Month: July 2021

Tuesday, 20th July 2021

Another clear sky. Not sticky today.

We must ‘achieve’ today.

Anne calls from the bed, ‘Give me your camera.’ I see the beam of light coming through the window and ‘click’ her hand, then hand her the camera.

She takes a pic or two. Not very thick skinned. Are we.

We pack the box to go back to Adelaide., go to Bunnings to get locks for it and on to Darwin Lock & Key for other odds and ends.

Look! Seniors discount! What fine people.

A patriot in transit. I agree with all of it.

We get the box down to Greyhound. Change boxes on good advice from ‘Bart’ to save money as ours is too big.

The conversation continues and we find … Bart Is East Timorese!

Good guy. Very helpful. Enjoyed the chat. Thanks for the help and nice to meet you Bart!

Karama for shopping, home and all the usual.

Another action packed day. You know, when we were in Adelaide I noted this was a travel blog and said as we were not travelling in Adelaide I was stopping the blog and will re-start when we hit the road again.

I should have done the same here but it didn’t seem wrong to just tick away a bit. Anyway, it’s done. Keeps me active. Sure gets me out of bed early.

Cheers.

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Monday, 18th July 2021.

Looks a bit more clear this morning. Maybe a nicer day.

What is left to do. Pack up a box to send back to Adelaide. clear the paperwork we were going to do a year ago, so it can be sent back as well. un-crowd the van a bit with light but bulky gear, see a few people we haven’t yet and sort out if we want another sunscreen for the van. Nothing substantial. It is just we are so slack all this takes so long. So yes, we will extend another week.

We will go to the office so let’s do an update on the power meter. Here is the reading on our site power meter. We paid a deposit of $100 for power when we arrived 5 weeks ago and the first two days, we found we were using $4.50 per day. That would put it at 5 weeks x 7 days per week x 4.50 per day = 157.50. Ouch.

We pay for another week and ask for the bad news. Just a mere $118 power so far! We have cut back somehow. (?) Great.

We tested out new ‘mids’ walking them to the office. ‘ Mid’s? There are Shoes, Boots and half way between called ‘Mid’s’ Just a little support over the ankle but not full boot further up the leg. Here Anne does a ‘lift the heal, cutsie shot.

I am not ‘cutsie.’ These Mid’s are very good though. Merrells soft tread to ground, ‘Gortex’ to waterproof and just a plain comfortable wear. Good shoes no boots NO! Mid’s! And the main reason we went from the planned shoes to the mid’s was the best reason you can get. They didn’t have shoes in our size. We had to go ‘Mid’ to get our sizes.

So we go cross country back to the van through the park.

Almost jungle.

Lots of different shade arrangements….

Over the back fence …

… and the long termers are way over the top.

Back home.

Home sweet home.

Anne samples my new, ‘French foreign Legion’ hat with big duck bill visor and back, neck shield. It also has pull string tightener and special tether lead which clips to you collar so if your hat blows off, you don’t lose it. All that for only $13.50 from Fishing and Outdoor World in the city.

This 7 minute walk has exhausted us so we decide to have a lay down on the bed and watch TV instead of doing the paper work.

5.15pm we are disturbed by Gary next door, drawing our attention to the fact that it is past Beer O’clock. What a good neighbour. We adjourn next door with chairs and liquid refreshments.

My what a wicked and exciting life we lead. No. We have been stationary too long and must move on.

Anyway, showers, chicken schnitzel with 3 veg, TV, drinks. (sound familiar?)

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Sunday, 18th July 2021.

Another overcast morning, hence sticky day.

I finally finish the light with it’s new switch. It is tucked away on one end of the bed, so I am sure no one will notice the black switch …….

…. instead of grey.

Q  So why fix it? Just get another light. A   Priced them.  Around $55. (!!??)

Q  OK so $12 for a new switch but why another $12 for a spare?  A   Because this is the third switch in 2 years to break and it is going to happen again. I should have two spares.

Q   Why $2.50 for a terminal block strip with  enough for ten switches. Just cut two terminals off as you need them?  A   Because I had to cut the wires to get the light off and they have to be rejoined after fixing.

