Hello Meggle and other members of the forum,   A note to say "Hi" and that I am ok. I notice that different people have had some pleasant times and a few have had sad experiences. Noted that you had covid Meggle and a chest infection following that, back at the end of August. I hope that you have fully recovered without any of the after effects that some have experienced. Thinking of you and your family and hoping that all are well.   My daughter and her son visited last week, before school starts for him in first grade. Really great to see them both. Although we don't see each other that often, our time together is very special for me, as I hope it is for them.   My friend, who conducts the singing, had a stroke toward the end of last year. She is recovering and I am hoping for her and the rest of the group, that she will be able to continue soon. She sent an sms asking our thoughts about restarting, though I would like to be sure that she does not over-extend. I am sure, though, that her husband will provide appropriate support or restraint.   I still attend the church gathering on Saturday and enjoy the company of the four other people, and sometimes, other family members, as the group is now.   Physical limitations are still a problem. I have taken a course of action that I hope will improve my capacity.   Having "bitten the bullet" and dropped in here, I hope to be more active here on the forum. I'll just take it a day at a time.   With Best Wishes to you Meggle and other members with whom I hope to "speak" soon.   Cheers, HenryX ... View more

Hello @photosynthesis_ ,   @Former-Member, @Eve7 , @Zoe7 , @NatureLover , @Shaz51 , @Bow , @Faith-and-Hope , @MDT , @Snowie  and others reading and participating in this conversation   @photosynthesis_, I am older but can easily imagine your position, having studied and lived in, what to me, was a strange environment at that time. The loneliness actually had a negative effect on my studies. Hopefully we can assist in ensuring that does not happen for you.   While we maintain anonymity, there are some interesting and engaging discussions here on the forum. Everything from, "Hi, how's your evening going?" to more indepth discussions. If there is a topic that you would particularly like to discuss and are unable to find a thread covering the topic, you can start your own titled thread and invite others to join and contribute. Whatever question you may ask or contribution you may offer, the content is likely to help someone else and you too.   Contact times can be a little sporadic, with members coming and going. As you can see, the responses to your initial contact have been spread over nearly a day. Please have a look around. All forum threads are open to all members.   A few things that would help members, of which you are now one, is to give some non-identifying details about yourself. Studies, whether you are a city person or a country person in the city. Someone asked what you enjoy doing in spare time.   I, along with others, hope that you will enjoy the interaction and communication with others here in the forum.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Enginegiant , and @Former-Member , @Zoe7 , @MDT , @Shaz51 , @Snowie  as well as other members reading and participating in this conversation   @Enginegiant, I do believe that the responses offered so far really cover a range of possible options that you may consider.   The events over the next week or so will be instructive with regard to the developments for your partner. It appears from your statement, "I received a message saying that she loved me but couldn't stay any longer and that she was sorry and she was putting herself in the care of the health professionals.", that there was a tension existing and possibly increasing for your partner. It may well have been that your partner has been trying to protect you from the effects of that internal tension.   In response to your implied question, in the title of your thread, "Unsure of what to do next." I do believe that you have done what would be considered appropriate in the circumstances. Sometimes, we need to allow others the space and time to sort out their issues. Having done so and, if the relationship is resumed, then hopefully it will be based on firmer foundations. Should that not be the case, it may be appropriate to 'let go', so that the other person can find whatever it is that they may need.   From a personal perspective, I can say that some of what you describe is familiar to me.   This lady, Dr. Kim Sage, offers qualified observations about her field of knowledge and expertise. While this particular video specifically relates to Borderline Personality Disorder, she covers a range of mental health issues. I believe that the content of her videos is valuable and much of the information provided can be generalised to other areas of mental health. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD2reQcfQtA   I hope that you will be able to maintain your connection here in the forum, both to give updates on what happens and to enable members to offer their thoughts as you proceed.   With Best Wishes, @HenryX    ... View more

