Mal's Gherkin Pram

MS and Memory - Brain/Cog Fog

2026-08-18T11:03:08.127+10:00

"Brain Fades... Brain Fog" is how they're described... fuzzy fade-outs, like walking through a thick fog out of nowhere, like a thought just... fades mid-thought, mid-sentence! I have to quickly apologise and say, "Just give me a second... stoopid MS!"

Forgetting words, mixing up words, tripping over words I know well, and I know they are there - they just won't come out... It's very frustrating.

It feels like my brain is moving in slow motion when it hits me. It's like a big brain fart. It can be mixing up a word while you speak, forgetting simple things. Forgetting your own name, etc.

You feel like an idiot!

No, I am not stupid or retarded. If I sometimes seem to stumble or pause my words mid-sentence, or perhaps say things in the wrong order (I seem to be a master of 'spoonerisms'!), or even stutter... just give me a second to sometimes get the right words out, as sometimes they just don't come.

These 'short-term memory lapses' are supposedly one of the effects of MS.

"Cog" means "Cognitive Issues".

Is MS Fatigue part of it too? Possibly, but I don't know.

Check out this video:

(Source)

I live by handwritten lists these days and still use an old-school diary as well... otherwise, things just seem to slip from my mind.

I know that, as a musician, I have to rely on 'charts' most of the time now, simply because I can forget where I am in the middle of a song, or what the song key/chord pattern is! I never needed to use charts before!

It's the same thing with my creative writing - when a thought/idea/concept pops into my head, I have to write it down straight away, otherwise... poof! It's gone! It's like staring at a blank page/screen! Nothing wants to come, dammit... so frustrating.

I love to study, but with the Brain Fog, it's hard to stay focused and concentrate, let alone for stuff to 'stick' and apply it.

Even the act of writing a blog or a Tweet can be a challenge sometimes!

Presenting live-to-air radio is a no-go for me these days, too, as well... having a fade-out on an open mic, or forgetting what/where you are up to mid-song/program is not a good thing! A list helps, but it makes me feel really 'unprofessional' when it happens. When it happened in the past, I'd make a joke about it and carry on. But it seems to be getting a bit worse now, perhaps?

Catch-22... I don't know if it's because of the meds for my bipolar depression, or because of the MS... or simply that I'm getting older... or all of 'em mixed together!

It's something else I'm continuing to 'process' - usually as it randomly strikes.

"I've reached an age where my train of thought often leaves the station without me."

My head, filled with what seems like bubble wrap.
Pudding is livelier.
If & when I ever get another idea it will be like lighting a match in a fart factory.
Blank as my mind. Staring at a blank page. Blank. Like the deposit column of my checkbook.
My mind is clicking along like Microsoft Explorer.
Functional as a Ford Pinto.
Satisfying as a glass of water at room-temperature.
Sitting here with my feet up. Why? It’s not like I have labored or anything. Because I have zero energy. Zilch. I wake up tired even after a descent night’s sleep.
OMG, any less brain activity I’d be a scarecrow!
I have the enthusiasm of oatmeal.

(Source)

TIPS to Help Defeat Brain Fog

Stay mentally active! Read a book, learn lyrics to a song. Doing puzzles, There are even game apps you can download that helps with neuroplasticity.

Speak to a doctor about it. That reassurance that you aren’t losing your mind makes a massive difference.

Stop what you are doing. Take a rest or a walk…. Just change the situation and refresh your mind…. Rest but also the correct amount of exercise; everyone’s MS is different.

Sometimes naps or resting helps, where I actually close my eyes & think of nothing. Other times, specific focus on something, where I read or colour or concentrate-- like mindful meditation. Giving my brain a challenge really helps!!

I know a group of us (from all over the world) shared about this common situation, together on Twitter last week, for which I am greatly encouraged. Considering I've been using Twitter (in a fairly basic, limited way) for the previous 6+ years, over the past months - I've found it more useful and helpful than ever - connecting to like-minded MS-ers, all over the world.

#MS #MultipleSclerosis #ChatMS #LiveWiseMS #MSAwareness

#MSlife #LivingwithMS #CureMS #MSWarriors #MSFamily #MSPals #Thankful

@MustStopMS @MS_Australia @shiftms @voicesofms

@msgetinvolved @KISSGOODBYEAUS @mssocietyuk

► Article: Brain Fog (MSAustralia)

► Article: Cognitive Changes in MS

► Blog: Confused? Focus?

► Article: "My Cognitive Changes Because Of Multiple Sclerosis"

► Article: "MS Thinking and Memory Problems"

► Article: "Oops, Sorry, I Forgot"

► Article: I Wasn’t Prepared for the Way Cognitive Issues from MS Would Change My Life

► Article: Brain fog – does anyone care? A discussion blog

► Article: "17 Apps That Can Make Life Easier When Brain Fog Takes Over" (The Mighty)

Bookmark this page: MS Brain Fog

Also: COG Fog

Peas be with ewe
Times

How To CURE Any Illness

2026-08-17T14:55:06.070+10:00

How to get rid of any illness...

Your fail-safe Miracle Cure is only a few simple steps away!

Secrets Revealed!

1) Drink 15 litres of organic apple cider vinegar every day. Everyday.

2) Rub unprocessed coconut oil into your eyes counterclockwise (important).

3) Stick kale up your bum. Chew vigorously.

4) Snort 5 gm of quinoa each morning.

5) Shower in herbal gluten-free green tea.

6) Put turmeric paste on your wrists.

7) Cannabis... lots of cannabis.

8) Avoid meat, dairy, water, oxygen and people.

9) While standing naked in the middle of a motorway with your eyes closed, bathe in ice-cold Kombucha.

10) Facing due West, repeatedly jump on one foot, on the night of a full moon, at exactly 12pm on the first day of the month, when the wild wolf howls in the key of C#, juggle one of your kidneys with your left hand, whilst whistling Beethoven's 9th, wearing someone else's false teeth and holding magic moon crystals.

60% of the time, this works every time.

And remember! A glass of bleach a day keeps the doctors away.

Thanks to Chronically Sarah @potsiegirlsarah for the original post!

➤ Note: Having MS myself, I have witnessed so much distorted unverifiable misinformation, baseless crap and outright quackery out there online, that I am entitled to be wholly cynical with any new claim to a "miracle cure", "treatment" and/or "reversal"!

Debunking Bull$#it 'Cures' for #MS

youtu.be/u47mCA8eUBw

Bookmark this page: How To Be Cured

Also: Be Cured

Peas be with ewe
Mal

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

2026-08-15T15:17:30.750+10:00

(NOTE: This post is not a "pity-party/woe-is-me" thing, as I'm simply sharing a very brief insight into some of the reasons why I may act so "up-and-down" from time to time.

All of this is quite frustrating for me, as I was always quite well health-wise overall, until my mid-40s! (I'm 58 now).

Blimey... I don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, gamble, nor video games (Boring old fart, huh? lol)

I guess the 'joys' of a life lived with stress, anxiety, and depression have caught up with my physical health!)

In 2003 (aged 39), I was diagnosed as having a chronic (ie. life-long) autoimmune disease called Ulcerative Colitis ("UC").

It means that I often can't get to the lavatory in time (and I don't mean peeing here!)

✨ When I have to go to the toilet, I mean I have to go NOW - it kicks in that quickly and randomly, unexpectedly sometimes! It's that sense of URGENCY that is the main problem. ✨

As an autoimmune disease of my colon, basically, it's as if my own bowel is attacking itself. Specific diets and/or medication help bring me relief, but aren't a cure - there isn't one, just maintenance and containment/control.

I'd been living with it for about 10-15 years and wasn't properly diagnosed until 2003.

"Living with a chronic illness like UC means embracing disruption and chaos as a part of every day."

► GREAT Article: "What I Wished Other People Knew About Life with UC"

What IS Ulcerative Colitis ('UC')?

► Watch this video:

Watch this video on YouTube

► Crohn’s & Colitis Australia 🦘

► The Australian National Public Toilet Map is an amazing resource to have and know - seriously!! 🦘

Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis ulcerosa) ('UC') is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a form of colitis, a disease of the intestine, specifically the lining of the large intestine or colon/bowel, that includes characteristic ulcers, inflamed or open sores in the colon, which may bleed.

