Hey Mr Croixy man and your many friends ☺

Oh I'm so glad Grandys put your mind at ease re the not going to melt Iceberg...hymmm ...🤔... must leave the hair dryer at home and heated electric blankets...

Ok Grandy love Mum's da word re band practice...hey looks like we'll have to have the Partay when Croixys away...can't understand why he doesn't want a berg rage...oh welll...🙄

Have a good healing gentle break Mr Croixy.

You're deeply appreciated and cared about.

Tattybye chappy ...take care ☺

I knew it!

I leave my iceberg for a few days and what do I find when I come back? Heaps of party streamers, piles of bottle caps and small inebriated kiwis tucked away in corners. Plus this huge amp left on that has a hum like a 747 landing

-sheesh.

Well I hope you had a good time anyway😋

Croix

Croix and all

I am looking hard for party streamers, not sure what an amp is, and little fruit and birds tucked away, but cant see them so I need to find glasses!

Hope you can find your place on the iceberg. Good to see you back.

Quirky

Dear Quirky

That's a tribute to my clean-up skills (No I did not just sweep it all in the ocean, I hired a floating skip - which will probably just dump it all elsewhere).

Even so, if you look towards the right hand end of the clam shells at the bottom of my picture you will see a little black kiwi who has not woken as yet.

An amp is an amplifier, the thing that drives those huge speakers on the stage at music festivals.

They are a cunning ploy by hearing aid manufacturers who wish to reduce the age at which one needs their products.

Croix

Dear Croix

It's wonderful to "see" you back again.

We've missed you! I most certainly have.

I agree with you about the amplifier manufacturers lol or are they hearing aide makers... same thing I guess you're saying lol.

Remember the feeling of the pounding in your solar plexus being near the amps in a rock concert?
Those were the days lol.

xxxxEM

Hi Croix, and others 👋

It's been a while. Just wondering how you have been?

Did you know that in America they have a La Croix brand of sparkling water!!!

Just a little take away I thought I'd share with you!

💫

Dear MM~

I'm OK, though get tired a lot, so post a bit less. I hope you are doing well.

Now I don't know about the sparkling water, I do know LaCroix in a family name can mean in generations past they lived near a cross (as in Charing Cross).

Now for a factoid for you (from the movie Pulp Fiction:)

A Big Mac in France is known as "Un royale avec fromage"

Croix (who never gets cross😣)

Hey Mr Croixy man 🐧 and everyone 👋

Nice seeing you. Hope your break was refreshing and restful.

I've seen you around the Icebergs before now. Gotta say I'm concerned about you tiring a lot. Are you ok? I know you said to Magic you are.

😂 Isn't that a coincidence you mentioning the party streamers and a kiwi still semiconcious on your berg.. my my must have been a Doozy...Grandy and I went to one too but I'm sure it was on another Iceberg...hymmm 🤔 or was it..nah twas the one next to yours...geepers ya pay good fish currency to get cleaning done...dunno matey penguins aren't what they used to be.

That kiwi must have gone to the wrong berg adress. Probs a tad tired from the bug (accent...(big) swim.

Good fun 😁

Please get as much rest as you can good man. You're so appreciated respected and cared for Mr.

Tally ho for now friend.

Starts up Amped aqua vroom 🛶 ... putt putt...puff puff...but hey... nothing like a good work out to keep fit 💪

Good days everyone ⚘

Dear DB

You will be pleased to know my iceberg is back in pristine conditon, the kiwis woke up and staggered off, and the amps sold well on eBay - so all good here.

I'm really delighted about your eyes, if I understand correctly they have recovered well. It a frightening thing to think of losing even partial sight. One of my nightmares too, though there is no reason for it, mine are fine (touch wood or a sleeping kakapo whichever is nearest). Just anxiety misbehaving.

I'm a little hazy about your lodger/housemate? Have you managed to get one yet -sorry if I'm on the wrong track, the language barrier makes it difficult:)

St Vinnie's is good, as can be Anglicare, and most utilities will take a reasonable attitude if you can talk with them (you have probably done so already). I have the feeling the Anglicare financial advisor service may be able to help with big outstanding electricity bills, but am not sure, may be leading you up the garden path.

You are in good hands with Grandy (wave to Grandy) who is giving you good advice as usual.

I've no idea what an "Amped aqua vroom " is but it sounds impressive. NZ for jet ski?

Have fun

Croix

Hey Croixy 🐧 and all 👋

Glad hearing your icebergs in a good state and the kiwis found there way. The Amps must've fetched a $ or two.

Thanks it's comforting knowing you're keeping an eye out. Yes it was scary with the eyes. So relieved having them back. Yes I too cherish sight. Glad yours are ok.

How are you getting along Mr Croixy man?

😂 I'll speak English/Oz yeah mate well we had a couple of blokes lined up but they decided not to move in. The 2nd we're in touch he's texting a fair bit I would have liked him as a housemate he's interstate and wants to stay there. It's hard. We don't want a roomy but pref someone who works so we're not in eachothers hair.