Q   Why $5 for a bag of spade lugs?  A   Because I have been pre-warned by Leigh that the temperature to get the soldering iron to melt the solder on the PLASTIC switch terminal is enough to melt the switch mechanism.

Q   Why $4 for minimum length of a metre of twin fine wire?  A   Incase the wires are too short to get in close to re-join.

Q   Why $15 for a small round file?  A   Because the hole in the metal base is too small for the new switch and had to be enlarged.

More than you wanted to know? Yep. Can’t help it. Details.

So we are now off to see a great chap named …..

….  but better known as Rick or Ricky. A ‘man amongst men’ to those who know him. A great few hours of reminiscing over the days back in Dili and friends past and present. We enjoyed Ricky’s and wife Lucy’s hospitality and the day just flew. It was a real pleasure.

One regret. I didn’t get a photo of the newest member of the family. A ‘baby (!!!???) puppy just 8 months old and with a head bigger than mine. A Cane Corso or Cane Mastiff. Generic photo.   N.B.  Cane Corso  The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff. It is used for personal protection, tracking, law enforcement, as a guard dog, and as a companion dog. Wikipedia   Life span: 10 – 12 years   Origin: Italy   Temperament: Trainable, Even Tempered, Reserved, Stable, Calm, Quiet   Height: Female: 58–66 cm, Male: 62–70 cm   Weight: Female: 40–45 kg, Male: 45–50 kg    Colors: Black, Fawn, Chestnut Brindle, Black Brindle, Grey, Red.

Good boy. Sit. No … down, Down  ….. DOWN! …. DOWWWN!!!!!  (He’s still a playful pup. Just a bloody big one.)

All good things must end. The sun is heading south. ‘See ya layta.’

Home. Anne is outside and notes the sunset. I am inside and note the sunset through the toilet window and screen. Well I got the idea.

Showers, Left overs from Leigh and Tess. Just as good second time around. Couple of drinks. Movie. Didn’t do much but felt quite fulfilling. Hang on! A fixed light and catch up with Ricky. No! It WAS a fulfilling day. A winner. Cheers.

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Saturday, 17th July 2021.

Overcast morning so going to be sticky as well as hot.

Chatting to neighbours and apparently this little gadget is a winner. It is Chromecast with Google TV. Might make some enquiries.

So given the threats of today we install the shade. The sun moves  past midday and shines full on the off side. The result is DRAMATIC. On the inside no heat on the wall. We see the difference  on the inside wall where the shade stops on the outside, the heat starts on the inside. Amazing!

We gloat in the cool van in the afternoon. We are using the AC but the shade still has a significant effect. We doze just long enough to make ourselves late for dinner at Leigh and Tess’s place, (via Vintage cellars!)

Leigh comes up with this ‘Bickfords’ for the non alcohol drinkers tonight. (Not him or me)

A Fab Fish Dish (?) is the main course and it is delicious. Follows caramel pudding. Lots of chit chat . We come up with solutions to some of the main faults of society and the world. Some of them are simple but would not be accepted. Far too logical to be adopted.

End of a good night. Thanks Leigh and Tess. Again, in the old .08 days I would be legal but it is now .05 and that makes me an evil law breaker if I drive, so Anne drives home.

What is left to do and how much longer do we stay? Scrub up, Bed.

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Friday, 16th July 2021.

Sun shade up? The fruit of our work yesterday is to be appreciated. Sure, but not yet. Let it cure the full 2 days.

We also have to go to town to get hiking shoes. All in due course. Do a few things then off. We will drop in on Leigh first. Cup of tea maybe.

On McMillans Rd heading to town and ….. SMOKE!

Bit closer and looks like controlled burning.

About the only ‘Hop on Hop off’ tourist bus we have not been on. They are good.

Almost there. There’s that ‘tallest building’ again.

Rocks with aboriginal words. Would have been more clever to have translation on it. It means nothing as is.

N.T. General Store.

Lots of stuff, including walking shoes, ‘mids’ and boots. (mids are between the two others)

We buy the Mids  … and are invited back at 4.30 for a light refreshment.

I have two brown ones and Anne has two (!!!) white bubbly ones.

