Spyke
aussie.zone

Well in some cruel twist of fate I found out that my grandma is declining and probably wont last much longer as she’s stopped eating and drinking.

I did a rat last night and today. It’s a requirement for visiting a nursing home.

Last night negative, today this evening positive.

Explains why I’m feeling rubbish but I won’t be able to see my grandma. Maybe for the last time as well.

13

I've been here - try and make a call.

I'm not sure my uncle even knew who the fuck he was talking to, but he knew that he was loved.

9
aussie.zone

There's something about a sunny day which makes a sujuk and tasty cheese gozleme irresistible to me

11

Hooray I'm looking after Hambam the border collie himbo in a few weeks for a few days.

I thought I was getting the cold shoulder from my aunt (himbos owner) because I fed it all the wrong foodz. Not the case so don't worry hambam eye fillet on pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan is still on the menu.

Wonder if he remembers me...

11

I've done it! I've completed my first week and I managed to attend my first meeting without making a tit of myself.

This weekend I die, and by die I mean sleep for like 48hrs straight.

11

Ah, I see we are now allowed to name the high profile man in the Toowoomba rape case. Oh, his poor mental health.

10
aussie.zone

Grouse! I love how you get into Halloween so much! (or is this a normal day at catfish residence?)

3

Cat costumes are very unusual, aside from the walking vests the wings are pinned to. Halloween is easy, we’re a Goth + Punk pair so the house has plenty of stuff to utilise

4
aussie.zone

Interesting....I reached out to the Hoyts spice guys because I wants my damned chicken sprinkle umami and..

We are waiting on the go ahead to range this product once again in the major supermarkets.
We anticipate that a decision will not be made till early next year now.
Sorry, that I cannot be more specific, however the decision rests on the procurement team of the 2 majors.

fucking. Colesworth.

9
aussie.zone

The independent Four Cousins supermarket at Parkdale Plaza (corner of Nepean and White Street in Mordi) has a great range of 'erbs and spices, including Hoyts.

5
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

so does my local foodworks, and Europa up the road,....but they have no chicken sprimks. It's all a game of volume and those fuckers hold the stakes. shakes angry fist at the sky

3
aussie.zone

I'm going to Parky Plaza shortly to get tequila from Dan's, so I'll have a look in 4 Cuz for you

5
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

sound the horn if sprinks be found. I've been all over the southeast with no joy.

(Although I did find a local that stocks kilo bags of various pizza herbs that His Lordship will go fucking ham on with his ooni)

3
aussie.zone

Hey, just got back and sorry to say they didn't have any either. There wasn't even an empty space on the Hoyts display rack where sprinkles would be. They did have the Fancy Hanks brand chicken salt, but I suppose that's not the same thing?

2

Goddamn corporate lingo using "range" instead of "stock" now to sound more actionable

5
aussie.zone

Translation : Hoyts weren't willing to pay an extra fee for shelf space in colesworth. Bidding wars suck from a consumer's perspective. Just fine fine fine for colesworth.
I'll check Piedmonte's on the way home today - curious about this sprinkle myself.

4

it is fucking delicious I don't know what they put in there, but the texture is absolute top notch. It's godly on popcorn and you could just about drown a parm in that stuff with zero regrets

2
aussie.zone

I'm three hours behind, but in three hours my brother arrives, and he will probably nearly die from the heat and humidity, so we will celebrate by turning on the air conditioning in the living room for him.

7
aussie.zone

No booze in my mum's house unfortunately. But a nice tall glass of coconut water, definitely

5
aussie.zone

The box just says "1:18 scale WWII Army Field Car Jeep". To me at least, it looks like a Willy MB because the front ends rounded. Was just a random little present from my sibling, so probably not much accuracy to it.

2
Duenanreply
aussie.zone

Hey CEO. Guess you and I are doing things together.

Today I tested positive to covid, fun times!

3
aussie.zone

Oh mate. That's not good to hear. Stay strong. If I watch the cricket, I'll keep you updated.