Yip re Vinnies and Salvos can both help with electricity and food.

Grandys 👩‍❤️‍👩 a real gem love her to bits.

Thanks Croixy man for your interest. You're a good man. Take good care won't you and everyone ⚘

Caio 🐧👋☺

Dear DB

THREE languages in the once post! OZ/NZ/Italian -impressive, you are not really going to need emoji for emphasis with you language skills

I hope you are managing OK ATM

Not sure how Grandy is getting on with that appointment, I hope she can get proper attention and relief from that cyst soon. As you would know constant pain and tenderness makes life so long and exhausting. Plus not eating -um.

I think you are wise on a couple of fronts to try for someone who is working. Not only do you not have to 'live' with them 27/7 but you also have a better chance of getting them to pay their fair share of expenses (something that sadly all to often does not happen).

You were right, those amps did indeed make my fortune, I can now afford a refrigerator for my iceberg!

Arrivederci - prenditi cura de te

Croix (Bilingual courtesy of Google Translate :-)

Dear All

I've once again physical medical problems that are causeng me grief so once again my Posts will be more sporadic than I'd like. No reflection on my care for you folks.

Due to the waits to see medical personnel it might be a couple of weeks, or even more, before I'm back on track

I'll do a bit but do not try to push myslef too hard.

Take care of yourselves

Croix

Hello Croix,

I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling dear Mr Walrus.... I will keep fingers & paws crossed for you to be back on your iceberg soonest... be gentle with yourself

Hugs (if ok)

Paws

Hello Dear Croix...

I was saddened to read that you are unwell physically...

Please Mr Walrus..look after yourself the best you can...

We are all wishing you the very best for a quick recovery...

Um..not sure if you like them..I find them so relaxing so I’ll send you a beautiful scented candle so you can watch the little flickering flame, from the top of your iceberg....

Much love dear sir, with a very gentle caring hug...

Grandy..

Dear Grandy, Paws, DB and all!

I'll be fine, just need patience to get things adjusted.

Now your gift of a scented candle reminds me of 'stress reliever' packs someone I knew used to give out , they has coloring in books, but no pencils, just textas, squeegee balls that leaked water and all sorts of stuff, inducing a soothing scented candle. BUT NO MATCHES:(

Talk about stress inducing!

Croix (who don't smoke)

Hey Croix,

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery and not too much waiting for medical attention. Very glad you're choosing not to push yourself too hard while you're not feeling well, good work.

My, those "stress reliever" packs sound worrisome! None of that for you. Sending some matches to go with Grandy's scented candle - and none of the other stuff, haha.

Take care.

Blue.

Hello Croix, and everyone.....🤗..

I hope everyone reading here are feeling okay..

My support worker dropped off over my fence a stress reliever activities bag....It had a colouring book with inspirational quotes to colour in..with textas...lol no colouring pencils...a mood tracker book with a space for each day of the month to draw an emoji face in it...a pack of cards...now I think solitaire is on the cards soon😂😂😂...

Oh and a biscuit in the shape of a dogs face...not sure if it a human biscuit or a doggie biscuit...either way I think I will let my fur girls have it....It doesn’t look very appetising to me....

I hope you’re doing okay Croix...well better then okay...

Kind thoughts...with a hug Dear Croix..

Grandy..

Dear Grandy plus all~

It's lovely to hear from you here. I do follow your travels but don't get to say much, between DB and everyone you have a pretty good bunch of freinds talking with you.

That was a nice thought by your support worker, it reminds me a stress bag I received once, with all sorts of things like you said, plus silly putty and a squeeze ball. It also had a tea-candle that was perfumed -but no way to light the candle, I think that was more stress full than the rest of the bag:)

You always have been a kind person, thanks for seeing how I'm getting on. Only mediocre I'm afraid at the moment with some physical problems. Still talking with you lot always gives me a lift

Croix

Moon~

If you are looking over Grandy's shoulder I was wondering how you are getting on. I know you are frustrated with politicians and restrictions, but have you something to look forward to -help out in the bowls club for instance?

Croix

Oh I'll be OK I guess Croix...how sweet of you to ask. I heard you are not well...that's awful isn't it...when you feel under par, less than your usual self. How I took the strength, vitality, energy and gorgeousness of youth for granted...not any more....I am an old bag!

about the only social life I do have is helping out at the club...see what is on the agenda next year. To tell the truth I think I maybe getting a bit "old"to do much ... there I said it...well you can't ignore the fact that we all get older, our faces and bodies don't allow us to pretend to be anything else do they? I hope they make the most of me while I am at least still alive and can move {just} from place to place!!

My son rang from Sydney and seemed in reasonable spirits....he heard the elusive words "overseas travel"mentioned in some of the million quotes from our leaders on TV and pricked up his ears of course......surely one day Croix...surely one day.

Now I just have to win Lotto so I can afford some cosmetic surgery so my outside can match my heart and mind on the inside!! any advice about that please? love Moon S

Hello Dear Croix, Moon and everyone....

