Spyke

We had to say goodbye to this beautiful furry girl today, and now there’s a cat-shaped hole in the house.

She was not herself over the last 2-3 weeks, then went downhill rapidly in the last couple of days. Its only been a few hours and I keep expecting her to pop up and demand food or that the bath tap be turned on.

We got her 2nd hand from Lort Smith and had her for 12 years, so she had a good, very pampered innings. She was definitely boss of the household.

Could everyone please give their pets an extra squeeze for me this evening.

E: Thanks everybody, I really appreciate all your kind thoughts 🧡

20

🫂 my condolences, it is hard enough leaving a pet behind when it's someone else's but your own - the hole is real. She was such a beauty. You did right by her, sending her off with love and gifting her such a wonderful life

4

I am so sorry. It is the hardest part of loving these furry creatures. ❤️ She is so pretty, and I love her little love heart nose!

4

Are you sitting down right now? Is it painful? No? Enjoy that.

This comment is brought to you by an allergic reaction to haemorrhoid cream.

14
aussie.zone

This has to be the deliberate malice of a hostile universe. Have you considered whether or not you've been cursed by someone? Just in case, I'm sending you some curse correction vibes over the aether. May not have much effect on the cream or the haemorroids, but it makes me feel better.

9

apparently the butt wipers are pretty allergenic too , paper is best

3

Imagine that, but the remedy hurts even more. It's that psychological betrayal that really adds salt to the wound.

3
aussie.zone

Herbs are a good choice. Fresh herbs are great to have for cooking and tend to be the best value for money as plants go.

Planted is the correct term - sowing is for seeds, planting for plants. If you get really into gardening you might also get to use "pricking out" which is moving very tiny sprouted seedlings into pots.

7
aussie.zone

Looks good! They’ll settle their roots in and grow happily.

If you find the parsley doesn’t perk up, that’s normal, just keep picking leaves from the outside and new ones will grow upright from the centre.

It should be fine. Only mention it because I once had to do that with a supermarket rescue parsley. When I took the supporting cellophane off the pot the whole thing looked like it had fainted and drooped outward.

5
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

Looking good!

One thing to bear in mind, planters lose water faster than in the ground. You want to be careful on high sunlight days, as water can magnify sun rays (so leaves with water droplets on them will scald), so try and get the ground around them. Mulch is your friend, will stop evaporation from the top layers.

If it's a REALLY hot day, no matter how much water you give them they may look wilty - this is normal. Plants will pull water out of their leaves in high heat so they don't boil. Check how they look when the sun goes down, you should see them starting to plump back up as the plant sees the boiling danger has passed.

3

no worries, had to talk His Lordship out of a tree more than once when that's happened! particularly leafy greens are a bugger for it, they have hundreds of fine capillaries all through the leaf that carry water. Generally check on them when the suns at the level it is now - plenty of light left, no heat, no blaze. If still wilty then, water. And don't be afraid to stick a finger in the soil! up to about the middle knuckle - the top end of your finger should have lovely damp soil sticking to it, if not, water deeply

1

dingus (dixie cup) and donut (carl from yesterday's sister) having a little kip on shady boy

edit: hours later, still going on, another pic

12

Cat cafe. Sushi. Churros. Train rides. Far better day than what yesterday was.

Cat tax!

12
aussie.zone

Kiddo's started to accept hugs. Up until now if he is being held he wants to be facing away from you so he can see the world. But lately he's been ok with facing your chest and having a little cuddle. And it is AMAZING. Even if you end up with a t-shirt covered in drool.

12
aussie.zone

Please be forewarned that the cooker rally is occurring this Saturday (as usual) but on the theme of "NO TO THE VOICE" (not usual).

It is possible that the rally will be bigger than the tiny handful of folks it had dwindled to, particularly because this weekend will be seen as a response to the Walk for Yes. It will interrupt various tram lines in the city from late morning through to late afternoon. Plan accordingly.

11
aussie.zone

I really hope that they won't be around during PAX, though I imagine they will because I think the next weekend is the vote.

::: spoiler cw: conspiracy theories and just cookers being cookers But Gods, last year my partner and I went out to do things after PAX and we went to Coles and as we stepped out, all of them were there. Which is weird that they were doing a protest at like 10pm. Now, I had a step parent (now ex) who while living/married with my mum was an absolute tosser. Believed vaccines caused autism because his half brother was diagnosed with autism after his vaccines (because that's when they usually will occur but who cares about science), conspiracy theories out the whazoo, Alex Jones was often screaming through the house because the ex-stepdad didn't believe in headphones (not like a they don't exist thing, just he never wore them).

