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We did!? :O I don't remember this!?
I've been up and close with a shark before even got to hold it. Uh..It was a gummy shark and frozen...Sad thing was it had babies too. It was used as a learning tool as it'd died of some causes somewhere close to the Marine Discovery Center.
We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone.
Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rarely Spotted (one was seen in New Brunswick last year). I suspect Canada is a bit of a weather shock for them, lol.
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rarely Spotted (one was seen in New Brunswick last year). I suspect Canada is a bit of a weather shock for them, lol.

However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rarely Spotted (one was seen in Ne..."
You mean cause of the cold? Here in Tassie it's not super warm either but I must admit the Summers seem to be getting hotter with every year passing.
Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rarely Spotted (o..."
I think it'd be too cold for the most part here. However, we do have a large supply of their favourite food ... seals.
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rarely Spotted (o..."
I think it'd be too cold for the most part here. However, we do have a large supply of their favourite food ... seals.
RitaSkeeter wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
They are kinda cute."
They are in a funny, sharky way :)
They are kinda cute."
They are in a funny, sharky way :)

However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. They are just rar..."
Yeah, we got seals too..Love seeing those guys in the wild..Stinky but fun to watch :)
Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
Agreed
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
Agreed

Hi Melissa I live on the Southcoast of Victoria, we get some sharks here but the front beach we see smaller ones that are not that dangerous. However, the ocean beach or surf beach guys see them often while surfing. Where I work they always tell me when they see one. Also see whales and dolphins often. They are all beautiful in their own way. Amazing to see.
tehehehe, an orphaned bear cub broke into a pizza shop in Colorado USA and pigged out on icing. http://globalnews.ca/news/2221762/inj...
Faye wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Michael wrote: "Yes plenty of them Melissa. You get them all along the coast lines of Oz and we have had our fair shair of attacks. Personally i think they are amazing creatures an..."
We certainly have some amazing creatures around us Faye:) I too love the whales and dolphins.
We certainly have some amazing creatures around us Faye:) I too love the whales and dolphins.
Melissa wrote: "tehehehe, an orphaned bear cub broke into a pizza shop in Colorado USA and pigged out on icing. http://globalnews.ca/news/2221762/inj......"
Poor little guy!
Poor little guy!

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/three-great...
@faye that sounds amazing; what a sight to see.
@Brenda - agreed, I am glad they rescued him from the shop. however, I would have personally gone for the icing too hehe.

As we are going to Pisa tomorrow and will be climbing the Leaning Tower, I thought I would tell the story of the TRF scale. This is a measure that DH and I devised to rate the anxiety we feel when we are in a high place. When we were on our honeymoon 31 years ago, we visited many places, castles and the like, but it was the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa that became the Gold Standard, the 5/5 on the anxiety scale, the TRF.
We climbed the spiral staircase inside the Tower, noting how on the low side, gravity forced everyone to walk close to the outer wall, so much so that the stone is worn into a gulley. On the high side, one is forced against the inner wall, and the steps are worn into a similar gulley. At the top, which is just a bit straighter than the rest of the tower, one emerges (or did in 1984, anyway) to an iron railing with a bar at about knee height, one about waist height and one about chest height. And the stone has been worn quite smooth from millions of shoes.
I soon noted that if one lost one's footing, one could very easily slide under the bottom railing and not stop until one reached the ground, which is quite a long way (between 55 and 57 m, wikipedia tells me). I had come a long way and was determined to get my photos, so, gripping the top rail tightly with one hand, I snapped shots with the other. Until I came to a lady similarly gripping the rail. I realised I had to let go and skirt around her. I did, resuming my white-knuckle grip as soon as I could. Once I had completed my photographic mission, DH and I agreed that I would descend and go out, while he stepped out of one of the arched doorways, mid-level, and lean casually against a pillar while I photographed him from a distance. I should add that there were NO RAILINGS at all on these lower levels. How he held his nerve to do this I will never know.
As we later discussed how this type of height made us feel, I said it made my feet ache. DH explained that the sensation he experienced was somewhat higher: a certain part of the male anatomy, he told me, retracted in this sort of situation, a sort of survival mechanism, I guess. So TRF stands for T Retraction Factor, where T refers to something that only men have, something that comes as a pair and is found above the knees and below the waist. From then on, anytime we ascended to a height, we would say to one another, TRF 3?, or something similar.
We found it was possible to get this even by proxy: once at a waterfall in Canada, we enjoyed photographing the plunging depths and calculated the TRF at 2 or 3 as there was a solid, chest-high brick wall to keep us safe. But when a young family arrived and the mother lifted her toddler to sit on the brick wall, the TRF immediately shot up to 5! And DH has shown me YouTube clips of daring rides down precarious mountain paths that also elicit this response.
And DH just told me we did not manage to get tickets to do the actual climb, a great disappointment, and typical of Italian disorganisation that we have experienced on this Rally. At least we get a refund.

