I recently started this blog because in the first place, I do feel quite often that I have something of value to say, and in the second place, this WordPress software had become more advanced, and easier to use, and better set up.
But, I’ve fallen into old habits of mine – a combination of writer’s block, and sheer procrastination, involving the feeling that what I have to say is worthless. So I thought that at least on Xmas Day I would say something.
Xmas Day has always been significant in our family. I suppose this is from a feeling that it “the right thing to do”, plus an appreciation of the value of getting together with family and friends. The religious significance of it was present during my religious years (1952-1965), but even then, not strong. But now I regard myself as an atheist, but with an appreciation if the value of the pagan solstices and equinoxes.
So, here I am, having put digits to keyboard. In an hour’s time Glenyce and I will go to Leanne’s place for Xmas dinner with the whole family. This is usually very pleasant and uneventful, and I will take great pleasure from it, being the Patriarch of the family, as it were.
The gifts are arranged, with the cameras, and other family visit paraphernalia such as food. And so, at 10:45 am, we’ll push off, with our Tom Tom digital guidance system in use, basically for the first time, to navigate to our daughter Leanne’s place in Narre Warren.
Wish us luck!
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Blogger Bill
Australian happily married man, age late 70s, interested in science, psychology, politics, botany - esp. fungi, also music - esp. jazz. Plays jazz piano, (late starter). Non-militant atheist, believer in voluntary euthanasia.
Studied Chemistry at Melbourne University in the 50 and 60s, with BSc and MSc and Dip Ed. Retired lecturer in Organic Chemistry at RMIT, Melbourne after career of 25 years. Three adult children, 4 grandchildren. Enjoys photography, and writing own web site elfram.com. Has caravanned around parts of Australia for many years, but overseas has only visited Vanuatu, twice.
Afflicted by long-standing endogenous depression, reasonably controlled, but potentially suicidal. Also dealing with strong pain from spinal arthritis, extending into neurogenic pain of sciatica in both legs. Various surgical methods have been applied to the spinal stenosis, but no longer operable. Partly, but barely controlled by codeine and Lyrica. Has a severely curtailing effect on physical capabilities and also mental state. Cursing a clouded intellect most of the time, with occasional periods of clarity.
Good sense of humour but hates pranks. Can't stand most USA TV programs and films, but enjoys good British and European shows. Strong supporter of the ABC. Politics would be called Liberal by Americans, and socialist by Australian right-wing. Supports Labor party, but also Greens. Broadly a social democrat. Strongly concerned by total mismanagement of global warming and climate change, and convinced that over 2 degC rise is inevitable, with catastrophic effects on human civilization and the ecology of the planet.
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