3 Paws Saloon Attic

T-Rex · Senior Member

Hi! How are you?

valkricry · Guru

Yeppers, I'm over the flu, but it's running rampant here. 2 of the schools had to close due to it (both were private schools). In case you're wondering , there's 26 private schools and 52 public ones, in my city.

Every day at work is seeing another 2-4 folks down with it (that's just my kitchen staff, I don't know how many students and faculty might be as well). Some school's are reporting 25 - 50% out with it.

Here's an interesting tidbit for you: my school district dates back to 1836 (private subscription schools were in 1834) and is the oldest in Illinois, recognized in 1851.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Hi Val,

There must be a lot of history attached to your school. That's almost 200 years. Wow!!

I found out about my school's reputation when I went for my first job interview. This elder statesman, on the interview panel, looked down his nose at me and quoted Ian Dury's immortal line about 'sex and drugs and rock & roll'. I smiled at him and he smiled at me. I didn't get the job.

His loss and my gain - I learnt to focus on my grades and not the name of the school at the next interview.

T-Rex

valkricry · Guru

Enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. Sure, I should be cleaning house, but I figure the dirt will wait on me. lol

So, a bit back Jadeite was gifting me some ideas for virtual adventures to add to Trespauze. One that she and T Rex offered up was actually based on a chat over on YGS, that dealt with pirates and treasure hunting. The idea of a haunted treasure hunt intrigues me, it really does. Finding a hidden map, following clues... Of course I can't possibly incorporate that entire chat into the adventure (pretty sure I'd end up in trouble over copyright on some of those 'elements') and some of them would require far more gaming knowledge than I have to really do it justice. BUT, y'all think that'd stop ME??? lol Of course not. Not sure how 'scary' it'll be, but it's bound to be fun, I hope.

Anyway, the reason I bring this up, is I need a good name for it. Something better then 'treasure hunt'. Anyone have any ideas?

Jadeite · Senior Member

All my teddy bears piped up in a chorus of "bucket-ears, bucket-ears"! They mean buccaneers, of course.

So let's start with alternate names:

For "pirate": buccaneers, raider, corsair, marauders, sea rover, free-booter, privateer, swashbuckler, adventurer, wanderer, fortune-hunter
Then other names for "hunt": quest, expedition, jaunt, trek, search, exploration, safari, enterprise
"Treasure" is also known as: riches, cache, hoard, jewels, gems, gold, wealth, prize
"Ghost" as in: phantom, demon, shadow, soul, spectre, spirit, spook, wraith, vampire, zombie,
We could also play on the word "haunt"as a place: gathering place, hangout, club, bar, den, lair, abode.

Quest to the Faraway East

Raiders of the Spirit Hoard

Marauder's Prize

Fortune Favours the Ghoul

Cache me if you can

Tomb of the Vampire Queen

Hoarder's Gold

Foolhardy's Gold

Ghostly Galleon

The Voyage of the Black Sparrow

Riddle of the Hungry Ghosts

Quest of the Shadowraiths

biggrin Ok, ok, I'm keep working on it...!

T-Rex · Senior Member

'Arrggh me Hearties'

This reminds me of the story of the 12 Ghost Pearls.

They are guarded by 12 vengeful spirits that were once decent men and women that were wronged by the 12 Pirate Lords.

To a worthy soul, the pearls are pure white and shine with a ghostly white aura.

To the unworthy, they will turn translucent and eventually disappear into one of the 12 realms, where they will await another worthy soul to claim them.

Possessing only the treasure map will not get you past the 12 vengeful spirits. That will require finding the Book of the Pirate Lords.

A bit cliche (Jadeite says she's seen the movie) but it could be a rough plot line.

Rex-T

valkricry · Guru

Tomb of the Vampire Queen...wasn't that an old movie? Like from the 50s or 60s? (Might steal that for another adventure though - not very pirate sounding.)

Ancient riddle for the teddy bears: Why do Pirate Captains like corn so much? answer: Because it's a buck-an-ear! (groan)

I like the idea of disappearing treasure if you're 'unworthy'.

This is what I've got so far; fair warning it could change!

Not long after burying the treasure, the Captain hides the map, fearing mutiny and theft by his crew. Once you find the map, it's blank! You need to reveal it's content, and decipher the clues on it. The lay out is pretty much a hidden object game in my head, each clue leading to another picture, where you need to find the next clue. The map leads you through 'where dead men live', and warns that 'there be dragons' guarding the treasure! So you need to make it through a horde of ghostly/zombie pirates and evade the dragon (which is really a T Rex - which I assume pirates would call a dragon, since dinosaurs weren't discovered yet?)

