shooting for the first time as the smaller target face at 30 meters. As one would expect, they missed a few times, and had to go looking behind the target to find them. DJ starts sauntering over to them and tells them that they are taking up HIS target time finding their arrows, and if they can't hit that target move to the closer one. Talk about a little power going to someone's head! How are the kids going to learn and get good at further distances? And they are going to miss while they're learning.

Well, it gets funny. DJ decided after 3 ends that another target was needed. He goes back to the shed, gets one, and starts trundling it out. One of the youngsters he chewed out for 'taking up his shooting time' collecting arrows that miss said "Jim.. could you hurry up there. You're taking up all my shooting time."

Stifled laughter up and down the line.

Seeing as my leg was giving me trouble, I was mentally daring this dickwit to get on my case for not walking fast enough.

Funny thing is, he never behaves like this when the club president is around.

Went to Foo Gwai, made our porkbun sacrifice to Akire-yta , followed closely by egg tart chasers. A bit of sad news, one of our favorite servers will be leaving. Today was his last day. It was rather nice having wait staff know what you like. He will be missed. Now we get to train the very green new guy. Should be fun. We will be gentle.

The Eyes have it!

A band of darker pigmentation along the bottom of the retinas, worse on the right eye than the left. Pigmentation spot on inner edge of left eye retina. A what appears to be (as the doc said) a small detached section of the retina where the eye just 'welded' the hole shut, leaving the bit floating like a balloon.

He said the bands he expected because of how near sighted I am. The 'balloon' bit were probably caused when I had that head injury I had gotten years ago. The two spots and bands we will be keeping an eye on (no pun intended). The balloon bit will probably need a laser zapping some time in the future.

He also said my eyes were still a bit scratchy, the left more than the right. Got two different kinds of drops to use.... well one, as the pharmacy was out of one of them. Will pick it up tomorrow after lunch.

A not so fun appointment this afternoon

Today, I go see Doc and have my pupils dilated to have the optic nerves closely examined. That's the not so fun part.

I have reminded Aikidomayland that I would be pretty much non-functional eyesight wise for hours afterward, and he is not allowed to re-arrange the furniture.

I hope I don't step on a cat when I get home.

Wave Generator

Gallery

There used to be pride in craftsmanship and manufacturing

I had gotten myself an Logitech Alto laptop stand with the cordless keyboard. I really like it. However (you were waiting for that, huh?) I noticed that the letters on the keys were wearing off.

I emailed Logitech explaining even though as I am a touch typist my nails aren't long, the letters were wearing off, and about getting replacement letters to put on the keys.

After convoluted, flowchart answers from the support ('if you want to replace the keyboard, it has to be under warranty', if you take the keys off you void your warranty' to 'I don't understand your request') I was informed that no, they cover worn off letters (I didn't ask for a replacement keyboard) and no, they do have replacement keys (didn't ask for that either) and no they don't have replacement letters to apply to the keys. I did find a company that actually makes replacement letters for the ones worn off the keyboard, and have since ordered them.

I have inspected the keyboard and what I noticed is there is an imprint of the letter on the keys, but the letters themselves are decals that don't even cover the key, and barely cover the stamped letter on the key. It's no wonder they wore off after less than two years.

The old computer I gave to a friend before I moved to Australia had a 5 yr old keyboard, with the letters as crisp and clear as the day I first got it. No decals/stickers, but part of the keys.

I guess it's just another case of planned obsolescence.

I'm cold

With the heavy rain, the debris from tree removal was clogging the drains. I have spent the past hour slogging around back and forth in ankle deep cold water clearing the drain grills.

Cold now. *shiver*

Gah!

I was woken up at 2am with the feeling of being crowded, and the sensation of being pushed out of the bed. Only to find that all three cats were on the bed, and Aikidomayland was being shoved over to my side, and I was being shoved out. I figured I would get up and let him sleep as I can crash and burn for a while tomorrow.

Picture if you will....

