Note to Bone Doctor

A few weeks ago Bone Doctor stayed after a doctor's conference and then drinks and socialising afterwards. She arrived back here after I had gone to bed. I left her notes on a small notepad. I would just put the original here, and while I don't have much shame in life, I am ashamed of my wobbly handwriting, so I'll just type it.

Note 1: I meant to leave you a wee dram (Scotch) to help you sleep but alas it disappeared. Sleep well, and see you in the morning. There is some port on the trolley.

Note 2: Chuck over the side of the bed whatever pillows or stuffed toys you don't want and cuddle the toy you do like.  

Note 3: If you are hungry, take an old age pensioner's meals on wheels sandwich from the fridge. 

Sister called last night, right as the 6pm tv news began. She has no respect for the life of her older brother. She and her wife will stay next Thursday night before going to a football match at 10.00am, scheduled to suit American tv audiences. 

Let me investigate. NFL, what is that?   The NFL's first-ever regular season game in Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday 11 September 2026

The Los Angeles Rams will play against the San Fran Cisco 69ers 49ers. I still don't know what NFL is. National Football League? Yes. I will guess this is the slow football with players wearing a huge amount of protective gear. I've seen bits of it on tv, and it's even less interesting to me than Australia's own football and soccer. How can you identify a hot and sexy football player in such garb, and helmets, whereby you can't even see their faces.

Different strokes for different folks. 

A grave cosmetic error

Josh Cavallo is a nice looking guy. He is a champion soccer/football player, once for our national youth football team.

He has played for many different leagues as a champion player and it seems he is now playing for England's National League North side, Peterborough Sports. 

He identified as being gay in 2021, and it is said he was the first top rated professional player to do so. It probably goes without saying he subsequently suffered a lot of homophobia.

As I mentioned, I think he is nice looking, ok a hot guy, that is until...

he opens his mouth. His teeth are an absolute disaster. What possessed him?

With his to be husband, Leighton.

Blotting your copybook

In the 1980s Aboriginal Australian Rules footballers were often taunted with racist comments when playing on the field. Woe betide you if you do that now. You will be found by guards and cctv at paid grounds, and you will be piled on by social media, and banned from football venues.

In that time Aboriginal player Nicky Winmar made a stand and pulled up his player jumper and pointed to his dark skin.  The photo is a classic, and I read it as 'I am a black Australian Aborigine and I play football really well. This is the colour of my skin, and youse can all get fucked".

He went on me win many accolades and honours. 

How horrible it has been to learn he has been convicted of three cases of assault against women. His name has quickly been removed from the AFL Hall of Fame. Two statues of him have been taken down. 

It is so awful that a hero to many has been taken down but it is deserved. We don't use racial abuse anymore, nor do we abuse women. 

It seems Nicky, you blotted your copy book beyond redemption. So sad, you stupid dickhead.

The beautiful game

It is World Cup time, football, or soccer as we, NZ and north American know it. The World Cup is this time spread over three countries, the US, Canada and Mexico. I suppose it was the US who bid to host the Cup. Our male team is known as the Socceroos. 

The last World Cup was held in Qatar, and was criticised for its exploitation of migrant workers and anti gay laws, with this Socceroo bloke Jackson Irvine who I just found out about today, being very critical at the time, and stood up and said so. Note his rainbow armband. 

Because of #47's antics, tourism to the US has dropped significantly. Canadians were the main tourists to visit the US and the numbers of them have dropped anywhere between 20% and 50%, depending on your biased source. The so called Snow Birders, that during the Canadian winter fly to Florida and other warm states, has tumbled, and they are selling their US properties. The threat from #47 to make Canada a state of the US rather upset Canadians, as it would. Imposing and increasing tariffs upset them further. 

I could go on, but I'll hand it over to Jackie in Toronto, where some games will be played. Some will played in Vancouver too. Montreal wisely said no to the games, and won't incur the huge cost of hosting games. 

