tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22566944059113269652024-02-19T04:52:27.525-08:00Scratchings in the dustJust my thoughts on things as I wander along. I'm enjoying the journey of life tremendously, have always cherished nature, am intolerant of shallow, self-interested persons, get a real buzz out of helping others and am in love with my best friend. Life has been kind, we have two adult boys and a minimalist way if living, which we find very satisfying.Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-75847537602452585622012-12-01T17:57:00.001-08:002012-12-01T19:01:01.894-08:00Wandering the estate this morning....A slow amble around our garden today revealed just how well our plants are going. <br />
Our philosophy is simple. If you can't eat it, don't grow it; if you need to mollycoddle it, get rid of it; if it's not prolific; reconsider it.<br />
Here are pics of some of the plants we have growing: <br />
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*** I'm doing this on my phone & haven't yet discovered how to either embed or label my photos, so my apologies. <br />
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- Sugar snap peas<br />
- Feijoa flower buds -> fruit<br />
- Blackcurrants<br />
- Figs, Black Genoa var.<br />
- Apples<br />
- Pyrethrum, under apples<br />
- Blackcurrant cuttings, Christmas gifts<br />
- Asparagus, 4-5 stalks/day, 6 weeks<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf5j6vHyoiu3kRtr_PnoNTv4QevmWFR1Y5u60148ur89Szqfs493cMeyr3psW_by4QE4hURzqS5Wusyqpz3pe6-bEGwdcIMLBB0E8sseQt_iuX42-NzDv02sDKy6b2_eLoa0m6oAyPUuw/s640/blogger-image-1677346506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf5j6vHyoiu3kRtr_PnoNTv4QevmWFR1Y5u60148ur89Szqfs493cMeyr3psW_by4QE4hURzqS5Wusyqpz3pe6-bEGwdcIMLBB0E8sseQt_iuX42-NzDv02sDKy6b2_eLoa0m6oAyPUuw/s200/blogger-image-1677346506.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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- Egyptian walking onions<br />
- Peruvian ground apples<br />
- Oka, New Zealand yams<br />
- Curry bush<br />
- Chilean guava<br />
- Persimmon flowers<br />
- Lemons<br />
- Herbs<br />
- Good ol' Broadies<br />
- Rosemary (I once worked with a lady called Rosemary Lamb, she was a lovely person)<br />
- Jerusalem Artichokes : these shade the wall & grew from 5 corms that Eileen gave me. If the world had more like her it'd be a far better place.<br />
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<br />Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-8332247491621324612012-08-18T07:18:00.001-07:002013-05-17T00:03:36.912-07:00A message to three young people I love.I really want you to read the story at the link below and reflect on it. Then make the effort to give older people more time in your days - listen to them & learn from them, everyone has a story to tell about their journey.<br>
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Maybe it's because I'm feeling decrepit today, but this blog helped me again realise what amazing things our forbears have done to improve our lives.<br>
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This is the legacy you must carry forward: to improve the conditions of the generations which will follow you. I can see you doing it already & I'm proud of the talents and skills you are developing - put them to good use.<br>
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Please don't laugh at me, think deeply, act accordingly and make your time here have real meaning. You do not have to become teetotal fun-haters : find something to champion & give it your all; cut loose & mess around but make the world a better place. Listen to the elders and learn from them.<br>
<br>
Phil<br>
xxxx<br>
<br>
joelrunyon.com/two3/an-unexpected-ass-kicking<br>
Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-59324031908562633692012-06-15T02:52:00.001-07:002012-06-16T05:04:41.764-07:00My own ThalassaMy best mate @KateBallarat and I have taken a few days off to be beside the sea. <br />
We're on Port Phillip Bay, with Booboo, who rolls in rotting fish every time our backs are turned.<br />
Watching pelicans bobbing in the water at night, catching squid attracted by the jetty lights.<br />
Finding a divers mask &, after wrenching it free, fleetingly wondering what I'd've done had it still been attached to a nautical noggin.<br />
Feeling salt spray on faces and wind in your hair. Watching a pea green boat to see where the owl & the pussy cat are.<br />
