You find feminine products distasteful, Shirley? 50% of the population need, will need or used to need them! Mum bought me old-fashioned Modess when I was a kid - then I found out about more modern options & was incredibly thankful for them. My Nan never got the period talk, so she thought she was dying when it happened - a stranger had to comfort & explain it to her. That's outrageously unfair to a kid! Nobody wants to talk to their kids about condoms, either, but it's better than having your kid contract HIV, hepatitis, &c. Ads can prompt questions or provide a lead-in to further discussion.

I will supply my delivery details if anyone has a surplus of chocs- particularly caramilk and/or milkybar and flowers, ooh and trinkets also accepted :)

Walked and rode my bike to school and around the area where I lived without having to worry about being kidnapped or attacked. Playing hopscotch, reading books and feeling like Not a Care in the World. Could amuse myself being an only child until 8 - not like these days. NO politically correct rubbish & discipline for the naughty people at school, which had no effect on them later in life. Glad I grew up in those times.

We do need politics & politics is supposed to be about what's best for the majority, elections & politicians are about a popularity contest & not a popular vote - which is why I don't trust them. We vote for the person the party thinks will win not necessarily the best leader. 'Political donations' (basically legal bribery) need to be outlawed. Calling out & jeering in parliament needs to be banned. You don't have to agree with what everyone says - that should lead to intelligent debate not being put down. Example, Ex-PM Julia Gillard seems to be strong, independent & intelligent person & not a puppet, so she was attacked for who she wasn't married to & what she was wearing - not her politics. Not everyone who reads this will agree with everything I wrote, hopefully leading to an intelligent chat & not that I spilled coffee on my t-shirt.

I’m a rubbish sleeper. I get 4-5 hours per night. That’s prolly why I enjoyed shift work all my life and why I have hypertension and arrhythmia and a whole lot of other woes. Would I swap if I had my time again?……not on your nelly, it was a hoot, loved every minute of it. Slowing down now though….lol

There is no way that you could use more handwashing dishes. Not unless the tap was on the whole time. It's like comparing having a wash at the handling to having a shower.

A courier delivered a parcel of ours to a neighbour two doors away and once we discovered the error my partner went to the neighbour's house only to discover one of their sons (about 16yrs old) in the middle of eating some of the chocolates that he'd stolen from our parcel. The Warehouse were good about it though and redelivered the items no charge.

i think they are still relvent,learnibg skills that arnt taught anymore,i have taught my children how to fish,hunt,grow their own food and find water and make a fire if they need too,These are skills i learnt as a boy and have never forgoten,if the sh#t goes down i want them to be able to help themselves instead of relying on others,unfortunatly a lot of these skills are not handed down anymore

I still think that people need to work in order to retain their sense of dignity, purpose and pride. I think a "top-up" system is okay, as long as you still need to work. Getting money for doing nothing does not help people.

I am absolutely astounded by these so-called 'influencers' on social media. Why would anyone follow someone who believes they can control other people to follow them, listen to them and copy them? If they are not the ultimate narcissists I don't know who is.

This is the only law I really agree with in America. The legal drinking age of 21 and learning to drive at 16. That way they have time behind the wheel before being handed the keys to the pub as well

I don't own a TV! I have not watch TV in decades - this gives me time to do things that I enjoy doing!

I haven't been bitten by anything really dangerous. A small bite from an Alsation dog, but more in play than being aggressive, and of course a bull ant bite for stepping too close to their nest and of course mosquitos. Even my horse escapades didn't cause any bites, so I guess I am pretty lucky.

i think government and big business have made it so its near impossible for unions to operate,no power anymore,theres a reason 20 or 30 years ago,dad went to work,mum raised the kids and looked afer the home,one wage kept a roof on your familys head,food on the table,even a holiday someplace every year,maybe not overseas but a holiday some place nonetheless. This is impossible today,prices through the roof,wages going nowhere,while executives get big fat bonuses for every job they cut. I read someplace not long ago in the 60s and 70s bosses were paid 3 times the salary of a worker,now its hundreds of times more

Mixed feelings about that- it depends what they are being taught- if its to shoot and kill people and fixate on weapons then no but if its to teach hard work,fitness, team work, trade's, and helping people/communities in need in our country then yes for a year. And just to add it would need to be a "healthy" environment that doesn't secretly "allow" bullying and abuse.

