Nostr notes by WafflePolly 🙀

It's my fat fingers Jude :blobcat_giggle: I'm happier ...

2024-08-28T21:35:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…anj5
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It's my fat fingers Jude :blobcat_giggle:

I'm happier tapping away on the laptop.

I'm going to clear out the car (again!) and organise it so that we can have a more comfortable night tonight, cos back in the car we go. I'll charge everything up today while I'm at it.

Same! It's why I'm not posting much at the moment as the ...

2024-08-28T21:27:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…mp6f
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Same!

It's why I'm not posting much at the moment as the tech has been packed because of the weather.

Posting using the phone is annoying

It's been playing up for me for a few days now. I have to ...

2024-08-28T04:40:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…qqez
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It's been playing up for me for a few days now. I have to keep opening and closing it. But, with the Masto.au issues, I never quite know which is the culprit!

Um, that was interesting 😱

2024-08-24T04:57:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…u846
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Um, that was interesting 😱

Nah. He's a tosser. :blobcat_giggle:

2024-08-24T04:30:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…4jun
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Nah.

He's a tosser.

:blobcat_giggle:

During the break in transmission, I've been mansplained at ...

2024-08-24T04:21:31Z

During the break in transmission, I've been mansplained at the Graun over my lack of recycling skillz.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/24/australia-recycling-guidelines-rules-rubbish-bins?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Just gimme a 500m roll of tape. I can make my next site look like ...

2024-08-24T04:18:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…nc79
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Just gimme a 500m roll of tape. I can make my next site look like a crime scene

But not too deeply, right? :blobcat_yikes:

2024-08-24T04:16:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…lezj
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But not too deeply, right? :blobcat_yikes:

Oh man, can I have my next tent emblazoned with that? Please?! ...

2024-08-24T04:11:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…t008
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Oh man, can I have my next tent emblazoned with that? Please?! :blobcat_smilehappyeyes:

I can recommend a Labor politician and a pile of bureaucrats if ...

2024-08-24T04:09:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…tdjm
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I can recommend a Labor politician and a pile of bureaucrats if you need some reassurance that it's COOL AND NORMAL to be ankle deep in shit and WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING?!

It's organic, after all.

Anyhoo, you know I feel your pain 💩

Anyone got time to decorate the Portaloo? Got a Monet poster you can put on the back of the door?

Have a fabulous partay 🎉

It is divine. Mandatory stop on a day out in the Barossa.

2024-08-22T09:35:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…m8d5
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It is divine.

Mandatory stop on a day out in the Barossa.

ALL THE CAKE! And the bread, the pie oven, the gelato... I ...

2024-08-22T09:30:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…kk27
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ALL THE CAKE!

And the bread, the pie oven, the gelato...

I usually leave with a box of stuff :blobcat_hungry:

Nostr event nevent1qqs2cl0srkgamfnxav3d737df625vhjcu7234erdlmnglcz92p935pczyrps9gh2mvcvkfg76ak78z3rq8hvv8csj0mzsnhtzmnz34hpzc0tgaveg0y

2024-08-22T09:26:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…hgy6
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https://www.tanunda-bakery.com.au/menu-bread-pastries-buns-coffee

🎉🎉🎉

2024-08-22T09:14:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…92ja
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🎉🎉🎉

I may have, ahem, chosen a parcel locker for a delivery next week ...

2024-08-22T09:12:50Z

In reply to nevent1q…uvdp
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I may have, ahem, chosen a parcel locker for a delivery next week on the basis of it being near one of the best bakeries in South Australia.

I shall be partaking in ALL the baked goods.

:blobcat_hungry: :blobcat_giggle:

It's too understated. It needs several kilos of accessories ...

2024-08-22T09:09:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…xjhl
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It's too understated.

It needs several kilos of accessories and a jaunty hat.

Go hard or go home.

(I love it, by the way. I could sneak the Girls in anywhere under that magnificent skirt. In their carriers.)

Something good! :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug:

2024-08-22T08:48:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…tg7j
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Something good!

:blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug:

IT REALLY IS! :blobcat_ohnocry:

2024-08-22T08:45:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…p4cu
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IT REALLY IS! :blobcat_ohnocry:

Trangia has been lit! :blobcat_hug:

2024-08-21T21:42:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…zk63
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Trangia has been lit! :blobcat_hug:

YES. They should have emergency appointments but, if you're ...

2024-08-21T21:38:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…924y
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YES.

They should have emergency appointments but, if you're already taking antibiotics, they may refer you to hospital for IV ABs.

Don't fuck around and just go (if ED it is).

Heart muscle is irreplaceable.

(I've had several dental infections successfully treated with early intervention with oral antibiotics. Don't want to terrify you, but it's important not to downplay.)