Really needed these three days away.<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPOaSqDFg6ODwU-S2WaroYxg-4w4vyHXgG-pdB3JAcfrDYzTr41DKiUKXHCIntb3Qs6q10cKat9yxi61Uuyq6JcHj2t-VA7yZ0_ryazjszQDrrME-1CA5_oqBH-t_GFk1sRp9L6cFkQ6x/s640/blogger-image-2083009228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPOaSqDFg6ODwU-S2WaroYxg-4w4vyHXgG-pdB3JAcfrDYzTr41DKiUKXHCIntb3Qs6q10cKat9yxi61Uuyq6JcHj2t-VA7yZ0_ryazjszQDrrME-1CA5_oqBH-t_GFk1sRp9L6cFkQ6x/s640/blogger-image-2083009228.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__Neoy6L2Mgb-NXeC-jYThzGbCp7nHRze-VFZgceA9BgNhCaeSp3GEwonYhQ9uh_Btng15GEZPG_HVzxOpUFMUPiHi4Z04JR_hLfc3zoukd-GafqqWuLxcC-Yng5LiA-1081UDlf4e50U/s640/blogger-image-1257472829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__Neoy6L2Mgb-NXeC-jYThzGbCp7nHRze-VFZgceA9BgNhCaeSp3GEwonYhQ9uh_Btng15GEZPG_HVzxOpUFMUPiHi4Z04JR_hLfc3zoukd-GafqqWuLxcC-Yng5LiA-1081UDlf4e50U/s640/blogger-image-1257472829.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30NREb40I2xTBxJVFIyfzu5-iIqrHp8c9_xRlFBOZvV-R2N57PFa2Y-TE1ToMb6i8ECdMrU6ss_P6iAmgegmS5Iq3jTM9zc1mNo1ron6SNsG69KENdtmIJ74aUFcFPgawxKAn4UbI1JsS/s640/blogger-image--1801634322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30NREb40I2xTBxJVFIyfzu5-iIqrHp8c9_xRlFBOZvV-R2N57PFa2Y-TE1ToMb6i8ECdMrU6ss_P6iAmgegmS5Iq3jTM9zc1mNo1ron6SNsG69KENdtmIJ74aUFcFPgawxKAn4UbI1JsS/s640/blogger-image--1801634322.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkzWdo81ZQbiKNoZhxLsMGtCvoC0klJuB-Fc6HBsJlXCN_tBJiXxNNMJXjE9TBzTLBZYWStVZBvl8IVVCsT_bXk_XQzCw6839wQcydcgkO5yqkY_STCvrpw_kj5F_J8FE3crAzbWzJ7Gg/s640/blogger-image-2087847894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkzWdo81ZQbiKNoZhxLsMGtCvoC0klJuB-Fc6HBsJlXCN_tBJiXxNNMJXjE9TBzTLBZYWStVZBvl8IVVCsT_bXk_XQzCw6839wQcydcgkO5yqkY_STCvrpw_kj5F_J8FE3crAzbWzJ7Gg/s640/blogger-image-2087847894.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVILqD1qUTvjugIqv1PW3iGVtfZTcl_AgvYBA2njU8ymkmDc7v_QJMDGkV2d7bfyxMG_M2dCH3M4IEasDOw1Y5A9x8xSoU_6k29a0XfZEAhr_XI85ctTfNzuZPtBbzzWgbXKfF6Jafag6/s640/blogger-image-818484316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVILqD1qUTvjugIqv1PW3iGVtfZTcl_AgvYBA2njU8ymkmDc7v_QJMDGkV2d7bfyxMG_M2dCH3M4IEasDOw1Y5A9x8xSoU_6k29a0XfZEAhr_XI85ctTfNzuZPtBbzzWgbXKfF6Jafag6/s640/blogger-image-818484316.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix806FLjzUBMFH1BOFVdvckWxOrFuaKwl6P_XBY9lzGXSUNRnou5TTB_dZ2lgoKxZdcwg1EcArkQu8y_yLx1I1gmxED8lIGg6ruBF8flTz0clA7d51Kc2_QFIf3YLQI4u9rmfLkdlwDTb/s640/blogger-image--1697034520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix806FLjzUBMFH1BOFVdvckWxOrFuaKwl6P_XBY9lzGXSUNRnou5TTB_dZ2lgoKxZdcwg1EcArkQu8y_yLx1I1gmxED8lIGg6ruBF8flTz0clA7d51Kc2_QFIf3YLQI4u9rmfLkdlwDTb/s640/blogger-image--1697034520.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-69045154689207895042012-05-08T07:52:00.001-07:002012-05-08T07:52:54.371-07:00Farmers Way of Life: Golden Rules of Farming Part 8<a href="http://farmerswayoflife.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/golden-rules-of-farming-part-8.html?m=1">Farmers Way of Life: Golden Rules of Farming Part 8</a>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-31118571331971285502012-04-01T00:26:00.000-07:002012-04-01T00:33:37.087-07:00So richly rewarded, I&apos;m humbled.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Last week I found a friend.</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A guy who I taught in my first school, who was in my 'Homegroup' a pastoral care unit that I looked after for some four years. It was in the far western suburbs of Melbourne and was over 25 years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found him on FaceBook where I've also a large number of past students who joke with me, ask questions, show me pictures of their kids, family and continue to joust happily even though they're now most around 40yrs old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were close. We got through secondary school science, geography and maths together as well as spending time under canvas in the mountains on 'Explorers club' gigs. He was a reliable, gentle and strong fellow who quietly worked away on his life - a lovely boy. His dad was a merchant seaman and would insist on giving me a 4lt bottle of imported ("No questions, Phil"!) Scotch every Christmas - they were from the same mould, lovely people.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZCTSj4sPQvj2G6BVqzaTuoMnK2OKCnVWmkaJWAxwpJCrSScuFVDlCI2Hib1DtyW921zvJd4OORlof1Oi-UDnGo011PiUSHk7sUy3O6-GNVYeRg_kjHwT3jszoB4X0CC8Px3d2kgsHHW9/s1600/Yr10M+Mowbray+1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZCTSj4sPQvj2G6BVqzaTuoMnK2OKCnVWmkaJWAxwpJCrSScuFVDlCI2Hib1DtyW921zvJd4OORlof1Oi-UDnGo011PiUSHk7sUy3O6-GNVYeRg_kjHwT3jszoB4X0CC8Px3d2kgsHHW9/s320/Yr10M+Mowbray+1987.