3
Duenanreply
aussie.zone

Thanks. I’m fatigued. Little bit achey and have a sore throat with a drip. Maybe fever as well.

How are you holding up?

2

I'm alright. Nights are the worst with a slightly blocked nose. Body aches are gone. They only lasted a day with me.

2
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Prep for Halloween window mark VI. Adjust to boyo being on night shift. Fall over.

3
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

Sorry about that. I now see what others were going on about weeks ago. Will remember to edit a smidge.

3

Scored a bunch of poetry LPs, Shakespeare, some Schubert and a Julian Bream 👍 8 LPs, $16 😸

8
aussie.zone

Couldn't open my mouth and ask for the help I really need. Try again tomorrow.

8
aussie.zone

I've been landed with the care of someone who has become unable to care for themselves and while talking with their family, I couldn't bring myself to ask if there's somewhere else they can go. But I can't keep doing this.

6

Be honest. Say you need to step back, and that "we" as a group need to find some other supporting pillars to jam under there to help the person in question.

If you burn out and can't help them, then everyone loses.

9

call up the person who you think is most open and most able to helping make a long term plan.

4
aussie.zone

Hello DIYers, I have managed to crack the door and need to get it fixed before I leave. How do? Pls 101 me

7

Plaster repair kit from Bunnings will do it.

Patch, putty/filler, spreader, sandpaper and some paint.

Watch a YouTube video if unsure.

You'll be sweet.

7

Building manager (or your building's website) might be able to send you the fixtures/finishes used in the apartments. You can use this to find the paint shade and get a super close match.

6

Half way through the day, and everyone wants a piece of me. Too bad, I can only answer so many calls, do rescheduling, new emails, new inquiries, and quality assurance (all at the same time) to the best of my abilities.

You bet I have process feedback for the new manager lol

7
aussie.zone

Well it's not us tonight but there is screaming on the cricket even though I said "What's with the fucking screaming cunt?" Despite the pleasantries it continues.

3
aussie.zone

Oh fuck no. That means there's more to come. I reckon you might get a Spice Girls rendition. Brace yourself.

5

Fully agree. Horrible place. No shade, everything is slightly sloping so it's really really easy to lose one's balance. Confusing layout too - not a straight line anywhere. I think you're meant to stop in one spot there and buy buy buy and/or watch watch watch. Heaven help any disabled person trying to navigate that space. Particularly when busy. Filthy with discarded rubbish lurking in the garden beds and other forgotten nooks and crannies.
They did get to use the bottom carapaces of the turtles that were used to roof the new Spencer St station though.

7

Just wait until a pigeon steals your whopper junior with cheese at 3 am when you're just minding your own business sitting on those steps.

your mind will turn to places far darker than architectural failure.

7

It's not comfortable or inviting at all. Last time I saw it there was nowhere outside the businesses to casually sit (other than the steps or the ground)

Admittedly that was a long time ago

5
aussie.zone

any recommendations for making new mates? Realized in psych yesterday I've had a few mates drop away and have become actually pretty friggin lonely. Not much of a sports guy and obviously a bit time poor.

7

Volunteering helps. I've made so many friends from working at PAX (a gaming convention), and what's great is that PAX is also an American show, so I've made not only Australian friends but Americans too!

4

Introvert here so take it with a grain of salt.

But I've found having a club/class/volunteer job you turn up to regularly both filters for shared interests, and helps you see the same people repeatedly to get to know them in a low pressure environment. (That last part is hard to do without that regular structure especially when people work a lot.)

Edit: No idea how to take the friendship beyond the club environment but that seems to be something that happens naturally or doesn't. And just being hobby acquaintances is nice enough

2

On Monday I'm planning to take a sick day and I've just booked an indulgent massage package. And I don't feel remotely guilty. It'll be medicinal.

7
aussie.zone

What an amazing decision, hell yeah!! I hope it's every bit of indulgent as you hope! I hope you get to have some delicious snacks and maybe a drink!