Like absolute nutter. There's also other stuff, but I won't get into it. Anyways, I now have PTSD because of him and so I was having pretty much a panic attack because of these cooker's screaming and carrying on. My partner IIRC was wearing a skirt that day and they aren't a cis woman to put it like that. So yeah, it was a pretty shitty situation, but there was a woman who was talking to me about how she was picking up her grandson because he went to PAX and she was telling me about him. And it really calmed me down. But yeah, I just, do not want to experience that shit again but I imagine I might if I go towards Flinders St and stuff. :::

4
aussie.zone

Sometimes I wish these sovereign citizens would go form their own country. On an island.

7
aussie.zone

Same. It's just tiring. Especially since they're screaming about ... lockdowns? Even though we haven't had one in like what? Two years! Give it a break.

6

Yeah. They’ve milked that and are now looking for other things :( I’m really hoping they don’t get sucked in to the nazi and/or anti trans protests

1
Pilkreply
aussie.zone

They might be near PAX if there happens to be early voting taking place at the MCEC. But it would be illegal for them to interfere with the voting process... so in theory any shenanigans would be shut down quickly.

5
aussie.zone

Oh yeah there might be early voting. I can't seem to find if there is going to be voting at the MCEC, but we might find out soonish. I may as well kill two birds with one stone if there is an early voting area.

2
aussie.zone

AEC website says early voting doesn't start until October - 2nd at the earliest. So won't be happening this weekend. Expect the anti-Yes vote to ramp up as soon as the GF is over.

2

Yeah that's what I'm expecting. I just, ugh. I know that like obviously I have a bias, and if it isn't obvious by now well... But like can these cookers just fuck off? It's so tiring. No one is listening.

The fact that their parties and leaders of all those looney parties got fuck all votes really shows.

2

I'm still confused as to how the referendum got turned into a party politics issue. Over here, it had bi-partisan support until the LNP bosses told the local LNP people (there are about 5 of them) they had to be "No" supporters.

Meanwhile, Julie Bishop (Who is probably still WA's most popular LNP figure) is able to be visibly supporting the "yes" campaign, because she is not bound by LNP rules any more. It boggles the brain.

Edit: I should mention that The Local Nationals have Mia Davis. She was leader of the Opposition here (yes, there are more Nationals Members than Liberals. The Nationals are currently the senior coalition partner) when they were told to back "No". Then this and she has since resigned as leader of the opposotion and won't contest her seat in 2025. I like her.

3

Aww damn. Please look after yourself and give yourself some self care.

Here’s some fishies for you.

🫙 🐟 🐠

5
aussie.zone

Well never in my years would I expect to be throwing echium, cherry blossom, jasmine and no fucking idea what the other thing is in a fridge to test cold tolerance for my brothers' wedding and here we are.

So far so good.

I am doing this, the flowers will be put with other bought flowers (that's going to be fun), and they will all be REAL flowers fuck yo' fake flowers I got this.

I am not going to be bitter about it but I am losing a lot of flowers and monies and fridge space.

11
Baconreply
aussie.zone

I am now expecting you to tell us that you just found out from the grapevine that you are responsible for catering.

6
Eaglereply
aussie.zone

Shhh, we weren't going to let that slip until 9pm Friday night.

4
Baconreply
aussie.zone

2 hours before it starts we'll hint to him that he has to book the venue.

6
Eaglereply
aussie.zone

And queue up a spotify play list to be the DJ.

6
Baconreply
aussie.zone

Played from his phone because they only tell him when there is no music playing when the bride starts walking.

4
aussie.zone

you people just aren't helping at all.

They'll probably ask me to do a speech. I mean I have one but it's probably better if they don't..

4

I was going to ask how good your photography skills are......

3
aussie.zone

Well, it might be inconsiderate and inconvenient, but you do now have a really pretty fridge.

5

heh I was thinking this morning when grabbing the milk "that.. that actually looks quite nice."

And they easily survived the night so hooray.

6

Just had a wander around the garden with the new phone testing the camera, I'm very impressed. Amazing zoom and very clear photos. Past me that thought putting cameras in phones was a silly idea and that it would be one of those things that didn't catch on was so, so wrong.

10

My whole brain is in overdrive from too many stimulating chemicals but I have finally remembered to eat (yay!) and I crossed out one thing that was making me really anxious, after finally getting off my arse to investigate instead of spiraling I have determined that my firestick does still work (double yay!), it's just that particular power outlet on the board has died since I left and came back.

