Deflation

I didn't post yesterday, the 14th, as it was my birthday and so I was a bit busy.

A year older and I'm even more certain that whatever goes up, must come down.

Sunday Selections

River and others participate in Sunday Selections, as I do but not every Sunday.

Jass showed great interest when this toy arrived in the post from Temu. Lordy, the rubbish P&K order at Temu. She was never inclined to pursue it, but from a raised position, she liked to monitor it carefully. Today, she just ignored it and went off to another room.

The problem with it is it stops after five minutes when it could be under furniture. There is a second one but it is under a bed somewhere, and I ain't gettin' down to find it. A phone charger gives it too much current so I charge it via the desktops USB outlet. This is on its slow setting. 

It is always exciting to see balloons fire up their gas burners.

Can you work out what this map shows? New Zealand is the only yellow country, and Australia and England have something in common, and I think Ireland should probably be green too, or do you disagree with that from your Irish people experiences. Later edit: Think of a swear word.

And as Sandra Cox says each Wednesday, I didn't know that; in Australia men's shoe measurements are in UK sizes, as is New Zealand's, but women's shoes in Australia use American sizes. Why? I am a 9, which I guess is nine inches, a very satisfying number.

One day, I thought was Saturday but it wasn't

I went to bed early last night, and consequently I woke early. Not a sleepy wake where I could go back to sleep, but wide awake. At 6.03 just as the sun was rising, fourteen balloons arose at the same time. I think the most I've seen in the past were seven. Quite wondrous and they floated in my direction, but not too close by.

I was out early to meet my friend, formerly of Japan, for breakfast. Yes, too early to call it brunch. I was hungering for bacon and eggs, and that is what I had, on sourdough toast, that I am not so fond of. But our meals were nice.

Phyllis and Kosov had invited two lady friends to lunch at home, with Phyllis cooking. Phyllis was out early too, to Victoria Market to buy fresh food. I'll give them some space. I used the Franklin Street entrance to State Library Station, far simpler than the Latrobe Street entrance, and the train, a couple of minutes late, shot off like scalded cat towards Footscray Station where I alighted to catch a train to Altona. The Werribee bound train was travelling via the Altona Loop! If the trains are running the same way back, that could be interesting ona single track. The screens at Altona Station were only showing Werribee bound trains, not city bound trains for me to return to the city.

We are told to use Journey Planner in case of disruptions. It was effing useless. I drilled down and down and finally found there was a bus replacement back to Newport Station. There was signage to direct passengers to a bus stop at the northern side on the roadway but I was still unsure until I arrived at the bus replacement stop. It took forever for the bus to reach Newport Station, where I could catch a train to the city. But the train with passengers onboard had come from the Werribee direction. I just gave up trying to understand at that point. Apparently these shenanigans will continue until April. 

I left the train at Footscray to catch a Metro train home. 

At home the lady guests were still here, one obviously Indian and the other seemed to be a blonde Anglo. I tried to hear her voice, and I thought it sounded Indian. A game of Uno was underway at the lounge room coffee table. There was food aplenty, and enough for my dinner later. I retired to my quarters to eat my discounted near use by date supermarket sandwich until they departed. 

Once the mynah chicks were born on the balcony below, I ceased harassing the parents, but Jass hasn't. She and the parents are at war with each other. I saw the chicks today, and they are just on ready to fledge, so for Jass, the bird excitement will end.  

Meanwhile back in the real world, I correctly guessed that Janice at Jabblog would win the annual Laughing Horse best blog award, at a terrific ceremony on Little St James resort island, just off the US coast. It is well deserved award and congratulations to JB. 

Ramblings

I never know what goes on in my home. As I sit here at my desk, I am in the firing line of little pet toys thrown for Jass for to retrieve after a chase and then to ignore. I am more used to dogs retrieving and demanding another throw. Cats don't retrieve, but still want another throw. 

Sunday Phyllis asked me to drive him to pick up a Christmas tree, an ornamental one of course. I think by the box size and the weight, it is huge. It came with a box of decorations and Christmas lights. I'm afraid!

Monday Phyllis and Kosov were up shortly after 5am to catch a train to a business where Phyllis would be assisting at a tyre recycling business. Kosov went along just to make sure Phyllis got there ok, and because he loves him. I would have said, 'Don't make a noise when you leave'. Phyllis discovered there is wire braiding inside tyres. He had the tiny scratches on his arms to prove it. He declared it was hard physical work, and it was only an unpaid trial. 

Kosov returned and had to go to work in the late evening. Yesterday, Tuesday, Kosov went to work Phyllis' shift, while Phyllis stayed home and took notes for Kosovo's university studies. I know if I asked why, I would not receive an answer I could understand. 

In a way I told Phyllis to stop buying stuffs, in fact to get rid of some stuffs, and a crate has been filled with junk to go to the charity shop. 

Today will be an early start as sometime between 7.30 and 8.00, tradies will arrive to install the new a/c. I am a bit excited. I received a $150 credit from the government for replacing an old unit with a more energy efficient model. Still, it is costing a good bit but the old unit is over 12 years old, has become noisy, and my worst nightmare is to be without heating or cooling. When the former unit broke down 12 years ago, it was weeks before a new on could be installed. We bought two cheap electric fan heaters to use in the meantime and end up with a horrendous electric bill.

I am going away on holidays at the weekend, my first proper holiday since Ray died. A plane and train will be involved. I am a little excited, quite apprehensive but quietly confident. I have no one to concern myself about except for myself. If I screw up, it is down to me. 

Sue loved balloons, so here are some balloon photos.

Balloons pass by

I had forgotten about these balloon photos. I don't like to boast but they aren't too bad at all. The balloonists that morning had a great show.

"Sun arise, bring in the morning".

Mid winter balloons

Midwinter, June, 2024.

Collapsing into Fawkner Park. 

There would be a balloon or two

A wise blogger would dribble out these photos, most taken on different days and receive admiration for each photo. I am not a wise blogger, but what I do seems to work well enough. 

At certain times during a year I arise at the correct time of 7am to see balloons in the sky. 

Landing in nearby Fawkner Park.

Are there six or eight passengers in each basket? Maybe five or seven as the pilot has a space. I should remember from the balloon flight gift given to me by R for my sixtieth birthday. Whatever, eight balloons in the sky is impressive. 

PS To save you some possible anxt, remember today is Valentine's Day. It is not a day to forget for some, or you will be in big trouble.