An early good morning to all. Just want to let you know I really appreciate this place. The banter, support, friendly advice, cute animal pics, all of it. It really is a wholesome corner of the internet. May you all have a superb weekend.

2nd doggo walk done.

Still hopeless.

He does attract the ladies though, just not when he's passed out under a table with his face in a puddle of drool.

Public Service Announcement for people who use drink bottles with straws in them: you need to get a brush and clean inside the straw regularly. If you use the bottle for liquids that are not water you need to clean them every day. If the bottle has a built in piece that you put inside your mouth you need to clean inside that too.

I've just been cleaning up some stuff from lost property so it can go to the op shop and some of those bottles are really nasty inside, with algae and mould growing inside the straw and mouthpiece.

So true! I use those little brush thingies that come with reusable straws and then put the straws and the tops through the dishwasher. The bottles have to be hand washed because they're stainless steel and can't go through the dishie. I've learnt the hard way that some bottles have these overly complex flip out parts and whatnot that are just ridiculous and not worth buying because, while kinda cool and fancy, you just cannot clean every part of every part.
Also important is to let them dry out thoroughly before the next time you use them. I've got a collection of them which I rotate. Be prepared to replace them every few months. Man, the bottles I've bought over the last 13 years 💸 It's like pegs: when you've got kids you need 2 or 3 times as many as you think you'll need!
Ewwwwww
But thanks for the psa!

Migraine + cat purr = relief

Edit: It actually worked. I thought I'd be bed ridden again today.

hope you feel better when you wake up
- ❤️

Miniest wanted to go for a walk today. I really didn't feel like it but went anyway. Then while we were at the local park some relos turned up with their girls and we were there for much longer than I wanted to be. I wasn't in the mood to be social but I willed myself through it. I've been so tired lately, on the weekends I feel like I've got just enough to push through the laundry and cook a meal or two and then anything else feels like an imposition. My social battery seems always on about 50% or less. I try to do something with the kids every weekend otherwise it's not fair for them, but I'm sick of having to push and force myself through everything.

From what you post here, I think you're doing an amazing job with everything that's on your plate. I think it takes an incredible amount of strength to do everything that you're doing. Truly ❤️
Please try to take some time for yourself. You need it and you absolutely deserve it. Easier said than done I know, but if it goes on like this for a long time it'll take more of a toll on you.
Maybe for the next couple of weeks, you can take the kids out on the weekend on alternating weeks?
I don't know if that would help, but maybe it's worth a shot? It would at least recharge your social battery for a while.
- Thanks Gibson, you're very kind to say that. I've got to think of a strategy for energy management lol
so many hugs
time to ask husband to do specific things if he's up to it, to ease some of the burden
Of course you’re tired. You’re working a job plus doing all of the housework and all of the childcare by yourself. :(

Lamb roast is already done for kebabs tonight 🤤

weight loss continues, I think I'm getting my face shape back, it's supposed to be oval, not round 🫠

Unfortunately my face shape changes very little, I just grow extra chins. This happens with disappointing ease as a result of having been an obese child in late primary school.
I'm loving your gradual weight loss; it really is the only way to get it off healthily and keep it off. Go Goonsy you good thing! 💪🏼
- Thank you. 😘
It's pretty wild how face shape changes with with weight loss! I look back on photos of me from 5ish years ago and I can see the difference now!
Clothes suddenly become baggy/looser, jeans aren't tight! Belly becomes more loose skin than fat.
I'm so happy for you that you're feeling more comfortable in your skin on this journey!
- Thank you. 🫠

I just dropped my soup, and my attempt to catch it just meant I threw it against the cupboard door instead of having it go directly on the floor. I called Mr Woof hoping for some assistance, but he just looked at it like "I don't see how your floor soup is anything to do with me" and walked off.

On the bright side you didn’t break the bowl, at least I hope not
- It hadn't even made it into the saucepan yet. I did actually catch the jar it was in so that didn't even get dropped. It's just unfortunate I caught it upside down.
I'm sorry but this made me laugh lol
I've done that exact thing thinking I'm magic and somehow going to catch it.

Belated Happy Equinox.

Equinox... equine ox... a horse-like cow.
This has been today's That's Definitely Where The Word Comes From, No Need To Look It Up.
- Nah, its "equi+nox" = nuts that split in half. Or possibly serves of poison (like in noxious).
- now you bastards have made me look it up
  directly from Medieval Latin equinoxium "equality of night (and day)," from Latin aequinoctium,

Packing continues. Onto the kitchen now. Finishing packing clothes, just leaving enough out for a few days.

The cats are enjoying the sunny day out on the terrace. 🌞🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

I miss the people from labouring jobs so much :(

Can you reach out to any of them?
- I had a dream I was doing labouring again. It was fairly realistic and I woke up missing the hell out of the people and the atmosphere.
  The work itself fucking sucks.

For the third time a so called friend has scheduled a belated birthday do on my actual birthday. That will be a Regrets, none at all.

"Sorry can't come, doing stuff for my birthday" is a valid reason not to go.
Fuckers.

