Tuesday 18 December 2012

Internet meet Daddy Long-Legs...Again

Thanks very much for your varied views on yesterday's post. I appreciate everyone's well considered and interesting comments. It has given me a lot of 'food for thought'.

Today, I wanted to move on and repost a lighthearted post.  It is one that for some strange reason gets lots of views every month from all parts of the World. I'm not really sure why. Maybe people are interested in deadly animals or something.



Some people think we Aussies spend our lives wrestling crocodiles, stepping on deadly spiders and wearing snakes around our necks as some kind of fashion accessory. (Yes Sarah, that would be you!) A myth more than likely created by the popularity of Steve Irwin and Paul Hogan before him.

While we love the outdoors, we don't all wear khaki or carry huge knives just in case we stumble upon a deadly creature.  The Land Down Under is home to many of Earth’s most venomous creatures, such as the inland taipan (whose venom is 50 times more toxic than that of the king cobras) and the box jellyfish where death can occur within three minutes of being stung.

Strangely though, many Australians are unaware that they are sharing their backyard with extremely venomous animals. While the animals in this country may be much more deadly than anywhere else in the world, they are treated with the same amount of thought and respect that others may give to water moccasins or the black widow. Their presence is accepted and there is an unwritten rule that you 'don't mess with the wildlife'.

Like most Australians, I've had my own share of 'wildlife encounters', but only with the world's most deadliest animal.

Which one?

No, I didn't get up close and personal with a BEAR even though they kill up to 10 people across the world each year

Or SHARKS which kill 100 people a year

Or BOX JELLYFISH which kill 120 people a year

Or HIPPOPOTAMI which easily outpace humans on land and kill 150 people a year

Or ELEPHANTS which kill up to 500 people a year

Or BIG CATS which kill around 800 people a year

Or CROCODILES which kill around 850 people a year

Or SCORPIONS which paralyse their prey and cause 2,000 fatalities a year

Or SNAKES which cause up to 125,000 deaths a year.

No, the only animal which has caused me grief and which kills up to 3 million people a year

is the

mosquito.

See, you really don't have anything to fear in visiting Australia. Other than the 17 hour plane flight to get here.

Warning: Please don't frighten the children by clicking on the spider image without warning them - the old boy has a surprised look on his face and very hairy legs!

129 comments:

  1. Aaarrrgghhhh!!!! Jumped out of my flipping skin when that appeared on my screen... and I'm afraid I said something most unladylike!

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  2. HA HA HA - you should be used to them arent you? I would rather see a spider anyday then a mouse....or a frog...

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  3. WTF are you trying to do to us, kill us on the spot! I'm with Femina that is a nasty looking dude if every I saw one. Mosquitos hey? Guess its true with malaria and things, yellow fever. Clever other than that picture. I just wet myself.

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  4. When I see spiders in real life they're not that size NOR that close to me! I try to avoid them where possible... wasn't easy in Sydney where there were big, hairy huntsman spiders everywhere but there don't seem to be as many spiders in Melbourne. One more reason to stay here. :)

    Yeah, I'll take the mouse and frog, thanks (especially the knitted kind).

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  5. I call that spider a "huntsman" the daddy long legs to me are those greyish wispy fine legged spiders...

    Man, I hate mosquitoes, evil evil things.

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  6. @ Femina - really, I love Melbourne have to say. It's my pick of cities. And less spiders too? Well there you go just proves its the best city!

    @ Dee you are right they are Huntsmen spiders. The others look like Victoria Beckham. I do not mind spiders I have absolutely no fear of them! But a mouse - you would hear me screaming all the way up there!!

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  7. @ Banoffi - not the outdoor kind of person then. Sorry didn't mean to cause alarm...he he! Mosquitos should be feared.

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  8. Hey Lilly I love how you wrote "Have a great weekend" at the end of this post.....wicked sense of humour!
    Love your spider photo. There are so many spiders and spiderwebs around at the moment, they catch me in their web often...yuk.
    I love taking photos of them though.
    Steamed Sponge certainly gave us a thought provoking question.
    Hope you are keeping cool.
    Cheers
    Peggy

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  9. Hi Lilly
    Have a look on 70 Plus - you're starred alongside Aussie beaches.
    Cheers
    June

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  10. Ahhh, Australia's creatures. It's true. OK, so I've been stung by a scorpion (thought I was going to die and the doctor said if i'd been old or very young I would have), and by numerous jelly fish but never a blue bottle or box...