Moon I hope you don’t mind if I answer your question...

Moon we all grow old...and it’s a blessing really..

What I wanted to say about cosmetic surgery on the outside..I’m wondering why...why would you want to do that...you see the lines on our faces are beauty lines...Crows feet around our eyes are made by smiling and laughing with our children funny antics...crying when they are hurting or when we are hurting....the lines around our mouth, well the are also from laughter...Stress lines here and there...because we maybe stressed about our children and what lays ahead for them...

Moon....our lines tell a story about who we are...they are beautiful unique lines....they are us...🌹🦋🕊

Love to you precious lady.....and Croix...

Grandy..

I see you around being kind and helpful but haven't talked with you directly Mr Croix! I'm sorry to hear you are unwell.

Do take care of yourself in these difficult times. I hope you can get whatever care you need. Rest up!

Sending you warmest wishes from me and Sam 🙂🐕🧚‍♂️🌻

Dear Moon~

I'd have to go wiht Grandy, your face is an indication of you, and in your case you have nothing to hide -quite the reverse. Did you see Tea With The Dames (Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, and Joan Plowright). Not a nip or tuck in sight (if they had them they got free wrinkles as well:). They were themselves -and that was very good.

One of the chief pleasures I've had as I became an old walrus is to mentor and give advice -and knowledge - to those just starting out. It empowers both.

People will admire you for what you are (are you listening Grandy?)

I've no advice on winning Tatts, or if I have I'm not saying:)

Anyway:

"Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years."

Croix

Grandy~

You are a wise lass

Croix

Dear Hanna3~

I quote

"I see you around being kind and helpful but haven't talked with you directly" too, you are a most supportive person, It's funny we have not talked before.

I always smile seeing that picture of the little dog, is that Sam? I'd imagine with all that water and sand a bath might be due:) Our FoxyDog always heads for the muddyest spot (then rolls) and has to be wiped down (something Mrs C does while going crook) before getting in the car home.

Croix

Dear Croix

How are you doing?

Thinking of you.
EMxxxx

Well Croix....you certainly are well acquainted with some of his best quotes from his best work....I also am extremely well acquainted with them...believe me.

let's see..mmm. "all women grow up to be like their mothers, that's their misfortune. No man ever does...that's his"........I agree with you and him and her wot said it...that 35 is a very attractive age...in fact I have realised all these past years when I have been so happy {and didn't know it) with being adored by my late partner and immersed fully in bowls....I thought, acted, spoke, dressed etc as if I were 35...I think I might have.

does this mean others were laughing at me? Look at that silly old woman pretending she is 35! I was having a wonderful time...and probably appeared foolish without knowing it.

Shouldn't I act my age now to avoid being laughed at...you know, not bother with make up or taking care with my clothes? Am I making a fool of myself to want to look nice? Have I taken his quote too seriously all this time?

{I just remembered...on my 35th birthday I had dinner in a rooftop posh Indian restaurant overlooking lights of the city, a pink drink with rose petals floating on the top, in a red dress with tiny white daisies, with a divinely handsome man, who kissed me while waiting for our taxi afterwards. I realised the literal meaning of the word"melted".......no wonder I wanted to stay 35 forever! ah..ya gotta laugh!

Croix...P.S.....sorry forgot to add of course I've seen Tea with the Dames...did you know that Maggie, Judi and Joan have all played that famous role who said the famous line about "staying 35 for years"....wondered if you ever saw Maggie in Neil Simon's California Suite with Michael Caine?

she was brilliant, playing the role of a British actress in LA for the Oscars {the character she played didn't win one)...but in real life, Maggie did win the Award for Best Supporting Actress for that role.....every couple in that show had the most brilliant lines....other actors were Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Walter Matthau among others.

Hello Mr Croix and thank you! I hope you are going OK.

Yes the pic is little Sam when we lived on the coast - he was happily exhausted after a play in the sea with a doggie friend. The photographer was a professional photographer who was a friend of mine.

The original photos he took of the two doggies playing in the surf that day are gorgeous!

We live inland in an area with four distinct seasons now but in summer we miss the beach!

Warmest wishes to you dear sir!

🙂🐕🐾

Dear Moon~

You said "not bother with make up or taking care with my clothes? "

Absolute rubbish. It is not an either/or situation. True one can dress too young, though I doubt you would do so. There is no secret, a woman can look fabulous at any age, it comes from inside and is merely complemented by dressing to suit.

Helen Mirram and Vanessa Redgrave come to mind as did Jackie O. They did not pretend, they were themselves and selected a style that enhanced that.

If you were happy and that spilled through so others could see it -that's not foolish, if anything an object of gladness to your friends and envy to others.

So you be you.

"The soul is born old but grows young. That is the comedy of life."

I'm afraid although I have a very soft spot for Michael Caine I've not seen "California Suite". I'll put it on my 'look out for' list'. BTW I'm delighted to say after 30 years looking I can cross Rupert Davies' Maigret off that list.

Croix