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Yr10 he went on student work experience at a nearby engineering works. I was so pleased when he came back and told me that he'd been offered an apprenticeship, to start the next year. I asked if his boss had tested him and I was told "He asked me how to work out the length around a circle of steel without measuring it, Mr Morrison". I gasped, 'We're on thin ice here', I thought. "Oh, I told him </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas>that two pi R stuff, you know, like we did in maths last term". I was jubilant! What a wonderful thing for this guy who didn't enjoy maths, but really loved building, making, working with his hands <u>and</u> mind.</v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've "dined-out" on this story for years, especially when asked "What are the rewards in teaching?" I would cite this case and others. Recently, over the past years, I've also been able to talk about the strong bond formed in our Homegroup and how many of those lovely people, my 'kids', have refound me on social media sites and renewed our friendships. It's been a real boost for me and a buzz for them.</span></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today I received this message on FB Messenger from 'my boy'. I read it and cried-out, I've been going on about it all day and driven Katie mad. It's wonderful to hear from this man, to hear about his life post-school, his own family, his goings on. I'm chuffed, I feel partly responsible for his success in getting his apprenticeship and feel part ownership in his life. Maybe I'm premature in thinking so - I'll have to ask him. Maybe I think too much of what I did as his teacher. Either way, here's his message which I publish because I'm so proud of him, proud of what he's done and the great experiences he's had.</span></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All I can say is "Well done, lovely big grown-up man!".</span></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><br />
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<div class="content noh" id="id.266733510074643"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">From me:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Jason - I've been looking for you!!! Tell me all about what you've done since school - wow, great to find you!! <br />
Phil Morrie Morrison</span></div><li class="MessagingMessage heavySeparator uiListItem uiListLight uiListVerticalItemBorder"><div class="clearfix main"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix"><div class="UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content"><div class="subject hidden_elem"><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In return:</span></strong></div><div class="content noh" id="id.281789265232207"></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hi Phil, Well where do we start. Married with 2 kids. 13 year old daughter and 10 year old son. Basically when i completed school i went into a Boiler Maker Apprenticeship. After i completed that i worked locally in Melton for 2 companies in the trade. I then went into a company called Liquip International which is located in Sunshine. I started there in the shop floor and within 2 years i was made supervisor of the truck build section. After not quite 2 years i was made Operations Manager of the whole place and was in charge of approx 50 people including 3 supervisors. I have done alot of world travel with the company working with the various oil companies. Ive been with the company now 16 years. The company purchased a USA division some 6 years ago and i was engaged to turn this company around 2 years ago. We all packed up moved to North Carolina and love it here in the USA. Great experience for all. Hope all is well with you. I still stay in touch with some of gang from school.</span><br />
</div></div></div></li>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-70101146045529240372012-03-29T02:21:00.000-07:002012-03-29T02:21:21.228-07:00Life goes on (for some!)While I had a bit of a crappy day today, I was still able to get out into the garden and clean up a bit ready for winter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwcRQ5HcWrugOClqZlPU-6WNXZM6LZFGR9Xtid8YBg0qoehbz6CPX0F9UlPUz7iMEiilWY60YHuizxr5W0aFoyRMIirrk1n1ewMtocLAOBEfEL9RBJCfNt0M-i7uvLta_uQBpzWeKPboU/s1600/eggies" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwcRQ5HcWrugOClqZlPU-6WNXZM6LZFGR9Xtid8YBg0qoehbz6CPX0F9UlPUz7iMEiilWY60YHuizxr5W0aFoyRMIirrk1n1ewMtocLAOBEfEL9RBJCfNt0M-i7uvLta_uQBpzWeKPboU/s200/eggies" width="150" /></a></div>Harvested the last of the aubergines, it was a really prolific little plant and is definitely on the list for next summer. They're not bitter and we just chop them up with some tomato & onion and before frying and serving - couldn't be easier.<br />