Caity, I second this. THIS IS A DENTAL EMERGENCY. Get your arse ...

2024-08-21T20:47:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…xjjz
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Caity, I second this.

THIS IS A DENTAL EMERGENCY.

Get your arse somewhere immediately for treatment.

NOW.

:blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug:

The first?! Where is this magical place? :blobcat_giggle:

2024-08-21T06:03:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…5tkq
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The first?! Where is this magical place? :blobcat_giggle:

Lovely pic! :blobcat_hug:

2024-08-21T02:21:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…5gx8
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Lovely pic! :blobcat_hug:

Culling books is horrendous. Thankfully, I did a major cull two ...

2024-08-21T01:28:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…0snm
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Culling books is horrendous.

Thankfully, I did a major cull two moves ago and wasn't faced with it on exodus.

I cheerfully gave away all of my furniture and thousands of dollars of gardening stuff.

Kept the books :blobcat_wink:

I capitulated and brie it is!

2024-08-20T08:29:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…470p
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I capitulated and brie it is!

Um, you were quite correct. Yes, to the too much brie and, um, I ...

2024-08-20T08:02:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…vhas
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Um, you were quite correct. Yes, to the too much brie and, um, I think I have an emergency tuna rice thing in the car I can eat cold :blobcat_giggle:

Too windy to cook so brie it is!

2024-08-20T07:58:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…vxpu
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Too windy to cook so brie it is!

I'm having checks notes brie for dinner

2024-08-20T07:19:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…d5ck
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I'm having *checks notes* brie for dinner

I've just read his police record on Wikipedia. Christ. ...

2024-08-20T05:35:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…w2zx
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I've just read his police record on Wikipedia.

Christ.

Sensible judge.

Want some brie?

2024-08-19T23:48:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…hzzq
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Want some brie?

You'd quarter your domestic labour if you never put your ...

2024-08-19T22:40:51Z

In reply to nevent1q…lrfv
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You'd quarter your domestic labour if you never put your glasses on 😉

On reflection, Tonaaaaay transcends the Logies. He is far too ...

2024-08-18T22:13:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…c6zy
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On reflection, Tonaaaaay transcends the Logies.

He is far too cool for that school.

He has obtained National Treasure status, and a Logie would be little more than a door stop.

ABSOLUTELY. HE WAS ROBBED. But, TV Week readers.

2024-08-18T22:09:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…kgss
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ABSOLUTELY.

HE WAS ROBBED.

But, TV Week readers.

I KNOW, RIGHT?! I've ignored the TV Week awards for decades. ...

2024-08-18T21:40:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…2p9r
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I KNOW, RIGHT?!

I've ignored the TV Week awards for decades. They're useless tripe and utterly meaningless.

:blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: ...

2024-08-17T06:42:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…kcm4
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:blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug: :blobcat_hug:

I can not even imagine. Just can not.

LIGHTWEIGHT!! :blobcat_hungry: :blobcat_giggle: :blobcat_hungry:

2024-08-17T06:15:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…994r
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LIGHTWEIGHT!!

:blobcat_hungry: :blobcat_giggle: :blobcat_hungry:

Leftover pizza? What is this mythical thing?

2024-08-17T06:12:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…k2rp
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Leftover pizza? What is this mythical thing?

Wow! That's a head umbrella :blobcat_giggle: Love it.

2024-08-16T10:07:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…ukny
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Wow! That's a head umbrella :blobcat_giggle:

Love it.

There is nothing "stinky" about reducing the frequency of ...

2024-08-16T08:40:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…j2yy
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There is nothing "stinky" about reducing the frequency of showering, and it may improve skin integrity.

This is a thread for people who may find themselves forced into homelessness.

Your flippant and ill-informed remarks (you state openly you haven't read the article) are disrespectful.

Have some decency. If you want to crack jokes like a toddler, fuck off out of my thread.

Often yours! 🤣

2024-08-16T00:38:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…38p6
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Often yours! 🤣

Rightio, I'm going to have to press pause. It's getting ...

2024-08-16T00:03:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…grd6
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Rightio, I'm going to have to press pause.

It's getting on and I need to get cracking!

I'll continue on with this thread either later today or tomorrow morning...

:blobcat_hug:

You don't need dedicated kit And you definitely don't ...

2024-08-16T00:01:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…qx3z
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You don't need dedicated kit

And you definitely don't need an ensuite.

Time to fess up. I bought one.

I changed tents a couple of months ago and I lost a metre of head height and a lot of indoor space. I thought I'd like to be able to stand up to get changed and 'bathe'.

The ensuite was more trouble that what it was worth.