    I have had a crocodile scuttle past me while sitting on the beach in Broome, and too many huntsmans to count.

    Still alive :)

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  11. my son could not believe the size of that spider, he's terrified of the little ones we have here. I'll have to show my daughter, she's terrified too. some of them do bite.

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  12. @ Peggy - just visited your blog - fantastic post - thanks for stopping by.

    @ June - thank you - Aussie beaches - could be no place better - hope I have shade do I??

    @ Braja- Scorpion well they kill a lot of people! Lucky. I have been bitten by a blue bottle at Coffs Harbour beach. That's about the extent of my foray into the wild. Oh wait a minute I am allergic to bees. Badly. Have only had two stings but they arent exactly peculiar to Australia though.

    Crocodile - glad he kept going. Other than cows what creatures does India have?

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  13. @ Christine - they do, but this one has no affect on humans and cannot bite. They just move around, eat insects, then they move sideways and forwards and backwards.

    Hope it doesn't frighten the kids too much, dont forget to click on the image - he appears to have a little face with a mouth and eyes. I may be imagining that. I have never seen one up close before. Strange, I have no fear whatsoever. I could pick it up in my hands. But I bet your son is not scared of mice like me. Snakes I would not touch or go near either. Thanks! Hope you stay warm.

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  14. I have no fear of spiders either Lilly. I guess it is just the way we were brought up. From the age of a toddler I would be down in the bush playing with all the lizards and critters.

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  15. Lilly,
    Ugh. I am afraid of spiders and all of those other outdoor things that can hurt people.

    Nature is beautiful and capable and savage - I understand their function, I just don't want first hand experience with it - I'm content to see it on the TV !

    How are you ecver brave enough to go outside with the mosquitos being so prevalent ???

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  16. Hi, Lilly thanks for scaring me with my first cup of coffee. The creatures won't keep me from Austraila, I would love to go and see the rainforest. But, I don't think I could fly that long! Not unless there is a padded hidden room. LOL what you suggested to Rhonda. Good Day :-)

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  17. Lily! I almost ran when I saw this thing at the top of your page. I am deathly afraid of spiders and will hurt myself trying to get away from one. I think it is because they sneak up on you and you don't see them until they are right there beside you. I am not nearly as afraid of a bigger animal because I can see where it is in comparison to me most of the time.

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  18. Spiders don't scare me. Birds, however, are totally another story.

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  19. Now I'm afraid to even go outside, but I read that accidents in the home are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths. Now I don't know what to do. :)

    An Arkie's Musings

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  20. Sad to say but true, you left people off the list of the most deadly animals.

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  21. Come on down? I can't wait to come back!!!

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  22. I like the photo of the Huntsman, and thanks for dispelling the myths I have about Australia. So you DON'T have to kill a croc before getting to work?

    This is good! I won't worry about you any longer...except when I consider the mosquito.

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  23. I would DIE if I found that in my house. Heart attack, Instantaneous no question. Your a brave soul to brave the Outback.

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  24. No frigging way!!!! Seriously? My feet came up so fast I damn near fell out of my chair! I was hoping Leon could do a work exchange once he gets his five years in, but, ummmm. Maybenotsomuch! lol

    Oh, and we've had mice. Evil little suckers also. BUT they only have four legs.

    I had no idea that THAT many people were actually so stupid. What are they doing? Trying to pet the hippos?

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  25. Good post. Interesting thought about the mosquitos. We don't exactly get things in proportion do we?

    I'm not sure it was very nice of you to call the picture "Rhonda.jpg", but, hey, we understand.

    :)

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  26. I just found you blog. And I love it!! I really enjoy hearing about life in Australia.My aunt, uncle and cousins lived in Australia for a few years. And I love hearing their stories. I really don't mind spiders. I agree about the mice. I hate rodents.

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  27. Holy crap! That spider just about killed me of fright. I just had a shiver shoot through me.