I had a glorious time today wandering around Clunes at the Booktown festival and buying second hand books.

It's continuing tomorrow if you fancy getting out of Melbourne.

Clunes is a really nice town.

The birds won’t stop kick flipping their water bowl to the ground. At least it’s no longer humans doing it? -_-

These fucking tree suckers are now coming up in my backyard.

Yesterday I used the rotary tool to drill holes in the bin but I really don’t know if I have the energy to start raking leaves and putting stuff in there.

Heeeeeeeeyo

MEOW

Pspspsps

It feels like I only woke up 2 hours ago.

Just went out and bought a new vacuum, and been using those moth pheromone glue traps. Seems to be doing the trick!!

I swear to Ahura Mazda that I'm never moving to a place with natural fibre carpet ever again.

If I can't get rid of them with the vacc, pheromone glue traps, and white vinegar, then I will contact the RE - preferably after I get a job and can afford to get Mickey into a cattery while a hardcore pest controller comes in. I'm not giving Mickey neurological damage and death with pyrethroids ffs

I'm always down for natural fibres, but for clothes. Our carpet is acrylic (or whatever) and it rocks. Medium pile, nice and soft, creepy crawlers hate it.
I once lived in a place with old wool carpets, The moths got into my mattress. 😠
I don't like wall to wall, I like rugs that I can beat the crap out of and wash.
- Ugh! That's so fucky! Luckily my mattress is synthetic so the moths/grubs don't care for it.
  My whole apartment is carpeted except the kitchen-corner (open plan) and the bathroom. I hate it!!
  Thankfully the vacc I bought can be either a stick/standing one with a normal carpet head, or can be converted to a handheld with a crevice device - so I've been able to suck up every jerk moth, cocoon, and grub I've seen. I'll do another round tomorrow and get some more moth pheromone glue traps. The traps have been incredible! As soon as I opened them the moths freakin swarmed me and it!
  Next place I rent will be tiled/wood flooring throughout. Fuck this shit! I want to smack rugs dammit!

Give me your most overrated actor that somehow is critically acclaimed.

Mine is Sean Penn. Apart from being an arrogant douche that beats women, his acting is pretty shit.

Dude just mumbles his lines and acts surprised at random shit.

Gal Gadot - she can't act, every line is said without feeling, and she has no emotion. It always feels like I'm watching Gal, and not the character she's portraying.
If it has to be a male actor though, then Brad Pitt. He says his lines with emotion, but I can never see the character he's meant to be - just Brad Pitt being Brad Pitt
- No arguments about Gadot. If she wasn't a knockout, she'd be nothing.
  Brad Pitt is interesting actually. Perhaps his fame has overshadowed his acting, cause he's got some chops.
  I think he's great, but not Oscar calibre. I do enjoy his movies though.
  And he can take the piss too (Deadpool 2)
- Gadot is a god dam plank of wood. Treated pine at best.
I don't know what the deal with George Clooney is. Apart from Ocean's Eleven I can't think of another good movie he's been in.
- Yo what?
  Syriana
  The Descendants
  Out of sight
  Burn after Reading
  Monuments men (I loved it)
Anthony Hopkins.
he did one really good role where he actually seemed to do some acting, Dr Kellog, and he was passable in Elephant man. Everything else he was very ordinary.
Al Pacino. I just don't understand the hype.
- Wow.
  That's controversial as hell, and probably justified.
  His Hannibal lector was great, and honestly he was great as Odin in the Marvel flicks.
  World's fastest Indian was a treat too
  Apart form that I can't remember seeing him in many flicks, but his performances have always been memorable.
  Great pick for this silly question.
- The only good film I've seen Al Pacino in was The Devil's Advocate
Dwayne the rock.
j. Statham to an extent
Julia Roberts to an extent (probably won't win that argument though).
- I mean... Rock and Statham play the same roles each time. And neither are really acclaimed as actors.
  Roberts is interesting. I think she's great but hasn't done anything significant since the late 90s, acting wise.
  However, she's a solid performer.
- Could lump in Vin Diesel with them too lol!

Sorry Melba :(
Do you have any updates on your living situation? Any news on when you can get out of there?
In the mean time, it's different to real life gardening, but Stardew Valley has always been there for me in times of need. I spent ages getting immersed in it - it's like a mindfulness exercise, because it kind of forces you into the present. I'm sure there are similar games that are low cost / free if you're interested. Although I'm sure gaming communities are full of youth, you'll have the game to talk about.
- I second Low.
  A move might be what you need. Find some where quiet, friendly and easy.
- Ahhh… ahaha… I actually stopped playing some games because of the kids specifically but also other players got a little bit much in general. Single player are good but get a bit repetitive after a while.
  Don’t worry about it, I’m just a bit salty right now. I don’t think I’m getting out of here to be honest.
  I’ll find something I’m able to do, I’m just mad at being curtailed.

I had a brilliant day. Sun. Got bought two coffees by different friends and got a puppy cuddle and a toddler cuddle (don't worry I know the puppy and the toddler). Had an amazing haul at the salvos - dishes to put under my pot plants, a denim jacket and a nice blazer for work, even a bloody calculator that I have needed for ages. Shopping done and food washed and away. Kitchen cleaned. I am ded.