It's like the lining of my colon, instead of being smooth, looks like sandpaper.

The main symptom of active disease is usually diarrhea mixed with blood, which often leads to anemia. Ulcerative colitis is, however, a systemic disease that affects many parts of the body outside the intestine.

(NB. IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a troublesome, but much less serious, condition).

I have what is called "Pancolitis", which involves my entire colon.

There are no direct known causes for ulcerative colitis, and it is not contagious. There is no current cure.

While it won't necessarily kill me, the disease primarily affects the quality of life and not lifespan.

It is hard for people to understand when I explain the condition I have been dealing with. I may look like a healthy person on the outside, but what they don't know is my serious medical condition on the inside, and need to take care of myself. There are times when I get frustrated wishing things were different, but I believe my condition has made me understand life from a different perspective. I do not take anything for granted and appreciate the little things in life. I laugh a lot, now.

Although UC has no known cause, there is a presumed genetic component to susceptibility. The disease may be triggered by environmental factors. Although dietary modification may reduce the discomfort of a person with the disease, UC is not thought to be caused by dietary factors. Although there is no clinical evidence to suggest that specialist diets benefit persons with UC, good nutrition is essential to the healing process. When the disease is active, many people lose their appetite or try to avoid eating to prevent further symptoms. Lack of adequate nutrition worsens tiredness and fatigue and eventually leads to weight loss.

Symptoms

The inflamed lining also produces a larger-than-normal amount of intestinal lubricant or mucus which sometimes contains pus. Inflammation in the colon reduces its ability to reabsorb fluid from the feces which causes diarrhea. Inflammation in the rectum can lead to a sense of urgency to have a bowel movement.

The disease may be accompanied by different degrees of abdominal pain, from mild discomfort to painful bowel movements or painful abdominal cramping with bowel movements.

The chronic loss of blood from the GI tract leads to increased rates of anemia, which is causing me much fatigue, sometimes leads to brief dizzy spells, and affects my energy levels.

As UC is believed to have a systemic (i.e. autoimmune) origin, it sometimes also randomly affects my mouth with ulcers, and sometimes foot cramps.

Patients with ulcerative colitis usually have an intermittent course, with periods of disease inactivity alternating with "flares" of disease.

Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is treated as an autoimmune disease. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppression, and biological therapy targeting specific components of the immune response.

Standard treatment for UC depends on the extent and disease severity. The goal is to (i) induce remission initially with medications, followed by the administration of (ii) maintenance medications to prevent a relapse of the disease. The medications used to induce and maintain remission somewhat overlap, but the treatments are different. Physicians first direct treatment to induce remission which involves relief of symptoms and mucosal healing of the lining of the colon, and then longer-term treatment to maintain the remission and prevent complications.

There is a significantly increased risk of colon/bowel cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis, hence regular colonoscopies.

Four medications I am currently using for my UC:

Mercaptopureine / Puri-Nethol: 100mg twice daily (I nickname this one "Metaporcupine").

Pantoprazole / Somac: 20mg once daily (I nickname this one "Soma").

Salazopyrin (Pyralin): 500mg 2 x thrice daily.

Entocort: 3mg daily. This has been really helping me lately, thankfully.

I was on Mesalamine / Pentasa: 500mg two tabs twice daily, but not now - it was having negative side effects on me!

I will have ongoing Colonoscopies every c. 12-18 months to keep an eye on things in there.

Diet

Most research points out that a particular diet has nothing to do with it at all - good overall nutrition is more important. I am currently trying to eat a gluten/dairy/sugar-free diet.... note the word 'trying'!

Note: a lot of trying to find "what works" for me is trial and error... and it is different for everyone who suffers from UC... there is no "one" overall "way" that helps more than another.

► Article: "What To Drink and What Not To Drink With Ulcerative Colitis"

People generally experience a psychological adjustment when diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common. People often feel a sense of loss and grief that everything is not functioning as well as it had previously. There are associated fears about the long-term prognosis. When diagnosed with UC, people report distress about disruption to lifestyle (regular bowel movements, often with a sense of urgency, anxiety about feeling the need to be close to a toilet etc.), having to take prescription medication indefinitely (some medication can illicit nausea, mood swings and irritability), and sometimes having to live with a level of chronic pain. These are some of the main changes experienced in people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Societal attitudes preclude people from openly discussing bowel problems. This usually compounds people's sense of isolation and willingness to disclose their condition to friends, family and work colleagues. Current statistics suggest one in ten Australians have a bowel condition requiring medication and regular monitoring by their doctor.

💜 UC Twitter Tags 💜

💥 To search Twitter using any of these Tags:

Write or Copy/paste the tag into the "🔍 Search Twitter" box

#ulcerativecolitis #Colitis #UC #FlushTheStigma #chronicillness #GotGuts #ittakesguts #colitisawareness #ulcerativecolitisfighter #colitiswarrior #GetYourBellyOut #autoimmunedisease #CrohnsColitisAustralia #spoonie #CutTheCrap

🆗➽►→ rb.gy/cwjyry ←◄🆗

► Article: UC - a few facts

► Autoimmune Disease

► The National Public Toilet Map is an amazing resource to have and know - seriously!!

► Article: "Things you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT say to someone with a chronic illness"

► Article: "What I Wished Other People Knew About Life with UC"

► Colonoscopy (1)

► Colonoscopy (2)

Bookmark this Page: Ulcerative Colitis

Also: U. Colitis

Peas be with ewe
Mal

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2026-08-12T13:05:39.822+10:00

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Peas be with ewe
Mal

Thoon and Katia - My Goldfish

2026-08-12T02:21:20.723+10:00

4.8 years old! wOOt!

💕💐🍾🥳🎂🎁🎉🍭✨

("Born" - September 20, 2021)

20 Sept 2024

11 February 2024

2 years 4 months old!

Katia is now about 15 cm/5.9 inches in length, and Thoon is c. 13 cm/5.1 inches.

Monty Python "Find the Fish"

(View on YouTube)

Katia and Thoon, 4 October 2023

Katia glowing in the sunlight

Thoon & Katia; "Yo! Human! Wassup?!"

14 January 2024

How the heck do you measure the length of an active goldfish? [laffs] Katia is now about 15 cm/5.9 inches in length, and Thoon is c. 13 cm/5.1 inches.

11 October 2023

I bought Thoon and Katia a new tank-cleaning vacuum, and it works like a charm! I just run the emptying hose out the front door, which empties onto the front lawn - no problem! Now cleaning/changing the water in their tank is much easier and simpler for lil' ol' me [yay!]. It even came with its own video, tho my machine is red [which, of course, we all know, just goes faster! lol].

Now their tank looks clear and pristine every day... sure, they don't appreciate the intrusion while the cleaning is taking place, but they do after it's all finished. They've never thanked me tho, either, ungrateful buggers [laffs].

I have to laugh... cleaning the tank mid-summer is better than mid-winter, as their water is BLOODY FREEZING! 🥶

(Watch on YouTube)

"Me happy... fishies happy..."

15 August 2023

I caught myself making an unconscious Spoonerism today - instead of 'Thoon and Katia', it came out as 'Thatia and Koon'... I made myself laugh.

24 April 2023

I gave their fish tank a jolly good cleaning out today, including rinsing out the gravel etc. Poor Katia was NOT happy when she got momentarily stuck in the vacuum hose nozzle (she's fine)... plus neither of them was happy being placed in a small bowl during the cleaning process... it took them a while after it was all done to look me straight in the eye again [laffs]. Sturdy buggers they are.

28 March 2023

I think I saved the life of one of my goldfish today. Katia got a small pebble stuck in her mouth; she (I should not assume the gender of my goldfish, huh? lol. As it is, I have no idea what either of them is!) would have starved to death, as she had been unable to remove it!

I grabbed my small net, and of course, being the feisty Alpha fish she is, she put up a fight while I tried to catch her and try to do something to help. Thankfully, in her moment, the small pebble popped out all OK! Phew! No harm done.

10 July 2023

I know it doesn't sound like much, but I enjoy my two goldfishies. I've been enjoying this pair's company now for 1 year 10 months [grins]. Their "Birthday" is 20 Sept 2021.