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  28. Oh, and I get the mouse thing (even though they don't scare me, I know they scare many), but I don't get frogs. You're scared of frogs?

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  29. Oh that is nasty. Does Rhonda know you called the spider after her? I am not fond of critters at all.I did learn things though about the number of people that get killed well most of those would be in Africa wouldn't they in the wilderness.Good post this one and funny.

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  30. My hubby would DIE....
    I do away with the spiders for him...he gets rid of frogs and toads for me!

    YYYYEEEEECCCCK LOL

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  31. Holy Crap! You have those things running around in your house?! The shock alone might end me!

    This past spring I walked by my daughter's doll house and saw what I thought was a pretend spider (probably half the size of yours, but very furry & creepy), then it moved and I screamed. I grabbed a glass from the kitchen and trapped it and did a big heebie-jeebie dance trying to shake off the horror. And then I thought "Well, now what genius?! I've got a spider under glass. I kept peering at it periodically to make sure the little buggar stayed in there til my daughter, then 8 years old, came home from school. "Oh cool!" she said and proceeded to set it free outside.

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  32. HOLY FREAKIN' CRAP! I like you so much until I found that post. I HATE SPIDERS and that one is giving me the evil eye. I would rather deal with a snake than a spider. Especially that spider.

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  33. Yuck! Ewwie. Gross!

    Now I'm all paranoid, thankyouverymuch.

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  34. OMG - that is ONE creepy spider! =O I feel ill....LOL. :) I love Australia, but I'm not sure I could cope with some of the "creatures" there. =D

    Hope you have a good day! *hugs*

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  35. hmmm.....interesting! lol AND trust me I will be thinking about that spider for EVER!

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  36. P.S. I will be drinking that full bottle of wine you proposed on SITS lol!

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  37. Great post! In the state of Minnesota, the mosquito is called "the state bird!" I lived with that for 24 years .....

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  38. Yikes! You warned me. That is a scary look spider- glad he's not poisonous! They make my skin crawl. When I was a baby, this I don't remember, I was bitten by a black widow spider and got close to death I'm told. But I lived! Woo Hooness! You know, Lillyness, you're a little stinky. Have a nice weekend, my little sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  39. Okay, this requires another comment. I just noticed CJW's comment, that you named the spider after me (that was really sweet, by the way!!) so I clicked on the picture to see for myself, and OHMYGOD OHMYGOD he's got more hair on his legs than I do!!! (the spider, no cjw.)

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  40. Nice spider cool.
    My husband would die if he saw this he's a chicken.

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  41. Oh Lilly, I hate it! Please remove it form your blog! I can't even look at it without getting the willies.

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  42. If I saw a spider that size in my window...My neighborhood may need to put in earplugs from my screaming.

    I hear ya about mosquitos. I'm a Minnesota girl. We're frozen in the winter, but in the summer...we're continuously swatting mosquitos.

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  43. Ewwww. I don't think I could handle coming face to face with that bad boy. Thanks for that. :)

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  44. I hve seen many programs on television about Australia nad it's wildlife. The outback has to be one of the most incredible places on earth. I so want to visit someday. Maybe when my job as island caretaker is over I can tour inland, as well. lol

    I am not particularly afraid of spiders, but the "friendly" little bugger in your photo might still put quite a fight in me if I happened upon him in the middle of the night.

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  45. Ok, you pick the ONE thing that I absolutely cannot stand - SPIDERS and have a massive picture of one on your blog. Just not right *shivers* I can handle some bugs, frogs, lizards, but not spiders.

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  46. Hi again Lilly
    Yes, we'll organise an Australian native tree for your shade and pleasure, but also lots of sunscreen unless you venture forth to dip a toe in the surf ... Oh yes, and a barbecue of prawns on the side.
    Tempting?
    June in Oz

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  47. @ Annie - I live in a cooler part of Autralia so we dont really get them here much. I got this off an Aussie website though, "Around 40 per cent of the world's population is at risk from malaria transmitted by mosquitoes. An estimated three million people die each year, most of them children. In Australia, mosquitoes are important agents in transmitting such diseases as Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River virus disease (Sydney had its first outbreak of Ross River virus disease in 1997). Mosquito breeding can be affected by climate fluctuations such as abnormal rainfall or unseasonably high tides, or by residential or industrial developments that bring non-immune people into regular contact with mosquito populations." So they may be little but they can do a lot of damage.

