Meaning behind numbers

I had a brief interest in numerology.

I studied the numbers for each of my boys (which have proved to be spot on, by the way).

However, my interest was brief because I lent my book to someone, roughly 40 years ago; it is yet to be returned and I was unable to buy it again.

One of the many phases I went through — searching for meaning. (But, if you are out there, bring my book back.)

I do remember though that the number 2 is a ‘sensitive’ number — but don’t know what that means for the people of the Western world.

It seems unlikely that we are all going to be hurt or upset, together.

However, the number 2 is heavy throughout the last week of this month — so who knows?

In 200 years, some people vaguely related to us — and carrying some of our genes — will wonder about this date — 22/2/2222.

Monarchists into the breach

After last week’s Town Talk, I was girding my loins for the charge of the Republicans — and it didn’t happen.

Instead, it was the Monarchists into the breach — and the first of the Monarchists was Deb. (10.30am last Tuesday)

Dear Marnie,

I do enjoy your weekly column.

But today’s (Feb 15) was really the best.

I totally agree with your sentiments about our Lady Queen, her long reign and wonderful sense of duty.

She certainly is a trooper, continuing despite her family squabbles, great loss, pandemic and just people being total prats about her.

A pity that our leaders and prominent naysayers don't take a leaf from her book.

Thank you for an inspiring column today.

Regards Deb. H.

Deb gave her full name but asked for a ‘little discretion’. Please remember that I am always discreet about your opinions — much less about my own.

Last week I was searching through my reasons for supporting the retention of our Head of State — sorting the rational from the emotional; thinking about nature versus nurture — getting ready to explain myself, with no need.

I guess all the Republicans were being kind and tolerant — or just couldn’t be bothered.

The many Murchisons

When we put the gold-teethed sheep ‘to bed’, I had an informative email from Kay Ball from the Murchison Historical Society.

She told me that, in addition to Murchison, Western Australia, and our local Murchison, there is also a Murchison in New Zealand.

There is a Mt Murchison in Queensland and even a Murchison crater on the moon (for heaven’s sake).

The explanation for all this came, naturally, from Kay and I’m quoting part of her email below:

There is a connection between all these Murchisons of course. Englishman Sir Roderick Impey Murchison was a notable geologist whose scientific studies were highly regarded and who had geographical features, towns, rivers, and streets named after him, across the globe, many of them in Australia.

It is reported that he predicted gold would be found here — though he never set foot in Australia.

Our local Murchison however is not considered to be named after Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, but rather his cousin Captain John Murchison, who settled in Kerrisdale (between Tallarook and Yea). Murchison Gap is named after Captain John too (not far from Broadford).

We have Impey Street in our town as well as Roderick Square, both thought to be named after Captain John’s son, whom he named Roderick Impey Murchison.

So ... my friend ... lots in a name!!!!

I love hearing from Kay because she knows so much about so many things.

Murch may not have had sheep with gold teeth, but it certainly has a gem.

Hopefully, we are meeting for coffee this week.

Oiling the tracks — of life

I’m aware that most of our readers keep up-to-date with information.

However, I’ve been wanting to remind you about the recent research regarding olive oil— and its benefits (January 2022).

We’ve been aware, for some time, that people on a ‘Mediterranean diet’ have lower mortality rates.

But the research hasn’t been clear about what it is, exactly, that is keeping people alive.

However, recent research, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is very convincing.

Those who regularly consume more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily have a reduced risk of dying from heart attacks, cancer and many other ailments — including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The benefit varies from 19 per cent to 29 per cent. Even a teaspoon daily increases the chances of surviving.

This wasn’t half-baked research.

There were more than 90,000 people involved – over 28 years.

More than 36,000 died over that period. Surely it is worth taking note of something so substantial?

You are welcome to laugh at the following.

When I first read Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome’ series, I noted that the Romans (particularly Caesar) were frequently enjoying crispy bread dipped in olive oil.

I thought it sounded good — so I tried it — and hated it.

That would have been in the early nineties.

But since then, I have tried to find ways of introducing the oil into our diet (not because I’m a fan of Caesar — though I am — but because of the info coming from Italy).

One of my favourite methods is to spray Cobram Estate Virgin Olive Oil on everything possible — in the frying pan, in the oven and in the air fryer, also on salads just before serving.

My husband, who also hates it, has never noticed.

And I am beginning to think it enhances the flavour.

Now, I should point out that the Harvard research has not distinguished between ordinary olive oil and virgin — however, as it could take them another 28 years to answer this question, probably better to stick with virgin.

However, as always, there is a trap.

Not all olive oil brands are 100 per cent olive — some are blends.

The advice I have is to choose an Australian brand, which are all 100 per cent.

There is a local producer of olive oil, in Shepp East — but it’s easier to find him at Furniture Edition in Melbourne Rd.

Ray Brehends owns and runs the furniture store and is on site Friday to Tuesday.

After work, and on his days off, he produces a very popular virgin olive oil, and usually has some in the store.

Not that he has trouble selling it — the demand is strong — and it is definitely 100 per cent virgin olive.

Ray is a friend of mine (a Richmond man) and has educated me on this subject.

He says the following brands are all as the label claims – Squeaky Gate, Red Island and Cobram estates — all Australian too. (Dear God I love this country and the people in it. We should trust one another more.)

Possibly, you are thinking ‘I know all this’.

If so, ignore me — but, if it is new to you, please give it some thought.

Under the clock

14th May 1914

LOPPING OF TREES — An electric motor is being installed at the Shepparton Flour Mills; and the unfortunate part of it is that, in order to make up for the electric wires it has been found necessary to lop away some of the best trees in Fryers-street, from the Wyndham-street intersection – thus considerably reducing their fine appearance and the arboreal beauty of the thoroughfare.

Note – Progress. But I do appreciate ‘arboreal beauty’.

Bye for now. The Winter Olympics have ended — without a whimper as far as I’m concerned.

Just couldn’t raise an interest in the luge or the skeleton or whatever.

Personally, I’m ready for the footy – just 23 days away, if I can still count.

Enjoy your week and may it be easy, my friends.

— Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish)