Now for you cat lovers....

Boatie dies trying to dodge sturgeon

I mercilessly make fun of the Australian habit of adding "IE" to almost any word to personalize it, and here I am again.... The title of an Australian newspaper article describes a sad event, and indeed it is. But somehow, turning a "Boater" into a "Boatie"... well, I can't help but find it amusing. For example, "The truckie gave a pressie of sunnies to the postie." I'm surprised they didn't call the sturgeon a "fishie". I give you further proof that Australian slang was developed by three-year-olds.

Of course, being me and after looking at the title a bit, I realized it could be interpreted in a couple of ways (if you take creative license as I do). As you can see, Boatie can be boa-tie. Which brings us to the photo below. (Not my photo, just one courtesy of a Google image search.)

Now this is one helluva "bowtie", er, I mean boa tie. Get it?

Cheers, Judi

PS: Feeling kinda silly this morning!

Should the "Friends" be tried too?

A beautiful little Chinese girl, nicknamed, Pumpkin, was left alone at a train station in Melbourne and soon after her father fled the country. The little girl is now in foster care, and it appears she will be reunited with her mother's family. The police waited two days or so for a search warrant before they would open the boot of the car. The mother had been missing for days. The mother's body was found in the boot of the family car at the family home. She was dead.

But - what if a wounded and/or gagged woman were in the boot of the car while the administrative work was taking place? The woman was dead, but did they know that? While the police were getting a search warrant, couldn't someone have died?

But - the part of the story that truly amazes me is this:

"The cause of death was unclear, but friends of Ms Liu's fugitive husband, Nai Xin Xue, were in little doubt about what had happened. A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said Xue, 54, had spoken in the past about killing his wife.

"He mentioned it a little bit, but we never knew whether he would do it or not. Nobody could know for sure that he would do it. As a friend, you could only try to give him some help, to make him not think of the bad things. He said he felt no hope and that he felt he was being played by his wife, that she didn't really like him or love him."'

If someone mentioned to me they were thinking of killing someone, I would report them - to someone. I would find help. I would take action. This man has a history of domestic violence with his wife, and no one does anything? By all means... just try to get this guy not to think of bad things and it will be alright.

I hope they catch the guy soon and hang him by his cajones (sp?). And the friends? What is a suitable punishment for inaction, or for that matter, incredible stupidity.

Judi

Three wheels on my wagon

THREE WHEELS ON MY WAGON
(Burt Bacharach / Bob Hilliard)

The New Christy Minstrels

Three wheels on my wagon,
And I’m still rolling along
The Cherokees are chasing me
Arrows fly, right on by
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity, hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
A mile up the road there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch those Cherokees
Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “George, they’re catching up to us!”
“Get back in the wagon woman!”

Two wheels on my wagon,
And I’m still rolling along
Them Cherokees are after me
Flaming spears, burn my ears
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
Half a mile up the road there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch those Cherokees
Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “Duh, Paw? Are you sure this is the right road?”
“Will you hush up? You and your maps!”

One wheel on my wagon,
And I’m still rolling along
Them Cherokees after me
I’m all in flames, at the reins
But I’m singing a happy song

I’m singing a higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die
Right around that turn there’s a hidden cave
And we can watch those Cherokees
Go galloping by

SPOKEN: “George? Should I get the bag of beads and trinkets?”
“Woman, I know what I’m doing!”

No wheels on my wagon,
So I’m not rolling along
The Cherokees captured me
They look mad, things look bad
But I’m singing a happy song

SPOKEN: “C’mon all you Cherokees sing along with me!”

Higgity, haggity hoggety, high
Pioneers, they never say die…

I am three! See me on my trike!

This was taken on my third birthday (1958). Things to note:

• Sturdy construction of trike
• Sturdy construction of shoes
• Trike-sweater color coordination
  
• Grey socks, grey underwear
  
• Massive bell
• Embroidery on dungarees nicely moderates the otherwise excessively masculine impression

Cornwell siblings, 1958

My father was an excellent photographer and at a time when we didn't have much money spent quite a bit on cameras and film. His major gift to himself every so often was a better camera. He developed a lot of black and white photographs himself in a makeshift darkroom but also took a lot of color slides. My eldest brother Chris is digitizing the best. Here is one of the four of us. From left to right: Chris, Patrick, Tim (me), and Fran.