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  48. @ Judy - sorry for the fright, yes they do creep up on you very quickly too. This one can move sideways easily as well. Interesting to watch tthough. Clearly, I need more things in my life.....

    @ Darsden - the flight is about 17hrs I think from LA to Sydney. I am used to flights of 24 hrs to the UK. I liken it to childbirth - painful but so worth it in the end.

    @ Julie - yes what was that Hithcock film - birds are screaching loud things with claws - oh that could be describing me...maybe I do like them after all.

    @ Richies - well you sure can't sit home because then you die of health problems. So we are screwed which either way we go!! Get out there amongst the traffic I say!!

    @ The Grandpa - oh no, the people are going to get a special mention when I do a post on aborigines..and obama with a touch of Gaza thrown in - but you are right animals have nothing on us...

    @ Milesperhour - well I hope you do come back too. We could have a bloggers meeting of sorts!!

    @ Gran, well you know I don't try and make a habit of killing crocs to get to work because there are heaps of them at the office anyway ....

    @ Kate - where I live is about as 'outback' as where you probably do. This is nothing really compare to the more deserted parts of Australia!!

    @ Rhonda - um well you inspired this post because you asked the question. What are you going all weak and girly on me now for? I think most of those people are killed in Africa or in Zoos. Let alone our own Steve Irwin being killed by a sting ray. Those numbers are world ones not just here.

    @ cjw666 - oh there is one observant person in every crowd isnt there? I didnt call that photo Rhonda on purpose it just happened....she's way better looking and way funnier and if she is reading this it might get me off the hook. Well she inpired this post so I thought she deserved to be linked to the creature in some way. Did I talk my way out of that ok? You have an eye for detail....

    @ Terrie - thanks for dropping by. Your aunt and uncle were lucky to experience living in another country. We all should do it if possible. Yes a rodent free world would be something. Humans included in that too!!

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  49. maybe i'll just stay here in texas where our most dangerous creature is the rednecked filibustering republican.

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  50. Oh, Lord, I think I've just chickened out! Not that I was going to get a chance to come to Australia in my life time anyway, but wow! you do have a lot of creatures and that doesn't even count those two-legged ones -- excluding the monkeys of course!

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  51. That spider is SOOOOOOO big! It's nothing like a Daddy Long-Legs. You are very brave and funny!

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  52. Lilly, my 16 year old daughter just announced she would not visit Australia, just because of those spiders! (She'll come around (-:)

    I'm terrified of mice, like you. Thanks for the Steamed Sponge link, so interesting, if morbid.

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  53. @ Alyson - frogs...cannot pick them up ..slimy...eeekkkk

    @ The Muse - well good job one of you can handle them thats a balanced marriage!

    @ Adlibby - see hoe fearless our children are what do we do them? As for the use of the word bugger I didn't know you used that word.

    @ Summer - you know you still like me. dont try and deny it...

    @ For Myself - Sorry, hope you dont have bad dreams and all...but it has a cute face kind of martian like...

    @ Paris - thanks for dropping by. See the truth is I have lived here a long time and dont see anything other than spiders. Kangaroos when I walk in the hills and nothign much else. Its there but you leave it be.

    @ Stephanie - well why do you think we are all alcoholics here. The drunker you are the less pain you feel - joking. I may be single handedly ruining the Australian tourism industry at this rate. Thanks for dropping by!

    @ Helen - that is really interesting, the state bird. Well you know what I am talking about given we have fought the same battles! LOL!

    @ Shelia - our firt spider bite and a black widow survivor. OMG and you an only child!!! So glad you survived that one just imagine - no note songs to visit otherwise!

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  54. People should fear humans more than animals. I would rather be in the wilds than any major city in the world. Animals are mainly violent for survival and humans are more often violent because of greed, ego, self-centeredness, fear, and ignorance.

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  55. Hey, thanks for the link. I love reading all the interesting responses. Some great ideas there, perhaps the most intriguing would be posting a post for way in the future after you're gone. Hmmm.

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  56. Yes, I have to say I am glad I live somewhere dry in that regard. Mosquitos are definitely on my list of most despicable things!

