Watcha' Doing - 2020 Showing 101-150 of 2,651

[Peggy]

Rusalka, there are dozens of fundraisers going on, both within and outside Australia. What kind of organization would benefit most? Like, are there any (smaller) organizations that do good work for nature, animals, people that have tons of extra costs now but no government support? I read about the koala sanctuary (or something) that wanted to raise 25.000 but already has collected 4 million. Are there any other organizations that need the money, but haven't become so well known?

[Shirley]

Rusalka wrote: "Hi guys. Life is returning to a bit more normality. Lexx went back to work today. They gave them masks. My work was closed and is closed tomorrow. Lexx is now investigating air purifiers.

AQI is m..."Thanks again for checking in. I have a feeling that, as things return to normal, the political s***storm will start. Can we hope for some productive planning for this never to happen again?

[Margo]

This may be of interest to some of interest to some of you. Number 4 of Stormlight Archives is on its way !

https://www.newsweek.com/stormlight-a...

[Margo]

Jannene wrote: "My prayers are with you Rus.

Margo, I hope your aunt is okay. I never heard of inhaling flour causing issues. You always hear about woodworking, paint fumes and asbestos but not something everyone..."

Jannene, it's known as Baker's Lung. We do all use flour everyday but in a backhouse the air is thick with it. It's much like any other air bourn particle that hits the lining of the lung.

Rus - I heard a snippit from a wine program yesterday. This is very minor in the scheme of th8ngs bit they were saying that this years harvest will be hugely impacted by smoke damage. Apparently it affects the flavour. That is something I wouldn't have thought of but looking at your pics I can see why.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Sorry guys, message last night was a bit garbled, but you get the jist.

Margo, my sister in law's bakery had to have huge amounts of ventilation by law in the back to protect her and the other bakers from Baker's Lung. While working there that's when my eczema flared up again, as my legs used to get coated with flour dust each shift. God knows what we were breathing in!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Peggy. I Wrote a massive response to you, with links and everything. Baby chicken woke up, leap on the keyboard, and deleted it all.

Sigh. Give me another 30 mins.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Learnt my lesson. Spliting up the answer. It's a hard one to answer.

So each State pays for their emergency services. Which means that there are 8 different agencies within Australia. And that is our day to day services. They then have a separate volunteer service which works with the day to day services, and fight bushfires. They are the ones that take donations, as they are funded less by the Governments.

The NSW RFS for example has had a huge focus this time, as the Conservative Government of NSW has been cutting their funding over the past few years. They have also cut funding to the organisation that manages National Parks within the State. So this as compounded the problem.

I personally have a problem with donating to these volunteer organisations as I believe they should be fully funded by the government as that's literally what we pay tax for. Them to fund essential services for us to live. And I feel that the Conservatives will justify the fact that they don't fund these services by saying "look private donations will pay for it all, yay market forces" or some such tosh.

THIS SAID, I completely am all for donating to them as they are incredibly underfunded. And the least we can do is help support them as they help to save us in life threatening circumstances. I know again of NSW RFS vollies who asked their families for better helmets, or boots, or breathing apparatus, as Christmas presents, as the RFS did not have enough funding to provide quality equipment for all fighters in active fires.

Right, so long preamble aside. Here is the list of all the links to donate to all the volunteer services of States which are on fire. Which is all of them:



The ACT RFS can be contacted here: https://esa.act.gov.au/contact-us but we are not (really) currently on fire. Focus on the States.

Personally, I wouldn't donate to the NSW RFS despite all I said above, as Celeste Barber's $40 million campaign is going to them. I would look at Victoria (which is who the Authors are supporting) or another State.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

If you want to donate to the Bushfire victims, for relief and recovery and support, donate to the Red Cross: https://australian-red-cross.giveeasy...

This is a coordinated national response, which is less confusing than above.

You can also donate to the Salvos or Vinnies (sorry, the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul Society) but the Red Cross is non-denominational, and is the major campaign being pushed by media and governments.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Now, to the most confusing of them all. Wildlife.
Most wildlife rescue groups rely on donations. And there is not really again any national coordinated organisation for this.

(fricking chickens again... it seems to be this issue that's getting them worked up).

