Another trip to Launceston today; that's three in the past week and I'm counting the cost of the fuel bill. It's hard to know where is the best place to live. If we live in Deloraine, we find that we need to visit Launceston frequently and, if we live in Launceston, Deloraine beckons.
I'm really put off by the election posters along the highway. I can't imagine voting for any of the grinning fools. If they don't look like used car salesmen, they come over as earnest evangelists. Surely they have advisers who can point out how dopey they look. One fellow doesn't have his photo on his poster. He's obviously been told, or is honest enough to realise, that his face is not an asset. He has a shaved head and ears which make him look like an extra from Lord of the Rings. We're watching an item on the 7.30 Report about the local representatives of the Palmer United Party, with Clive strutting his stuff. Only two weeks until the election; thank goodness we won't be in the state to suffer all the nonsense.
We've moved the van to a storage area in the caravan park where it will sit patiently while we are away. The original plan was that Jamie would return from the Philippines last Sunday and would live here for at least a month. Typically, that changed and he'll be staying in Manila for another few weeks. So the van stays here.
We're off tomorrow and it will be a busy day. We have a car rally and a birthday party to go to before we get on the plane, but we'll cope.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
Saturday, February 22nd .....
We were at a Quiz Competition last night, helping to raise money for the local Folk Museum. We had a team of 6 and three others joined us before the event began. We had to select a category for which we would get double points; we chose General Knowledge which had the advantage that it was the last round so we could come from behind to win. Everything was fine for the first few rounds and we were holding our own. It was difficult communicating around a group of 9 especially as the scribing was being done at the other end of the table and those of us at the foot felt a little marginalised. However, that turned out not to be the biggest problem.
Because it was a fund-raiser, the organisers were willing to sell us an answer for $2. By the time we woke up to this, another team was putting up $20 to get every answer in a round. Some of our team also got into the act and were buying as many as five per round. It got to the point where they were buying an answer just to check that we were right.
We ended up coming second by just half a point, beaten by a team called Nobby's Nuts. Coming a distant 3rd, 4th, etc, were the ethical teams who tried to play fairly - losers! The Folk Museum made heaps of money but it wasn't much fun. I'm sure there's a philosophical point to be made about the corrupting influence of money or that you can only be a success in life if you're rich. But I'm too disenchanted to even think about it.
Local news last night led with the story that Malcolm Turnbull is considering continuing the NBN runout in Tasmania with fibre to the premises as promised prior to the election. It was bad news for us that he had reneged on that promise months ago and the Premier has been lobbying for months, sending letters, visiting him in Sydney and Canberra, all to no avail. However, the Liberal leader, realising that this could change the results of the March election, called on Malcolm on his way to a cricket match in Sydney and, lo and behold, it's sorted. The taxpayer will foot the extra expense, of course, but that's OK.
I'm in two minds about it. Having the fibre to the premises roll-out is important but the blatant use of taxpayers funds for a political end is disgraceful. If the Federal Government sincerely believes that their hybrid program is the best solution, they should stick to it, and not indulge in regional pork-barrelling where they can see a political advantage. Sadly, I thought better of Mr Turnbull, but it seems he is no better than the rest.
Because it was a fund-raiser, the organisers were willing to sell us an answer for $2. By the time we woke up to this, another team was putting up $20 to get every answer in a round. Some of our team also got into the act and were buying as many as five per round. It got to the point where they were buying an answer just to check that we were right.
We ended up coming second by just half a point, beaten by a team called Nobby's Nuts. Coming a distant 3rd, 4th, etc, were the ethical teams who tried to play fairly - losers! The Folk Museum made heaps of money but it wasn't much fun. I'm sure there's a philosophical point to be made about the corrupting influence of money or that you can only be a success in life if you're rich. But I'm too disenchanted to even think about it.