Jackie posted this. 

Astonishingly, people who have been granted ESTAS, an agreement to be able to enter the US, somewhat like a visa, have subsequently been denied entry, either when arriving or a day or two before they were due travel, having paid for tickets to the game, accommodation and of course flights. I hope they have good travel insurance.

 

Over to this post by Jackie in Toronto. https://junkboattravels.blogspot.com/2026/06/fifa-world-cup.html

They're only words

It was a tragic case a couple of years ago when a man who was losing access to his children after a marital sepa took his infant on to a very high bridge and threw her over the edge, with very unhappy ended. He was convicted and gaoled but it was recently in the news again as the criminal had been assaulted in prison. 

The point of mentioning it is that the tv reporter said the crime happened at 9.15am in peak hour traffic on the West Gate Bridge. No, while the time can be argued about peak hour, but it certainly not after 9.00am. Why do we call in a one hour when it generally accepted as being two. 7.00 to 9.00, but that depends a little on the area where you are. 

It could be said that the evening 'peak hour' is from 3.00pm to 7.00pm from school pickup time at 3.00 onwards. I think in America it is called the rush hour, although if like the traffic here, in peak travel times you won't be rushing anywhere. The roads nearby in red as I write this post are stationary traffic.

Happy hour at pubs and bars where priced drink are reduced in price and can be for anything up to five hours, and rarely one hour. 

A place I patronise at least once a fortnight has a happy hour, and believe me, 6pm is the cut off time, and not a minute later.

Funny, not funny. An Australian Rules footballer has been suspended for nine matches and fined after it was found he offended for a second time by calling an opponent a faggot. His defence was that he called the player a maggot, not a faggot. There is some history to football and maggot. Umpires used to dress in white and might be called a white maggot or just maggot when someone didn't agree with their umpiring decision. Lance Collard was not believed and suitably punished. Photo from The Guardian Australia.

More on gay royals and celebs

There were a couple of thought provoking comments on my post about Royal gays.

From a young age I was very attracted to men in a way I did not initially understand but at puberty it became quite clear but without any kind of physical clarity. I wanted men, but I did not know in what manner and what was involved. 

At some point I realised that there was a connection between limp wristed effeminate men on tv to my desires, but that did not seem to be me.

I realised gay sex between men was illegal in most Australian states and was then and is illegal now in many parts of the world.  

When I was a young gay man, gay men, and certainly me, were always seeking validation of their sexuality. A public figure coming out as gay was so important. It was a case of 'I'm not the only one in the world. Even famous people can be gay'. Every actor, every musician, every judge, every politician, every sportsperson, every famous person, dead or alive who was gay, gave me a validation for who I am.

And now even in my senior years, I still seek that affirmation that being gay is ok, and there are many of us, even Royal people. Each time I hear someone vaguely famous or extremely well known for high achievements, it further validates my sexuality. Many gay men my age will think like this, and sadly many younger men still will

Even despotic rulers like King Mwanga II of Uganda in the 19th century could be openly gay, stands.

Though perhaps not J Edgar Hoover, once the director the the US FBI. More modern gay people be pretty awful.

Tough gay sportspeople score extra points, for distancing effeminate gay stereotypes from uber masculine men, not that there's anything wrong with effeminate gay men, although I do have my own prejudices by way of 'no one loves a fairy over forty'. You just have to be able to carry it off honey.

A few year ago Australian soccer star Josh Cavallo came out as gay.

This year an ex Australian Rules Football player came out, one Mitch Brown, although he claims bisexuality. Photo from Star Observer.

I hope you understand that I appreciate you don't care who is gay, and it's their own business, but I do care, greatly. The more I know about, the better I will feel. 

My Wednesday

Phyllis went off to work before ten, carrying a new broom. He had taken a new broom to work two days ago, and of course I made the dad joke, is that your transport to work today? He wanted the first broom for use at work, and his boss' wife was so impressed with the broom, she wanted one. 