Anne slips into comfort zone very easily here.

Time to go. Do the silly cut outs on the way out.

After the first bubbly glass, we realize we bought the salad and meat for nothing. We won’t be cooking tonight. So up the street to City Pizza for me to ‘prepare’ dinner.

Kill time and buy a hat at the Tackle Shop on corner. Has anything and everything. Boss is very nice guy called George.

Home to a 50%/50% Marguerite and meat lovers.

I am manic with the joy of my first pizza in 6 months and red wine at the same time. Oh joy!!

Showers etc. Great Day ….

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Thursday, 15th July 2021.

Morning is overcast. It will be a sticky day today.

Oracle Leigh arriving early. He is a motivated person. Motivated to help. However he does have a minor hold up. Gary next door is also helpful  with not just verbal but physical as in tools etc.

A slight delay for a trip to Bunnings as we change using screws to pop rivets.

BY THE WAY, we are putting a rail on the off side of the van to hold a shade cloth sun screen.

Sun has come over the top of the van to the side we are working.

Done. Leigh did most of it. He got in a working frenzy and I tried to keep up.

Measured, drilled, silicon glued, pop rivets. A master job.

The master cleaner puts the finishing touches to the final result.

We will let it cure for a day or so.

Gary has commitments, Leigh gets a call he is needed, I glue a few other things now the silicon is opened. Pack up. Time for a shower.

Lay down, small doze. STILL some of Rosa’s tasty leftovers and with a bit of potato added, we have a quick meal.

Movie. The original ‘True Grit’ with the late and great JOHN WAYNE. Is there a better way to end the night?

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Tuesday, 13th & Wednesday 14th July 2021.

Another question to consider. IF NOT INTERESTED, SKIP DOWN.

Can you have one of each vaccine in you two shot sequence? I have heard ‘No’ but now I have heard ‘Yes.’

Can I get AstraZeneca now and Pfizer later? Why mixing and matching COVID vaccines could help solve many rollout problems

ABC News. The Conversation

By Fiona Russell and John Hart  Posted Mon 31 May 2021 at 4:30amMonday 31 May 2021 at 4:30am, updated Mon 31 May 2021 at 12:23pm

In the face of changing eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine, new variants of the coronavirus and supply constraints, many people are wondering whether they can “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines.

This means, for example, having the AstraZeneca vaccine as the first dose, followed by a different vaccine such as Pfizer as the second dose, and boosters with other vaccines later on.

While many studies are ongoing, data has recently been released from mix and match trials in Spain and the United Kingdom.

This data is very promising, and suggests mix and match schedules may give higher antibody levels than two doses of a single vaccine.

While Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), hasn’t yet approved a mix and match COVID-19 vaccination schedule, some countries are already doing this.

So how does this work, and why might it be a good idea? What’s the benefit of mixing and matching? If the COVID-19 vaccine rollout can mix and match vaccines, this will greatly increase flexibility.

Having a flexible immunisation program allows us to be nimble in the face of global supply constraints. If there’s a shortage of one vaccine, instead of halting the entire program to wait for supply, the program can continue with a different vaccine, regardless of which one has been given as a first dose.

If one vaccine is less effective than another against a certain variant, mix and match schedules could ensure people who’ve already received one dose of a vaccine with lower effectiveness could get a booster with a vaccine that’s more effective against the variant.

Some countries are already using mix and match vaccine schedules following changing recommendations regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine because of a very rare side effect of a blood clotting/bleeding condition.

Several countries in Europe are now advising younger people previously given this vaccine as a first dose should receive an alternative vaccine as their second dose, most commonly mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer’s.

Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and Denmark are amongst those advising mixed vaccination schedules due to this reason.

Besides that … BACK TO THE DAY(S)……

Driving with the ORACLE, Leigh …

Looking in Bunnings …

Leads and connectors … Other stuff like shade cloth (?)  …

Cash converters for an insulator tester. No good. Got a few faults.

\

Next day …

Wednesday 14th ..

Hey! Another 1000km … (157,000km)

On to Anne’s second Pfizer jab … A nice action shot.

