I read recently that 'they' think there should be less cake eating occasions - birthdays, people leaving a job, people starting a job, and all sorts of other times when people celebrate with a cake. The alternative should be a fruit platter 'they' said.
Good luck with that, I thought.
But I did a bit more thinking.
Do we have too many celebrations? Many things for which to be thankful. So that celebrating becomes mundane. I well remember the tradition that my husband brought to our family of Sunday lollies. The story goes that he and his siblings would take it in turns to have lunch with Gran (who lived next door) on Sundays and would return bearing the lollies to share. Just one or two each. We carried the idea of Sunday lollies into our family and at least one of our children has a version of it in operation.
Now lollies seem to be the go all the time along with chocolate. And cakes.
I have long used chocolate frogs as currency to thank workmates, to reward those who get the right answer in children's spots in church an d so on. It just wouldn't seem the same to hand out a banana. Although I must admit that when children came knocking on our door at Halloween we offered them a carrot (no we didn't confuse them with the Easter Bunny) and some even were gad to accept.
So next time there is a celebration for which you are expected to take food, it's simple. A bunch of carrots should do the trick...
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
Post Ration Challenge
So how was it the morning after?
It was chilly and I didn't feel in any hurry to get out of bed. (The Ration Challenge was due to finish at breakfast time. I wondered how many people had a very early breakfast!)
I didn't feel hungry and there was almost feeling of anticlimax - a bit like after exams are over or a major project completed. You look forward to it for so long and when the time comes.....
Toast seemed a a luxury. and I wasn't even sure I needed coffee. I opted for moderation so a piece of toast with avocado and a weak coffee started the day. Later at a sumptuous afternoon tea it was the cut up persimmon that took my fancy and still the hot water seemed refreshing.
There was almost a sense of guilt. The refugees are still there doing it tough.
My appetite is small but we did enjoy the vegetables with dinner.
It seems it takes adjusting when you finish a week like that as well as when you start.
My innards rebelled (You are interested in my innards, aren't you?) and are feeling a bit delicate.
To sum up:
We've gained in appreciation of what we have - in abundance and a multitude of choices.
We've learnt that we can live very nicely on less.
We've thought a little more of the plight of refugees.
And we've been supported so warmly by many friends.
That's it, folks. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
It was chilly and I didn't feel in any hurry to get out of bed. (The Ration Challenge was due to finish at breakfast time. I wondered how many people had a very early breakfast!)
I didn't feel hungry and there was almost feeling of anticlimax - a bit like after exams are over or a major project completed. You look forward to it for so long and when the time comes.....
Toast seemed a a luxury. and I wasn't even sure I needed coffee. I opted for moderation so a piece of toast with avocado and a weak coffee started the day. Later at a sumptuous afternoon tea it was the cut up persimmon that took my fancy and still the hot water seemed refreshing.
There was almost a sense of guilt. The refugees are still there doing it tough.
My appetite is small but we did enjoy the vegetables with dinner.
It seems it takes adjusting when you finish a week like that as well as when you start.
My innards rebelled (You are interested in my innards, aren't you?) and are feeling a bit delicate.
To sum up:
We've gained in appreciation of what we have - in abundance and a multitude of choices.
We've learnt that we can live very nicely on less.
We've thought a little more of the plight of refugees.
And we've been supported so warmly by many friends.
That's it, folks. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Ration Challenge Day Seven
Nearly there now. Last day for us although others have finished.
How do we feel? It's interesting but I am feeling not hungry and finding I can't finish the meal dished out in the size bowl I would usually use.
Maybe it's because it's nearly the same every day. I am beginning to feel sympathy for those Israelites. God provided mannah (not sure what that was) in the morning and quail (all those bones!) in the evening - for 40 years!! No wonder they lamented, "Take us back to Egypt. There was plenty to eat there. We remember all the cucumbers, melons,leeks, onions and garlic. We had all we wanted." Mmmm, garlic...
Well we're not short of food. We've had plenty and have about 2 kilos of rice left as well as quite a bit of oil, some flatbread and some teabags. (We've 'enjoyed' quite a bit of hot water. "How would you like your water, Dear? Hot or cold?")
Frequently asked questions?
Were you hungry?
No.
Was it hard to resist goodies?
Strangely enough no, but we know we can eat them after tomorrow - if we want to.
Did it help you identify with refugees?
Just a little.
We realise that food is only a part of the situation. For them it goes on for ages. There is uncertainty and unrest and discomfort. We enjoyed our warm fire and warm beds and security.
Were your innards affected by the change of food?
I had wondered about this but our shared apple at night (part of our 'reward' for raising over $1000 seems to have kept things going.
And if you are reading this, my dear Doctor, my blood pressure readings have been excellent the last few mornings.
Did you have withdrawal symptoms?
I had thought here might be problems with the lack of sugar and coffee. But no ill effects. My doctor will also be pleased about the lack of sugar!
How much did you raise?
At last count $1160 but people were still putting money in our hands at church this morning which will take it to $1210. Thank You.
Were you grumpy?
You will need to ask others this one but I don't think I was any worse than usual!
Did you lose weight?
Yes. But I don't expect it will all stay off once we get back to our usual food. I hope some of it will be gone though.
Were you short on energy?
Not at all. We did all the usual things and I think I even slept better than usual except for last night when someone in our street was making a disturbance which prompted me to be outside in my night attire and bare feet at 3 am. I even think I felt more energetic than usual, maybe.
Will you be eating rice this week?
NOOOOO!
What will you choose to eat for breakfast?
Toast. Vegemite. Maybe avocado. I think we will need to add other foods carefully or else my innards may be a problem. and I'm not sure about coffee...
I'll let you know in one last blog after we finish.
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Rice and beans, flat bread. This is what we couldn't eat. Empty container had our 70g of cheese. All gone!! |
Maybe it's because it's nearly the same every day. I am beginning to feel sympathy for those Israelites. God provided mannah (not sure what that was) in the morning and quail (all those bones!) in the evening - for 40 years!! No wonder they lamented, "Take us back to Egypt. There was plenty to eat there. We remember all the cucumbers, melons,leeks, onions and garlic. We had all we wanted." Mmmm, garlic...
Well we're not short of food. We've had plenty and have about 2 kilos of rice left as well as quite a bit of oil, some flatbread and some teabags. (We've 'enjoyed' quite a bit of hot water. "How would you like your water, Dear? Hot or cold?")
Frequently asked questions?
Were you hungry?
No.
Was it hard to resist goodies?
Strangely enough no, but we know we can eat them after tomorrow - if we want to.
Did it help you identify with refugees?
Just a little.
We realise that food is only a part of the situation. For them it goes on for ages. There is uncertainty and unrest and discomfort. We enjoyed our warm fire and warm beds and security.
Were your innards affected by the change of food?
I had wondered about this but our shared apple at night (part of our 'reward' for raising over $1000 seems to have kept things going.
And if you are reading this, my dear Doctor, my blood pressure readings have been excellent the last few mornings.
Did you have withdrawal symptoms?
I had thought here might be problems with the lack of sugar and coffee. But no ill effects. My doctor will also be pleased about the lack of sugar!
How much did you raise?
At last count $1160 but people were still putting money in our hands at church this morning which will take it to $1210. Thank You.
Were you grumpy?
You will need to ask others this one but I don't think I was any worse than usual!
Did you lose weight?
Yes. But I don't expect it will all stay off once we get back to our usual food. I hope some of it will be gone though.
Were you short on energy?
Not at all. We did all the usual things and I think I even slept better than usual except for last night when someone in our street was making a disturbance which prompted me to be outside in my night attire and bare feet at 3 am. I even think I felt more energetic than usual, maybe.
Will you be eating rice this week?
NOOOOO!
What will you choose to eat for breakfast?
Toast. Vegemite. Maybe avocado. I think we will need to add other foods carefully or else my innards may be a problem. and I'm not sure about coffee...
I'll let you know in one last blog after we finish.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Ration Challenge Day Six
So how about socialising when you are eating food rations for a week? One day I met a freind for coffee. I just bought her coffee and drank water. She knew about the Challenge so it wasn't a problem.
But during the week there are three occasions to make food for functions - a morning tea, and two afternoon teas. Strangely enough although I would be more interested in the savoury toast (see photo) than the chocolate biscuits, I wasn't tempted by either. No craving at all. It must be hard for people still cooking for their families as normal while eating their pile of rice with meagre flavouring. But maybe even harder for mothers cooking rice yet again and knowing there is not enough for their children.
The morning tea I only had to supply food but the afternoon teas were social gatherings. What to do? Take my rice with me? Spend time serving others and chatting? I took a leaf out my son-in-law's book. He was diagnosed with coeliac disease some years ago, long before gluten free was understood or trendy. Often at social occasions when offered food he couldn't eat I would see him politely wave his hand and say,"I will resist." No big deal about it nor fussy "I can't eat that.' So maybe for the remaining foodie occasion before we're done, I'll just politely decline and let people think I am a fussy foodie. Or maybe I'll just head for the kitchen and wash up.
But during the week there are three occasions to make food for functions - a morning tea, and two afternoon teas. Strangely enough although I would be more interested in the savoury toast (see photo) than the chocolate biscuits, I wasn't tempted by either. No craving at all. It must be hard for people still cooking for their families as normal while eating their pile of rice with meagre flavouring. But maybe even harder for mothers cooking rice yet again and knowing there is not enough for their children.
The morning tea I only had to supply food but the afternoon teas were social gatherings. What to do? Take my rice with me? Spend time serving others and chatting? I took a leaf out my son-in-law's book. He was diagnosed with coeliac disease some years ago, long before gluten free was understood or trendy. Often at social occasions when offered food he couldn't eat I would see him politely wave his hand and say,"I will resist." No big deal about it nor fussy "I can't eat that.' So maybe for the remaining foodie occasion before we're done, I'll just politely decline and let people think I am a fussy foodie. Or maybe I'll just head for the kitchen and wash up.
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No words needed! |
One day to go...
Friday, June 24, 2016
Ration Challenge Day Five
Not much to say today.
Flat bread, lentil soup (with rice, no veg), rice and beans.
I mentioned previously making cards to aid our fundraising. and people were generous. I debated about putting a price - I used to sell them for $1 each and raised $1000 for children in Kenya that way. This time I decided to offer cards as a gift. People could take them if they wished or give a donation. A visitor queried this, thinking I should name a price. Maybe it would be less awkward but there was no pressure and I am sure it gave people freedom to add in more money than I expected.
I really appreciate the way people have been interested in what we are doing and have gone out of the way to encourage us. So for all you dear readers I am adding some of the photos that were on the cards. Some from nature and some of my colouring in. If you would like a real card let me know your address and I'll happily send you one.
Flat bread, lentil soup (with rice, no veg), rice and beans.
I mentioned previously making cards to aid our fundraising. and people were generous. I debated about putting a price - I used to sell them for $1 each and raised $1000 for children in Kenya that way. This time I decided to offer cards as a gift. People could take them if they wished or give a donation. A visitor queried this, thinking I should name a price. Maybe it would be less awkward but there was no pressure and I am sure it gave people freedom to add in more money than I expected.
I really appreciate the way people have been interested in what we are doing and have gone out of the way to encourage us. So for all you dear readers I am adding some of the photos that were on the cards. Some from nature and some of my colouring in. If you would like a real card let me know your address and I'll happily send you one.
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Flowering gum |
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Scarlet robin |
Our front yard last summer |
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A $3 bag from Woolies - food. |
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Can you spot the bird? |
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2 days to go...
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Ration Challenge Day Four
No problems about today. No decisions about what to eat. No photos. Simple.
For a few years now we have made it our habit not to eat on Thursdays. Many wisdom traditions advocate fasting as a practice that is good for the body and the soul. We had done the 40 Hour Famine a few times and knew it was possible, if not much fun, and knew family members who had done more extended fasting. We also read about John Wesley doing what he called a Thursday fast which meant not eating till dinner time on that day.
We started this practice after seeing Michael Mosley advocating the 5:2 eating regime with 2 days a week of limited calories - 500 or so. He had evidence to show the health benefits of this. For me it seemed easier not to eat at all than to fiddle with counting calories, and so it began. Can't say we really like it but it has had health benefits and adds time to the day, as well as breaking the 'addiction' to food. Sure food is kinda necessary and it sure is nice but many of us think we can't live without it.... Well you can for a day at a time without too much hassle. It makes us grateful for what we have, and frees us from being tied to mealtimes and food. David still plays tennis on that day and we do all the usual things. It's not like we were going to fade away. My doctor was pleased with the reduction in weight (initially) and lower cholesterol and stuff.We don't even call it fasting; just that we don't eat on Thursdays.