It took up space in the car and was not wind resistant. But I knew this when I bought it and I rationalised that, since it was pop up and easy to use, I'd erect it when I needed it.

Nope, that was just an added complexity to my day that I wanted to avoid.

It isn't easy to bathe in the great outdoors away from other camper's eyeballs. But it can be done (scroll down to discover how).

As for the different camping shower options, these require a lot of setting up in the right environment and may create more work than bathing by another means.

For a start, you have to collect and heat water. You're going to need 10L of water for a few minutes of showering. You're probably going to want 20L to shampoo your hair and especially if you have medium to long hair.

Now, where is that water going to go? Australian campsites are often dirt. You're going to get all clean and then be marooned on an island surrounded by muddy grey water. Or, you've collected all of that water in the base of your ensuite and now have to dispose of it somewhere.

You have to find something sturdy enough to hang a bag shower from which will weigh at the very least 10-15kg. If you have a 12v shower, where is your power source? Those leads aren't super-long. And, who wants their expensive lithium battery next to their ensuite shower? Not me.

Equipment If you browse a camping retailer's offerings you ...

2024-08-15T23:46:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…hufn
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Equipment

If you browse a camping retailer's offerings you might convince yourself you need a double decker bus to accommodate all the items they tell you are essential.

People have been bathing *checks notes* for millennia and without all of it.

I have purchased, tested, and put into storage a lot of stuff over the years. I was living on portable solar in a rental for a time so I've gear-tested a lot of stuff.

Here's what you actually need (beyond your toiletries):

:rubberduck: a receptacle for water
:rubberduck: some form of cloth for scrubbing yourself
:rubberduck: wet wipes
:rubberduck: a towel (this can be optional)

Here's what some gear nut in an outdoor retailer might try to convince you to buy:

:rubberduck: an ensuite
:rubberduck: a camping shower
:rubberduck: any kind of dedicated item to use for water to bathe in
:rubberduck: all the other stuff marketed under outdoor bathroom that I scroll past without registering

You can repurpose anything to hold water. I've bathed out of an upcycled yoghurt pot.

I highly recommend buying something long and narrow as a cloth. You can lather it up and scrub your back. Make it something thin which will dry quickly.

For the longest time I resisted buying and using wet wipes. I hate generating waste. But the reality is that you need them. I use them to wash my nether regions. If I have access to water I'll lather them up with 'soap' too. By disposing of wipes I'm not risking cross contamination. You do not want a urinary tract infection if you have a coochie, and a great way to get one is to transmit E. Coli from your anus by indiscriminately wiping.

There have been moments when I've forgotten my towel and I've drip dried. You can dry off pretty quickly if there's a bit of wind!

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/480-pack-baby-wipes-42749196/

Leave No Trace You're going to have to double up with a few ...

2024-08-15T23:25:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…kdgz
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Leave No Trace

You're going to have to double up with a few things. I use standard toiletries when there is access to plumbing and specialist toiletries when there isn't. This saves me some cash and I also indulge in a medicated shampoo from time to time when my scalp needs some love.

If you are camping in the scrub you need biodegradable options. Remember to use these away from water courses and don't, just don't, take your toiletries into the river, lake, whatever, and have at it even if they have 'environmentally friendly' emblazoned all over them.*

I use a few products from Sea to Summit:

:rubberduck: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash 250 ml
:rubberduck: Sea to Summit Shampoo with Conditioner 89ml
:rubberduck: Sea to Summit Pocket Hand Wash 50 Leaves

The shampoo is excellent and leaves my hair lovely and soft. I have the pocket leaves for those moments when you're in a public loo and someone hasn't filled the soap dispenser.

The Wilderness Wash is used everywhere else and includes my dishes and my clothes. I usually buy the cheaper Earth Choice Wool Wash 1l for laundry so I'll use that if I have some (laundry is a separate thread).

*lifted from the StS website:
"Biodegradable means that the product will break down due to biological action and UV, but it will harm aquatic life if used directly in streams, ponds and lakes. Practice Leave No Trace and wash / dispose of waste water 200ft / 70m from any water source."

https://www.bcf.com.au/p/sea-to-summit-shampoo-with-conditioner-89ml/216976.html?cgid=BCF073025#prefn1=adArticleType&prefv1=Hygiene%7CToiletries&sz=36&start=4

What to pack Think about all the stuff you have cluttered in your ...

2024-08-15T23:06:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…26fu
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What to pack

Think about all the stuff you have cluttered in your average bathroom. It's a lot.

You now have to condense all of that in a small and accessible carrier and it's going to be larger than you think. You aren't spending a week in Bali. You're free camping in a remote location a significant distance from any kind of shop.

I tried to go small. Epic fail. I now have Kmart hanging organiser which I never hang but it fits everything I need.