A drop in to ‘drop off’ an item of Rosa’s. (Turns out it belonged to nice friend Gloria,but it will find its way back to her.) A quick friendly ‘Hello’ but as usual, Rosa is the perfect hostess and lunch was already prepared. Bless her lovely heart.  Lots of friendly talk and chit chat but we must go. ‘Thank you’. ‘The classic . ‘See ya layta.’ (and Yes! Rosa sent us off with leftovers again!)

Jaycar for a bit of wire etc and they have a silenced 2kva for just $699. Not bad … if it works. Not a bad price. But…. we don’t need one.

Back to home. Drinks with the neighbours. Showers and get comfy, Rosa deserves another thank you for our ‘left overs’ evening meal. Yes! She sent us off with enough for another whole meal!

Oracle Leigh and neighbour guy, Gary, will help me tomorrow, if all goes well, tomorrow I/we install the rail strip on the off side of the van for a sun shade.

Till then …

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Monday, 12th July 2021

I have been pondering a few questions. I will just consider one per day.

When does a ‘hotspot’ in the covid saga become no longer a hot spot? Reason? Every border we have crossed in the last year had on it’s questionnaire, ‘Have you been in a covid hotspot in the last 14 days?’ So do we have to get clear of Darwin/Litchfield and stay clear 14 days before we get to the border or is Darwin no longer a hotspot?

Gas Bottle filled, Barbques Galore, next to Harvey Norman at Berrimah, $25. Cool. Done.

Next BTC as we want to install a rail on the off side of the van to keep the sun off. Bit of a job. We do some ground work and  will return after measuring the van.

You alright mate? On display at BTC. Portrait/moulding of the previous owner?

Now I bought these here last year and they cannot identify by my description so I am going back with a pic.

Looked for a spare windshield. Cannot find. That is they used to be around. A big piece of tough plastic to drape over the front window frame if you smash your window. I will ask the Oracle, Leigh.

Found these though. Lithium batteries. About a third the weight and double the capacity. (and three times the price.) 120ma. $999. (under $1000 !!)

Diesel is still $146.7 across town and I have been waiting for it to drop. I rarely let it get below half but this time it got all the way to just below a quarter and the warning light even came on. So I put a half a tank in, so exercising my optimism that the price will drop. (?)

While filling up, a bit of action. The Night Patrol and an ambulance are attending two locals. The Night Patrol as I understand it are security guards. Do they have Police affiliation? I ask because I have always wondered, If the police (or Night Patrol?) call an ambulance and the subject is taken to hospital and they die, is that considered, ‘death in custody?’

Zoom …

…zoom …

… brighten.

Another fly over. what are they?

I reckon the one at the back is a Viper …

…. and this one as well from a different angle? That is, if it was banking right,  towards us, it would shorten  and widen and the front end would lose detail.

Posted the  letter to get my motor bike licence after me reaching bloody 70 years old. (!!??!!@!@@??!!) Registered mail so I can track it. Don’t want that item disappearing.

That’s enough for today. Bit pooped.

Home. Drinks with neighbor, steak and veg, early night.

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Sunday, 11th July 2021.

Lazy, lazy morning. It’s Sunday for Christ sake. (?) Give me a break.

Sorting and cleaning. We need to fill a gas bottle. (tomorrow)

Fill a box with stuff we don’t need to go to Adelaide a-la Grey Hound, $45 per 20kg’s.

More sorting.

A nap. (It is Sunday.)

A call from Ken and Liz in Queensland  already, van in tow of course. ‘Where are you now?’ ‘Still in Darwin.’ ‘Still in Darwin?’

Showers.

Nice meal. Chicken, lettuce (Let us pray) Feta cheese, Mayo and Potato prep with onion and cheese and ‘other’ exotic items. Nice.

Instruction. ‘Get the back up choc ice cream out the car fridge.’

I’ll get the back up red wine while I’m there.

A movie. Two that is ….

One. Top Gun.

Haven’t seen this for years. Anne says ‘Chick flick.’ I agree.

Two. Bourne Legacy.

It’s not Mat Damon and it is excellent.