Now, I think I might incorporate the 'vanishing' treasure idea. The chest you uncover might be filled with untold treasure, or bare nothing. Muhahaha! I wonder if I can come up with a randomized code, that would decide which you get? Then, even I wouldn't be certain... hmmmm...

Jadeite · Senior Member

Hi Val,

The teddy bears say "Thank you, Auntie Val" for the cute joke. They loved it!

"Curse of the Mummy's Tomb" was a 1964 classic Hammer horror film. I love film noire too.

There's a standalone D&D adventure called "Palace of the Vampire Queen".
www.0onegames.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/460

The treasure map is blank unless you can get hold of a ghost lamp or spirit light. The old invisible ink trick. Failing that, a squirt of lemon juice and a hot iron will do the job. Or we can do the pseudo-science thing and get luminol spray and an UV lamp.

The dead men haunt an elephant's graveyard. They are the ghosts of elephant poachers stomped and flattened by the mystical Chang Phueak (Thai for white elephant). The place is strewn with massive rib-cages of ivory and giant bones.

Dragons are partial to pot stickers but make sure to bring enough or you might end up as dessert. They are also partial to a good back scrub or tail polishing to win extra points. Someone told me that dragons are like wizards: "Beware of dragons; they are quick to anger and your bones are very crunchy."

I have this image of characters dressed in black goth or steam-punk outfits, with "Chasing Pirates" by Norah Jones playing in the background:
www.youtube.com/watch

More name ideas:
Phantom Raider (sounds like a race horse though)
Secret of the Dragon's Hoard
Quest for the Dragon's Claw

valkricry · Guru

Actually, there's a special revealing potion that you need to find first. A few drops and the map's content is revealed. That's the nice thing about creating your own, you can make stuff up as you go! lol

Of course it all takes time, along with the story line, graphics, codes to run it, I also need to decide on foleys (sounds). I tend to make my own, but am not against getting them from other sources. (Now you know why some games involve over a year to create and teams of people to do it.)

Maybe the title should be something basic.

Buccaneer's Booty (sounds like an x rated movie.)

Doubloon Quest

Quest for the Pirates' Prize (merging of 2 of Jadeite's titles)

T-Rex · Senior Member

Today, I said goodbye to an old reliable friend that kept me alive these last 5 months at home.

The friend was my oxygen machine. The reason for us parting company is that last week, my lung specialist actually cracked a smile and told me I wouldn't need it anymore - the oxygen levels in my blood were over 90%.

I would have cracked a bottle of champagne and lit up a smoke but I had to give up drinking alcohol and smoking.

Oh well, the amount of drugs I now have to take is enough without adding alcohol or nicotine into the mix.

Not out of the woods yet but every new day is a blessing, thanks to all my guardian angles (especially Jadeite and my liver specialist), an unknown donor and my friends (off and online).

On the Pirate Tale

Maybe 'Quest for the Corsair's Hoard' or 'The Sea Wolves Cache'.

T-Rex

valkricry · Guru

That is wonderful news! I'm very happy for you! * Does her happy dance*

On this extremely rainy day, when work has really trounced me, I needed to hear something like that. biggrin Now, I'm home in my comfy clothes, shoes off, sipping on a soda pop, listening to the soothing sound of the rain tap-dancing on the roof.

I'm not sure if the average Trespauze user would know what a corsair is, but I really think that title is close to what we need. Perhaps, Quest for the Cosair's Gold ? hmmmm...

T-Rex · Senior Member

Thanks Val,

Making other people happy is what counts!

It can turn an 'ordinary' day into a 'good' day.

Ah, the sound of rain on a metal roof. For me, there is no better lullaby for going to sleep (although waves breaking on a beach ain't bad either).

I think you're getting close to a title. If the term 'Corsair' raises the user's curiosity it could be like a foot in the door.

T-Rex

Jadeite · Senior Member

Ok, how about:

Mask of the Golden Corsair ( I wanted "Black", "Dark" or "Crimson" but someone had beaten me to it -"The Black Corsair" was written in 1898!)

Buccaneer's Gold

Legend of the Dark Privateer

Secret of the Bearded Dragon

Rex-T also suggests:

Treasure of the Corsair Queen

Oh, another precaution taken by the wily Captain: the map is split into pieces and hidden in the 4 quadrants of the world...