I use the separate compartments to categorise how I use items: stuff for places with showers and plumbing, daily stuff, and odds and sods that are necessary to have but infrequently used.

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/multi-pocket-hanging-organiser-grey-43273850/

So, we're not daily showering and we've ditched the ...

2024-08-15T22:55:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…9vrt
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So, we're not daily showering and we've ditched the frequent shampooing. What now?

It's going to get a little complicated so here's an overview:

:rubberduck: What to pack
:rubberduck: Daily essentials
:rubberduck: Using public facilities
:rubberduck: When water is a problem
:rubberduck: Avoiding embarrassing visits to the Pharmacy

We wash our hair far too often You'd be surprised how long ...

2024-08-15T22:49:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…4umm
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We wash our hair far too often

You'd be surprised how long you can go between shampoos.

There has been a lot of discourse around this over the last few years and there's also the No Poo movement.

The trick is to not go from daily shampoos to never shampooing. That is the path to pain. Gradually extend how many days until you shampoo.

I had reduced my shampooing down to weekly before I became homeless due to my interest in the No Poo movement. Since becoming homeless I can cope with my hair being washed every two weeks if necessary.

I'm not going to link an article here as there's so much to choose from.

I know it's time to shampoo when my head gets itchy.

A daily shower is unnecessary People don't need to shower ...

2024-08-15T22:40:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…ehmy
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A daily shower is unnecessary

People don't need to shower every day. People, unless they're open cut mining or plumbers unclogging sewerage drains (etc., you get my meaning), shouldn't shower every day.

We destroy our skin's natural environment and then we slather on moisturiser and other things to correct the damage we did by showering.

Don't believe me? Check out this excellent article from the BBC

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240423-theres-no-need-to-shower-every-day-heres-why

Personal hygiene when you're homeless, a 🧵 I'm feeling ...

2024-08-15T22:30:59Z

Personal hygiene when you're homeless, a 🧵

I'm feeling pretty skanky today.

We've been free camping at a place without water and, thanks to an unexpected change of plans and some idiocy on my part, we have the bare minimum of water.

I can survive on very little water with a tremendous amount of compromise. Hence the skanky.

But, skanky and festy are two completely different things. I can feel in desperate need of a hot shower but all relevant bits are in healthy working order and are not going to require a visit to the pharmacy any time soon.

We’re going to get up close and personal but, given societal taboos, I’m going to add my own little flourishes with the aid of an absolutely ridiculous list of euphemisms for genitalia.

When I mention a person’s genitalia I want to make a very clear distinction. It’s in relation to whatever genitalia you have and not your gender. They are entirely different things. In order to make this thread accessible for the squeamish and embarrassed I’m going to toss in some ridiculous terms for both. It’s always nice to have a laugh and keep things light when people are out of their comfort zone.

https://giggeli.com/blogs/news/list-of-700-terms-for-genitalia

#EatingMyRent
#HomelessHygiene
#Homeless
#Homelessness

Not likely, unfortunately. Mine's too 'fluffy' and, ...

2024-08-15T22:12:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…nsqj
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Not likely, unfortunately.

Mine's too 'fluffy' and, if I contract Covid, I'll be arguing with someone who is not my regular GP (most likely instance).

So, best to just avoid it entirely.

Yes (the ridiculous restrictions). You'd think that someone ...

2024-08-15T22:06:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…3nm5
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Yes (the ridiculous restrictions).

You'd think that someone who already has cognitive impairment, a significant 'disability', and is homeless might, just might, qualify.

But, nope.

I have joined in the fun of making whimsical replies to a bot. ...

2024-08-15T21:09:24Z

I have joined in the fun of making whimsical replies to a bot.

(In case you're wondering if I've eaten the wrong kind of foraged mushroom, or right kind, depending on your point of view.)

This is my problem in a nutshell. Wait for it. Just wait for it. ...

2024-08-15T20:36:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…2a2e
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This is my problem in a nutshell.

Wait for it. Just wait for it.

I'm ineligible for antivirals.

🤯 :blobcat_angery:

I think, for me, it's not about binning Kubler-Ross' ...

2024-08-15T20:29:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…zhw9
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I think, for me, it's not about binning Kubler-Ross' approach but, rather, expanding it. (And Kubler-Ross herself wasn't thrilled with how her work was interpreted).

I don't see the stages as linear and I think it might be perceived, for some, as failure if they don't reach acceptance.

I had an online friend who used to beat herself up a lot that she was still grieving the loss of her father decades after his death and that she still hadn't accepted it.

There's no water here. I've been washing with minimal ...

2024-08-15T07:42:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…met7
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There's no water here.

I've been washing with minimal water (baby wipes and around 50 mls of water) for a few weeks and haven't washed my hair for two.