5
aussie.zone

My quick trip to Bunnings turned out to be more hassle than anticipated. Something was wrong with the EFTPOS machine and it was not reading the cards, and the checkout operator apparently had no problem solving ability at all. Ended up just leaving the stuff there and walking out. I went to another Bunnings and got a much better checkout operator (i.e. used self checkout) and had no problems. Then on the way home there were poorly signed road closures making me divert twice. Frustrating. But at least when I did get home I could park in the carpark rather than out on the street.

6
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

Worked out what you're planting yet? I've got a bunch of onions I need to divide and spread out (brown and purple)

2
aussie.zone

I'm planting lots of different vegies. One of the new beds will have tomatoes, capsicum and egglplant. I've got pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini and squash. Various leafy things and brassicas. Beans, root vegetables.

My garlic and onions are not growing very well, including some perrenial leeks which grew well last year but are not doing well now. I'm not sure why, but presume some more work on the soil will help.

2

my garlic just completely disappeared last year, stupid weather. Onions are going bang, but I have them in planters and just dump fresh compost/humus mix on top when it subsides.

Leeks might be bacterial in the soil, or just had the heart hit its lifespan

2

I had a dream last night that I was at my first night of on-campus living at uni, and I had explosive diarrhoea in the communal toilets that smelled so bad, and everyone knew it was me, that I quit uni in shame.

6
aussie.zone

OK, today is the day. I am going to turn dig into dug, and park my car back in the carport. I got this.

Edit: Done! The carport is now soil-free and fully swept out. A small pile of rubbish that had accumulated in the corner has been dealt with, and a bunch of dead leaves and things have been evicted too. Looks better than before the soil was delivered. Now I can make a quick trip to Bunnings for some mulch and put the car back where it belongs. 😁

6

instead of going out tonight and getting plastered I'm staying in and getting plastered and making a stash of gyoza.

this time will be different though because I watched an internet video footage on pleating.

6
aussie.zone

After the cat bite I've been doing maybe a bit too much googling and all I can say is there are way too many stock photos out there of kitties chomping down on a hand. I sure hope the humans have well concealed protection. My tendon hurts. I'm trying not to think about it too much...

6
aussie.zone

Honestly that kitty is an arsehole which is rare but fuck that kitty.

5
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

Eh, cats bite and claw, and they hurt way more than is reasonable and you can get weirdly upset over it. It's normal.

Also all cats are areseholes, you just go with it.

4
aussie.zone

true but nooo not every cat. My old abby never got the crazies. small sample size but I still miss her :(

2

Cerys will viciously groom you when her attack drive triggers, and is an absolute sweetheart. She still ripped my left nipple in half once when someone startled her when she was sitting on my chest.

Punkin is the most gorgeous boy on the face of the planet with naught but purrs for all humans but he still bites his sister's arse.

I ain't touchin' the subject of Misha, who is bitch queen empress of all and you'd better recognise. She's rather like someone cross bred the self esteem and power of lizzo with the innate cuntishness of brick top.

0

It's a stray cat, they live by different rules. I have been away for too long to read them. Over here neighbourhood cats range from almost indistinguishable from domestic house cat (dumped by owners), to basically feral.

::: spoiler reminiscing... There used to be lots of nice ones near my mum's place, one would jump onto your lap if you got friendly and it loved a good flank-thumping, and there was a lovable orange one who always waited for me when I came home and demanded to be let in and would go crazy for my sandals and chill out inside on its own cushion, sometimes for hours, once even overnight without a pee break (my mum is normally adamant about not letting cats in but she had to relent). When I was a kid at our old place we had this trio of black cats outside the apartment compound who were always reliable for lifting your mood after a shit day at school, one would keep flopping itself on my feet to stop me from leaving.

But I think over covid all the nice ones got adopted and now even the cattos near my mum's place are all rather mean (even to the people who feed them).