On with the Hunt!

T-Rex · Senior Member

Almost forgot to add this into the mix (pardon the very ordinary pun).

The special revealing potion set off my 'Get Smart' imagination - 'Sorry About That Val'.

What was unknown to the Control Laboratory was if a drop of the potion touched your skin, it would cause you to answer all questions truthfully.

Honest, its the truth.

T-Rex

valkricry · Guru

Hmmm, splitting up the map could be interesting.

Something odd happened today. I came home from work bone tired and went to get the pop we had put in the fridge last night. I couldn't find it. Jerome looked too and he couldn't find it either. That's just weird.

Jadeite · Senior Member

Missing soda drink? Not just weird - also plain annoying. Especially when you're looking forward to a nice cold one too.

I've found a pirate ship for us. I call it the "Crimson Dread".

Captain Ruddy Dreadlocks hid one part of the treasure map in the Land of the Lotus-Eaters. You can only enter it through a dream portal as it lies between realms.

Another is in with the Wish Masters of the Underworld, in their lake of fire, guarded by a powerful giant marid.

A Water dragon Queen of the Far-faraway-East has a piece in her underwater liar.

You need the help of a flighty cloud dancer to get to the last piece. It's up at the Castle-in-the-Air.

T-Rex · Senior Member

This Pirate Ship looks familiar.

Thank goodness for Lego and a beautiful slice of the Australian South East Coast called Cobargo.

I'm sure I saw the resident Echidna (Spiny Anteater) burying a scrap of paper in the Red Bull Ant nest.

valkricry · Guru

Oh my, I read that as, "A Water dragon Queen of the Far-faraway-East has a piece in her underwear liar." lol evileye

I really wish I could use all these great ideas you're coming up with! But, I think to do them justice, I'd need to be a real game programmer. Way beyond the point and click type. But, isn't it fun to let our imaginations run wild? I love hearing them!

Crimson Dread - great name, for the ship!

Jadeite · Senior Member

Teehee. Is it Dragon Queen Victoria's Secrets? Maybe it's in her hidden drawer...! biggrin

valkricry · Guru

So I thought I'd go all cutesy with the dragon wearing lingerie thing, and Googled thinking I'd find a cute cartoon - who knew dragon lingerie was a thing? No dragons wearing it though.

valkricry · Guru

So, I've been playing with some graphic art for the treasure hunt game. Still haven't settled on a name because the muses keep going off on swashbuckling tangents and can't agree. Although they say they want it 'simple'. I say ,'like what? Treasure of the Crimson Dread?" and they stare at me for a second, yell 'argh!' and start sword fighting all over again. I try again, "What about Pirate Treasure?" (Can't get much simpler can I?) They started mumbling something about mutiny and my walking the plank...

Speaking of names, did you know there was an actual pirate ship called the Flying Dragon? It's said it was sailed by Christopher Condent, AKA Billy One-hand, who is also credited for designing the Jolly Roger. Apparently he liked to cut the ears and noses off his prisoners - ewwww! (Side note: evidently the ship was either also known as the Fiery dragon, or he had a second one by that name too. What I've found isn't very clear on that.)

Anyway, the actual game is starting to form in my mind. I want it fairly interactive.

It seems shortly after they've left behind the treasure, our Captain fearing mutiny and theft hides the treasure map in his cabin. The first thing you need to do is light the lanterns inside the cabin, because it's bloody dark in there. I don't want to give too much away, but you do need to find the map, and several keys in order to even get to where the treasure is hidden. There be traps, and dangers along the way (marauding zombie pirates, anyone? Dragons? Or who knows what?)

T-Rex · Senior Member

Just thought I'd let you know that we went shopping at our local Mall today.

The carpark is a multi-story affair and, being a Saturday, is usually full. This means driving around in circles or stalking people walking through the carpark in the hope that they are going back to their car and leaving. It's enough to make your blood boil when they drop off a big load of shopping then lock the car back up and head back to the shops.

For the third time Jadeite has insisted that I hold her talisman (a heart stone) in my hand while entering the car park and for the third time I've had someone right in front of me drive out of a spot - right next to the entrance/exit.

From an old skeptic's perspective, I'm fast becoming a believer.

valkricry · Guru

T-Rex,

From a personal view point, I think some skepticism is not only healthy, but necessary for survival, otherwise we'd all still be back in the dark ages and falling for anything. You know, I bet the very first guy, who managed a small slight of hand trick, was considered very powerful - until some skeptic figured out how it was done.