A better option would be for people sending personal mail not just text message, email or a phone call. When possible meet in person for coffee cake or dinner would be my preferred birthday celebration. I often have to revert back to letters as all of my brothers and sisters are overseas.

I havent actually seen any name calling on this site,i do read some great and interesting opinions of others,always good to get others perspective on things. You are correct though,free speech is under attack everywhere now,I know people who are too scared to voice their opinions in fear of the attacks that will surely follow,I must be thick skinned or something,the only peoples opinions of me that matter to me all live in my house,what others think because of my opinions is really none of my business anyway

You need to peel the onion then sit it in the freezer for a couple of minutes then take it out and chop. No more tears.

I've discussed this with Grommie, my financial adviser. His wise words are: "in order to make a small fortune, you need to start with a large one."

good old rock n roll, yes, that was a great era, and real dancing. today's act of dancing is shaking your body all over the place, and sometimes is very explicit.. call me old school, rock n roll dancing is still no 1

Definitely masks need to be worn by all while out in public, this is a pandemic we are talking about here, no time to compromise, no need to complain.

Should life skills be taught by school districts - NO! Life skills should be taught by the kids' PARENTS. If a parent doesn't want to teach his/her kids' life skills, then the parent should not have kids!!!

So many people just see as a holiday, it is a wonder it has not been banned by people that come to NZ for a better life but want to live their own way, want us to take Crosses off Clock Towers, off hot cross buns, and do away with our beliefs to fit in with them. Tell me again what are you doing here and would your Country change their customs to suit our way of Life?

How about making the company pay more tax if they don't make recycleable or biodegradeable plastic? At the end of the day it's consumerism and convenience. You can lead a horse to water.....

wait 2 hours for tax dept, telecom, any other govt department and then get someone who has English as their 2nd or 3rd language

We used to have one (small) "dustbin" in the old days for all our household rubbish and sometimes that didn't even get full so we must have been better at recycling back then. Don't forget the backyard incinerators served a purpose and of course if you had a wood stove, well, all those old papers, cardboard and magazines were like free fuel to cook by or warm the house up. There weren't any drink cans and of course you took the soft drink bottles to the deli or where you bought your soft drinks from and had it deducted from your purchases. The rag man and other suchlike individuals would also call by periodically and relieve the households of such unwanted goods. We can almost say the in the old days recycling was a behind the scenes well functioning "industry" almost like backroom workers who were never acknowledged in the way they really deserved.

Xmas has become way too commercialised for my liking. Always got to buy the latest gadget for loved ones, and they do not come cheap.Nowadays it seems to be about who can outdo who and not about the gifts themselves. I actually make my grandchildren presents and as a rule of thumb, I always get them stuff that is educational and nothing to do with technology.

2020 will not be remembered in a good way. What with Covid 19 and the terrible fires & typhoons the earth is not a happy place to live in at the moment. Better days ahead for us I hope

The situation compared to the 40’s & 50’s is so different lots of families need two incomes to cope with huge mortgages,cost of education,cost of utilities & food costs,it is much more difficult to save in one income families.

University isn't for everyone plus l think it's over rated, What you learn there is not for every day living on the real world

I simply will not buy any Imported Meat, Fruit and Vegetables. If that means I have to go without something when it is out of season in Australia then so be it. Why support the economies of countries which don't give a damn about Australia? Why support Farmers in other countries when our own are doing it tough and in any case at least we know that our Farmers - be they Fruit, Veges or meats at least try to obey the rules when it comes to the use of Pesticides, Herbicides and other Carcinogens? Do we Really need those Grapes from the USA? Do we Really need that Asparagus from Peru or Mexico? Do we Really need that Pork from China and the USA? Of course we don't so Buy Australian!

I am Irish born and simply cannot believe the absurd amount of drama which has been generated, for which the media in general, but in particular those so-called "celbrities" from Commercial TV all chattering about a) How we should all behave and b) The terrible mental strain it has been for them! People, and in particular children and young ones, whinge about being alone, isolated and yet prior to Covid19 they all lived on their mobile phones - with one Adelaide family admitting the only way they could get their children out of their rooms (in the SAME house) to come to the dinner table was to contact them via their mobile phones! and now they are complaining as to how lonely and mentally stressed they are! What a load of nonsense and heaven help them and Australia if they ever have to face a Real War, be held in some ghastly prison camp with little food and no comfort!

