Nostr notes by thefathippy

It's not the same old ride if you modify the route a little, ...

2026-10-29T04:50:15Z

It's not the same old ride if you modify the route a little, is it?

Yeah, my usual 60km, but I descended into Euroka via the Ironbarks trail instead of tar. 100% different! 🙄 Otherwise the same. I felt OK. Much the same as last time. My self sabotaging makes it hard to consistently improve, but I'm out there sometimes, still slowly shrinking.

Glorious, if lonely out— just 2 riders, 1 runner, 1 reader, & 2 park workers seen.

I don't think anything broke, but maintenance's needed!
#eMTB
#eBike

No more credit card surcharges, but banks are increasing CC ...

2026-10-21T02:40:17Z

No more credit card surcharges, but banks are increasing CC costs. St George tell me they will now charge 2% higher interest on purchases, & 2.5% extra on cash advances. Curiously, their incentive saver interest (what they pay us in restricted accounts) increased by a *massive* [checks notes] 0.25%. Their regular freedom account pays ...0 interest. 🤔🤬

Banks make money using the billions we have in small accounts. They pay nothing for it.

ABAB

Crikey! I've only had 5.8mm all day (mid mountains) ...

2026-10-13T09:57:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…wupx
_________________________

Crikey! I've only had 5.8mm all day (mid mountains)

Briala (npub189u…6zgx)

😭 Sigh. At least I don't bust many wheels these days. The ...

2026-10-12T02:58:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…rteg
_________________________

😭 Sigh. At least I don't bust many wheels these days. The rim (at least) has to be replaced. Was it the rock, or have I been riding clumsily & doing jumps on a busted wheel? 🤔 😱

🤷🏼 Oh well. All's well that doesn't crash. 😁

Alas, it wasn't all beer & skittles. I landed a jump on a ...

2026-10-12T02:58:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…ej5k
_________________________

Alas, it wasn't all beer & skittles.

I landed a jump on a big loose, square edged rock. About the size of two bricks. The same rock I'd made a note of on the way out...

The bike soaked it all up. Well, most of it. I flatted, which is odd—no tubes, so nothing to pinch flat.

I carry a tube, so if it won't hold air, no biggie, easy trackside fix.

A bit of faff & I'm done, riding much more cautiously. Why? Aah... While faffing, I noticed the wheel is buggered. Spokes are pulling through the rim.

@npub1nn8…q2zk was right! NOW is a great time to ride ...

2026-10-12T02:58:13Z

Dave Hughes (npub1nn8…q2zk) was right!

NOW is a great time to ride Narrowneck. Or run, or walk. I don't think I've ever seen so many waratahs in flower, & have never seen so many blue thelymitra ground orchids—& then there's all the other flowers, & of course, stunning views.

It was also butterfly day today. The only place I've ever seen more butterflies was [checks notes] also Narrowneck!

This track definitely retains its well deserved & long-standing rating of 5 fat hippies!

#eMTB
#eBike
#mtb
#BlueMountains

I just saw a lizard drinking—and it wasn't flat out! 🤯 ...

2026-10-11T01:32:33Z

I just saw a lizard drinking—and it *wasn't* flat out! 🤯

#OldSayings
#MythBusted

Orchids going off. These three cymbidiums were given to us by my ...

2026-10-05T23:52:20Z

Orchids going off.

These three cymbidiums were given to us by my MiL many years ago. We put them out the front & ignored them. The two biggest long ago shattered their pots, all remain neglected*, & all flower brilliantly every single year.

*seriously. 95% rainwater only, otherwise left to their own devices. Never fertilised, never repotted. These ain't your soft hothouse flowers, oh no no no! 😄

#BloomScrolling
#cymbidium

Drama today, J in hospital with high temp (38.9), high pulse, ...

2026-10-05T09:30:25Z

Drama today, J in hospital with high temp (38.9), high pulse, & no sleep for 24 hrs.

Fucking #covid—which can be worse for those with dementia. She's vaccinated, but it still slipped through. 😢

Antivirals, a drip, & 8hrs later she's back in her home, which is good, but makes life harder for other residents & carers.

Last hospital visit (pneumonia), they called twice to prepare me for the worst. So, I guess it's all relative. I'm still relieved.

I visited Wed, but tested clear today.

RE: https://social.chinwag.org/@abc_bot/117369471277470286 These ...

2026-10-02T05:36:20Z

RE: https://social.chinwag.org/@abc_bot/117369471277470286

These are great. I had lots of grins & a few genuine lols. 😂

Aha! Cutting their losses...

2026-10-02T02:21:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…ja3u
_________________________

Aha! Cutting their losses...

That seems like a bargain! The cheapest dual motor 4 here ...

2026-10-02T01:19:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…lya0
_________________________

That seems like a bargain! The cheapest dual motor 4 here (Australia) converts to around USD63k

🤦

2026-09-29T08:48:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…g6mp
_________________________

🤦

WTAF? 🤬

2026-09-29T08:26:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…qt26
_________________________

WTAF? 🤬

I was outside when the postie delivered the mail, & waved as ...

2026-09-29T06:45:56Z

I was outside when the postie delivered the mail, & waved as they left.