This was evidently taken near Fleet, Hampshire, in 1958.

Tim

Vincero! Vincero! Vincero!*

Actually, maybe not.....


*(Translation: I will win! X 3)

Some truth

Starry night

Quite extraordinary!

Tim

Midnight Visitors, well.... 7:00 PM

Call the cuteness police - We had Mom and baby visiting on our balcony last night.
These are brushtail possums. This is the first time I've actually seen a Joey outside the pouch (in person, not just in a photo). Here's a photo of what this little guy was like on July 26.... well, if it's the same little guy.

Karma is becoming insistent on dragging me to the dog park, so I'll cut this short.

Cheers!
Judi

Oh, funny funny funny

Domestic Goddess, That's Me OK

Anyone who knows me would say that "Domestic Goddess" is not, well, me. Housework isn't my favorite thing to do, and I am clutter challenged. I am trying hard to improve my cleaning and decluttering skills, and with so many resources on the internet, how can I fail? There is http://unclutterer.com on my newsreader, and I faithfully watch the Canadian TV Show, Neat. So what have I learned. Lots. Am I improving? Everyone has to start somewhere.

So I have my own little segment of cleaning wisdom I'm going to pass along to you. I invented this myself, so if anyone else uses my "secret" formula, then I get all rights for it. I developed the secret recipe, because I don't like the smell of vinegar - who does? The secret recipe is for homemade, eco-friendly window washing liquid. Ready?

Take a spray bottle (I always recycle my old ones and use them until they die.). So assume you have an empty spray bottle the size of a Windex Bottle. Put in about 1/4 cup of white or cleaning vinegar, fill the bottle with water, and the secret ingredient..... ta dah.... add about 1/2 capful of Eucalyptus Oil. Shake it up Baby! Get your trusty microfibre rag out (I hate using paper towels.), spray your mixture on the window to be washed, and rub. It's best to use a second rag to dry. Not only does this mixture smell good and fresh, but it works incredibly well - leaves the window shiny, streak-free - and best of all, it's fast and easy. I am actually enjoying washing windows now, go figure...

So you heard it here first, from the Domestic Goddess in Training....

Cheers, Judi

Joey Possum, etc.

So, I can't seem to get it right. Last Saturday night, we went to see and hear the John Butler Trio, not the John Bishop Trio like I wrote in my last post. Do you remember Joey Bishop, US comedian, from days of yore? Somehow I have the "JB" stuck in my brain, and so poor John Butler is misrepresented as Joey... well, Bishop. So let me tell you about the chubby possum who has been visiting us lately with her little Joey in the pouch.........

Stick a basketball between your legs... now try running on a narrow railing with your mouth full. That's our Momma Possum - delicate and light footed, she ain't. I really hope she doesn't meet the same fate as the poor popped possum I found a few weeks ago.

Here's one little Joey getting a ride.

With love, Judi

Catching Up....

I just received an email from an old friend and neighbor (from home town Weston, Mass. USA). She saw our blog mentioned on the WHS alumni website and kindly sent an e-hello. This surprise contact served to remind me that a blog is a way to stay in touch or get in touch, and hence, worthwhile to keep up on a more timely basis.

News: As you know, Gavin graduated UTD with flying colors, and has already accepted his first "real job!" He's moving to outside of Washington, DC (Gaithersburg, Maryland), and will be an associate chemist. Moving to the east coast after growing up in New Mexico and living in Dallas, Texas, ought to be eye-opening. I think Zoe is going to join him for the ride east which should make for a fun trip, especially if they take some time to check out the country on the way.

Sad news: A couple of weeks ago as I was pulling out of my driveway, I noticed a dead animal on the grass near the road. Sadly, it was a dead possum. More sadly, it was a mama possum. I have been told to look inside a "dead" possum's pouch if it's a female, to check for offspring, and this girl had a dead baby. My friend, Jenny, said that a baby possum with no hair is called a "pinky." If they are more developed they would be called a "joey." This baby was a pinky, but fully formed. It was fascinating to be able to look into a pouch like this, but it was also upsetting. I later called Tim in tears. I think the possum, a brushtail, must have been hit by a car. It had a ridged imprint along the fur on it's side, but no other signs of trauma.