Thoon & Katia

28 March 2023

10 March 2023

Katia 10 March 2023

💥 If anyone has any practical tips on how to get a good fishie photo, pls let me know! 💥

Answer: get a bloody better camera [laffs]

My freshwater tank measures

600mm wide x 300mm deep x 400mm high

23.6 in x 11.8 in x 15.7 in

Tank Volume: 70 litres / 18.5 US Gallons

(Originally Posted: 23 Sept 2022)

I attempted to take a picture of one of my two goldfish, "Thoon", because he's a bit of an oddity: he is a normal Comet, but he has three tail fins!

"Thoon's 3rd fin is a superpower, and he doesn't know" - SB

It doesn't negatively affect him at all, thankfully.

(NB. It's not easy taking a photo of a goldfish with a little 'point'n'shoot' camera!)

I kinda like the irony that I have a unique common goldfish! Thanks, Thoon! 🐠

Here's the tank and Katia putting on a show, whilst Thoon is shyly poking his head out from behind a plant (lower centre)

➽► So, why "Thoon"?

Short answer: it's a fun, silly, random name (very me...).

Long answer: In a band many years ago, we used to invent words for sounds (for silly fun)... 'Thoon' was "the sound of a cricket ball bowled just past off-stump..." 🏏

Much later, I discovered that 'Thoon' was the name of a Giant in Homer's "Iliad"! 😄

I know... It's bizarre, random and absurd... perfect!

➽► So, why "Katia"?

Basically, I just really liked that name for many years!

(View on YouTube)

Answer: YES!

It's when they start talking back that... er um... [laffs]

(Not my tank, unfortunately! Thanks to @BrownsFanGurl for the vid!)

Relax with this video of Goldfish

(Not my tank tho!)

(Source)

➽ Also see: 2 New Fishies

Bookmark this Page

Also: Thoon

Peas be with ewe
Mal

My Sense of Humour

2026-08-12T02:19:38.701+10:00

Oh! I most certainly have NOT lost my happy, harmless silly-fun warpo sense of surreal stream-of-consciousness random absurdist humour, either, thank goodness... I enjoy it! I often find some of lifes' situations absolutely absurdly hilarious! It's all quite inoffensive, I assure you. "Harmlessly cheeky", someone once described it.

💥 It's like my angst relief valve - it's healthy! 💥

"Lifes' too short not to laugh at yourself"

"If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane" - Robert Frost

"My life's script is written with a good sense of humour and a shitty budget" - Lisandra

"If we didn't laugh, we'd disturb the neighbours with our screaming" - Lancelot's Pram

► Article: MS - Trying to Find the Funny Side

► The Goons, Monty Python, The Far Side, Fawlty Towers, The Goodies... that really tickles my fancy.

💥 CLASSIC BRITISH COMEDY GOLD 💥

💯 → ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ← 💯

🤭😺😀😃😄😸😁😆😂😜

#TheGoons #DouglasAdams #FawltyTowers #MontyPython #TonyHancock #ClassicBritishComedy

#LaughterIstheBestMedicine #ChuckleBreak #Comedy #Stupidity #Absurd #Silly #Fun #Amusement #Humour #Funny

Documentary on The Goons

Watch on YouTube

► I'm also a very visual person, so the printed/moving image resonates strongly with my sense of humour. I fell in love with The Far Side the very first time I ever saw it: random, absurd. Perfect.

I love a good movie that makes me laugh... I often appreciate quirky funny things in a film scene that other people don't pick up on.

► Top 10 Funniest Movie Moments

► 10 Funniest Movie Moments That Were Unscripted

► But I also adore the quirks of language too! (Joyce, Dr Seuss, Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, Spoonerism's...)

► Asparagus

💥 I appreciate a lot of people don't "get" me - and that's OK, too. Tis not my problem.

✨ Some Twitter Tags ✨

💥 To search Twitter using any of these Tags 💥

Write or Copy/paste the tag into the "🔍 Search Twitter" box.

#laughteristhebestmedicine #DoomAndGloomBreak #ChuckleBreak #comedy #stupidity #silly #fun #Absurdity #amusement #humour #GottaLaugh #absurdism #andnowforsomethingcompletelydifferent

#nationalabsurdityday #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #funny #funnyvideos #jokes

🤭😺😀😃😄😸😁😆😂😜

➽ Odd Socks

➤ Bookmark this page: My Sense of Humour

Also: Humour

Peas be with ewe
Mal

Various Online Radio Stations

2026-08-06T15:50:49.651+10:00

Various Online Radio Stations

(NB. a small eclectic selection...

in no particular order...)

Listnr

Quasar The Album Station

The Album Station

Boomerang 60's

Greatest Hits 1960's

The 60's Channel

Easy 60's

Totally Radio 60s

60's 70's Oldies

Magic 60s

Rock 60's

Magic 60s

Positively 60's

M80 - 60's

ON 60s

Heart 60s

Greatest Hits Motown

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

Retro Album Rock

APS Radio Oldies & Classics

The Beatles

Crowded House

The Byrds

The Rolling Stones

The Who

Led Zeppelin

Pink Floyd

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Bob Dylan

The Doors

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Deep Purple

Eric Clapton

ELO

The Hollies

Dire Straits

John Lennon

Paul McCartney

George Harrison

The Monkees

Jefferson Airplane

The Beach Boys

Booker T & The MG's

Four Tops

Neil Young

The Yardbirds

Small Faces

The Kinks

U2

Stevie Wonder

Peter Gabriel

The Police (Hits)

Santana

Fleetwood Mac

Elton John

Simon & Garfunkel

Jack Johnson

The Band

The Bee Gees

Buddy Holly

Roxette

Sade

Norah Jones

Soft Rock

Totally Radio Rock

Rock 70's

70's Rock

Blues Radio

Perfect Blues

NOSTALGIE Blues

The Best of Blues

ABC Triple J

ABC Double J

ABC Triple J Unearthed

The Penguin

ABC Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Mellow Smooth Jazz

Smooth Jazz

The Best of Smooth Jazz

APS Radio Jazz

SBS Chill

ABC Classic FM

Sleep Radio

Sleep FM

Calm Sleepy

Calm Dreamscapes

24/7 Deep Sleep Music Relaxing Music Insomnia Sleep Relaxing Music Study Sleep Meditation

Positively Calming

Calm Massage

Calm Bowls

Calm Birdsong

Calm Meditation

Calm Spa

Calm Stress Relief

ABC News Radio

2GB Sydney

Triple M NRL

ABC Sport

Guerilla Cricket Commentary (UK)

ABC Radio National (Australia)

BBC World Service

2BS

B-Rock FM

2MCE

2LT

Move FM

(Old Links here)

Bookmark this Page or Various Online Radio Stations

Peas be with ewe
Mal

My Electronic Devices

2026-07-30T20:46:16.904+10:00

My Electronic Devices

💥 My Desk Space (April 2021) - the oil painting is an original from the guitarist (Alexander) in the band "Surprise".

💥 Laptop: MSI Modern 15 F13M (June 2026)

Laptop: Kogan Atlas 15.6" (September 2024)

💥 Smaller Laptop/Tablet: Kogan Atlas D600 10.1" 2-in-1 with Touchscreen (October 2024, $150)

Specs (1) & (2)

💥 Tablet

Lenovo Tab M11 (May 2025)

💥 Keyboard

I bought this one on sale at one of our local retailers in October 2022; my old keyboard was feeling a bit 'clunky' to my "Dizzy Fingers"... this one feels great! I use it in combination with the laptop (rather than using the laptop's keyboard).

💥 Voice-to-Text

15 March 2023

Well, I feel like a complete idiot. I have just figured out how to use voice-to-text and I'm using it right now to write this. It works brilliantly on both my laptop and my mobile phone and my tablet. No more worries about my MS "Dizzy Fingers". Why didn't I do this ages ago? It's so easy. Now I don't have to mess around with a USB mouse and a USB keyboard to send a text message on my mobile phone (cf. below). People told me about this years ago, but it wasn't until just now that I actually thought, "Hmmm... let's do it!"

Stupid males! lolol

💥 Bluetooth Keyboard

Works and feels great! Saves me from having to try and fail to use my Android Touch Screen stuff! The story (click).

But: cf the 'Stylus Writing Pen' (below).