Hello @Clawde , @Emelia8 , @Appleblossom , @Sophia1 , @Meggle , @Anastasia , @TAB , @Mumi , @greenpea , @StuF , @TideisTurning , @tyme and others who read and participate in the Keeping Happy thread   @Clawde, The activities on the virtual boat cruise remind me of some of the imaginary activities and adventures in the "Writing and receiving letters via virtual post" thread that @Sophia1 had established and encouraged others to join. It was actually there, with the encouragement of Sophia and various other members, that I first tried out writing in a fantasy or fiction style of writing, which I found quite enjoyable.   It seems that with various events, happenings and winter Seasonal Affective Disorder seeming to affect many members, that we may need to project ourselves into these spaces to lift our spirits. You have put a lot of thought into the social and hospitality aspects of the boat cruise. Just reading through some of your descriptive guidelines gave me a positive lift. Thank you.   This evening, I will be going out and enjoying the company of friends for an evening church service and a light meal afterward. That will be a nice close to the weekend and entry into the new week.   For Now, Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Oaktree    Pleased to hear from you and that you are ok. However, disappointed to know about your friend's cousin and the trauma that everyone feels, to some degree, in such circumstances.   With Sympathy to You and Your Friend @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @TAB    Yep, it is just fiddly. The mount is "under-slung" at the centre-front of the gearbox, with two bolts front and rear on either side of the gearbox. There is no difference in the mount front to back. We could have drilled the holes by the amount required, however, that would have weakened the attachment area. The two possible issues to consider were: 1.) Modifying a manufactured component and the possible legal and insurance ramifications if there were ever to be an accident and the modification found to have, in any way, contributed. 2.) If the product is modified, it cannot be returned to the provider as not meeting requirements.   Fortunately, the original Toyota branded part was the same price as the after-market one and the aftermarket people were prepared to offer post paid return and refund. So the only effect was a delay of a few days in what has been a fairly long job anyway, due to work commitments of friend. I wasn't party to the original purchases, just asked for advice on removal of an older '85 model Toyota 4WD petrol engine and replacement with a 2010 Ford Barra inline six engine.   {The Barra is a name for the engine range, including the inline-6 and SOHC V8 in the Ford Australia Falcon between 2002 and 2016. The inline-6 engines are unique to the Australian manufactured Falcon and Territory and were developed and manufactured in Geelong, Victoria. Wikipedia}   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Greetings to @Clawde , @Emelia8 , @Anastasia , @Appleblossom , @Oaktree , @TAB , @Former-Member , @Bunniekins , @StuF , @TideisTurning , @tyme and other members reading this thread   Great to see the imagination running wild here @Clawde , with all the possible forms of activity and entertainment and with sumptuous meals before and after.   I'm not really sure whether @Emelia8 , wanted the water or the waiter. I got a little confused in the transfer of information.   Certainly sounds like an ocean feast and a feast in the ocean.   Best Wishes to Everyone @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @TAB , and @Dimity  and hopefully @Oaktree and others reading this thread.   Yes @TAB , my friend was looking for the right spanner for the 8 nuts on the upper side of the cross-member, that he thought had been rounded off. I asked whether he had simply tried unscrewing the bolts, to which he replied "No". I suggested doing so, after which he exclaimed, "Oh". Sure enough, captive nuts welded onto the upper bracket. As it happens that was the easy part. Those bolts went straight back as they were supposed to do. The problem was that the after-market rubberised gearbox mounting had the holes drilled 2 mm off centre on each side from where they were supposed to be. The cross-member went in great but the mounting could not be bolted to the gearbox. New original part mounting ordered and after-market one to be refunded.   I love streams and lakes, particularly a nice spot like the one in your picture. As you would be aware, not a lot of spots like that north of Perth, except for a very short period following a winter rain. If it is summer rain, everthing around is still dry and brown.   @Dimity, Thanks for your note. I keep promising that I will get out and "do some exercise". It's just as well someone comes along and gets me doing something that keeps me a least a little active, even if it is just getting up off the garage floor. Pleased to hear that you are finding a rhythm in your walking style. Regarding family, there are a couple of special people with whom I would like to arrange to share some time. Telephone into action to arrange. Pleased to know that your catchup with family was pleasant and may be the reason for more regular meetings.   