[pjmpjm]

matina, good to hear that you had some family phone calls for your Easter. I'm used to 'celebrating' with phone calls, but it's not the same as seeing loved ones in person. Received a wonderful text today from the wife of my nephew, who helped the family through last year's terrible losses. I'll write about it later. My grand-nephew is studying prayers for his first Communion. Another belated Happy Easter to you . . .

ZombieCarol, back in the day I visited all the major cities and tourist destinations in India, travelling on the cheap by train 3rd class. Except for Bombay. My most memorable destination was Varanasi, on the Ganges. When I think of India, that's what I remember best. I spent some time in the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and of course saw Auroville being built. I still have one friend, a New Zealander, who lives in the Ashram. My regret now is that I didn't travel north, up into the foothills of the Himalayas. But I did name my kitten Rishikesh! I flew out of Calcutta to Bangkok half an hour before my visa expired, and was scolded by a customs official, for leaving it so late. I don't think I wanted to leave India. But I eventually made it to Darwin, months later, because of Australians I met in New Delhi, and the rest of my life unfolded from there.

Top photo isn't of the bush in front of my house, but that's what it looks like. Bottom photo is today's best photo, taken at the end of my street, just before sunset . . .

pjmpjm, I live in a concrete jungle, in one of the most densely populated spots on the planet. Your pics are like a peek into heaven for me. =)

I can't believe you travelled by 3rd class train!! Even I've never had the gumption to do that. 2nd Class was enough of a challenge for me. And I haven't been on an Indian train in over a decade. It gets really crowded. =Z

But you've definitely seen a lot of India. That's amazing. I haven't seen much, but hopefully that will change in time.

I'm Hindu, but my Mom raised me anti-Ashram, so I don't know much about the Ashram system. We were raised to believe that our relationship with God is a direct line, and can't be in any way interfered with by another (Ashrams tend to center on Gurus, while my Mom says God needs to feature first, last, and always!). But I've heard of the Ashram you mentioned. It's very famous.

So you aren't originally from Australia? Where are you from originally (if you don't mind me asking), and what made you travel so extensively?

Lol, a kitten named Rishikesh. That's cute. I imagine him as a fluffy ball of wooly white.

I understand about the Visa. When I left the USA, I only kept a few days as buffer. I really didn't want to say bye after so many years there, so I can relate to the feet-dragging. =))

Hope you had a good day today.

(Also, I ought to mention this, my WiFi conks out at inopportune times, so if I'm suddenly out of touch/have disappeared, that's usually why! =p)

[kathlyn]

Good morning Pj your a very interesting man with your history you should write it down for future generations to read I only wish my grandparents and great grandparents did , I only have little bits n pieces we were told So where did sunnyas name come from Matina I hope your getting better
I'm having my flu shot tomorrow I'm usually OK after it fingers crossed mwah hi zombie carol, I was watching a series on trains travel in different countries they showed people in India piling on the train very brave people indeed is it really like that talk about taking your life in your hands stay well everyone god bless

[pjmpjm]

Remembering all our ANZACs today. My next-door neighbour, who served in the RAN and RN during WWII, is always in my thoughts. We sometimes talk from my back deck to his backyard. I think I've already told the story here at CC&BC, of how he and my father were probably within a few kilometres of each other, in 1944, just after D-Day. Lest we forget.

matina, hope you're feeling better today. Will be in touch again later. I thought yesterday was Saturday (long story) and almost forgot to ring my niece in Maine! Sun peeking in and out up here . . . with little sprinkles of rain from time to time.

Katy, I hope your flu shot goes well. I know most people have little or no reaction. My son wants me to write my memoirs and maybe I will one day. I guess I've had quite a few adventures. I once hitch-hiked from Darwin to Sydney and could write a whole book about those memorable weeks. Sigh. The years go by . . . but I'm in a good place now.

ZombieCarol, my time in India changed my life. I'll write more later. Travelling 3rd class throughout India isn't for the faint-hearted -- that's for sure. I've had a number of Indian friends here in Australia. I'll have to post another photo of my Rishi soon. She's a black and white Persian. The photo below was taken just across the street from my house. If it weren't for the gum trees, I'd be able to see more of this view from my upstairs living room window.

Hope everyone is staying well. Bye for now . . .