We are not rigid about it. If someone invites us out for a meal, we eat. And if breakfast is included in the room rate, we definitely eat!
So today no thought about what to eat and a rest from our week's issue of rice. Some fasting days we indulge in coffee and juice but today it's just hot water. Flat bread and rice are sure going to look good in the morning.
Three days to go....
For a few years now we have made it our habit not to eat on Thursdays. Many wisdom traditions advocate fasting as a practice that is good for the body and the soul. We had done the 40 Hour Famine a few times and knew it was possible, if not much fun, and knew family members who had done more extended fasting. We also read about John Wesley doing what he called a Thursday fast which meant not eating till dinner time on that day.
We started this practice after seeing Michael Mosley advocating the 5:2 eating regime with 2 days a week of limited calories - 500 or so. He had evidence to show the health benefits of this. For me it seemed easier not to eat at all than to fiddle with counting calories, and so it began. Can't say we really like it but it has had health benefits and adds time to the day, as well as breaking the 'addiction' to food. Sure food is kinda necessary and it sure is nice but many of us think we can't live without it.... Well you can for a day at a time without too much hassle. It makes us grateful for what we have, and frees us from being tied to mealtimes and food. David still plays tennis on that day and we do all the usual things. It's not like we were going to fade away. My doctor was pleased with the reduction in weight (initially) and lower cholesterol and stuff.We don't even call it fasting; just that we don't eat on Thursdays.
We are not rigid about it. If someone invites us out for a meal, we eat. And if breakfast is included in the room rate, we definitely eat!
So today no thought about what to eat and a rest from our week's issue of rice. Some fasting days we indulge in coffee and juice but today it's just hot water. Flat bread and rice are sure going to look good in the morning.
Three days to go....
Ration Challenge Day Three
No new news about food today. Left over watery lentil soup for breakfast, (It was quick and easy, hot and OK. Rice for lunch, fried with a little oil and grated pumpkin, tea the same as Monday - rice and kidney beans plus a bonus sardine. Gotta love those sardines.
Today I want to pay tribute to our sponsors. My first interest in the Rations Challenge was to see whether I could manage on the food allowed. Partly out of interest and partly because it was a a good cause. We have been supporters of Act for Peace (best known for the longstanding Christmas Bowl Appeal) for a long time and I was happy to raise money and consciousnesses of the plight of refugees.
This campaign seemed pitched at the younger generation and fundraising was mostly on line. It was suggested that Facebook be used to publicise the challenge. I chose to use that method but also to email friends and to solicit the help of church family.
I have been encouraged and surprised and blessed by the responses. People at church have quietly pressed serious folding money into my hand. The dear kid who comes to work in my yard with me for an hour a week gave me one of his hard earned dollars - the smallest but perhaps one one the most valued gifts. (He's 12 so too young to take part although he wanted to.)
Via electronic means we received generous donations from; a former colleague I have seen only a couple of times over the last 12 years, someone I studied with and have had links with through the wider church family, and a couple who came to live in our town over 30 years ago and taught us about eating vegetarian food for the sake of making food supplies go round.
Probably the one that blew me away was when we got home after being away for a few days and found an email alerting us to a donation - a substantial one. From a very unexpected person. Someone we know only a little. Her generous gift came with well wishes and a tip on how to extend our rice supplies by making a watery brew. Such a gift of grace to us.
The Challenge tips suggested that sometimes refugees are able to make a little extra by selling craft products so I made a few more of my cards using some of my most recent photos and some of my colouring in. I put them out for sale at morning tea at church with no price - just suggesting a donation if people wished to contribute. Over $100 went into the pot over 3 weeks and there were not that many cards!!
And so it continues with several people telling us they plan to give us a donation after pay day or when they had cash with them.
And so we have raised over $1000. A big thank you to all.
But for me it was never all about money although Act for Peace will make good use of it. It is about raising awareness of the plight of those in need and also being grateful for all we take for granted.
Thank you, thank you.
Four days to go...
Today I want to pay tribute to our sponsors. My first interest in the Rations Challenge was to see whether I could manage on the food allowed. Partly out of interest and partly because it was a a good cause. We have been supporters of Act for Peace (best known for the longstanding Christmas Bowl Appeal) for a long time and I was happy to raise money and consciousnesses of the plight of refugees.
This campaign seemed pitched at the younger generation and fundraising was mostly on line. It was suggested that Facebook be used to publicise the challenge. I chose to use that method but also to email friends and to solicit the help of church family.
I have been encouraged and surprised and blessed by the responses. People at church have quietly pressed serious folding money into my hand. The dear kid who comes to work in my yard with me for an hour a week gave me one of his hard earned dollars - the smallest but perhaps one one the most valued gifts. (He's 12 so too young to take part although he wanted to.)
Via electronic means we received generous donations from; a former colleague I have seen only a couple of times over the last 12 years, someone I studied with and have had links with through the wider church family, and a couple who came to live in our town over 30 years ago and taught us about eating vegetarian food for the sake of making food supplies go round.
Probably the one that blew me away was when we got home after being away for a few days and found an email alerting us to a donation - a substantial one. From a very unexpected person. Someone we know only a little. Her generous gift came with well wishes and a tip on how to extend our rice supplies by making a watery brew. Such a gift of grace to us.
The Challenge tips suggested that sometimes refugees are able to make a little extra by selling craft products so I made a few more of my cards using some of my most recent photos and some of my colouring in. I put them out for sale at morning tea at church with no price - just suggesting a donation if people wished to contribute. Over $100 went into the pot over 3 weeks and there were not that many cards!!
And so it continues with several people telling us they plan to give us a donation after pay day or when they had cash with them.
And so we have raised over $1000. A big thank you to all.
But for me it was never all about money although Act for Peace will make good use of it. It is about raising awareness of the plight of those in need and also being grateful for all we take for granted.
Thank you, thank you.
Four days to go...
Here is a gift for you.. . |
This is one of the photos I used for my cards. Taken by my daughter, Bethany, at The Sanctuary, Deep Creek. Copyright. Used with permission |
.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Ration Challenge Day Two
It was a grey day today. The shortest of the year. Breakfast was left over rice and beans from last night. Warm and nutritious. David made some very flat bread. I had a bite; it was warm and crispy. I thought perhaps I was addicted to coffee or even toast, but I think I am addicted to choice. Although I believe some people are saying that the huge array of choice on supermarket shelves is doing our heads in.