Tim and I will be going to hear the John Bishop Trio on Saturday night. We're looking forward to it. They have a great sound that you just have to move to.

I just got involved with a new "cause." It's called Barking Mad. Barking Mad is an organization that advocates for "Access Rights" for dog owners. Australian's love affair with dogs is only surpassed by the US. Even the UK comes in third! However, there are very few places in Australia where you can take your dog without being fined. Barking Mad is trying to get councils to allow dogs on more beaches... anywhere. I'll keep you informed on how we do, but the "packleader" is originally from the US and I'll tell you.... "I wouldn't want to get in her way!" This girl gets things done!

With love, Judi

Goosebump Producers

Sometimes incredibly beautiful and touching things come from unlikely sources. Listen to the salesman and Connie and watch the reactions of the audience. They both gave me goosebumps.

More Rain...

That's right, more rain. We had a brief reprieve and some lovely blue sky was spotted through some clouds, and like I said, it was brief. Even the crazy guys on The Chaser's War Against Everything, sat on their set in the last show, with water pouring down on them.... in the studio. No, the roof wasn't leaking, they really are just crazy. If you live in Australia and you haven't seen the show yet, you're missing a treat. It's a little like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on steroids, except there are five guys who play host. These guys will do anything. They will say anything to anyone, they will do the most outrageous pranks, and nudity is expected if it will get a laugh. In the last show, one of the guys went from door to door as a porn star (one woman said he looked like a cross between Elvis and Borat). He started out as "Tool" porn guy, then "Pizza" porn guy, and then "Pool" porn guy. That was my favorite because he actually stripped down to a g-string with exposed, but very cute, buns. Many of the women he met knew what was going on and played along, but the poor elderly women were pretty shaken up - can you blame them?

Check out a video - you'll want to watch them all! http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=2765149300516224817

These guys are all talented - they can sing, dance, and act. One of my favorite bits is "When Life is Like a Musical." In the last show, two guys were in the emergency room of a hospital awaiting treatment, and suddenly stood up singing and dancing about having to wait so long. You have to see it to appreciate it.

Some interesting balcony news:
I have some regular lorikeet visitors and they almost always arrive in pairs. They are so cute snuggling on the "roost" and preening each other. Of course, all that lovey action disappears if I offer one a grape. Then it becomes "every lorikeet for him or her/self." One lorikeet, in particular, has stolen my heart. It's strange, because I love him for his orneriness. If I place grapes around the roost for him to pick off for himself, he'll go to each one, grab it, and throw it on the floor. He actually wants the grape, but he wants to be sure no other bird can get it too.I keep telling him that grapes don't grow on trees and he should be more grapeful, but .... oh well.

He also tries to peck my hand when I put food up for them. He just assumes I'm trying to take the food away - you have to admit that this is pretty cheeky behavior for something 10" tall. I then wave my finger in his face with him laughing and saying (to himself) "Hah! You don't scare me!!!" Two days ago I took out the cup of seed and held it for him to peck a few seeds out of it before I poured the rest on the plate. When I started moving away, he chose not to let go of his prize, and rode over to the plate perched on top of the little cup. He wouldn't let go until I had almost emptied the seed onto the plate. I've got to come up with a good name for the little guy - any suggestions? ....hmmmmmm.... maybe "Bird from La Mancha?"

And territorial? This little bird will fight, at one time, with one wing tied behind his back - crested pidgeons (one particularly persistent pidgeon), two king parrots (timid despite their size), two crimson rosellas (timid as well) and the occasional noisy mynah. The PPP (particularly persistent pidgeon) was almost as tough as the lorikeet. Unfortunately for the PPP, however, the lorikeet has help. Its mate flies up to the roof, looks down, and distracts PPP, whilst Mr. La Mancha charges head on for the attack. PPP doesn't stand a chance!

