Tuesday, October 18

Marilyn commented the other day that she had an odd email stating cheerfully that she had won a prize. 'It's a scam,' I said. Marilyn wasn't sure as it mentioned that she had spun a wheel, and she remembered doing this. So, she responded by sending them our address. After all, what could go wrong?

Nothing, apparently, as the $250 worth of gift vouchers duly arrived. So, we're now scouring the shelves of the Reject Shop for all the things we have always wanted but haven't been able to afford.

My recovery continues and I'm attending Physio three days a week. It is certainly making a difference and I'm back to driving, which I am ticking off as an important milestone.

Sunday, October 9

We had planned to go with our Probus Club to visit the Emu River Rhododendron Garden which is near Burnie, about a two-hour drive from Launceston. The weather forecast was promising so Jamie and Nera decided to join us, especially when I agreed that Nera could drive. I think that they're becoming bored waiting for Nera's registration certificate to arrive so she can start work, and will take any opportunity for a change of scene.

Nera completed her conversion course in nursing very successfully and has already been offered a job in Hobart but she can't start until she has the piece of paper in her hand. In any case, they're not sure Hobart is the right move; staying in Launceston or a move to Melbourne are two other possibilities.

The Rhododendron Garden is rated 4th best in the world (reminds me of the beach in Japan which is rated the 86th best). It's on 11 Ha and is fantastic. It rained all day (forecasting Tasmanian weather is not always easy) but it was a great day. Nera and Jamie had three cameras on the go, so there are lots of pictures.

This evening, we were winding down in front of the TV when there was an almighty racket outside. The wind had got up, and a panel on the roof of the carport had come loose and was clattering up and down, disturbing the neighborhood. So, there we were, Marilyn and I, in the wind and rain, me up a ladder while Marilyn passed me the heaviest logs we could find on the wood heap, hoping that their weight would anchor the roof until the morning. It's less than 7 weeks since my stroke and I don't know whether I should tell the Physiotherapist or not.

Saturday, October 7

I've been very lazy over the past couple of weeks and there has been so much to write about. Donald Trump lurches from one idiocy to another, but nothing seems to faze his followers, proving that you can certainly fool a lot of the people a lot of the time.

Malcolm Turnbull continues to unravel, and George Christensen is enjoying his time in the sun, making every post a winner. This fellow was only elected with a few thousand votes yet he promotes his minority point of view as if he had the backing of the whole country.

The blackout in South Australia encouraged a few die-hards to show their true colours. For a while now, the bi-partisan mantra has been 'renewables good' but some couldn't resist the opportunity to use the disaster to spout their own reactionary ideas.

Sam Dastyari leaves under a cloud, Stephen Conroy leaves under cover of darkness and Stuart Robert goes on his merry unethical way. Wyatt Roy returns from his Boy's Own Adventure and seems surprised at all the fuss.

I enjoyed Howard on Menzies but was disappointed with how superficial it all was, very polite and respectful with not enough made of his 'British-to-the-bootstraps' manner or his shameful decision to go into the Vietnam War. I can't remember whether his nickname, 'Pig-iron Bob' was even mentioned. Growing up in Wollongong, I was aware of that epithet from a very early age.

This week, we've been delighted with the antics of a handful of well-heeled, well-educated louts reinforcing Australia's reputation as a nation of hard-drinking louts. These are not stupid kids; they're all in their late-20s and should have more sense and respect. The worrying thing is some have their sights on a political career. One is already a Senior Advisor to Christopher Pyne, a position that was created especially for him!

Just think, in 20 years time, we'll be faced with Wyatt Roy as PM and the Budgy Nine on the front bench. Maybe Stuart Robert will be Speaker of the House.