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
RitaSkeeter wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
Ahahaha, that probably started with the seal saying "hey check this out guys" to his seal friends
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
RitaSkeeter wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Laura wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Melissa wrote: "We get dogfish here in British Columbia; they can't really hurt anyone."
However, I am told Great Whites do cross Canadian waters. ..."
Ahahaha, that probably started with the seal saying "hey check this out guys" to his seal friends
well i noticed that this said chat about good and bad stuff...well unfortunately i have no good news today...i went to the Drs yesterday (which has been a continual thing for 4 years - as i have suffered from severe back pain - i had a back operation 3 years ago but all it seemed to do was make everything worse...ive now been told that the only option is to go back in for a second operation for spinal fusion and disc replacement (but due to all the nerve damage - they have a lot of concern as to whether it will work or just cause more issues! On top of that ive been told that my Vit D levels are severely low (it's at 19 when it should be above 70) which causes quite severe side affects....no wonder I've been soo sick for ages!!! Anyways on top of that iron is pretty low on the verge on anaemic and now have to go on all these tablets and have blood tests like every 3 weeks or so!! Further tests were coming back contradicting themselves (the dr is like Kristen u r a true mystery-just wat I wanna here)...and then after adjusting to all those tabs I have to then start more meds for my nerve damage (for my back issues) and slowly up it (basically for pain management until my next operation in the new year)...yep there's still more I then start another tablet once settled on the others for my severe Anxiety and stress...if things couldn't get worse they can....and they have....having major dramas with family and so called "friends" stabbing us in the back every chance they have!!! :'( life is awesome! Sorry for the ramble...u guys probs not that interested but wanted to get of my chest!!! Please feel free to totally ignore :)
Kristen wrote: "well i noticed that this said chat about good and bad stuff...well unfortunately i have no good news today...i went to the Drs yesterday (which has been a continual thing for 4 years - as i have su..."
Hello Kristen,
I am sending lots of positive vibes to you; all the way from Canada. I hope everything gets better for you.
Hello Kristen,
I am sending lots of positive vibes to you; all the way from Canada. I hope everything gets better for you.

Kristen, I can feel your pain. I've had a back op- spinal fusion 4 years ago. Mine is okay now long as I am sensible with it. Lots of walking helps it, but standing for any period of time doesn't. And I can't play tennis. But hey, after 5 months of agony where I couldn't move before the op, I can appreciate the vast change. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you decide what to do. Sorry you are having family and relationship problems as well.
Thanks for ur thoughts and concerns :)
And happy to hear Dale that u are now able to do some things :) I'd b happy with that as well...I've suffered with severe back pain for years now at an 8-9 pain chart... 24/7 with basically only 2hrs sleep a night! So extremely warn out and sick of it all!! And with all my Drs just giving me a whole heap of negatives bc of the severity of the nerve damage (the nerve was completely crushed and flattened - worse then they realised when went in for 1st surgery) it's not really boosting my confidence...basically this surgery is my last chance...and they not really positive that it will help but just alleviate a small amount of pain...but hey I'll take anything I can get at this point...just freaked out with the whole no being able to walk again thing...
And happy to hear Dale that u are now able to do some things :) I'd b happy with that as well...I've suffered with severe back pain for years now at an 8-9 pain chart... 24/7 with basically only 2hrs sleep a night! So extremely warn out and sick of it all!! And with all my Drs just giving me a whole heap of negatives bc of the severity of the nerve damage (the nerve was completely crushed and flattened - worse then they realised when went in for 1st surgery) it's not really boosting my confidence...basically this surgery is my last chance...and they not really positive that it will help but just alleviate a small amount of pain...but hey I'll take anything I can get at this point...just freaked out with the whole no being able to walk again thing...

