Jeeze it’s so cold. I read someone’s blog here a little while ago…sorry I can’t now remember whose but YOU know who you are sitting with your feet in a bucket of cold water!!! when I read that I shivered so much my teeth rattled. Pleeze if you’re going to shock the populous like that issue a warning first okay LOL.
Actually I haven’t stopped shivering since I brought the towels in this morning, they had been accidentally left out over night and were frozen solid.
“I know,” I thought “I’ll zap them in the dryer,” but by the time I’d put them in they had began to melt so instead I placed them in the washer on spin and then hung them out on the clothes line again!!!
It is a dry day out but so still there may be an earthquake.
To me the earth seems to slow down, the air becomes still and silent just before an earthquake…you can feel it in the air or maybe it's just my imagination
Anyway I hate winter, I miss my UK central heating and the grass remains wet from frost and dew until it’s too dark to mow which pleases hubby but does NOT get the job done. Okay so the grass doesn’t grow much in winter but it still does and our lawn is beginning to look like it needs a good combing
Dad used to say never mow a wet lawn and I for some reason still stick to that though the reason for it eludes me. It’s probably not good for the lawn-mower is all.
I see Bollywood came to NZ to make a movie, good for them.
One of my clients has been moved into a home now so she can receive 24 hour care being too fragile to live alone. I’m sorry to lose 5 hours work/pay but I hope she will will be happy even if she all she wants is not to wake up each morning.
It's so sad but I hope I never get to feel like that, it must be awful and her so devout too.
Why is it jewellery is so expensive to repair. The number of times I’ve had to repair a pair of favourite earrings I could have replaced them three times over now I have a bracelet which needs to go in and pearls which need rethreading I’m dreading the quote for repair.
Yesterday I put on some bacon bones to cook up for Brian (he loves them) lol they were so salty they were almost inedible, remind me to soak the next batch before cooking.
And talking of bacon, why do kiwis prefer it smoked! When we first came back here to live from the UK and asked for the unsmoked bacon we were used to butchers looked at us like we were from Mars.
You just can’t get it readily and probably for this reason kiwis don’t generally know there is any other type of bacon than smoked.
Just once I’d like to be able to buy unsmoked or “fresh” bacon for no other reason than I can and don’t get me started on gammon!!! Oh alright then…just kidding
Showing posts with label weeklyramble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weeklyramble. Show all posts
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Update
We returned from the “city” a few hours ago and I’m tired. I’m tired having travelled a good part of the way there and back with my fingers gripping the armrest and my right foot braced against the floor. My eyes and brain are tired from trying to see the signposts before we flashed past the turnoffs and the crick in my neck is from trying to burrow into the back of my seat LOL Oh and I have a headache!
I’m not saying Brian is a bad driver, it’s other drivers that create the problems. If they are ahead of us he wants to catch them up and travel as close to their bumper as possible then in exasperation pass them as if it’s their fault he is too close.
On the other hand if they are behind us he wants to be as far away as possible from them. Unfortunately the only way to achieve both is keeping his foot flat to the floor. It’s not that he speeds. He usually keeps within the limit, it’s his habit of driving too close to other cars that terrifies me.
This morning I swear I could actually see the eye colour of the driver in front of us.
“Do you want to climb into his boot” I asked quietly…he slowed down slightly.
Luckily there are many places where we can be the only car on the road for miles and in these places he dawdles along quite reasonably and I can relax.
Anyway the reason for our visit to a city hospital was for Brian’s heart tests and the outcome is although he needs heart valve replacement he doesn’t need a bypass.
We stayed 2 nights for free in what they call a “Medi-Hotel” (it’s actually the old nurses home) on the hospital campus, in fact I have to say our room looked as if the nurse had just vacated it LOL.
I forgot how small they were. There was just enough room for 2 single beds and 2 chairs which were squeezed in at the bottom of each bed but at least we had a large window from which we could see the dual carriageway. I KNOW!!! that's just toooo exciting but wait, there's more, not too far way was the helipad - we couldn't see it but we could hear it...ALL...NIGHT!!!
At least we had the TV lounge to ourselves apart from the occassional trainee doctor wandering in to look at us but unfortunately no Channel or SKYTV. Just as well I set our TV to record our favourite TV program while we were away.
The TV presentation of “Jewel in the palace” is nearing its end with all the “baddies” getting their just deserts.
In my opinion the Head Lady got off lightly, she should have been strung up or worse but I won‘t say too much in case I let the cat out of the bag not that I imagine anyone else is watching it.
Who’d have thought Brian and I would be caught up in the trials and tribulations of a 6th century Korean girl. If you want to know what I'm on about you can see it on youtube.
Clocks go back this weekend. Time to put the caravan to bed.
I’m told we need rain. Just who is this we?
Catchya when I get back from the camp.
I’m not saying Brian is a bad driver, it’s other drivers that create the problems. If they are ahead of us he wants to catch them up and travel as close to their bumper as possible then in exasperation pass them as if it’s their fault he is too close.
On the other hand if they are behind us he wants to be as far away as possible from them. Unfortunately the only way to achieve both is keeping his foot flat to the floor. It’s not that he speeds. He usually keeps within the limit, it’s his habit of driving too close to other cars that terrifies me.
This morning I swear I could actually see the eye colour of the driver in front of us.
“Do you want to climb into his boot” I asked quietly…he slowed down slightly.
Luckily there are many places where we can be the only car on the road for miles and in these places he dawdles along quite reasonably and I can relax.
Anyway the reason for our visit to a city hospital was for Brian’s heart tests and the outcome is although he needs heart valve replacement he doesn’t need a bypass.
We stayed 2 nights for free in what they call a “Medi-Hotel” (it’s actually the old nurses home) on the hospital campus, in fact I have to say our room looked as if the nurse had just vacated it LOL.