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Stripped two of the four tomato vines and ripped them out. The yellow cherry tomato was a bitter disappointment and won"t be gracing out compost again - it was low yielding and tasteless. A waste of water and nurture in our economically rational food system!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThpwQlfkjnyZA6UY-_fhBnwCoOrsBLayemBAsb0LOk3nyh61Rxj3scws96znjTHiy37uJiLEYeU04lr5oTVx4ZqW-H3bLnWoKFuPrPopLiFxEKZdyqKCTjUMNAMZmkGNmfZqu8Ll2nrJ0/s1600/garlic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThpwQlfkjnyZA6UY-_fhBnwCoOrsBLayemBAsb0LOk3nyh61Rxj3scws96znjTHiy37uJiLEYeU04lr5oTVx4ZqW-H3bLnWoKFuPrPopLiFxEKZdyqKCTjUMNAMZmkGNmfZqu8Ll2nrJ0/s200/garlic" width="150" /></a></div>However, some lovely cloves of giant russian garlic were collected and the bulbils replanted along the edge of the petonquary as a little fence like structure. It'll look really good next summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvBve7CSeD8GLOKx2KAgYEjOqyADkSIPlMaL_N9syxZ3hKoQDeR9fwxfMPsm-8WiprR2EhFZAFx26iAknvpmSX7u5Sbfw2U8v8ANLDnoYCEaeVUYUKsMKgzTLC98BSnxGuPeUO8Lc_Udh/s1600/figs" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvBve7CSeD8GLOKx2KAgYEjOqyADkSIPlMaL_N9syxZ3hKoQDeR9fwxfMPsm-8WiprR2EhFZAFx26iAknvpmSX7u5Sbfw2U8v8ANLDnoYCEaeVUYUKsMKgzTLC98BSnxGuPeUO8Lc_Udh/s200/figs" width="150" /></a><br />
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The figs are coming on nicely and the last of the cucumbers came off, with the vine being mulched up and composted. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_iLPNPXCqWj1EacOMs5piclQ7CAfSgtl-nb6jUUhGc89FHZverase1ojCb8cMJxnwQ_oHURjK7JosUrilwY4lCOFubHYVmoNOVwJdke06nNHMe1mVSKDwa2mU1qeaFQypmLkFgUENEl8/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_iLPNPXCqWj1EacOMs5piclQ7CAfSgtl-nb6jUUhGc89FHZverase1ojCb8cMJxnwQ_oHURjK7JosUrilwY4lCOFubHYVmoNOVwJdke06nNHMe1mVSKDwa2mU1qeaFQypmLkFgUENEl8/s200/106.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Fun find of the day (if you're not a butterfly or bee) was a mantisy thing which had captured a butterfly and was eating it. Sitting on a flower head of garlic chives, it was pretty impressive.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ5neLFMzbe4-T57Mn9062jKgkUG9BQm2R69BLZoteSwLVfH5mhSimO0sNog7HoVJr74O5FLjw2W0eJJbHzoVVby8Rp-dl1uR4ssREMYecQgCUPkNrQpsJ-OW8_Gql-1o56c095GgYIMK/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ5neLFMzbe4-T57Mn9062jKgkUG9BQm2R69BLZoteSwLVfH5mhSimO0sNog7HoVJr74O5FLjw2W0eJJbHzoVVby8Rp-dl1uR4ssREMYecQgCUPkNrQpsJ-OW8_Gql-1o56c095GgYIMK/s200/114.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I called Katie down and she said "Poor bee" to which I retorted "Get your glasses". Kate then pointed out HER bee and there it was, on another flower, being eaten by another mantis! Eggs on me for that. Close inspection found another mantis sitting stick-like next to a flower head awaiting it's dinner.<br />
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So that's my day. Didn't achieve what I wanted to, but there's always tomorrow!!Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-39643039208704714512012-02-25T05:37:00.001-08:002012-02-25T05:50:57.533-08:00Golden Queens.In the orchard, <br />
I reach high, <br />
as far as the sky<br />
into the tree of yellow suns - <br />
peaches bigger than my hands.<br />
Wrench them down,<br />
and bite in big,<br />
and the juice drips down my chin.<br />
I wipe with my sleeve, <br />
and turn to run,<br />
my pockets stretched,<br />
smiling, happy, harmless.<br />
Another simple pleasure.Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-48486318331568901592012-02-06T03:50:00.001-08:002012-02-08T05:49:23.528-08:00The dog and the dollOur tough little dog, a girl from Wagga Wagga, had been with us for fourteen years when she finally felt the pain.<br />
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Selected from a tangle of of legs and tails and piddle in the bottom of a big plastic tub, Sammy was something like a Jack Russell x Aussie Terrier ? Silky Terrier - she was small, hairy, smelly and loving. She was no doll, but she was Katie's dog.<br />
