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#PrintChat ... That incredible weekly event that I am thoroughly addicted For a brief overview - here's my 40 second snap of what it is ... I've listed Print Chat times for the AU and NZ cities below the video , hope to see you there !

And it was fun while it lasted. I can honestly conclude that winter is definitely setting in. We've had rain for the last 4 days straight - and much cooler temperatures than the mid to high 30's of February and intermittently in March. And this morning - the heating actually turned on in the house. Brrr. No wonder I felt cold when I woke up , it was cold! Time to haul out the winter bedding , and re-arrange the heaters, possibly situate one right next to my desk  and start evaluating my sunlight needs. Winter here in Melbourne is so grey and miserable. And I am one of those people who just battle so much with the lack of sunlight. I've learnt these last 3 years . I need to get out at least once a day during the daylight. I need to be active . And I need to have a slew of social engagements that keep my mind occupied and distracted. So it's a good thing that work is taking off like a rocket - my calendar fills up almost 2 weeks in advance these days ... and I see...

Just recently had a fly screen door installed by Denis , from Denis Around the House. Denis is a self-employed handyman , focussing on the smaller jobs that people just don't get to when they are either super busy - or getting on a bit in age ( he likes to help out the elderly who need a bit of a hand with odd-jobs and a spot of gardening here and there) Anyway - I digress somewhat from the point - which is that I realised fairly early on after immigrating * to Melbourne that flyscreens on windows, and flyscreen doors were far more important than security bars , locks or any other security measures. Damn them flies are a nuisance ! I could swear they lie in wait by the door , and zip inside quickly in that fraction of a moment that it's open when you rush outside slamming it behind you. Our new house came with flyscreens on every "open-able" window. We specifically asked for a security/flyscreen door on the laundry - but clean forgot to get something on the b...

Carrying on from my post about what I like about Australia - The chips  Oh. My. Word. Tiny little carbohydrate bombs made of heaven and rapturous wonderment. Almost every single take-away joint does an amazing packet of chips. I'm not sure what it is ;  my current working hypothesis is that Australians, through their own love of carbs, and fats have evolved a distinct set of genes that allows them to instinctively cook a perfect batch of chips time,  after time, after time. Not crisps , like Simba Chips, or Willards , or Smiths - but the hot chips in packets with a smattering of just the right amount of Salt or Aromat ( although Aromat is called Chicken Salt here in Australia - go figure) . Macca's french fries be damned, the home made jobbies are the best I have ever tasted without fail. Melbourne has awesome food and awesome coffee  I've been up north to Sydney, they have better weather. I've been up to the Gold Coast , and they have better beaches ...

I've been reading back some of my posts , and whilst none of them are untrue , I have realised that I only really blog about South Africa , when I am feeling a bit homesick. See, the thing is , when things are good, and when I am too busy to feel depressed, then nobody really get's to hear about it. I thought that it was probably a little unfair to Australia, so in this post, I will list all the reasons why I think Australia is a good place to live.

It's a one of those rare warm days in Melbourne. Fantabulous weather for a spot of gardening - say what old chum? So - I have discovered the joys of weed-eaters. ( weed-whackers if you're American, and whirly something or other  if you're Australian) We have bought a petrol one, 2 reasons mainly , firstly the battery ones are just to piddly to handle the vicious grass we have round the side of our rental house. Durban Blue has nothing on this stuff, I'm wishing for some pansy ass African veld-grass right about now actually. And secondly because we are responsible for clearing away the weeds when construction begins on our house. Seriously. It's another one of those strange, strange things about being in Australia. Just before the building company takes possession ( as it were) of your stukkie grond . You are responsible to clear away any tall grass and weeds.

Happy new year , for anyone on my side of the date line of course ...... And for everyone else still celebrating - have a good one. And be safe . Don't drink and drive  and all that other public safety announcement stuff. Drinking excessively is a problem - Violent people get more violent. And then there are those lovely mild-mannered sweet-hearts who turn into Mr Hyde at the whiff of a vodka tonic. Not that I'm innocent of course - I have been known to partake of the fermented by-product from grapes , as well as some potato juice on occasion. And I was the quintessential student in my day - roaring it up on drinking nights , held in check only by my very short pockets, rather than any attempt to remain responsible. But I'll not bore you to death with my strong opinions on that matter - at least not today anyway. The reason I mention it is because Melbourne Metlink provided free public transport to all and sundry last night from 6pm onwards , all night long. And I c...

So - the infamous friends that went cherry picking in the rain , while I was studying for my exam, have done it again. The buggers went cherry picking yesterday and invited me to come with. All good and well, except yesterday was a work day for me - I, being a self employed working from home type, don't get 'leave' as such. Yes , I get the convenience of going out on a work day should I choose to , but the reality is - that choice boils down to if I can do it without compromising any work. And I am far too diligent to let that happen. So , Mrs Scrooge McDuck here, stayed at home and worked , while cherries got picked in some of the nicest weather I have seen since arriving in Melbourne 9 months ago. It's a crying shame. And I was very miffed about it all actually. Not to fear though - I got my pound of flesh . We bought 2 kilos of fresh picked cherries off them when they came home with their spoils . And I now have purple stained sticky fingers from painstakin...

the ups and downs of melbourne If you are one of those bitter nasty types don't read further, this story is going to be an honest account of what it's like to leave your life, family, friends, and everything you know and love, for something that you hope is going to be better. If you are sick to death of hearing about how great it is away from SA then stop reading and go look for your jollies somewhere else. If you love to gloat with glee about the "Saffers" who leave and end up being miserable go look for another article. If you think that emigrants are traitors, then consider yourself descended from traitors, how else do you think white people ended up at the southern tip of Africa? We have been here seven months now. It was one of the toughest things I have ever done in my life. And I've had some rough times let me tell you. Firstly, I did not leave because I hate South Africa, on the contrary, I love South Africa and I am proudly South African. I left b...