In absolute silence.

Yup, the familiar sound of a Honda CT110 chuffing down the road, a signal that it's time to check the mail, has left town. I'm sure they had engines last week—I heard them!

Apparently, the change has been rolling out for years—but not here till now.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/australia-post-makes-major-ev-change-to-boost-deliveries-012635226.html

It was one of these:

https://ubco.com.au/blogs/silentjourney/australia-post

I also see UBCO have exited receivership since then...

#AusPost
#eMotorcycle

In national rugby league news, Palmerbet have defeated the ...

2026-09-27T08:11:29Z

In national rugby league news, Palmerbet have defeated the Picklebets & will go on to meet Unibet (who defeated Betr on Friday) in the Grand Final.

But remember, *do* gamble responsibility, won't you?🙄

Thanks Dave, that's them. 😁 He said they were Australian, ...

2026-09-21T05:30:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…hd2w
_________________________

Thanks Dave, that's them. 😁 He said they were Australian, & around 30k. Also, t0hey have a 3 letter name which includes an A, so I was umm... somewhere, not nearby... 🙄

I have lots of vague ideas , & some are about electrifying the Brumby, but the price range is frightening. *If* I really need a small ute, an ACE would make more sense.

I think I'll cautiously poke my head into that rabbit warren... Just looking, WCPGW?

Nostr event nevent1qqsq6ludf8je6pxjh5x7j3h4lr4m0fypeqlxzp3cpwrtzznkr48247gzyqu7805h5zefnp5ma2n8uqq23365frj4azc8v0vshu47runs9nwuj0zu5nt

2026-09-21T00:03:06Z

Edit: https://www.aceelectricvehicles.com.au/product/ace-ev-mini-yewt-electric-van/

Thanks Dave (and the others)

Clearly, I should have taken more photos at #EverythingElectric in Sydney.

Does anyone know the brand of those little white kei style EV trucks and vans that were hidden to one side? Possibly near the test drive point. I thought they said they were Australian, but maybe not. I also thought the letters S, A, & N were in the name. Sany was there, but their site has full size trucks, not tiny trucks.

TIA

Wow. So much wow. Thanks for that link. So much skill and talent. ...

2026-09-08T09:39:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…cggm
_________________________

Wow. So much wow. Thanks for that link.

So much skill and talent.

Lyn (npub193a…faq9) Melissa BearTrix (npub16nh…kk84)

FFS... After my last mtb stack, I ordered knee/elbow guards, ...

2026-07-26T04:12:25Z

FFS... After my last mtb stack, I ordered knee/elbow guards, thinking I'd never need them. I hardly ever fall off *that* hard.

They're due to arrive tomorrow...

See pic for today's simple "lost the front on a loose corner" effort. Warning: Contains wrecked tights, & blood, mostly because I reopened the old wound🤦

Not so bad I turned round, but enough that I chose a shorter alternative as soon as I could. 😂

#eMTB
#eBike

In the last year or so, someone (here?) linked to reports ...

2026-07-23T06:33:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…6drh
_________________________

In the last year or so, someone (here?) linked to reports claiming wattle pollen is too large to cause hayfever.

That said, I *have* been sneezing a lot, and have lots of wattles 🤷

Spring has sprung.

Spooky Stu (npub13yd…7xc7)

A wattle flower (acacia, likely floribunda). Google thinks ...

2026-07-23T05:22:15Z

A wattle flower (acacia, likely floribunda). Google thinks it's longifolia, but its leaves are mostly much thinner than longifolia, & flowers less golden yellow. I've planted both 🤷

Sadly, I can never quite capture what I'm seeing in real life. The flowers are almost glowing in afternoon sunlight. Could be my astigmatism... 😂

#BloomScrolling
#wattle
#acacia
#Australia

People are why my favourite camps are as bush as I can get, or ...

2026-07-22T09:35:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…nvdr
_________________________

People are why my favourite camps are as bush as I can get, or stealth.

Listening to someone's speaker phone conversation, where I, half deaf, can easily hear both sides of the conversation is infuriating. Sometimes I wish I was (or looked like) a dangerous nutter, insane enough that a single glance from me would shut them up.

Alas, I look safe enough that people ask me to take their photos.

You should see my camera coll... 😂 Nah, earplugs, I make good use of earplugs.

Oh, you'll be pleased to know I didn't choose ...

2026-07-22T06:21:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…39a6
_________________________

Oh, you'll be pleased to know I didn't choose Rayban's AI (surveillance) frames "these will help with hearing" [noting my hearing aids] "no thanks, I'm not interested in spy glasses" [no ranting]

We moved right along. 🙂

Rayban's other frames are really chunky, very thick rimmed. Kids used to get bullied if they wore specs like that, now they're supposed to be fancy?🤷 I guess it's because spy specs have to be bulky, & they're trying to make them fashionable, instead of fash. Not for me. 2/2

Holy crap 😱 💰 I should have bought the insurance. But who ...

2026-07-22T06:21:38Z

Holy crap 😱 💰

I should have bought the insurance. But who breaks specs? Not me—not in decades! 🙄

I guess I'll get it, & not need it.