[matina]

HELLO ALL!
YES REMEMBERING ANZACS TODAY LEST WE FORGET THEIR SACRIFICE AND THANK THEM FOR OUR FREEDOM.
(however chemists should not be closed on holidays because those of us sick as all hell needing medication cant get access to anything)
the dreaded lurgy continues tomorrow will be day 7, every breath is a momentous achievement.
WOLF OUT!

[pjmpjm]

Quiet ANZAC Day here . . . didn't go out. Cool and cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain.

matina, I'm so sorry that you and your mother are still so unwell today. Sending lots of good wishes to you both, and also to little Snowy. Here's a sunset view of 'Ephemeral Pond' (above) located in the bush just across the street from my house.

Katy, hope you enjoyed your family today.

ZombieCarol, attaching a photo (below) so that you can see what Rishi looks like . . .

kathlyn, yup, that definitely happens. Strap-hanging takes on a whole different meaning here. =))
But if you take a moment to consider how JUST my city has more people in it than most countries, it's kind of amazing that we still function, and that most of my fellow Indians are kind and patient people. I think I appreciated Indians/India/my culture only AFTER I lived abroad. When I returned, my eyes were finally opened to how unique India is, and how its managed to thrive despite a very horrific past + challenges due to our geography, etc. Anyhow, in short, yes, there are some bizarre things one can see here, but it also makes life interesting and funny at times. =P

pjmpjm, aaaawwwwwww! Your cute little floof looks like he's achieved Enlightenment, what with that wise expression he sports, so his name really fits him well.

I've got to say again, this is a really lovely community you all have got here. I'm so glad matina, and the rest of you, have included me.

Have a super day, everyone. <3

[lush]

This picture is so cute! @pj

Just stopping by, hoping everyone's ailments and health issues get alleviated soon!
As for me, fatigue is an issue, but I must stay away from caffeine.
Even if it keeps me up, I just love the taste of sweet iced coffee so the temptation is tough.

My guy wants to move provinces to some where cheaper. A few years back, I got rid of so many things but now, I can't believe how much stuff we've accumulated again. I'm open to the idea, but we'd have to considerably pare down first.

[kathlyn]

Hi everyone

Zombie carol glad your joining in I love hearing about other people's culture , you know if that happened in Australia (the train) there would be an all in brawl, not all of us are like that but as in people everywhere there are the ones who are just rude and pushy I love how the people just sit on top or on the sides of the train without a care hi lush I can't give up coffee I'm a cranky bear atleast until the first cup Morning Pj we're still staying away from the family for now the kids have head colds so everyone panics it's covid Dr says just your average everyday cold a little dreary today feels like winter is coming cuddles to the fuzzies matina I'm getting my flu shot today, then some shopping wish me luck
be safe god bless hugs everyone

[pjmpjm]

matina, the above photo shows my grand-niece and grand-nephew on an outing with my niece, this past weekend. This little lake isn't far from the ocean and is part of their local National Park. Hope you and your mother are feeling a bit better today. Please keep us posted. Get well soon!

Katy, sorry you weren't able to get together with your family over the long weekend. I had a pretty quiet time here, but took a couple of little walks. Later today I'll drive over to Katoomba and have my regular checkup with my GP. That will be fairly exciting for me! Cloudy and misty here today, and definitely on the cool side, but not really raining.

lush, good to hear from you. Glad you like my cockatoo pictures. As I type, I can see about a dozen watching me through the windows on my front deck. They're very entertaining . . . if a bit naughty at times. Moving is quite a big deal. Went through it myself after about 2007 and now think . . . never again. But when you're young, it can be a great adventure. Please keep us posted.

ZombieCarol, it's so true that we never really know our own country, our own culture, until we leave it, and live in another completely different country. I feel lucky to have been able to travel so much in my relatively long life. But for now, Australia (and the Blue Mountains) is the place to be. I really love it here. And as you probably know, there are people from all over the world living around this wonderful country, including a great many from India. Australia is a bit like a microcosm of the whole planet.

Well, that's it for now. Must start to get ready to head out for my appointment. Stay well, everyone.

[Alessa9]

Hi! Hope everyone is well.

Matina dear, I hope you and your mom are feeling better. Sending you hugs and a truckload of sugar-free chocolate ice cream!