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Sam grew up with our family, unknowingly being part of the glue the held us together. Always there, outside in the early years, to give the boys a wrestle, to be a confidant when all the world was against them, to sit with and just chat when times were better.<br />
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During her life she had many adventures, falling from trees when chasing sparrows, being stuck underground for hours when rabbiting, pursuing ducks and swans beside, and into, the lake. She was, one morning, lucky to escape a chopping as she ran very close underneath a helicopter landing behind our house.<br />
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When she was six Sammy the climber fell. One night she tumbled from the top of a sheet of weld mesh, seriously hurting herself, hooking her hind leg and hanging upside down, her body weight pulling at the skewer in her thigh. Her yelping drew us running and she was quickly disengaged, to the sound of the escaping possum as it scrabbled up a tree.<br />
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In time her wound healed, but the next year a lump had appeared under the scar. The vet removed it only for us to see it come back with vigour and begin to fill her hind leg. Some more examinations and we heard that the growth was also in her back.<br />
<br />
Little Sammy was tough, she carried her 'chop leg' with her for another eight years. It was like she wore a mask of happiness not showing concern to her disability. <br />
<br />
The lump lay dormant until Sam was fourteen, when it increased rapidly in size and began to cause her great pain. As our vet Dr Di reassured us, it was best that we could help her overcome that last challenge with decency and dignity.<br />
<br />
Sammy was buried under a peppercorn tree beside the billabong, protected by some granite rocks at Kate's family farm. <br />
<br />
While digging her grave, the remnants of a ceramic doll's face were found - perhaps a prior burial, another girl's good friend from a much earlier era. It was a chilling find. A hauntingly fine ceramic mask, a death mask, which raised a number of questions - some perhaps best unanswered. <br />
<br />
The mask will be returned to it's home under the peppercorn, with Sammy for comfort - the dog and the doll together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc_Rz7hUScOxQe6j4yYSjPKTA2IL4k7zRacMlLZ_wY815YLdYHpB9oj_jvyrHhDJ-_2Qznxe190Ne3BHxi4rF1CIgSPf0mcJgQ9thTSwMDoldEipl1lqgsfIDNm6la2Z6yiUCt8t8B35X/s640/blogger-image--1235422873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc_Rz7hUScOxQe6j4yYSjPKTA2IL4k7zRacMlLZ_wY815YLdYHpB9oj_jvyrHhDJ-_2Qznxe190Ne3BHxi4rF1CIgSPf0mcJgQ9thTSwMDoldEipl1lqgsfIDNm6la2Z6yiUCt8t8B35X/s640/blogger-image--1235422873.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WY9t4u77WY4Z1TRDqMeJ4_WViMsiD_3hm1mlnUmRAHpXQsgwOIGwfgsV4FrUmNR6fUjTZtfuyyZ-fjOdmnJHgMjCaeZ2jkcxODEZgCEjyW42J_47r02_ymf-ux12RUDpk6_y3AAYqScS/s640/blogger-image--752750470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WY9t4u77WY4Z1TRDqMeJ4_WViMsiD_3hm1mlnUmRAHpXQsgwOIGwfgsV4FrUmNR6fUjTZtfuyyZ-fjOdmnJHgMjCaeZ2jkcxODEZgCEjyW42J_47r02_ymf-ux12RUDpk6_y3AAYqScS/s640/blogger-image--752750470.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57hb7H9oViY7eOIupsBLaFhqOFdu4UXdfMpIs3mi_LtFd5gn8JpVc52T83ZaSBIqqgeec4R4D_E7pYBq_s4l16q1ndql7zBJ9ofRhV6l94N7Bsr7OW7GKd8eFzbyUr1-8c7-oqoZPlhbO/s640/blogger-image-1331501358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57hb7H9oViY7eOIupsBLaFhqOFdu4UXdfMpIs3mi_LtFd5gn8JpVc52T83ZaSBIqqgeec4R4D_E7pYBq_s4l16q1ndql7zBJ9ofRhV6l94N7Bsr7OW7GKd8eFzbyUr1-8c7-oqoZPlhbO/s640/blogger-image-1331501358.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHrByiaCv7BJi8rY4pwwewgiGhQQCIbkx47Wz7OfHbuixFCWVTBXFXXg8ryNGUpA81rUvKowYyzSgP8s4XkEUjY5nh3nBvYLPbvfGSVP3YRg3oHcOn5FsA6K5h7AAGTqPRtP06UEpOiUp/s640/blogger-image--1492381914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHrByiaCv7BJi8rY4pwwewgiGhQQCIbkx47Wz7OfHbuixFCWVTBXFXXg8ryNGUpA81rUvKowYyzSgP8s4XkEUjY5nh3nBvYLPbvfGSVP3YRg3oHcOn5FsA6K5h7AAGTqPRtP06UEpOiUp/s640/blogger-image--1492381914.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwJK49Wpmor8bN4at7z8CQ-ZZLg-gtsSEbwayDEWJGkwSRYd3dN95ISMXRBEV1P8w0aU1gQJ83jYzVsC863lh0wLL4j-oBOEV7PPmq01F4dkyXGrZ5htFBapQgUYdb3gmRNaelzQhSAX3/s640/blogger-image-1795444847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwJK49Wpmor8bN4at7z8CQ-ZZLg-gtsSEbwayDEWJGkwSRYd3dN95ISMXRBEV1P8w0aU1gQJ83jYzVsC863lh0wLL4j-oBOEV7PPmq01F4dkyXGrZ5htFBapQgUYdb3gmRNaelzQhSAX3/s640/blogger-image-1795444847.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-64840939817619280112012-01-23T07:02:00.001-08:002012-01-23T07:11:03.862-08:00Spiders & mozziesIn the garden tonight, I watched a spider trapping mosquitos. <br />