    That spider is huge! My mother never liked the spiders and bugs there, but believe me, they are nothing compared to the ones she had to contend with in Malaysia as a girl and then in her early 20's whilst there.

    You've got to love Australia--a land of such extremes.

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  57. @ Rhonda - mmmm I didn't really name him after you - he is not glamourous or funny enough!! Yikes I never knew they had such hairy legs either. Who'd a thought! Tell me the kids were terrified!!

    @ Cleo - oh is he? I dont recall seeing any in Scotland come to think of it.

    @ Sandi - oh come on you know you still like me, bet the kids would love it though. Its almost big enough to be a pet.

    @ Tami - so how do you deal with your mosquitos there?

    @ Blue Castle - well normally they run quickly but this one didnt and when you look at the photo its almost like he's lying back sunbathing! Very relaxed dude he is.

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  58. When I first came over to Sydney a huge huntsman parked itself just outside the door to my flat. I needed to go out but could not bring myself to walk through the door.

    I see them less frequently in Melbourne but they no longer freak me out. If it were a spider with a white spot or red back to it you would not see me for dust.

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  59. @ Matt - well there you go I never watch those shows. I have been up north to the tip of Australia and it is so different to where I live. Australia is as big or a little bigger than Texas right? Its diverse like most countries. And this spider? Its no bother, really.

    @ Aleta, well well the bride returns. Congratulations!!

    @ Yelowdog granny - oh my, you are so funny, that was a good one!

    @ Sylvia - yes there are a lot and you rarely get to meet them either which is just as well.

    @ Punkiepie - no its a Huntsman. I just called it the wrong name because I like the sound of that better.

    @ Chritine - well your daughter needs to come over here and we will toughen her up!!! She likes to swim, there are lots of beaches for her to swim as long as she avoids certain creatures she will be fine.

    @ Rebecca - oh then I know what not to get you for Chrisstmas then.

    @ Mmmm - glad you got visitors. I thin it was a very good post.

    @ Sueblimey - thanks for stopping by. Yes the ones with the red spots are deadly hey! You survived the naturalisation test then...

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  60. Wow, did you take that spider picture? I would have soiled myself on the spot.

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  61. @ Julie, thanks for dropping by. Yes I pointed and clicked. Strangely it kept still as they usually run away.

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  62. I read this this morning, but had to leave before I was late for work. Sorry I didn't comment earlier.

    Personally, I would love to visit Ya-all just had to throw that southern slang in and see some of those critters. I would get a big kick out of it. Someday I will go down under, and spend some time in the outback to explore and discover.

    Your spider is not as intimidating as my last encounter. I have been suffering the effects of a Brown Recluse bite for the last two weeks. Perfect finish to a great hunting season.

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  63. @ Eric - oh gosh a spider bite, well when you take your chances like that....your outdoor nature lovers you. There is something to be said for the couch...hope you get well soon then!!

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  64. Aaaaaaackkkkkk! I have arachnaphobia. We used to have those giant spiders in Hawaii. They're called cane (as in sugar, I think) spiders. I was/am petrified of them. Yuuuuuckkkkk! Somebody told them they're still around away from the city areas. I also don't like garden spiders. If I wasn't so afraid of all these helpful spiders I might think they have a beauty all their own. But no... I really don't like them.... that's that.

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  65. HAHA! Great post, but you forgot to mention how many people are killed each year by birds.

    I can see why the spider picture would freak some of your readers out--one girl's spider is another girl's bird.

    Love your blog!

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  66. I hate mosquitos, they can kill you dead. We have West Nile here. The spiders I don't mind. My girls have rodents and I just don't get it. Little furry things. They have gerbils, hampsters and guinea pigs. I do like the one pig though. He's so ugly he's cute.

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  67. @ Vegas Linda -Lou - actually that is a good point you know I wonder how many deaths have been caused by birds pecking your eyes out..oh yuck, give me a spider anyday! I knew you and Julie are like twins.

    @ Something happened somewhere - Oh yes guinea pigs. I cannot imagine!

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  68. Love that spider shot! When I lived in Oz it was the small spiders, like black widows that we had to look out for! Oh - and the jellyfish.