Phyllis and Kosov have both being working hard, and Kosov studying hard too. No time for housework at home. They were in bed early Tuesday night, and both slept long, with Kosov waking up with a still sleepy look that can only be seen in young people after 11 hours of sleep. 

I wanted to buy something for Sister, a commemorative pack of coins and a pin for the 100th anniversary of her AFL team, Hawthorn. For some reason it was not listed on the Australia Post website, who was selling it among other such overpriced memorabilia. I tried two city post offices and they only received one each and both had been sold. I am not sure if I will persist. Maybe I can order it over the phone, or fill in a form and order it by mail. Dear oh dear. What a backward step that would be.

In frustration at our Logitech keyboard, a few years ago we bought a new one. The old one kept not connecting with the computer via the wireless system. The newer one was no better. We returned it and bought a more expensive one of the same brand. It too would disconnect from the computer. If I moved it closer to the computer, it would work. If I inserted a USB stick, that drove the keyboard and mouse crazy. Once in frustration, I picked up the keyboard and banged it down on the desk, metaphorically hitting it with a hammer, and it worked. 

So maybe every second day, I would bang the keyboard on the desk. This greatly amused Phyllis and Kosov. I told them I would buy a new one. On a whim this day I did. Rather than the flashy bells and whistles Logitech wireless keyboards, I chose a simple HP keyboard and and mouse, and it just works, without having to bang it on the desktop. The keyboard is quieter than the old one too. Happy.

Boi!, as Phyllis addresses me at times, you are having chicken noodle soup with an egg. Is that ok?

Yes Phyllis. 

It was not a packet of chicken noodle soup with a fried egg on top, as I imagined. It was packet of crinkly noodles in a delicious soup, with some chicken and a drumstick, along with some spicy chicken pieces on the side. The egg was boiled and sat in the soup. 

While looking at old photos, I came across photos of the Brighton Antique Dealer's 80th birthday party. That was in 2015, meaning this year 2025, BAD will be 90. I contacted her daughter to see if there were plans, and there is a plan, so a couple of friends and myself will attend. The official invitations will arrive next week. BAD was quite emotional on the night of her eightieth, so it isn't a great photo of her, with Ray.

Fun in Melbourne

Melburnians and tourists have fun in Melbourne at a major horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup.

The majority of attendees arrive by train, for many the only train trip they take for the year. Trains only run on this branch line for special events and it is such an easy way to get there and home.

Ready for fun with a river cruise.

Massed and ready to board, with diners across the river stuffing their faces at Afloat, formerly Arbory Afloat.

Arbory above Afloat is where Platform 11 at Melbourne Flinders Street once saw trains from St Kilda and Port Melbourne. The lines were converted for light rail trams. With hindsight, it wasn't a great idea as these lines now require quite intensive trams services, whereas less frequent trains could better deal with the number of passengers.

Banana Alley vaults under the railway viaduct have various businesses, and this one is where men go to meet up with men. In these times of internet hook ups, as I sat on a seat outside, I was surprised how many men were coming and going. I suppose if you connect with someone using a hook up site, it is a cheap place to meet up if a home isn't available. 

Phyllis' driving lesson went ok, with only one alarming moment when I reached for the steering wheel. While he rode a motor bike in India, he really is starting from absolute scratch for car driving. But he is smart and quick to pick things up. Next weekend he is not working for four days and I will take him for a lesson each day. 

Next Monday is a public holiday to celebrate the King's Birthday, which actually isn't next Monday. It's the 14th of November. I have promised myself that every time I say Queen's Birthday, I will donate $10 to a charity. I am $10 down already. 

Sunday Selections

Once again I'm joining with Elephant's Child and River for Sunday Selections  with a variety of photos, hopefully, unused here.

Kosov at times hides my bottle of Scotch, never so that I can't find it. He more moves it. My revenge was to wrap his large and beloved Nutella jar like this.