Finally, Tim and I had a nice Queen's Birthday last Monday. We took the dogs up to Pie in the Sky and had Devonshire Tea under the trees and overlooking the Hawkesbury River. Then we drove down to Brooklyn and walked along the water viewing the wrecked sailing yachts that didn't survive the recent storm. We saw five good size boats - one mostly submerged. Later we had a lovely fresh fish "tea" in an outside cafe (yes, the weather was perfect!) and strolled around the little town of Brooklyn. Well, the weather was perfect until we were almost home... and then, rain.

This is a recent not too horrible photo of me with long hair:



Last note: I just had a run-in with my little feisty feathered friend. He's getting more vicious, but maybe the weather is just getting to him as well.

Hugs,
Judi

Great versions of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

1. Choir of Hard Knocks (easily #1)
2. k.d. lang
3. Jeff Buckley
4. Leonard Cohen
5. Allison Crowe (even #5 is still really good)

One of the great songs of the last half century.

Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen (from Leonard Cohen Live in Concert)

I've heard there was a special chord
that David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, Do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor Fall, The major lift,
The baffled king composing, hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair, she broke your throne
she cut your hair and from your lips she drew a halleujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone here before I knew ya
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
But love is not a victory march
No it's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
Ah but now you never show it to me, do ya?
Well remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath that we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above
All I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew ya
It's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
No, it's a cold and it's a lonely Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I learned to touch
I told the truth; I didn't come (all this way) to fool ya
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand right here before the lord of song
with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah…

The view from our window

Graduate Gavin!!

He did it! Gavin recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas. He had an academic scholarship for the four years and kept his grades up to maintain it. His degree is in Chemistry, and he is looking at options for medical school, research, or whatever other interesting opportunities come along. Wow.... to be almost 22 and have the whole world at your feet.... ugh! How terrifying!

Congratulations Gavin!! We love you!

Dad and Judi

Rain Rain Go Away and...

...go rain someplace that really needs it. If I sound morose, it's because it has rained for two days straight. I know I shouldn't complain, but it isn't just dark and cloudy. Water is actually falling from the sky and has for some time now. It always seems to catch my laundry on line (har har). I guess the clothes will just get extra rainshower fresh.

The leeches, familiar creatures to Tim on his walks after rain, are stretching their little bodies up trying to grasp onto the next warm-blooded body strolling nearby. They really are disgusting little creatures - they can crawl right through your sock -- just stretch their bodies long and skinny... Yuck. Tim wanted to throw away a good pair of socks because he had several in this configuration. I guess that's enough leech information. Although they say they use them in heart surgeries due to their anticoagulant properties. Visions of Alien I, II, ....

Speaking of creatures, but of a much more charming nature, are our possums visitors. I made a real breakthrough with one little guy who allowed me to feed him some bread - actually holding it for him while he munched away on it. You can't see in the photo below, but one eye is blind (I think), because it has a white disc covering the pupil. This possum usually has to combat a mum and her adolescent for the food, but he's smart enough to be showing up earlier and earlier in the evening. (BTW, the bread was whole grain and homemade, but they also like paw paws, apples, bananas, etc.) (photo will be added when site allows)

The colours now in Sydney are Autumn - bold reds, yellows and oranges. It's quite beautiful. However, since the weather is so mild, you will also see roses and other brightly coloured flowers. Despite the leaches, it's actually a nice time to walk this time of year -- warm enough to be comfortable and chilly enough not to get overheated. The dogs are a lot more active as well.

Tim went on a walk with two friends last weekend. I didn't go, because it was at least 10K with some difficult vertical bits. Let's be honest, I am not in that good shape. The walk was part of the Great North Walk and it spans between Cowan, NSW and Brooklyn, NSW.



The area is the Hawkesbury, a beautiful winding river that cuts in from the ocean less than an hour's drive north of Sydney. I thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of photos that Tim took on his outing.

I have two pairs of wet and bedraggled Lorikeets huddled together on the balcony. At least the roof gives them some shelter. Actually, that's why I built my little aviary in the first place - they always look so miserable in the rain.

Cheers! Judi