[James Gutierrez]

Have you tried anything new lately?​

I tried ‘gentle stretching’ earlier and pulled something I didn’t know I had, so… do better than me, folks!

Image source: Michał Parzuchowski / Unsplash

Share it in the comments below! We'd love to know what you've been up to lately.

 

[glenysmb]

Last week, I tried black opal fossicking. Black opal is the rarest of all opals in the world and is only found in 2 places in the world: Lightning Ridge + Ethiopia. Did my homework first, to know what to look for. Then did 2 must-do tours: Black Opal tour of Lightning Ridge town area + Outback Black Opal tour (goes about 80km south west of Lightning Ridge, northern NSW) + watched an excellent in-person presentation at Down to Earth Opals at Lightning Ridge (3.30p.m. every Wednesday and Friday), to learn how the rough stones are cut and polished. Both tours (but especially the full-day Outback Black Opal tour) were great + included fossicking experiences. I found a beautiful little, rare, black opal with the rarest of all colours, red, inside at the Glengarry "Hilton" fossicking site. Had it cut and polished at Down to Earth opal shop. My precious little memento is worth around $600 now, though if sold in a shop, would be priced around $1,200. I caught the Murray's bus from Roma Street, Brisbane, direct to Lightning Ridge. 11 1/2 hour, comfortable, trip, but stops at Goondiwindi, St. George, Dirranbandi en route, so it's great to see these little towns as an extra. Murray's service goes there and returns 2 x week; A wonderful experience. Even if you don't find any opals, the experience is so worth it. Visit the Chambers of the Black Hand on the first tour of the town area. Amazing experience also. 10.5.2025

 

[Mikev]

I recently got a heated plush electric blanket that can be used as a wraparound. I think it’s my new favourite thing.

 

[Vet543]

Well I'm reading the exercise in the morning is really good for the body and mind SO... Early one morning, I managed to do 10 cartwheels non-stop then 20 pushups , still feeling good so I did 5 mid- air somersaults AND FINALLY WOKE UP and headed for the leftover pavlova and 2 cans of creaming soda
Feeling great now

 

[Gil]

I have suffered from a "bad back" since injuring it whilst lifting the drawbar of a loaded trailer onto the towball on the car, back in 1976. In attempts to alleviate the pain over the years, I have tried chiropractors, physiotherapists, authentic Thai massage, and prescription-only painkillers. The chiropractors, physiotherapists and masseurs were an aim at curing the problem, but all failed. I was then left with the choice of either surgery to fix the problem or continual medication (painkillers), which only masks the problem. I have been taking the painkillers for a few months.
Last week, I was informed about a local Thai lady who performs injury treatment through remedial massage. This differs greatly from authentic Thai massage. It is aimed at the muscles that run alongside the spine, through the glutes, and the neck. I had her carry out a one-hour session on my back. I have never felt better in the last 49 years. Let's hope it is a permanent remedy, only required every so often.

 

[PattiB]

I’ve spent quite a bit of time with my friend who is on respite in a nursing home. Unfortunately, she has dementia & with her poor husband desperately needing a break, I helped out with visits, laundry etc. He did manage to get away on a macro camera course, & spent the weekend on a mountain photographing fungi. Meanwhile, back at the home there was me playing BINGO of all things, while trying to help my friend play as well. It took me back to the years I worked in a kindergarten, playing games with 4 yr. olds, except that was easier, they didn’t move tokens off something to put on another. I even won a game but told my friend that she’d won so that the chocolate prize went to her. It was a totally new experience for me & please dont let it happen again. Are any of our members in a nursing home & if so how do you find it? It was a bit too quiet for me.

 

[Littleboy8]

I’ve spent quite a bit of time with my friend who is on respite in a nursing home. Unfortunately, she has dementia & with her poor husband desperately needing a break, I helped out with visits, laundry etc. He did manage to get away on a macro camera course, & spent the weekend on a mountain photographing fungi. Meanwhile, back at the home there was me playing BINGO of all things, while trying to help my friend play as well. It took me back to the years I worked in a kindergarten, playing games with 4 yr. olds, except that was easier, they didn’t move tokens off something to put on another. I even won a game but told my friend that she’d won so that the chocolate prize went to her. It was a totally new experience for me & please dont let it happen again. Are any of our members in a nursing home & if so how do you find it? It was a bit too quiet for me.

I worked in one for twelve years as a cook and it was never quiet, always bed pans rattling and residents yelling out and visitors everywhere I loved it.