Spyke

Quiet weekend. Work paid for dinner and a couple of drinks. Happens once a month.

Glad I'm in a different sector. All the IT places I worked for were awful and tight asses.

15
aussie.zone

Did you ever give anything away thinking it's worthless, or that you'll never use or want it again, and then over a decade later think WHY TF DID I DO THAT I'M A COMPLETE IDIOT?!?!?!?!

Yeah that's me.

Missing my old Macintosh 512K from 1984 with second external disk drive, in perfect working condition. That I now want to tinker with bad, especially now that there are great storage/communications options that can be built for them.

Retro-computing is EXPENSIVE now.

14
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

The one thing I wanted back from the past is my Intellivision. It may or or be in a derelict shed. Gone either way.

5
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

I'll pour one out for it tonight.

I wish I still had my childhood Commodore 64. Been on the lookout for one for a while now, but even the fixer-uppers are worth heaps. The days of $20 garage-sale specials are long gone!

6
Eaglereply
aussie.zone

I put a commodore 64 on my hard rubbish pile 20 years ago. Not proud of that now.

4

I do still have 2 Nintendo game&watch😹 batteries cost more than the hardware now!

3
aussie.zone

My dad bought a certain brand of keyboard for music, in the 80s, and he's accumulated many different ones now. I cannot remember the brand/model, but he sold it before I was born and kicks himself for it because 1) it's worth a lot now, and 2) he said it made the best sound and his current ones don't come close.

My dream if I win the lotto, would be to buy him a moog

4
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

70s/80s audio electronics were so much better, completely agree.

I luckily DO have my dad's old hifi setup, the sound is just -chef's kiss-

4

Not gonna lie it’s pretty awesome ☺️ And as a bonus, our 5 year old is becoming great at turning records over for me at the end of the side! Especially the Bluey picture discs 😄

2
Briongloidreply
aussie.zone

As fun as retro computing and gaming is, I've found emulation to fulfill that itch for a more reasonable price.

I use Qemu/KVM with virt-manager, I'm currently playing with Windows XP and trying to get games like AOE2, Warcraft3, etc running on it. Eventually I may get an old white LCD 4:3 monitor.

Retro handhelds like the Miyoo Mini Plus, Anbernic RG35XX-H & Trimui Smart Pro are cheap and fun portable retro game handhelds, they are becoming very popular and the firmware mods are getting better.

3

Yeah I’m also well into emulation. VICE for commodore stuff, and omg how good is exodos! WinUAE for Amiga. I still long for the actual hardware though, I’ve got an old DOS machine and love it, though even that is still a bit too “new” (it’s a PII)

2
aussie.zone

My husband had an IBM Original 286 that he still reminisces about to this day.

My first computer was an Amstrad

3
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

Friend of mine had an Amstrad, I remember it being wiiiiide. Nice machine though!

3

On the upside, emulators exist any I still can play Dark Castle and Fools Errand.

3

I’m really tired of the enshitification of clothes. You used to be able to wear, wash, even tumble dry a tshirt for years before it wore out. Now they go out of shape after a single wash. I would happily pay for good quality if it existed, but the extra $ for expensive brands is paying only for the logo, not quality. I’ve had a comedic realisation this is what it will be for the rest of my life, I don’t see clothes quality going back to how it was. RIP my wardrobe forever. Welcome to the future - no world peace, flying cars or spaceships. Just shitty tshirts.

13

I just wanted to let everyone know I may not be technologically gifted like youse but I can crochet a hat and make really good sandwiches. Ok.

13

There is a secret to being technologically gifted. Read the instruction manuals. n/k

5
aussie.zone

Daily Chair updoot.

the first cushion is completely finished yay

::: spoiler spoiler :::

12
aussie.zone

Hi. I'm from the University of Youveneverheardofit and I'm doing a project on bunyips. I was wondering if you could do my 35 minute survey. Thanks I appreciate it.

Thank fuck we don't get that shit.

15
aussie.zone

Lol, well good for them were not there then. Love seagoon calling for them to name names, as if they had the necessary amount of brain cells to rub together to remember our usernames haha

Edit: the issue with that place, and the site in general, is the bigots. Everytime something is posted there about housing or crime, it always turns to shitting on minorities/women. Cancerous.

7
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

I love calling people out and watching them squirm. 😂

3

Wife: "why did you buy three 5pk of Ferrero Rocher instead of a 16pk?"