<br />
Wrapping them in cigar-like bundles, mummies, good food stacked in a neat pile to one side of her web.<br />
<br />
The insects buzzed fitfully when trapped, until well after they were sealed away, their muffled screams continuing right to the end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOwTZiVtEjUxMyD04SapvKVdEFw-IKoSm2RbJvi6xHN1o446AfVccNV_SfU_YDctFtoo8q9_2qUWPVa0sG0QzhWjiGzc4chs7Eg3RM6tycENN_zF3vH2MzzW13O0f7E2lNQ0I_4E3tpn/s640/blogger-image--324886513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOwTZiVtEjUxMyD04SapvKVdEFw-IKoSm2RbJvi6xHN1o446AfVccNV_SfU_YDctFtoo8q9_2qUWPVa0sG0QzhWjiGzc4chs7Eg3RM6tycENN_zF3vH2MzzW13O0f7E2lNQ0I_4E3tpn/s640/blogger-image--324886513.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-9372409350769921452012-01-17T05:14:00.001-08:002012-02-08T05:59:39.252-08:00RainBig slow drops on an iron roof<br />
The air is cooler as crickets call <br />
A light breeze of freshness<br />
Brings rich earthy fragrances <br />
Which linger pleasurably<br />
A delight to all<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWXHnceJFjQY6U4Hk06eCDGClPk3zvCBB1nhH3mTQVEne1p_k-9JFYA9r8uI_2HjVN5LZ3xJkEmx73POaKHrp9gDjq1atLQJDlt005NrvoO4TIFzTTjDCrvxNlnh7irwGnPSN8ylw19Aq/s640/blogger-image-1275675176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWXHnceJFjQY6U4Hk06eCDGClPk3zvCBB1nhH3mTQVEne1p_k-9JFYA9r8uI_2HjVN5LZ3xJkEmx73POaKHrp9gDjq1atLQJDlt005NrvoO4TIFzTTjDCrvxNlnh7irwGnPSN8ylw19Aq/s640/blogger-image-1275675176.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-11649823946059856752011-12-06T05:42:00.001-08:002011-12-06T05:42:55.633-08:00Hallelujah KenjaIn Melbourne on Sunday night, strolling with Katie. We're invited to join in singing the Hallelujah Chorus by a lady standing on the street.<br />
<br />
I enjoy singing and have contemplated rejoining a choir this year. It would be fun to have a vocal blast - it'll start in 1/2 hour I'm told.<br />
<br />
The lady handed us a flyer and I read it while we have a coffee.<br />
<br />
Kenja Communications are the ones running the night ..... 'Who are they?' we ask each other.<br />
<br />
Katie Googles them, gasps and appears worried. She shows me - defined by cult, court case, Cornelia Rau, sexual misconduct, witch-hunt ..... Ummm, thanks, but no thanks!!<br />
<br />
We stroll back again, the lady is busy arguing with a policeman about a car parked in a No Standing zone at their doorway, she doesn't notice us as we breeze by. <br />
<br />
I'm humming the Hallelujah chorus as we stroll along, happy together in this beautiful and comfortable city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGNVHAOdh9xdMQa0cfZwTWbZYUiWiJrVdfrTDwxml6AOat9uD1jaIqWbHQY9eckcAv-OH3nq2zG_xPSlaK8NjfiZAde2mBMWlZ7cDmyZtDXmzXBB0PAgVPycIQO0yanm2gwwPVl8d3hLw/s640/blogger-image-38850131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGNVHAOdh9xdMQa0cfZwTWbZYUiWiJrVdfrTDwxml6AOat9uD1jaIqWbHQY9eckcAv-OH3nq2zG_xPSlaK8NjfiZAde2mBMWlZ7cDmyZtDXmzXBB0PAgVPycIQO0yanm2gwwPVl8d3hLw/s640/blogger-image-38850131.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-71333282950830024172011-12-05T01:03:00.001-08:002011-12-05T01:03:39.095-08:00All jokes aren&apos;t jokes -In response to a FB repost by the enlightening Cathoel Jorss:<br />
<br />
http://oforganon.tumblr.com/post/11150747104/to-all-those-men-who-dont-think-the-rape-jokes-are-a<br />
<br />
I spent nearly two hours today sitting near the corner of Bourke and William Sts - reading, watching fashion and style, sunning myself like a lizard, observing a crank of cycle couriers coming and going at the gabble of their radios. It was really enjoyable.<br />
<br />
How many of those people who were passing by, sitting near me, making eye contact, avoiding eye contact, would threaten or hurt me in different circumstances? I feel safe in the open, in daylight. <br />
<br />
I'm male, I'm tall but as I age I feel more and more vulnerable. I have never felt, imagined or experienced the violently personal invasiveness of rape other than as represented in shockingly chilling disgust in some films. How can you joke about that, how could you laugh in response??<br />
<br />
When I was much younger I was always uncomfortable with 'boys talk' and crass jokes but didn't have the guts to acknowledge that in front of my peer group. <br />
<br />