I'd say 3 for 3 are pretty good odds.

Jadeite · Senior Member

That was kinda odd. Never expected it. I was only trying to put T-Rex in a positive frame of mind, avoiding the snarly face and irritable growl syndrome.

Happy T-Rex = more shopping time for Jadeite. He even bought me a big bag of fancy mocha chocolates today. *bliss*

Only goes to show the power of positive thinking.

valkricry · Guru

The art of positive thinking can go a long way. You are sharing the fancy chocolates right?

I've tentatively titled the treasure hunt game : Treasure of the Crimson Dread, simply so that I can move forward. I had an interesting (to me) dream about it. About, the game that is, and there be games within the game.

You must traverse the Infected forest, where disease and hungry crocodiles await you, to the Ghost Tree. There you must find both a key and the directional arrow to continue to the place where dead men live, find another key - but don't wake the zombie pirates! Finding the key will move you forwards. There's more - but what do you guys think so far?

Jadeite · Senior Member

T-Rex also bought himself another bag of dark chocolate and orange. We traded a few. Nice with coffee. 🍫 We'll save you some... <*munch, munch*> maybe. Have to get more. There were also passionfruit and truffles too at the stall...mmm.

There be treasure. The Lure of the Crimson Dread.

<*mutters to herself*> Need to organise treasure ghost hunting gear. Need to sharpen my double kodachis. Where can I get myself a glow-in-dark bodysuit? Must remember my toothbrush. My ACME brand Roadrunner shoes. My fortifying thermos of Bloody Marys. Ghost lamp. I-spy glasses. Eveready-powered video camera (so I can capture any ghostly images for YGS).

Love how the game is afoot. I'm lost and confused already. Where's my Pathfinder to light my way. I need that cheat sheet.

It's sounding really good, Val.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Hi Val,

The chocolates are disappearing fast, particularly the orange ones. The mocha and dark chockies are lasting a bit longer.

Your mention of the Ghost Tree struck a chord with me.

Ghost Trees is a big wave surfing spot at Pebble Beach, Central California. Named for the Cyprus Tree growing on the point (1st Image), the ghostly wave that appears out of the sea mist and (at least three) surfers that have perished trying to ride 40+ feet waves in freezing waters.

Ghost Gums are a type of gum tree with a white shiny trunk and branches. Many see pictures of them and don't believe they are real (2nd Image). We have a few growing in the streets and gardens close to home.

The forest with disease and hungry crocodiles sounds like either our 'top end' (in the wet season) or the Florida Everglades (alligators). Don't forget the poisonous snakes. So glad it's starting to come together.

-- Edited by T-Rex on Monday 5th of March 2018 09:34:39 AM

valkricry · Guru

I'm laughing at my room mate - he's hung up on the zombie pirates and keeps suggesting titles with 'zombie pirates' in it. confuse

At least I'm not racing against a real deadline.

Jadeite · Senior Member

Val, I've found some listening pirate questing music for you:

"He's a Pirate", main theme from "Dead Man's Chest":
www.youtube.com/watch

Fleetwood Mac - "The Chain"
www.youtube.com/watch

Vangelis, "Conquest of Paradise"
www.youtube.com/watch

And let's not forget the "Indiana Jones" theme song:
www.youtube.com/watch

Yo-ho-ho, me hearties.

T-Rex · Senior Member

I heard a joke today from a radio listener, that might put a smile on your dial.

Q: Why are humans like tea bags?

A: Because when you drop them in hot water, you find out how strong they are.

valkricry · Guru

Once in awhile something happens to make me sincerely doubt the powers that be at work.

As some of you know, I work in a new section of the high school. Yesterday, first time EVER, there came an announcement over the PA; 'We have received an emergency weather warning. Please go to your place of shelter immediately.' Neither our manager or her boss (who happen to be there) knew where that was. The office manager did not know. So, I said, "Logically, it'd be the basement - back by the lockers." So we started sending folks that way. I went through our department to make sure no one got left behind. (WTH??? Is that in my job description? Shouldn't that have been management?) Shouldn't the evacuation plan have been in place already?

I'm assuming (as did others) that it was a tornado warning that sent us all scurrying. Although conditions seemed to be more right for a blizzard (which might prompt dismissal, but hardly going into emergency shelter area).

Like I said it makes me wonder about the powers that be.