Maybe the lack of choice this week gives me more time and head space. Just cook the rice and beans or lentils and decide which day we'll add some sardines. (And maybe it will help me experience a little of how refugees feel.)
It will surely save money and maybe time as well. So that has to be a positive.
A routine visit to the doc affirmed the possibility that it may even be good for my health. The lack of sugar must have some effect. Or is that the reason I feel dull should I just blame the grey drippy weather?
I had wondered about no coffee. Would there be withdrawal symptoms? Evidently some get severe headaches. I would usually drink 3 or 4 cups a day but so far so good. I'll keep you posted.
I'll spare you the details about my innards.Suffice it to say I shouldn't have worried.
Five days to go.
Maybe the lack of choice this week gives me more time and head space. Just cook the rice and beans or lentils and decide which day we'll add some sardines. (And maybe it will help me experience a little of how refugees feel.)
It will surely save money and maybe time as well. So that has to be a positive.
A routine visit to the doc affirmed the possibility that it may even be good for my health. The lack of sugar must have some effect. Or is that the reason I feel dull should I just blame the grey drippy weather?
I had wondered about no coffee. Would there be withdrawal symptoms? Evidently some get severe headaches. I would usually drink 3 or 4 cups a day but so far so good. I'll keep you posted.
I'll spare you the details about my innards.Suffice it to say I shouldn't have worried.
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Sumptuous meal tonight - rice and chickpeas with a sardine. A little homegrown pumpkin from our extra veg allowance. Yummo! |
Five days to go.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Ration Challenge Day One

I got up and made my take on flatbread. I couldn't be bothered with kneading and rolling so made a sloppy mix of the plain flour and water and poured it into a pan with a smidge of the oil. Just a sprinkle of grated cheese topped it off. Then the first cup of tea (black) from the daily tea bag. Seemed fine. But I suspect the novelty will wear off. David chose rice for breakfast which he often enjoys but usually with milk and sultanas. I cooked a sloppy batch of watery rice as a sort of soup (thanks for the tip, Grace) and a batch of lentils into soup; no garlic, onion, celery, carrot etc but a bit of grated pumpkin from the allowance and some of Jack's carefully grown, dried and minced chili. (Jack is nearly 9.)
Tea had to be quick in between a dentist visit (ouch to the hip pocket) and child minding duties so I chose to make rice with half a can of beans and two small leaves of silverbeet from the garden but as part of our allotted vegetable extra. It's light (20g) and colorful.
For supper we shared an apple from our 'treat' for the week.
Only 6 days to go and it seems fine but watch this space...
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Rations
It seems some refugees are able to make a little money through selling craft so I have made some cards using our photographs and church folk have put in whatever money they wish and they have been generous,
So no coffee, hardly any sugar. What will I miss? Toast and Vegemite for breakfast? A sweet snack after dinner - with coffee. I'll keep you postsed. It's not too late to join us (or just try one day with rice and not much else) or to donate at
actforpeace.rationchallenge.org.au.
But above all else please keep in mind the plight of refugees.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Countdown to Ration Challenge
So the Act for Peace Ration Challenge approaches.
https://actforpeace.rationchallenge.org.au/
A chance to gain an inkling of understanding about how it is to eat like a refugee with a barely adequate and basic diet. I know that like many others I eat because it's nice to eat and I certainly enjoy a range of foods. The Ration Challenge food for a week consists of lots of rice, some beans, lentils, flour, chickpeas, sardines and oil. A small portion (170g) of vegetables may be earned by fund raising. With this in mind I am savouring fruit and veg. At the moment in our our own garden we have pumpkins, capsicums, silver beet, lemons and mandarins, so just right now I am enjoying them in a way I haven't previously.
I am contemplating eating the same things for breakfast, lunch and tea - as do many in the world. My daughter talks of staying with families in rural India where the same dishes were served for many meals in a row - 3 times a day. 'What would you like for tea tonight, Dear?' Rice and rice...
It should be an interesting week. Certainly we won't starve. I may feel grumpy (What else is new?) as my system reacts to the changes. If we raise $1000, and we are close, then we can add a treat to the value of $5. I think I might choose a kilo of apples. Funny how your idea of a treat changes. I think there may be withdrawal symptoms from no coffee (No, Dear, coffee is not included in the one allowable flavouring for the week. In fact I think salt may be our choice. Just a little for the rice.) My local coffee shop will maybe miss me. Do you serve hot water, my friends?
So maybe I'll post a blog each day to keep you updated. Feel free to skip the gory details if you wish but I hope this week will help to highlight how it is for so many people in our world and to help them know that they are not alone.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Hugging rules
How well I remember having Auntie Olive lean down and kiss me. She was my father's aunt and rarely visited. In fact I only remember this one occasion - mostly because of her unwelcome whiskery chin. I must have been about 4 years old.
Just recently I have been reading about inappropriate touching and hugging - not by paedophiles and those wishing to exploit children but by well meaning citizens who assume everyone is happy to receive their attentions. Have we become a more huggy society? I don't remember being a very huggy family as I grew up although I always kissed my parents good night. Then came the hugging of friends and colleagues rather than more formal greetings such as shaking hands. I must admit when I was teaching students about job interviews about 25 years ago there was still some difference of opinion about whether women should shake hands or whether it was just a man thing.
So I was reading the article that suggested asking for permission before touching or hugging especially with children and suggesting less intrusive greetings eg a high five. (Somehow I'm never sure about high fives and whether the hands are supposed to match up finger for finger and which hand to use.) Even in churches there seems to be a move to hugging and not everyone likes it. I was particularly dismayed when someone greeting people asked it they wanted a hug. When the reply was no, the hugger went ahead anyway explaining that people who were reluctant would get used to it. Ewww...
So I was visiting my family recently and being mindful of all this as I reached for my beautiful 16 year old granddaughter I muttered about needing to ask her permission and said, "So is it OK to hug you?" "Always," was her wonderful response. Hugs for Hannah....
Just recently I have been reading about inappropriate touching and hugging - not by paedophiles and those wishing to exploit children but by well meaning citizens who assume everyone is happy to receive their attentions. Have we become a more huggy society? I don't remember being a very huggy family as I grew up although I always kissed my parents good night. Then came the hugging of friends and colleagues rather than more formal greetings such as shaking hands. I must admit when I was teaching students about job interviews about 25 years ago there was still some difference of opinion about whether women should shake hands or whether it was just a man thing.