Local news last night led with the story that Malcolm Turnbull is considering continuing the NBN runout in Tasmania with fibre to the premises as promised prior to the election. It was bad news for us that he had reneged on that promise months ago and the Premier has been lobbying for months, sending letters, visiting him in Sydney and Canberra, all to no avail. However, the Liberal leader, realising that this could change the results of the March election, called on Malcolm on his way to a cricket match in Sydney and, lo and behold, it's sorted. The taxpayer will foot the extra expense, of course, but that's OK.
I'm in two minds about it. Having the fibre to the premises roll-out is important but the blatant use of taxpayers funds for a political end is disgraceful. If the Federal Government sincerely believes that their hybrid program is the best solution, they should stick to it, and not indulge in regional pork-barrelling where they can see a political advantage. Sadly, I thought better of Mr Turnbull, but it seems he is no better than the rest.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Thursday, February 20th ....
The weather is changing in Tasmania and today is very windy and cold. We've moved from our cosy little haven in the free camping around to the 'proper' caravan park where we can have power and hot showers. Jamie flies in on Sunday and he'll be living in the van for a month or so while we are away. He's not one for roughing it and is prepared to pay the very reasonable price for the little bit of comfort.
When we started packing to move the van, the cat climbed in to her box ready to roll. Our new spot is right on the edge of the river and there must be interesting smells for her enjoyment. However, she hadn't realised that she would be sharing her environment with other creatures including a pair of Native Hens with five half-grown chicks. After a couple of warning screeches from the hens, CB retreated to the van with her tail between her legs.
We're backed in to a spot with the van on a concrete slab. There's another van close by so I had to take a bit more care than normal but, with Marilyn's help, we're looking good. They say that there are more marriage breakups caused by backing misunderstandings than anything else. It took us a while to realise that we see the van in different ways, Marilyn thinks about the inside of the van so, to her, the bed is at the back. I think of the outside and the bed is at the front. When she is standing outside the passenger window watching where the van is going, her left is my right and vice-versa.
It can lead to some interesting mix-ups.
When we started packing to move the van, the cat climbed in to her box ready to roll. Our new spot is right on the edge of the river and there must be interesting smells for her enjoyment. However, she hadn't realised that she would be sharing her environment with other creatures including a pair of Native Hens with five half-grown chicks. After a couple of warning screeches from the hens, CB retreated to the van with her tail between her legs.
We're backed in to a spot with the van on a concrete slab. There's another van close by so I had to take a bit more care than normal but, with Marilyn's help, we're looking good. They say that there are more marriage breakups caused by backing misunderstandings than anything else. It took us a while to realise that we see the van in different ways, Marilyn thinks about the inside of the van so, to her, the bed is at the back. I think of the outside and the bed is at the front. When she is standing outside the passenger window watching where the van is going, her left is my right and vice-versa.
It can lead to some interesting mix-ups.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday, February 18th ....
With time on our hands, we've been watching some DVDs which Marilyn picked up at the library. One of them was the American series Mad Men which we note won all sorts of awards. I can't understand why: it was awful - wooden acting and tedious production. Maybe it's because we only had the last five episodes of Series 1 so we came in late. We won't bother to look for the rest.
At the moment, we're watching Goodnight Sweetheart. Great fun!
We had decided we wouldn't watch Q and A last night. It's one of the few shows I hate to miss but Eric Abetz was on and I find his cold, clinical manner difficult to deal with. He and I have crossed swords in the past regarding funding for Giant Steps and he made it clear that he would not be sympathetic to requests for extra support.
I suppose I was a little sensitive because one of my boys from Giant Steps was buried yesterday. He was only 24 but his life had been a constant struggle. His whole family moved from South Australia to enrol him at Giant Steps. They gave up their home, careers and family support to give him the best chance they could. His brother and sister left their school, friends and social life to start again in a Tasmanian country town. That sacrifice is typical of what families of disabled children face all the time.
The funeral was a celebration. In his coffin were things which were important to Brett: small toys, building blocks, and even a tin of baked beans. One of my strong memories is of Brett bringing a tin of baked beans for his lunch and eating them cold straight from the tin. There's something Egyptian about taking little treasures and food into the afterlife.