I would suggest:
- WIRES in NSW - https://www.facebook.com/donate/13861... - they also give instructions for sewing people on how to make pouches you can send them, or wraps for bats/flying foxes.
- Wildlife Victoria - https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/?...
- SAVEM in SA - https://www.savem.org.au/about-savem/...
- RSPCA (you will have to choose a state, and I have heard some wildlife carers ask not to give to the RSPCA but go more local).

Or choose an area that's been hard hit, or a cause/animal you like and just google. Some smaller ones as a suggestion:
Koalas:
- Anything to do with Kangaroo Island, SA. They have had half their koalas wiped out, and they were Australia's plan B. Only population in Aus who didn't have Chlamydia.
- WWF Koala campaign - https://donate.wwf.org.au/donate/koal...
- Koalas in Care - http://www.koalasincare.org.au/?fbcli...
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-thirs...

Not just Koalas:
- Mallacoota Wildlife Sanctuary - https://www.facebook.com/pages/catego... - that image of the kid escaping in a boat against an orange sky with a mask on was in Mallacoota. You would have seen a lot of images from there.
- Native Animal Rescue Group - http://www.narg.asn.au/ - near me dealing with the animals from the fires that have been burning for a month now. Lots of wombats affected in that area.

I'd recommend not just a koala organisation. There are so many marsupials and birds that are affected than koalas. And a lot of them are cuter, less smelly, less grumpy but more importantly less well known and forgotten.

Shirley will probably have some suggestions for QLD wildlife organisations she can share.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

And yes, wine is a massive concern Margo. As it's not directly impacted like burnt down like the dairy industry, it will be a massive industry severely affected that won't be well known.

[Janice, Moderator]

That is such great information, Rusalka! Thanks so much.

[Shirley]

Rusalka you are doing a mighty job getting info out there. There’s not much I can add, but here’s a few:

https://wildlife.org.au/wildlife-affe...

https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeQuee...

Rescue Collective: https://mkc.org.au/donations/trcqld (based in Brisbane but currently supporting our southern neighbours.)

There’s a group making cool neckties for firey’s called Cool the Fireys. Check it out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/21210...

In Queensland we have been luckier (so far), so I agree that focus should be on NSW Victoria and South Australia.

On a positive note - I now know how to pronounce the NSW Premier’s name. She’s been on the news so much lately.
And also lucky that I don’t have a chicken to mess around on my keyboard.

And .. I don’t know how to make those links active. Sorry.

[Shirley]

Oh I see. It happens as if by magic when I post. *red face*

[Shirley]

And there’s also the World Wildlife Fund. https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/b...

[Grainne]

Rusalka wrote: "Hi guys. Life is returning to a bit more normality. Lexx went back to work today. They gave them masks. My work was closed and is closed tomorrow. Lexx is now investigating air purifiers.

AQI is m..."


It's incredible how long these fires are lasting. I am glad to hear
that normality is resuming and there is a least a sense of getting back to everyday routines.

So many worthy causes there. There is some work to be done.

[Peggy]

Thanks so much Rus and Shirley! That's super helpful. Sorry your chick ruined your first post Rus ;-)

[Jayme, Moderator]

Yes, thanks Rus and Shirley. I was looking on-line to support, but was getting a bit confused.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Shirley wrote: "On a positive note - I now know how to pronounce the NSW Premier’s name. She’s been on the news so much lately."

Hah! I learnt your QLD one's from the floods or a cyclone, forget which.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Peggy wrote: " Sorry your chick ruined your first post Rus ;-)"

Occupational (?) hazard :P

[Rusalka, Moderator]

P.S both #authorsforfireys AND #authorsforfires are trending. Good way to get a bonus while donating what you were going to anyways

[Margo]

Thanks for the info Rus and Shirley

[Shirley]

Rusalka, I am thinking of you this weekend. Bushfires still threatening and moving closer to Canberra. Please keep yourselves safe.

[Lucy]

Thank you Rusalka and Shirley for the links, I'm passing them on to my friends who want to donate.

Meanwhile, my grandmother heard about making pouches the other day and has put her pedal to the metal, so to speak. I'm picturing her furiously making them while watching her favorite soap operas.