New multifocals, with a slightly cheaper, better fitting frame, otherwise identical, are $AU1300! 😭 Oh, that's on special... Reduced from $1500. Insurance replacement would have been $90, including excess. 🤦🤦🤦

I guess I should have gone to, you know, but the usuals have my current script, all my records, it's just easier—& more exxy. 1/2

#specs

I'm back home licking my wounds now. Probably the smart move. ...

2026-07-13T04:55:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…hwz8
_________________________

I'm back home licking my wounds now. Probably the smart move. Kept my son happy, too! I felt fine on the bike, but am starting to stiffen up.

Oh well.

I'm fine, my bike's fine. I'll be back, stupider than ever!

Maybe I should consider knee/elbow armour, but tbh, I don't want to use it, suspecting protection will encourage me to take risks—I have history... A me problem.

3/3

#eMTB
#eBike
#ouch

Completely unexpected. I've had many crashes, & usually ...

2026-07-13T04:55:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…l7gs
_________________________

Completely unexpected. I've had many crashes, & usually there's a giveaway. Being stupid, too fast, exceeding ability, poor conditions, slides, etc. This had nothing. Easy, familiar section of track, not pushing at all, just cruising, when BANG—WHA?—OOF!

Garmin's emergency notification worked perfectly. I heard the alarm, but gloves meant I couldn't disable it before it went. Then, just as I sent "I'm ok" I had my son checking up on me. 😁

2/3

Bugger. Another glorious day, Mr Garmin said I was clear to ride. ...

2026-07-13T04:55:46Z

Bugger. Another glorious day, Mr Garmin said I was clear to ride. I rode. Briefly.

Then I picked myself up, let everyone who received Mr Garmin's emergency notification know I was fine, sat for a bit, & rode home. 🤦

Riding winding singletrack at under 15km/h, my pedal clipped a rock. The rock was also a bit rampy, & launched my rear wheel skywards, throwing me over the bars & into the ground. HARD!

Yeah it hurts a bit, there's blood & will be bruising, but the worst part was the shock. 1/3

Sure, I say it somewhat jokingly, but today, I officially ...

2026-07-12T08:03:31Z

Sure, I say it *somewhat* jokingly, but today, I officially became old. 👴

I...

I... just ordered a home weather station. I'll soon be able to check the weather at home without even going outside, & bore people I know (or don't know) by posting links. At last! Data! Fist shaking! Bliss! 😂

Get off my lawn!

#Boomer
#Weather

A US Republican politician has died. No, not that one, or the one ...

2026-07-12T06:59:16Z

A US Republican politician has died.

No, not that one, or the one who may already be dead.

#USpol
#LindseyGraham

An iconic suburb name 😉

2026-07-11T09:25:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…rmmz
_________________________

An iconic suburb name 😉

Feeing glum this dampish winter afternoon? Here, have a pair of ...

2026-07-08T05:33:13Z

Feeing glum this dampish winter afternoon?

Here, have a pair of rainbow lorikeets to brighten your day 😁

#BirdsOfMastodon
#BlueMountains
#Australia

Genius!

2026-07-02T00:40:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…ml27
_________________________

Genius!

Historic termite damage. 😭 I'm finally in a mental state ...

2026-06-25T03:04:00Z

Historic termite damage. 😭 I'm finally in a mental state where I can face renovations—& I need to, the damaged area is structural, holding upstairs up—& sagging.

One estimate so far. Not cheap, things to be clarified, but... it's much less than expected, & far less than a bushfire zone knockdown rebuild.

It's contingent on discovering no more damage, of course, but I can always cut a few nice but unnecessary options.

I am *very fucking relieved* right now. I can do this.

#TermiteRepairs

Yesterday, the termite man & I were chatting about birds. ...

2026-06-18T23:37:46Z

Yesterday, the termite man & I were chatting about birds. Both of us agreed we loved yellow tailed black cockatoos, but usually only see one or two together. I told him I'd seen bigger flocks a few times, but they were rare.

Today, 30+ black cockatoos flew past! Hurrah!

Sadly, no pics. Distant-ish black birds on green bush on a dull day don't photograph well.

Ha. I had the same thought. 🤔 It's not a looker, is it? It ...

2026-05-26T22:31:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…q0rk
_________________________

Ha. I had the same thought. 🤔 It's not a looker, is it?

It definitely gives off a vibe of "EVs are boring & sensible, we tried our best, but they're not for us."

Maybe they need a Chinese designer?

I saw the pic before the poster. My first thought? "that ...

2026-05-23T22:46:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…f9ef
_________________________

I saw the pic before the poster. My first thought? "that looks like an Alice" 😁

The Eddie Show 📷🎧❤️ (npub149r…r5ec)

Australia's largest native slug. Up to 15cm! Not this one, ...

2026-05-17T04:52:37Z

Australia's largest native slug. Up to 15cm! Not this one, though, this was more like 10-12cm. You'll never guess what we whacky Australians call them... (see alt text and/or links in next toot)

#slug
#mollusc
#Australia
#BlueMountains

4 adults in a Renault 12 wagon towing a box trailer to Uluru from ...