So I was reading the article that suggested asking for permission before touching or hugging especially with children and suggesting less intrusive greetings eg a high five. (Somehow I'm never sure about high fives and whether the hands are supposed to match up finger for finger and which hand to use.) Even in churches there seems to be a move to hugging and not everyone likes it. I was particularly dismayed when someone greeting people asked it they wanted a hug. When the reply was no, the hugger went ahead anyway explaining that people who were reluctant would get used to it. Ewww...
So I was visiting my family recently and being mindful of all this as I reached for my beautiful 16 year old granddaughter I muttered about needing to ask her permission and said, "So is it OK to hug you?" "Always," was her wonderful response. Hugs for Hannah....
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
This week, next week
I was sitting in the waiting room - waiting. That's why they call it a waiting room. An elderly man (that means more elderly than me) came in and asked if he could make an appointment for next Thursday. I listened as the receptionist said that was easy and named a time for Thursday 23rd. He nodded happily and went on to say how he'd been there ages before and had been helped and he had the same problem and was expecting the similar fix.So I figured he didn't want to wait too long for his appointment. I wondered if he had heard the date because that day was Tuesday 14th.
The receptionist went on to suggest that they would ring and remind him and that he must let them know if he wanted to cancel. I watched and saw the look of surprise about this. I could contain myself no longer. I popped up to clarify. Did he mean the Thursday in two days time or the one in the following week which as the date quoted? And so it got sorted out.
I have seen others and particularly American friends completely bamboozled by such Aussie usage. If it's Tuesday then the day in two days' time is THIS Thursday and NEXT Thursday is the one in next week. Inst' it? I've pondered whether it makes a difference where you are in the week. If he had come in on Friday and asked for an appointment next Thursday would it have been clear? Does it only become this Thursday when it is close?
Ah, the subtlety of language. I will have to think some more about this. Perhaps next Friday...
PS My sister wants to know the derivation of 'to spit chips'. Can any of you language types help? Google has some idea which sounds spurious.
The receptionist went on to suggest that they would ring and remind him and that he must let them know if he wanted to cancel. I watched and saw the look of surprise about this. I could contain myself no longer. I popped up to clarify. Did he mean the Thursday in two days time or the one in the following week which as the date quoted? And so it got sorted out.
I have seen others and particularly American friends completely bamboozled by such Aussie usage. If it's Tuesday then the day in two days' time is THIS Thursday and NEXT Thursday is the one in next week. Inst' it? I've pondered whether it makes a difference where you are in the week. If he had come in on Friday and asked for an appointment next Thursday would it have been clear? Does it only become this Thursday when it is close?
Ah, the subtlety of language. I will have to think some more about this. Perhaps next Friday...
PS My sister wants to know the derivation of 'to spit chips'. Can any of you language types help? Google has some idea which sounds spurious.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Eavesdropping
What fun it is to listen in to other people's conversations! Recently while on a few days' break we enjoyed our cooked breakfast and then sat by the fire to read the paper in the lounge area - and even played a game or two of pool. Four women came in and sat drinking coffee. After a casual greeting we went on about our activities and they chatted. Well, I heard about whether the laundry cupboard were the place for sheets and towels or whether they should be nearer the bathroom, about the right colours for a new house, about throwing out junk and decluttering and there was even a serious discussion about the difference between baked and roast potatoes. The authority on the matter declared that roast spuds were peeled and cooked in fat whereas baked had no oil and had their skins on. I was so tempted to tell her that a light wiping over with oil makes baked potatoes so yummy and crisp.
Of course the advent of mobile phones has made eavesdropping so much easier. People seem to feel free to speak loudly in public while on their phone. I was walking down the main street one day when someone loudly said, "Hi Gorgeous" so I turned round and said hello only to discover I wasn't the gorgeous he was speaking to!
I consider it poor form to speak loudly on the phone while at the table in a restaurant and feel that if someone speaks so I can hear then I should feel free to join in.
Recently we were eating in a pub dining room and the man at the nearby table could be heard asking someone if they had been raped and saying it had happened to him three times. Oh my goodness! I glared at him. Was he joking (and rape is no joke) or was he talking to someone who had just come out of prison and.... I don't know because he moved away, thank goodness.
Please let's bring back telephone boxes. But then again I might miss out on hearing where to store the towels.
[ In case you were wondering an eavesdropper is someone who stands at the eavesdrop (where the water drops next to the house) in order to hear what is said within.]
Of course the advent of mobile phones has made eavesdropping so much easier. People seem to feel free to speak loudly in public while on their phone. I was walking down the main street one day when someone loudly said, "Hi Gorgeous" so I turned round and said hello only to discover I wasn't the gorgeous he was speaking to!
I consider it poor form to speak loudly on the phone while at the table in a restaurant and feel that if someone speaks so I can hear then I should feel free to join in.
Recently we were eating in a pub dining room and the man at the nearby table could be heard asking someone if they had been raped and saying it had happened to him three times. Oh my goodness! I glared at him. Was he joking (and rape is no joke) or was he talking to someone who had just come out of prison and.... I don't know because he moved away, thank goodness.
Please let's bring back telephone boxes. But then again I might miss out on hearing where to store the towels.
[ In case you were wondering an eavesdropper is someone who stands at the eavesdrop (where the water drops next to the house) in order to hear what is said within.]
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Simulation
For a number of years I worked at the Riverland Clinical Simulation Centre - part of Flinders University Rural Clinical School in Renmark. I was admin assistant but was very much aware of the role simulation played in the medical education of student.doctors and nurses. Some of the basic skills were taught eg how to insert a cannula into an arm.
To start with there were disembodied arms that students stuck needles into, but as things progressed we realised it was not just the mechanical skill of getting that needle in the right place but also a matter of approaching the people (who may hate needles) and explaining the procedure. So the later fake arms came with attachments so a real person could 'wear' it and the student developed a good bedside manner.
The use of Standardised Patients was common in the education process and also as part of the exams where students would be confronted with about 15 different scenarios in a row, as per a normal consultation process, and would need to find out the history and ascertain a diagnosis. I played various roles - the mother of a teenager with migraine, someone with pains in the chest and someone demanding antibiotics whether needed or not.