    You're right, of course, the mozzie kills more people worldwide... Malaria.. dengue fever (which I nearly died of as a teenager).. no fun!

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  69. @ LadyFi - you nearly died of it, how horrible! Well you certainly know how dangerous they can be then,

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  70. That spider is disgusting! Get it off your blog! Mum I've never understood your acceptance of spiders and your corresponding loathing of mice, which are nice.

    Oooh look I can rhyme school worked good.

    xo

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  71. Jordan, yes your education was
    real good it seems, LOL!! I don't like them they just dont worry me. I remember when I was about nine, my tacher was terrified of the spider and I volunteered to get it and take it outside. I was a Bindi Irwin before she was one LOL. Pr

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  72. very interesting reading.

    The most dangerous we have in Norway, when talking about killing humans: The Wasp.

    By the way: What is the statistics for homo sapiens?

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  73. I'm going to stay in my bubble, thanks!

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  74. Okay, I just left this comment on the Sponge site, where it probably made absolutely no sense whatsoever...

    Interesting statistics, but I'd still come to Australia in a heartbeat if I ever get the chance...

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  75. I would NOT be able to handle that. NO WAY! I doubt baldyman could either. Is that actually in your house..(note I didnt read the 70some comments before mine)lol...

    I dont like bugs period--but that would just send me off to the funny farm.

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  76. I had not read this post and I LOVED it. It's right up my alley. I went to Australia terrified and left a very brave and bold woman! Thank you Australia for the transformation. After you've hiked through the Aussie bush for a few years and seen and been around a few dozen poisonous snakes, you either get smart and learn about them or pack your bags and crawl back to safe little Maine that has nothing poisonous. Most Aussie snakes are very shy and retiring and leave long before we ever see them. I was at first terrified but it was more in my own mind than of what was in the bush. I can honestly say that I stuck it out, albeit with a tantrum at first!! :) And then I went beyond being frightened to very very intrigued. I started to learn to identify snakes using the scale counting method. I didn't go out of my way to handle them but sometimes people would bash them over the head (bring them to me to identify) and they would still be alive, but wounded, poor things. I would gently lift them out of the bucket while they curled around my arm and count their scales. BUT you have to really know what you are doing. Otherwise I left snakes alone but learned to stand very still and calm (they can taste fear) when face to face with one. I saw a lot of jelly fish too, but was only mildly stung by a blue bottle, not the deadly Box Jellyfish. I saw crocs up at the Daintree rainforest, deadly sea snakes, a couple of sharks from a boat once, spiders, scorpions, inch ants, and so many amazing creatures. I am sensibly cautious but also very curious. I just LOVE Australia. It's where I grew up in that I really found myself there.

    Great post Lilly and very funny!! You are funny even when you don't know you're funny!! :) :)

    PS We have Black Widow spiders here in New Mexico and they are related to the Aussie Red Back Spider. Only the red hourglass is on their belly not their back. I've seen a lot of them, but even they will curl up and drop to the ground to avoid humans. It's usually only if they get squeeze between a you and a hard object that will bite.

    I also saw a small rattlesnake this summer, which was very exciting. He was two feet from my feet. But wasn't retracted in a striking position, I just stood very calm and waited until about 5 minutes later, when he felt safe, he slithered off into some tall grass. I took some photos of him, while I waited.

    Okay! I'm outta here. You tell I LOVE this post. Hugs and love you, you classy gal! Robin :) :)

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  77. Hi, I came to you via June saville and Ugich Konitari. Your blog has been first wonderful discovery of 2009.

    As for the world's most dealiest creature, please do visit India if you want to study the species closely...but be warned of the side effects: malaria, dengue and the like.

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  78. Great Photo! I could see all the fine hairs and every fine detail of the spider's legs and body when I enlarged the photo.

    Isn't it amazing that the mosquitos are the ones that kill the most people, yet they're the ones we're least afraid of? Go figure.

    Have a great weekend,
    Tasha

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  79. Hi Lilly,
    Just want to let you know that I went to vote for you for the "All Around Best Blog". I also voted for Eric's "Best Animal Blog".

    Tasha

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  80. I think I'll just call my travel agent and cancel that trip I was planning ...YIKES!!!!!!