I didn't see any children at Easter, so the money I saved on chocolate eggs went towards these for my tenants. 

Aww, the pain.

This is built from mini Lego style blocks. Sister bought it for them when she was recently in the city. It took them a while to assemble it and they added the external bits to it.

Phyllis bought his mother a card for Mother's Day.

In Victoria Street, Richmond under the Epping and Mernda lines railway bridge.

A nice mosaic at a building entrance.

Phyllis told me there is a new supermarket at Southbank. I investigated. No wonder the City Road tram stop has become so busy. There is one full sized supermarket in the city at the QV Building, and now a full sized one has opened at Southbank. This new one is spread over two floors of this new high rise tower, with a lift and travelator to change floors. 

Quite nicely done and it is called Melbourne Square. I did not climb the stairs.

I am not sure how long the new station at Parkdale has been open after the elevation of tracks but they seem to have done such a nice job. There is even a kiss and drop off short driveway under the concrete supports.

I just thought you may have wanted to read the plaque. C'mon, you need to look down. 

The main entrance. To one side are heaps of cafes and food places. I did partake. The locals did not want this overhead train and new station. They protested loudly and vehemently. But now, the small local area is no longer divided by a train track at ground level and the messy train crossing has gone. What's not to love. 

Seating and a public toilet in the distance. 

I have just returned from dinner, last night as I wrote before this is published Sunday morning. It was a bit of sad day. Brighton Antique Dealer who will turn 90 later this year has earlyish dementia. She told me the same story three times, and could not remember meeting the mother of my friend and former workmate who she met on a cruise, nor my workmate himself. 

Further, about three months ago a champion Aussie Rules football player suicided. This week his twin brother, also a former champion football player who was going to run half a marathon in a week or so to raise money for a suicide prevention cause, but now he too has suicided. They both knew of their demons within and as often is the case, their lives were good, without any obvious reason to not want to live any longer. They received appropriate medical care, but it was not enough.  It is just so sad. 

Ageing

I am not that old in comparison to some of you. Some of you are of a similar age. Some of you are younger. 

Generally your health and physical condition really starts to deteriorate at the age of 60. In my case when I retired at the age of 61, my body began retiring too. At 67, should I live to 77, I think I'll be in wheel chair and being spoon fed. Ok, maybe not. I hope not. 

Your genes will mostly dictate your lifespan, and we all know clean living, diet, socialising and exercise can cheat the genes somewhat. Having a partner helps, along with keeping your mind active, but if you blog, your mind is active. 

I can't say my life has been clean, and still isn't but I do try in various areas. 

But what really pisses me off is those who reach a seriously old age and brag about their older person achievements, how fit they are, their wonderful pain free life. At 90, they are living a glorious life. Good for them, but for most people it is not like that. 

Your partner may have died, many of your friends have died, you may not have much money to spare, you may feel lonely at times, your health could be bad, making your life a constant struggle. You might be dependant on others, in spite of disliking that. 

So just before you brag about what a great life you are living when you are 90, this is not the case for most people, who probably struggle at the age of 80 onwards, or earlier. 

But you don't have to be too old , as you can even die at the age of 40 from the coded police words, "There are no suspicious circumstances".

It was very sad to hear of the deaths of two retired star Australian Rules footballers around the age of 40, one day apart, and there were no suspicious circumstances. One would think, they had everything to live for. 

Troy Selwood.

And Adam Hunter. 

There you go dear readers, I've cheered you up no end, but life is not all balls and skittles. 

The Brownlow

The Brownlow is a medal awarded to the best and fairest player in AFL Australian Rules Football, as judged by field umpires. By some kind of osmosis I know this, which is curious given my lack of interest in any sport (except recently, pole vaulting). 