:::

I think bitey cat from yesterday used to be more feral but got a little more pally with humans... up to a point. Different rules. Raw cat. Heck the person I was visiting who was cuddling the cat had his own battle scars from getting to know his furry friend.

1
aussie.zone

update: Apparently cbf today means "pull out six meter long poured concrete strips in the garden and remove the brickwork underneath"

6

they came out much easier than I'd thought - I intended on just loosening the concrete from the brickwork, but the mortar was shot to shit (these were all dividers *inside *a veggie bed area) so they came right up. Gonna reuse some of those to path out in what's going to be a new wicking bed area

3

may all prospective callers decide fuckit, it's a nice day, I'mma gonna do something else.

6
aussie.zone

Reminder to redeem your Maccas Monopoly prizes before the 29th. I got me a free McMuffin to claim.

5

I need them small chips.

edit fries. They always look at you like a weirdo when you ask for chips.

3

just one or two more small tasks and I've finished the list, this leaves me open to do sewing all weekend.

I'm pooped.

I have a bunch of records of shakespeare plays I'll listen to while I work. Which will be cool. :)

5

I miss baking. It's too much for me now

Edit: And on some things I didn't even get a chance to git gud

5

We deliberately went for the biggest we could get within reason - both techs who work from home, i run power tools and His Lordship wants to expand his brewery. Plus we're hoping to loop into a neighborhood battery to offset others who can't afford / rent.

Satisfying af to see the powerpal read zero grid usage all day though XD (literally 7am-7pm w00t w00t)

1
aussie.zone

I'm crowdsourcing DT for ideas and approval.

I have a bbq next week. There will be loads of little nieblings. What do yous guys think of fairy bread?

4
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

I was thinking best quality dairy soft butter and vienna loaf sliced bread

2
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

I think the worst white fluff is Trad. 🤷🏻‍♀️

4
aussie.zone

Yes. Also wee ones like fruit so if you can be stuffed, strawberries dipped in chocolate or a side of Nutella and you'll be crowned the Purple Headed Dessert Queen. 👑

3
Seagoon_reply
aussie.zone

that might be too messy for a bbq, how about little strawberry tarts?

3

Have you got a mini muffin tin? Tiny quiche, cupcakes, tart bites…

1
aussie.zone

Fairy bread is a classic.

Is this one you're hosting where there will be multiple things that have to be simple and may compete for the oven?

Or is it a potluck where you can just bring one thing but it has to remain chilled/survive transport?

If you want an easy hit you could also go the storebought lamington fingers or a Colesworth mud cake

3

Ah cool. I've never done potluck really outside of making a simple cake to bring and don't have kids, but if I think about the logistics... hmm.

Mini fruit tarts caaan be made a day ahead to go straight in an esky on departure... However they are fussy to make, fragile and need to stay chilled due to the custard filling when fridge space at the host's may already be at capacity. Same goes for mini pavs. A choc ripple cake is very easy but with the cream and delicate structure I don't know how well it'd survive heat or bumps. Snot blocks are a bit large.

Pudding cups and frogs in a pond (clear plastic cups of lime jelly with a Freddo in) are a bit sturdier but still probably need to stay chilled if they don't go fast. Depending on weather. And they're dessert items.

Cake pops can be made with a bought cake and a tub of premade "frosting" (the thick fatty Betty Crocker stuff). The "candy melt" coating would make them sturdier to knocks. They don't need refrigeration (if you don't use things like cream cheese) but would be time consuming to make individually and run out very fast. Also safety concerns if the kids are young enough to bite into splintery wooden sticks or swallow a piece of hard sugar shell. Pain in the butt.

Pinwheel sandwiches rock for presentation but be mindful of fillings. Many contain cream cheese which should be thick enough to hold them without a fixing toothpick (unsafe) but if that's the case refrigeration applies. Using peanut butter or Nutella is better for food safety but raises the whole nut allergy thing. Hummus can upset tummies that aren't used to it.