Me sitting on that orange rug, playing with Loki and Ziggy with the feather tease toy.

They were so entranced in the game, they kinda forgot the rest of the world around them.

Alan came out of his room, stubbed his toe on the vacuum cleaner, Ziggy gazelled over to other side of the room, and Loki, with tail all FOOFED out ran the other direction

Much laughter ensued.

Indignant rump lick from Loki, smug look from Ziggy.

Well, it's finished.

The storm damaged tree half removed, and all other branches that even hinted they were ready to fall were cut back.

Where the dead wattle tree used to be.

What is left of the dead wattle tree... as stump cut to that specific height, as I want to use it as a birdbath stand during the summer, and a place to sit to get the wild birds used to my presence. And the pile of mulch behind it from all the trees and branches. Would have thought it would have been a lot more, but Owen said that is about a quarter ton of mulch at least.

It's insidious.

I got a Cuddlee to keep warm, and to help cut down on electric bills. After I got all comfy in it, Loki decided to crash under it, on the top of my feet.

Oh yeah, I was so warm and comfy, I actually dozed off for about 20 minutes.

That box Ziggy decided to try out for size....

Loki decided it fits him better.

Who knew that tree removal would cost a small fortune

Oh well, it needs to be done. It's going to be over $1k to removed all of the damaged and dead trees. The good side of this, is I am going to get at least $400 worth of free mulch. He asked me if I just wanted the mulch from only my trees, or would I be amenable to more from others (non diseased or infested was stipulated) I politely said "Yes, please." when I was thinking "OH HELL YES!"

Monday means massive deliveries

The vintage coffee percolator arrived. I gave it a test brew. Oh my. I think my toes curled at the results.

It brews wonderfully (sips again, and has Caffiengasm) but as it's an older vintage pot, it's not self timed. Once the water starts burbling, let it brew for 10 minutes or as long as needed until coffee strength is attained, and then unplug it.  I am using one of the other pots to keep it warm afterward.  :) (sips again and shudders) And it's HOT! Because this one doesn't have an automatic shut off timer, I don't think it will burn out because of being 'left on warm' over night by the last one up *cough coughhubbycough cough*

My order from "Catch of the Day" arrived. One thing surpassed my expectations, and one thing, the adjustable trolley was a disappointment and fell short. I guess as karma goes, it all averages out.

Ziggy has been enjoying Monday delivery, as every time, she gets a free cardboard toy with each one.

And, the humongous cat tower arrived today. The speed in which it was dispatched and delivered floored me.  And it came in an every bigger free cardboard toy for the cats. Hmmm, I think we will be donating a few of them to our archery club for target butts. Or there will be no room for us humans in here.

This is getting old fast

My eyes are all itch and gritty feeling again, and blurry vision. Am beginning to think there is something at the archery range itself that is causing this.

Don' need no stinkin' subject

Again, i was woken up well before sun up by a very persistent furwad. Aikidomayland blissfully slept for another 2 hours, while I got up, feed the furballs, made coffee and did all the usual 'get ready for archery' routine.

Archery was ok. Managed to scrag an arrow. *sigh* Such is the life of wooden arrows. Our favorite jerk was there, once again pushing to make the club a 'competition' or 'scoring only' archery club. He does keep pushing it, and it's getting old fast. I'm not the only one there getting annoyed with his constant push to make everyone a competitor there. He wants to become an Olympian shooter, fine, but for the majority there who just want to fling arrows, he really needs to stop trying to force everyone to do so. Oh yeah, one other thing. He wants to set club policy about competitions and scoring, but he isn't a club officer, and refuses to take an office, so as Aikidomayland said, he can 'bugger off'.

Met up with Delicious Irony and Discordia13 again today, as it has been just EONS since we saw them last, at Foo Gwai for lunch. Got to see a great slide show of some wonderful photographs of their trip to Paris and London. Now I want to go. heh It was geek heaven at Foo Gwai with Delicious Irony and me with our netbooks (hers for the slide show, mine for checking Discordia13's blog) Then Aikidomayland told Discordia13 that I play RPGs, AD&D, WoW (pre-hd format). I swear Discordia swooned a bit.