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  81. @ torAa - thanks for dropping by

    @ The Blonde Duck - well you give us wonderful stories bubble or not.

    @ Jeanne - well I hope you get the chance - truly nless you went into the outback you wont see much except the two legged creatures.

    @ Rocketman - thanks for dropping by

    @ Dawnie - yes it was in the window. Between the gauze and the glass.

    @ Robin - thanks out of anyone I know you have had THE MOST EXPERIENCE with our creatures. Cannot wait to read your book either.

    @ Sucharita - you are welcome. Tahnk you for your comment - yes you are well used to mosquitos.

    @ Tasha - thank you for your vote. Appreciate it. Have to go vote for Eric I didnt realise about his either.

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  82. Ack!!! That is one nasty spider and after reading that article I have a healthy respect for your wildlife!
    Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog--does it show that I have an excess of creative energy? To answer your question, I have a masters degree in music and am a professional opera singer (lyric soprano)--right now I'm staying busy with my sweet girls and not to worried about furthering my career. I still keep my voice in good shape, sing locally, and unleash the rest of the creativity in the kitchen and doing fun things with the girls.:) As soon as I had my first child, I knew the "Day of the Diva" was over--I was smitten and knew there was no way I could leave them every day. Luckily, my husband has a good job so I can stay home with them.

    Enjoy your weekend! I hope you don't encounter any mice.:)

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  83. There's a very special award for you on my blog.

    But really hun, I could have so done without that giant spider, YIKES!!!

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  84. @ Mandy, have you ever thought about singing on your blog? Seriously. Yes I could tell you are extremely creative. And fun!

    @ Queenie Jeannie - ooh that sounds exciting, I will be right over!

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  85. That is a creepy picture! Spiders....

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  86. Yuck!! It is amazing that you are still alive with all those dangerous animals.

    I would love to see Australia but I am not sure that I can do that trip. I am a WUS, I admit it. I would get as far as Maui and say "forget it I am staying here." LOL

    Kathy

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  87. Oh my. I may have to rethink my idea of visiting Australia. Spiders terrify me..... EEEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!!! That thing is huge and hideous!

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  88. That is still one big creepy spider... I get so freaked out by snakes and spiders.

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  89. Once at college I was getting ready to shower and stepping naked into the cubicle saw one similar to that on the wall.

    One of us was going to leave quickly. It wasn't him. Still gives me prickles up my back. I don't like huntsmen at the best of times, but nudity made me feel so much more vulnerable.

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  90. Oh my, now that would be horrible!

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  91. We have those as house spiders back in my Asian Country and they're harmless. They do look freaky scary tho coz of their size. Oddly enough, the small, non-harmless-looking ones are the one that's venomous.

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  92. Zen Adventures - thanks for dropping by. Yes they are harmless and you are right its most often the smaller ones that are the most dangerous.

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  93. I actually trap mosquitoes for testing. It's my job. In my part of the world, we are looking for WNV, not malaria.

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  94. Wow that's amazing! I will be visiting your blog and find out what you do with these litle things. Sounds interestig!

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  95. Oh I know - harmles though!! Thank goodness!

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  96. I love spiders, they eat flies. Now if they would just eat my mice!

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  97. It true about the flies, never thought about that actually. Oh yuk, mice. To think people keep them as pets.

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  98. Great spider picture. It will probably make me go into my archive and find a banana spider I followed for a while...hmm...

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  99. That totally reminded me that I need to go on an Australian safari before I die. I'm staying with you when I get there!

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  100. Don't they look elegant?
    No home is a happy home without a spider :-D

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  101. Hi Lily,

    I thought was going to read about Daddy Long Legs -the novel. and as I opened your blog, there it is, a scary spider with very long legs. I such a scaredy cat, I get scared by so many things- even the big house spider or the house mouse, i don't even like the white mouse, i can't stand their tails.

    You can imagine my fright when I tried googling the Inland Talipan and the photos appeared on my screen. Just the mere of a real snake would probably kill me. Seriously, i don't even want to see them in photos or tv.

    Did you get to see the Sphere movie? where everyone who gets into the Sphere gets hallucinations of the thing they fear most! that movie (or the idea) still scares me up to this day.