💥 Bluetooth Mouse

Works and feels great! Saves me from having to try and fail to use my Android Touch Screen stuff! The story: (click)

But: cf the 'Stylus Writing Pen' (below).

💥 Bluetooth Soundbar Speaker

So clear and crisp and doesn't have to be loud at all (just 9 watts); sits atop my laptop on my desk

💥 Portable Wireless (ie. Bluetooth) Speaker, which I use in the kitchen, connected to the laptop. Lovin' the fun colours.

💥 Mobile Phone: Samsung Galaxy A13 (July 2023): an early 59th birthday present to myself.

Read my story about it here.

(Specs)

💥 Tripod and Mount for the Mobile phone camera

No more shaky pics. 😉

💥 Stylus Writing Pens: Why hadn't I got one of these bloody things before now? I guess I completely forgot about it, as it'd fallen off my 'Bucket List'. As it is, the one I got myself is really bloody easy for me to use on the mobile's touchscreen with my stoopid numb MS hands/fingers - yay!

💥 Wacom One Drawing Pad: (31 October 2023) When connected to my laptop [etc], this is drawing made easy! I bought one very cheaply through eBay, and it works like a dream. Now comes the bit where I have to figure out how to use it! Plus it'll only be good for me to sketch/draw etc when my MS Hands/Dizzy Fingers want to cooperate. But it's there ready to go and so easy to use. Weeee! NB. This is an absolute decadent luxury for me.

21 July 2023

I bought myself one of these things inexpensively on eBay (an early Birthday present?) just so I can use my phone and tablet whilst I'm sitting up in bed (aah, the joys of being an old fart! lol)

💥 July 2023: My brother gave me their old unused Akai 7-Inch Portable DVD player: I can sit in bed and watch my DVD's now! Tis such a decadent luxury for me 😁 THANK YOU! 💗

💥 MP3 Player: I've had this for years, and had completely forgotten about it; works just fine. I just remembered that I can listen to its music while I'm out for my daily walks (silly me!)

I keep all the associated charging leads and unit in a small canvas bag, to keep it all together. Of course, when I took the assorted old headphones out that I never use in late November 2022... I laughed!

I use these headphones normally, tho

Crystal clear definition, great bottom end, and really light

No need for high volume at all

💥 OLD PHONE: Optus X Spirit with Android

A glorified answering machine, basically. I use a pre-paid setup. I need to use the Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse (above) (and now Stylus Writing Pen [below]) to be able to send text messages properly.

Specs: (01) Camera: 8MP 4:3

The story: (click).

💥 My Previous Laptop:

September 2024

Lenovo Ideapad 320

The incredible story: (click).

Specs: (01)

💥 (Old)Tablet: QPS "YQ10S" 10.1-inch Tablet (with Android 13.0).

10 November 2023

(Specs).

My old Tablet (cf. below) decided to stop charging. Not bad, considering it is c.10 years old.

I managed to find a brand new one very inexpensively via eBay, which was quickly delivered to my door. This one works like a charm, thankfully. Along with all the various Apps, writing pens etc etc, this is a complete decedent luxury for me (along with the Drawing tablet (cf. below)!

💥 My Previous Tablet: Lenovo Tab 10 TB-X103F with Android

Update: 10 November 2023

This has finally stopped wanting to charge... it dieded!!! So I have been able to replace it (see above).

Some wonderful friends bought this for me a few years ago now. Unfortunately, I can't use it very much at all, due to its incredible slowness, and my 'dizzy fingers' make the touch screen very difficult for me to use. I've tried attaching the Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse with it, but they do not often work/connect. I most certainly do not want to appear ungrateful for this machine.

Specs: (01) & (02)

Camera: 5MP 4:3

March 2023

During my last 'overnighter', I has a totally random thought.. as I don't use the thing much any more, why don't I just totally 'restore to factory default' the thing, like wipe everything off the tablet and just start from scratch (I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before!) Anything I had of importance on there I'd already backed-up etc.

Well: it worked! Now it's like new and fast again! Must have been totally bloated with unnecessary crap, I guess. It'll be a good simple backup now, with a much larger screen than my mobile, so I can use the keyboard on it easily.

Silly moi [laffs at self].

💥 Camera: I occasionally use my little Kodak 'point-and-shoot' camera. Had it for years, and still works like a charm. I use my phone's camera mostly now.

Specs: (01) Camera: 3.3MP 4:3

The story: (click)

💥 New TV

💥 Air Fryer

💥 Vacchume & Dust Buster

💥 Metal Detector

💥 Sewing Machine

Bookmark this Page

Also: Devices

Peas be with ewe
Mal

The Goodies

2026-07-28T23:08:44.316+10:00

With the recent passing of the brilliant Bill Oddie (Bloddie), so many happy, positive, absurd memories of The Goodies come flooding back. Perfectly suited to my sense of humour.

In Australia, their show was repeated on TV every weekday early evening for 20+ years. Every Aussie child in the 70's and 80's watched and knew The Goodies devotedly.

My three children (now adults) still adore The Goodies! Oh YES!!!

https://youtu.be/dDC7vy6Jmac?si=7sK78xOJ3fA1RFvT

I cannot name just one positive, hilarious, absurd moment.

"Bellamy!" 😄

OK, the personal story...

I would have been about 16, c. 1980, when the episode "Animals" aired. Everybody at school watched The Goodies. I mean everybody. This episode would air at about 6pm on a weeknight.

The next morning, on the bus to school, the call of "Bellamy!" echoed up and down the bus, for the entire 20 minutes!

It was unspoken, but everyone. on. that. bus. knew exactly what it meant. We'd all seen it. Popular kids, poor kids, dork kids etc. Everyone... Men. Dressed as rabbits, trying to hide from rogue animals... of course [laffs]

(The episode parodies nature documentaries and presenters—including David Bellamy—while exploring themes of animal rights and the economy running on animal power.)

Twas a truly classic childhood memory. A community event. Brilliant. (Wish I could find a clip... dagnammit...)

cf. from 2:14 to 3:00

https://youtu.be/k2-fH4bLJDA?si=7AWXwWhVf7CQxoS_

I loved to make reference, while I was presenting on the radio, to "And now... 'A Walk in the Black Forest'..."

https://youtu.be/dgb2hrjJXRk?si=Ul-zsljzbWMCkCAZ

https://youtu.be/4dGVNAvc-eg?si=jJcJdHEz5e8x6KwK

I still have their books too.

Peas be with ewe
Mal

The Dizzies/Vertigo

2026-07-27T14:26:54.217+10:00

The Dizzies / The Spins / Vertigo

I'm feeling so *&^%$#ing dizzy today.... goddam I despise that these things just kick in so randomly sometimes.

When it randomly kicks in, sometimes I feel like I have the attention span of a sock!

Catch-22... I never seem to know if these dizzy spells are a side-effect of the meds for my bipolar depression or colitis-inspired anemia, or because of my MS... or simply that I'm getting older!

Managing MS Symptoms: Vertigo

(Source)

MS Vertigo

(Source)

"Vertigo / The Spins / The Dizzies" sort of feels like being very drunk, but without the 'buzz' - my physical body isn't affected, it feels like everything in the room is spinning... doesn't make me nauseous, just tires me right out. It's the sensation of spinning - similar to what you feel on a twirling amusement park ride - even if you’re not moving. Plus it totally stops me from doing anything positively productive... I can't focus on anything long enough, while it's happening. A nap usually nails it on the head... sometimes (Makes me sound so old, doesn't it?!)

I hate it when it kicks in; makes me feel like a real 'little old man', moving about slowly and deliberately, so I don't bloody fall over! Fvck!

Sounds fun, doesn't it? No. No, it doesn't. It's one of the reasons why I have a chair with me, whenever I'm performing on guitar - and why I'll use a walking stick or a walker when it's a bit of a hike - "just in case"...

It's different to the "Brain Fog" that sometimes affects my immediate short-term memory.

(Posted 12 April 2022)

I've been experiencing vertigo a lot these last few weeks. Strangely it's also been affecting me after I first raise up my head after bed/sleep! I literally have to hang on to the bed for a few seconds, as everything very realistically seems to be spinning around me. I have my "Fred" walking stick beside the bed all the time now - just in case. It usually passes with 5-10 seconds tho, thankfully... walking to the toilet etc is OK, but I still take my "Fred", just in case!