Only dark spot was mould on the pizza base I was planning on cooking ...boo. having a wine and thinking about what to cook instead...

I love these autumn days.

I love autumn too
- I grew up in the tropics where it's perfect 4 months of the year and a sauna hell the rest and I find autumn with its perfect days then four seasons magical even after all these years. Dark cold august can get in the bin but autumn 👌🏻

Sky yellow.

Katamari Damacy is surprisingly good housework music

Definitely some catchy tunes in there

Beep Beep 🚚
🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍈🫐🍓🍇🍉🍌🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥦🥑🫛🍆🍅🥝🥬🥒🌽🥕🥐🍠🫚🥔🧅🥯🍞🥖🥨🧀🧇🥞🧈🍳🥚🥓🥩🍗🍖🫓🍕🍟🍔🌭🥙🧆🌮🌯🥗🍲🍜🍝🥘🍛🍣🍱🥟🦪🍥🍘🍚🍙🐠🍤🪼🦀🐙 🍗🥮🍢🍡🍧🍰🧁🥧🍦🍨🎂🍮🍭🍬🍫🥜🌰🍪🍿🍯🥛☕️🍵🍺🍶🥤🧋🧃🥂🍷🥃🍸🍹🧉🔋

Soup, served in a spill-proof cup, please.
- 🍲🛢️
Big breakfast please
- 🍅🍄‍🟫🥔🫘🥓🥚🥚🧇☕️
Banh mi and a large cup of delicious tea please chef. Such a glorious day - perfect autumn.
- 🥩🥬🥒🥕🥖
  ☕️
A salad roll with ham and mustard and cheese, please
- yes, I forgot cheese , brie would be nice
- 🥗🍖🍯🧀🌯
A salad roll with ham and mustard please.
- 🥗🍖🍯🌯
- 🧀

It's a lovely day to be outside today. I've just been out taking some cuttings from my rosemary, hopefully I will have somewhere decent to plant them when I move. I have blue, pink and white flowering varieties. The blue flowering one I originally planted over 20 years and three houses ago, mostly moving in a pot, but now growing in the garden along with a child plant grown from a cutting.

I've also pegged down a bit of thyme into a pot for it to hopefully root so I can take that too, but I only grew it from a seed last year so I'm not too concerned with that one. My mint tends to grow rampant in the garden so I'll probably grab a few rooted pieces of that to take with me too.

But mom, I don't wanna go to work!

After another session I think there's a real need to help old people with better photo storage. They all have photos on external hard drives and use Windows explorer to sort through them.

It's really apparent how terrible Windows explorer is when you see less computer literate people use it. So many UI elements are small or hidden, and commonly used functions, like going back or up a folder in the directory, aren't clearly telegraphed.

A NAS would be perfect for these people, but it can't be too complicated. A set up once black box would be perfect. I did some looking and the Synology Beelink may be exactly what these people need. I may need to get one to check it out

Probably not just old people, my photos are a mess. It hasn't helped that when I first started trying to set up an organisation system the technology kept changing, so the systems had to keep being redone. After a few repeats of that I pretty much gave up. And these days the majority of photos I have are junk, stuff like things I was listing to sell or 497 duplicate photos of Miss Meow that didn't really work.
- That's where I'm thinking there has to be better software out there for managing photos that isn't Windows explorer. I use Bynder at work and it's great for tagging and grouping assets in a collection.
  Then you stick everything on the Beestation so you can actually show it to people instead of just letting them sit on the hard drive
Oh god don’t remind me. I really need to finish backing all my stuff up physically and then transfer it to a drive or something. It’s hard going

Gon cook some dumplings

Greeks wife.....

Ghastly things. The supposedly good bit is on page 86.
🤨
biggest selling books
but who other than old ladies remembers Jacki and Ari
Lately there's been this thing of making romance novels out of Fantasy. You get into it as a fantasy setup, and BAM! all about which character will shack up with whom.
It's become so big that Good Reads now has a "Romantasy" section of its book awards.
- Hmmm. I reckon I could write something like that but for Sci-Fi lol

Guess the movie and receive a kiss

Amadeus: thanks for playing
- It's the first scene , isn't it, with the nuns walking.
  I thought it was but wasn't sure.
Do wrong answers count?
Monty Python's The Life of Brian
"He's not the Messiah; he's a very naughty boy!"
The Passion of the Christ.
- I have not seen it.
I cheated so I can't say.
I'm surprised reverse image works on that.
Now what does the text say?
- it's usually initialed as INRI
  Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum” translating to English as “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
a movie i do not think I have seen

Tonight is Phantom Menace. It seems that lots of people don't like Jar Jar Binks too much, including the characters themselves.

Recently released Cat Empire album is passable. Rather fun

Probably better than the new Gaga
Yeah listening now. It's classic Cat Empire. I like.

MEOW

🍅🍄‍🟫🥔🫘🥓🥚🥚🧇☕️

☕️