And happy to hear Dale that u are now able to do some things :) I'd b happy with that as well...I've suffered with severe back pain for years now at an 8-9 ..."
They told me possibility of being paralysed could happen with mine. But lots of people prayed and I am very thankful to be doing so well. I agree pain does get very wearing especially When you can't sleep because of it.
Oh okay...well then I can take comfort in the fact that u came out okay :) thanks Dale...appreciated...just having everything going wrong ATM...so everything seems extremely overwhelming!! And yes it's very true about the not sleeping!! I have no idea how I'm still functioning lol...but guess gotto do wat gotto do :)
Kristen wrote: "well i noticed that this said chat about good and bad stuff...well unfortunately i have no good news today...i went to the Drs yesterday (which has been a continual thing for 4 years - as i have su..."
Kristen, you poor thing. I feel deeply for you - my hubby has back problems and has had surgery twice, so I know what you're going through. But the "one thing on top of another" for you is horrendous! Keep your chin up; vent in here whenever you want... **hugs**
Kristen, you poor thing. I feel deeply for you - my hubby has back problems and has had surgery twice, so I know what you're going through. But the "one thing on top of another" for you is horrendous! Keep your chin up; vent in here whenever you want... **hugs**
Brenda wrote: "Kristen wrote: "well i noticed that this said chat about good and bad stuff...well unfortunately i have no good news today...i went to the Drs yesterday (which has been a continual thing for 4 year..."
thank you Brenda :)mean a lot!! its a terrible thing to have and i feel your husband!! hopefully he is a bit beta after those surgeries? Will def try to keep positive bc there's always someone out there with it worse...so you just gotto suck it up and continue on!thanks again for all your kind words...not many of my "friends" understand what i'm going through and just think that i'm being anti-social and snobby...they just dont understand y i don't just force myself to do things!! obs i no its not that easy and that i literally cant... but when everyone is judging you, it makes things bit tricky :)
thank you Brenda :)mean a lot!! its a terrible thing to have and i feel your husband!! hopefully he is a bit beta after those surgeries? Will def try to keep positive bc there's always someone out there with it worse...so you just gotto suck it up and continue on!thanks again for all your kind words...not many of my "friends" understand what i'm going through and just think that i'm being anti-social and snobby...they just dont understand y i don't just force myself to do things!! obs i no its not that easy and that i literally cant... but when everyone is judging you, it makes things bit tricky :)
I know it's easy to say, but those "friends" aren't worth it! Do what makes you happy and don't worry about the negative people...their loss!
He was better for awhile, but now because of his age, things have become worse again..constant pain on a 24/7 basis. He pushes his way through it when he can:) Life could definitely be worse, and you're right, there is always someone out there who is worse off...
He was better for awhile, but now because of his age, things have become worse again..constant pain on a 24/7 basis. He pushes his way through it when he can:) Life could definitely be worse, and you're right, there is always someone out there who is worse off...
I've been a busy bee today - our son's birthday tomorrow and all the family are coming here for a BBQ lunch. So preparation, cooking, cleaning, etc etc... should be a great day!
Brenda wrote: "I've been a busy bee today - our son's birthday tomorrow and all the family are coming here for a BBQ lunch. So preparation, cooking, cleaning, etc etc... should be a great day!"
I hope you guys have a great day; and the weather stays nice for you all. :)
I hope you guys have a great day; and the weather stays nice for you all. :)
Thanks Melissa:) Weather isn't looking promising but we have a patio so everything is covered outside. It's just if it's cold people will want to be inside. But it won't matter:)
Yeah I try to think that way...but some days it's harder then others :) but alls good
Ohh I'm sorry to hear that :'( !!!!! Does pain medication help at all??
Ooh and how exciting!!!!! Sounds like a lovely day planned :D
Ohh I'm sorry to hear that :'( !!!!! Does pain medication help at all??
Ooh and how exciting!!!!! Sounds like a lovely day planned :D
Kristen wrote: "Yeah I try to think that way...but some days it's harder then others :) but alls good
Ohh I'm sorry to hear that :'( !!!!! Does pain medication help at all??
Ooh and how exciting!!!!! Sounds li..."
He lives on pain meds Kristen:)
Thanks! I'll be glad of a rest on Sunday;)
Ohh I'm sorry to hear that :'( !!!!! Does pain medication help at all??
Ooh and how exciting!!!!! Sounds li..."
He lives on pain meds Kristen:)
Thanks! I'll be glad of a rest on Sunday;)
Well that is very sad still!! But glad that alleviates it a bit for him!! I'm allergic to all of the strong pain killers! So the first surgery was pretty bad bc I couldn't have anything apart from panadol and I can tell u it does not make a difference when pain levels r that high!!
Haha I'm sure you will!! But none the less u will have a great time :)
Haha I'm sure you will!! But none the less u will have a great time :)
You may as well eat smarties!
It'll be brilliant...I can't wait:) Kids and grandkids...nothing better:)
It'll be brilliant...I can't wait:) Kids and grandkids...nothing better:)
Haha exactly!!! Might try that next time...get a sugar high...it might help remove the pain lol
Aww that sounds lovely...you'll have to let us no how it all turns out!
Aww that sounds lovely...you'll have to let us no how it all turns out!