Sadly, the priest made a faux pas. In his homily, he told about a man he met who was born with no arms nor legs. 'How do we refer to people like you?' asked the priest. 'Do we say you are retarded or do you prefer disabled?' Have you noticed, father, it's the 21st century?
By the way, Q and A was saved by the presence of Heather Ridout, a fine example of a modern, intelligent woman.
At the moment, we're watching Goodnight Sweetheart. Great fun!
We had decided we wouldn't watch Q and A last night. It's one of the few shows I hate to miss but Eric Abetz was on and I find his cold, clinical manner difficult to deal with. He and I have crossed swords in the past regarding funding for Giant Steps and he made it clear that he would not be sympathetic to requests for extra support.
I suppose I was a little sensitive because one of my boys from Giant Steps was buried yesterday. He was only 24 but his life had been a constant struggle. His whole family moved from South Australia to enrol him at Giant Steps. They gave up their home, careers and family support to give him the best chance they could. His brother and sister left their school, friends and social life to start again in a Tasmanian country town. That sacrifice is typical of what families of disabled children face all the time.
The funeral was a celebration. In his coffin were things which were important to Brett: small toys, building blocks, and even a tin of baked beans. One of my strong memories is of Brett bringing a tin of baked beans for his lunch and eating them cold straight from the tin. There's something Egyptian about taking little treasures and food into the afterlife.
Sadly, the priest made a faux pas. In his homily, he told about a man he met who was born with no arms nor legs. 'How do we refer to people like you?' asked the priest. 'Do we say you are retarded or do you prefer disabled?' Have you noticed, father, it's the 21st century?
By the way, Q and A was saved by the presence of Heather Ridout, a fine example of a modern, intelligent woman.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Sunday, February 15th ....
I've always felt that this my blog and I'll write what I want to, without fear or favour, but I'm writing this report on the Chudleigh Show with part of my mind focused on a thinly-veiled threat I received, letting me know that it would be better all-round if the report were positive. I know I can be snide and even patronising about some things and clearly one of the organisers of the Show thought he should get in early before I made some cynical comments.
Chudleigh is a little village just outside of Deloraine. It calls itself the Village of Roses and boasts a Honey Farm and some good examples of early-Tasmanian architecture. The first Chudleigh Show was held in 1880, so yesterday's effort was the 125th - not a bad record. In many ways, it hasn't changed much in that 125 years. There was the Grand Parade, the Home Industries Pavilion and the display of ancient tractors, and none of the brash, noisy 'rides' which, in my eyes, spoil modern shows.
The girls in their black jackets and beautiful horses displayed their skills in dressage, the young farm kids proudly led their heifers around for the judges to see, and the Show Society ladies laboured to provide old-fashioned afternoon teas. We spent a lot of time watching the wood-chopping. Tasmania has a great record in this sport and people like David Foster are household names. In fact, there are famous chopping families who hold dozens of world records among them. Sometimes three generations of one family will all be chopping at the one carnival. Names like Gurr, Youd and Speers carry on the tradition from one generation to the next. I've attached a photo of one axemen, called Henry, who picked up four first places. Not a bad day out. The other photo is one of a group who come to all the local events.
It was really a fantastic, nostalgic day out and a credit to this community which manages to maintain a wonderful community event.
(OK, Mike?)
Chudleigh is a little village just outside of Deloraine. It calls itself the Village of Roses and boasts a Honey Farm and some good examples of early-Tasmanian architecture. The first Chudleigh Show was held in 1880, so yesterday's effort was the 125th - not a bad record. In many ways, it hasn't changed much in that 125 years. There was the Grand Parade, the Home Industries Pavilion and the display of ancient tractors, and none of the brash, noisy 'rides' which, in my eyes, spoil modern shows.
The girls in their black jackets and beautiful horses displayed their skills in dressage, the young farm kids proudly led their heifers around for the judges to see, and the Show Society ladies laboured to provide old-fashioned afternoon teas. We spent a lot of time watching the wood-chopping. Tasmania has a great record in this sport and people like David Foster are household names. In fact, there are famous chopping families who hold dozens of world records among them. Sometimes three generations of one family will all be chopping at the one carnival. Names like Gurr, Youd and Speers carry on the tradition from one generation to the next. I've attached a photo of one axemen, called Henry, who picked up four first places. Not a bad day out. The other photo is one of a group who come to all the local events.