Looking forward to a good scrub!

I'm hearing you! A hot shower after a month without one is ...

2024-08-15T07:34:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…em26
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I'm hearing you!

A hot shower after a month without one is the best!!

Sounds amazing. All clean and scrubbed with 🍕. Heaven!

:blobcat_yikes: Disasters make for the best clean ups!

2024-08-15T07:29:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…anew
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:blobcat_yikes:

Disasters make for the best clean ups!

:blobcat_yikes: You know what's the best Marie Kondo ...

2024-08-15T07:22:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…y0jc
_________________________

:blobcat_yikes:

You know what's the best Marie Kondo technique?

Becoming homeless 🤣

I had a month to get rid of almost everything. That was... interesting :blobcat_giggle:

OH DEAR MOTHER OF GAWD JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH AND THE WEE DONKEY ...

2024-08-15T07:11:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…93as
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OH DEAR MOTHER OF GAWD JESUS MARY AND JOSEPH AND THE WEE DONKEY AND THE DONKEY'S FOURTH COUSIN THREE TIMES REMOVED

:blobcat_yikes: I remember a photo of a trestle table with stuff ...

2024-08-15T07:09:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…luhp
_________________________

:blobcat_yikes:

I remember a photo of a trestle table with stuff all over it and an absurd number of peelers.

Hey, I'm still traumatised from Jan's place 😝 What was ...

2024-08-15T07:07:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…54sp
_________________________

Hey, I'm still traumatised from Jan's place 😝

What was the final skip tally??

:blobcat_hug:

Although, to be fair, my good friend's husband (who is ...

2024-08-15T02:55:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…ggkc
_________________________

Although, to be fair, my good friend's husband (who is lovely) doesn't mask either and also works at a uni, so I don't visit theirs, and we catch up outside!

😱😱😱

2024-08-15T02:49:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…vgru
_________________________

😱😱😱

Absolutely. It shits me to tears how such an amazing opportunity ...

2024-08-15T02:39:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…9qs0
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Absolutely.

It shits me to tears how such an amazing opportunity to reeducate and rethink our public spaces got politicised and squandered.

Just the small act of flushing a toilet with the seat down. It ain't hard.

I'm living proof that you can avoid Covid. I've been homeless ten months now and Covid free. But it's hard work and sacrifice because of the majority.

Jude, you're doing more than most in regards to protecting ...

2024-08-15T02:19:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…c4fh
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Jude, you're doing more than most in regards to protecting others these days 😬

I bet you could count the number of masked people on one hand at the shops :blobcat_sob:

All power to you!

If there were more people like you, people like me could use public toilets without having to make a risk assessment.

And I'm so glad he's feeling better 🎉

What a lovely portrait! And, hello you!! :blobcat_hug:

2024-08-15T02:10:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…s5la
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What a lovely portrait!

And, hello you!!

:blobcat_hug:

There are days when emergency crisps and chocolate are mandatory!

2024-08-14T23:50:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…4c5s
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There are days when emergency crisps and chocolate are mandatory!

Although I have been known to do both :blobcat_giggle:

2024-08-14T23:47:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…3748
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Although I have been known to do both :blobcat_giggle:

The plastic does make me die a little inside, but needs must. And ...

2024-08-14T23:44:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…femq
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The plastic does make me die a little inside, but needs must.

And it is better to grab a bag of shredded veg than a bag of barbecue crisps :blobcat_angel:

Exactly. I spent the entire time up there pontificating about how ...

2024-08-14T23:41:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…5shy
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Exactly.

I spent the entire time up there pontificating about how the state was one massive briquette and how I sucked in smoke for weeks.

I love this kind of stuff but I've had to compromise. I now ...

2024-08-14T23:39:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…znty
_________________________

I love this kind of stuff but I've had to compromise.

I now buy the bags of shredded broccoli slaw etc (undressed and something I'd never do housed) and make a light dressing. Sometimes, I'll add feta. The marinated stuff if I've got it. Scrumptious.

OMG, THAT'S DELICIOUS!!!

2024-08-14T23:35:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…ev9c
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OMG, THAT'S DELICIOUS!!!

I FREAKING KNOW, RIGHT!?!? I am guessing it's because some ...

2024-08-14T23:31:08Z

In reply to nevent1q…duph
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I FREAKING KNOW, RIGHT!?!?

I am guessing it's because some areas in NSW are traditionally wet in summer, but that ship sailed years ago.

I spent summer in NSW last year (when I mistakenly assumed there would be a fire danger season and blanket bans). I was left scrabbling to find the most comprehensive information available and ended up having to create a Twatter account :blobcat_angery:

I'm seeing an explosion of campers with zero experience, zero understanding of fire safety, and zero knowledge of etiquette in the last year. It makes for very dangerous times.