(Posted 19 Nov 2021)

I had two totally random brief dizzy spells today, each lasting about 5-ish seconds, about 30 minutes apart; I was not doing anything at the time, nor was I feeling unwell etc. Very bizarre! I spent the rest of the day walking around home with my walking stick - 'just in case'! Nothing else happened, tho. Weird!

➽ Article: MS Vertigo

➽ Article: MS Symptoms: Vertigo and Dizziness

➽ Video: Three exercises to help relieve Vertigo

➽ Video: An easy exercise to help combat Vertigo

Bookmark this page: The "Dizzies"

Also: Vertigo

Peas be with ewe
Mal

My Brother

2026-06-30T16:26:13.445+10:00

My only brother, David, turned 70 in 2024. He is happily married to my "Favourite Sister-in-Law" [an in-joke, as she is my only SiL!], Colleen. They live about a 45-minute car ride away, thankfully.

Colleen and David, December 2024

17 October 2024

David Nov. 2023

Colleen and David, Sept. 2023

The Brothers: misbehaving (?)

Late 2025

David is ten years older than I am, and we almost didn't know each other for many years growing up. It wasn't a negative/hostile thing, we just had nothing in common at all.

It wasn't until my late 20s that we connected; now we are "Besties"! Excellent! We can hang out together now, comfortably with no agendas, and talk for hours effortlessly... from solving the World's Problems to talking absolute silliness... it's great. Truly is.

One fascinating thing is that as we are ten years apart, we have different memories and experiences of our parents, at different times in their lives. We miss them of course. (Dad & Mum)

"He's a good bloke".

Colleen and I are close as well... she's also a "Good bloke" [giggles].

David, Canberra, July 2024

➽ Here are some pics of their amazing little garden.

Gotta love their wild water dragon, living rent-free in their garden!

(April 2026)

➽ NB. Other blog posts about my brother.

Bookmark this Page

Also: Mal's Brother

Peas be with ewe
Mal

Trump: Worst President EVER

2026-06-24T15:31:11.998+10:00

Hey, I'm an Australian saying this!

- the twice impeached former president, Jan. 6 coup leader, convicted felon, adjudicated sexual abuser, racist, misogynistic, mismanaged the 2020 economic implosion and coronavirus disaster that killed more than 1 million people in his country, failed businessman, maker of false or misleading statements, conspiracy theorist... -

Sounds like perfect Presidential material to me... NOT!

His MAGA "Cult" are just that: a cult!

2024 Election

Blatant. Fvcking. NAZIS!

Just. Plain. Creepy.

Remember when Obama...

Cheated on Michelle with numerous women ?

Involved in scandals ?

Gave ISIS a green light ?

Lied in every sentence ?

Used profanity at his whiny racist rallies ?

Yeah me neither!!

➽ My Political Viewpoint

Bookmark

Peas be with ewe
Mal

MS and Heat

2026-06-24T15:29:35.092+10:00

MS and Heat... not good partners!

Our summer temps here play havoc with my MS... hands, arms, feet and legs are buzzing / jelly-like / rubbery like crazy! Thankfully, it all settles down again after it cools down in the early morning - phew! Wipes me out, tho.

During a daytime jazz band gig I was playing at in March 2017, it slowly became very hot and humid in the room we were performing in. For the first set, my MS hands were fine playing guitar (as can be expected, that is!) As the temperature and humidity started to rise during the second set, my hands became very uncooperative! I had to take some 'private alone time' during the break after the second set, just to regather my wits. My hands felt like rubber or jelly for the third set... I could not play accurately at all (for my standards), tho I soldiered on.

I forgot to take my small fan, as part of my standard gig-bag. But I'm also thinking of adding some instant cooling packs as well - just in case it happens to me like that again, in the future. Maybe a small esky with some frozen ice packs as part of my gig-bag, also? Well, if needs be...

It was a real shock for me, to experience this so profoundly when exposed to a sudden change in both temperature and humidity.

When I got home afterwards, and "cooled down" - all was normal with my hands again! Go figure!

Though the drive home after the gig was 'interesting" (all OK, tho), I felt absolutely fatigued as a result of the whole experience.

I love my little air conditioner, tho... saves me on most of those stinkiest-hot Summer days.

In the summer of January 2018, we had a long spell of temps in the mid-to-high 30c's, that went on for weeks (much longer than normal)!

There was one day when, even tho I was wearing water-soaked clothing and a cotton hat sitting in front of an air conditioner, laying on a wet towel on the floor - I was crying in frustration, as it felt at least 10c+ warmer than it was! Even laying on the floor was exhausting that day. Thank goodness I live on my own... it's not such a fashionably-cool look! [laughs]

"Worsening MS Symptoms in the Heat"

(Source)

As fellow MS Twitter Cindy aptly described the after-effects of heat and MS, we are "Left to Roam the Earth like a Retarded Zombie" afterwards.

In Sept. 2023, I managed to get myself one of these frozen neck rings, in preparation for the coming summer temps. Thanks to Temu.

Staying Cool with MS When It's Hot

Stay indoors out of direct heat.

Visit a local public space with air conditioning. ie. library, theatre, club etc.

Use things to cool yourself down: a cooling vest, neck wraps, wet bandannas, a wet hat, wear a wet (tea) towel around your neck.

Pour cold water over my head... once my hair starts to dry, I will repeat this process.

An icy cool drink - keep hydrated.

Freeze bottles of water and sip on the water as it melts throughout the day.

Chew on ice cubes.

Cool in a pool, use a cool bath or shower, or sit under the sprinkler.

Plug in the fan - airflow is important if you lack air conditioning.

Use a spray bottle to lightly spray yourself with water

Wear light loose clothing

Keep bathing water cooler rather than warmer.

Hold ice cubes, ice packs, or anything frozen against the inside of the wrists, back of the neck, or top of the head (ie. 'pulse points') to provide quick relief.

Ice under the arches of your feet.

Place a cool, damp cloth on your skin where the blood vessels are (inside your wrists, around your neck, back of knees/elbows, etc). I use wet cotton 'tennis-style-wristbands.

Wrap some half-full hot water bottles in a tea towel and put them in the freezer; use in bed on those stinking hot nights.

Rather than preparing/eating hot foods, snack on frozen bite-sized pieces of fruit, such as pineapple chunks, banana slices, blueberries, or grapes.

Mix and match different things, to see what works best for you.

Know your limits!

8 WAYS TO STAY HYDRATED OTHER THAN DRINKING WATER

a] Celery

b] Smoothies

c] Cucumbers

d] Coconut Water

e] Watermelon

f] Strawberries

g] Lettuce

Here's a brilliant idea from @motorsportpete:

sweat wristbands soaked in water and left in the fridge to help with the hot weather

► Article: The Effects of Temperature on MS (pdf)

► Article: Uhthoff’s Phenomenon: Understanding Overheating

► Article: Best Hacks for Staying Cool with MS

► Article: Top tips for staying cool in the heat

► Article: Heat and MS: An Impaired Ability to Regulate Temperatures

► Article: Tips on How to Manage Your MS in Hot Weather

► Article: The Power of Keeping Cool

► Blog Repost: "This Heat"

► Article: "Beat the Heat"

► Shift MS: Beating the Heat Tips & Twitter

► Article: MS and Heat: What You Need To Know

► Articles: Heat Sensitivity, Tips to Stay Cool and Research

► Article: "Some like it hot, but I do not" by Mary Pettigrew

Bookmark this page: MS and Heat

Also: MS & Heat

Peas be with ewe
Mal

Spoonersims

2026-06-13T07:18:48.490+10:00

Spoonerisms

One of my MS Speech Problems is that I often get words mixed-up... even when thinking to myself! [laffs]

One thing I seem to have always done is "Spoonerise" words in a sentence... getting sounds back-to-front occasionally... it was very funny when it would happen randomly when I used to present radio - I'd make a gag out of it and move on. MS just seems to amplify it somehow... again, it's very random.

➽ For years I've called Milk "Moo Juice" or "Juice of the Moo" (for the pure silliness of it, of course)... a few weeks ago I subconsciously said "Moose of the Jew" - and I almost fell out laughing!

➽ Another one I caught myself saying today, whilst feeding my goldfish: Normally I joke to myself and say, "it's dinner time for the fishies"... this time it came out as "it's Finner time for the Dishies"...