Feeling the "you are okay and the world is okay" chemicals coming back in again. Phew

10

having a tough time focusing today. My heads a mess of noises and distractions. Just keep taking regular breaks and chipping away at what I've gotta do.

9
aussie.zone

I'll be there in a month!

I am definitely not looking forward to the humidity ... hoping it cools a little by mid-October. But it's a small price to pay to be in one of my favourite places on this planet.

What are your plans while you're there?

2
aussie.zone

Update - I still have a job but my work standard has been slipping and they’ve noticed. Directors told me I won’t be progressing to where I want to get within the business and so I should think about moving on. Then they offered to help me with finding a new position - using their contacts etc. Has anyone previously told their employer they’re planning to leave before they actually resign? I feel like this is a trap.

8

Has anyone previously told their employer they’re planning to leave before they actually resign? I feel like this is a trap.

If they aren't happy, and you aren't happy, and they can find somewhere for you to go and no longer be "their problem" that's honestly probably their best option.

9
tone_212reply
aussie.zone

Well they read me a list of all of these things I’ve done wrong in their eyes over the past few months. Some of which was just not right but I shut up and took it for the most part. I guess telling me what I did wrong was support? I dunno. The forum for delivering their message in a super serious meeting didn’t feel like support, it felt like being disclipined. Then told me that you must not be happy here and we can help you move on. I didn’t get the sense they wanted to do anything to improve outcomes, they just want me gone. A really shitty situation.

5
aussie.zone

Ted Cat still has a very swishy tail. I think it will take weeks for him to settle. But otherwise he seems sweet. 😊😊

8

The feliway friends diffuser works a treat to help settle new critters in. It lasts about a month. When we introduced Pepper to our established 2 cat household, we were told 3 days for them to decompress (especially when the new cat has had some trauma), 3 weeks for them to get used to each other and at 3 months its as good as it will be. We're 6 weeks in and no longer have any flight risk kitties, but one of the older cats is still not a fan but they will exist in the same space.

5
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

Ted is pretty friendly considering I'm still a stranger. Bill Cat is not so easy.

2
lemm.ee

Who needs an elephant stamp today? I didn’t totally burn my papoadums.

8
Catfishreply
lemm.ee

More there are too many bits that didn’t bubble. Edible but, fail really.

3

Ah. Yeah some of them don't do it very well. Some have to be deep fried, others are great in the microwave

3

Had a really good chat with someone today about work related stuff and my head asplode. I sometimes wish I wasn't my own worst enemy when it comes to taking risk and believing in my strengths. But I feel like this conversation helped me move past some of that, wake up to what might truly be possible when enough people have told me it is, AND it is scary... but I'm realising it might be a much more interesting kind of scary.

It's like that line from Succession. "I wonder if the sad I'd be without you would be less than the sad I get from being with you." But replace sadness with anxiety

8

The people in front of me at Coles bought a shitload of Glen 20. Either it's for their shop or they're covering up a dead body smell. I will judge you.

8

Ha! That played in the car just before and I didn't think anything of it.

4

yes, tomorrow, 22 September in the year 1400, by Shire reckoning, is the day Bilbo Baggins started to write "There and back again, A Hobbit's tale,

4
Baconreply
aussie.zone

Permission to eat pizza
This is to certify that fullkitwanker is allowed to eat one (1) pizza today (September 21).
Sincerely,
Bacon

9

It's been a while since I posted a ditty,
A little rhyme both offbeat and witty.
I know I haven't posted much,
Since I started working hard.
I wrote this out twice, it shall suffice,
Some inspiration, into me, I will entice.

7

Got plans to go dancing tomorrow night; Night of Power III is happening again at the Brunswick Artist's Bar, 7.30PM tomorrow.

If you go, you'll get to meet me! The Legendary Spud 💜

7
aussie.zone

doc back home prescribed me some ventolin-adjacent pills
topped up at the pharmacy when i finished
work like a charm
ain't even registered outside of asia
structurally similar to meds that doesn't trigger my inherited debuff
but of course no definite info
brought some here
no doubt expired

i'll risk it tonight

7
Baconreply
aussie.zone

Just been coughing so hard for a week my throat feels a little swollen/inflamed. Time to bring out the high power stuff but I'm not 100% sure whether I can take this med with my new debuff.

4
Cendanareply
lemm.ee

Take it easy Bacon.

A lot of people here also dropping off sick. Half of my team at work plus my wife all down with a flu or cold.

4

Thanks! Yeah looks like the whole city has a non covid thing going. Glad to have it now and not in two weeks when I get BUSY.