@Brenda - Have a great BBQ. Hope the weather holds out for you guys!
-
What a week it's been...Nothing short of an adventure is one way to put it...Good and bad.
Laura wrote: "@Kristen - That really does suck :( You'd think with how many people have bad backs by this time there would be better answers.
@Brenda - Have a great BBQ. Hope the weather holds out for you guys!..."
Yeah u would think wouldn't u! But I guess the back is just soo complex (or anything with the body really) so makes it hard to experiment with I guess...as u could easily totally ruin someone's life with 1 wrong move. But alls good I'm just trying to take one day at a time...was just having a stressy my life is awful moment.
@Brenda - Have a great BBQ. Hope the weather holds out for you guys!..."
Yeah u would think wouldn't u! But I guess the back is just soo complex (or anything with the body really) so makes it hard to experiment with I guess...as u could easily totally ruin someone's life with 1 wrong move. But alls good I'm just trying to take one day at a time...was just having a stressy my life is awful moment.

Laura wrote: "For the bigger picture everything is a-okay. On the plus I've been offered two different jobs. And next week is the last week of school term..Two week holiday to look forward too which will be part..."
Oh well done! That's great:) Yes, enjoy the school holidays...teachers and kids do I think;)
Oh well done! That's great:) Yes, enjoy the school holidays...teachers and kids do I think;)

Thanks!
Hahaha..For sure!! Time to hopefully get car serviced as well...Been so busy as of late to get it done. Now it's getting warmer too, I'm hoping to get some good time outside relaxing.
Kristen wrote: "Yeah u would think wouldn't u! But I guess the back is just soo complex (or anything with the body really) so makes it hard to experiment with I guess...as u could easily totally ruin someone's life with 1 wrong move. But alls good I'm just trying to take one day at a time...was just having a stressy my life is awful moment."
Yes, the back is such a complex area...I've known quiet a few people to suffer from back problems (myself included). But yes, one day at a time is a good way to deal with it.
Laura wrote: "Now it's getting warmer too, I'm hoping to get some good time outside relaxing."
And reading Laura;)
And reading Laura;)


As we are going to Pisa tomorrow and will be climbing the Leaning Tower, I thought I would tell the story of the TRF scale. This is a measure that DH and I devised to rate the
Wow, you guys are braver than me!
I did a double take when I saw your acronym initially, because that's an acronym used in my workplace for a particular framework.
..."
not so brave: we were 31 years younger. Now there's no way you could fall off the thing, it's all enclosed and you can't go to the very top anymore.
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I find them super fascinating; I would love to see one (not face to face mind you but from afar).