So. Today was Father's Day.

[venetia_sassy]

Two nights ago, my dad's hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand was battered by an earthquake of 7.1 on the Richter scale. Most of my paternal relatives live in the area and while there have been no reported deaths, there has been considerable property damage. Fortunately, my brother was able to get in touch with them today - no injuries and no property damage among the family, thank goodness.

Okay, somehow the idea of New Zealand + earthquakes had never occurred to me. Yeah, geology's not my best subject.

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Today was Father's Day in Australia. This means that I will no longer have to flinch when I check my email - no more subject lines such as 'Great Gift Ideas for Dad!' And I can go to the shops with out seeing signs for Father's Day sales and gift ideas. One good thing - I wasn't looking at any of those and thinking, oh Dad would love that! Dad was impossible to buy for. Brother's the same way. *sigh* I don't know how he's feeling today - he's a dad himself now. But he's already reverted to his usual uncommunicative self.

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I did go out yesterday, avoiding major shopping centres (and Bunnings) which would have been even more insane than the usual Saturday crowds. Mum and I went to a local homemaker centre where she was buying a picture frame and I bought a saucepan from my favourite kitchenstore (wholesale prices!) This may not sound very exciting but it was a 2.8L saucepan with bonus steamer insert. Currently I have nothing in that size - 1.7L and a 4L but nothing in between. And the current steamer insert is annoying to use. I am hoping when Persia comes to visit next week she might teach me to make tahdig. She's always had trouble making it at our place because we haven't had a saucepan the right size. *hopes*

Yes, I am a kitchen nerd. Geek. Is there a word?

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Our internet was down yesterday, hence lack of posting. We still don't know why but it seems to be behaving now. I can deal with lack of television but DO NOT MESS WITH MY INTERNET.

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Mum has a foul cold. I have a nasty suspicion I'm getting it too. Lightly? Please, universe?