It was really a fantastic, nostalgic day out and a credit to this community which manages to maintain a wonderful community event.
(OK, Mike?)
Friday, February 14, 2014
Friday, February,14th ....
We're camped in a great spot in the free-camping area in Deloraine. It's been very hot and dry over the past few weeks so the grass is straw-coloured and the ground is dusty, but we've found a very pleasant and sheltered area under a wattle tree and adjoining a native garden. I've attached a couple of photographs I took this evening when we were having an al fresco meal. You can see our little stove on the left (Marilyn has ducked out of sight to avoid her photograph being shown to the world) and, on the right is the cat's tent.
Yes, we are travelling with CB, the cat that came as a bonus when Jamie bought the house at Dilston. It's a very relaxed cat and seems to be quite blasé about travelling. She sits in her cat box in the car when we're on the road and eats and sleeps in the tent when we're on-site. She wanders around each new place we stop with no sign that she's stressed.
I had a little moan the other day about the downhill slide in the Tasmanian economy. Just this evening, there was a story on the 7.30 Report about one of the few growth industries in the state: it's the production of computer games. I was aware that there was a bit going on in this field. When we were at Launceston Grammar School, there was a company renting one of the unused classrooms and we heard that the biggest part of their work was writing education software and packages. It was a great day when they won a tender to produce work for Oxford University.
And now we hear that other little groups are writing world-class computer games, simulations and animation. One gob-smacking comment came from a government economist who said it is already 'bigger than forestry' in the economy. Yet, neither of the major parties vying for election in March, has even mentioned it.
Yes, we are travelling with CB, the cat that came as a bonus when Jamie bought the house at Dilston. It's a very relaxed cat and seems to be quite blasé about travelling. She sits in her cat box in the car when we're on the road and eats and sleeps in the tent when we're on-site. She wanders around each new place we stop with no sign that she's stressed.
I had a little moan the other day about the downhill slide in the Tasmanian economy. Just this evening, there was a story on the 7.30 Report about one of the few growth industries in the state: it's the production of computer games. I was aware that there was a bit going on in this field. When we were at Launceston Grammar School, there was a company renting one of the unused classrooms and we heard that the biggest part of their work was writing education software and packages. It was a great day when they won a tender to produce work for Oxford University.
And now we hear that other little groups are writing world-class computer games, simulations and animation. One gob-smacking comment came from a government economist who said it is already 'bigger than forestry' in the economy. Yet, neither of the major parties vying for election in March, has even mentioned it.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thursday, February 13th (2) ....
Another birthday on Monday and, again, I don't feel any different. Obviously, old age creeps up on you but I feel it's still creeping slowly enough not to be an issue. It was nice to receive birthday wishes from lots of people who only stay in touch with me through Facebook.
Great news from Jamie who is in the Philippines, meeting with Nera's family. He's havng a wonderful time and loves the area. Balatan is a small fishing village in the south of Luzon, quite remote but not too far from a couple of larger centres. The other day he announced to us that he and Nera have bought a house ... just like that. Of course, it's nothing flash but very exciting for them.
It's also raised an opportunity for Marilyn and me to take on some more voluntary work in the Philippines. Giant Steps has offered to provide us with 5 or 6 redundant computers and I can get them to Balatan at no cost, through Rotary. Nera's church wants to set up a program for the older people in their community to learn about computers, email and the Internet. The local school will welcome us to help with their teaching of English and an hour away, in the city of Naga, is a Special School with several autistic students who could do with some help. And, of course, Jamie's house is there for us to use. It's still just a gleam in the eye at the moment but it is a tempting thought.
Tonight, we're in Deloraine - Rotary meeting last Tuesday, a committee meeting today in Campbelltown, Chudleigh Show on Saturday, Giant Steps meeting on Monday night and then Rotary again on Tuesday. We haven't got time to travel.