The award is given out at long a tedious gala night where votes are counted live and broadcast. It has become so boring and tightly controlled. In days of past there was always a footballer who drank too much and misbehaved, perhaps saying something inappropriate in a speech, but not now.

The men dress very boringly, in conventional suits and women go all out with their best formal glam look. I despair at myself for looking at such rubbish on the Information Super Highway, but I did as bombs fell and rockets were fired in the Middle East. 

Here are a few photos from The  Age newspaper of what women were wearing, mostly great but...

He made an effort to look a bit different. No doubt event management came along and made him remove his necklace.

All good so far.

WTF? A milk bottle? 

My head is sitting on my left hand as my head shakes back and forth. Does she have a massive right hand breast that needs a lot of fabric to cover? Truly...

You may be able to look at more frocks here, if that is your thing.

Luscious Lad

Perhaps this post should be titled Faggot Friday.

I can't help it if I come across things, or people send me things. I don't know who this is or where this Italian lad was competing, but he has the biggest smile and is so full of joy. No it is not that Paris Olympic pole vault clip that you may have already seen.

What's the music being played in the clip? I quite like it. Shazam! Dua Lipa is English Albanian. How many just ordinary looking attractive men can be inserted into one music clip! I doubt there are any Muscle Marys.

Heartbreak Hill

This month the world's biggest fun run happens in Sydney, called the City2Surf. A friend my age is running, along with the lad he is mentoring. 

In 1961 trams disappeared from the streets of Sydney. From my reading and knowledge of the system, it  was so huge, I struggle to understand how it was manageable and yet offered such an excellent service.

This rather good photo for its time shows a Sydney R Class tram travelling to the city from Watsons Bay as it descends the steep hill between Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The line was closed and then due to public pressure, reopened but then a final closure happened and as the last tram ran a following truck took down the overhead wiring. That was the end of a wonderfully scenic and very busy tram route. Buses then covered the route. Yuk. 

The City2Surf runners must ascend this hill as they run from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. This part of the race where the tram is descending in known as Heartbreak Hill. It's easy for cars and trams to climb, but not so easy for runners. 

State Library 2 - Rennie Ellis

I published a post about Hazara refugees featured in photos at the State Library. I was actually there to see a much more fun exhibition, the photos taken by the marvellous photographer Rennie Ellis, 1940-2003 . If he ever took a photo without a human in the photo, I've not seen it. 

My expectations were low. What would the exhibition be like? Enlarged photos pinned to a wall? Oh no, it was so much more, with photos projected or on screens in a large size. It was just brilliant and well done to the curators.

I took lots of photos and I will remark on those who I knew of in the photos. 

Albert Park Beach. We often visited and I still do.

Probably Keferd Road Pier. The runner used to be seen all over Melbourne's inner southern suburbs, always topless. 

Like they need darker skin.

Tea for two. Do Aussies remember those ubiquitous mugs?

There were quite a number of photos from more than one Melbourne Cup, a horse race, and a public holiday for Melburnians. 

If you can't look glam, you can look interesting. 

Celebrity hair dresser the late Lillian Frank.

The year the carpark flooded, where the wealthy used to picnic from the backs of their cars, and champagne of course dahling. 

Sporting matches, Rennie could be there.

Music guru, tv presenter, Ian (Molly) Meldrum. 

Lillian Frank again. She lived her last years around half a kilometre from us.

The very naughty and sadly late artist Mirka Mora. 

Our Local Bearded Media Resident and now former politician with his then wife and the very popular singer, Johnny Farnham. 

Rennie got close to many famous performers. Sadly Tina Turner is history.

Jagger.

Molly Meldrum again.

Keith Richards.

I don't think Rennie was gay but he did like to photograph large gay events.

Protests for women's rights. 

I don't remember these anti Portugal demos. I guess they were about central Africa.

Anti nuclear protests.

Protests about the sacking of our elected Labor government by the Queen's representative, the Governor General.

Mr, All Prick and Ribs, Mick Jagger, again.