Likewise, I am hoping that @Oaktree is ok. I noticed a few days ago that she had said that some unwelcome news had arrived. Sincerely hope that it is not too serious.   For Now Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Dimity , @grayhorn , @Bunniekins , @Appleblossom , @Shaz51 , @CFH  @Delicatessen , @frog , @Olga, @eth , @Mazarita , @RedHorse , @TAB , @Last-Lament  @tyme , @Rhye  and other members reading this thread     Thank you @Dimity , and @grayhorn  for your responses, observations and acknowledgements which I have been catching up on, following some time away. I also appreciate offers of assistance that we give and receive regularly here.   And to @Bunniekins , @Appleblossom , @Shaz51 , @CFH , @Delicatessen , @frog , @Olga, @eth , @Mazarita , @RedHorse , @TAB , @Last-Lament , @tyme , @Rhye and many others, Thank you for your company during the previous year and a half.   More conversations ahead.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Oaktree    I started off a note to you here and thought that it fitted better in the "Walking for Wellness" thread.   Have you had any word on access to studies for the coming semester?   Recently, having moved to the other cottage, I have been structuring my daily activities better. As a result, I am feeling somewhat more stable in terms of personal awareness and future projection.   A lot of sorting out in front of me, so that it is not left for others to do, down the track. ...........      "      ........... " The main diversion for me has been to keep track of what has been happening in the Ukraine-Russian conflict. It is not a "pretty or glamourous picture", but one of suffering and pain, both physical and emotional for many millions of people. That fear and anxiety seems to have spread throughout Europe. It is to be hoped that the conflict ends soon, definitely not at any cost, but in favour of Ukraine. If the war spreads into other countries, the fear and anxiety will have to be turned into "grit and determination" for those involved. Indeed, the Ukrainian people have shown themselves worthy of commendation and admiration for the way that they have responded to Russia's aggressive invasion.   We are fortunate to be here in Australia. However, we should not consider ourselves to be out of the range of conflict, with the movement of China into the southern Pacific region, in the South China Seas down to the Solomon Islands. ...........      "      ........... " How are your family? You have spoken of enjoying your son's company lately. Specifically with regard to Pokemon activities. I hope that all are well.   For Now Best Wishes @HenryX            ... View more

Hello @Oaktree , @Dimity , @Former-Member , @TAB , @Jimbo2 , @Captain24 and others reading this thread   I've been looking through the posts on the "Walking for Wellness" thread and it appears that you are are supporting each other in the walking activities. Walking hasn't been one of the features of most days for me. Partly a case of not realising what I have until I lose the capacity.   In the last couple of days I've been helping a friend with fitting a new gearbox support mount. The engine is out, so the gearbox needed to be supported while we maneouvered the support cross-member out of the vehicle, fitted the mount and tried to replace it all. Now most of this is done while lying underneath the vehicle on the garage floor. Our attempts to get the cross-member reinstalled and the mount attached to the gearbox, using a range of options, ended in frustration. It turned out that the after-market mount did not have the same distance between bolt holes and therefore would not fit. The difference betwween the two mounts was about 2mm on each side, but even that caused the difficulties. So, my friend was able to order an original spec. mount from the dealer and will, I believe, be able to get a refund on the other.   The reason for that explanation is that I do get some of my exercise on my back, on a garage floor, under a vehicle. I suppose that is not really consistent with the intention of this thread though. The difficulty I had was getting up, once I was down.   @Former-Member, that might be reassuring for you. we can't all do everything in the same ways.   @TAB, I really liked the photo of the creek under the trees. Although the environment may be very different, it remimded me of creeks in the Tamborine Mountain area of Queensland, when I was a child. Also, of areas of Northeastern Victoria as a teenager. Pleasant reflections. {Pun intended}   @Dimity, I hope that the activity with the family was as pleasant as it sounded in your writing. Sometimes, the bus trip home can allow room for some pleasant reflections. I hope that it was so for you.   @Jimbo2, and @Captain24 , we haven't had much, if any interaction. I hope that the interactions on the forum have been interesting and supportive for you both.   With the intention of also getting more exercise Cheers to All for now @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Sophia1    Thank you very much for your reply to my last post. I do hope that things are going ok for you. I have been aware of fluctuations that you have experienced for various reasons.   