[Shirley]

Lucy wrote: "Thank you Rusalka and Shirley for the links, I'm passing them on to my friends who want to donate.

Meanwhile, my grandmother heard about making pouches the other day and has put her pedal to the ..."
Go grannie!

[Margo]

Rusalka, be safe.

My household crisis seem very small relative to what's happening in Australia but I'm going to share it anyway. My son has come out and is now my daughter.

This has been brewing for a long time. She has been in therapy for 6 years but now her desision has been made. If is not easy for any of us, least of all her. We are now entering that pronoun hell! I have had to reeducate myself on a lot ot things that I took for granted.

I don’t know what the future will hold for her. She is a 23 year old, autistic, unemployed, trans-woman. She will always have our unconditional love but I fear she has a very hard path to follow. I don't know how far her journey will take her but I will be right there beside her.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Margo, that is quite a moment in life. I understand how worried you are. It is good to see you are willing to be there for her no matter what. Big hug .

[Shirley]

Your daughter does have a hard path to follow but I’m guessing life hasn’t been easy anyway. I have seen others who, when coming out, have become much happier and settled. Glad you shared Margo. It must be very hard to cope with.

[Esther]

Margo wrote: ". My son has come out and is now my daughter.."
I can see why you are worried. But I think that when you feel ok with yourself, you can get through a lot. And feeling supported in her decision probably helps a lot. sometimes the hard path is the best way to the happy path. Hugs!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Thanks guys. Winds weren't as strong as expected yesterday, so we had a better day than expected.

However our mega fire front has now formed as we were worried about, but the calmer winds and lower temps today and tomorrow should make this not as bad as first thought. Still terrible and so much has been destroyed, as well as habitat for some incredibly endangered creatures in the Snowys (if truth told, probably the creatures too).

Let's see what today brings.

And you should read about Patsy the Wonder Dog. She's an incredibly good girl. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-patsy...

[Rusalka, Moderator]

... I just wrote a whole message, and the chickens pulled a piece of paper on to their heads, freaked out and both shot across the keyboard. I don't know what button they press to refresh the webpages but they hit it every time.

[Janice, Moderator]

Margo wrote: "My household crisis seem very small relative to what's happening in Australia but I'm going to share it anyway. My son has come out and is now my daughter. .."

What a brave thing for your daughter to do. The transition will likely be difficult, but perhaps the hardest work has been done.

[Janice, Moderator]

Rusalka wrote: "Thanks guys. Winds weren't as strong as expected yesterday, so we had a better day than expected.

However our mega fire front has now formed as we were worried about, but the calmer winds and low..."

I hope the weather keeps cooperating. Thanks for posting the video of Patsy. She's a very smart dog.

[Janice, Moderator]

I've been battling the flu for the last three days. I don't even have the energy to look and respond to posts. I'm getting behind in tracking the challenge, but I will catch up, just bear with me.

I'm going to turn off my computer now and watch some tv. I spent the day watching Dracula on Netflix. It seems like it's the only thing I can do, that and sleep. This is one nasty bug.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Margo, that's super important! Congrats to your daughter for being able to take that first step! Hopefully making that decision makes her feel so much sure of herself.

I understand the pronoun thing. When my cousin transitioned, you don't realise how automatic and embedded the language is. But I think that if everyone is accepting that mistakes will happen, and that people know they are supported, then you'll get there.

And sounds like she has the most supportive and loving Mum, so she'll be okay :D

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Rest up, Janice! Sounds like that's the best thing to do. Lie on the couch, watch some tv, and maybe a nap. Feel better!

[Shirley]

Janice wrote: "I've been battling the flu for the last three days. I don't even have the energy to look and respond to posts. I'm getting behind in tracking the challenge, but I will catch up, just bear with me.
..."Rest up Janice. Nothing is more important than your health. Hope you feel better soon.

[Shirley]

Rusalka wrote: "Thanks guys. Winds weren't as strong as expected yesterday, so we had a better day than expected.

However our mega fire front has now formed as we were worried about, but the calmer winds and low..."
900 sheep! That’s incredible.

[Cherie]

I hope you start to feel better soon, Janice.

Margo, what your child is going through cannot be easy, for you either. I admire you for sharing and being there for her.