➽ Bust Duster instead of Dust Buster.

➽ Instead of 'Katia and Thoon' (my goldfish), it came out as "Thaitia and Koon". Another goodie (June '26) was "Thootia".

➽ An oldie: Instead of 'Hot Water Bottle", it came out as "Bot Water Hottle".

➽ A new one today (4 May '24)... Instead of saying "The dizzies have kicked in", it came out as, "The Kizzies have dicked in"... and yes, I laughed out loud at myself.

➽ Instead of "I'll wait until the 'jug boils' ", it came out as "Bug Joiles"!

Silly moi! 😸🤭😺😀😃😄😁😆😂😜

Bookmark this Page

Also: Spoonerisms

Peas be with ewe
Mal

My Current Blog Posts

2026-06-06T15:00:07.403+10:00

➽ Highlights

➽ Current 💥

➽ Other Updated Posts

➽ Blog Posts Archives (Recent)

I've been tweaking my blog here, and my regular blog posts may have become shuffled about with all the adjustments, etc.

Here are my most recent "Newslettery" keeping-in-touch blog posts for you to browse and explore at your own pleasure and leisure. Thanks.

Highlights

Visit with my eldest son and his wife on their country property + photos (Blogpost) 💥

I am SO THANKFUL living here 🏡

I have MS ⚕️🧡

Mal's Current MS stuff (Diary) ⚕️🧡

Positive MS news for Mal 💥

Disability Support Pension - YES! 💥

💥 Current Blog Posts 💥

24 Sept '26 - MS & Heat Suck ☀️🥵

24 June '26 - Trump: Worst. President.Ever.

13 June '26 - Spoonerisims

6 June '26 - Sailing

1 June '26 - Various Online Radio Stations

25 May '26 - My Goldfishies

30 April '26 - MS Update

26 April '26 - Rediculous & Funny Music Album Covers

12 April '26 - Mum and Dad

10 April '26 - Manly Football

6 April '26 - My brother David

28 March '26 - Proposed Local Development - WE WON!

24 March '26 - Music I've Enjoyed and Appreciated Recently (Blogpost) 🎵👍

15 Jan '26 - Mal's Digital Colouring

4 September 2025 - The Giving Tree 2025-26: my photo project

27 August '25

My local Magpie Mimic sings in the rain

Movies/Series I've Watched, Enjoyed and Appreciated Recently (Blogpost) 🎦

Mal's 5/5 Movies He's Seen 🎦

Music I've Enjoyed and Appreciated Recently (Blogpost) 🎵👍

My DVD Movie Collection (1,000+ titles) 🎦

20 August '25 - new TV

18 August '25 - Digital Colouring-In

22 July 2025 - Have a Laff with some Odd Socks

8 May '25 - The Beatles 🎵👍

8 May '25 - My Favourite Bands 🎵👍

4 May '25 - "The Giving Tree" (2024-25) Photo Project - complete for this season 🌳📷

2 May '25 - THE worst music album of all time

24 April '25 - NO to an absurd proposed local development

24 April '25 - Elections? Pooh

24 April '25 - Easter

19 April '25 - Picnic in the Park (pics & vids)

19 April '25 - My Views from Home (Blogpost) 📷🏠🌳

17 March '25 - 2025 "Time of the Season" Autumnal Tree Photo Project 🌳📷 - complete for this season

27 Feb '25 - Take a Break with some Odd Socks 🎶😁

24 Feb '25 - Fun Band Names 🎵👍

13 Feb '25 - Odd Socks

10 Feb '25 - Magpie Mimic (Blogpost) 🐦

16 Jan '25 - My Goldfish (Thoon & Katia) (Blogpost) 🐠

12 Dec '24 - Mal's Photo Gallery 📷

8 Dec '23 - Treadmill "Oscar" & my "Wobble Board" (Blogpost)

6 Dec '24 - My Brother David and SIL Colleen

16 Nov '24 - Milltown Park Neighbours Gathering (pics & vids)

14 Nov '24 - Odd Socks

11 Nov '24 - Silly Snapchat Filter Selfie Pics 📷🤳

9 Nov '24 - An enjoyable time away

29 Oct '24 - My Spoonerisms 😆

24 Sept '24 - My Electronic Devices (Blogpost)

13 Sept '24 - Singin' in the Rain

29 Aug '24 - Odd Socks - Doom'n'Gloom Break 😄🎵😏

26 Aug '24 - Sewing Success... that THAT, MS! 😝

26 Aug '24 - What is "Strine"?

22 Aug '24 - People Who Inspire Me

7 Aug '24 - Odd Socks 😄🎵😏

3 Aug '24 - Lunchtime bliss

1 Aug '24 - Weekend in Canberra

23 July '24 - Turning 60

13 July '24 - Rowing (Blogpost)

1 June '24 - The Giving Tree (2023-24) Pics + Videos 🌳📷 COMPLETE

16 May '24 - Edward, PT (My Teddy Bears) + Rufus 🧸

13 May '24 - "Towel Day" approacheth...

13 May '24 - Some Favourite Books 📖

10 May '24 - My Brother ❤️

9 May '24 - My Sons (Images & Vids) 📸❤️

2 May '24 - Odd Socks Silliness 😄🎵😏

12 April '24 - Dad's been gone for 28 years - woah! (Blogpost)

9 April '24 - Time of the Season (Autumnal tree pics + video): all done for this year 🌲📷

1 April '24 - Mum passed away 19 years ago

29 March '24 - Live Jazz Delight: Vale Pengopuss 🎵

24 March '24 - Girl's Last Tour (Blogpost) 🎦

20 March '24 - Online Friends are very real

21 March '24 - USA Elections (Blogpost) 😞😲🤯😕☹️😮😧😖

13 March '24 - I am SO THANKFUL living here 🏡

8 March '24 - It's a Manly Thing (Blogpost) 🏉 🦅

29 Feb '24 - My great little air conditioner (Blogpost)

25 Jan '24 - My MS Anniversary... 7 years ago. ⚕️🧡

12 Jan '24 - A Dream

27 Dec '23 - Xmas 2023

18 Nov '23 - A Mid-Week Weekend (Blogpost)

11 Nov. '23 - Just some passing thoughts (Blogpost)

10 Nov. '23 - Asparagus

31 Oct. '23 - Odd Socks: Take a break and have a laff 😄🎵😏

29 Oct. '23 - Birdsong recorded (Blogpost) 🐦

27 Sept '23 - September Catch-up (Blogpost) 💥

20 Sept '23 - Odd Socks 😄🎵😏

20 Sept '23 - My view about Twitter / "X" (Blogpost) 💥

4 Sept '23 - Wentworth Falls (Blogpost)

4 Sept '23 - Blood Pressure Monitor & Tips ⚕️

27 Aug '23 - Sam's 30th Birthday (Blogpost) 🎁

18 August '23 - What a Great Week (Blogpost) 💥

10 Aug '23 - Two new meds (Blogpost) 💥 ⚕️

2 Aug '23 - 'Top'n'Tail' Time (Blogpost) 💥⚕️💜

31 July '23 - Baking Bread at Home (Blogpost) 🍞

26 July '23 - New Vacchume & Dust Buster (Blogpost) 💥

23 July '23 - 59th birthday selfie 📷🤳

19 July '23 - Many Days in the Life (Blogpost) 💥

21 July '23 - Playing With Words

14 July '23 - Bathurst Winter Festival Lights

9 July '23 - Home Again after My Latest 'Adventure' 💥 + New Phone (Blogpost) 📱

5 July '23 - Kidney Stones (Blogpost) 💥

1 July '23 - MS Update (Blogpost) 💥

27 May '23 - A Quick One (Blogpost) 💥

11 May '23 - Some Pics from my Daily Walk... and I've Sold a Guitar (Blogpost) 💥

28 April '23 - My Medicines are Easy to Access Here (Blogpost) ⚕️

25 April '23 - The Time of the Season (Autumnal Tree Pics & Videos) 🌲📷 - FINISHED for this year

15 April '23 - The Giving Tree (Videos & Pics 2022-23) 🌳📷 - finished for this season: Sleep well, my Friend.

6 April '23 - It's Been a Good Month (Blogpost) 💥

3 April '23 - Positive News (Blogpost) 😊

29 March '23 - New Wardrobe (Blogpost) 💥

27 March '23 - Movie "Close" (2022) - 5 out of 5 (Blogpost) 🎦

25 March '23 - Spring Cleaning in Autumn (Blogpost) 💥

24 March '23 - I've Voted - NSW State Election (Blogpost)

21 March '23 - "And Another Thing..." (Blogpost) 📖

17 March '23 - 16th March 2023 (Blogpost) 💥

14 March '23 - A Grand Day Out (Blogpost) 💥

Other Updated Posts

28 August '24 - I am a classic 'Introvert' (Blogpost)

28 Aug '24 - MS Fatigue (Blogpost) ⚕️🧡

26 Aug '24 - Contact Me

14 May '24 - Ulcerative Colitis (UC) ⚕️💜

8 April '24 - Mowing 🏡

24 March '24 - Exercise and MS ⚕️🧡

24 March '24 - Sleeplessness / Insomnia SUX! ⚕️🧡

26 Jan '24 - ALL Australians' Day

13 Oct '23 - Mental Health Resources (Australia) ⚕️💚

6 Oct '23 - Air Fryer

2 Oct '23 - The Voice Referendum 2023