5
aussie.zone

Torn between providing feedback on the project I'm currently working on and not bothering because it'll fall on deaf ears anyway (and ultimately, do I care - it's just fuel for the fire when it comes to eventually getting out of here).

6
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

interesting conundrum. If you dont say anything, you're kind of part of the problem, but also you gotta look out for your mental health and if its gonna fall on deaf ears anyway whats the sense in stressing yourself out.

Personally, I'd not say anything.

5
aussie.zone

Yeah that's where I'm at. In the past I've been pretty vocal because we were always told "it would be for the betterment of the team's success and longevity" and what not. But when you start seeing the same issues it's like, well... why the fuck do I bother?

4
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

Yep. I know exactly the feeling at the minute. I was asked to join X team. I said "Not if I report to Y", they said "We know, he can be a pain, we're working on it". I said Ok, I'll give him a chance. And they've proceeded to prove exactly why I asked not to report to Y in the first place, and I dont even report to them yet.

Gearing myself up for the conversation where they go "You now report to Y" and I go "Yeah... no thanks. He's an asshole, gave him a chance and hes shown no interest in working with me or listening to me".

2
aussie.zone

I will never understand fully how people like Y get promoted to positions when it's clear they're not fit to manage a loaf of bread. Like... I get why/how they end up in those positions, but the whole corporate model (which also extends to government because government runs everything like a business these days) is to fail upwards, get to a position where you can't be moved, and then repeat the same mistakes with those beneath you.

2

I can tell you exactly. His boss left unexpectedly. they were forced to promote the guy. And because he is good at the technical stuff they call it good enough, ignoring the fact that its already cost them one staff member and will likely cost them more by the time its all done.

1

I purchased a massive Annie Leibovitz coffee table book called Wonderland. Every single page is astonishing. Highly recommended.

6
aussie.zone

Melbcat still isn’t eating her biscuits. The pieces are unusually hard so wondering if this is a repeat of the last brand.

I may be looking at some steep vet bills though if the problem is her teeth. If so I’m about to become more frugal than usual. But we overcome.

6
aussie.zone

Unfortunately she doesn’t like them soggy, also the bacteria on the surface of the food multiplies fast in soaked food

3

Quite tired but popped down to the Thai place nearby for takeaway, and it was a very good decision. Pad thai, beef fried rice, and fantastic prawn crackers.

Well fed and ready for bed.

6
aussie.zone

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

6
aussie.zone

A light breakfast of grace and charm, which I am sure you have available in abundance. With lots of hot tea too please.

4
aussie.zone

I can't decide today. Can I have whatever is on the menu immediately before whatever the next person orders?

4

Perfect. I'll channel my inner Tony Abbot, then repel the cat's advances all day with my onion breath.

4
aussie.zone

What do you call it when you make a bolognese but instead of mince you put prawns in? Anyway that's what we had for dinner spaghetti prawnese.

6

I think it’s just spaghetti prawn marinara.

That’s what is call it.

2

Testing the ageratum in the fridge like rational normal people do:

I do have my doubts about that one but we'll find out.

6

I fell asleep and was late pulling the seedlings in last night. This morning I put my hands under the pot lip to take them back outside, and… off fell a snail.

Just like I told you. They’re quick 🐌

6

You might have a sore throat for a week 🤷‍♂️ you should eat some tinned fish (not related to the sore throat l, just a general suggestion)

4
aussie.zone

I’m stuffed after a meat pie with veggies and some French fries.

Dare I make an after dinner perculator coffee?

5
aussie.zone

I still envy your ability to enjoy a late coffee! I unwisely had two today - both relatively late, but I was swept up in excitement, and they tasted so good - and now I feel jittery as hell

6

Well let’s be honest. I get a feeling I won’t be sleeping too early if I make this.

When I used to spend a lot of time with my step family they always after dinner coffee fresh from the stove.

3

Definitely is. Ok I’m caving. Pray for me I might not be sleeping tonight

2

Having a couch day after way to much driving yesterday so I'm filling my time rewatching old Outnumbered eps, and man I forgot how un-pc the first few seasons are due to the time period. Also I usually dont pay any attention to this stuff but it came up when I IMDB'd the show, Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner ended up going for it after the shows end, wild!