I agree. Kids are inside and everything is disinfected these days. I say let them outside and eat dirt. Builds up the immunity like Tech never will

Didn't we just have this question, or is my mind going? My last answer was, Yes and, after pushing back, we became friends. I think I also suggested standing your ground, and most bullies will back down! They're feeling bad about themselves, and trying to make themselves feel better, the wrong way. \ud83e\udd17

Sounds like he maybe he found someone else? Not sure if this was a friendship or relationship but I never take anyone for granted as I lost my husband to cancer and know all about loss.

Never mind the matching - I think it's disgusting that no one cares how they look anymore. At least in the U.S. People wear pajamas and house shoes in public, clothes that should be in the trash and unwashed hair. No one seems to take pride in the way they look anymore. I know prices in retail stores are high, but there are always thrift stores where you can find nice things for very reasonable prices.

After leaving a rental house, during which time the bottom level was a few cm under water after a flood, I got a call from the landlord saying the house wasnt clean enough. I had scrubbed it and told her about the water downstairs which she had been kept up to date with for a few days previously. She told me the fans were dirty. I asked had she got up on a ladder and checked them which she replied no. I answered I had scrubbed them top and bottom and they were just old with flaky paint. After going back and forth for a while on different things she realised I had cleaned properly! Some agents are just rude and nasty

I 'do not' believe in farewell parties for leaving or retiring from a job. However, I 'do' believe in severance pay for leaving or retiring from a job.

YES! These rules and regulations are no just for the people who consume the stuff but for all those that don't. Protect yourself and others. Blow the whistle to stop endangering everybody's health.

I have never been a traveler, but more a homebody myself. I find if I'm away from where I call home more than 2 hours, I start feeling anxious. When I was young (I'm 77), I used to think about traveling around the USA, living in a motor home or travel trailer, and enjoying the beauty of the earth...Now I think about being in my recliner, holding my little puppy, Lacy, and watching travel shows on TV! ;-D

I'll never forget hearing my stepmother say, "You're 18 now. You can get out.", or something very close to that. I married my boyfriend in March, after he turned 18 in February, found a studio apartment while he joined the Marines to support us (1966 during the Viet Nam war), and had to go to war in May. I got a job babysitting where I lived. Dad brought me groceries until I got an allotment check. And started my life of constant failures, not that my childhood was any better... ;-(

WOW, IN OUR FAMILY, 7 KIDS PLUS MOM AND DAD. NOW THAT I HAVE LOST MY MOM AND DAD, I KNOW NOE HOW MUCH WORK THEY HAD TO DO FOR OUR FAMILY. RIGHT NOW I THINK BACK AT THE BAD THINGS I DID, NOT BIG ONES .NOW I CAN NOT SAY THINK YOU MOM AND THANKED ENOUGH. FOR BEING THERE FOR ME AND ALL OF USE. THANK MOM/ DAD LOVE YOU

You should live in Australia ! The 1 hour news starts with sport usually, if not you get a sports segment at 15 minutes, telling you about the sport that is coming on later.....then from not long after the half past you get ALL the sports, between that and the adverts there is not a lot of news and if you can sit through all that you FINALLY get to the weather forecast... If the showed the weather forecast first, I could then watch the first bit of news and switch off ! I HATE WATCHING SPORT

From experience boys that age love to run and jump and climb and ride\u2026 so Outdoors - Park/playgrounds, collect shells at the beach, bushwalks or short hikes out in nature. Gardening and planting seedlings or seeds in pots. Trampoline gyms or indoor clip and climb (fake safe rock climbing for kids), At home indoors - Lego, blocks, puzzles, games and books. Or if you know how to make homemade playdough could be fun! Enjoy

One of my classmates went on a cruise ship voyage with his parents as a teenager, discovered a need amongst the numerous widow passengers, and spent his life as a well remunerated gigolo.

