Aussie Readers discussion

Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bush fires and floods are a constant here but how people deal with these problems i..."

I recollect that during our summer the Australians and Kiwis both sent firefighters to help us with a particularly harsh fire season.

I agree; I once had an aussie friend who always wondered how we managed in the cold where there are bears. I reckon you just adapt to where you live and it becomes normal.

I would love to see the beauty of Australia for myself. Sigh, If only I wasn't afraid of Airplanes lol.

Might I also add that the Australian accent is absolutely fabulous :)

I personally love listening to the Canadian accent too Melissa:)

Lovely day in Sydney today, sunny 24C, just the hint of a breeze. I've been out weeding and mulching my (tiny) front garden and am now making Swiss cheese, ham and cranberry sandwiches again for lunch :)
Love left over ham :)

Yum! And well done Carolyn:) It's nice here too...hope it stays that way!

Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bush fires and floods are a constant here but how people deal with ..."

Did you say Australian accent (singular)? You have probably only heard the best of Aussie accents. They can be very "broad" but I guess that also applies to American accents and other countries like England whose contemporary movies I can't understand and the Scottish accent is even harder to grasp. At least our broad accents can still be understood clearly. Lol.

Oh don't worry about the airplanes - it's the expense that is a worry. It's is a long trip but well worth it, I'm sure. Only joshing about the airplanes -I don't like them much either. Just don't bring your doggy with you unless he/she has passed the quarantine test! Lol.

Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bush fires and floods are a constant here but how p..."

Well I say Australian as a singular; however, I realize that the accent varies region to region. Much like my Vancouver accent would sound different to that of a Montrealer or Newfie (Newfoundland or French Canadian).

I just find the Australian accents wonderful. I am a bit fascinated with anything and everything Australian.

I have heard about the dog thing, lol. We all heard about the Johnny Depp story (and I watch the border control Australia show - you would be amazed at what people try to sneak in)

I've made the flight to the US many times, but never again. Next time, I'm going by boat, unless I win lotto and can afford to go first class. Way too long sitting very uncomfortably. And airline food had deteriorated from reasonable to absolutely disgusting!

Lorraine wrote: "I've made the flight to the US many times, but never again. Next time, I'm going by boat, unless I win lotto and can afford to go first class. Way too long sitting very uncomfortably. And airline f..."

It depends on what airline really. I know here Air Canada is terrible. However our other Major Airline, Westjet, is fairly decent. Ultimately, it is just a way to get from point A to point B. Not that I really notice. I generally have to give myself a dose of medication in order to get on a flight lol.

Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bush fires and floods are a constan..."

You say the nicest things Melissa. I didn't realise you were Canadian. I love Canadian authors and they give me the impression that we enjoy and think similarly. Our big difference is the weather - two extremes. But we get to love
the changes in the seasons, don't we?

My daughter was ex patted to Pennsylvania for a few years in her job. She told me that America really has only 2 seasons! Summer & Winter? What about Canada. Do you have 4 distinct seasons? Our 4 seasons last about the same length each.

My daughter regularly flies Hawaiian, due to cost and the more convenient route they take, but after her last flight she said ''never again''. Quantas is probably the best, but still rather poor and getting worse every year. At least it has a good safety record though, thus far. I've never been by ship, so it will be a new experience.

Lorraine wrote: "My daughter regularly flies Hawaiian, due to cost and the more convenient route they take, but after her last flight she said ''never again''. Quantas is probably the best, but still rather poor an..."

Ships are fun; I like ships lol.

Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bush fires and floo..."

Aw thank you Laureen. I am indeed a Canuck; as Canadian as maple syrup you might say.

I also get the impression that we think similarly to Australians. I guess that makes sense in that we both have similar backgrounds.

It depends what part of Canada you are in. Arctic Canada (the Territories) remain fairly chilly year round. But they are gorgeous; especially once the snow melts. Many cities can experience all four seasons in one day, lol. For instance it was snowing heavily yesterday; today was sunny.

My daughter loved Canada. She made a photographic record of her recent trip there, beautifully bound into a lovely keepsake book. It made me want to see the place.

When I lived in the US, in my teen years, my Australian accent was often mistaken for Canadian, and for English (well, that's not surprising, as I learnt to talk in England and never quite lost the accent). Eventually, after 4 years in the US, I had an accent nobody could pick - a curious mixture of Pommy, Ozzie and American. Very strange indeed! But after nearly 40 years back in Australia, I think my accent is now fairly typical Australian.

Lorraine wrote: "I've made the flight to the US many times, but never again. Next time, I'm going by boat, unless I win lotto and can afford to go first class. Way too long sitting very uncomfortably. And airline f..."

I think you'd need to win Lotto to go by ship as well, Lorraine! It would probably cost more than a first class airfare to cruise from here to the States! Or are there economy ships that are cheaper than cruise ships...??

Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."


Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), winter lasts about 3 months and summer lasts about 9 months!!

OK - slight exaggeration, but summer lasts at least 6 months!!

Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocurring."

Yes bus..."

Some of our Southern cities are like that - Melbourne has a reputation for the weather changing dramatically in one day. However, Melbourne is much beloved by many people for it's cultural activities and the arts.

Adelaide is much the same weather wise but it is The a City of Churches. I have been to neither so I apologise to Adeladians a Melbournites if I have said something arse-up! A bit of colloquialism never goes astray, I hope!

Yes, I have always thought our history was similar although we had no other nationality to war with like you did over boundaries, except the poor innocent aborigines here.

Lorraine wrote: "My daughter loved Canada. She made a photographic record of her recent trip there, beautifully bound into a lovely keepsake book. It made me want to see the place.

When I lived in the US, in my t..."

I do not know how they would mistake an Australian accent for Canadian. There is quite a difference. Us western Canadians basically sound American.

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."


Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), winter lasts about 3 months and s..."

Definitely agree with you there Kathryn:)

Laureen wrote: "Angela wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Oh goodness Angela, what city/town do you live in? Brisbane has almost the perfect weather today. it is a bit humid but only 26c. Your post gave me a laugh - I'd like..."

Oh, I hear you! LOL Perth is lovely. I really like Melbourne, too. Haven't been to Brisbane.

Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some major bushfires ocu..."

I should mention that like Australia, Canada is know to be peaceful ... unless it is the winter olympics and/or we are competing against the USA and then it is like

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."


Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), winter lasts about 3 months and s..."

Oh Kathryn, I think you only feel that way because you enjoy the autumn and spring so much that they seem short. If there is one season we could leave out, it is winter. Winter is extremely mild here. Fur Coat sellers don't do much business. I agree that our summers appear to be getting longer.

Brenda wrote: "Angela wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Angela wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Haha! That's my destination of choice in the heat here too Angela:)"

Where are you, Brenda?"

Newcastle Angela:) About an hour and a hal..."

Today it's now 27C, beautiful outside but fans needed inside as humidity is at 74%. *whine* LOL

Michael wrote: "I had a look at the long term forcast and it does not look good for here in Adelaide. Tomorrow 35, Wednesday 37, Thursday 38, Friday 38, Saturday 35 and Sunday 36. :("

Oh Michael, I feel for you. Turn the aircon on and hibernate inside if you don't have to go to work!

Haha! Better weather than Angela...the heat part anyway:)

Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I hope everyone is staying safe; I have heard that there are some maj..."

Absolutely! And Australians likewise love competition of any sort. I had to laugh. At our Xmas staff party, we had a sort of musical chairs competition and the winner received 2 Gold Class movie tickets valued at $100. The last two women nearly broke the chair trying to nudge each other out of it.

Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), winter lasts abou..."

Yes, I guess if I was being truthful we probably only get about 1 - 2 weeks of proper winter, but I love the whole 3 months, even when it's not all that cold. It's still a bit too cool to call it autumn or spring, though - and then summer encroaches and steals away half (or more) of our autumn and spring times!! And the last few years, it has even stolen some of the winter! There have been a couple of days at the end of August in the last years that were sooo hot, it was seriously summer temperatures!

Lorraine wrote: "That's frightening, Michael. Stay safe. "

All the floods happening in NT. When we were there a few months back they were complaining of repeated dry seasons and fearing that they wouldn't survive ..."

I live in the top end of the NT - it is always dry in the dry season, and it wasn't particularly dryer this year - the dry lasts for about 6/7 months then the rains always arrive and the floods always come - BOM were just forecasting a late arrival. They were wrong it arrived dead on time.

Is a different story in QLD, western NSW and Victoria where they have had a drought that has lasted for years.

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), wi..."

Yes I have to say I absolutely love the six months that are't summer but then I am not a beach person. I prefer the mountains and the coolness of the greenery. I love to view the ocean but sand in my togs or pants is not at all comfortable on a hot day nor is walking on sand barefoot! I can comfortably tolerate our mild winters - no fires needed except if you are in a mountain chalet.

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), wi..."

Our Autumn and Spring don't last long, worse luck. I love those two seasons. Not too hot, not too cold.

Angela wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if ..."

Perfect, aren't they? I would like to hear if any other countries can match our in between seasons for heavenly climate.

Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if ..."

That sounds like heaven, Laureen. I wonder if Canada post would allow me to mail myself to Australia. :D

Haha..Got to watch the Sydney to Hobart last night from the top deck and it was PITCH BLACK...So, it was trying to "find" the boat...You could hear everyone out on their top decks trying to spot the boat..It was kinda like finding a needle in a haystack but amusing.

I don't remember a night arrival like that in ages...Well, not for the FIRST one in at least.

@ Melissa 28254. HaHa, that would mean you would be on a plane! Besides, to post you would be very expensive. Our ordinary letter postage stamps have just gone up to $1. Hopefully Canada post is cheaper.