Through my career as a schoolteacher I became confident in expressing myself and now, over 30 years later, I have no difficulty in conveying my disgust to people who demean, abuse or bully others, male or female. <br />
<br />
But I'm worried, and Katie (forever my best friend) is scared, that one day the teen on the train who's swearing and abusing his girlfriend on the phone will turn on me with a knife, that the bombast at the barbecue will king hit me or the drunk in the row in front will 'glass' us both. <br />
<br />
I'm prepared to continue to risk it.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f0sL4YWagVuXeRSGtS4VHqxb2-Nt11OLlRfPi-kJcEXFaKjArTCqtTelbIENAI4mz5lcClU_oDfvy95CKJmIZCpPqlHolB5PCR27Hd6UOhReb0gbiMpI4Nv83wk3IcPEa09WeFEwj6eY/s640/blogger-image-972496963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f0sL4YWagVuXeRSGtS4VHqxb2-Nt11OLlRfPi-kJcEXFaKjArTCqtTelbIENAI4mz5lcClU_oDfvy95CKJmIZCpPqlHolB5PCR27Hd6UOhReb0gbiMpI4Nv83wk3IcPEa09WeFEwj6eY/s640/blogger-image-972496963.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-55494530883835118482011-12-04T01:30:00.001-08:002011-12-04T01:34:15.289-08:00The strings of ChristmasIt's bustling in Melbourne, even for a Sunday afternoon. A caterpillar of families admiring Myer's Christmas windows, buskers performing- it's fun watching the world of excitement , it's so foreign to me now.<br />
I'm suddenly snatched from my reverie by a man, younger than me, a neatly trimmed red beard. He's talking to me, fast and insistently, asking for money. 'You're hungry?', I ask in response to his request, 'Come with me and I'll buy you a meal at the Ghurka Institute, all you can eat, it's vegetarian' ..... 'No, no, no' he says, 'Accommodation, give me cash so I can sleep here in the city tonight, I don't have a job at the moment'.<br />
'Ok', I say, 'How does this sound, I'll do this for you - I'll buy you a feed, I'll buy you a ticket to Mildura and call the labour exchange, they'll have a bed for you and you'll start work tomorrow picking fruit'.<br />
He's aghast, irate, and tells me that 'Karma will get me', he points at Katie saying 'She'll have a rotten Christmas, you're mean and selfish, karma will get you'. <br />
I sigh and begin to move off. He grabs my arm. I look down at his hand and he removes it. <br />
'You cannot know how happy my wife is, how much she's been through, how often she thinks about life without me and how your call is far too late - it's far too late for your karma to 'get me'!'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtOqzL0aOEuNXmAGlgfgzhHjngMoxR5_GK2rJeDedIQobERnWg3BbQWHNJmz71N0leKIGZqShqtFkRBJGmpD18BkXIWr8NXgqHObxX4ZznzM5m1CkM_-y11sEhLWcnOtySfLCVFqwzfUv/s640/blogger-image--1329043056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtOqzL0aOEuNXmAGlgfgzhHjngMoxR5_GK2rJeDedIQobERnWg3BbQWHNJmz71N0leKIGZqShqtFkRBJGmpD18BkXIWr8NXgqHObxX4ZznzM5m1CkM_-y11sEhLWcnOtySfLCVFqwzfUv/s640/blogger-image--1329043056.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-85000228280678391072011-11-01T18:48:00.001-07:002011-11-02T02:07:24.663-07:00Mo-vember 2011I've decided to have a crack at Movember this year, to support men's health - in particular depression and prostate cancer.<br />
<br />
I'll register today and then start chasing sponsorship from a few friends. Here I am on 2nd Nov with the beginnings of the grey-ghost on my lip. <br />
<br />
Check for updates here.<br />
<br />
Hey Ho, Hey Ho, I'm growing a Mo, for money to research some illness in men;<br />
I know, I know, it may well be slow, and at the end of the month I'll be shaving again.<br />
<br />
But in between times, I'll be chasing you round,<br />
To get your donations, to put to the cause,<br />
And if you choose not to, if you don't make a sound,<br />
I damn well report you to old Santa Claus.<br />
<br />
So get out your purses, your wallets and tins,<br />
Donate your sweet hearts out, I'll forgive all your sins,<br />
Watch my whiskers grow longer, in step with your dollars,<br />
'Til the month is well finished and my mo's at my collars!!<br />
<br />
(Tish-Boom!!!, hehe, Copyright Morrie, 2011)<br />
<br />
PLEASE DONATE AT: <br />
https://www.movember.com/au/donate/your-details/member_id/2095522/<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfA2nvQQlGvLmMp-WwbS65_SviBIDvRmzwBA7YAiLOGDqbDL7fUE-4uJ1xNZxTxghlSHn2mDVC4bIp8z8uMc0AJv19vFSvhf04OYhaYD1iogqQ7PC6sCd4xe6cd4tEqI5YH5zMCvXSPnR/s640/blogger-image-601135703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfA2nvQQlGvLmMp-WwbS65_SviBIDvRmzwBA7YAiLOGDqbDL7fUE-4uJ1xNZxTxghlSHn2mDVC4bIp8z8uMc0AJv19vFSvhf04OYhaYD1iogqQ7PC6sCd4xe6cd4tEqI5YH5zMCvXSPnR/s640/blogger-image-601135703.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-71595246732050481632011-10-21T18:16:00.001-07:002012-01-08T06:30:58.049-08:00Pasta, passion & a great picture too!I went with Katie to Lucini's in the Old Macaroni Factory at Hepburn Springs for the opening evening of this year's Hepburn Swiss-Italian Festa.<br />
