It never really gets that cold in Tasmania, and this year never really had a proper Summer so it’s more the shortening days than anything else.
Except for our trip up the mountain this last weekend, we still haven’t had to break out the jackets other than to throw them in the trunk in case of rain.
These tall (up to 20 feet) spiked leafed plants are named after tropical Pandani palms, but no relation to them. Which is good thing since they grow at over a thousand feet above sea level around a lake that freezes solid in the winter.
Before I moved to Tasmania I had seen lots of images of its striking rain forrests, and I was a bit worried that it would be wet and dank here. Fortunately, the wet forrests only exist at altitude.
Where I live is fairly dry (and only an hours’ drive from Mt. Field), which is a good thing given my allergies and my general distaste for dampness and humidity.
I thought you’d be interested in the Pandanis. They are actually a member or the Australian Heath plant genus Epicrids, which is in the Erica family. The other Australian Heaths are all scrubby and low growing and don’t look a thing like the Pandanis. Epicrids evolved just prior to the Gondwanaland break-up and only occur in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Argentina.
I grew up in southern California, so I never ever had a real Winter until I moved to NM. It snowed four inches the first night I got there and I think I paniced a bit at the thought of living somewhere that cold. After a few years I grew to love it, and now miss having the occassional snow.
When it snows here, which it has twice, it pretty slushy and only lasts a few hours.
Speaking of cold hops-based liquid, I need to bottle our current batch. I’ll check the specific gravity today just to be sure it’s done fermenting, and bottle it if it is.
It’s a simple amber ale, but a fine brew for its simplicity.
You seem to be very self-sufficient where you are. Homemade beer/ale can be great, but I have not had it for a really long time (30 years, or so) – except Ethiopian Tej, which is more like a honey-based mead and quite strong.
I like beer too much to drink crap beer. There’s not much in the way of boutique beer here, and what there is is about $3-$5/bottle. So, it’s definately cheaper to brew my own.
Besides, it’s more eco-friendly to reuse the bottles.
All SIX gallons! Besides, the beer carbonates in the bottles. So straight out of the carboy (a very large glass bottle) it would be a very flat six gallons, at that.
It was busier than usual. I’ve hardly been able to slack all day. It’s a little after 5:00 pm here and I’m ready to go to sleep. Have to hold on a little while longer though.
FMom just scared the hell out of me. I heard her yelling my name real loud and I thought she might had fallen. Turns out she was on the phone and wanted to know our phone number. I’ve got to remember to put our phone number on the phone for her.
I’ve got to go and start dinner. I’ll drop by later on.
Just kicking back today — spouse is off of retraining till he gets the blood pressure recheck, which he’s waiting to do till he gets the car back from the shop. Estimate for that is tomorrow afternoon; they needed to order in a part and it’ll be delivered tomorrow morning. Means cabbing it to/from Sweet Tomatoes tonight…oh well. (He walked down the street to pick up milk and juice at 7-11; a bit pricy but we’re out of both.)
Weather is damp, with dropping temperatures; had to turn the thermostat back on as they’re predicting low 40s for the night-time temps.
Oh, this from the “Countdown” newsletter folks:
A Special Comment tonight…
The inspiration?
Tom DeLay’s new book… part of which reads, “…liberals have finally joined the ranks of scoundrels like Hitler.”
Of course, DeLay didn’t stop there.
Neither does Keith.
Countdown w/ Keith Olbermann broadcasts LIVE at 8 pm et, and the count is never complete without you. Join us.
I’m sure George will be by shortly to offer better service than I. And he’s much more dapper.
Morning SN.
We’ve just gone off Daylight Savings Time here, and I’m still adjusting.
We’re well and truly heading into Fall weather now. We’ll have to start cutting firewood soon, if only to keep Albert happy.
Does it start getting cold right away or is a slow lowering of temps?
It never really gets that cold in Tasmania, and this year never really had a proper Summer so it’s more the shortening days than anything else.
Except for our trip up the mountain this last weekend, we still haven’t had to break out the jackets other than to throw them in the trunk in case of rain.
Another photo from our trip this weekend.
This is a Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus Regnans). I could easily stand inside the felled portion and probably raise my arms as well.
These tall (up to 20 feet) spiked leafed plants are named after tropical Pandani palms, but no relation to them. Which is good thing since they grow at over a thousand feet above sea level around a lake that freezes solid in the winter.
A Galah, or Rose-Breasted Cockatoo.
What great flora and fauna in these images – and quite exotic looking to me.
Before I moved to Tasmania I had seen lots of images of its striking rain forrests, and I was a bit worried that it would be wet and dank here. Fortunately, the wet forrests only exist at altitude.
Where I live is fairly dry (and only an hours’ drive from Mt. Field), which is a good thing given my allergies and my general distaste for dampness and humidity.
I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to live without humidity.
I think I have the lowest tolerance for humidity of any human, ever. Good thing I like deserts.
You would definitely not like it here. Very hot and humid summers. Although the most hot and humid place I ever lived was San Antonio, TX.
that’s a beautiful photo!