Laureen! Have they??! A dollar for a stamp? I know they were talking abt it a while ago, but I haven't been in a post office for a while... When did this happen? $1 is ridiculous!

Laureen wrote: "@ Melissa 28254. HaHa, that would mean you would be on a plane! Besides, to post you would be very expensive. Our ordinary letter postage stamps have just gone up to $1. Hopefully Canada post is ch..."

Do you know, I don't even know what a stamp costs in Canada theses days. Everything is electronic now; I haven't had much of a reason to send mail, lol.

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen! Have they??! A dollar for a stamp? I know they were talking abt it a while ago, but I haven't been in a post office for a while... When did this happen? $1 is ridiculous!"

Yes I know it is ridiculous. I can't remember the date it will change but the 4th January 2016 is it I think. It was "passed" about a month ago.

P.S. To Kathryn. Imagine what a difference it would make if all our incomes could magically go up by 90%.

That's just increased the price of a stamp by almost half as much as they were previously! Good grief, if they keep on like this, it will be cheaper to deliver a letter yourself - at least around Brisbane!

I know, Laureen - wouldn't that be nice!!

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen! Have they??! A dollar for a stamp? I know they were talking abt it a while ago, but I haven't been in a post office for a while... When did this happen? $1 is ridiculous!"

Officially on 1st January Kathryn...

:-(

For those caught in the floods and fires, my prayers are with you

Not only has the postage gone up to $1 - it will take longer to deliver - suppose to be up to 3 days currently - but will be up to 6 days in the new regime

For an extra 50 cents you can buy a priority stamp and the letter will be delivered quickly - so the current up to 3 days will be the new priority.

I work in Consumer Affairs so linked with ACCC - ACCC have been looking at the legality and fairness of it for months now and as far as I am aware they have given it the green light.

So is $1 from Jan 1st ( first day's trading 4th)

Sally906 wrote: "Not only has the postage gone up to $1 - it will take longer to deliver - suppose to be up to 3 days currently - but will be up to 6 days in the new regime

For an extra 50 cents you can buy a pri..."

I feel so sorry for pensioners, many of whom don't use email or the internet. They still love to send cards on special occasions and send writer letters all year round. Modern advancements in technology are not always kind to our elderly. Previously, correspondence was relatively as much as they could afford. Often they are on their own and really appreciate the post. There goes another 250grms of mince!

Apparently you can get a discount on postage if you are a pensioner, so my mother tells me. You have to apply for it, and she doesn't really know how it works, so she hasn't bothered, but she says she is thinking about it now that the price is getting ridiculous.

Kathryn wrote: "Apparently you can get a discount on postage if you are a pensioner, so my mother tells me. You have to apply for it, and she doesn't really know how it works, so she hasn't bothered, but she says ..."

You can either download a form from the Post website or go into the Post Office for the form - fill it in and within a couple of weeks you receive a card (like a credit card/loyalty card) which entitles you to 50 x 60c stamps in a year. Just show it at the Post Office when you want to buy stamps and they scan the barcode... very easy and a must for pensioners IMO:)

I got one for my Mum and buy her stamps for her using that. Don't even need to show the card if you have the number. But I wonder if the price of those will go up too....
Actually, Brenda, I took my Mum's form to the PO and was able to buy the cheap stamps immediately, with the number of the card on the receipt, the card came in the mail a bit later.

Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Laureen wrote: "Our 4 seasons last about the same length each...."

Disagree, disagree, disagree!!! Autumn and Spring last for about 1 week each (if we're lucky), wi..

Yes, I guess if I was being truthful we probably only get about 1 - 2 weeks of proper winter, but I love the whole 3 months, even when it's not all that cold.."

Kathryn, you sound just like my friend who lives in Brisbane. I must be only imagining being cold to my bones, lol:)

B the BookAddict wrote: "Kathryn, you sound just like my friend who lives in Brisbane. I must be only imagining being cold to my bones, lol:)
..."

It is true, Bette, that I have felt colder in Brisbane than anywhere else (including Britain when I lived there for a bit), but that is because our houses aren't set up for cold. And normally when I've felt that cold, it's when it's either early morning or night and I'm having to take a shower - stripped, waiting for the water to heat, cold floor etc! I find if I can take a shower when the sun's up, it's much more pleasant!

Throughout the day it's generally gorgeous (if you're out of the wind) and on the days when it is bleak, you can grab another blanket or another layer of clothing or another hot drink (or a combination of all three) and know it won't be bleak for too long!

Marianne wrote: "I got one for my Mum and buy her stamps for her using that. Don't even need to show the card if you have the number. But I wonder if the price of those will go up too....
Actually, Brenda, I took m..."

Yes you're right, I remember getting my first then too. And no, they don't go up. I checked before Christmas :)