<br />
Sitting next to a crackling log fire, and under stunning 130 year old frescoes, we had a homely and delicious pasta meal prepared by Maria Viola and her sons. This was then followed by the singing of Italian love songs and a screening of Love's Brother, a delightful production filmed at their restaurant in 2003.<br />
<br />
Maria's great grandfather came to Australia and built the macaroni factory during the gold-rush in the 1860's and last night we also had some of her 18(?) grandchildren helping out - a wonderful testament to the ongoing tradition of family, inherent in Australian-Italian society.<br />
<br />
We were home late (1am?) after groping our way through the fog across the highlands back to Ballarat. I can hardly move today - always a sign of a great night out!! :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI-Wv0FcSSE_nURClLBnRSln0B4T1klW6kJ-0xeIrfnnntKt7uOZcW5WKRAGDyjL4_KSwjE4ffbuLbYJEdXj9G2gMoEyB7r7yqYoxTVpYYJGlGfZt48jmBOAJpPGYiZ16VUXgs0XOXP4j/s640/blogger-image--1871111300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI-Wv0FcSSE_nURClLBnRSln0B4T1klW6kJ-0xeIrfnnntKt7uOZcW5WKRAGDyjL4_KSwjE4ffbuLbYJEdXj9G2gMoEyB7r7yqYoxTVpYYJGlGfZt48jmBOAJpPGYiZ16VUXgs0XOXP4j/s640/blogger-image--1871111300.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-84546760084479950212011-10-20T16:37:00.001-07:002011-10-20T16:37:44.021-07:00Sunshine on toastThe sun warms our little blue planet, is responsible for many of our energy sources and drives our weather systems. As rain plop, plop, plopped from a grey sky in Ballarat today, I was thinking of the bees who made the honey I had at breakfast. Mr Speechly's bees' orange blossom honey is pure sunshine on toast!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRP7hXd7tEJ8zqiLt1RnAGG9A-BPvvphqNaHrwT5cbEM5yWXfQAoJe5cGzVojxfSRTGhhHbYxXsiFkx81fZeAJVi0NrA_O6VNlJ5PYWbt-VdtT3-yPhqpCxX033ENBEhNVZxb7-AVGJnM/s640/blogger-image--2007048360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRP7hXd7tEJ8zqiLt1RnAGG9A-BPvvphqNaHrwT5cbEM5yWXfQAoJe5cGzVojxfSRTGhhHbYxXsiFkx81fZeAJVi0NrA_O6VNlJ5PYWbt-VdtT3-yPhqpCxX033ENBEhNVZxb7-AVGJnM/s640/blogger-image--2007048360.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-41062745549296795292011-10-20T04:08:00.001-07:002011-10-20T05:27:30.859-07:00A little testTo see if I can Blog from my phone. I'll even attach a pic and see if that works too. <br />
<br />
Feel like I'm becoming quite the techno-man! What came first .... Hehe<br />
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My apologies for the naughty chicken-word, which roughly translates as "Cluck Pete, what happened to you?" (in chook the F and Cl always transpose).<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB2ilSV2rZtEjDG2Sesrr_2Y3xjBCDulvqSSDTXZ4EI-I7UqezwMOrAR6AeT2LkT_xloBDAzMtzZCfNO3P8WeqcsNKl5ynTocNNtdXe4p8HvUz8CP4rgREYjYew_dLQr8_xVmw2_uZG0c/s640/blogger-image-123054382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB2ilSV2rZtEjDG2Sesrr_2Y3xjBCDulvqSSDTXZ4EI-I7UqezwMOrAR6AeT2LkT_xloBDAzMtzZCfNO3P8WeqcsNKl5ynTocNNtdXe4p8HvUz8CP4rgREYjYew_dLQr8_xVmw2_uZG0c/s640/blogger-image-123054382.jpg" /></a></div>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256694405911326965.post-90236705178721070792011-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:002011-10-19T22:30:11.381-07:00Day 1: For want of a more exciting title!I'm sitting here with Graham learning to build a blog.<br />
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Where am I? At BEST in Ballarat and (ha!) it's raining .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN9pXTN-hwJwuiMhMbDHeCYdeWxMaZuJfjJyMDJwHWrECeTeYEhUnE8GgvQpY7IdIVqcRH0aQZqas8sGKBXA-GHYRAqCOeLNBerNTMZNnwL_IeeqpddlfXSnkyQmbWG-lMZCTykzTOwdM/s1600/Best+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN9pXTN-hwJwuiMhMbDHeCYdeWxMaZuJfjJyMDJwHWrECeTeYEhUnE8GgvQpY7IdIVqcRH0aQZqas8sGKBXA-GHYRAqCOeLNBerNTMZNnwL_IeeqpddlfXSnkyQmbWG-lMZCTykzTOwdM/s1600/Best+logo.png" /></a></div>Cick here to find out about <a href="http://www.bestcd.org.au/">BEST</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LQqq3e03EBQ" width="420"></iframe>Gibberplain - Phil in Ballarathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04145183079549763248noreply@blogger.com0