I forgot how small they were. There was just enough room for 2 single beds and 2 chairs which were squeezed in at the bottom of each bed but at least we had a large window from which we could see the dual carriageway. I KNOW!!! that's just toooo exciting but wait, there's more, not too far way was the helipad - we couldn't see it but we could hear it...ALL...NIGHT!!!
At least we had the TV lounge to ourselves apart from the occassional trainee doctor wandering in to look at us but unfortunately no Channel or SKYTV. Just as well I set our TV to record our favourite TV program while we were away.
The TV presentation of “Jewel in the palace” is nearing its end with all the “baddies” getting their just deserts.
In my opinion the Head Lady got off lightly, she should have been strung up or worse but I won‘t say too much in case I let the cat out of the bag not that I imagine anyone else is watching it.
Who’d have thought Brian and I would be caught up in the trials and tribulations of a 6th century Korean girl. If you want to know what I'm on about you can see it on youtube.
Clocks go back this weekend. Time to put the caravan to bed.
I’m told we need rain. Just who is this we?
Catchya when I get back from the camp.
Friday, March 19, 2010
A Ramble - 20/03/10
Autumn has fallen. The first cold morning of the season turned out to be a scorcher of a day and to date this has been the norm…I can handle this so roll on more of the same because I’m not looking forward to winter. Parts of me have started to ache already. I don’t like when parts ache especially when I’m trying to sleep.
It was younger sisters’ birthday on the 17th. Mum didn’t care for any of the St Patrick type names so sister is named Janice; I could tell you some of the other names she’s been called over the years but that/those are other stories and you never know who’s out there listening LOL
I’m feeling sort of blah today - hang on I’ll repeat that with feeling - BLAH!!! Even it being a Saturday makes no difference. Hopefully cooler days will take some of the stress away. What stress I hear you ask, oh I don‘t know that‘s why I feel BLAH I guess.
Yesterday wasn’t too bad I managed to make Annie Jean’s recipe for Rhubarb Cake which turned out fantastically thank you AJ, just one question, is the topping supposed to run all down the sides and over the bench? there I was with palette knife turning it this way and that trying to stop the drips…It was okay this morning obviously having had time to set :o)
There has been so little rain lately and the garden has past its best, probably because I haven’t watered so often. To tell the truth I haven’t watered in weeks. Why? Ennui I guess, alot of it.
We are having boiled corn beef and carrots, mashed potatoes and silverbeet this evening so this morning I picked the last of the silverbeet to find they were covered in Vine Hopper adults, and young. I hate those pesky things they sucked the life out of my raspberries but luckily they fruited well and I harvested enough to make a few jars of jam and some to give away.
I noticed I had 15 items on my grocery list again this week. Unintentionally for the last few months my list has comprised 15 items. There is no deeper meaning here, after much thought I decided the only reason for it was the size of my paper.
Our supermarket is under new management. Gone is the in-house bakery! and the whole place has undergone a transformation…okay that may be an exaggeration but changes are definitely afoot and I must say there are more frowns a than smiles about the place.
Did I tell you my niece got married? She looked gorgeous off course and I had a little weep, aw gee sniff… here is a pic. I'm the one on the edge with the green top and hubby is behind me.
Max woke me with his barking at 4am the other morning so I jumped up to shout at him through the window. A car was sitting in our drive with the head lights on so I dashed into the kitchen grabbing my glasses on the way, throwing a coat over my nightie and shoving my feet into slippers but by time I got outside the car had gone. I made a fuss over Max you know in “that” voice “who’s a clever boy? you are, oh yes you are, good boy MAx, etc” and went back to bed then at 6am the same thing happened. This time I managed to get outside before he took off. It was an elderly guy from out of town looking for his relative who was at that moment looking out his window next door no doubt wondering what the dogs were barking at.
It was younger sisters’ birthday on the 17th. Mum didn’t care for any of the St Patrick type names so sister is named Janice; I could tell you some of the other names she’s been called over the years but that/those are other stories and you never know who’s out there listening LOL
I’m feeling sort of blah today - hang on I’ll repeat that with feeling - BLAH!!! Even it being a Saturday makes no difference. Hopefully cooler days will take some of the stress away. What stress I hear you ask, oh I don‘t know that‘s why I feel BLAH I guess.
Yesterday wasn’t too bad I managed to make Annie Jean’s recipe for Rhubarb Cake which turned out fantastically thank you AJ, just one question, is the topping supposed to run all down the sides and over the bench? there I was with palette knife turning it this way and that trying to stop the drips…It was okay this morning obviously having had time to set :o) There has been so little rain lately and the garden has past its best, probably because I haven’t watered so often. To tell the truth I haven’t watered in weeks. Why? Ennui I guess, alot of it.
We are having boiled corn beef and carrots, mashed potatoes and silverbeet this evening so this morning I picked the last of the silverbeet to find they were covered in Vine Hopper adults, and young. I hate those pesky things they sucked the life out of my raspberries but luckily they fruited well and I harvested enough to make a few jars of jam and some to give away.
I noticed I had 15 items on my grocery list again this week. Unintentionally for the last few months my list has comprised 15 items. There is no deeper meaning here, after much thought I decided the only reason for it was the size of my paper.
Our supermarket is under new management. Gone is the in-house bakery! and the whole place has undergone a transformation…okay that may be an exaggeration but changes are definitely afoot and I must say there are more frowns a than smiles about the place.
Did I tell you my niece got married? She looked gorgeous off course and I had a little weep, aw gee sniff… here is a pic. I'm the one on the edge with the green top and hubby is behind me.
