Day 9 Thursday

I have been doing a bit of research today so I can give some advice to those who are earning a living, even if from home. Now, back in the 30’s, that’s the 1930’s, there was a substance that cured almost everything, well at least according to my Nanna. What was this wonder drug you ask? It was turps. More specifically turpentine. She used a tablespoon in the top of the water tank so no mosquitoes would breed there. It didn’t stop the rats or possums falling in and drowning, hence flavouring the water somewhat. She put a tablespoon in the bath water to cure open sores, itchy bites, ingrown toenails and hairy legs and she rubbed it in your hair to kill nits. So, I was thinking, could it cure or prevent you catching Corona virus? I’m sure it can. Look what the internet says it cures and we know the internet is never wrong.

“Turpentine oil is used topically to treat rheumatoid and neuralgic disorders, toothaches, muscle pain, and disseminated sclerosis. Inhaling the vapours of turpentine oil can reduce thick secretions due to bronchial diseases. It can cure: insomnia, headaches, vomiting, coughing, hematuria, urinary trac, inflammation, albuminaria and coma.” No wonder they lock it up in a cage with the Metho at Bunnings.

And here’s another response to the pandemic from our mate to the north, President Rodrigo Duterte. He has warned Philippine police and military to shoot dead anyone "who creates trouble" during a month-long lockdown of the island of Luzon.  "My orders are to the police and military … that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead."

I reckon Victoria and NSW could take a lesson here.

Oh what a busy day for me. I had two injections today. One in each arm. Apparently, for seniors, you get a free flu jab along with a pneumonia one as well. So, with my olive leaf extract and turps, I should be king of the hill. Waiting in the doctor’s surgery was a bit scary though, with a fully capped, masked and gowned nurse blocking the door and taking your temperature and interrogating you about your movements – travel that is.

On my southern reconnaissance today, I noticed less and less people sunbathing or having picnics. There were half a dozen scantly clad backpackers on towels, lying on the grass directly in front of the Police Beat office. Luckily for them this is not NSW!

Answer to yesterday’s quiz: The bigger of the two would win the fight. And of course the battle could not  take place on land, because the shark has no legs.

Today’s question: What food contains the highest level of vitamin C?