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Discussion Thread 🦉 Saturday 28 February 2026

⁨11⁩ ⁨likes⁩

Submitted ⁨⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨YarraByte@aussie.zone⁩ to ⁨melbourne@aussie.zone⁩

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  • melbaboutown@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I’m really not doing well.

    I’m still in shock but stressing about what to do about the black cat.

    Massive wall of text about managing a contagious zoonotic condition and not having great options for a potentially lost or dumped cat

    Because he’s coming around a lot and all over me for affection, rubbing against me and swishing his tail all over my arms and face. Which means even despite wearing gloves now I have to constantly be showering and changing clothes to decontaminate ringworm spores. And risking bringing it into my house if it isn’t already. I tried getting a UV torch but it didn’t get delivered and I’ve since learned I need a Woods lamp which I can’t afford. Real ones are pricey and I haemorrhaged so much money trying to keep Melbcat alive. The mosquito zapper I have was UV-A, possibly also near the 395nm range, and did cause some things to fluoresce but not the lesion. So it won’t help me with any information about whether he is affected or where to focus the cleaning efforts. I hunted down a replacement bulb that had the necessary filter and the connection type to fit the bug lamp but they’re either very expensive or out of stock. I don’t want to ignore him because I do like patting him and am already attached. He’s a sweet guy and a love bug. Already considered trying to adopt and thinking of a name. I also don’t know if anyone else is caring for him, massive red flags there. Catching him and taking him to the vet may not do anything because treatment has to be thorough and consistent. Just applying anti fungal ointment will be ineffective and court resistance to the chemical. I could try diluted iodine instead but that risks drying and irritation, plus I don’t see the little round bald spots anymore. And he’d just keep going back into the infective environment. I can’t safely send him to the shelter without knowing whether he has an owner who will definitely pick him up. They’re slammed. Between being an adult, a black cat and the ringworm/cat flu he would be less adoptable and possibly be euthanised if nobody gets him. My local is bad for that. I don’t use facebook anymore, even making a burner email might open me up to people wanting to come to my house to get him, and I really don’t feel able to field a lot of contact from random people. He may even be owned by one of the a holes here, but even if not and I could adopt him he would have to abruptly become an inside cat which I don’t think he would accept. He’s younger and more energetic than Melbcat and her transition was slower. Plus I’d have to rigorously treat him for weeks to months and the environment with him quarantined in my bathroom which I really don’t feel capable of right now. And even if he’s not the source of the issue I’m not ready for another cat yet. Melbcat has literally just died and I’m struggling to even accept it. I haven’t moved any of her things and sometimes think for a second she’s still in the house or under the doona, automatically taking care not to disturb her or sit on her. I rushed through arranging and paying for her cremation and notifying people before I was ready because I just wanted to do what was needed before it hit me and I couldn’t. But this situation has created more pressure to come up with a plan for him. Plus Melbcat hated this cat hanging around. Her last days were spent getting stressed about me frantically washing things to try and protect her, and me trying to care for both of them. And she hissed him away. It feels so disloyal to be caring for her nemesis even if it’s just the basic mercy of food, water, parasite treatment and pats.

    I feel so guilty focusing on him when I should be only thinking of Melbcat. When it hits me she will be all I can think of. He could never come close to the bond we had and the cat she was. I just don’t want to stop looking out for him if he’s got nobody and that means a lot of physical labour and stress and a complicated situation until some solution is found. Just ignoring him is not an option because of guilt and genuine care for him. It’s not his fault I’m not coping.

    I’m just so sad and tired and beginning to fall apart before everything has even sunk in. Absolutely beaten and worn down and spiraling. I just want to rest and grieve but am stressing without an easy solution in sight.

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    • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Grief is not linear, you will continue to travel its squiggly lines for a long time.

      No one here is doubting your love for her, and Black Cat is never going to replace Melbcat, because she is irreplaceable. But it is okay to share what is left of your heart while it heals with another creature who sounds like he does need some help. It took me a week to decide to bring another cat into our home after I lost my old boy Scooter. 10 days after I lost him we brought home a pair of kittens from a rescue, and that 3 day delay was only because we had covid at the time and had to wait for clearance. The kittens were very young and unwell with cat flu. They required a lot of care, which helped heal my heart and kept me busy. I still miss my giant black boy, but after nearly 4 years I can remember him softly and I hope he forgives me for leaving the decision a day late, and for bringing now 3 other cats into his home. Love is not pie and there is plenty to go around as your heart grows with each addition, not separated by pieces. There is no wrong decision here, just follow your kind and giving heart. If you don’t have the capacity, you will help him as much as you can, and thats enough.

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      • melbaboutown@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I know. I’m sorry, I’m spiraling.

        I’m just in a complicated situation with this emotionally and practically and so not ready for any of this.

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      when Allie died I was very grieved

      but I am a loving person so looked for another cat that needed someone

      and I got a cat that was not like Allie at all in look and character, I got Bill

      And that has worked out well

      it’s not betrayal to be caring and if it is your nature to care then care. And really, cats shouldn’t be that hard to look after. Do what you can to help the little guy. I think he will be very appreciative.