While I have not been as active over the past few months as I had been for the previous year, I remain interested in how people are going, with the wish that whatever else happens, that circumstances will improve for members here on the forum.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Oaktree    Your situation with study is certainly something that I can understand. Speaking for myself, study always seemed to drain me. I believe that it was because I expected more, in terms of both quality and quantity, than what I thought that I was capable of producing.   The paradox now is that I write fairly freely and worry about tidying everything when I've completed the comment, response or project, either as a section or paragraphs. So now, by taking the pressure off quality, away from the draft, that part of the work seems to flow much more freely. Some may even say it overflows. I've not looked in to writing techniques, but I imagine that it may be the way professional writers work. I've heard it said that to get over "writer's block", just start writing - anything at all, just write.   It was actually back when you, @Sophia1 and a host of other members encouraged me to venture into fantasy writing or storytelling {at this point I had to go search for the "Writing and receiving letters via virtual post" thread in which I found the following comment that I had written: "I can say that I have been pleasantly surprised at my past few offerings. Having not previously thought of myself as a writer at all and especially in fantasy or storytelling. However, with some stimulus and a desire to contribute, I was pleased to have been able to take part in the story."}   Some of the above, I have written in the hope that you may find something that connects for you and possibly helps to open some ideas for your own study style and accomplishments.   Talk about gardening, I will leave till another time, since it is nearly midnight now and time for sleep.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @TAB    A few references that I looked at under the heading of "Park for conservation of trees and herbaceous plants" included, Environment Protection and. Biodiversity Conservation Kings Park and Botanic Garden What is the role of trees and remnant vegetation Plant Community Composition and Biodiversity Patterns The Victorian Naturalist Forests and trees - National Arboretum Herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems ACT NATIVE WOODLAND CONSERVATION STRATEGY Environmental tree planting projects plant conservatory Hope that something here jumps out and reminds you of what you saw recently @TAB    Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi  @Clawde , @NatureLover , @Meggle   Thank you @Clawde , for your observations and greetings. I think that you are aware that I enjoy your company and companionship as we travel around the forum, talking with different people in a variety of circumstances and situations.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @TAB    I'll bet the park doesn't know whether it is a council, state or national park; it probably feels just the same. Apart from them being different sizes and having different organisational features, some more natural, others organised in various ways, they each have their own style of beauty that we can appreciate. Different styles of park may also lend themselves to matching our different moods as they occur. We may sometimes enjoy being in an ordered space, whereas at other times we might feel more comfortale in a free-flowing natural environment.   It sounds as though you are enjoying where you are and the spaces around you, at the moment, @TAB .   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @NatureLover , @Oaktree , @Clawde    Thank you for your response @NatureLover    I am looking forward to getting the garden ship-shape. Have purchased a fig and a quince tree. They are in the bathroom which is a bit warmer and lighter than outside. The fig is trying to decide whether it is autumn or spring, but the quince has definitely decided and lost all of its leaves. Needless to say, the fact that they are in the bathroom means that they are both fairly small and they are still in pots. However, I hope that they will make a good start in the spring. Also, I have lots of seeds for vegetables and flowers. So the everything starts now, with preparation of soil and garden beds for the growing season following winter. The ground here is clay/gravel and there are salt lakes in the area. Consequently, preparation involves adding gypsum to the ground and mixing in lots of organic matter. Now have to go hunting for piles of wood chips, which are often near shire council blue-metal, road-surfacing material dumps, to add to compost and other organic material.   Cheers for now, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @Clawde, @Oaktree , @Mumi , @Emelia8 , @Anastasia , @Dimity@naturelover , @greenpea , @Appleblossom, @Peri , @StuF , @Shaz51 , @outlander , @MDT , @TAB , @Adge , @ArraDreaming , @EternalFlower , @Snowie , @Judi9877 , @Wanderer , @hanami , @tyme , @Former-Member    Sounds like a great party. Just on 10:00 am here and thawed out enough, since breakfast, to feel like getting into a few activities. Talking of thawing out, @ArraDreaming's reference to snow-boarding reminds me of skiing at Mt. Buffalo and at a different time of the year, water skiing on the Murray River near Yarrawonga, many years ago. Might just be able to manage snow-boarding now. All good fun.   