Me: "because a 5pk is $5, while the 16pk is $18"

Wife:

Yeah usually the pricing structure is the other way around lol.

10

I can still taste things a bit but my sense of smell is 0%. Kids are feeling noticeably better though which is great 😅

In a further twist, instead of our friend giving COVID to Mr P, it may have actually been the other way around. An acquaintance of his wanted to come over and he told them they couldn't because COVID. Apparently they said (imagine flippant ditzy voice) "Oh I've had that for weeks! Can't seem to get rid of it!" And then proceeded to regale him with anecdotes about people they've seen in recent weeks, including their very elderly parents and people we've regularly been in contact with! 😠 Some people are just jerks.

10

Kids requested movie night and they got to pick.

We're watching Wayne's World and I've never been prouder.

It's such a snapshot in time and still holds up.

10
aussie.zone

I didn't participate in Dry July but I probably haven't had a drink in a month between all the colds and things I've had on

10
aussie.zone

I did not know if you want to share a picture you long press it, download it and it turns up in your gallery. Fffffff.....

Also the man bought me these because I've had a hard time finding these

9
aussie.zone

POLY WAFFLES OMG

When my mum was preggo with me, she went through a massive craving for polywaffles. Kept sending dad to the milkbar for more, until the owner started yelling about being sold out and stop coming back every ten minutes for more! 😂

I credit her craving for my love of chocolate ha. Where did he get them??

7
aussie.zone

Oh really. It's like a crispy shell filled with marshmallow and coated in chocolate. Still leaves you hungry though.

2
aussie.zone

My much-used travel mug developed a minor leak which caused it to drip on me every time I drank from it. I ordered a replacement yesterday (the exact same model) and thanks to the wonders of Amazon it was delivered today. The wonders of the modern age.

9

Kids these days. Back when I was a girl we didn't have that fancy internet thing and people delivering groceries to our door. At your age I walked to the supermarket, half an hour each way with a backpack every week. If I needed something I forgot I just had to do without.

I think the closest you got to food delivery in those days was a Christmas hamper. Or maybe pizza delivery, I think that started when I was still in school.

1

I am keen for this day to end. I am making a double cheeseburger for dinner and gonna watch that new Aussie show, Fake with Asher Keddie and David Wenham.

9
aussie.zone

First, she came after our Milky Ways...now the jubes...where will this madness end?!

9
aussie.zone

Oh dear! I don't mean to shit on anyone's bad taste but jubes belong on the bottom of the lolly jar with the jelly beans.

6
aussie.zone

Absolutely. I'm not keen on any soft lollies though, I'll happily throw jelly babies and snakes in that pile. I'll be over here with the chocolate.

4
aussie.zone

I used to love all the milk bottles, teeth and strawberries and cream. Either my tastes changed, the lollies changed or a bit of both because I haven't enjoyed them the same in years. Now I only get excited by dark chocolate coated liquorice or chocolate in general. Anyone remember wine gums? Mum used to buy all that sort of stuff, which nobody in the house liked.

3
aussie.zone

Toe update - doesn't seem like I've broken it. My god is it sore though, feels like I've overstretched all the muscles in my toe, foot, and shin. Still getting that weird pain every now and then, and I'm sure if I knock it on something birds will be disturbed 2 streets away.

8

Not as far as I know, other than splinting it to the toe next to it and try not to move it too much. A pinky toe even more so.

However, the big toe would definitely warrant a trip to ER/GP just because it helps with balance and walking. The pinky is less necessary.

6

I hope it's nothing too serious! I've gotten somehow caught up in backpack straps before, it's a weird way to have an injury isn't it! That brief wtf moment.

5

I've done something similar to my pinky toe before, smashing it hard into my camphor wood chest. 99% sure I broke it, but you can just splint it to the next toe. I would go to the docs/ER if pain and discomfort become persistent and unbearable, because if it is broken, there is a chance the toe bones have fractured and you may have a floating chip of bone in there. Keep an eye on it and your weight off it, splint it, and see how it goes.

4
Pilkreply
aussie.zone

Damn she's gonna feel bad when you drop her off out the front of a nursing home by herself

14
bull⚡reply
aussie.zone

Omg I can't express enough how much you should go on adventures. You will not regret it. The world is there to be experienced.

Sydney is the easier choice and a great milestone if you want to ease into your first solo trip. You could (and probably should) get around without having to think about a hire car. If you haven't been to FNQ or anywhere like it before, it is absolutely gorgeous. Depends on what kind of trip you're after.