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      • melbaboutown@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        Everything is so fucked :(

        I’ll just do what I can but there’s context for why I can’t just relax with him as an outside cat.

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    • tombruzzo@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Maybe this could be your ‘rebound cat’ to help you work through the grief of losing melbcat. One thing I’ve noticed with pets just like people is they’re all different. You won’t have the same connection with this cat, it’s a different cat. Just like how it will never replace melbcat in your heart or your memories, you’ll have a different bond between you

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      • melbaboutown@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I don’t know if I want to rebound. I don’t know if he’d accept being confined and quarantined and if I could manage the ordeal of ringworm eradication.

        I care about this little guy but have had no chance to grieve and I want my cat. 😭

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  • Alamutjones@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Following conversation with Dad, I have some thinking to do. I have…much more money stashed away than I realised I did

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    • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Good things happen to good people sometimes!

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      That is a wonderful gift.🫂You are so lucky.

      Use it to be brave in your choices ( I don’t mean reckless money choices, I mean in regard to education, career, interests, travel )

      and work hard

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  • Catfish@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Robot vac surgery success!

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  • Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Image

    Yeah nah it’s cool I’ll just do all the housework and stuff. You just chill.

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    • Bottom_racer@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      “here’s a little pillow for you gibson”

      …

      “nope the raw cardboard box corner is just fine thank you, now get back to work”.

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      • Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        This theme is so incredibly accurate lol

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      how is it cats make so much work even tho they have little bodies

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  • SaneMartigan@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Nice to hear Magda appears to have beaten her cancer diagnosis.

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    • SituationCake@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      So happy for her. Magda is a national treasure.

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  • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    good night everyone

    sweet dreams 😘

    and special hugs for melbs and taleya

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  • imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Saw an Australian Darter down near the water today. Was a nice morning for bird noticing. Was glad not to be one of the runners DYING in the humidity.

    not my pic

    Image

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    • tombruzzo@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      The fellas on the job site call me the Australian Darter but no birds notice me

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      oo

      I don’t see them often at all

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  • PeelerSheila@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Today is the day I catch up with my old friend (I got the date wrong initially; stupid, because I chose the date 🤪) She’s chosen one of those hotpot places in Chinatown. I’ve never been to one of those before.

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    • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Have a beautiful day!

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  • Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Corpos: Ai is the future and if you don’t get on board you’ll be left behind!

    Also Ai: Image

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  • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
    Just a fraction too much dough.

    Image

    Next time I think 350g instead of 400g flour to start and see how that goes.

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    • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      That is so neat and tidy! I’ve upgraded to a squarer tin too, but mine has as open top. I’m still experimenting with flour amounts, I use around 250gm spelt and 300gm of wheat flour at the moment, with 200gm of starter.

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      • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        This one is great because it is small enough to fit inside my toaster oven, and with the top on I don’t need to worry about the dough rising too high and hitting the top. It should be a perfect fit for the pre-sliced cheese which is very handy too. Being able to finish one loaf in the toaster oven also meant I could start a fruit loaf while that one was finishing rising/cooking.

        I think my next step is to sit down with a calculator and work out some different recipe sizes. The 400g is great for a small loaf in the breadmaker, but a touch too big for this tin and makes 5 rolls, when either 4 or 6 would work better. Its a good time to do it, as I’ve just used the last of my pre-measured 400g containers.

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      gees, you are all such great bakers

      i’m good, not great like youse guys

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  • Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Fuck you rain. In going to go for a walk in shorts and a singlet. All by my lonesome.

    No jacket or umbrella.

    Sure would be a shame if it rained…

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      have you put the washing out? Jeans because they take ages to dry.

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  • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Back from an overnighter in Bendigo to see Ben Folds (who is as disgustingly talented as ever) and looking forward to having no plans or commitments until work on Monday.

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  • useless_modern_god@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I went to the Terminus Hotel for lunch. Food was mid. I don’t think I’ll return. At least they had Guinness on tap.

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    • SaneMartigan@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I reckon the Terminus has been mid for ten years now.

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      • useless_modern_god@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I had never been so, now I know.

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  • Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I wish the proposed rain would stop edging me lol

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  • imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Ok got some cooking to do and tomorrow I have floors and washing (hanging it inside!) but other than that I am ready for a cosy day at home. Bring on the storms!!!

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  • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I’ve just done a pumpkin headcount and (depending on how many are properly fertilised and continue to grow) it looks like I could end up with a dozen pumpkins this year. That’s a lot of pumpkin for a single person. Hopefully they don’t get too big.

    There are also a lot of fruit on the tomato plants, but I still don’t have any ripening.

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    • SituationCake@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Great way to make friends with the neighbours, gift a pumpkin!

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    • SaneMartigan@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Dang, my tomato plants are just about done.

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      • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I pulled mine out in disgust this year.

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  • Bottom_racer@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Got back to melbs yesterday. Southern x isn’t very pleasant at the best of times but yesterday was something else w/ the RH.

    Anyway back on the soup trial and error for ol’ girl train. After that mouth op that was 10 days without anything balanced / substantial.