Off to fight the way through all the revellers at the gates to go and have a look at the countryside and maybe the volcano as well.   "See" you this evening, Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hello@Oaktree , @Dimity , @Former-Member  , @TAB , @Shaz51 , @BPDSurvivor , @pinklollipop15 , @Jimbo2 , @Former-Member , @hanami , @Former-Member , @tyme    and other members reading in and walking for this thread   Really pleased to hear that the walking is fun @Oaktree , and congratulations on your accomplishment of two weeks, yesterday. From your 'reports', it is exercise, but also the opportunity to meet random people with whom you feel comfortable. And the simple enjoyment of walking will lead to the other health benefits as a natural consequence. The added bonus of virtual gifts for your son with the accumulation of "pokestops" also adds some interest. I had the question in my mind, "what are pokestops?" and then I saw the reference to Pokemon and now I have a vague idea of what pokestops are. If you can look towards achieving a goal doing something that you enjoy, you've had a double benefit. I also noticed that you are improving your time/distance. Getting your son to come along by use of "motherly bribery tactics" is good for you and him too. I also like your comment to @Dimity that, "It doesn’t matter where you walk as long as you are walking!" The expression, ".... pre-contemplation phase of walking." gave me a smile.   I also noticed @Former-Member asking about changes in mood as a result of walking. I believe that walking raises endorphins: https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins "Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers, and they can boost your mood, too. These chemicals are naturally produced by the body during pleasurable activities (e.g., exercise, sex, and laughing), as well as painful experiences, such as twisting your ankle." Don' forget or dismiss the other ways of generating these handy little gizmos that we can produce for ourselves and with appropriate others.   @TAB, it sounds as though you shouldn't chastise yourself for not getting your walk in yesterday. The different type of exercise involved in moving of the contents of the storage unit was probably a good balance for the walking, and beneficial in its own way. From what you say, you actually got a reasonable amount of exercise in from the storage unit activity. I notice that you referred to a "national park" nearby - sounds like a pleasant environment in which to walk and enjoy the peacefulness. From some of your reports @TAB , I get the impression that, at times, you go all out and then find yourself suffering afterwards. Though I did notice that you mentioned transitioning from level ground, in the process of getting "half serious." And then I find a reference that might confirm my original suspicion, "its All or Nothing baby". Love the comment about the contents of the backpack (15 kg) not being health food.   I notice that @Dimity has been influenced by the thread to get out for some walking too and complimenting you @Oaktree , on re-awakening this walking for exercise thread, which I notice that you started in July '21. I think that I will have to do some walking by going to the shop when I just want a few things that I can also carry in my backpack. So, I'll also say, conditional upon me actually doing so, that you will all have motivated me also. Definitely coat and woolly scarf weather @Dimity , even over here in the Mid-west of W.A.   Hi @Former-Member , I noticed that you had mentioned that you had not been well back around the end of June. How are you feeling now? My hope is that your health has improved or is improving. The beach near where you live, of which I have seen photos, sounds pleasant. I hope that your daughter is doing well.   @Jimbo2  mentioned enjoying the benefits of his walking around some hilly areas. Sounds good, even if it can be challenging at times.   I enjoyed reading @Former-Member' comment "... my favourite thing about walks is noticing the little changes on my normal routes as the seasons change - Magnolias will be starting to bloom soon, which always makes me happy!"   For the start of Wednesday Best Wishes to Everyone @HenryX  ... View more

Goodmorning Everyone   @NatureLover, thank you for your greetings. Yes, the cottage is less full of stuff and much more pleasant to live in. While I still have a lot of sorting out to do, it is not in my living space.   I do have the foundations for a garden in which I am looking forward to being more active.   This morning I got up at about 6.00 am and it seemed to be a comfortable temperature, but now at just on 9.00 I am feeling a bit of a chill. Have to get something warmer on.   Best Wishes to @Oaktree , @Emelia8 , @Clawde , @Former-Member , @Sophia1 , @NatureLover  and other members reading this thread @HenryX  ... View more