Go Go Go!

5
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

“No way in hell are you going by yourself,

That is how parents instill anxiety and phobias in their children.

It's not acceptable.

The answer is. "I'm an adult, I don't need to have a chaperone"

And tell her you know lots of people who go on international holidays on their own and it's cool. ( people here )

4
aussie.zone

I had a chat with a recruiter about a job at an interesting place yesterday. It's a tyre company she described as a 'christian' business. I know the brethren are a weird christianity offshoot and like to run their own businesses in safe industries.

A tyre place back home is owned by the brethren, so maybe it's the same deal with this place. I wouldn't work there, but I'd almost prefer the transparency of going to work at a place where you're expected to act proper around your weird bosses instead of the modern places insisting everyone be friends and not being sure where the boundaries are.

8
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

Yeah my response would be "the fuck has religion got to do with tyres"

2
tombruzzoreply
aussie.zone

There has got to be a country song out there about Jesus driving a pickup truck

2
aussie.zone

I’m so annoyed. There were recipes I wanted to pass down but I haven’t made them in so long that I’ve forgotten stuff. (Had written it down but the paper is lost to the ether.)

8
aussie.zone

That's why I put them into google docs. The risk of losing them if I write them down is too great.

5

This was before I was big on internet.

Also part of the confusion is because I used to double it. It’s ok, I can look up the basic ratios and make an educated guess about the salt.

5
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

Every time I see your username now I'm like "thats a man who didnt finish BG3". And I want you to know it stresses me out haha I'm not mad, just disappointed.

4
aussie.zone

I will replay it one day, but can't be bothered at the moment. I did get to the underwater prison thing and just irritated with the turn based rescue mission.

2
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

That was tough. That’s about where I started to lose steam too. Worth seeing it through to its end though.

1
aussie.zone

I'll replay it eventually. Might change classes and shit.

Honestly Act 2 dragged on too much for me. The whole Shars gauntlet was just meh

1

Honestly I found arriving at the city the most tedious part. I just wanted it to be over. And the it was, and you sort of see it as the sum of its parts and it was amazing in retrospect.

1
aussie.zone

How do I do this so I can send one back? I need to learn nerd.

I meant nerdy techniques.

🍺

2
aussie.zone

I had shredded cardboard boxes and put more by the door to do when the recycling bin got emptied… but getting pakiges of necessary items just created more boxes. They’re breeding.

I’m trying to pull myself up and get all the niggling annoying stuff sorted but I’m just so lacking in energy.

8
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Breeding boxen at least don’t create random lids like randy tuppware does

6

Think I’m going to be cheeky today while I’m working between sites and stop off at the supermarket to do some shopping so I don’t have to do it after work today.

8

Took most of the day off and spent it out in the city, lunch and ACMI with visiting relatives. The free exhibition of the history of film and visual media is pretty neat and fun but a bit overstimulating for me. After all that walking around and interaction I am POOPED. Friend offered to catch up but pushed that to tomorrow because right now I can't wait to go home and sleeeeep.

Also finally tried Ceylon Wok and was duly impressed - especially at that price, what the hell? $12 for a decent feed with vegetables? Not bad at all

8
aussie.zone

Help? Boyo has gotten a pile of fines (some before I met him) and is in a very bad doom spiral. I ca’t fix this ad he’s refusing to even query what they are. Should I just shut up and let him bankrupt himself?’ Danger words have been said.

8
aussie.zone

I’m guessing it’s all too much to deal with and he’s shutting down? You can try a financial counsellor, some community centres have them free for low income earners

Edit: I don’t want to ask your area and can’t link google results on mobile but just search ‘financial counselling free victoria’.

I’m not sure what to do about him refusing to deal with it and the friction that results. I’ve had a few people coming for me for help but refusing actual assistance and it’s a very difficult situation.

You could pick one reputable number (one off the Consumer Affairs site or the Salvos) and write it on a post it. Or call them sitting with him.

But if he’s shutting down or lashing out then all you can do is remember that he’s an adult and responsible for himself. And check whether his finances affect yours.

8
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Thanks. His prior therapy people were for different things but I believe relevant. He’s refusing to even look up the ‘offence numbers If it’s car stuff he didn’t own one then. Simple? W$on’t try.