2026-05-14T07:01:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…hese
_________________________

4 adults in a Renault 12 wagon towing a box trailer to Uluru from Sydney, back when the Stuart Highway was dirt & bulldust. We continued to Tennant Creek, then went to Mt Isa, and eventually home.

We didn't take it easy, often drove into the night, & even broke a rear suspension mount off the body, but an Alice repair lasted the rest of the car's life.

Other than the suspension mount, the car was fine, easily handling rough dirt roads.

A great trip!

Melissa BearTrix (npub16nh…kk84)

Mays suck. May 2021, we last saw Dad, Death himself banging on ...

2026-05-07T04:21:03Z

Mays suck.

May 2021, we last saw Dad, Death himself banging on the door.

May 2024, Mum died.

May 2025, my younger brother died.

May 2026, my younger sister has died. 😭

May 2027, [hears a knock—looks sideways] fuck, I'm the only one left 😱

Both died over 20y younger than our parents.

I'm OK. We weren't close as such, but frequently in touch, were friendly, & her sense of humour was possibly more darkly sarcastic than mine. A great help in dark times. I'll miss her.

#Vale

A peek into the lives of Bazza & Shazza,i rainbow lorikeets. ...

2026-05-05T06:06:09Z

A peek into the lives of Bazza & Shazza,i rainbow lorikeets.

Shazza: [grazes peacefully]

Bazza: [dances around] hey baby, baby, you & me, baby

S: [moves away]

B: hey baby, look at me, I got moves, baby

S: [moves away]

B: you & me baby [nodding], yeah, yeah, yeah [attempts to get leg over]

S: SQUAWK! JFC. Fuck off Bazz, I'm eating, FFS.

B: yeah baby, you & me, come on, baby

S: fuck. WhyTF did I agree to go out with this clown?

Last year, I wrote to my Federal *no longer marginal, now pretty ...

2026-04-22T08:36:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…cmw2
_________________________

Last year, I wrote to my Federal *no longer marginal, now pretty safe* MP regarding proposed cuts to the NDIS. I may have mentioned AUKUS waste. She promised to get right back to me.

She did not. One less vote doesn't bother her anymore.

Yikes! Long story short, I'd be really anxious about being ...

2026-04-18T23:14:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…f2eu
_________________________

Yikes!

Long story short, I'd be really anxious about being unable to have a wee, making me want to wee even more.

Losers & winners. 🤷 Lots of cheap opportunities to get off ...

2026-04-05T06:59:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…dsuv
_________________________

Losers & winners. 🤷

Lots of cheap opportunities to get off ICE—sounds like a good thing for those unable to afford brand new EVs, especially with fuel prices skyrocketing.

J has a 24hr care team now. Dozens of individuals & orgs ...

2026-04-02T00:46:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…c2d6
_________________________

J has a 24hr care *team* now.
Dozens of individuals & orgs providing support, yet I'm still upset I couldn't do what they can.

As I said, feeling guilty is absurd.

Yet here I am. Every. Fucking. Day.

Sorry. I'm more wound up than I realised. 🤔 I'm ok, just feeling extra bitter & sorry for myself. Next Thursday's our wedding anniversary, so I'm especially maudlin this week.

Endless Screaming (npub14we…7739), do your thing. A big one, please.

#FuckAlzheimers

Today's the anniversary of the best & worst days of my ...

2026-04-02T00:46:55Z

Today's the anniversary of the best & worst days of my life. On this day, way back in the 1900s, J became the important part of my life.

3y ago, J (now with early onset Alzheimers) had a fit & collapsed in front of me. 4mths in hospital, then permanent care.

I still feel guilty. Absurd, isn't it? An untrained, depressed old man trying to provide increasing levels of care to someone more agitated, erratic & violent each day. It was never going to last. An awful time.

The Australian health industry relies on brown migrants. J's ...

2026-04-01T02:39:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…0qnr
_________________________

The Australian health industry relies on brown migrants. J's carers are all brown—islanders (mostly Tongan, but quite a mix), Philipino, Nepali, Maori, Ghanaians. Almost all the people in the organisation are brown. All are wonderful. I can't praise them enough.

Racists can fuck off.

Surely they could return it to being a 4 seater, quite cheaply.

2026-03-21T08:23:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…02mc
_________________________

Surely they could return it to being a 4 seater, quite cheaply.

Interesting. As you say, very common here. I can't imagine ...

2026-03-20T21:26:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…znyw
_________________________

Interesting. As you say, very common here. I can't imagine going back to not having a rotary clothesline. I still use an old "not a Hills Hoist" my father gave us 40y ago. It was old even then. Dad had bought a house, but he didn't want its clothesline. I'll look for branding later on.

It's pretty wonky, missing bits of line, doesn't go up or down anymore (probably just needs grease on the gears), but still works a treat. 🙂

Real Syntactic (npub1kzm…mtme) tools for commensality 🧿 (npub1aq0…mq9f) AI6YR Ben (npub1ucv…5a8g)

🤦 Why would you ruin a good EV? I've got an idea, ...

2026-03-12T09:31:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…gdaj
_________________________

🤦 Why would you ruin a good EV?