Max woke me with his barking at 4am the other morning so I jumped up to shout at him through the window. A car was sitting in our drive with the head lights on so I dashed into the kitchen grabbing my glasses on the way, throwing a coat over my nightie and shoving my feet into slippers but by time I got outside the car had gone. I made a fuss over Max you know in “that” voice “who’s a clever boy? you are, oh yes you are, good boy MAx, etc” and went back to bed then at 6am the same thing happened. This time I managed to get outside before he took off. It was an elderly guy from out of town looking for his relative who was at that moment looking out his window next door no doubt wondering what the dogs were barking at.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 06/11/09
We are decorating. I have to say “We” because Brian has been telling folk “he” is decorating. What he actually does quite well is follow instructions LOL.
This morning I finished painting the woodwork and tomorrow I’ll be ready to start wallpapering.
My hands are telling me this will definitely be the last time “we” do our own decorating. Unfortunately I find it difficult to stop and rest up when I should especially when there are things that need doing because as everyone knows, “if you want a job doing right, do it yourself” but don’t you just love being able to stand back and say “I did that,” and it’s pleasing also to be the only one who knows where the faults are. - oh yes there will be some for contrary to popular belief I am not perfect but I do think if a job is worth doing it’s worth putting an effort into getting it right. That was a problem when I was a production supervisor…my expectations were somewhat higher than everyone else’s which led to frictions. I guess if I’m guilty of anything it’s pride, so gowon shoot me
If it appears I’m not around much it’s because I’m spending more and more time on Facebook. It’s so comfortable and with more and more of my online pals also there I am still able to keep up to date on their comings and goings. Oh alright then I admit it, I’m hooked on Mafia Wars and play it once or twice a day until my energy is exstinguished LOL, harmless fun surely?
Apparently last October was the coldest NZ has experienced since the 1940‘s. Thank goodness it’s over; I wonder though perhaps we should start getting used to it?
A couple weeks ago Brian and I began watching a Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace.” Unfortunately we missed the first two episodes but via the wonders of the internet caught up on the story line which is loosely based on fact.
Set in the 15th and 16th centuries it’s about a woman who becomes Koreas first female Royal Physician. She experiences much hardship and strife but in the end perseverance wins out.
The shrillness of the language takes some getting used to and although there are subtitles I think much is lost in the translation because it‘s obvious by the body language there is humour.
I am not even going to try and remember the names of the characters believe me they are not Bruce or Lee because of this I found it hard to recognise the grown up versions of each female character at first as they start off as 7 year olds then suddenly in episode 4 or 5 they are teenagers and portrayed by older actresses. Could be an interesting ride ( 54 episodes.)
I’ve managed to take time out from decorating to plant up a vegetable garden with cabbages, cauli, carrots, spring onion, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. Oh there’s also potatoes (Brians effort) and broad and runner beans, the former are being harvested as I speak but the latter have yet to show. Better walk about with the hose so catchya later and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, bye for now.
This morning I finished painting the woodwork and tomorrow I’ll be ready to start wallpapering.
My hands are telling me this will definitely be the last time “we” do our own decorating. Unfortunately I find it difficult to stop and rest up when I should especially when there are things that need doing because as everyone knows, “if you want a job doing right, do it yourself” but don’t you just love being able to stand back and say “I did that,” and it’s pleasing also to be the only one who knows where the faults are. - oh yes there will be some for contrary to popular belief I am not perfect but I do think if a job is worth doing it’s worth putting an effort into getting it right. That was a problem when I was a production supervisor…my expectations were somewhat higher than everyone else’s which led to frictions. I guess if I’m guilty of anything it’s pride, so gowon shoot me
If it appears I’m not around much it’s because I’m spending more and more time on Facebook. It’s so comfortable and with more and more of my online pals also there I am still able to keep up to date on their comings and goings. Oh alright then I admit it, I’m hooked on Mafia Wars and play it once or twice a day until my energy is exstinguished LOL, harmless fun surely?
Apparently last October was the coldest NZ has experienced since the 1940‘s. Thank goodness it’s over; I wonder though perhaps we should start getting used to it?
A couple weeks ago Brian and I began watching a Korean drama “Jewel in the Palace.” Unfortunately we missed the first two episodes but via the wonders of the internet caught up on the story line which is loosely based on fact.
Set in the 15th and 16th centuries it’s about a woman who becomes Koreas first female Royal Physician. She experiences much hardship and strife but in the end perseverance wins out.
The shrillness of the language takes some getting used to and although there are subtitles I think much is lost in the translation because it‘s obvious by the body language there is humour.
I am not even going to try and remember the names of the characters believe me they are not Bruce or Lee because of this I found it hard to recognise the grown up versions of each female character at first as they start off as 7 year olds then suddenly in episode 4 or 5 they are teenagers and portrayed by older actresses. Could be an interesting ride ( 54 episodes.)
I’ve managed to take time out from decorating to plant up a vegetable garden with cabbages, cauli, carrots, spring onion, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. Oh there’s also potatoes (Brians effort) and broad and runner beans, the former are being harvested as I speak but the latter have yet to show. Better walk about with the hose so catchya later and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, bye for now.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 18/10/09
17th October
Well would you believe Brian woke up from the anaesthetic yesterday to be told the gallstone was still inside him. The surgeon said it was too dangerous to continue so will try again in 6/8 weeks. In the meantime they inserted a tube to drain the bile away. One good thing to come of it - after 48 hours Brian can return to a normal diet - he‘s pleased about that.
Younger than me sister has decided it will be a good thing to make her own cracker cheese. She brought round samples for morning tea this morning.
I hope she gets better at it by Xmas
My other sister is trying to find a butter churn. She hopes to be totally self sufficient in a couple of years when she retires. She and her hubby already have pigs (makes THE most delicious hams) and a milk cow. She wants to make her own butter, cheese and yoghurt.
Youngest sister and her hubby are off to England for 12 months next year. They will work and see Europe, I’m envious.
I don’t think I could become self sufficient, I’m too lazy but I would like to visit England again.
I can’t believe I haven’t a book to read! Whatever happened to the week! I had plenty of time on Saturday morning or so I thought. I don’t think I could read Pillars of the earth again so soon. I’ve read it so often I almost believe I lived then lol.