3
aussie.zone

Oh Catfish. I'm sorry to hear this. If it was me I'd be looking straight into his eyes and saying "You need to put your big boy pants on so we can sort this out together".

I do hope you find a solution ♥

8
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Thanks. That approachused to wrk now not so much.

6
aussie.zone

Tbh I'd be going more brutal. If he's not prepared to work it out he's gonna sink the both of you and you don't deserve that. I'm so sorry.

9
aussie.zone

Misha, standing between the cat bed and the window, staring down at her own shadow cast and screaming at me because the bed isn't in full sunlight.

7
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

I keep telling her I am not Pudge the weather fish but she's not getting the reference and I'm afraid to show her the movie in case she gets ideas.

6
Eaglereply
aussie.zone

You'd score a peanut butter sandwich on Thursday's though 😋

4

my fondness for tunafish jaffles would be an abomination unto myself tho

3

The taco spring rolls were great, but they were NOTHING compared to the mac and cheese spring rolls. Honestly the mac and cheese was a bit shit but wrapped in the crispy spring roll with the soft creamy interior? easily one of the best things I've cooked this year! right up there with my roux alfredo.

7
aussie.zone

BoM was saying 20's a few days ago for next week, bumped it down to 19 now we at 20's again why you gotta do me like that.

7

Sounds good. Might drag my viral arse out into the sun and sit there for a bit. Or pick some lemons, there's quite a few on my tree at the moment.

3

Gave in and went to the doctor about this cough that won't go away. She confirmed what I thought (a mix of sinus, reflux and general winter festiness) but I feel better having had someone confirm my lungs sound ok and it's not some other weird infection.

And the sinus spray and reflux stuff is apparently way cheaper on prescription so that helps! Bring on the warm days

7
aussie.zone

byoooodiful weekend, I can finally get that final front brick wall completed so of course my brain has decided HEY LETS GO PUT OPENWRT ON ALL THOSE ROUTERS YOU SCAVENGED AND MAKE THE MESH

7
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

Well you DO need well-functioning wifi to get to the mortar-mix-instructions/youtube-howto's after all.

2
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

I've already built half the bloody thing and I have well functioning Wifi, just with disparate SSIDs!

2
aussie.zone

Started watching Fake and it opens up on the bridge just outside of Flinders st station crossing the Yarra.

  1. It makes me a bit homesick

  2. It's weird seeing places I walked daily for work in a tv show.

I'm pretty sure the train line she rides on is one of the northern lines too.

7
aussie.zone

I watched Fisk just after the lockdowns ended I think but I could've sobbed watching it if I was away from Melbourne. I don't even live anywhere near North Melbourne!

5
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

My wife is of Italian heritage and tortellini is her favourite. She's sharpening her pitchfork as we speak 🤣

4
mysticgregreply
aussie.zone

Mention putting cream in carbonara to them, stand back, and watch them (rightly) explode :D

4
aussie.zone

I'm just reminded of that clip from the UK talk show with the chef making a dish, and the host says it tastes like British carbonara. He basically implodes 😂

3
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

It's not a dumpling. Dumplings are not stuffed pastries or stuffed pasta, dumplings are small balls of dough cooked in stew to be eaten with stew.

We don't called pierogi dumplings either do we?

It's just the co-opting of a word .

Is a bagel bread or is it a dumpling, eh?

What ignorant people call dumplings are mini pies that are boiled.

Tortellini is fancy pasta.

4
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

I think it's a modern problem. Bao have traditionally been eaten in soup/stew but a restaurant in Shanghai started calling steamed buns dumplings.

Bao means bag , it's a reference to filling, but dumpling is a reference to how it's cooked.

5
aussie.zone

I thought bao means bun. That's why you only need to say bao otherwise you are saying bun bun.

4

I'd say bao bao and blow their minds

Edit: saying "bao bun" is equivalent to saying "naan bread" or "chai tea"; it's basically saying "bread bread" or "tea tea".

Bao means bun in Cantonese, and bao is a Cantonese food.

3
aussie.zone

That's the joy of language and language evolution imo. Anyone ever heard of the great vowel shift haha

3
aussie.zone

Yes. The stuff of dinner table conversation in the family. My mum did her masters degree on Old English and Old Norse. Dad spoke fluent cockney, english and lowland scots depending on context. Tell me about it.

