Black Lives Matter

I can't believe I am saying this, but I think I have lived too long. The world has gone crazy.  Although I live in Australia, we are not immune to the madness that seems to be sweeping the Western World.  The above statement, for instance, is self evident.  Why are there so many riots about …

Three cheers for retirement.

I have just celebrated the first anniversary of my retirement, and I have to say it is the best thing I have ever done. Don't let anyone scare you by saying that retirement is boredom.  Not true!!!! Although I am sure it could be if one didn't make an effort.  I do not have a …

The Handmaid’s Tale

I have been watching the SBS series The Handmaid's Tale, which is based on the book of the same name by Margaret Atwood. It is a 10 part series, of which I have watched five. Like any dramatisation of a novel, some of the subtlety is lost.   The thoughts of the narrator, which are …

So cruel

Very sad news today, of an elderly couple who attempted to die peacefully together, at a time of their own choosing, but were stopped from doing so. They were discovered by their daughter, who called for help.  Attempts were made to resuscitate them, successfully in one case. I do not know the details of their …

What a time we had…..

Just returned 3 weeks ago from a holiday doing a two week bus tour from Madrid, travelling west, down along the south coast, and finishing in Barcelona.  Then a week on a cruise ship leaving from Barcelona, to Corsica, Rome, La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Genoa (Portofino), Cannes, Palma de Mallorca, and back to Barcelona. Travelled …

Taking Pride In Our History

There has been a suggestion suggestion lately that we no longer celebrate Australia Day on 26 January.   In fact in some areas Australia Day has not been celebrated.  Naturally there has been resistance to this.  Some of us believe that there is cause for celebration on 26 January. Australia Day celebrates the landing of …

Abrogating parental responsibilities

The latest madness from those determined to tell us how we should live, is to suggest that plain package cereal boxes should be introduced.  Really?!!!!