Yep, this is why I am careful to the point of paranoia in NSW. In ...

2024-08-14T23:18:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…jf23
_________________________

Yep, this is why I am careful to the point of paranoia in NSW.

In SA, you'd be lynched doing this.

In NSW, the prevailing attitude is 'guy's gotta cook his fish and there ain't no harm in that'

🤯🤦‍♀️😱

This actually happened. Ferals lit a campfire in December on a ...

2024-08-14T23:03:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…fls0
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This actually happened.

Ferals lit a campfire in December on a fire ban day.

Called 000.

RFS responded.

Ferals saw them coming in the distance. Hastily extinguished fire but had to be still hot if you had a good look.

No action taken.

Ferals relit campfire after they left.

🤦‍♀️

👀

2024-08-14T21:50:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…a8m6
_________________________

👀

Same. I always check the forecast for the weekend wherever I am ...

2024-08-14T20:58:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…xgeq
_________________________

Same.

I always check the forecast for the weekend wherever I am as it's a great indication of how busy a site might become.

Warm with no rain.

I got excited when it started raining here. Lasted all of a ...

2024-08-14T20:53:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…cksf
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I got excited when it started raining here.

Lasted all of a couple of minutes and not very heavy :blobcat_sad:

What shits me to tears is that Twatter isn't original ...

2024-08-14T19:46:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…m47e
_________________________

What shits me to tears is that Twatter isn't original content. It's user-driven. You don't have to be there. Or on Farcebook either. And, if you're contributing content to these platforms, you're providing actual Nazis and a lot of arseholes with an income stream.

I have to have a sodding Twatter account thanks to emergency services pushing out most of their content via social media. Did I mention THIS SHITS ME TO TEARS.

I do not post on Twatter. Hell, I don't even have a profile pic.

When I'm in a state that does not have a blanket fire ban over summer (side-eye to you, NSW) I have to be all over the emergency services because there is always some idiot lighting a fire on a hot and windy day.

In South Australia you can subscribe to CFS emails. Brilliant. My inbox is stuffed to the gunnels with every incident imaginable.

Essential services need to do better.

That's my rant over and out!

I've been down a Fleetwood Mac rabbit hole the last few days, ...

2024-08-14T09:26:22Z

I've been down a Fleetwood Mac rabbit hole the last few days, and I think it would be hard to beat this Buckingham/Nicks cocaine fueled I hate you 1982 performance of The Chain :blobcat_yikes:

https://youtu.be/dGykwC0fdJ4?si=faFJTkdV4PhqtJ1r

Absolutely! The weight of the world's problems is exhausting. ...

2024-08-14T07:26:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…h5sh
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Absolutely!

The weight of the world's problems is exhausting.

I regularly have news breaks (and I ask my friends not to send me any news) given my current circumstances.

We can still be informed and passionate about issues without the 24/7 news cycle shoving it down our throats.

I miss the days when I was a kid, unwrapping the afternoon newspaper (our household subscribed to the News) and a half hourly evening bulletin. Sure, we weren't as informed, but we weren't marinating in misery either.

Absolutely!

2024-08-14T01:43:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…6k3u
_________________________

Absolutely!

If you have a spare checks notes three months I will cheerfully ...

2024-08-13T22:30:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…3c60
_________________________

If you have a spare *checks notes* three months I will cheerfully rant at you about Twats and their Wankpanzers,

Sincerely,

Someone in a 1.6L two door hatchback that is filthier and has seen more off-road use than a Darling Point Tractor

Poor Kitteh! I can commiserate. Screw with the Girls' routine ...

2024-08-13T22:11:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…n0ga
_________________________

Poor Kitteh!

I can commiserate. Screw with the Girls' routine and they will END YOU.

:blobcatgiggle:

Cheers! That's one word for it 😬 :blobcat_giggle: I think ...

2024-08-13T19:18:49Z

In reply to nevent1q…k7qr
_________________________

Cheers!

That's one word for it 😬 :blobcat_giggle:

I think people don't realise how restrictive animals are on the road and especially if you're solo.

An animal's temperament further complicates things.

I have a stroller for the Girls, but I rarely use it. We've had one pub meal. I have to find a quiet pub with a garden large enough to find a secluded table on a day that I'm travelling without a massive to-do list.

:blobcat_yikes: Hope he's okay and that you will be too!

2024-08-13T08:21:33Z

In reply to nevent1q…7ks0
_________________________

:blobcat_yikes:

Hope he's okay and that you will be too!

Your cats are travelling and you are their chauffeur Travelling ...

