Resveratrol reservations.

Ben is conducting a clinical trial of a supplement that contains the same amount of anti-oxidant as 150 glasses of red wine, or some such figure. Tess commented, "It's like having wine but without the fun!" Gold fish given the supplement were found to live 40% longer. Also, according to webmd.com, Rodent studies suggest that Resveratrol might even help against some of the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle and lead to increased longevity. Ben thinks that a substance that benefits both gold fish and rodents with an unhealthy lifestyle might be good for me, and I'm on two tablets per day. Thus far no obvious improvements have been noted, though we're at a very early stage of the trial. Meanwhile Ben's trialing Rosehip, fish oil, vitamin E extracts and other assorted vitamins and supplements.

Blending in.

Ben blending.

Last night we blended in with the crowd attending the opening night of "Control"; a photographic exhibition of large-format images taken in natural light by Daniel J Bushaway. Tess and Dan did a fantastic job of organising and hosting a well-attended event. Can't wait for the "Farm" or even the "Tassie" exhibitions! Ben's already pre-planned what to wear and my own wardrobe does need some fine tuning.

One year in the kitchen.

Our corner of the universe.

Stardate -310409.58, or thereabouts. Travel from Earth to Mars takes about 10 months using current technology, and with planets in a favourable alignment. We've been living in the kitchen for longer than that but at least we haven't been cooped up in a tiny capsule and Ben can step out of the kitchen (and the house) as often as he feels so inclined, which is once every day or two. I, on the other hand, frequently don the spacesuit and venture out. Of course the current environment is very different to the wild outdoors of NE Tas or the bitter cold of a Berlin winter but we're settled and things are going OK. "All systems nominal," as a space commander would say. The Jazztronaut lives just outside the kitchen, keeping a close watch through the glass and making sure her sustenance is provided at correct times. Unlike a sojourn to Mars, we're not sure how long this trip will take, nor certain where we'll end up. But some things can't be hurried and the warp drive is out of action; note to self: check for Dilithium Crystals at the local supermarket. "Engage thrusters, Mr Sulu. Plot us a course to an improved outlook!"

Historical note: Ben returned to Melb on 15 May 2012,with mum and Tess. Diary note 15/5/2012: Me and Jazz in house at Weldborough. Plans in disarray. Too naive and optimistic, still thought he'd be OK after a stay in hospital!... What to do now?

One year ago, this happened.

One year ago, this happened
and it was a very difficult time.

Mum's Merc.

The "old" four-wheel-drive ML320 Mercedes Benz reached a more-expensive-than-usual point in its maintenance schedule and has recently been traded for a Merc C200 sedan; a glossy black, 2010 model with leather seats and an assortment of modern gadgets. We saw the "new" car last night and also received some new T-shirts and a book from mum's recent trip to Sydney art galleries. In addition, we got to sort through two bags of "near new" clothes for any useful items. We're not sure where the clothes came from but one of the jackets had a fairly-recent funeral notice in the pocket.