Thank Olivia.
I thought you’d be interested in the Pandanis. They are actually a member or the Australian Heath plant genus Epicrids, which is in the Erica family. The other Australian Heaths are all scrubby and low growing and don’t look a thing like the Pandanis. Epicrids evolved just prior to the Gondwanaland break-up and only occur in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Argentina.
I love fall, but it used to really piss me off that winter followed it. Now it’s just fall all winter long.
I grew up in southern California, so I never ever had a real Winter until I moved to NM. It snowed four inches the first night I got there and I think I paniced a bit at the thought of living somewhere that cold. After a few years I grew to love it, and now miss having the occassional snow.
When it snows here, which it has twice, it pretty slushy and only lasts a few hours.
for me.
So do you have gallons and gallons of half-and-half?
I have one quarter of a gallon now. I finally had coffee at 2:15 PM. Talk about yer late start!
OTOH, a lack of caffeine is an excellent aid to napping.
Not to mention a withdrawl headache – but who am I to complain?
So, should we not mention that it’s back to work tomorrow for you?
Good afternoon, SN, keres and Andi.
I took off early today – back at curly’s with some cold, hops-based liquid next to me. Need to relax.
Speaking of cold hops-based liquid, I need to bottle our current batch. I’ll check the specific gravity today just to be sure it’s done fermenting, and bottle it if it is.
It’s a simple amber ale, but a fine brew for its simplicity.
You seem to be very self-sufficient where you are. Homemade beer/ale can be great, but I have not had it for a really long time (30 years, or so) – except Ethiopian Tej, which is more like a honey-based mead and quite strong.
Hope yours come out successfully!
I like beer too much to drink crap beer. There’s not much in the way of boutique beer here, and what there is is about $3-$5/bottle. So, it’s definately cheaper to brew my own.
Besides, it’s more eco-friendly to reuse the bottles.
Who needs bottles. Just drink the whole batch at one time. 🙂
All SIX gallons! Besides, the beer carbonates in the bottles. So straight out of the carboy (a very large glass bottle) it would be a very flat six gallons, at that.
Heck after the first gallon you wouldn’t mind it being flat. 🙂
Of course not, considering I’d be flat as well.
The only way to drink beer. 🙂
Hello all.
George is here and ready to serve.
Hi FM,
How was the day before happy hour?
Hi ask
It was busier than usual. I’ve hardly been able to slack all day. It’s a little after 5:00 pm here and I’m ready to go to sleep. Have to hold on a little while longer though.
How did your day go?
for dinner tonight? I’m hungry.
Tonight I think I’ll make a big salad for me and FMom said she would like some soup. Thank goodness, because I don’t feel like cooking a big meal.
What are you having – half and half? 🙂
Tonight is the first dinner in our “eating healthier” lifestyle. Tomorrow will be the last.
Steamed veggies and chicken marinated in lemon juice and pepper.
Xtina is in town tonight … rush hour was worse than usual … hence the ice cream for dinner.
At least, that’s my excuse.
🙂
Hi Olivia
I’ve got to do an ice cream for dinner here pretty soon. This eating healthy gets boring after awhile.
BTW what is Xtina?
Xtina
Now I get it. Thanks.
No, you have it all wrong Olivia. That’s not Xena. This is Xena –
Stop messing with poor Family Man’s head.
I’m looking forward to you experimenting w/ the ice cream maker again … 🙂
I found another link for you:
Snooze, You Win
According to new studies, nothing tunes up mind and body like a good nap. But there’s an art to catching the right kind of z’s.
🙂
I like what I’ve read. Of course power napping is out for me, I go for The Lazy Man’s Nap. 🙂
Can we take up a collection to buy the poor girl some pants?
Chicken casserole (boys), greek shrimp scampi (me and my mom)…how about you?
Sorry it was so busy 😉
My day wasn’t too bad, but I feel pretty burned-out in general. Need a break.
From the sounds of it you’re not the only one that getting a little bit worn out. You already know my outlook – Slack When Possible. 🙂
FMom just scared the hell out of me. I heard her yelling my name real loud and I thought she might had fallen. Turns out she was on the phone and wanted to know our phone number. I’ve got to remember to put our phone number on the phone for her.
I’ve got to go and start dinner. I’ll drop by later on.
Have a good time in the pond.
Just kicking back today — spouse is off of retraining till he gets the blood pressure recheck, which he’s waiting to do till he gets the car back from the shop. Estimate for that is tomorrow afternoon; they needed to order in a part and it’ll be delivered tomorrow morning. Means cabbing it to/from Sweet Tomatoes tonight…oh well. (He walked down the street to pick up milk and juice at 7-11; a bit pricy but we’re out of both.)
Weather is damp, with dropping temperatures; had to turn the thermostat back on as they’re predicting low 40s for the night-time temps.
Oh, this from the “Countdown” newsletter folks:
Should be a doozy… 🙂
File under new product.
The “iPad”
http://gorillamask.net/ipad.shtml