For my marriage it is helping each when you are sick. We have been married 43 years my husband got hurt at work then got COPD and emphysema, then I had 5 strokes was paralyzed after my 3rd stroke. He takes very good care of me. I\u2019m glad he knows how to cook. It was good before but you know it\u2019s real after.

Rails on BOTH sides for slopes...AND handrails both sides on staircases too...it is obvious common sense and most of the time its just not there...well done lisa! ...the picture above shows clearly how NOT to do it....we have designers who know all this...why don't they use them?...to save money...and we wait till somebody get seriously injured or dies before we fix things....

The guest of course! Fame comes w/ a price tag called publicity and every aspirant to the arts wants a lot of publicity yet w/o their fans they get little or none! Then when they hit it big-time, all of a sudden they want privacy even from their fans! I myself am a creative writer of fanfictions which I share online and I have a huge following and an even larger number of readers of my works. I elarned long go, anyone in the arts must grow a thick skin and the best example of this is the real US prez and our GOP Savior Trumpy! He could care less what folks think of him! He is quoted as saying 'No, I am NOT a politician, good or bad. However, I am a business man and a damned good one too! If you fail to vote for me, don't come crying to me later when my opponents get into power again!' Good luck today on Friday the 13th. Why is it an unlucky day? Long ago during the Crusades in Europe and the Middle East, the king of France (Phillip the Fair) owed a huge sum to the Knights Templar and to avoid paying what he owed, he made a deal w/ the Pope to have the Knights arrested and tried on heresy which is more lies from the Catholics to steal and lie and cheat and grab lands for the Church and the Crown. Of course, the Knights got wind of this and sailed away on several ships w/ all their loot and money and that treasure trove is still missing! The leaders of the Templars and as many of their followers they could find (which were not numerous!) were burned at the stake or hanged! Then the greedy Pope and King raided the Templar churches and found 'housekeeping funds' amounting all told to a few thousand French Francs- maybe in today's market- $500! If you want to read a good book re the Templars, find Umberto Eco's (He wrote the Name of the Rose too) novel 'Foucault's Pendulum' which advances many theories as to the location of the Knights' treasure trove.

'Steeping back'? i thought this might be a discussion about how to make a good cup of tea!?! guess not...maybe it should be about spelling or grammer...

There will always be thieves, as some do it because they feel others have more than them even if it is not to on sell. Seems those who can't be bothered to either work and/or save for what they want will steal because of their warped sense of 'entitlement'

No I think it is rank. Yes some countries / cultures eat insects, spiders and anything basically that walks the earth including dogs, cats, whales, dolphins, monkeys, birds, fish, in fact all wild life even if some are dangerous and life threatening. Now, companies want us to eat insects and down the track a few years we will be called out for diminishing the insects of the world. The methane can be controlled from cattle, giraffes, elephants, sheep etc. by just adding a tiny bit of a certain seaweed that can be cultivated at a minimal cost but I guess the acreage can produce more vegetables and so a higher financial yield and hence the BS about us needing all to go vegan and eat insects. Give me my meat any day. We developed eating meat which made our brains smarter. Maybe due to less meat being eaten, this is why people are becoming so much more stupider these days.

YES! So many times, but I'll never forget the young man I talked to while waiting to get my hair cut at Great Clips. I was complaining about how much it cost, even with the Senior Discount, to get my hair cut, and how I only got it cut once a year. Well, after my haircut, when I went to pay, I was told "it was taken care of" and, when I offered a tip, I was told "it was paid for, too", by the young man, who had already left! I didn't even get to thank him. And, in the Commissary, after telling a stranger (lady) about how I was abandoned in 2013, how she came back to me, after walking away, and put 2 $50 bills in my hand saying "God told her to do it." There ARE still good people out in the world, and I'm happy to have met them, and that I am one, also. ;-D

no my mum worked at a large store and said they mark them up to put them down for a sale not interested

Mine was back in the 70's visiting relatives I'd never met in Romania "Transilvania the part that used to belong to Hungary before the infamous "Trianon Treaty. That was an adventure and a half indeed.