Jadeite · Senior Member

Last month, we had our first fire drill in our new office, complete with the fire department turning up and the fire warden doing a head count of everyone at the assembly point. We've got a map of the places to exit and where to assemble. It went like clockwork, we all filed out and headed past the carpark area. Then at the designated spot, we all looked back at the building and watched the roof repairer replacing a few roof tiles, happily ignoring the warden's hails to get him down the ladder.

Maybe he think he's already be fire-proof. I was thinking of a clubbing song back in my teen days where we all liked to shout: "The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire...!"

T-Rex · Senior Member

Everything I've read on Tornado's in the US and Canada is that early season Tornado''s are usually very powerful (F3 to F5). I also know that some of the worst tragedies have been schools that suffer a direct hit from a tornado. Your school should count themselves lucky that they had someone (like you) who knew what to do. If it was some other weather event or false alarm - so what - one day it will be the 'real deal'.

My company used to pride itself on it's emergency building evacuations. We would have fire drills once every six months. Everybody was well drilled to gather at a location on each floor and a Fire Warden would lead everyone out via the fire stairs.

One day the alarm went off, I looked at our Fire Warden and the look on his face told me this was real. We learnt a lot that day. I was abused by a Policeman for attempting to make a call on my mobile phone. The 'Top Brass' (on the top floor) were not happy that they hadn't been warned of the fire drill. As it turned out, it was a 'bomb' evacuation (suspicious box with a couple of wires visible under a desk), thus a call to/from a mobile phone could have detonated the bomb.

As things turned out, the box was just that - a box full of wire off-cuts left over by the floor refurbishment. There was no bomb threat (by phone or letter).

Main take out (as Val, Jadeite and others know) is that everybody gets out safely.

valkricry · Guru

I know what you mean, Jadeite, in the 'old' kitchen we had 2 maps,one for fire exits, and one that showed the shelter areas for tornadoes. But in our newly built kitchen (as in over the summer ) we have nada. We know to exit through the dock door for fire. (The fire department shows up for every drill.)

I'm thinking we need to get some answers, because if the worst does happen, would they even know where to start looking for us?

T-Rex, your bomb threat story brought up a fairly old memory. Back in the late 70's I worked as a tester at an electronics factory. For perhaps a week, I was having a hard time with my comfort zone. I was agitated, and carried a feeling of something 'bad' was going to happen. When ever I was perched on my stool making adjustments, the feeling was worse. I knew the owner was not exactly of sterling character, and had some enemies, but for some reason he liked hanging out in my area, especially in/near my space. I chalked this up to this being the main money maker area. I knew he kept a gun in his office 'just in case', and I suspected he had one on him. Rumor was his life had been threatened more than once.

Anyway, one day we're told fire drill, everybody out. But from the way they hustled us out, I didn't believe it was just a drill.

Outside, my suspicion was confirmed. Not often a bomb squad shows up for a fire drill. Long story short, there was a bomb - under my desk. Scary! I was just a kid, barely 21, I decided I needed my life more than that paycheck and quit the next month. 2 weeks later (or so) the owner was found shot to death.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Val,

Good instincts for a 21 year old (already street savvy?). If the bomb was in the main 'money making area' I wonder if he actually planted it there so that he could destroy the heart of his business, should his rivals enforce a 'hostile takeover'. Might explain why he spent his time in your area, just to keep an eye on you in case you found the bomb.

For me, as a 21 year old fixing people's phones in the late 70's was a real eye opener. I met a lot of famous and infamous people, but they had one thing in common - they were all interesting.

While arranging an appointment with a customer, he told me who he was and impressed on me to ring before turning up at the front gate - he would not be held responsible for any injuries I might suffer from his guards or dogs (yikes). On arrival, he welcomed me at the front gate and showed me around his fortress. He even offered me a job after I'd fixed his phones (he needed people that had a technical mind and could follow orders).

I made the same choice and regretfully declined the invitation (it was a big paycheck!!). For a fleeting second I saw disappointment then the smiley face was back and he escorted me out. I still think I made the right decision.

Jadeite · Senior Member

We've got a sign-in/sign-out book separate from our time-sheets. It's to track who's in the office at any given time. So assuming in case of emergency, when everyone's gotten out, the floor warden grabs the book and marks off who's accounted for from that book. Any missing name gets given to the fire department or rescue teams.