Quiet day, so here’s one for you……

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Friday, 9th & Saturday 10th July 2021

I had been given a ray of hope regarding getting a medical certificate in order to keep my motor bike drivers licence as I am now turning 70. (!!?? Where the hell did that time go?) I found a clinic that does commercial drivers health checks. A bit of confusion. ‘A … (?????) ….South Australian motor bike licence?’ Long story, but here it is! My Health Report.

It will be posted to Ye Olde Adelaide soon.

1PM NO MORE MASKS REQUIRED!!!!!!!!

We are on the highway at Winnellie and I see a Maui and Brits collective. I have some interest so we go for a squizz.

Could we go to a motor  home? NOT like the one above with the big lump on the front. The bad photo below is through the front window of a camper/motor home. That’s right. You can’t see a thing. Here’s a link. Cut and paste.  https://openroadmotorhomes.com.au/properties/avan-applause-500-compact-auto/  …. or look up   ‘thl campers for sale’. Bottom line? $80,000 to $90,000 for one with about 40,000 km on the clock. Don’t know if we could go down to that. I am sure we could adapt … I guess? We are thinking of the future. We can only park a small car in the back yard of the home when we move in, so we would have to store the van and 4WD. If we had a motor home we would only have to store one item and not two, hence half price. So save $2000 a year. Don’t know. Food for thought.

A bad photo of our ensuite. Important to shut the door as the view for any passer by goes straight to the toilet seat. So imagine my ‘amusement’ when, at a serious moment, the door slowly swings open and I could wave at anyone passing. Bit of a trick getting it shut actually. Lesson?  Make SURE the door is not just shut but shut shut.

This sweet little rod was parked in Woolworths. Sweeeeeeet!  Easiest spotted, I note neither the wheels or V8 motor are standard. I am assuming there are a whole lot of things not standard.

Note the lovely little tower on the left? It either is or was the tallest in Darwin. What happened to good old (small) Darwin?

We go to the trading post for a look at ‘things’ and this fine chap is on display. The HEMP Party representative, Lance Lawrence campaigns. By the way, HEMP in this case stands for Help End Marijuana Prohibition. You have heard of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’? Well this is ‘Lawrence of Nimbin.’ Just hasn’t got the same ring to it, has it? So how does that work? Is he here or there. Reading again, it is authorized by someone in Nimbin.

The two posters also state, ‘Grow four plants per person. De-criminalize Cannabis. Help end malnutrition and $100 per gram in remote communities. SENATE.’ I don’t understand it. Well a few things actually.  Are these what the rules will be if he is elected? Will everyone HAVE TO grow four plants? Does marijuana stop malnutrition? I didn’t know that. Or is it that it doesn’t stop it. You just don’t care about it anymore. $100 per gram in remote communities? Is that with a loading for transport or with discount for rural? Lance should make it a bit more clear. Anyway, I would vote for him just for the moustache. Although it looks a little smoke stained.

This was also on display. I have not got a clue.

OK. It’s a bike but …

Our freeloader sharing our ensuite.

That’s enough for anyone for a day. Showers etc …..

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Saturday 10th July 2021

Our neighbours Ron, Donna and Kali depart but leave a lovely little friendly rock.

Anne must have fancied this/these clouds in particular. Rain maybe?

Afternoon coffee and cake with friend Maria from Dili and husband Roy. A very nice afternoon of chit chat and a few laughs.

Later we arrive at Leigh and Tess’s apartment for dinner. Leigh comes up with another masterpiece. This time, Seafood pasta. Now…. this is ‘home made’ pasta! Yep. Hand made it himself. Boy genius!

Then, for goodness sake, out comes MY BIRTHDAY CAKE! I argue that his is first on 3rd August and mine is the day after. I believe the reason is, it is my 70th in a few weeks and I won’t be here to celebrate it with he and Tess. What a surprise and a bloody fine gesture!

Action shot.

A congrats shake.

Group shot with cake.

They say ‘CUT IT!’

What a damn fine afternoon/evening. They wave us ‘see ya layta’ after the breathalyzer decided Anne does the home leg. It was under the old .08 but still over the current  .05

Home clean up. Still have to have a part movie and small glass of port. It’s tradition. Here’s to TRADITION!

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