I've got an idea, let's make a slower, noisier, & much more expensive to run version of our halo model. 🤷

Please pass on my congratulations. It's important work. 🙂

2026-03-12T08:34:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…wxmr
_________________________

Please pass on my congratulations. It's important work. 🙂

I've known people who would love that. I couldn't think ...

2026-03-07T06:20:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…kwka
_________________________

I've known people who would love that. I couldn't think of anything worse. And Leo Sayer! TWO MONTHS! [shudders]

I'm loving seeing electrification happening so quickly, & ...

2026-03-06T07:24:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…80m2
_________________________

I'm loving seeing electrification happening so quickly, & now I'm imagining clean, quiet ferries plying Sydney harbour. It'd be so delightful!

I love catching ferries, but there's no denying they're noisy & stink of diesel, especially when arriving at or leaving the wharf!

Asking for a friend: At what age do we stop falling over & ...

2026-03-05T02:09:40Z

Asking for a *friend*:

At what age do we stop falling over & start having falls?

No, *for a friend*. Not me! I DID NOT HAVE A FALL!

Well, yes, since you ask, I did slip on a slimy surface & fall over, scoring a bloody knee, but that's *completely* different!

[repeats while rocking]

I'm old, but not THAT old,
I'm old, but not THAT old,
I'm old, but not THAT old,
I'm old, but not THAT old

[occasional sobbing]

🤔 It's not working

I'm ok, 'tis but a scratch, but... 👴

#ageing

The Fedi is a trap! I'm degooglifying, demicroslopping, ...

2026-03-04T03:37:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…7sm9
_________________________

The Fedi is a trap!

I'm degooglifying, demicroslopping, detwittered, avoid Adobe, & only use Messenger because family & friends won't leave.

I've got Linux on my PC, & expect to switch my laptop. Seriously considering setting up my old Pixel Pro 7 (a crap phone I won't recommend) with GrapheneOS, because why not, it'll be fun.

Occasionally I think about self hosting, & I really want to get into Home Assistant.

A TRAP! 😂

My hanging swamp, sitting atop a large sandstone shelf above a ...

2026-03-01T22:38:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…yelm
_________________________

My hanging swamp, sitting atop a large sandstone shelf above a small cliff. It's a protected area due to its environmental importance—I can't alter it. I consider this a good thing, as does local wildlife. 🙂

It's not what most people think of when thinking swamps & wetlands, as it has no pools or creeks, just seepage. It's dry in drought & burns in bushfires. Nonetheless, a swamp it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamps_of_the_Blue_Mountains

#MarshMadness

Ugh. Barriers are such a pain. I'd better not mention how ...

2026-02-20T01:26:31Z

In reply to nevent1q…aczk
_________________________

Ugh.

Barriers are such a pain. I'd better not mention how fast & easy it is to add home solar (or solar+battery) in Australia. We're "lucky", solar is very established here, on 1 in 3 houses (some say 1 in 4—either way, lots). Suffice to say it was considerably quicker. There are rules & red tape of course, but easily satisfied. Installers must be solar qualified. No reviews, no inspection.

I expected it to be easy, but it was easier than expected. Cheaper than many countries, too.

J's carer was "complaining" she's only done short ...

2026-02-17T00:03:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…7yxr
_________________________

J's carer was "complaining" she's only done short distance flights, such as her recent trip to the Philippines. She's actually keen to do a long flight. We were talking about a 9hr flight...

Yup. Pretty short for a flight from Sydney!

You might remember me crapping on about getting good at^w^w ...

2026-02-05T09:31:15Z

You might remember me crapping on about getting good at^w^w obsessed with competitive mahjong solitaire. You know, the sort of game you play to avoid obsessive competiveness, but soon discover it has a ranked table & you keep winning & it congratulates you & then suddenly you move up a league, & another, so you play obsessively & suddenly no more leagues & I'm best in the fucking world. The best fucking sad obsessive playing this particular pattern matching game, over & over & over today 😭

You're such a deadshit.

2026-01-31T20:32:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…wmjq
_________________________

You're such a deadshit.

Bare feet? Gum Shoes? Lego 😉

2026-01-13T02:12:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…aqm6
_________________________

Bare feet? Gum
Shoes? Lego

😉

Free tv. Shit, click, shit, click, shit, click, YES! SBS is ...

2026-01-09T06:58:37Z

Free tv. Shit, click, shit, click, shit, click, YES! SBS is showing If You Are The One, a Chinese dating show. I love it, from really sweet to guys that seriously, but hilariously don't get it. I'd always thought I had no clue! Soppy, funny, weird. Perfect!

It's also an interesting (if controlled) view of young Chinese attitudes to life.

Hurrah! Xmas swamp wallaby! 😁 They're regular, but rarely ...

2025-12-25T07:40:30Z

Hurrah! Xmas swamp wallaby! 😁

They're regular, but rarely seen, visitors to my backyard. I know they visit, because I can see the garden's been chomped & fertilised...

What a great place to live.

#bushlife
#BlueMountains
#Australia
#Wallaby

J's home recently moved, meaning I travel further for visits. ...

2025-12-17T05:35:53Z

J's home recently moved, meaning I travel further for visits. All good, same time, a few extra km & some Es. Es are free, so 🤷

What I didn't expect to see was so many #EVs on the roads. I know they're getting more common, but today I noticed significantly more than a month ago. A good spread of brands, too.