Your office manager should be putting in an incident report and then recommending those things. Duty of care and all that. Basic HR polices and management accountabilities. Unless labour law is very different for you. I would've expected management to take charge in such situations. But I find that some people run around in circles during a crisis. Or freeze in fright. Not everyone has good survival instincts.

I usually give the panicky ones tasks. Keep them too busy to affect others and cause a stampede. Doing something helps keep everyone calm too.

Remember the "boiling water" routine men were sent to do when women opted for home births? I read somewhere that a midwife admitted that the boiling water thing wasn't really to sterilise anything. It was more to keep the father-to-be from being underfoot or totally freaking out!

valkricry · Guru

The labor laws/Union dictates get a bit smudged because we're contracted by the district to work at the school. Over all, there is a sign in and such for the school.

You know, I really have no idea what management was doing at the moment ( I don't mean that in a bad way) I reacted out of pure instinct. I know neither the DM, who was there at the moment, or the office manager speak Spanish (They think I'm 'bilingual'. I'm not. I just know a lot of words. If you're fluent it's like talking to a 5 year old. lol) The unit manager is fairly bi-lingual (Spanish being her native tongue) but I wasn't sure where she was. Our area is really LARGE. I also know our crew reacts in 2 ways - either they ignore what is going on, because they literally don't understand what was said, or they panic. Since day one of my employment, I've been last one out, simply because I need to KNOW everyone was herded up. So I went out to the service area, where women were STILL setting up the service, and started barking, " Vete el sotano! Ahora! Vete! Vete!" *Go to the basement! Now! GO! Go!" * Not exactly correct usage, but it got my point across. The DM was on my heels, and as soon as the girls were moving, he told me to go too.

Made for an interesting day, to say the least.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Never even considered the language barrier in our fire drills at work. Everything was always in English - both verbal and written instructions.

Our block of 90 (odd) home units at least has notices printed in English and Chinese (thanks to our Building Manager) but it is like the UN have moved in. Chinese, Vietnamese, Tibetan, Pacific Islanders, Filipino, Indian, Middle Easterners, East and West Europeans, even Brazilians and Canadians. Not to mention a few Aussies and a very special Singaporean. In 20 years, we have had probably 6 evacuations and we all seem to look out for each other (all neighborly quarrels are temporarily forgotten).

By now Jadeite would be half way between Sydney and Singapore. It's very quiet in the unit and I'm missing her already. How am I going to be after 2 weeks?

valkricry · Guru

You're going to be a wreck, T-Rex, a big, lonesome wreck. (Kidding) You'll survive - maybe. Lots to do here in the Attic, so that might help a bit.

Sometimes, I just let the TV or radio run, if it gets too quiet here. Or I might pull out the old vinyls and give them a spin. Might be a good time to dust off an old hobby!

T-Rex · Senior Member

Thanks Val for the tips,

Heard from Jadeite today. She arrived safely and our favorite cousin is looking after her.

Jadeite has packed the camera so I'm expecting a Singapore Journal with pictures on 3 Paws, when she gets back.

I'm now busying myself with cleaning up and filing all my medical paperwork as well as pulling together Part 3 of our US holiday.

I sometimes think that our unit block has walls made out of paper so I've taken to the earphones, computer and U Tube to listen to my 70's rock and roll music. One day, I might share 20 years of funny experiences living here (only appropriate ones for 3 Paws).

My hobby/passion is fishing but I need to get a lot fitter and equip myself with gear that provides full protection from the sun. It will happen but not in the next two weeks.

valkricry · Guru

Not sure what type of fishing you do, but perhaps make your own flies and lures?

OR you could fill a kiddie wading pool with water and goldfish. lol I can just imagine how that'd work...

Oh, share away!

*Sigh* I THOUGHT I posted this yesterday! I guess it just shows how tired I am come the weekend. Really not much good for anything but sleeping. hmm

valkricry · Guru

Working a bit on the treasure hunt, while doing up some necessary laundry. Being with neither washer or dryer, I wash everything by hand and hang it to dry. (And then I wonder why my hands ache. Well - duh!)

Some day, I'll have the funds to get a small apartment/portable set. But it seems to be in the same category of me buying a car - every time I get close enough that I can seriously start looking, something happens that I can't side-step. My brother, Kevin (rest his soul) use to call it the family curse. We just can't seem to mass money. We do alright for the most part, but never really get ahead.