The partner of my deceased brother Leonard has a new love. He moved in with her last weekend. I don’t know how I feel about that but it’s not my business any more.
I love Spring. The world is so colourful and the temperatures are very much to my liking. Autumn is good too for the same reasons.
If I have any regrets in life it’s that I never enquired if there were other choices. I trained to be a nurse because there was a training hospital here, but what might I have been.
It’s easy to say I would have been good at this or that. I’ve always been interested in how things work and am always curious enough to read about why things are the way they are like how do the layers of different colours appear in rocks. How did they get there, when and what are they made of…anyway whatever might have happened didn’t which is just as well I guess - I mean imagine not having met beloved Brian. Don’t worry I don’t lose sleep thinking about it but it strikes me every now and then when I see a female electrician, fire engine driver, builder, mechanic etc, etc, etc.
I’ve been trying to write a poem for Halloween…I think it’s done now and I’ve promised not to look at it again because if I do it will never be finished. I can’t help changing a word here, removing a portion there…it’s so frustrating. How do you know when to end it!
Beautiful Spring day today. I started a new client. She’s lovely and was one of my mother’s dearest friends. I didn’t know this when I went today but we got on really well when she realised who I was. Small towns do have their uses.
Aquilegia , what a pretty name for a pretty flower. I have 4 blooming at the moment; 3 yellow and one tri-coloured. One was SUPPOSED to be purple!
Well would you believe Brian woke up from the anaesthetic yesterday to be told the gallstone was still inside him. The surgeon said it was too dangerous to continue so will try again in 6/8 weeks. In the meantime they inserted a tube to drain the bile away. One good thing to come of it - after 48 hours Brian can return to a normal diet - he‘s pleased about that.
Younger than me sister has decided it will be a good thing to make her own cracker cheese. She brought round samples for morning tea this morning.
I hope she gets better at it by Xmas
My other sister is trying to find a butter churn. She hopes to be totally self sufficient in a couple of years when she retires. She and her hubby already have pigs (makes THE most delicious hams) and a milk cow. She wants to make her own butter, cheese and yoghurt.
Youngest sister and her hubby are off to England for 12 months next year. They will work and see Europe, I’m envious.
I don’t think I could become self sufficient, I’m too lazy but I would like to visit England again.
I can’t believe I haven’t a book to read! Whatever happened to the week! I had plenty of time on Saturday morning or so I thought. I don’t think I could read Pillars of the earth again so soon. I’ve read it so often I almost believe I lived then lol.
The partner of my deceased brother Leonard has a new love. He moved in with her last weekend. I don’t know how I feel about that but it’s not my business any more.
I love Spring. The world is so colourful and the temperatures are very much to my liking. Autumn is good too for the same reasons.
If I have any regrets in life it’s that I never enquired if there were other choices. I trained to be a nurse because there was a training hospital here, but what might I have been.
It’s easy to say I would have been good at this or that. I’ve always been interested in how things work and am always curious enough to read about why things are the way they are like how do the layers of different colours appear in rocks. How did they get there, when and what are they made of…anyway whatever might have happened didn’t which is just as well I guess - I mean imagine not having met beloved Brian. Don’t worry I don’t lose sleep thinking about it but it strikes me every now and then when I see a female electrician, fire engine driver, builder, mechanic etc, etc, etc.
I’ve been trying to write a poem for Halloween…I think it’s done now and I’ve promised not to look at it again because if I do it will never be finished. I can’t help changing a word here, removing a portion there…it’s so frustrating. How do you know when to end it!
Beautiful Spring day today. I started a new client. She’s lovely and was one of my mother’s dearest friends. I didn’t know this when I went today but we got on really well when she realised who I was. Small towns do have their uses.
Aquilegia , what a pretty name for a pretty flower. I have 4 blooming at the moment; 3 yellow and one tri-coloured. One was SUPPOSED to be purple!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 03/10/09
Brian went for his MRI on Monday but off course the results aren’t back yet. We hope to hear something early next week.
The drive to Tauranga took 2 hours - the weather being atrocious. I hate travelling in bad weather. It’s not so much a lack of faith in Brian’s abilities more that of other idiots on the road; not that he is an idiot oh you know what I mean .
It seemed ages since I visited the cemetery to say hello to the family so I went on Thursday. Man! if the family of the guy next to mum digs up any more soil around his stone they will end up in our space; mum is probably turning in her grave.
They have planted flowers; it looks good even though it’s not really allowed. Why do I feel it would be so infradig to complain to the authorities!
My ex used “Infradig” A lot. So much so I knew when it was coming. It would drive me mad; Just one of the things about him that made me go grrrrrrrrrr!
Meaning and origins straight from “The Phrase finder.”
Infradig - unbecoming of one's position - beneath one's dignity.
This term derives from the Latin infra dignitatem, literally - 'beneath (one's) dignity' and was first recorded by William Hazlitt in Table talk; or, original essays on men and manners, 1822.
The first person to put the shortened infra dig. version into print was Sir Walter Scott. He uses it in his 1825 novel Redgauntlet:
"It would be infra dig. in the Provost of this most flourishing and loyal town to associate with Redgauntlet."
It is now more commonly written without the full stop. Even most of those who realize it is an abbreviation now consider it to be well-enough established not to require it, as amp - short for ampere - is now accepted without a full stop.
What is beneath one's dignity is obviously a matter of judgment. The group most often associated with the term are the British upper classes, although they might now consider it infra dig ever to use it
The earthquakes and resulting Tsunami across the pacific have caused untold suffering to a wonderful people. Many Samoans and Tongans live in New Zealand and planeloads have been returning to help and be with what’s left of their families and homes. It’s saddening to watch TV reports of the devastation but I can’t help feeling like an interloper; I mean, is it necessary for TV cameras be right in the face of a mother as she discovers her dead children and then stay focused on her face capturing every grief stricken emotion?