5

Exercises have been done after having eaten my vege dahl and rice and homemade chicken nugs, and I wish I'd done them this morning.. I got caught up in laundry and kitchen things, and then realised we were out of Miniest Peeler's fave cheese (Great Ocean Road Extra Tasty. She won't eat any other cheese 🤷🏻‍♀️). So off we went on an adventure of sorts to buy cheese and ended up also buying a gigantic bear from Vinnies, I mean this thing is taller than Eldest Minipeeler. So we had to carry it home on the bus; it was cumbersome so I ended up with it's legs over my shoulders and it's head bumping my bottom as I walked. I bought new shower curtains which liven the bathroom up a bit, and also a long roll of non slip stuff to put under the hallway runner as it's always moving around and annoying me because I have to fix it, or trip over the bumps. Now I'm tired and just want to go to bed but Eldest wants to play a game and cracked the shits that I don't feel like it 🤦🏻‍♀️ so now I feel bad!

5

Me: Notices two guys I've slept with follow each other on Instagram.
My brain: Here, have an illogical anxiety flare right at bedtime.

5
aussie.zone

Anyone know where I can purchase 1 small (~5mL) travel amber glass spray/atomiser bottle at a retail store anywhere either close to Highpoint or the inner city?

Exactly like this, unfortunately any that are available are like 50mLs or so but I just need a tiny one

https://www.craft360.com.au/collections/atomiser-spritzer-bottles/products/amber-glass-bottle-atomiser-spritzer-5ml?variant=40688124887155

https://naturalgoodlife.com.au/products/5ml-amber-glass-spray-bottle

Thanks!

4

I've purchased something like this at Daiso in the past. I haven't specifically seen one lately though.

3

Sometimes they are included in a travel bottle set, check chemists warehouse or similar in their travel section. Will be plastic though.

3

Unfortunately tough to find in brick and mortar, it all seems to have gone online. There’s a packaging place that sells them but it’s in Hallam. https://www.sunnypack.com.au/

Best bet is to try aromatherapy and essential oil places, or chemists

If it doesn’t have to be amber you can buy clear glass spritzers in chemists or some perfume places sell them (intended for giving samples)

3
aussie.zone

It is finally Spring Equinox. When will it get warm? I’m tired of the months of rainy, chilly weather. Need warmth to lift my mood.

3
Pilkreply
aussie.zone

We just had eight days in a row over 21°?

8
Reonnreply
aussie.zone

True, we did. But I think my mood needs days over 25°. More of those please.

3
aussie.zone

Work prompted us to start thinking about taking leave over the xmas/ny break (same as every year) and it seems like a good idea to start planning for it now rather than leave it until the last minute like I did last year. Every year before last year I was in a position at work where I could justify being essential support staff while others went off on leave, then I'd take my leave when they got back from school holidays. Last year and now this year I'm no longer in a support role so I had to and have to take some leave.

Last year I ended up paying a fortune in hotels doing a road trip up to the gold coast and back because it's the most popular time of the year to travel and hotels do be gouging. I was lucky enough to win it all back gambling but you can't bank on that happening.

The last thing I want is to be sitting here alone in my apartment as the new year rings in, as I have a few times before, so what to doooo... drop some coin and go on a cruise? Another road trip?

If you had a couple of weeks to fill and money isn't really a consideration, what would you do?

3

One summer many years ago I was planning on flying to Hobart, but the flight was diverted to Burnie. I hired a bike from a shop on the main street there, and cycled my way down the east coast to Hobart. Stayed in B&Bs overnight, who were kind enough to do me up a packed lunch for the next day. Put bike on the bus back to Burnie when I got to Hobart, and, after a few days there, flew back to Melbourne. Was totally spontaneous and rather delightful. Not sure one could do this nowadays but back then was definitely before the airbnb revolution. One of the most charming chuckles I've ever had was overheard in one of those B&Bs - the manager telling the cook to make a lunch for the visitor from Australia.

9
aussie.zone

Man, I'm in the Stranger Things brainrot that I want the Scoops Ahoy ice cream from Coles. But not for $10.

3
aussie.zone

$10? Man, the price of icecream is crazy generally speaking. In this house we loooove icecream but I only buy it when it's half price now.

I loved Stranger Things! But not enough to buy $10 icecream. Think I'll stick to listening to Master of Puppets occasionally.

5

Yeah there's a bunch of stuff Netflix is doing with Coles, and like half of me wants the Stranger Things stuff (like the icecream and there's pizza too), but like... for 1L? No thanks. Capitalism really popped off today!

3
aussie.zone

Anyone tried Mr. Damascene? Last time I walked past it was a cafe called Miss Margaret.

2
aussie.zone

Yes, I've eaten there. The coffee is middle eastern in style and BLOODY strong! Which is fine if you like it that way. They also do a generic midday meal for a fixed price - your choice of chicken, veg or beef. The serve is generous and the price is super cheap for a full plate. Their pastries are legit but not fashionable. Middle eastern home cooking is the vibe.

2