2024-08-12T23:37:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…awaf
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Your cats are travelling and you are their chauffeur

Travelling with cats requires daily compromise and sacrifice.

Lose the mindset that you are on a fabulous road trip and forget making a list of all the things YOU want to see and do. You are not a tourist.

View your road trip as places your cats can experience and accept that you aren't on an Instagramable adventure.

With responsibility comes a truckload of boredom.

You cannot:

:blobcatboo: Visit national parks and other places that forbid animals
:blobcatboo: Visit museums, galleries, and other tourist places
:blobcatboo: Enjoy a nice lunch in many cafes, pubs, and restaurants

I could go on, and on, and on, but I think you're building a picture.

You'll also have to think about strategies to enable you to:
:blobcatboo: get your car serviced and other appointments (I have a lovely B&B I regularly stay at for these things)
:blobcatboo: buy food and other supplies

Summer is also super-tricky. You cannot leave your cat in a hot car. What you can get away with doing in the depths of winter (a dash for essentials when parked in an undercover carpark) you cannot contemplate in summer.

I'll construct a more detailed thread in how I manage day to day life and I'll post a link here.

Consider tracking I did purchase two Tile trackers for the Girls. ...

2024-08-12T23:08:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…g2mg
_________________________

Consider tracking

I did purchase two Tile trackers for the Girls.

Tracking devices and cats are a challenge. They are often quite bulky. The Tile trackers I have are ideal for a harness but they wouldn't suit a collar.

There are also signal issues and they aren't that accurate. You also have to consider how long they will remain active. Tile trackers last quite some time but aren't as accurate. More accurate trackers can have a shorter battery life.

Case in point: Miss Tabby was out for a walk, got spooked, tangled up her lead, and in the process of untangling she bolted with the harness and tracker on. We were at a friend's large rural property so I didn't think it was much of an issue. She did the dutiful thing and eventually returned to the tent. Without her harness and tracker. No worries, I thought, let's go lookies for the tracker using the Smartphone App.

Two sodding days, several wild goose chases, getting to know the neighbour whose property didn't contain the tracker (but where the map said it did), and I finally found the harness and tracker after I had mentally consigned it to the dustbin of history. Miss Tabby had gone under a fence and deposited the harness and tracker on it.

This is also a reason to reconsider buying a harness a cat can't extract themselves from. It took two days to locate the tracker and the thought of her hanging from a fence for all of that time filled me with horror.

Harnesses have their issues but are a requirement in the early ...

2024-08-12T22:50:04Z

In reply to nevent1q…35d3
_________________________

Harnesses have their issues but are a requirement in the early stages of your homelessness

Yes, my Girls are harness trained. Yes, they can take me for a walk. Do we enjoy this?

Hell, NO.

Cats are not dogs. Who would have thunk it? If you've trained your cat to enjoy a harness from an early age all power to you. Mine were inside cats and were not thrilled to be trained to wear a harness as an adult.

But they acquiesced. Being outside in a harness beat being cooped up in a tent.

The major problem with a harness is a cat's capacity to extricate themselves from it if they are spooked. And mine spook easily.

I did discover that you can buy harnesses that 'guarantee' your cat will remain in them but, like collars, that has problems if your cat finds themselves dangling from a fence or other structure.

Anyhoo, I'll cover exercise, control and containment in a separate thread.

Join Central Animal Records Microchipping isn't a guarantee ...

2024-08-12T22:34:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…jy5t
_________________________

Join Central Animal Records

Microchipping isn't a guarantee you'll get your cat back (if it disappears). If a microchip is scanned it doesn't automatically reveal ownership details or you may have forgotten to update them (I learned this from a vet). Plus, each state has it's own registry.

:blobcat_yikes:

The wonderful thing about CAR is that you can input a lot of information about your pet and yourself. It includes alternative contacts, your vet details, and your cat's behavioural traits (I've listed the Girls as scared).

https://car.com.au/

Create a Pet Passport I have an A5 wallet from a vet that has all ...

2024-08-12T22:28:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…96ap
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Create a Pet Passport

I have an A5 wallet from a vet that has all of their details inside and states clearly that they have been desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated.

I stuff all the receipts from their vet visits in here too.

This is vital to have in case of emergency where you may have to book them into a boarding facility. It's also useful if you want to book into animal-friendly accommodation and they may be wavering about accepting your cat.

Be excellent Being a responsible cat owner is non-negotiable on ...

2024-08-12T22:15:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…zy28
_________________________

Be excellent

Being a responsible cat owner is non-negotiable on the road. Responsibility does require flexibility at times but there are some things that are deal breakers. You must:

:blobcatboo: Desex your cat. Fecund felines are environmental catastrophes.
:blobcatboo: Microchip your cat.
:blobcatboo: Vaccinate your cat and give them regular worm/tick/flea etc treatments.
:blobcatboo: Control your cat. Your cat should never be a nuisance. Ever.
:blobcatboo: Contain your cat when and where appropriate.