28 Sept '23 - Drop Bear Awareness

20 Sept '23 - Asking for Help is OK

28 Aug '23 - Trump: Worst President EVER

22 August '23 - Stop the Labels - Stop the Hate & Fear

19 August '23 - ANZAC/Remembrance Day

10 Aug '23 - My Current Prescribed Medications ⚕️

4 August '23 : My Bi-Polar Depression 💚

24 July '23 - Some Online Comics (when it's a slow day)

24 July '23 - Thank You!

23 July '23 - Happy Birthday

22 July '23 - Why Do I Share Online?

22 July '23 - Positive Quotes

22 July '23 - Blood Clots

21 July '23 - My MS Journey - A Life Living with MS

5 July '23 - Music Genres

6 June '23 - Across the Road (St. Joseph's Mount) 📷

15 March '23 - Voice-to-Text writing

4 Feb '23 - My Sense of Humour 🤪

13 Jan '23 - How to CURE any illness! 😆😂😜

11 Jan '23 - Local live webcams

11 Jan '23 - Grabber/Reacher Tool "The Grabbler"

23 Dec '22 - Summer in Australia 🌞

22 Dec '22 - Christmas 🎅

26 Nov '22 - Online Friends are Real

11 Nov '22 - Remembrance Day

31 Oct '22 - A Balancing Act ⚕️

15 July '22 - Lest We Forget: "Never Again"

12 July '22 - THE worst music album of all time - official: "The Shaggs" 😄🎵

➽ 💥 My MS Journey (Blog) 💥

➽ Photos of Myself
➽ Views from Home
➽ About Me
➽ What makes me 'Tick'?
➽ My Health Stuff

➽ Site Map 💥

➽ Blogs - Older Posts (Category)

Bookmark this page: Current Blog Posts

Also: Current Blog Posts

Peas be with ewe
Mal

Me and Sailing = Love It

2026-06-06T14:59:17.246+10:00

I caught my dad's passion for sailing from him. The [magical] physical and sensory experience of being afloat - sailing upon the water - has never left me.

Note: Click on an image (below) to view it in a larger scale.

That's me, October 2011, at Carcoar Dam Sailing Club.

I had a c.15 year break away from sailing. Quite by chance, I heard about this little sailing club on the radio. I checked it out - and stayed for years! (2004 - 2012).

After spending years sailing on open Sydney Harbour, the huge difference of sailing on a small inland freshwater dam was satisfyingly and refreshingly different. Plus: no Manly Ferries to avoid... just drought [laffs].

The awesome sense of "Community" at this little inland sailing club was amazing... as is the sailing community anywhere. I even spent a year being the Club 'Secretary'. The hour's country drive from home (in Bathurst) was worth it every time.

Here are pics and the old webpage from my time here (2004-2012).

Also here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carcoarsail/with/1980838529

My single-handed sailing dinghy "Wyreema" (2004-2006)

It was a 'Solo' Class

Info: (1) (2) (3) (4)

Yes, that's me.

And no - it's an optical illusion: I am not about to run aground (laffs).

My blue Lancer car with trailer (left) and the Solo (right) on the shore at Carcoar Dam Sailing Club. (c.2006)

I even won the "Most Improved Sailor" one year

The Laser fleet at Carcoar Dam (c. 2006)

I eventually regretted selling that adorable one-man sailing dinghy in 2006. So easy to sail, and even easier to right again after a capsize!

The Laser (below) was good... but with the Solo (above), I felt much more comfortable sitting 'in' it, rather than sitting 'on' the Laser. I don't know how to express it.

I ended up driving to and from Melbourne (a 1,600km / c.1,000 mile round trip! Oh god... what was I thinking? [laffs]) to buy this Laser (below), which I renamed "Wyreema II" (2007).

I ended up selling it (together with its trailer) when I moved to Queensland in 2012. Oh well.

Sailability

I loved being involved with this - taking people with a disability out sailing, and allowing them to experience something they would otherwise never know. They ran alongside the Carcoar Dam Sailing Club... I'd sail/race with the club on a Saturday, and help with Sailability on the Sunday, during the warmer months. (2006-2012)

Irony 101: now I have MS, I am unable to sail, help out, or even get out there to participate. Bugger.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/VsUxJvg6LZ4?si=9nEuBg3U0Uzk3qKf

(Sailability Cairns News Article)

That's me in the yellow hat

Gotta love those genuine smiles: local high school students enjoying a sailing day!

My dad sailing his VJ "Wyreema" in Middle Harbour (Sydney Harbour), c.1940's

One of my dad's 16-foot skiffs in 1970 (before I was sailing).

That's me in the yellow c.1976, in dad's 16-Foot Skiff "Wyreema" sailing out of Manly, Sydney Harbour

That's me c.1980, sailing in my dad's 16 foot skiff "Wyreema" at Manly in Sydney Harbour, Australia.

I was the 'forward hand', who set the kite (ie. the big colourful sail).

I skippered a Flying 11 out of Manly for a season (1981-ish?), also called (unsurprisingly) "Wyreema". We won a few races, too.

The pics (below) aren't my boat, unfortunately. That's what a Flying 11 looks like. They were great fun, an 11-foot-long 2-man sailing dinghy.

(I will have a large hunt around to find a pic-copy of my actual boat.)

Why the name "Wyreema"?

Dad had named his sailing dinghies "Wyreema" ever since the 1940's. My brother and I always assumed it had some deeper significance.

Our great-grandfather was travelling back to Australia from New Zealand, aboard the steamship "Wyreema" (cf. image below), early in the 20th century. We thought it might have been related to that.

The Maori (ie. native New Zealand language) term 'Wyreema' means "a meeting of five waters" (ie. a delta).

We thought that might have been somehow significant.

No. In the end, we discovered there was no deeper significance to the name. DAD JUST LIKED THE NAME, as he possibly saw it named on this block of units near where he and Mum grew up (Mosman, Sydney, NSW, Australia). Yes, it is still there! (pic below)

Oh yes, we had a good laugh about that.

Nowadays, during our summer sailing season, I can watch - livestreamed online - sailing races from the Club I used to sail with at Manly on Sydney Harbour!

More live sailing ! "Me VERY happy!"

I used to sail this class of boat MANY years ago, albeit the boats were a lot clunkier then (cf above).

Watching this live online, living 200 km / 125 miles inland, is just so awesome and soul-reviving for me.

Being able to watch this live is awesome. I caught my passion for sailing from my late dad. I was thinking about all these sailing vids, and how he would have loved it. I randomly burst into tears just thinking about the good memories I have with him sailing: I still miss him, even after 30 years.

Live Sailing Streamed (with races saved):

https://www.youtube.com/@manly16stv

Check out:

https://www.facebook.com/manly16ftskiffs

https://skiffs.org.au/

I always watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Sydney Harbour, every Boxing Day. It was a 'tradition' growing up for dad and me to watch it together on TV - which I happily continue. I raise a glass to my dad every year.

Even as dinghy sailors, we loved the visual spectacle - and the sheer size and speed of those things!!!