I reckon 2026 will be a boom year for Australian EVs, with a bunch of smaller models coming, headlined by the *cheaper than a Yaris* Atto 1 (Seagull).

#WesternSydney

I didn't realise cricket was so violent... Commentator: ...

2025-12-17T03:11:14Z

I didn't realise cricket was so violent...

Commentator: "you could *literally* rip their hearts out in the next 2 hours."

Crikey! 😱

Again! From my kitchen window just now. 😁 ...

2025-12-16T07:08:00Z

Again! From my kitchen window just now. 😁

#YellowTailedBlackCockatoos
#BlueMountains
#BirdsOfMastodon
#AltText

I'm sitting in the shade under a deck, watching birds at the ...

2025-12-07T03:50:12Z

I'm sitting in the shade under a deck, watching birds at the feed station. The king parrots know who brings food, & are convinced I'm carrying. Two have been sent under the deck to glare & mutter. "The service here has really gone downhill, Beryl. I had to keep calling the waiter over. Harrumph. One star"

#BirdsOfMastodon
#BlueMountains
#KingParrot
#AltText

A southern leaf tailed/broad tailed/Sydney leaf tailed gecko. I ...

2025-10-12T08:46:27Z

A southern leaf tailed/broad tailed/Sydney leaf tailed gecko.

I see these frequently in my garage & the pit (basement), where I saw this one. Garage geckos are typically darker - as are the garage bricks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad-tailed_gecko

Edit: now with photo 🤦
#LizardOfTheDay
#BlueMountains

A local jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus) enjoying the ...

2025-10-03T02:13:02Z

A local jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus) enjoying the Australian sun.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacky_dragon

#BlueMountains
#LizardOfTheDay
#bushlife

You know those little noise makers you hold in your mouth while ...

2025-09-30T05:50:17Z

You know those little noise makers you hold in your mouth while you suck or blow? They have a little propeller inside that spins & makes a high pitched whirring noise when you do. Annoying fun.

I just accidentally vacuumed one up. It got stuck in the vacuum's head, whistled, howled, then screamed like the very gates to hell were opening.

Anxious to forestall such an event, I shut off the vacuum & cleared its head. Not today, Nick, oh no, not on my watch. 😂

#WhoYouGonnaCall

When I hired tradies to do the cable path, I got them to do some ...

2025-09-25T09:53:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…x7mt
_________________________

When I hired tradies to do the cable path, I got them to do some additional electrical work, including basement lights. The lights are fantastic, but JFC - "oh Mr Hart, what a mess". I had to clean up.

The basement has a dirt floor, which is covered with plastic & old carpet, & now I can see it's filthy & mouldy. 🤮 OUT!

The rag pile's how big? Why? Out, out, uh oh, what's that? A perfect excuse to hire a new, local termitologist, that's what. 😕
4/5

And that's how the NBN full fibre upgrade was responsible for ...

2025-09-25T09:53:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…dcza
_________________________

And that's how the NBN full fibre upgrade was responsible for me finding soon to be eradicated termites. I'm now getting monthly inspections, not quarterly, for less than the incompetent mob wanted at their special end of financial year price.

We didn't see the funnelweb, so it's probably roaming about searching for any unsuspecting big toes believed to have been involved in its attempted murder. 😱

Fin

5/5

Nasutitermes 🤬 What I'd seen is a termite tunnel climbing ...

2025-09-25T09:53:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…80n6
_________________________

Nasutitermes 🤬

What I'd seen is a termite tunnel climbing through my rag pile. The fuckers ignored nearby bait stations & were munching on tasty rags. Now they're munching on termite bait. I've stopped cleaning up, because we want them undisturbed, happily taking the bait back to the main nest.

Umm, & the National Broadband Network?

Well, I jumped at the free NBN upgrade, but they couldn't do it because I needed a clear cable path. That's at my cost.
3/5

No paper reports, cool, but emails, calls, & sms were all ...

2025-09-25T09:53:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…mkj8
_________________________

No paper reports, cool, but emails, calls, & sms were all sent to J's defunct email & no. Even if addressed to me. I was assured the record was updated a few times, yet...Flick those guys.

I got a new termitologist today. She seems good. One station held a fucking #funnelweb nest (now sprayed). Without anti-venene, these buggers will kill you. I walk over this station almost every day. 😱 No termites.

Can you have a look at this? Inside, ~1m from an outdoor station.

#BlueMountains
2/5

The NBN was responsible for me finding termites. What? Termites ...

2025-09-25T09:53:57Z

The NBN was responsible for me finding termites. What?

Termites are a big issue here. I've had minor & significant damage over the years.

After some duds, we got a reliable inspection company. The owner retired & they were bought by the big one. Standards dropped immediately. Visits were done, but it was obvious bait stations were being skipped. I paid for my last contract & was ignored for 6mths. The contract was later extended - after I chased them, but damage done.

#termites
1/5

What's this spiffy looking smaller SUV next to J's ...