By all means report but let them keep their dignity. Let them grieve in peace for goodness sake.
I must have missed the warning siren on the morning of the tsunami. The night before was a most magnificent electrical storm. It was said later over 150 lightening strikes hit the area of the Bay of Plenty. Poor Max is terrified of thunder and lightening. We let him in and he couldn't get close enough to me without climbing on the bed which is a big NO NO! as far as I'm concerned so he sat up all night with his snout as close to my pillow as he could get, letting out little whimpers and sighing alot.
I didn't know dogs could sigh! needless to say neither of us got much sleep whereas Brian slept through the whole thing, typical!.
The first I heard of the possibility of a tsunami hitting our coastline was actually AFTER the radio reported a huge water spout off the beach near here; the tsunami warning came after that would you believe and it was just an alert and nothing to worry about so off course I didn’t.
Some 200 people took shelter in the hills but I went to work as usual and the whole thing passed with hardly a ripple.
Click on the picture to get the full impact...WOW
It could have been worse but I doubt the people who are supposed to keep us safe would have reacted any differently.
The drive to Tauranga took 2 hours - the weather being atrocious. I hate travelling in bad weather. It’s not so much a lack of faith in Brian’s abilities more that of other idiots on the road; not that he is an idiot oh you know what I mean .
It seemed ages since I visited the cemetery to say hello to the family so I went on Thursday. Man! if the family of the guy next to mum digs up any more soil around his stone they will end up in our space; mum is probably turning in her grave.
They have planted flowers; it looks good even though it’s not really allowed. Why do I feel it would be so infradig to complain to the authorities!
My ex used “Infradig” A lot. So much so I knew when it was coming. It would drive me mad; Just one of the things about him that made me go grrrrrrrrrr!
Meaning and origins straight from “The Phrase finder.”
Infradig - unbecoming of one's position - beneath one's dignity.
This term derives from the Latin infra dignitatem, literally - 'beneath (one's) dignity' and was first recorded by William Hazlitt in Table talk; or, original essays on men and manners, 1822.
The first person to put the shortened infra dig. version into print was Sir Walter Scott. He uses it in his 1825 novel Redgauntlet:
"It would be infra dig. in the Provost of this most flourishing and loyal town to associate with Redgauntlet."
It is now more commonly written without the full stop. Even most of those who realize it is an abbreviation now consider it to be well-enough established not to require it, as amp - short for ampere - is now accepted without a full stop.
What is beneath one's dignity is obviously a matter of judgment. The group most often associated with the term are the British upper classes, although they might now consider it infra dig ever to use it
The earthquakes and resulting Tsunami across the pacific have caused untold suffering to a wonderful people. Many Samoans and Tongans live in New Zealand and planeloads have been returning to help and be with what’s left of their families and homes. It’s saddening to watch TV reports of the devastation but I can’t help feeling like an interloper; I mean, is it necessary for TV cameras be right in the face of a mother as she discovers her dead children and then stay focused on her face capturing every grief stricken emotion?
By all means report but let them keep their dignity. Let them grieve in peace for goodness sake.
I must have missed the warning siren on the morning of the tsunami. The night before was a most magnificent electrical storm. It was said later over 150 lightening strikes hit the area of the Bay of Plenty. Poor Max is terrified of thunder and lightening. We let him in and he couldn't get close enough to me without climbing on the bed which is a big NO NO! as far as I'm concerned so he sat up all night with his snout as close to my pillow as he could get, letting out little whimpers and sighing alot.
I didn't know dogs could sigh! needless to say neither of us got much sleep whereas Brian slept through the whole thing, typical!.
The first I heard of the possibility of a tsunami hitting our coastline was actually AFTER the radio reported a huge water spout off the beach near here; the tsunami warning came after that would you believe and it was just an alert and nothing to worry about so off course I didn’t.
Some 200 people took shelter in the hills but I went to work as usual and the whole thing passed with hardly a ripple.
Click on the picture to get the full impact...WOW
It could have been worse but I doubt the people who are supposed to keep us safe would have reacted any differently.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 21/09/09
Brian hates painting but bless him he agreed to do the high bits. I’m not going to say what high bits because I still don’t know what to call it. Is it a porch, a veranda, or even a pavilion.
Pavilion:- building outdoor structure: a summer house or other often ornamental building in a park, fair, or garden used for shelter and entertainment. Perhaps not quite but close.
I was in two minds the other day; should I stay and watch Brian paint or go off and leave him to get on with it in peace?
In the end I decided to stay and give him a hand.
Before even taking the lid off a tin of paint I cover as much of my body as is possible even though it makes no difference; paint will always make contact with some part of me however hard I try and avoid it.
No doubt paint and I are mutually attracted to each other, always have been always will be, I totally accept the fact now.
So there I am up a ladder paint brush in one hand and a small pot of paint in the other when from out of no-where I hear a frantic buzzing and zapp! I am struck in the neck by a very angry hornet, (black and yellow striped with a long abdomen.) I guess he decided he had to go from A to B and I was too slow to avoid the collision.
He was caught at my neck, angry as hell and entangled as well.
I tell you I was off that ladder quicker than Harry (who ever he is) and still holding the paint tin and brush…there are some things you just do without thinking, it's amazing.
I didn’t think but dashed straight inside and slapped on an icepack. Luckily I’m not allergic.
I have heard that even if you don’t normally get a reaction from stings it does not mean you will get a non reaction the next time so I was a bit on edge for an hour or so but not enough to not finish the paint job.
Oh and yes I ended up with paint on the back of my hair which I did not discover until after I had been to town later that afternoon and paint on my spectacles frames and left ear - not bad really.