But when ever I'm tempted to sing those old pity me blues, I remember a couple of scenes from long ago. Like my mom silently crying looking out the back door one early spring day because the dandelions were starting to come up, and that meant extra greens to add to our diet. (Did you know the leaves are edible? Actually quite tasty when cooked with a light bacon vinaigrette.) Or back when I was on the streets and actually ate from trash bins a few times, and slept in some mighty odd places (doorways, under bushes, abandoned houses). Thank God, my kids never had to know poor like that. They've never known rich either, but I think we did alright. Sometimes, it gets a bit hard to remember your blessings, but if you really look at it, they're there.

I may not have a fancy washer and dryer, but I have the know how and running water (ahead of the game with that luxury!) and I can hang them to dry. The cupboards might get a bit bare, but there's always something to eat. Might not be what you want, but it fills the tummy. I get rides to and from work, which is a grand blessing, especially when neither one will accept money for it. What ever my need is, God has it covered, might not be the way I wanted or imagined, but there always seems to be a way. You just gotta believe strong enough that it's going to be alright in the long run.

T-Rex · Senior Member

I've tried to master every form of fishing but fly fishing has got me stumped. I tried fly fishing for trout in Scotland and caught a vast array of different bushes, reeds and weeds. One of the ladies in our tour group walked out on a pontoon and cast out. The fly plonked into the water, almost at her feet and a trout came out from under the pontoon and took it. I walked back to the manor in disgust.

At the other end of the spectrum, I thought that I had 'done it tough' but I always had support, I just had to ask. I have no concept of being on your own and living on the streets. Don't get me wrong, I was never a 'little rich kid'. I learnt early that if you want something bad enough, then you will get off your backside and earn it. The hard part was spotting that opportunity to earn and not get ripped off.

I know that feeling of your 'family curse' too well. I retire early - looking forward to spending more time with Jadeite and fishing - within a month of retirement I'm told that I've got liver cancer and I need a new liver. I still think of that Chumbawamba song called Tub Thumping and the lyrics 'I get knocked down, But I get up again, You are never gonna keep me down.' It stirs up my lone wolf instincts (from a previous life) and puts a bit of 'positive' back into my day.

I've just had a call from Jadeite. She's told me that her younger sister and mother have their own stories about Grandma's House in Cairnhill and also places in Adelaide (Australia). No spoilers, you'll just have to wait until she gets back and survives getting cuddled to pieces.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Just got back from seeing my liver specialist this morning.

The verdict is 'steady as you go' which means the last blood test showed no signs of liver rejection, I am slowly putting on good weight and my oxygen levels have risen to 97%.

I've also dropped the amount of tablets and dosage that I have to take. The only things I need to do is go for another blood test (in 2 days), get a flu shot for the upcoming season and keep up the 30 minute daily walks.

Hope you got some (well deserved) sleep Val and I hope everything's ok with Fergie.

T-Rex · Senior Member

Fergie,

I noticed your mention of the listeria hysteria in SA and now I'm wondering if this is a 'summer' thing that happens, as Australia is now mopping up after 4 people died due to complications after catching listeria from eating infected rock melons (cantaloupes). The national hunt for the location of the outbreak found one farm was the cause.

People with dodgy immune systems (incl me) are told not to eat cold meets, soft cheeses or sea food as these can contain small traces of listeria that the average person can 'shrug off' but can be fatal for people with low immunity. I was not told about rock melons but that's ok, I wouldn't eat one anyway (not to my taste).

Jadeite is (always) right - Cabanossi, Sharp Cheddar and (my favorite) on Cracked Pepper wafers - with a nice bottle of cold white wine, is close to heaven on a warm summers day.

Fergie · Senior Member

My goodness! I see there has been a lot of activity here, since I last posted. I have a lot of catching up to do.

As expected, on my return home, I had a lot of cleaning to do. Ray and a guy who used to live next door, have been extremely busy in my absence. They knocked down a brick 'garage' which we had in the front yard. It was built too short to accommodate a car, so the door could never close. All it did was to provide would-be thieves and loiterers with cover from our view. We now have a nice two-car carport in it's place. Ray welded a huge, heavy sliding gate for our entrance, it serves for both pedestrians and cars.
You won't believe it, but the first night the gate was in front (not installed yet), an attempt was made to steal it. Fortunately, Ray had chained it (with 2 chains and locks) to our front wall. They only managed to break one lock.
At the moment, Ray and his helper are putting up the struts/stays for an electric fence, atop our existing precast wall. Ray used 90% of his 'Santa' money for our protection, this time.