2025-09-24T11:06:12Z

What's this spiffy looking smaller SUV next to J's transporter? It's almost stealth, very smooth & slippery looking in the modern #EV aero style. I like it. 🤔 I also wanted to rub my hands all over it just to feel that smoothness. 😱 The struggle was real. 😉

#Geely #EX5. Starting under $AU50k with decent reviews - I expect I'll see a few more.

A bit bigger than I need or want, but it certainly looked nice, so smooth & sleek. No idea how good it really is.

*See also #Volvo EX30

#Alt A split screen video showing people dancing like the dancing ...

2025-09-14T03:15:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…a48h
_________________________

#Alt

A split screen video showing people dancing like the dancing birds on the other screen. The dancer's outfits match the birds they imitate.

Hurrah! I'm glad I've never had to suffer a violent angry ...

2025-09-09T09:10:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…l5x9
_________________________

Hurrah! I'm glad I've never had to suffer a violent angry deadshit neighbour. Deadshits occasionally, but mostly good, quiet, keep to themselves neighbours. *

I hope you get good future neighbours!

* Even when next door was a whole house grow operation, busted while we were away. He was a good neighbour, but not a sharer! 😂 We'd had no idea it was anything other than a man living alone... First we knew was when the new owners told us. 😂

I have a very strong compulsion to read everything I start. ...

2025-08-30T23:33:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…zmxg
_________________________

I have a very strong compulsion to read everything I start.

It's very, very, rare that I don't complete a book. They have to be seriously bad. Even then, sometimes I'll give them another chance. This compulsion really give me the irrits at times - "god this is awful, but maybe the next chapter, sigh, I'll keep going." [a short time passes] "god this is awful, but maybe the ne..." [repeats]

Bena Lugosi (npub1c6z…q3gp)

🙂 We only had base cover + extras for years. Some years we ...

2025-08-26T10:36:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…7vz5
_________________________

🙂 We only had base cover + extras for years. Some years we won, most they won. When J first needed extensive & expensive treatment & care, it was all done as public.

My dad had his hips replaced when he was around my age, & I can feel mine going. I reckon I've got a year, maybe two. So I've upped my cover in readiness, but now with a non profit, so I'm only paying a touch more.

I've reached the age of peers dying & things failing, ...

2025-08-25T09:24:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…2rty
_________________________

I've reached the age of peers dying & things failing, & I don't want to wait for ages to unfail those things. When I need an elective/semi-elective op (say hips/eyes), I want it then & there, at minimal cost. Without private, it's one or the other - wait & pay nothing/not much, or then & there for $$$. With private, I'll probably pay as much, but not in one hit.

Of course, during an emergency, everyone gets the same treatment, so private's no benefit. 🤷‍♂️

Is the PM unaware that roads are funded by general taxation? ...

2025-08-13T22:56:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…45w3
_________________________

Is the PM unaware that roads are funded by general taxation?

Aren't we told #EVs are necessary, but aren't selling - Australians don't want them? Is it wise to add barriers?

Roads are a common good, & should be funded by general taxation. Maybe fund common goods before pissing money away on AUKUS? Fund common goods before giving away billions in royalties subsidies to multinationals & billionaires?

Yeah nah, easier to blame the public. 🤷‍♂️

An investment? Time will tell. I'm privileged, & took ...

2025-08-01T08:51:37Z

An investment? Time will tell.

I'm privileged, & took advantage of the Aussie gov's #HomeBattery subsidy, getting a 24kWh #Sigenstor. With #solar, it will cover my energy use - including #EV - I'm excited! 😁 I can also join Amber's wholesale pricing - some risk, potential income

Cons? Batteries are exxy. Apps need to be learnt. What about renters?

Pros? I'm timeshifting the sun. YEAH! Timeshifting the fucking SUN! 🤘 Much data. 😁 🤞No more power bills. Cleaner grid. 💚

#TimeshiftingTheSun
#Alt

Fry_Shocked.gif In real world (Victorian) tests, 25 of 30 ...

2025-07-30T21:20:28Z

Fry_Shocked.gif

In real world (Victorian) tests, 25 of 30 vehicles were found to use more fuel than claimed by manufacturers. The Kona hybrid used *33%* more fuel! Six produced emissions above legal limits, including the popular Ford Ranger [even_more_shocked.gif] and three Toyotas.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/31/cars-sold-in-australia-still-use-more-petrol-and-emit-more-toxic-fumes-than-advertised-new-real-world-testing-shows

#ICEcar
#EV
#hybrid

You need to link for us oldies! https://youtu.be/7oDXq0b-rR0 #EV ...

2025-07-25T09:48:06Z

In reply to nevent1q…q4u8
_________________________

You need to link for us oldies!

https://youtu.be/7oDXq0b-rR0

#EV
#cyberster
#MG
#vintage

Jeebers. The shrinkage!

2025-06-21T03:27:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…2xsk
_________________________

Jeebers. The shrinkage!

I suppose I could spend alotofmoney™ to make it merely old, ...

2025-06-19T09:53:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…rg56
_________________________

I suppose I could spend *alotofmoney™* to make it merely old, noisy, smelly, & slow again, or drop a shedload on a conversion project. I have a long history of moto project experience, after all. [1]

Yeah nah. It might be time to move on. I can always hire a ute/van if I need a transporter. Maybe learn to reliably back a trailer. 🙄😱

[1] still not finished, probably never will be. Seemed like a good idea at the time. It was going to be easy. Everything's there mate. Ahahaha!