In Australia long ago we made our own products and they lasted decades now a kettle may last a year if you are lucky. We rely too much on other Countries inferior products and yes it all ends up in land fill

No idea but as little as possible. Electricity is going up and up and they are saying there is not enough to go around yet they are bringing in EV by the 1000's so go figure. Putting up those horrible wind turbines which harm the environment and biodiversity let alone the animals and catch fire and are environmentally bad news and no discussion with the people who have to live near them. Then they say they are going to turn off the gas, no coal and we have the cleanest coal in the world and to top it off want to bring in nuclear which is so dangerous and I don't care what they say. How many have caused disasters around the world. Our electricity has gone up 100% in a very short time and going up again. Since they privatised it they have just taken the profits and run with them and left a mess for the taxpayer to pay for.

1. Tradies are in demand. 2. Parts take awhile to arrive. 3. If it's under warranty what's the concern? You're not paying for it. 4. Appliances are now mass produced. Forget quality from the good old days. More parts, more technology = more problems.

WE are living in an angry world - so sad - I too have people tail-gate me and sometimes go over double lines to pass even though I'm keeping to the speed limit.

I deliberately did not live up to the expectations my parents 'had' for me in life (since it was my life - not theirs) - which led to physical abuse. My parents got divorce - remarry other people and had more kids - which led to me being the odd kid OUT ( I know - Life is not FAIR - LOL). I became a runaway at 13 years old (when I finished the eighth grade in the USA). I will be estranged from my family this coming June (2024) - it will be 65 years (pain free - emotionally, mentally, physically, and psychologically) - let the good times (estrangement) - roll forever or least till I DIE! Estrangement from my family has elicited 'HAPPINESS AND JOY' - anyway - for me! In my case - reconciliation is N(EVER) going to happen (under any circumstances)!

Watch the foxes don't bite any of your animals etc. I know a cat that was bitten by a fox. Apart from the bite it also passed a disease to the cat that was life threatening.

Isn't that the problem with social media? So much fake information I don't know why people keep using it.

Parents should always keep a close eye on their children because it only takes a few seconds or minutes for an accident to happen..leave the phone viewing for when you are at home and the kids are tucked up for the night.

It is one thing to be a 'snitch'. It is something else to be a 'whistleblower'. You did not provide enough information in your scenario for me to offer a suggestion. Under the scenario you provided - my response is to keep your misgivings (of the individual in question) to yourself!

Who decides what is normal ? Just be yourself and don't worry about others, and just enjoy one day at a time

I was in a loveless relationship for 17 years. We ran businesses together and he was a highly respected person within the Irish community in London. It suited him to have me on his arm at formal events and functions and I was never going to give up the lifestyle! It's not for everyone but it worked for us.

Not all retirement villages are run like that. I live in a Freedom Lifestyle Village where I get the capital gain if I was needing to sell. We have a great manager and I am very happy here

It\u2019s nice to keep giving you also may need them some day just let them know that your happy to give but could they please come a bit later as you are sleeping and are being woken up

From what you have described, to me it seems like they don't sound like friends in deed but like "friends" in need of having someone handy to vent on or boss around. I'm not sure if it's worth your while at looking around who are avoiding them and they might be more like the friendships you could cultivate.

Get rid of the animals that are other people's (chickens and ducks) that come down to my house and poop in my front doorway :(

It depends on the child, so it is impossible to generalise. However, at no point in their lives do your children leave you free of concern and even worry.

Handy tip Thanks for sharing Carolyn, we just clean ours with a damp sponge after it has cooled some but still warm. We at the moment are living in a construction site as hubby is renovating our little home so things are a bit more dustier than usual. We are pretty clean people to start with so a little bit of dust here and there doesn't phase us. Right now it is just too hard to keep the dust off every thing and I must admit I am messier than my hubby but I am still organised. Things will improve when things are starting to get finished like kitchen and en suite. Who knew there was so much to learn about water proofing and council requirements.

First up, Put Away that damned phone and speak to the Person who is serving you. Make them feel they are appreciated. There is almost nothing more Rude, more degrading of a person's self-esteem if you are simply ignoring them and chattering nonsense on your phone at the top of your voice. In my experience Women are the worst offenders! Give them a genuine Smile, Thank Them and wish them a Safe Day. All of this does work wonders and think a bit as to how you would like to be treated if the roles were reversed.