Pjm, your grand-niece and grand-nephew seem to be enjoying the lake. It’s a very nice view of it. Rishi looks very elegant

I love traveling but haven’t done it in a long time. I would like to, but not going to travel abroad until the dreadful Covid19 isn’t such a menace. Cases have been on the rise here. 5,221 cases have been reported today so far. As you can guess, I’m staying home unless I have to go to the hospital or buy groceries.

The weather has been hot and it looks like it’s going to stay like so this whole week, with the highest temp was forecasted to be 34C. Too hot for April. We don’t usually get those temps until July or August. Thankfully a fan is sufficient for the time being.

Have a nice day!

[matina]

HELLO ALL!
PROOF OF LIFE (albeit very barely)
@ ALESSA TRUCK LOAD OF SUGARFREE CHOCOLATE ICECREAM WHERE WHERE!!! YES PLEASE!!
@KATHY I pray to every god out there you don't have the reaction i did i am seriously going to consider if i ever get another flu vaccine again.
@PJ hope and pray all goes well with your doctor appointment this afternoon. we did an online order to get it delivered direct to the boot and half the stuff we needed desperately was not available, no tissues and now iced coffee (no sugar added) no bread either my doctor sent the chemist new scripts for a strong codeine elixir as well as another round of antibiotics and told them to send some biosolvin too hoping the codeine helps tonight other wise it will be another night on the couch for me
lush and zombie carol nice to see you here and chatting some more with us all we love the company!
sorry i have to go and get some panadol fever is climbing again and eye lids feel like they weigh a tonne
be safe everyone and thank you for your good wishes and prayers god bless and be with you all.
WOLF OUT!!

[pjmpjm]

matina, I hope that your new codeine cough medicine helps tonight. You've got to be getting close to the end of this thing now. And the antibiotic really ought to knock it out. Sorry that you couldn't get all of your delivery. I've been lucky up here, and rarely miss out on anything . . . another Woolies order arriving tomorrow night. My Katoomba GP appointment went well, and I have a new medication that may help. TMI for now, but my blood pressure, heart and lungs all got good reports. Don't need to see my cardio until November.

Alessa, lots of get well soon wishes going out to you too. Soon, this will all be behind you and you'll be travelling again and back to your normal life. Shame about your hot weather. I'm really glad I retired up here in the mountains. The heat in Sydney was starting to get to me. My Maine family is starting to enjoy spring weather. I love hearing about my four little grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The oldest is only seven.

Well, that's the news from me, for now. Stay well, everyone . . .

Hello, everyone.
Thanks for your messages and replies. I hope everyone is doing great today.

It's been a really hot and humid day here. I've wilted my way through it. But it's still better than being frozen solid for 8 months of the year, like I once used to be...or so I try to convince myself, in order to not totally give up on life (we don't have air conditioning, you see!). =Z

I've been reading a lot. I love that I can find most of the newer books, esp. the retail versions, without having to cough up a kidney in order to afford them. Back in the day, my main expenditure used to be books. (I still own over 4,000 paperback/hardcover books from the pre-ebook era!)

What does everyone else here like to read? I tend to hit phases of preferring once style of book, almost exclusively. Right now, I've reverted back to puberty by preferring YA (needed something light to get through the depression of Covid lockdowns), and I'm also getting into SFR.

(Any suggestions from y'all on good SFR, ones with an emphasis on world building?)

I hope everyone's doing good in their corner of the world, and that you had as good a day as you could... Much love, light, and good vibes to everyone. <3
Big hugs!

[kathlyn]

Morning everyone

A big hug to you alessa for all you've endured, I bet your little rugrats in school miss you I'm done with the heat I think I'd rather be frozen like zombie carol mentioned how's your mum doing Hey zombie carol nope the heat here in Australia is bad enough I used to love it when I was younger not so much now yep books are my saviour at times too, I just love reading I mainly read romance or paranormal Hi Pj aw your grandniece and nephew aren't they just gorgeous it must make you smile to see them in photos growing happily a good report from your gp always puts your mind at rest I get really anxious when I go to mine hence the raised bp after a few minutes it comes back to normal though he knows to wait till I relax how are the fuzzies doing matina I had no reaction to the flu shot thank god I hope the codeine kicked yours and your feeling better a lazy day cold and wet xo god bless everyone