For months the tray of my DVD player has been jammed shut. I’ve Googled, read mountains of information and stuck paper clips aplenty in the little hole at the front all to no avail. Today I’d finally decided I must get a brand new DVD but just to make sure thought, ‘I’ll give Google one more go.’
15 minutes later I came across what I thought must be a joke. One of the replies to “my DVD tray is jammed,” said, “while powering up your computer keep your finger on the eject button and the tray should open.” I did this thinking yeah right! and blow me down it worked and continues to work!
If you dare say, “I already know this,” you are dead ~ and I want to know why you didn’t say so when I was struggling!
We went “over” the hill today to collect Brian’s xrays to take with us when he goes for his MRI scan on the 28th. He also qualifies for travel vouchers and even gets a parking voucher for the hospital car park - wow!
He’s okay, hasn’t had any more pains though that’s probably because he has been eating almost fat free for weeks apart from today when he had pigged out on fish and chips for lunch.
What! Am I his mother!!!
Pavilion:- building outdoor structure: a summer house or other often ornamental building in a park, fair, or garden used for shelter and entertainment. Perhaps not quite but close.
I was in two minds the other day; should I stay and watch Brian paint or go off and leave him to get on with it in peace?
In the end I decided to stay and give him a hand.
Before even taking the lid off a tin of paint I cover as much of my body as is possible even though it makes no difference; paint will always make contact with some part of me however hard I try and avoid it.
No doubt paint and I are mutually attracted to each other, always have been always will be, I totally accept the fact now.
So there I am up a ladder paint brush in one hand and a small pot of paint in the other when from out of no-where I hear a frantic buzzing and zapp! I am struck in the neck by a very angry hornet, (black and yellow striped with a long abdomen.) I guess he decided he had to go from A to B and I was too slow to avoid the collision.
He was caught at my neck, angry as hell and entangled as well.
I tell you I was off that ladder quicker than Harry (who ever he is) and still holding the paint tin and brush…there are some things you just do without thinking, it's amazing.
I didn’t think but dashed straight inside and slapped on an icepack. Luckily I’m not allergic.
I have heard that even if you don’t normally get a reaction from stings it does not mean you will get a non reaction the next time so I was a bit on edge for an hour or so but not enough to not finish the paint job.
Oh and yes I ended up with paint on the back of my hair which I did not discover until after I had been to town later that afternoon and paint on my spectacles frames and left ear - not bad really.
For months the tray of my DVD player has been jammed shut. I’ve Googled, read mountains of information and stuck paper clips aplenty in the little hole at the front all to no avail. Today I’d finally decided I must get a brand new DVD but just to make sure thought, ‘I’ll give Google one more go.’
15 minutes later I came across what I thought must be a joke. One of the replies to “my DVD tray is jammed,” said, “while powering up your computer keep your finger on the eject button and the tray should open.” I did this thinking yeah right! and blow me down it worked and continues to work!
If you dare say, “I already know this,” you are dead ~ and I want to know why you didn’t say so when I was struggling!
We went “over” the hill today to collect Brian’s xrays to take with us when he goes for his MRI scan on the 28th. He also qualifies for travel vouchers and even gets a parking voucher for the hospital car park - wow!
He’s okay, hasn’t had any more pains though that’s probably because he has been eating almost fat free for weeks apart from today when he had pigged out on fish and chips for lunch.
What! Am I his mother!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 15/09/09
Shew! I’m cream crackered! A few hours in the garden is ok but I really shouldn’t try it all in one hit. Smaller doses is the key in future…will I never learn.
My broad beans got a bit of a battering that last storm we had so goodness know if we’ll get any veggies from them. We might have to rely on Uncle Jim again cheers Uncle Jim.
One good thing to come of it (the garden) I’ve discovered the compost heap has gotten along quite well all winter with the minimum of input from me. It’s a kinda magic
Yesterday my computer went haywire but it seems to be ok now. How would I know if it’s been infected
More news from the specialist/surgeon…he wants Brian to have a MRI scan asap. What exactly does asap mean when we are still awaiting an appointment date. More waiting. More worry.
Brian was bad week last week with back ache and a really bad nose cold. Thank goodness he’s alot better now. Well enough to play a snooker tournament this afternoon.
I had a whole paragraph here but on rereading it sounded a complete jumble of unrelated thoughts - oh hang on that's what a ramble is huh LOL anyway
rambling is okay so long as people can understand you otherwise it just becomes sad and worrying. Am I sad and worrying anyone yet? No? Well give me time LOL.
We bathed the dog this afternoon; he needed it. Poor guy took off round the house soon as he saw the bucket of water. He likes his bath well enough once he’s in the tub; at least he doesn’t struggle while Brian holds his head and I‘m shampooing him, (the dog). He is so snugly clean now. They both are
Brian’s ex has added me as a friend on Facebook! The last word we had from her was threatening and now she wants to be friends? Oh well she always was a bit strange. I was going to snub her but hey life’s too short and she is the mother of his only child even if they don’t communicate. No they haven’t fallen out as such. More like years of mutual neglect I guess.
I just love garage sales and last weekend there were 6, all on one day
I want a huge house where I can display all the lovely things I find. Fortunately we have a very small house so I have to sell most of it.
Last weekend I found a pair of 1971 West German vases. Aren't they lovely.
I have to keep them, at least for a little while. I also I came across the garishly coloured ashtray above signed by Georges Briard and the set of 1976 Hornsea cups and saucers. All in all a successful day.
My broad beans got a bit of a battering that last storm we had so goodness know if we’ll get any veggies from them. We might have to rely on Uncle Jim again cheers Uncle Jim.
One good thing to come of it (the garden) I’ve discovered the compost heap has gotten along quite well all winter with the minimum of input from me. It’s a kinda magic
Yesterday my computer went haywire but it seems to be ok now. How would I know if it’s been infected
More news from the specialist/surgeon…he wants Brian to have a MRI scan asap. What exactly does asap mean when we are still awaiting an appointment date. More waiting. More worry.