Yay for Patsy the wonder dog, chooks dancing on the keyboard, and a little cooler weather for you, Rusalka.

I am going to go pick up my granddaughter and we are off to have sushi. Have a good weekend, everyone.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Your daughter is so lucky to have such a supportive mum as you, Margo! We all worry about our children, don't we? Especially when we fear certain aspects of their lives may make their life more difficult in any way. It seems that this has been a well thought out decision and although she may face some adversity, she will likely live a much happier life being who she is and not trying to hide herself. Good wishes are being sent to your family at this time.

Janice, there seems to be a lot of the flu going around this year. I hope you are able to get some rest and feel better quickly.

Rus, you've been on my mind a lot. I just keep praying that it gets better and better for you all.

[Peggy]

Stay safe Rus!

Take it easy Janice, GR and YLTO will still be here in a few days.

Margo, I think having support is already half the battle. Your daughter is lucky to have you :)

[Margo]

Rus, thank god the winds changed the right way this time. Those chickens of yours are crazy! I never realised chunks could be so much fun 😁

Janice, take it easy, there is a nasty dose going. We all had it over xmas in my house. Rest up - we can fend you ourselves 😙

You guys are so supportive, thank you. Everyone we have told so far so far has been great but I know we're going to hit some negativity in the wider world eventually.

Kristie, it is so true - once we have kids the worries never seem to end. If she does go the whole hog we are in for many difficult years. What worries me a lot is that there has been an exponential increase in young people transitioning in the last decade and now many are de - transitioning. I hear that the next big leagal battle is going to be be people who have had their birth certs changed from their original gender, now wanting to change it back! Many of these detransitioners are like Ciara, young, autistic, easily influenced by social media. They don't fit the mould society has made for them and they think this will be the magic bullet that will make their lives complete.

Don't get me wrong, there people out there who undergo gender reassignment and it does make their complete. I just have my doubts that Ciara is one. I hope and pray that I will be proved wrong.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Maybe. But worth trying.

I've had friends decide that where they fit best is in the gender fluid area, others who are trans but haven't embraced the whole way, and my cousin who's invested 100%.

Time is needed what ever the intention, and feelings may change or not depending on the time and whatever is in peoples live. The most important thing is support and acceptance, and Ciara has that in spades. If she decides this isn't the bestest thing in the world, she has an incredible support network. And that is the key. For all of us really.

[Peggy]

I hope that isn't the case for Ciara, Margo.

I always thought that when transgender people decide they want to change (starting hormones or having surgery), there's also psychological support involved, partly to make sure this is the best decision for that person, and not the magic bullet you describe. Precisely to avoid people having regrets later. I'm surprised de-transitioning is such a thing, I had never heard of it.

How old is Ciara?

[Kristie, Moderator]

I understand that, Margo. I've worked with a few kids that weren't sure and were just trying to figure out where they fit in. Hopefully, since she's been working with a therapist for a while now, they have gone over this again and again. Perhaps living as a woman for a while without getting the surgery or changing her birth certificate would benefit her? Basically, taking it slow and trying it on for size to see how it feels? I'm not sure what stage she's at now, but if she has any question she could start by changing the easily changeable things, like hair, clothes, makeup, nails, etc, whatever feels right to her, and maybe starting hormones, but wait to see if it still feels right before proceeding.

[Lisa]

Janice wrote: "I've been battling the flu for the last three days. I don't even have the energy to look and respond to posts. I'm getting behind in tracking the challenge, but I will catch up, just bear with me.
..."

Get well soon, Janice!

[Janice, Moderator]

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm feeling a little better this morning.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Take it easy this weekend, Janice. :)

[Janice, Moderator]

The Banff Mountain Film Festival starts tonight for 3 consecutive nights. I've had my tickets since the beginning of November. This is an annual event my friend I attend, and I can't miss it.

[Jayme, Moderator]

@Janice - Enjoy the festival and take it easy - We have a year to figure out the challenge ;0)

@Margo - Your daughter is lucky that she has your support and heart.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Has anyone noticed that now current group reads appear in kind of yellow boxes in groups main pages? Doesn't look very good to me... I wonder why...