Furry Alarm clock works purrrfectly

Loki began tromping around and around and around, across us, on us, sitting on my pillow, at 6am ish. So I got up, fed the furballs, got coffee started, got dressed for 8:30 Tai Chi session.
Aikidomayland on the other hand stayed in bed until 8am, and then chastised me for not being ready after he got out of the shower. Whohuhwha..? Oh well, never mind. Made it there relatively on time (that's blog speak for others were late too, so the class started not quite on time)

After the class started, I found out that dentist appointment had an interesting side effect. Having my head lower than my feet put a lot of pulling pressure on my lower back, specifically the location of the implant in my spine. Wednesday, I was pretty much hobbling around. Found out I hadn't fully recovered yet, as I used Aikidomayland to help me over to where we had our gear. Oy.

Met up with Delicious Irony and Discordia12 for brunch. Much fun conversation, and excellent munchies. Didn't quite slip into a food coma, but definitely felt the urge to hibernate. (Not to self, do NOT skip breakfast before attending a 2 hr tai chi session). Will get to see many nifty pictures from their Paris/England jaunt.

Pillage was less than usual. Nifty side effect from making soups during the winter. Also got myself a new leather bag, kind of the shape of a small briefcase. My netbook fits perfectly inside it, as does all the other items I had in my backpack. The backpack is ok, but it can give me a helluva back ache sometimes. Also, sometimes need somehting a bit dressier. Only one problem with the new bag; shoulder strap was too thin. So, I appropriated a shoulder strap from one of our laptop bags. Problem solved! :D

I respect

I respect people who prefer certain computer, ie some are diehard Mac users, others are Windows users, Linux users etc. What I abhor are people that see fit to insult and deride someone elses choice in systems. They feel it's ok to insult the user of 'other than then one they swear by' computer user.

Why? What is the reason and purpose behind it?

I told someone that I have had a Windows system for 10 years. I haven't had any viruses, malware, or spyware issues. I have never had to reinstall Wndows due to the OS eating itself. I have had a harddrive totally self destruct (luckily I had a back up) and my recent computer woes with AcerChild turned out to be hardware again (a faulty stick of memory). Ok, here is the kicker. I don't use anything other than Windows Firewall, along with my router, FireFox with Adblock, NoScript, and a few other nifty addons. I don't click on Scan/Cancel buttons on popup window if I get one ( which is rarer than an honest politician) I click on the X and close it. I don't now nor have ever used Outlook or Outlook Express. I don't open attachments or accept email from someone I don't know.

There is a certain Linux user on a PC Forum who has had an almost apoplectic fit when he read that I 'surf unprotected'. Started throwing around insults to everyone who wasn't a Linux user. I told him "Your comments or recommendations would have been read by me if you hadn't kicked in with the name calling (Windorks) . After that, anything you might have said got ignored by me."

I am quite sure he will probably come back with yet another system snob scathing comment, but I won't know for sure, as I am just gonna ignore him.

A Reality about computers

Whatever new computer you get, be prepared to see the exact same one for sale anywhere from $100 to $300 less than what you paid for it in about a month.

Well, it's that time of the year

For me, that is, when the weather is cooler and baking dishes start calling me.

I have just ordered pumpkin, and have made sure the pie plates, electric mixer etc are in good shape. Checked spices to make sure I have them all. Just have to wait for delivery of the order.

The Minestrone

With garlic and chive bread.

Last "end of summer" chore done

With the help of Alan, and a vacuum cleaner, we have deflated, folded and packed my wonderful splash pool away for the winter. We figure if we keep it wrapped in the tarp, it will not get punctured while in the shed.

Both of us were rather surprised at just how heavy it was.