I have a heart of gold, don't deliberately set out to hurt anyone. Loyal, great friend, honest, funny, March to the beat of my own drum. Proud to be unique.

Budget, that's what I was told as a teenager. The budget works this way; 20% pay to savings, 50% pay to household expenses including mortgage or rent, 10% pay to holidays, 10% pay to clothing and 10% pay to emergency fund. I stuck to this budget and now I look back and am so proud we own our own home, we have had three round the world crusies and several other holiday trips. We have money in the bank and we are having a pretty good retirement. Pity about the current government they seem to be pushing up inflation and the cost of living is rising. I expect we will have to have a recession as we did when Keating was in power. I think we will be okay though, fingers crossed.

AI could wipe out humanity. A Terminator scenario unless checks and balances are set. Ai is exciting but scary to

People don't know how to communicate with their mates without texting, I've seen two kids side by side texting each other, what's next?

From your given information, I assume that your youngest would be 15 years old and possibly close to finishing school. It would be nice for them coming home to a welcoming face. If it's for financial reasons, to supplement the family budget, as has become a sad reality for many families today, perhaps casual work between 9am and 3pm would be practical. Work with those hours is availlable as I know a lady who works those hours at a large furniture outlet, who finishes at 3pm to pick her kids up from school. She works 4 days per week. From personal experience, my wife looked after our family for 25 years. The kids have all moved on with the exception of our 14 year old. So at 51 she decided she wanted to work, and put in resume after resume with dozens of businesses. Her first job was as a house keeper in a resort. Early start, deadlines and hard yakka. She kept putting resumes in and after about 2 years ended up getting work in a supermarket. She now is a supervisor/assistant manager, works under contract between 20 and 30 hours per week being on call. For mental health reasons, this has been most beneficial for her. Four questions I would ask myself is: Why? Is it necessary? What are the benefits? What is the downside? Its ultimately a decision you need to make.

Ex-wife never got pregnant while we were married to each other (and I never made the mistake of getting marry again - lol) - not my issue - don't know or care - but - I definitely don't miss not having any kids.

Have a happy, long life together! Maturity might help you in that, but there are other difficulties arising from two previously very independent people living together. You seem to be over the adjustments so...that’s great.

When our son was four we were shopping at Pak'n'Save and he yelled out 'Hey Mum, look a terrorist (he said tewwowist)!'. Ran up to him and asked if he was going to bomb us. He said no and smiled, I apologised profusely. We were at checkout, Liam saw him again, stood up and yelled 'Bye nice terrorist!'. I died a thousand deaths and to this day I still don't know how he knew what a terrorist was. We now shop at New World.

The shoe phone the best invention. Thankyou Maxwell Smart.

If you are not sure just ask for their number and address and tell them you will phone them back. Spammers will hang up at that point.

My cousin showed my dad 'Plants Vs Zombies' phone app and now he is addicted. One game and one only but he never gets off! he is also 68

There are in excess of 8 billion people on the planet and companies are doing everything to reduce the amount of jobs for people. We need people in jobs, not on dole queues put people back in the workforce like in restaurants and cafes! We all need to feel worthwhile and working is important to people. l will not order like this and I will go to a check out person rather than a machine so people can have jobs.

no confidence what so ever, I won't even do internet banking. when you have been hacked, you are SO cautious, I have the majority of my bills direct debit, all the rest, PayPal, I don't take any chances. I am so careful with my internet use, no public Wi fi, no NBN, (too expensive anyway) only use personal hotspot with my phone and laptop, clear the history after each use, no I won't take any chances, I signed up to Scam watch to keep abreast to what scams come up, have to be careful these days, if they can hack government websites, they can hack anyone.

The lie sounds better than the truth, wants to hide the truth because in some cases it can be shocking etc. It's frustrating when people lie but thinking about the reasons is just going to cause you stress.

IT TAKE A LONG TIME TO FALL IN LOVE. YOU HAVE TO BE FRIENDS FIRST, OTHERWISE IT DOESN'T WORK. WHEN I FIRST MET MY WIFE 45 YEARS AGO I DIDN'T EVEN LIKE HER. TODAY, I COULDN'T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT HER.