    P’s leave for japan in 11 days so effectively I have maybe 2/3 days to work this out as I’m not sure what’s changed.

    Struck me that it’s funny (not really) that you can have access to the best healthcare / whatever food you want / see specialists at the drop of a hat completely bypassing wait times / dieticians whenever / physio whenver (that was refused) but a huge aspect for general nutrition and wellbeing boils down to… is in this case… soup. Scary really.

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    • Eagle@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      It boils down to having someone willing to take the time and effort to make the soup just the right way. And none of that can be bought.

      She is so lucky to have you.

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  • Alamutjones@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I have observed children’s netball. Big got player of the match in the under-9s

    I have also observed a swimming lesson. Little has mastered backstroke

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  • StudChud@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I’m so happy I have a physical calendar now. I’ve written everyone’s birthdays in it so I’ll never forget again - for whatever reason putting them into my phone calendar isn’t the same and doesn’t help lol.

    Just sent MiL a message saying happy birthday, after years of partner forgetting (ADHD brain lol), and I feel really good lol

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    • tombruzzo@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I picked up a page a day diary really cheap and it’s great because you can’t write reminders in ahead of time in a normal notebook

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I love physical calendars, it’s just so easy

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    • PeelerSheila@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I’ve got a calendar for upcoming stuff and birthdays and a small whiteboard I write the business of the day on. I just can’t do digital/phone calendars, they don’t work for me visually the same way. Also the whole family can use it, so it’s better in that way as well.

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  • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Okay okay loving this Mountain preference there seems to be!

    How about… lake vs river?

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    • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I don’t think I could choose between them.

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    • imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      River. It’s just better

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      • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I’m a big fan of flowing river!

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      River.

      I’ve lived on a big river and loved it.

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      • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        How big of a river? Vs, say the Murray? (only river I can think of right now that I have an understanding of the size 😆 ) What did you love about it?

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    • tombruzzo@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I’d say lake because whenever I think of rivers it’s shitty tiny little streams of water like I got out in the country or Rusty Bucket Bay pollution like the Yarra in the CBD. Narrandera in NSW has the Lake Talbot water park so that’s probably what i think of for lakes

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  • bacon@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    how did it take me this far into adulthood to realise that a damp sponge is the best thing to dust with. None of those special cloths even come close. Dry dust sticks to it, and then rinses right off.

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    • SaneMartigan@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      If it’s a flat surface, have you tried the shower squeegee?

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      • bacon@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        Ohhh I haven’t! It’s mostly non flat surface

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    • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      you want damp because it holds the dust

      dry dust put dust in the air

      also, vacuum first, then dust because vacuum cleaners raise dust

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    • SituationCake@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I use a fluffy cloth, like microfibre but fluffier. I have several so when one is full of dust I just get a clean one and then toss them all in the washing machine ready for next time. A lambswool stick duster is useful for fiddly spots or reach up for cobwebs in corners. Then I just take it outside and give a few good whacks on a railing to dislodge the dust.

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  • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Which would you pick: mountain or oceanside escape? Both have equal access to all of the comforts you require.

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    • useless_modern_god@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      I have lived both, the mountain is always the choice for a true escape.

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      • SpinMeAround@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        I would love to hear about your experiences with both!! What made the mountain a true escape? What size mountain are we talking? What were you ocean experiences like?

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    • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Mountain

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    • tone212_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

      Ooh this is hard. I’d say mountain. Probably because a mountain escape feels like a more rare experience compared to ocean.

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      • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

        Fairhaven looks nice, as does the Queensland coast.

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  • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    have much to do today, will have to make detailed lists or nothing will be done

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  • RustyRaven@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    I’m testing my new sandwich loaf tin (the type with a lid to keep it square). I think I might have used too much dough, but it’s hard to tell when you can’t actually see how much it has risen. I guess I’ll find out in about half an hour!

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  • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Just watching railway workers across the road finish replacing the wiring on the line.

    Trains have been stopped most of the day. 😡

    seems to happen every two months

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  • tombruzzo@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    There’s one guy at swimming who either really likes Bowling For Soup or he’s decided that’s his swimming shirt. He’s worn it there two weeks in a row now

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  • bacon@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    Beep Beep 🚚
    🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍈🫐🍓🍇🍉🍌🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥦🥑🫛🍆🍅🥝🥬🥒🌽🥕🥐🍠🫚🥔🧅🥯🍞🥖🥨🧀🧇🥞🧈🍳🥚🥓🥩🍗🍖🫓🍕🍟🍔🌭🥙🧆🌮🌯🥗🍲🍜🍝🥘🍛🍣🍱🥟🦪🍥🍘🍚🍙🐠🍤🪼🦀🐙 🍗🥮🍢🍡🍧🍰🧁🥧🍦🍨🎂🍮🍭🍬🍫🥜🌰🍪🍿🍯🥛☕️🍵🍺🍶🥤🧋🧃🥂🍷🥃🍸🍹🧉🔋

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  • Seagoon_@aussie.zone ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago

    warm uncomfortable night

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