My home smells like an Italian restaurant

The fragrances of garlic, oregano, basil, celery, tomato, and olive oil. Making homemade minestrone. Will add parsley when it's almost finished cooking.

David Eddings Is Dead

Beloved and influential fantasy author David Eddings, who in tandem with his late wife Leigh managed to garner both commercial and critical success with several series of best-selling novels, has passed away at the age of 77.

Eddings is best known for The Belgariad series, the first installment of which, The Pawn of Prophecy (1982), prompted Lester del Rey to tell him, "You've written a classic." The series introduced many to fantasy, and inspired some to write themselves (including Stephen Hunt, whose tribute to Eddings is here). Eddings was himself inspired by the success of The Lord of the Rings, which he was startled to discover was in its 78th printing when he encountered a display copy in a bookstore.

Ummm

Due to the wonders of modern dentistry, one tends to forget what things will feel like after the numbness wears off.

Umm.. ow?

Finally, once every 6 months!

Had my 3 month visit with dentist to see how things were going. The good news is there is no more degradation of the gums, it has been halted. Teeth are in great condition too. So now, instead of every 3 months, I can go to twice a year.

I still have made a deal with the dentist. She can do whatever needs to be done, but mouth has to be numbed up first. This time, only had to numb it for the front teeth, uppers and lowers. The super sensitive teeth that pretty much had me levitating when the cold water or air from the dental vacuum hit it, isn't so super sensitive. Just one is now. *insert sigh of much relief*

Early crash time for me

I have been struggling to stay up until 10:30 because if I go to be any earlier, I will be up around 3am. Thanks, but no thanks on that. By keeping myself up until 10:30-ish, I know I'll sleep through the night.

And now it settles in

The hours of attacking branches with a chain saw, and hauling them out to the curb, moving a large pot and transplanting a tree, my arms. shoulders and upper back ache like a bad tooth and feel like they weigh a ton. Even Aikidomayland is feeling it, and not going to training tonight. And anyone who knows him, knows he lets nothing get in the way of Aikido. :D

A woman's work is never done

Aikidomayland wanted to take the chain saw to Bunnings to make sure I put it together correctly. Guess what? I did. Got the bar and chain oil for the chain saw, safety glasses for me, work glasses for him, and got to work.

Fig tree is now re-homed in a nice large pot. It started perking up within 20 minutes.

I used the chain saw and took down about 30% of the dead wattle tree in the front.

Then I attacked the Geraldton Wax tree that was on the fence. There is now a 2ft gap between the end of the cut part and the fence.

Then went after another Geraldton Wax tree that was on the roof of the shed.

Aikidomayland is a bit leery of the chain saw, but after me using it, and showing him that with a little proper care, it's no more dangerous than using a pruning saw.

More gardening items

I have a fig tree, not a f***king ficus, but an honest to goodness fig tree growing in a pot of mulch and yard waste. This will be the 2nd 'free tree' I have rescued from either between the bricks (I have a Lilly Pilly that is now residing in a pot, growing beautifully) or in yard waste. I have a large empty, already sealed pot that was supposed to be for an avocado tree (I ordered it, and on the day the package that was supposed to have it in there was delivered, I had a hand scribbled note that they were out of them, sorry) that I will use for the fig tree.

Went to Bunnings, got two bags of the proper type of potting mix, some stones for the bottom of the pot, and some Seasol to condition the soil and ease plant shock from being moved. Will transplant tomorrow. The problem is figuring out where the tree is going to go. I am opting for center of the 'court yard' , but not on the soak well, so it will get full sun like it needs to. This way, it can spread out a bit on top.

Also got a small chainsaw for lopping off branches, and two 3 liter containers of environmentally/pet safe weed killer.

Also going to move some of the pups from the century plant, line them up in the front of the yard about a foot apart. Hopefully they will grow up, and not just out. Plan to move some of the Aloe Nobilis plants to the top part of the yard, in front the not doing so great African Bird of Paradise plant.