4
aussie.zone

Between 1400 and 1700, English went through a major vowel shift that changed the way words were pronounced. The pronunciation of Middle English long vowels changed into how we pronounce them today/has affected English worldwide, and well as consotant changes (silent letters come from this, knife used have the k pronounced, and this can actually still be heard in German as well. Kneipe (German for pub/bar), for eg, is pronounced with the k).

Example, in Middle English the word "house" was pronounced hu:s "hoos". With the Great Vowel Shift it changed to haʊs "howse".

3
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

I love Middle English. It can look like gibberish at first, but pretend to be drunk & Scottish 98% of it works. The other words are probably Danish.

3

My favourite pic displaying the evolution. Middle English is still almost parsable, but old english is basically old German haha

Also the change of implication. In middle English, God sets one down in the pasture, King James says God makes one lie in pastures, but Modern has God allows one to lay in the pasture.

And the change of feohland to pasture. I love this stuff so fucking much.

2
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

That's a very American argument. Americans, who use Simplified English, used dictionaries as a political tool in the war of independence and still do

They developed a descriptive dictionary so they can say their usage is just as valid 🙄

but the rest of the world, who use Traditional English, use prescriptive dictionaries so we can have agreed upon meanings and usage.

3

I can promise you that words changing meaning over time is not an "American Argument". Nothing to say what you mean by "American" (us, Canada, Argentina?) .

Language has changed all the time, via slang from the poorest, or the slang of the royals and powerful people throughout history.

We don't say *dyeu anymore, to refer to the sun-god of proto-indo-european times; we say "Zeus", "deity", "deva" or "Jupiter" (all come from *dyeu).

So I don't think the Americans had any say in that. Language and the evolution of language has happened endless times throughout history.

Example from Language Jones

https://youtu.be/BFgg-Gy0E2g?si=g4rNnyX7eu1DJx60

2
aussie.zone

Are hot dogs sandwiches then?

I always thought of dumplings as either dough balls, or dough balls stuffed with other things.

3

If served on a split long roll it is a hot dog. If you cut the roll horizontally it becomes a sub. Serve three cocktail frankfurts crosswise on a round roll and it is a burger. Sliced and served between two slices of bread it the only way it becomes a sandwich. Unless you then toast it and transform it into a toastie, or toast it in a special press and turn it into a jaffle. All completely different meals.

5

Baby girl has been picky even being fed the fancy little tins of cat food in crab flavour… I was starting to worry about her health. But I mixed in some of the new insanely expensive food (bought to be easier on her kidneys) and she’s eating it with relish.

Of course! She’s got good taste!

7
aussie.zone

Don’t buy anymore. A year from now, you will end up with half a dozen oregano’s and multiple same spices because you’re at the market and can’t remember what you have. So you buy yet another smoked paprika to add to the collection. I know I’m not alone on this.

7
aussie.zone

What is going on in your life?

My spice cupboard contents are my commodities.

4
aussie.zone

There is a very good reason why I don't. My daughter sometimes uses my spices and I hear my spices being dropped which hurts me.

What I am gonna do one day is make extra shelving. One day.

3
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Oh dear. I’m a klutz too, but it’s different if somebody else ruins stuff

3

I love her and everything and I'll keep feeding her but I don't like hearing clink clink clink boof oops don't worry.

2
aussie.zone

Garlic powder

Dill

Sechuan peppercorn (mouth numbing and spicy)

MSG - it's not bad for you, but will elevate your dishes

Rosemary, oregano, sage and thyme are good for meats and stews

6

That's a serious list there. I'd get some oxo beef cubes.

Others you might consider but not necessary: cinnamon sticks, tarragon, chives, smoked paprika, garam masala, basil, Italian mix, parsley, garlic powder.

5
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

Cajun is basically my go to. Yes you can make it yourself but the big jars of it last ages and honestly probably go in 1/2 the stuff I make anyway. Same goes with Pizza topper.

4
aussie.zone

Good list. I would add whole cloves to that list, and whole cumin seeds rather than ground. I would also use whole cardamom pods in preference to ground, but that's just me. One is usually enough to get that citrussy/eucalyptussy taste & fragrance. Buy the greenest ones you can find. You can also take off the outer husk and just use the seeds for a milder flavour. I would also add sumac to that list - middle eastern spice that adds tang and is very yummy with fish, vegetables and anything with cheese in it. I would also invest in a rosemary bush in a pot, so that you can use a few leaves here are there for meat dishes. Very yummy with lamb but also goes good with beef, but it's easy to use too much so a few leaves is much better than a whole sprig. Dried rosemary from the shop is a pale shadow of the real thing. Smoked paprika is versatile, goes on practically any meat/fish and is also good with vegetables - sprinkle on potato or cauliflower for a delicious flavour.