A dirty not so secret of mine is that I still own an #ICEcar. A ...

2025-06-19T09:53:29Z

A dirty not so secret of mine is that I still own an #ICEcar. A rarely used 92 ute. Ironically, it's been off the road this year with electrical system issues.🙄

It hasn't been further than 10km a couple of times since buying my #EV, but I finally fixed it the other day. A couple of test drives, and...

My deity. I know it's vintage, but next to my previous ICE it was just old & slow. Next to my EV it's awful. Rattles, clunks, smells, whines. EV's have ruined driving my vintage car! 😭

I'm thinking this is probably Elon heading to Mars, but it ...

2025-06-12T03:51:30Z

I'm thinking this is probably Elon heading to Mars, but it could well be some sort of missile launching from nearby.

Has the war recommenced?

#EmuWar

Fuck getting old. My sister just called. During a police welfare ...

2025-05-30T04:19:24Z

Fuck getting old. My sister just called. During a police welfare check, our little brother was found dead at home. We don't know when or how, but...

It's not unexpected, he had metastasised lung #cancer, but it's unexpected because treatment seemed to be helping. Either way, it fucking sucks.

Yes, he was a grumpy weird old man, but he was our grumpy weird old man. I'm not sure I'm ready to take over as family curmudgeon. I hope I'm up for it.

They were called nana bags or nana trolleys when I grew up. I ...

2025-05-28T09:58:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…quye
_________________________

They were called nana bags or nana trolleys when I grew up. I doubt that's what they were sold as, but that's what they are. 🤷‍♂️

Jeep sounds like a trademark infringement. 😉😂

Phew! I thought I was going mad! Thanks.

2025-05-27T01:26:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…t6ju
_________________________

Phew! I thought I was going mad!

Thanks.

Because it's been cold, I bought a cheap heated throw rug off ...

2025-05-26T10:42:53Z

Because it's been cold, I bought a cheap heated throw rug off ebay. Tonight I am sitting on the lounge, luxuriating, wrapped in warmth. I am a king.

...or possibly a sausage roll

Seriously though, it uses far less #electricity than A/C or other heating (0.2kW vs 1.8kW), and I'm toasty warm. A/C warms the room, the throw warms me.

Bonus: it's made of a lovely sensory soft smooth coral fleece that I could rub all night.

#PersonalWarmth

#fedilab Hi @npub14kx…urew Lately I seem to be unwittingly ...

2025-05-26T08:31:03Z

#fedilab

Hi Fedilab Apps (npub14kx…urew)

Lately I seem to be unwittingly boosting. I have confirm before boost set, don't deliberately press boost, don't get the confirmation dialogue, but do get a message telling me a post was boosted as I scroll. The boost indicator arrows on visible toots don't change. The message appears in my timeline, showing it was boosted by me. I unboost, but it stays there.

Android 15

Any suggestions?

I really hope this UK research is proven correct. Not only does ...

2025-05-26T07:14:00Z

I really hope this UK research is proven correct. Not only does shingles vaccine reduces the risk of shingles, it may reduce the risk of dementia. Sounds like a win/win. I just had my shots! 😉 In Australia, everyone over 65 can get shingles vaccines (2 shots) for free.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250403/Shingles-vaccine-cuts-dementia-risk-by-2025-new-study-shows.aspx

h/t to (((Cindy Weinstein))) (npub1vqc…t438) for the link

#dementia
#Alzheimers
#ShinglesVaccine

@npub1e2p…2lcu I don't think they've had any production ...

2025-04-26T01:43:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…z4h5
_________________________

Electrek.co (npub1e2p…2lcu)

I don't think they've had any production models yet. They have a price, and I could "reserve" one, but the specs look a bit underdone - even vs a Brumby. No 4WD? I'm *pretty* sure my Brumby could do 0-50 in less than 7 seconds, & know it will go over 100km/h 😂

OK, it's close. Same load capacity in kg, tray size TBD, nice & small. Shows promise, could try harder. 😉

Interesting. I'm definitely onboard with small 2 door #EV ...

2025-04-25T08:55:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…hzx7
_________________________

Interesting. I'm definitely onboard with small 2 door #EV utes. 😁

I know, I know, I keep saying it, sorry, but I reckon a similarly sized, modern EV version of a Subaru Brumby/Brat would sell like hotcakes.

But Albo's been "deeply affected" 🤦

2025-04-22T22:51:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…q7a6
_________________________

But Albo's been "deeply affected" 🤦

I leave my phone in another room, making the choice obvious. I ...

2025-04-17T21:44:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…ldax
_________________________

I leave my phone in another room, making the choice obvious. I ain't getting up for no public holiday blorp!

Ours takes heaps of things as well, and all so organised - not ...

2025-04-04T08:00:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…9s7a
_________________________

Ours takes heaps of things as well, and all so organised - not like the always smouldering rat infested tip of my childhood. We still enjoyed scabbing though. Always came back with something *useful* 😂