I have been kept busy, providing food and drink for my workers, lol. I suppose I had better not complain about that, nor the constant noise of grinders, drills and welding. It will be worth it in the end.

Nicky had a fabulous trip on the MSC Sinfonia. She came back baring tales of fine dining and dancing; of stage shows and the minute shower in their suite, and how Karen had to wear ear-plugs to drown out her snoring. We had a giggle when she told us how the captain caught her and Karen ogling the male staff in their sexy white pants. The only disappointment the had, was when they weren't allowed off the ship when they arrived at the Portuguese Island of Pomene - the swells were 2m high, and too dangerous for the boats to carry passengers to the shore.

In the meantime, I was seeing shadow people (?) and having an extremely weird experience at Nicky's home.

Fergie · Senior Member

T-Rex,

There are almost 200 deaths here in SA, attributed to listeriousis. Our Government has only recently woken up to the fact. Apparently, this started 2 years ago, so no, not just a summer thing. To me, it is all a matter of basic hygiene. Wash hands after going to the toilet; wash hands before touching foodstuff; keep anything that touches your food scrupulously clean. Not only at home, but in the work-place too. Cook your meat and chicken well.
Our outbreak is attributed to one big firm - Enterprise. I get the feeling that some unscrupulous folks are climbing on the bandwagon, and blaming Enterprise for illness/death, though it may have been from other sources as well. I read on the news, that Tiger Brands, of which Enterprise is a subsidiary, now has a huge law-suit against them.
All children, the old or infirm, are said to be at risk.

I did read about your rock melon story on the news too. (They are locally known as Spanspek - a story all on it's own.) To me, that was a little bit strange. Okay, I don't understand all the ins and outs of this illness, but how does the bacteria get inside a melon before it is cut?

I shall have to try your idea of a summer snack, it sounds delicious.

BTW, great news about your liver, and reduction of meds. I am rooting for you!

valkricry · Guru

From what I understand Listeria is the name of a bacteria found in soil, water and some animals. Apparently it doesn't need oxygen to survive and can live in processing factories infecting a variety of processed meats.

Knowing that it is found in soil and water answers your melon question, Fergie. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems. Listeria infection is most commonly contracted by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products... Listeria bacteria can survive refrigeration and even freezing. That's why people who are at higher risk of serious infections should avoid eating the types of food most likely to contain listeria bacteria...Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces. Humans typically are infected by consuming:

Raw vegetables that have been contaminated from the soil or from contaminated manure used as fertilizer
Contaminated animal meat
Unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk
Certain processed foods — such as soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats that have been contaminated after processing

Unborn babies can contract a listeria infection from the mother via the placenta."

Some scary stuff, huh?

T-Rex · Senior Member

Scary stuff indeed, from more than one aspect.

Before listeria, we had fatal cases of salmonella poisoning in the media. These cases were associated with chicken not being cooked properly or handling of raw chicken without washing hands and food preparation surfaces afterwards.

When travelling to Bali we would stay away from water and only drink Coke and Fanta (out of the bottle) or fruit juice but we would still catch the dreaded 'Bali Belly'. This was the local 'bug' that laid you up in your hotel room for 3 days, then the symptoms would ease and disappear. You were then ok to eat or drink anything on the menu. We were having breakfast one morning, sipping our fruit juice with ice and discussing how we could have possibly caught the 'bug' after doing all the right things. We heard a thumping noise, looked over and watched a kitchen hand put a big lump of ice on the ground and smash it up with a hammer. She then collected all the bits of ice and put them in a glass bowl and took it back to the kitchen. We looked down at our fruit juice with 'ice' and we realized that we had our answer.

What's scary is relying on somebody else preparing the food that you buy, to take a bit of care with what they do. The local sandwich shop not washing the tomatoes, lettuce, etc or the under-cooked chicken schnitzel. The rock melons were not washed before they were cut open and diced. Jadeite and me watched a local butcher handle money in his plastic gloves then, without changing the gloves, grab a handful of minced beef, weigh it, then bag it for a customer.

On a lighter subject, I'm looking forward to reading both Fergie's and Jadeite's new experiences here or elsewhere. Fergie - to quote a troll I once knew, hope you took some pictures!

valkricry · Guru

There's an old saying, "If you wish to enjoy your dinner, do not look over the kitchen wall."

I too am looking forwards to Jadeite's and Fergie's adventures. Jadeite did email me a few clues - I so special!