Cat control and containment is going to be a long thread and I’ll post the link here when I’ve done it. This requires a tricky compromise between your cat’s right to exercise (and their wellbeing) and the responsibilities you have to your fellow campers and the environment.

Ultimately, your cat should be a ninja cat. The campground won’t even know you have one.

But you are taking your cat travelling Know your cat. Their ...

2024-08-12T21:58:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…2zn0
_________________________

But you are taking your cat travelling

Know your cat.

Their personality will dictate how they adapt to life on the road. My Girls are RSPCA rescues and are recalcitrant misanthropists. They stubbornly refused to socialise with humans as kittens and they took their sweet time adopting me.

This is now their superpower.

I strongly encourage you to treat your cats like working therapy animals and to not allow your cats to socialise with other humans.

It is super-important to cultivate a vibe of misanthropy on the road and this extends to your animals. Humans are your cats’ biggest threat. Mine flee at the first sign of a human to their place of safety. They hide under the covers if they hear a human approach.

Territory is important to a cat and mine have differing approaches. I am Miss Black’s territory. She is sassy and confident wherever I am and this makes her relatively easy to travel with. The car and the tent are Miss Tabby’s territory. Mess with those (and violate her territory) and it could send her bolting into the scrub to find a new safe space.

Ignore all advice tailored to taking your cat 'on ...

2024-08-12T21:17:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…vc7h
_________________________

Ignore all advice tailored to taking your cat 'on holiday'

You are not taking your cat 'on holiday'. You are moving your cat into a new home. That moves. Often.

It's an important distinction.

All the advice about moving home is relevant. You're just going to adapt it to your current circumstances.

https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-can-i-help-my-cat-adjust-to-a-new-home/

Your cat is now homeless, a 🧵 Do not despair. I have been ...

2024-08-12T21:08:59Z

Your cat is now homeless, a 🧵

Do not despair.

I have been homeless twice with two cats.

The first time I had no control whatsoever over the circumstances and that made it mentally easy to process. We just had to get on with it.

The second (and current) time I had an excruciating decision to make. I was living in a hazardous environment that was destroying my health and wellbeing. I stayed far too long as I felt I could not make my cats voluntarily homeless. In the end, I had to go.

Here's what I learned. If you are in an unsafe environment (for whatever reason) leaving that environment is not 'voluntary'. It's an important distinction.

This thread is going to be about the essentials of being homeless with your cat/s. It's going to be brutally honest so that you can make an informed decision. I'm going to tell you what nobody else either can or will.

You may decide, after reading this thread, that you won't be able to manage life on the road with your pets. I understand, I empathise, and please reach out to every person you can for their love and support.

I cannot imagine the pain of relinquishing a pet under these circumstances.

Prompt: please be kind. Please do not batter homeless people with your views on cats. That's cruel.

Okay, deep breath. Let's go!

#CatCamping
#EatingMyRent
#Homeless
#Homelessness

This is an interesting conversation to have. Cool for who? 😉 ...

2024-08-12T03:31:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…h5jp
_________________________

This is an interesting conversation to have.

Cool for who?

😉

Prolonged warmer weather (even if the median might signify 'cooler') is still profoundly unpleasant if you live in any environment that will subject you to heat stress. This includes dwellings without insulation and a/c.

I have to 'emigrate' over the summer months and I'm already preparing my exit.

41 degrees in a tent isn't fun.

I absolutely prefer winter over summer and this winter has been ridiculously short.

You might want to slap a hashtag on that or Ganga will put you on ...

2024-08-12T03:24:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…06l6
_________________________

You might want to slap a hashtag on that or Ganga will put you on a time out in the naughty corner 😝

Ladies, start praying to the weather Gods for some colder ...

2024-08-12T03:11:24Z

In reply to nevent1q…r604
_________________________

Ladies, start praying to the weather Gods for some colder weather.

It's way too early to start heating up 🙀

Still very wary but they've had some good exercise. The trick ...

2024-08-12T01:23:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…n8nq
_________________________

Still very wary but they've had some good exercise.

The trick is to manage Miss Tabby so that she doesn't bolt into the scrub to find a hidey hole. When her safe space has been violated her default position is to find another one, and she requires constant supervision and care to overcome it.

Bloody dickhead dog owners. Two minutes for them, several days for me :blobcat_angery:

And a top of the morning to you too! 🌞 It's been a chilly ...

2024-08-11T23:15:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…rfg9
_________________________

And a top of the morning to you too! 🌞

It's been a chilly start here but brilliant blue skies.