Cupcakes or biscuits seem like a a safe bet. Mini cupcakes or biscuits would go further when distributed and lessen the risk of filling up before the real food/spewing. Also consider those baked ham and cheese rolls, Vegemite scrolls or cinnamon scrolls. Lamington fingers. All of this stuff has the advantage that it can be shop bought.

Also this depends on the number of kids but consider the little gingerbread Pfeffernusse if you see them.

Edit: Dude. The answer was obvious. Chocolate crackles

2
Nathreply
aussie.zone

There are a lot of child parties in my life. The good news is kids are really easy to please.

There's the obvious stuff:

  • Fairy bread will go well, only be careful to make it fresh. If you are outside, the bread will start to go yucky after an hour or two.
  • Chips/lollies will vanish - no matter how many you provide. I don't know how they do it. They are not fussy, the cheapest brand is fine. Keep the good chips for the grown ups.
  • Party pies or sausage rolls will be very popular, but they tie up your oven if you have other things planned for that.
  • Mini burger buns are $4.50 per dozen, and when combined with chipolatas and a bit of sauce, you have mini hotdogs. Cheap and easy on the BBQ.

If you want healthier stuff:

  • They'll eat fruit, but they're lazy. They'll turn their noses up at apples/mandarins, but will happily eat either if they've been peeled/sliced for them.
  • Berries are in season. We like to make little fruit salad cups, but I don't suppose you have the plastic Ikea cups on hand for this.
  • Some will eat sandwitch triangles, it depends on the kid. One of mine would, the other only in an emergency.
2

Can’t believe it’s been more than 5 years since I’ve made some fun Halloween prosthetics. Tried again this evening, last minute as usual and I am tired wasted. Not sure if they’ll hold up, but we’ll see.

Going take my sorry self to bed otherwise I’m going to be useless tomorrow.

Sweet dreams all.

4
aussie.zone

Let this day end already. I feel a bit iffy and tired, I think my body is ready for a rest but I might have some slight congestion.

4
TinyBreakreply
aussie.zone

Yeah there’s a light bug going around. Dry cough, runny nose. It’s not too bad just annoying.

5
Catfishreply
aussie.zone

So I can give myself very good advice and not follow it

6
aussie.zone

Ugh, I have had absolute teenage behaviour. I just I wish I had the sleep that goes with it.

DT fam, hair q. Does anyone (or has) used something similar and better priced to Olaplex 1? Any sort of bond/protein when doing a bleach bath? Any recommendations for products I can easily get from Hairhouse or even CW?

3
Eaglereply
aussie.zone

I've been using k18. My hairdresser uses it during the process and I use the leave in stuff every few weeks in between. I get it either from her or from HairCo.

2

Thanks! I saw in my research, but ended up with with a bunch of L’Oréal bond products. Hair had survived the bleach bath and a toner. Still not quite where I want it to be, but I think it’s better than what it was.

1

ugh I have things to do and a nagging guilt pushing to wanting to get them done but on the other hand I CBF.

3
aussie.zone

There might be an emergency number or something like that at reception - there's likely to be something in place for when someone locks themselves out of there room outside hours, it must happen often

3

Sunny but not hot out. Quintessential Spring day.

I'm meant to be in the office today but it's too nice, so I'm just popping my head in to return a laptop I need to return then getting the heck out of there. Hello from the 48 tram, ding ding!

3

Damn prosthetics didn’t dry out in time, but I guess I can still wear/try them at some point.

Am Halloweening solo this eve and loving it.

3
aussie.zone

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

3
Catfishreply
lemm.ee

A cup of concrete with hot sauce thanks

3
Taleyareply
aussie.zone

delicate cough so, uh, with the natural progression of things that will be occurring anyway are you possibly available for ....extrusion services? I have a pathway I wish to widen and it's a bugger getting the mixer and wheelbarrow up that part of the yard.

3
Catfishreply
lemm.ee

😹 you may find my delivery considerably less direct than useful for mortaring

1
aussie.zone

Yeah pigeons gonna steal yo' shit. Wouldn't put it past the seagulls either.

8