Brian was bad week last week with back ache and a really bad nose cold. Thank goodness he’s alot better now. Well enough to play a snooker tournament this afternoon.
I had a whole paragraph here but on rereading it sounded a complete jumble of unrelated thoughts - oh hang on that's what a ramble is huh LOL anyway
rambling is okay so long as people can understand you otherwise it just becomes sad and worrying. Am I sad and worrying anyone yet? No? Well give me time LOL.
We bathed the dog this afternoon; he needed it. Poor guy took off round the house soon as he saw the bucket of water. He likes his bath well enough once he’s in the tub; at least he doesn’t struggle while Brian holds his head and I‘m shampooing him, (the dog). He is so snugly clean now. They both are
Brian’s ex has added me as a friend on Facebook! The last word we had from her was threatening and now she wants to be friends? Oh well she always was a bit strange. I was going to snub her but hey life’s too short and she is the mother of his only child even if they don’t communicate. No they haven’t fallen out as such. More like years of mutual neglect I guess.
I just love garage sales and last weekend there were 6, all on one day
I want a huge house where I can display all the lovely things I find. Fortunately we have a very small house so I have to sell most of it.
Last weekend I found a pair of 1971 West German vases. Aren't they lovely.
I have to keep them, at least for a little while. I also I came across the garishly coloured ashtray above signed by Georges Briard and the set of 1976 Hornsea cups and saucers. All in all a successful day.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Weekly Ramble - 04/09/09
If you are going to email me please don’t put “Hi Sweetie” or anything similar in the subject box. The sender of that one was a Sharon. If it was you Sharon, the one I know, OOPS sorry mate but I sent you to spam.
Your unworthy but persistent bedfellows are Rodriquez, Camilla, Dwain and droves of other like minded individuals including Elvira Yang who advertises cheap Viagra. She is almost a regular and if she didn't advertise would probably end up in my In Box for no other reason than she has a cute name
I think most of the names in spam are made up but once in a while they almost get it right that’s when care needs to be exercised and the perfect watch-word?
Vigilance my friends
I peruse my spam folder every now and then because strangely enough, email from one friend in England often ends up there, her name is Rachel, go figure huh!
We have recently had 2 beautiful days of warm sunny weather and I was motivated to get out into the garden, unfortunately I probably over-did it the first day. Serves me right for being such a slug over winter.
Brian had his scan last Friday but would you know it the results weren’t back in time for his appointment with the specialist/surgeon Thursday just gone. Needless to say no decision has been made as to the next stage of treatment.
We were told by the radiologist that she could see gall stones but not how many and where they were in relation to his gall bladder etc. So….we wait.
Last night I finished reading Billy Straight by Jonathan Kellerman.
Billy is a 12 year old runaway who witnesses a brutal murder. Needless to say he is running scared. Police discover he is out there but can’t find him so the victim’s parents put a bounty on Billie’s head and suddenly he is a prize worth killing for.
Who will find him first; his brutish “stepfather,” the safe arms of the law or the murderer who until he sees Billie’s picture in the paper was unaware his crime had been witnessed.
It was a “cracking good read,” as my father would say.
I want cake! Be it rich chocolate or, Victoria sponge with jam and or whipped cream filling, I don‘t care but tomorrow I am going to bake a cake sorry but I haven’t even used the new mixer I bought before Brian was put on a fat free diet.
I made Brian a fat-free fruit cake the other week...it lasts for months!
It should be ok right? no fat, no eggs, no sugar.
Damn UK/NZ exchange rate gets worse and worse…
Your unworthy but persistent bedfellows are Rodriquez, Camilla, Dwain and droves of other like minded individuals including Elvira Yang who advertises cheap Viagra. She is almost a regular and if she didn't advertise would probably end up in my In Box for no other reason than she has a cute name
I think most of the names in spam are made up but once in a while they almost get it right that’s when care needs to be exercised and the perfect watch-word?
Vigilance my friends
I peruse my spam folder every now and then because strangely enough, email from one friend in England often ends up there, her name is Rachel, go figure huh!
We have recently had 2 beautiful days of warm sunny weather and I was motivated to get out into the garden, unfortunately I probably over-did it the first day. Serves me right for being such a slug over winter.
Brian had his scan last Friday but would you know it the results weren’t back in time for his appointment with the specialist/surgeon Thursday just gone. Needless to say no decision has been made as to the next stage of treatment.
We were told by the radiologist that she could see gall stones but not how many and where they were in relation to his gall bladder etc. So….we wait.
Last night I finished reading Billy Straight by Jonathan Kellerman.
Billy is a 12 year old runaway who witnesses a brutal murder. Needless to say he is running scared. Police discover he is out there but can’t find him so the victim’s parents put a bounty on Billie’s head and suddenly he is a prize worth killing for.
Who will find him first; his brutish “stepfather,” the safe arms of the law or the murderer who until he sees Billie’s picture in the paper was unaware his crime had been witnessed.
It was a “cracking good read,” as my father would say.
I want cake! Be it rich chocolate or, Victoria sponge with jam and or whipped cream filling, I don‘t care but tomorrow I am going to bake a cake sorry but I haven’t even used the new mixer I bought before Brian was put on a fat free diet.
I made Brian a fat-free fruit cake the other week...it lasts for months!
It should be ok right? no fat, no eggs, no sugar.
Damn UK/NZ exchange rate gets worse and worse…
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
10 thought Tuesday or Weekly Ramble
1. Incredibly, because this is the absolute first time it's happened to me, I closed a document without first saving just because I added a page break to my document and forgot I had my 10 Thought Tuesday on page one, so when asked whether or not to save the second document which was some crap I said NO and both pages disappeared into oblivion.