I feel that you shouldn't have children unless you are going to be there for them. I was a single mum and refused to work until they were school age.

are you sure it was his route ,was it the correct bus, my dad was a bus driver and he would take you to your door,that was 40 years ago ,but i know they are /were really good guys

An animal joins the family. They are not toys to be left at the mercy of a child to learn how to look after. The child learns to take care of the animal by others in the family teaching him/her, leading by example. The animal will bond with someone, and it may not ne the child. If you are not animal lovers I would not suggest getting any pets at all.

I'm never alone because I suffer from manic depression, wherever I go my dog comes with me. Since my husband passed away I have suicidal thoughts but my dog Soxy, helps me through it.

have a Simpson twin tub that was a hand-me-down from my parents have no idea how old, gotta be older than me, still works a treat

It can be a nightmare to see a doctor in rural towns. And to make things worse, in our town the clinic insists that if you need to book an appointment, you need to ring up at a quarter to nine in the morning so they can slot you in. Any other time you ring up they simply brush you off and tell you to call at that specific time the next day. Trouble is, you try to ring at that time, and every man and his dog is also trying to ring through, and the line is so busy you can never get through. It's crazy. And now even pensioners are asked to pay a gap fee to see a doctor. There's no bulk billing anymore. As if everyone is not financially stretched enough at this time due to inflation!! I can see many people not bothering to see a doctor at all now when they really should be, and then getting really sick, perhaps even dying. Clearly $20 might not seem a big deal to politicians and to those running the clinic, but it's a lot of money to pensioners. And if you arrange a consultation via telephone the gap fee is even more - $27. How do they work that one out? I thought the whole point of tele-health appointments was to encourage people to take it up, especially with COVID over the last few years. But why do this when it's cheaper to physically see the doctor?

Here's a novel idea! When anyone - be they grower, dealer, distributor, drug-lord, president, prime minister, politician, police - who can be proven to have been part of the Illegal Drug distribution network - and let us stop using that nice, friendly, comforting word "Recreational" when referring to these Killer drugs and the Murderers involved - they should be given a bit, no, more than a bit of their own 'medicine'? Get them irrevocably and incurably addicted to their own products and then toss them out into the streets so that they get some idea as to what they have done to millions of others and done it all for the sake of the World's Two major gods: Greed and Money. In recent times the Australian Federal Police have shown us on TV and on-line pictures of literally tons of Methamphetamines, Heroin and other Killer Drugs which they and Customs have found in single shipments of such things as toilets, cisterns, toys etc. coming in from other countries. The quantities are so large there is no way on Earth that the authorities in the exporting countries did not know about it. The instant the country from which these drugs are exported is identified and proven an immediate and Total ban should be placed on the Import from and Export to any and all products.

who has time for memes/ idiot box, fbook etc when there is a real factual life to enjoy???? what you dont partake can have no affect on you

No plans. I usually spend the day by myself anyway. I have given up putting up the Christmas tree now. I think when the children are young it is fun but as you age it all becomes a bit ho hum and especially these days when it has become so commercialised.

Today in NZ there are thousands of jobs available if you cant find one then YOU have a problem, are YOU really looking at ALL your options, look out side the box and you may be in for a pleasant surprise.

No, and I don't believe in the religion of man-made climate change either. No person can stop volcanoes, solar flares or the rotation of the earth which all affect the weather. No evidence would convince me.

Maybe I am just old fashioned but why do self-styled parents dump their trophy kids with strangers to rear them? Yes, I know all about that phony claim that couples need two highly paid jobs just to live - at the same time we hear endless complaints by one or other of them that "Child Care costs absorb all of one of our incomes"! Since when was it unacceptable for one of the parents to stay at home and do the rearing themselves? Why do so many of these highly paid people think that "The Government" - read "Other Taxpayers" should pay for the rearing of their children? Don't want to bring up your own children? Then don't have any. Make up your minds. Is it Career or Family you want? What makes these people think they are "Entitled to both? You have a $1 million mortgage? Do you really need that 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 4 Car Garage, the Pool, the 3, 4 or 5 Entertainment areas? What is wrong with starting out with a modest house, car and Planned Children whom you are prepared to look after yourselves?

Too many toys -- what happened to sending your children out in the back yard for an afternoon of discovering and making up their own games and toys.