Goodmorning @Clawde , @Former-Member , @StuF , @Bunniekins , @TAB  and other members reading this thread   Having been away for a while, I am just getting back into the forum. So greetings to all.   Having been active on the forum for over 12 months and a few other things happening, such as moving house and setting myself up in the new (old) cottage, and finalising of the counselling assistance that had been available to me for about the same period, it was time for a break. I plan to be active in the forum for my own benefit and hopefully, in reciprocal and mutual ways with others.   Look forward to sharing ideas and mutual support for another 12 months, or whatever time is appropriate.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Emelia8 ,  @Anastasia   Just started my morning and wanted to wish you both well. Having been away for a bit, I am getting back into contact gently. Fighting with my computer and laggyness and dropouts on the internet that I am currently using where I live now.   However, things are going reasonably well otherwise. New cottage is comfortable and I am setting it up so that I can remain independent for as long as possible. Have definitely "arrived" at the stage of life where such aspects need to be considered. Physical limitations beginning to seriously impact on my everyday activities.   I am fortunate to live in a small community where people are supportive and pleasant. The activities in which I engage help me to maintain a fairly enjoyable lifestyle. The weeks seem to flash by really quickly though. All the more reason to make myself and my living space as functional and comfortable as I can.   Hope everything is going ok for you both, or at least stable, and that there may be improvements in some areas on the not too distant horizon.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @TAB    I suppose that it may be used as a type of satay sauce. It is really just a combination of the items that I had in my cupboard. And different variations may be useful in different applications. As I said, I have in mind to Use some combination as flavouring in curries, the combinations will also be in accordance with how I feel at any given time. A laksa {obviously my version} could also be based on these combinations of sauces and pastes. And they can be anywhere in a range of very mild to hot and spicy - just the way that I like it.   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @StuF  @Clawde, @Former-Member , @Bunniekins  and other members reading this thread   Going well thanks @StuF . Just rounding off my day here at the computer. About to have some dinner, after which some medication may have reduced my capacity to concentrate and it will be time for bed.   Hope all is going as well as it can be for everyone.   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @Oaktree  @Former-Member, @Captain24 , @TAB , @tyme  and other members reading this thread   A meal that I like to prepare, despite not having been fond of peanut butter for most of my life, consists of 1+1/2 desertspoons of peanut butter, in a microwave suitable container, with dashes of oyster, soy, sweet chilli sauces, black bean, ginger and garlic pastes.   Most of the measurements being on the basis of how it "feels" for me at the time. This concoction, I microwave till the peanut butter and other ingredients are just mixable. Then I either cook whatever I have, normally vegetables, in the sauce or use it as a pouring sauce. {vegetables, because I eat vey little meat at the moment, only because I don't feel like it. May change as I explore new recipes and ideas}   Since I am just getting back into cooking for myself, I haven't tried extending the use of the sauce above. But I intend using it as the base, with various spices, for different types of curries to have with rice and cucumber and tomato salads as accompaniments. https://www.thespruceeats.com/kachumber-salad-4172358 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/indian-cucumber-salad https://familystylefood.com/indian-cucumber-salad-recipe-peanuts/   Cheers all, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @Oaktree  @Former-Member, @Captain24 , @TAB , @tyme  and other members reading this thread   A meal that I like to prepare, despite not having been fond of peanut butter for most of my life, consists of 1+1/2 desertspoons of peanut butter, in a microwave suitable container, with dashes of oyster, soy, sweet chilli sauces, black bean, ginger and garlic pastes.   Most of the measurements being on the basis of how it "feels" for me at the time. This concoction, I microwave till the peanut butter and other ingredients are just mixable. Then I either cook whatever I have, normally vegetables, in the sauce or use it as a pouring sauce. {vegetables, because I eat vey little meat at the moment, only because I don't feel like it. May change as I explore new recipes and ideas}   Since I am just getting back into cooking for myself, I haven't tried extending the use of the sauce above. But I intend using it as the base for different types of curries to have with rice and cucumber and tomato salads as accompaniments. https://www.thespruceeats.com/kachumber-salad-4172358 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/indian-cucumber-salad https://familystylefood.com/indian-cucumber-salad-recipe-peanuts/   Cheers all, @HenryX ... View more