Perhaps the most memorable was the 'breaking bad news' scenario. After 9 different students had had to tell me that the surgery on my husband had not been successful I was wrung out. I had wondered, as I approached the session, whether I would cry on hearing the news. The first student came in and explained the situation and I burst into tears. Because the nature of the thing is that the patient is 'standardised' ie has to be the same for each student I needed to burst into tears every time after that.
The GP who was the examiner awarded the points for the day but as patient I got to give an empathy score. Some students obviously didn't know how to handle a patient in tears. Although we put a pack of tissues in a prominent position and I didn't reach for my usual hankie, I was left a number of times wiping tears with my finer. (I notice this happens in films. Where is their hankie? My Mum always made me carry a hankie and I still do!) The very best of the students indicated their care by a simple move forward slightly and were comfortable with silence for a month. By the end of the training session I had to go and find my husband, who worked in the same building, to shake off the melancholy of the morning.
So when Adelaide University (my old uni in the days when it was THE uni) called for volunteers to be involved in simulation education for nursing students I answered the call. To be a 78 year old (that was hard!) subject to Elder Abuse. The scenario was explained and the scene set. The educator stressed that we had to put ourselves 'in their shoes'. Of course. You actually have to become that person and enter into their experience if you are going to do a credible job. I even went so far as to invent names for the two husbands and daughter mentioned in the story. Because if the nurse asked about family you look pretty silly not knowing their names.
A week or so ago we were away for a few days and went out for a game of tennis. Ten minutes into the match I twisted my knee and could barely walk for the next few days. I discovered what it was like to need to park close to the hotel we were dining at and to avoid steps or else to approach very carefully and lean on something to get up and down. At the netball a few days later I had carefully climbed up the few step of the 'grandstand' and then realised how hard it would be to get down. A lovely young woman I didn't know kindly lent me her shoulder to help me down each of the three large steps. How much I take for granted my mobility. On this occasion I wasn't simulating anything. It was real - and not fun. I wondered if perhaps I should spend a few more weeks having to use a stick or a walker or even a wheelchair. Perhaps that simulation would really help me (not) walk in someone else's shoes.
I'm so glad my knee is nearly all better and that I'm not really 78 - yet...
To start with there were disembodied arms that students stuck needles into, but as things progressed we realised it was not just the mechanical skill of getting that needle in the right place but also a matter of approaching the people (who may hate needles) and explaining the procedure. So the later fake arms came with attachments so a real person could 'wear' it and the student developed a good bedside manner.
The use of Standardised Patients was common in the education process and also as part of the exams where students would be confronted with about 15 different scenarios in a row, as per a normal consultation process, and would need to find out the history and ascertain a diagnosis. I played various roles - the mother of a teenager with migraine, someone with pains in the chest and someone demanding antibiotics whether needed or not.
Perhaps the most memorable was the 'breaking bad news' scenario. After 9 different students had had to tell me that the surgery on my husband had not been successful I was wrung out. I had wondered, as I approached the session, whether I would cry on hearing the news. The first student came in and explained the situation and I burst into tears. Because the nature of the thing is that the patient is 'standardised' ie has to be the same for each student I needed to burst into tears every time after that.
The GP who was the examiner awarded the points for the day but as patient I got to give an empathy score. Some students obviously didn't know how to handle a patient in tears. Although we put a pack of tissues in a prominent position and I didn't reach for my usual hankie, I was left a number of times wiping tears with my finer. (I notice this happens in films. Where is their hankie? My Mum always made me carry a hankie and I still do!) The very best of the students indicated their care by a simple move forward slightly and were comfortable with silence for a month. By the end of the training session I had to go and find my husband, who worked in the same building, to shake off the melancholy of the morning.
So when Adelaide University (my old uni in the days when it was THE uni) called for volunteers to be involved in simulation education for nursing students I answered the call. To be a 78 year old (that was hard!) subject to Elder Abuse. The scenario was explained and the scene set. The educator stressed that we had to put ourselves 'in their shoes'. Of course. You actually have to become that person and enter into their experience if you are going to do a credible job. I even went so far as to invent names for the two husbands and daughter mentioned in the story. Because if the nurse asked about family you look pretty silly not knowing their names.
A week or so ago we were away for a few days and went out for a game of tennis. Ten minutes into the match I twisted my knee and could barely walk for the next few days. I discovered what it was like to need to park close to the hotel we were dining at and to avoid steps or else to approach very carefully and lean on something to get up and down. At the netball a few days later I had carefully climbed up the few step of the 'grandstand' and then realised how hard it would be to get down. A lovely young woman I didn't know kindly lent me her shoulder to help me down each of the three large steps. How much I take for granted my mobility. On this occasion I wasn't simulating anything. It was real - and not fun. I wondered if perhaps I should spend a few more weeks having to use a stick or a walker or even a wheelchair. Perhaps that simulation would really help me (not) walk in someone else's shoes.
I'm so glad my knee is nearly all better and that I'm not really 78 - yet...
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Here the pennies dropping...
As a small child I sang 'Hear the pennies dropping, listen as they fall, everyone for Jesus he shall have them all.' And apparently there are still those who need to hear the pennies dropping. In an age where cash is not used so much and many rely on electronic means for many matters, there is less visibility (in some cases) when giving to the church.
So some churches have devised methods to make people feel good when the plate/offering bag is passed around.They give people a little card to pop in the offering to show that they have given electronically. A bit like the badge on your chest that shows you've donated at Badge Day. (Do Badge Days still happen??)
In the church where I grew up there were dated envelopes for people to put their giving in. They were even separated down the middle so you could put some for missions and some for the local church. I guess you had to have the right money for both portions on hand each week.
When we first earned our own serious cash we had become part of a church that had a stewardship system. One of the officers of the church came to visit us (two rich school teachers) to see how much we would pledge to give and to make sure we had a set of envelopes. Being young and idealistic we informed him that we didn't want to be bound to a set amount. What if the Holy Spirit encouraged us to give more than we'd promised. We didn't want to be locked in. Imagine our surprise (were we naive or what?) when after a few months we received a letter commending us for our giving of x dollars. (Yes it was dollars. We are not that old!) It was then we realised that the envelopes were all numbered (which they weren't in our growing up church) and our giving was recorded. Nup, that was the end of that. We believed what we gave was between us and God. and sometimes the taxation department who queried the amount we gave in support of charities until they go the idea that that was normal for us.