    Although, I do love animals, i'm not reptiles and insects and amphibians. to which family do rats and mice belong?

    as for the mosquito... yeah, it can be very deadly too.

    ps,

    i'd love to go visit Australia, my sister had been there and I didn't really have the impression that it's a land full of deadly animals.

    the first thing that comes to my mind with Australia is the adorable, loveable, gentle Koala. That and avocadoes, and kangaroo.

    and now, the name Lily also comes to mind. You have made Australia a more familiar place for me, even though i've never been there.

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  102. Thanks Rachel, you must come for a visit some day and see all these for yourself. No its perfectly safe here. I have never seen half the deadly creatures myself and the other half I saw at a zoo.

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  103. Chin up girl, there are loonies in the world and if they think its ok to threaten people because they ask a question then it says a lot about their mental state. I hate mosquitos and flies. Just sayin.

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  104. I think you handled the previous post very well, as well as the commenters too.

    I remember the post you shared on this one :) And I hear you about the mosquitos - YUCK!

    One day I'd love to visit your country (and find some opals :)

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    1. Thanks Aleta and thanks for your well considered comment on the post too. You always talk a lot of sense you know and I respect your opinion!

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  105. How about that, is the mosquito the deadliest animal in the world? I never thought about that but I guess it can spread disease quickly. I cannot look at the picture of the spider at all.Hate them.

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  106. I am squeamish about all of those crawly slithery creepy things, but elephants and big cats to me are creatures to respect.

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  107. I don't generally mind spiders, as long as they aren't actually ON me.

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  108. Interesting you re-posted with the original comments. I guess this was posted before I found your blog. I've heard about the box jellyfish in a documentary. I figured they stayed away from beaches.
    I didn't notice Aussie women on your most deadliest list. I guess they all are as nice as you are then.

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  109. That is a lot of people killed by animals each year isn't it? I used to love Steve Irwin, what a character he was. I hate snakes. Also I really hate mice but anything else does not worry me.

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  110. Had to click on the photo The description of 'the old boy' sounds so much like my partner

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  111. I just read this hilarious piece in the newspaper which involved deadly animals. A 3 year old boy happened upon a nest of eggs in the yard of his home in Qld Australia. He piled them into a plastic container (ice cream container) and hid them in his bedroom cupboard. On Monday his mother opened the wardrobe to discover a container of 7 baby snakes. The snakes were later identified as eastern brown snakes - regarded as the world's second most venomous species behind the inland taipan. Thank goodness the boy put a lid on the container as otherwise the could have escaped. Only 2 or 3 Australians die from snake bites each year. Seems like this kid may become another Steve Irwin as he has pet chickens and pigs as well.

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    1. I read that today. That is hysterical, in more ways than one. It could have had a terrible outcome.

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  112. Hi Lilly,

    The world didn't end! I guess I should go out and start my Christmas shopping now!

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Love and Hugs,
    Tasha

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    1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too Tasha. Where have the last five years gone? I hope your novel is back on track as I missed reading it. Love and hugs right back at you. xxx

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  113. Bloody mosquitos, but it is the flies I hate when I vist there.

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  114. Five years has gone by really fast indeed, Lilly. About my novel, I'm afraid it's still in the back burner. Starting next month there'll be no daycare for my grandkids, which means that my son and I'll be their full time nannies during the day and hubby at night as usual. I'm still working full time at my job. I suppose the novel just have to wait a little longer still, unfortunately. Hehe.

    Did you go to your cruise yet?

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  115. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I heard it's been hot in OZ lately. It doesn't look like the blog melted yet but maybe the owner did.

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    1. Yes I am melting alright, temps are very high in most places...global warming is for real.

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  116. Why have you stopped blogging? Jordan

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  117. Hi there. I'm just beginning a new blog all about the sweet things in life: desserts, candies, fruit, and of course chocolate!
    Also visit my blog : Learn More Here

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  118. Holy Moly! I had to whiz by that picture of the spider. I hate spiders, but yes, I hate mosquitoes too. My son had malaria twice in Mali so I do know how bad it is.

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    1. I hate mosquitos more than I do spiders for some reason which freaks most people out lol.

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Thanks for your comments.