Great news from Jamie who is in the Philippines, meeting with Nera's family. He's havng a wonderful time and loves the area. Balatan is a small fishing village in the south of Luzon, quite remote but not too far from a couple of larger centres. The other day he announced to us that he and Nera have bought a house ... just like that. Of course, it's nothing flash but very exciting for them.
It's also raised an opportunity for Marilyn and me to take on some more voluntary work in the Philippines. Giant Steps has offered to provide us with 5 or 6 redundant computers and I can get them to Balatan at no cost, through Rotary. Nera's church wants to set up a program for the older people in their community to learn about computers, email and the Internet. The local school will welcome us to help with their teaching of English and an hour away, in the city of Naga, is a Special School with several autistic students who could do with some help. And, of course, Jamie's house is there for us to use. It's still just a gleam in the eye at the moment but it is a tempting thought.
Tonight, we're in Deloraine - Rotary meeting last Tuesday, a committee meeting today in Campbelltown, Chudleigh Show on Saturday, Giant Steps meeting on Monday night and then Rotary again on Tuesday. We haven't got time to travel.
Thursday, February 13th ....
We enjoyed our stay in Deloraine but set off for new pastures about ten days ago. Our first destination was Latrobe which put us close to the Spreyton Cider Factory where our Rotary Club was booked in for a tasting. It's a new venture for the company who were not able to export a single apple last year. The extra cost of getting Tasmanian apples to overseas market is ridiculous; it costs something like $3000 to get a container to Melbourne and only another $1000 to get it on to Europe or Asia. We're not a big enough market to attract international container ships here so, if we want to export, we have to offload in Melbourne and send them on from there. Nobody wants to do anything about it because there are plenty of apples available in other states so Tassie misses out again.
The ciders were interesting, five varieties made from different apples. My favourite was called Dark, made from Fuji apples, fermented with hops (like beer). It had the sweetness of the apples overlaid with the bitterness of the hops. Fantastic!
We only stayed two nights at Latrobe. The local Council now charges $10 per night for the 'free' parking. You get nothing for that except the privilege of parking in a paddock and, to compound the disgraceful decision to levy visitors to their town, they get the local Lions Club to collect it. The fee is split three ways: a proportion for administration (pocketed by the Council), another share to Council for on-going maintenance, and a proportion to the Lions Club. The Lions, who are doing all the work, can only spend their share on council-approved projects. And, of course, the Council will only approve projects which benefit the town. Maybe I'm cynical but I think the Council is running a scam.
We then headed down to Railton for no other reason than it was the next town on the highway heading south. We happened to be there on Friday and were delighted to see that the RSL was serving meals that night, and it was also the night of the monthly Country and Western concert. Unbelievable! A great meal and a hoot of a concert. A couple of nights was enough so we headed back to civilisation to charge or phones and do,some washing.
The ciders were interesting, five varieties made from different apples. My favourite was called Dark, made from Fuji apples, fermented with hops (like beer). It had the sweetness of the apples overlaid with the bitterness of the hops. Fantastic!
We only stayed two nights at Latrobe. The local Council now charges $10 per night for the 'free' parking. You get nothing for that except the privilege of parking in a paddock and, to compound the disgraceful decision to levy visitors to their town, they get the local Lions Club to collect it. The fee is split three ways: a proportion for administration (pocketed by the Council), another share to Council for on-going maintenance, and a proportion to the Lions Club. The Lions, who are doing all the work, can only spend their share on council-approved projects. And, of course, the Council will only approve projects which benefit the town. Maybe I'm cynical but I think the Council is running a scam.
We then headed down to Railton for no other reason than it was the next town on the highway heading south. We happened to be there on Friday and were delighted to see that the RSL was serving meals that night, and it was also the night of the monthly Country and Western concert. Unbelievable! A great meal and a hoot of a concert. A couple of nights was enough so we headed back to civilisation to charge or phones and do,some washing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)