And so now I wonder about the need to be seen to be giving by putting something in the offering. Didn't Jesus say something about that? And if it's a matter of people needing to know eg children needing to know about these things can't we simply tell them? There are so many ways of giving that don't include money on Sunday morning.
Anyway if this is the was things are going, I want a little card that says 'I put mine in last week.' for people who get paid fortnightly or maybe one that says 'I'm skint this week.' or 'I spent my offering money on something else.'
Or maybe just an empty envelope or........
So some churches have devised methods to make people feel good when the plate/offering bag is passed around.They give people a little card to pop in the offering to show that they have given electronically. A bit like the badge on your chest that shows you've donated at Badge Day. (Do Badge Days still happen??)
In the church where I grew up there were dated envelopes for people to put their giving in. They were even separated down the middle so you could put some for missions and some for the local church. I guess you had to have the right money for both portions on hand each week.
When we first earned our own serious cash we had become part of a church that had a stewardship system. One of the officers of the church came to visit us (two rich school teachers) to see how much we would pledge to give and to make sure we had a set of envelopes. Being young and idealistic we informed him that we didn't want to be bound to a set amount. What if the Holy Spirit encouraged us to give more than we'd promised. We didn't want to be locked in. Imagine our surprise (were we naive or what?) when after a few months we received a letter commending us for our giving of x dollars. (Yes it was dollars. We are not that old!) It was then we realised that the envelopes were all numbered (which they weren't in our growing up church) and our giving was recorded. Nup, that was the end of that. We believed what we gave was between us and God. and sometimes the taxation department who queried the amount we gave in support of charities until they go the idea that that was normal for us.
And so now I wonder about the need to be seen to be giving by putting something in the offering. Didn't Jesus say something about that? And if it's a matter of people needing to know eg children needing to know about these things can't we simply tell them? There are so many ways of giving that don't include money on Sunday morning.
Anyway if this is the was things are going, I want a little card that says 'I put mine in last week.' for people who get paid fortnightly or maybe one that says 'I'm skint this week.' or 'I spent my offering money on something else.'
Or maybe just an empty envelope or........
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Keeping Australia Alive
I watched the ABC TV series 'Keeping Australia Alive' on iView which means I saw 7 hour long episodes over a couple of weeks. Although I spent about 7 years working for Flinders University School of Medicine I am not really a medical person and find the scenes of surgery not to my taste.
But what has really impressed me )other than the number of surgeons who wear suits and ties) is the amazing range of people throughout Australia doing a great job of caring for people and giving them the best possible outcomes. The joke amongst medical students used to be that the people with no bedside manner should become surgeons, but, on the contrary, on this program I have seen surgeons talking to their patients before operations in the most compassionate and caring manner including trying to minimise the scariness with small children.
One GP commented that while the health system is not perfect it is full of people trying to do their best. There have been a number of GPs featured who work in small or remote communities and work long hours but say they get as much out of it as those they help.
I cried with those who have bad news and also at the miracle of birth. I was amazed at the resilience of those facing terrible situations and making the best of them. Those looking death in the face and being philosophical. Our headlines are often horrid - full of horror and appalling behaviour. But after watching this series I am reassured that there are so many good people in the world working for the good of others, bearing and sharing pain and working in teams to keep not Australians alive. We are so blessed...
But what has really impressed me )other than the number of surgeons who wear suits and ties) is the amazing range of people throughout Australia doing a great job of caring for people and giving them the best possible outcomes. The joke amongst medical students used to be that the people with no bedside manner should become surgeons, but, on the contrary, on this program I have seen surgeons talking to their patients before operations in the most compassionate and caring manner including trying to minimise the scariness with small children.
One GP commented that while the health system is not perfect it is full of people trying to do their best. There have been a number of GPs featured who work in small or remote communities and work long hours but say they get as much out of it as those they help.
I cried with those who have bad news and also at the miracle of birth. I was amazed at the resilience of those facing terrible situations and making the best of them. Those looking death in the face and being philosophical. Our headlines are often horrid - full of horror and appalling behaviour. But after watching this series I am reassured that there are so many good people in the world working for the good of others, bearing and sharing pain and working in teams to keep not Australians alive. We are so blessed...
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Surfing the shopping
I rarely watch anything on television that I haven't' purposely recorded to watch when I have time. And sometimes these days I catch up with something I've missed on iView. (Yes, I'm an ABC fan.)
So when we are away for a few days on a break, I like to pick up the TV remote and channel surf. So many channels and so much sport. Flick, flick. And 24 hour news. No thanks. And recently I discovered there's a whole food channel I didn't know about. Nup!
But the one that really gets me is the SellingStuff channel. I know it probably has a name but that's what it's there for. To sell stuff - and go on and on and on about it. Not just a 30 minute commercial but more like half an hour maybe.
On a recent shopping surf I saw a hairdresser waxing eloquent about a very expensive product to rehydrate hair. So if your hair needs hydrating, why not wet it? Ah no, my thirsty hair is crying out for his product and will then look glossy and gorgeous like the model on display.
Another day I saw the session about using primer. No not before painting a surface but before putting on foundation - on your face. First there was powder, then we needed foundation before powder and now primer before the foundation before the powder and... I think they even admitted it was a bit like filling in the crevices and Spakfilla came to mind.
The one that really got me going was the food processor thingy - a sort of inverted glass blender that would turn 'boring kale'(they said it, not me) into a glorious smoothy. So good for you. (I bought kalette in the shop the other day because I had never seen anything like it...) The presenter suggested you should use one if you don't have knife skills. Really? Did they really mean if you can't cut things up with a knife. If you're going to just hurl stuff into a blender how fancy do the knife skills have to be?
So they decided to make soup (the know all man and the gushy woman) using cooked chicken, sweetcorn and cream. Into the thingummy, blend it up and then whack it in the microwave. Hm!
The final straw was that people were being egged on to do this so they would be the envy of everyone in the lunchroom at work . 'Oh look, she's got mooshed up stuff in a glass, heated up.
They exclaimed over how much time it would save. Must admit I couldn't see why you couldn't take the cooked chook (the woman said she'd roasted it the night before) and slap it between two slices of bread and away you go. You could even add lettuce (or kale) or tomato (providing you had the necessary knife skills).
And don't get me started on the price. I saw the same brand product and other similar things in the shops at a much lower price. So for now I'll just stick to my knife (I'm sure I have knife skills) my stick belnder, microwave or saucepan. Or perhaps I'll just go make a sandwich...