My brother and I watched it live on Sydney Harbour once - what an amazing visual experience!

Here's what a 16-foot skiff looked like when I was sailing them, late 1970's-1985.

And NOW... how they have changed!!! Gone from a crew of four to just three!

It's great how the Manly club still have an awesome youth sailing program.

Quite a few old Manly sailors have gone on to win Olympic Gold Medals in sailing!!!

Of course, in the case of any ultra-fast sailing craft, 16-foot skiffs have their 'moments'...

"This is not a submarine, you fools!"

I sailed this 18-foot skiff in a Sea Scout Regatta c.1980... an amazing experience. The 16's I was used to sailing were nothing like this!

16' Skiffs are an OLD class of boat

16' skiffs at The Spit c.1940's

1929

16's (what I sailed) are the smaller version of Sydney Harbour's iconic 18' Skiffs.

From a century+ ago: 18-foot skiffs - no flotation in the boat, no ballast (except for a hugely-heavy LEAD centreboard, that took 3 men to lift it out of the boat!), a large number of heavy crew, insanely massive sail area, no trapeeze, none of the technology used today... If they capsized, they could actually sink!!!

This was HARD. CORE. SAILING!!!

100% respect.

In the last few years, people have built recreations of the 18-foot skiffs from a century ago and race them on Sydney Harbour today! History kept alive.

Bookmark this page or bit.ly/Love-Sailing

Peas be with ewe

Mal

What does my MS feel like for me? MS Symptoms

2026-04-30T16:37:00.000+10:00

▶▶ On 23 January 2017 (aged 53), Mal Kiely was diagnosed as having "MS" (Multiple Sclerosis, a disease of the nervous system).

▶▶ My MS symptoms will randomly come and go in severity over my lifetime, but they will not get 'better'. It's called "Relapse and Remission" (RRMS).

▶▶ NOTE: Every single person with MS will experience a different set of symptoms - no two MS-ers are the same!

💥 NOTE. This post is not a "pity-party/woe-is-me" thing, as I'm simply sharing a very brief insight into some of the reasons why I may act soup and down" from time to time. Yes, some days are better than others for me - that's very frustrating for me and others to deal with.

▶▶ I had a visit with neurologist Dr Julia Thompson (in January 2017, age 53), and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis "Relapsing-remitting (RRMS)".

▶▶ After my latest MRI (June 2022, aged 57), I have no active brain lesions (Sclerosis/scarring) in my brain, and none of them has changed since my last MRI 5 years ago - the best result possible! My current Neurologist (Dr Leo Davies) was thinking of putting me on Gilenya, but he agrees that, after this latest result, there is no need.

💥 I am one of the rare MSers who does NOT experience any PAIN with my condition, for which I am extremely grateful.

💥 I am on NO medication (DMT) for my MS.

💥 I use a mobility walker/walking stick for mobility/balance issues.

MS won't necessarily affect the length of my life, but it will affect aspects of the quality of my life. Most of my symptoms are 'invisible', which makes it very difficult for people to realise how this affects me from minute to minute.

MS Lifestyle Considerations

💥 NOTE: There is no cure for MS.... yet...

My Main MS Symptoms

Hand Numbness

Foot Drop/Walking issues

Leg Weakness

Loss of Balance

Bowel Problems

Fatigue

Insomnia

Memory and Speech Fade-Outs

Depression

The dizzies/Vertigo

Tinnitus/Hearing hyper-sensitivity

Overheating

Nausea

My secondary MS symptoms:

Changeable mood
Leg twitches
Foot cramps
Slight hand tremors
Itchiness
Brain zaps
Shortness of breath
Bruising

MY MS SYMPTOMS

UPDATED: APRIL 2026

9 years diagnosed

▶▶ My left knee now feels as though it has a lead weight attached to it, making walking a long distance a bit more difficult. Like Foot Drop-Plus. Thank gawd for sticks and walkers, huh? I aint ashamed to use 'em, either.

▶▶ My Tinnitus (ie. the sound of massed cicadas singing in my ears) seems more severe lately. Yes, it's an MS thing, not just exposure to loud music.

▶▶ Thankfully, all my other MS symptoms seem to have remained stable and not increased at all. Phew.

'Smouldering' MS? Old age? Who knows. Oh, you've gotta laugh.

💥 NOTE. This post is not a "pity-party/woe-is-me" thing, as I'm simply sharing a very brief insight into some of the reasons why I may act so "up and down" from time to time. Yes, some days are better than others for me - that's very frustrating for me and others to deal with.

Symptoms and Effects

➽ Hand Numbness ("Paresthesia")

Try picking up a wet cake of soap whilst wearing a wet plastic oven-mitt… that is about the best way to describe how MS affects my hands.

It's not a loss of muscle strength, grip, or motor skills. It's not painful. It's a strange pins and needles/tingling/numbness/buzzing/vibrating/throbbing/slippery/spongy effect that makes it very difficult trying to: type, point, scroll and double-click a computer mouse; write by hand; picking up a dropped pen off the floor; use the buttons on an Android-style mobile phone; picking up soap in the shower; putting a key in a lock; doing up shirt buttons; tying shoelaces; pegging washing to a clothesline; sewing; turning the pages of a book; getting a pill out of a bottle; picking up a dropped credit card/piece of paper off the floor; wiping my backside (for example). I have to concentrate when using a sharp knife when chopping veggies etc - just ordinary day-to-day things like that. It’s a general clumsiness (more than normal, that is), especially when it is so easy to ‘forget’ after a lifetime lived without these bizarre sensations. I have the sensation of hot and cold (thankfully), but the effect makes things feel "slippery" or "spongy" to my touch (it's weird to try to explain it). I've had to stop playing the guitar completely now (which I used to do professionally).

It's hard to explain the feeling of...

Pins and needles
Numbness
Tingling
Buzzing
Vibrating
Throbbing
Slippery
Spongy

I have some Mobility Issues, including:

➽ Foot Drop: My MS also affects my left foot - it does not rise as it should, which makes me appear to 'roll' a bit when I walk. It feels like walking through thick mud with one foot continually getting stuck. Combined with my Balance issues [qv.], this affects how long I am able to stand for a given period, without falling over. I'm using a walking stick and walker, to help address my Foot Drop and Balance issues [qv.], so I do not fall over when I walk/move.

In combination with:

➽ My sense of balance is out as well... if I stand still, I will sway very slightly - no, I am not drunk. I have to sit down to do anything. Combined with my Foot Drop [qv.], this affects how long I am able to stand/walk/move effectively for a given period. I'm using a walking stick and walker to help address my Foot Drop and Balance issues [qv.], so I do not fall over when I walk/move.

➽ Leg Weakness: My legs are very weak, meaning I can't walk very far, without feeling quite exhausted. Hence using a walking stick or walker so I don't fall over. Standing for extended periods or walking a fair distance is simply exhausting. Having the seat on my Walker is extremely helpful for immediate situations. Running/climbing are a large problem – I am unable to climb a 2-step ladder, for example.

➽ Bowel Problems: MS, in combination with my Ulcerative Colitis, negatively affect my ability to be as socially interactive as I once was... I have bowel problems, the urgency and unexpectedness of which necessitate my needing close access to a toilet at all times... plus it's not something that is 'socially acceptable' to discuss at all with many people.

➽ Fatigue: I can often feel extremely fatigued... the sort of mental and physical tiredness/weariness/exhaustion that doesn't necessarily go away after a good sleep. This reduces my ability to concentrate and often prevents me from participating in active living activities, due to physical and mental exhaustion.

It's doesn't happen all the time, but randomly enough to be frustrating for me.

➽ Insomnia: MS affects my ability to sleep effectively and restfully. Only being able to sleep three hours at a time reduces my ability to concentrate [qv. Fatigue, Speech and Memory Issues].

➽ MS affects my memory and speech; "Brain Fades... Brain Fog" is how they're described... fuzzy fade-outs, like walking thru a thick fog out of nowhere; a thought can just... fade away mid-thought, mid-sentence. I have to quickly apologise and say, "Just give me a second... stupid MS!" No, I'm not stupid - but it does make me feel like an idiot, sometimes. My ability to retain information (ie. study), and competently participate in my passion for creative writing and music composing and recording are severely restricted as a consequence.