Hi @Former-Member    From your message, I understand that you are not feeling up to having any dinner tonight, @Former-Member . I hope, if that is the case, that you are not feeling unwell.   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hello @Oaktree , @Former-Member , @Dimity , @NatureLover , @Captain24 , @GrevilleaBlooms , @Shaz51 , @TAB , @Jimbo2 , @tyme , @Rhye    It's just gone dark here, so time to get up, put some light on and decide what I will have for dinner. Last night it was chicken and mushroom pasta with added beans, corn, cauliflower and broccoli   Cheers, @HenryX    ... View more

Hi @Oaktree    It seems like the possibility of catching up again with someone with whom you have felt some positive connection is a good reason for continuing your activity.   Cheers, @HenryX  ... View more

Hi @Oaktree  and other members reading this thread   Thank you for your note @Oaktree . Yes, a few social things happening in addition to singing, though still not able to get back to the residential care beecause of possible health and covid risks.   The last week or so has been frustrating because of difficulties with access to internet - keeps dropping out and freezing. Will need to attend to that. Hopefully, I have found a short term solution, that works for now.   I have found, lately, that I am having difficulty sitting and being active on the computer for any length of time, which is another reason that my presence has been more in the background. However, letting you and others know of my continued interest in what has been happening in the forum. I have also responded to a few newer members.   I am very pleased that you have found our contact and discussions to have been pleasant, interesting, helpful and hopefully reassuring. Your comments are really, very much appreciated. I, likewise, enjoy our 'discussions' and I find them helpful and interesting for me also.   I think that @Former-Member  had been away during the time of my absence also but has been active recently. @Emelia8 , @Clawde , @NatureLover , have posted comments about what has been happening for them and in response to others.   The cottage is comfortable and easier to negotiate than the house where I was before. At the moment I am trying to get myself up to speed in a few areas. Movement is a problem, particularly where balance is required, which makes hanging laundry on the line difficult. So, I have purchased a new heat pump laundry dryer. It uses less power than an element heated dryer and is gentler on the fabrics. That is because it operates by drying the air, condensing out the moisture, then heating the dried air which returns to the drying drum and back to the condenser, in a closed loop system. The reheated air returning to the drying drum is at a lower temperature than an element heated unit. Drying times are about a half again to double the drying time of an element heated dryer. But even then, the power consumption can be half or less than that of an element heated dryer. The unit that I purchased has a five year warranty which is reassuring. So that completes my laundry system.   While I was writing this note, a friend arrived to help me, or more likely the reverse, for me to help him bring the dryer in from the station wagon and set it up in the laundry. That was very much appreciated.   I'm not talking about bikes at the moment because I have not got it up and operational. However, what I mentioned about movement above can be improved by use of a bike. Consequently, I have to pressure myself {gently} to get it going. Unfortunately, the reason to get the bike going is also partly the reason for my tardyness - difficulty of movement.   I'd be interested in knowing to what you were referring with respect to "missing when you haven't got it". I have an idea, but rather than me offering possibilities that may be correct or otherwise, I am more keen to know from you, if you wish.   On Firday, I attended the volunteer function, Saturday, lunch with friends and pick up dryer and yesterday was very quiet. Today, went to the bible study group this morning. We were commenting that the arrangements in this group are more informal and more enjoyable and possibly, more meaningful because we discuss the meanings that can be extracted from the readings. The co-ordinating member offers a draft of the readings and what information and inspiration can be derived from those readings. But our discussion is open and relatively unstructured.   There is value in terms of spiritual nourishment as well as the feeling of community and social connection with others that are aspects of the group that are positive for me.   Well, I shall copy this note and hope that it gets to the forum destination.   The original message did not go. Thank goodnes for the re-load function on the site, so that I could recover what I had written. However, I saw your post about time disappearing, with which I totally agree. I initially joined in 2015, but was not an active member till February, 2021.   With Best Wishes @HenryX  ... View more