Star anise is nice in asian dishes, but I find the flavour very strong so I usually just break off one of the spikes of the star and just use that.

One of my fab faves is to grate a couple of big carrots, and put in a frypan with 3 cardamom pods and 1 clove and teaspoon of whole toasted cumin seeds, then fill up the pan to juuuussst cover the carrot with milk. Simmer on a VERY low heat stirring frequently until all the milk evaporates and the carrot goes mushy. Add about 1/3 cup of sugar or to taste (varies with the sweetness of the carrots) and stir in. You may not need any sugar at all if the carrots are very sweet. Enjoy as a dessert with icecream or smear thickly on a biscuit of your choice.

4

Yes whole cumin is different to ground - smells nicer imo. Good basic spice that goes with everything (nearly). The whole seeds are usually dry roasted in a dry pan until they change smell to delicious. The change is unmistakable. Sumac is available at most colesworths, and sometimes at Aldi, and is probably included in most middle eastern spice blends. Rosemary is fine on potatoes too - I like a bit on roasted potatoes, not so much on mash - but its natural partner is pumpkin.

1

A whole clove looks a bit like a lawn bindie. A small spike with a round thing ing a flower shape. The smell is unmistakable. There are some old traditions about covering lemons with them, one as a wardrobe moth detersnt, the other as a kissing game.

1
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

My fav thing to do with star anise is a braised beef stew thing.

Cubed cow. Brown the fuck out of it. Onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, dried orange rind, honey, soy, stock. Chilli if desired. Simmer until sticky. Rice of course.

4

I kind of don’t do exactness in cooking. I’m a pinch, handful, shake sort of Cook.

2
aussie.zone

Star anise has an aniseed taste. Kind of like liquorice but not that strong. Used in middle eastern and Asian stews and soups. It gives an added boost when used with other spices like cinnamon and cloves.

4

@CEOofmyhouse56 @Baku it also interacts interestingly with compounds in onions. A small amount, like one of the individual seed pods with the onions for a stew can add an interesting depth of flavour

2
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Whole spices keep better than ground ones generally. Asian grocers will be much cheaper than the supermarket, but you’ll be buying big quantities. Do consider the Australian natives; lemon myrtle and bush tomato especially.

4
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

I use star anise with my marmalade. After my make the marmalade before I put the lid on I put a star anise on top of the jam. It imparts a lovely flavour.

4
Duenanreply
aussie.zone

I like to use Mild Moroccan spices from Hoyt’s

Cloves and bay leaves for speghetti bolognaise sauce.

I have chicken salt. General seasoning and Italian herb mixes as well.

3
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

Ginger

galangal

mild madras curry powder

turmeric

big pepper grinder with a blend of different peppercorns

spaghetti herb and spice mix from Mediterranean Wholesalers

mace

mustard seeds

mustard powder

mushroom stock cubes

whole nutmegs

dried fenugreek leaves

fresh ground lemon grass in a tube

3

Galangal is almost ginger,harder to cut milder flavour. Mace is nutmeg skin, milder, more expensive. Fenugreek is … great for Indian food. Dunno how to describe it. Background thing that is good?

1
aussie.zone

It’s easy to go overboard on getting spices and they go stale/lose flavour quickly, so maybe build a collection up by starting with a few basics and then adding as you need them?

Or look up spice mixes you’re most likely to use (ie taco seasoning if you like tacos) and buy the stuff for those.

It all depends on what you cook!

You might not need star anise or sesame oil unless you’re cooking Chinese food that specifically asks for it, and the sesame seeds are a luxury sprinkle. I see bay leaves used in soup or maybe rice dishes.

The list looks pretty solid though.

I used to use ground coriander seed with cumin and onion in a rice dish but it’s not an essential.

Paprika comes in a few kinds so pick your favourite. There’s the plain sweet paprika which adds a lot of colour but just a little bit of a capsicum taste, smoked paprika which is stronger in a good way, and also a hot paprika I haven’t tried.

Some things you might like to have as well are soy sauce, fresh or jarred garlic, or white vinegar. Also lemon juice, honey, tomato paste… it depends

Also if you do anything sweet you might like to have some vanilla essence. It’s good even just in a microwave mug cake.