So when we are away for a few days on a break, I like to pick up the TV remote and channel surf. So many channels and so much sport. Flick, flick. And 24 hour news. No thanks. And recently I discovered there's a whole food channel I didn't know about. Nup!
But the one that really gets me is the SellingStuff channel. I know it probably has a name but that's what it's there for. To sell stuff - and go on and on and on about it. Not just a 30 minute commercial but more like half an hour maybe.
On a recent shopping surf I saw a hairdresser waxing eloquent about a very expensive product to rehydrate hair. So if your hair needs hydrating, why not wet it? Ah no, my thirsty hair is crying out for his product and will then look glossy and gorgeous like the model on display.
Another day I saw the session about using primer. No not before painting a surface but before putting on foundation - on your face. First there was powder, then we needed foundation before powder and now primer before the foundation before the powder and... I think they even admitted it was a bit like filling in the crevices and Spakfilla came to mind.
The one that really got me going was the food processor thingy - a sort of inverted glass blender that would turn 'boring kale'(they said it, not me) into a glorious smoothy. So good for you. (I bought kalette in the shop the other day because I had never seen anything like it...) The presenter suggested you should use one if you don't have knife skills. Really? Did they really mean if you can't cut things up with a knife. If you're going to just hurl stuff into a blender how fancy do the knife skills have to be?
So they decided to make soup (the know all man and the gushy woman) using cooked chicken, sweetcorn and cream. Into the thingummy, blend it up and then whack it in the microwave. Hm!
The final straw was that people were being egged on to do this so they would be the envy of everyone in the lunchroom at work . 'Oh look, she's got mooshed up stuff in a glass, heated up.
They exclaimed over how much time it would save. Must admit I couldn't see why you couldn't take the cooked chook (the woman said she'd roasted it the night before) and slap it between two slices of bread and away you go. You could even add lettuce (or kale) or tomato (providing you had the necessary knife skills).
And don't get me started on the price. I saw the same brand product and other similar things in the shops at a much lower price. So for now I'll just stick to my knife (I'm sure I have knife skills) my stick belnder, microwave or saucepan. Or perhaps I'll just go make a sandwich...
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Mouse tales
I read that a dear friend had had her personal space invaded by a mouse. What to do she asked of her Facebook friends. The obvious answer was to get a cat but that is not allowed in her accommodation.
It put me in mind of some of my mousey experiences. Just a few days after our marriage we moved from our city upbringing place to our first home together - in the country. The floorboards had no coverings and so on the first night we were aware of the patter of little feet (and no our first child didn't arrive till 4 years later).
My glory box bits and pieces did not include a mousetrap although we had startled some friends by asking for mundane things such as a broom for wedding presents. That good old SABCO broom is still used to sweep the floor.
So when we met the Methodist minister in the bakery the next day, as well as signing David up to be a lay preacher (not me, I was and still am a woman) he heard about our mouse problem, and delivered a mouse trap to our house. I had never seen such a thing - a hexagonal shaped thing capable of letting 4 little mouse heads at a time enter and be trapped. So what joy to lie in bed and hear one trap go off and then another and wonder if there would be a number 3 and 4.
Some years later when we had our own house in Laura there was a mouse plague. Although we didn't have mice in the bed as some did, I was bemused to find that they ate their way through plastic to get to the contents of containers and could disappear into the tiniest crevices in the wall. We had a cat but he soon grew tired of the diet of mice or even the fun of catching them. We had the plain ordinary type wooden mousetraps of the day - just a few as there were none to be had in the local store. Later when they restocked we bought up big and had a good line up of traps on hand should they ever be needed again.
I was an at home Mum at the time and so when the traps went off, as they did with monotonous regularity, I had to deal with them. I believe you can get disposable traps now so you just discard the whole thing but this was 30 years or more ago. My easy disposal system was to hurl the trap and mouse into the chook yard and come back later for the emptied trap. Some people claim their eggs began to taste mousey.
Nowadays again living in the country we get the odd mouse or two. We figured that was why the current cat sat and looked so intently at the compost heap. All good. We were away for a few days recently and on coming home I was glad to see all was as it should be. Until I walked abourn the side of the dining room table and saw what I took to be a piece of grass on the floor. (The squeamish should not read on). I reached down to pick it up and it had a slightly rubbery feel and alongside it was one small foot. Mouse tails indeed...
It put me in mind of some of my mousey experiences. Just a few days after our marriage we moved from our city upbringing place to our first home together - in the country. The floorboards had no coverings and so on the first night we were aware of the patter of little feet (and no our first child didn't arrive till 4 years later).
My glory box bits and pieces did not include a mousetrap although we had startled some friends by asking for mundane things such as a broom for wedding presents. That good old SABCO broom is still used to sweep the floor.
So when we met the Methodist minister in the bakery the next day, as well as signing David up to be a lay preacher (not me, I was and still am a woman) he heard about our mouse problem, and delivered a mouse trap to our house. I had never seen such a thing - a hexagonal shaped thing capable of letting 4 little mouse heads at a time enter and be trapped. So what joy to lie in bed and hear one trap go off and then another and wonder if there would be a number 3 and 4.
Some years later when we had our own house in Laura there was a mouse plague. Although we didn't have mice in the bed as some did, I was bemused to find that they ate their way through plastic to get to the contents of containers and could disappear into the tiniest crevices in the wall. We had a cat but he soon grew tired of the diet of mice or even the fun of catching them. We had the plain ordinary type wooden mousetraps of the day - just a few as there were none to be had in the local store. Later when they restocked we bought up big and had a good line up of traps on hand should they ever be needed again.
I was an at home Mum at the time and so when the traps went off, as they did with monotonous regularity, I had to deal with them. I believe you can get disposable traps now so you just discard the whole thing but this was 30 years or more ago. My easy disposal system was to hurl the trap and mouse into the chook yard and come back later for the emptied trap. Some people claim their eggs began to taste mousey.
Nowadays again living in the country we get the odd mouse or two. We figured that was why the current cat sat and looked so intently at the compost heap. All good. We were away for a few days recently and on coming home I was glad to see all was as it should be. Until I walked abourn the side of the dining room table and saw what I took to be a piece of grass on the floor. (The squeamish should not read on). I reached down to pick it up and it had a slightly rubbery feel and alongside it was one small foot. Mouse tails indeed...
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