To say I feel like spitting tacks is an understatement
2. Let’s see how much I can remember.
Max needs a bath, he pongs so bad even Brian can’t stand to be near him but there’s an icy wind coming in off the hills and daytime temps don’t rise much above 15C.
We wouldn’t like the little fellow to catch a chill. Anyway he doesn’t seem to mind. Probably thinks he’s the sweetest smelling pooch around
.
3. It’s not the same trying to write what’s already been writ. I had got to 10 thoughts too, now I can’t remember what they were.
One of the old ladies I look after informed me she had a fall last week. She is in her 80’s and STILL climbs onto chairs or step ladders to reach things. Fortunately she is ok and her fall had nothing to do with heights.
Seems like she tripped over her dog which by the way is a right pain in the butt. I have visions of arriving one Wednesday (cause that’s the day I go to her) and finding her unconscious or worse!
Some people just don’t realize the affect their actions might have on others.
4. How come when HE wants something, for example, a garage, or porch or deck or, or even a new truck I always end up giving in to his persistence but when it’s me I get “don't you think that’s rather expensive and or extravagant?” All I want is the unused fireplace and hot water cylinder removed from the kitchen/dining room and a gas hot water system installed. There has to be an ulterior motive? Who says
okay yes there is - With the area cleared I would be able to take my large china display cabinate out of my bedroom and put it against the freed-up wall.
What better use for a few thousand dollars huh
Actually the first quote was $5,000. That took my breath away but I don't want to back down too early LOL
5. Damn my trousers are getting tight, I feel cut in two every time I sit down lol. Too much info? Well sorry this IS 10 thoughts
These trousers I’m wearing at the moment are at least 20 years old. They are my gauge. They tell me when I need to cut down and start thinking slim, sigh!
6. Those minced bacon and beef sausage meat burgers I made last night were delicious. We had them with cauliflower cheese which was okay though I would have preferred chips. Unfortunately Brian thought they (burgers) were a tad salty but hey tough titty I will be making them again and soon too.
I guess I’m lucky Brian will eat most things so when I make something he is not keen on (because I do the cooking) he will quite happily have something out of a tin
.
7. A woman I know has been giving away items from her house. When I ask her why she says she doesn’t need them any more or she needs the space in her cupboards. I told her she could earn a bit a cash by allowing me to sell them on her behalf but she says no.
“It’s nice not to need the extra cash,” I said to her one day but she just shrugged.
I guess some people get a buzz out of giving or maybe it’s a Christian thing but I feel charity begins at home, preferably mine
She’s started on her jewelery now.
8. I’m reading Lee Child - Without Fail. I do like his stories. Every word is necessary. I hate authors who use words just to “fill out” a story. They seem to describe every tiny detail right down to the colour and pattern of the stitching on the curtains
9. Yikes! I had a number 9
10. Anyway the sun is shining and all’s well with the world. Though maybe it’s not going so well for the members of parliament who have been ripping us tax payers off with their inflated expenses but I’m not going there because…
To say I feel like spitting tacks is an understatement
2. Let’s see how much I can remember.
Max needs a bath, he pongs so bad even Brian can’t stand to be near him but there’s an icy wind coming in off the hills and daytime temps don’t rise much above 15C.
We wouldn’t like the little fellow to catch a chill. Anyway he doesn’t seem to mind. Probably thinks he’s the sweetest smelling pooch around
. 3. It’s not the same trying to write what’s already been writ. I had got to 10 thoughts too, now I can’t remember what they were.
One of the old ladies I look after informed me she had a fall last week. She is in her 80’s and STILL climbs onto chairs or step ladders to reach things. Fortunately she is ok and her fall had nothing to do with heights.
Seems like she tripped over her dog which by the way is a right pain in the butt. I have visions of arriving one Wednesday (cause that’s the day I go to her) and finding her unconscious or worse!
Some people just don’t realize the affect their actions might have on others.
4. How come when HE wants something, for example, a garage, or porch or deck or, or even a new truck I always end up giving in to his persistence but when it’s me I get “don't you think that’s rather expensive and or extravagant?” All I want is the unused fireplace and hot water cylinder removed from the kitchen/dining room and a gas hot water system installed. There has to be an ulterior motive? Who says
okay yes there is - With the area cleared I would be able to take my large china display cabinate out of my bedroom and put it against the freed-up wall. What better use for a few thousand dollars huh
Actually the first quote was $5,000. That took my breath away but I don't want to back down too early LOL5. Damn my trousers are getting tight, I feel cut in two every time I sit down lol. Too much info? Well sorry this IS 10 thoughts
These trousers I’m wearing at the moment are at least 20 years old. They are my gauge. They tell me when I need to cut down and start thinking slim, sigh!6. Those minced bacon and beef sausage meat burgers I made last night were delicious. We had them with cauliflower cheese which was okay though I would have preferred chips. Unfortunately Brian thought they (burgers) were a tad salty but hey tough titty I will be making them again and soon too.
I guess I’m lucky Brian will eat most things so when I make something he is not keen on (because I do the cooking) he will quite happily have something out of a tin
.7. A woman I know has been giving away items from her house. When I ask her why she says she doesn’t need them any more or she needs the space in her cupboards. I told her she could earn a bit a cash by allowing me to sell them on her behalf but she says no.
“It’s nice not to need the extra cash,” I said to her one day but she just shrugged.
I guess some people get a buzz out of giving or maybe it’s a Christian thing but I feel charity begins at home, preferably mine
She’s started on her jewelery now.
8. I’m reading Lee Child - Without Fail. I do like his stories. Every word is necessary. I hate authors who use words just to “fill out” a story. They seem to describe every tiny detail right down to the colour and pattern of the stitching on the curtains
9. Yikes! I had a number 9
10. Anyway the sun is shining and all’s well with the world. Though maybe it’s not going so well for the members of parliament who have been ripping us tax payers off with their inflated expenses but I’m not going there because…
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