Ps. Don’t feel you have to force yourself to cook meals every day! And don’t be afraid to cook very simple food.

If you live alone it is a heavy expectation to manage, especially with work and study. A lot of people struggle to do it because historically there was an extra person at home handling all that.

2

Corriander leaf and ground are totally different things. If you have the gene that makes the leaf taste like soap the seeds are still fine

3

No probs!

Yeah back when I cooked I used to just batch cook once or twice a week. As I got more tired it was usually something one pot with frozen veg thrown in so I didn’t have to chop or have greens go slimy in the fridge.

Cooking decent meals is a struggle.

I have the soap gene and the coriander seed was ok but it was only added because it was called for.

2

@[email protected] star anise is this one which I usually use in making masala’s for meat dishes like curries and Briyani. It kind of adds ooomph to the masalas. Without it masala’s taste light. This kicks up the taste to feel more heavy, if that makes sense.

Usage personally is a broken one (like half) for a masala that goes with 1/2kg of meat (or a meal for 2-3 people), it could be one full one if not ground up and used as is in things like briyani.

I always feel its flavour is wasted when not ground up. But in a briyani it could make sense if you need the extra heat, but don’t want to consume the spice (like a first time user).

Sorry for the data dump. Got a bit excited 😜

2

Did a bit more of the retaining wall this morning before heading down the bellarine. A bit more head scratching than anticipated. But so far it's bang on level. When that little spirit level bubble looks at you all lovingly from the centre there's an internal squeal of 'eee thank fuck I'm not re-doing that'.

Body is ruined after the last few days though and now I have to do some mowing :(

6
aussie.zone

the irony of NASA having issues with a starliner, a Boeing vehicle is just delicious! They dont work great IN the atmosphere I'm not sure why we thought they'd do better in orbit.

6

"And look, we're so efficient, we built the thing and had four bolts left over! That's real savings, those things are expensive!"

9

I appear to have burnt myself out on art but despite the block the desire is still there.

I’m just so constantly exhausted and not feeling good or stressed out

6
aussie.zone

New toy day! A shame it comes completely dead in the box so you can't even turn it on until it charges for ages. Probably the first product I've ever got which didn't have some charge in it.

6
aussie.zone

A new gas meter was installed at my house and the readings are wild. My gas has been switched on with the new meter for just over 24 hours and if this reading started at 0, I've used over 2000m3 of gas in that time apparently. My previous reading for 28 days, I used 51m3. Something is very wrong here.

5
aussie.zone

Call the gas company/distributor and you can report a fault. They may try to palm you off to your energy provider, but you should be able to explain what you have here and they can send someone out.

I remember a whole bunch of org rules (like paying for the service which will be refunded if the meter is actually found to be faulty, etc) but I'm not sure if they apply here.

Definitely check with your gas distributor

4
tone212_reply
aussie.zone

Thanks! I called the gas company and they put me through to AusNet who installed the new meter. They're sending someone out tonight to check if there's a leak. There has to be, or this meter is giving faulty readings, because the usage is just not possible. I also switched the gas off at the meter just in case.

5
aussie.zone

Perfect, wasn't sure where you are so I didn't want to say ausnet (used to work for them).

Fantastic they're sending someone out! Great news! Get some documentation if you can as well, to show your energy provider, in case they issue a bill or anything. Just a paper trail to say it was the fault of installation. :) ausnet should tell your provider though internally, they'll get a list iirc

5
tone212_reply
aussie.zone

Loving this insider knowledge! I freaked out thinking the gas company is going to try and claim that I used that much gas and make me pay for it, and the first person I spoke to at the gas company only heightened my anxiety. He put me through to someone more senior who was way more helpful, straightaway she said based on those numbers there's a problem. I've got several meter reading photos from the past 24 hours, and my bills with evidence of past usage to show how out of line this new meter is reading at.

3

I've worked for Tru Energy, Energy Australia, Ausnet, Alinta, and Horizon Power, so I have a massive knowledge base lol but mostly for Vic, NSW and WA.

With that evidence you have, and any documentation from Ausnet, you can ensure you won't be overcharged if ausnets data doesn't make it to your provider, or it isn't actioned before your next bill.

Your provider may say it will work itself out in the next actual read of your meter, but you should be able to get it adjusted with a self-read. They may ask you to provide photo evidence of your meter reading, which it sounds like you have.

Once it is fixed and you have the documentation, save it and call your provider and go over your options. Don't be afraid to politely ask for a senior, as they will have more authority (generally) to action changes/input your self read. Your consultant may push back before giving you to a senior, but that's because their Team Leader and Management have KPIs and one of them is reducing "escalations".

Let me know if you need further advice!!

3

Lol, heard some high idiot in the alley spewing nonsense drivel. Apparently he verbally attacked some random woman down there, and my neighbour saw and called the police.

Now I can hear him arguing with the officers 😂

Meth is wild these days

5
aussie.zone

If it's the alleyway incident I'm aware of you now have the full Emergency Services trifecta. If so it could be a good opportunity to get together with your neighbour for a flashing light disco, it's not every day you get free coloured strobe lights.

6

Fantastic haha! I went inside before I heard the end of it, and I can't see well from my balcony bc of my privacy bamboo-screen thing. But thank you for sending the po po to talk the nutter down.

Drug use out here is wild af

3

even better is to make plans for the future ( this is cbt 101 )

so ask her what plans she has, doesn't have to be world shattering, it could be anything, but make sure it's a definite thing

4

I must really overestimate people's intelligence. There a YT sub dedicated to these docs fishing hearing aid batteries and such out of people's ears.

5
aussie.zone

I have to write like three paragraphs to finish off this client letter and every single word is taking an age. Must be friday

5

I have class from 430 - 630 and I can feel my brain shutting down already.

The blessing is with this teacher she knows it's Friday Arvo/evening and has us do a kahoots game lol

4

Do something else then come back to it.

But tell yourself you WILL do it.

3

Watching the men's climbing final and the commentary just kicked in halfway through the lead climbing (the boulders earlier had nothing but the PA st the arena..

...I think...someone at channel 9 just...forgot to flick a switch??

With or without the commentary it's still awesome

4

Ack. Need to sort out something wit my car insurance and this is the 2nd day I’ve gotten the same person who seems very inexperienced.

Guess I’ll call back tomorrow and hope I get someone different.

4

I hope I haven’t made a mistake tipping for Collingwood tonight.

changed it last minute before the bounce.

4
aussie.zone

Coles coffee has become weaker over time even if I select the strongest setting so I've been experimenting with my own recipe. 1 shot of macchiato and a medium cappuccino in large cup. Regular strength on both. If you go too strong it becomes bitter.

You are welcome.

4
aussie.zone

For some reason 7/11 coffee makes me feel nauseous afterwards. I don't know why.

3

I stopped drinking caffeine but had a few cheeky 711 coffees a few years ago… it is weirdly acidic with a note of rubber. Not awful but definitely a bit acid on the stomach. And seemed very caffeinated.

At that price point it’s probably all Robusta

3

I really did not know there was a recipe difference between Savoy and Jatz.

Where on earth does the name Jatz come from?

4
aussie.zone

The Daily Chair. I have some strong canvas for the underside of the chair and today I tidy up the cover and staple the canvas. This is to protect the springs and mesh and protect the edging of the covers. Photos will follow.

And it's tiring using the staple gun, they are made for a man's hand and it's difficult to get a strong grip because I can't reach my fingers around the grip well.

4

I've sometimes had to use two hands to use a staple gun, some of them are really tricky to use.

Or you'll really have to get your hand right around the trigger to apply enough force.

3
aussie.zone

Cant find much on them besides their ABN being created in 2018, and they are located in NSW.

I'm not paying ASIC for the data either - I miss when I worked at the SRO and had free access 😭

3
aussie.zone

Beep Beep 🚚
🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍈🫐🍓🍇🍉🍌🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥦🥑🫛🍆🍅🥝🥬🥒🌽🥕🥐🍠🫚🥔🧅🥯🍞🥖🥨🧀🧇🥞🧈🍳🥚🥓🥩🍗🍖🫓🍕🍟🍔🌭🥙🧆🌮🌯🥗🍲🍜🍝🥘🍛🍣🍱🥟🦪🍥🍘🍚🍙🐠🍤🪼🦀🐙 🍗🥮🍢🍡🍧🍰🧁🥧🍦🍨🎂🍮🍭🍬🍫🥜🌰🍪🍿🍯🥛☕️🍵🍺🍶🥤🧋🧃🥂🍷🥃🍸🍹🧉🔋

3
aussie.zone

Some middle-earth King James tortellini dumplings or whatever, I don’t know what’s real anymore .

4