Cold, wet, gloomy.
What do you do when you don’t want to have to think about it? Post old photos at random that’s what. Continue reading Cold, wet, gloomy.
How not to climb a mountain.
There is one piece of advice that nobody ever gave me. It is advice I wish I had taken. But you can’t take something unless it is given to you. Here’s the story:- Once upon a time a young man worked in the office of a large tea plantation in Darjeeling. Every morning at the right time he would look out from his office to … Continue reading How not to climb a mountain.
Chasing the world
At last we are getting there – catching up to the rest of the world. A week ago some security bloke – so it is said – allowed people in compulsory exclusion in a hotel – paid for by the government – to go out one night to visit family. This bloke then infected some of his family. and in the last week Victoria has … Continue reading Chasing the world
A fable for an old world.
Below is something I found in “The Complete and expurgated Book of Australian Tales and Stories and Lies. Never dared to be published by Simone and Shyster.” 1859 could easily have gone down in history as the year that nearly destroyed Australia. It was also the year that saw the beginning of the America Civil War with the attack by John Brown on the Harper’s … Continue reading A fable for an old world.
Just a little story ’bout my Dad.
This is just a little story that has more truth in it than lies. It’s also for my Mother who is remembered in this house for dying on the 4th of July. A day we all remember. Most of my brothers and sisters will swear it is all a lie. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t matter a whole lot. And yes, I have … Continue reading Just a little story ’bout my Dad.
An almost bad thing.
There are some things worse than the possible fracturing of the western democracies. My little mate Fred the Gnome who has been living here since they cut down his tree nearly ended up drowned in a glass of whisky. There could be worse ways to go. I have had to have stern words with him. It isn’t his whisky. Continue reading An almost bad thing.
Shot by Friendly Fire.
The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, advised today, that we will be expanding our military forces and acquiring some new weapons, over and above what were already in the pipeline. This signals a major shift in the nation’s defence strategy. Australia’s Defence Policy is usually based on a long term Ten Year Plan. The plan up until today was only in its fourth year. It … Continue reading Shot by Friendly Fire.
Don’t tell me what to think! Or what to believe!
Right at the top of the page I am going to nail my colours to the mast – I am writing this as a Christian. Every night after our evening meal our father pushed his dishes away, took his King James Bible from the dresser behind him, and opening at random he would read a passage in his stentorian voice – mellowed to an extent … Continue reading Don’t tell me what to think! Or what to believe!
Maryborough. Victoria.
Maryborough is a small town just 70 kilometres north of Ballarat with population of about 8,000. It has a big Railway station. Mark Twain visited the town in 1895 and declared that Maryborough was “A railway station with a town attached”. Some people believe that this is a result of a bureaucratic mixup and the station was intended for Maryborough in Queensland which is about … Continue reading Maryborough. Victoria.
My favourite Photo.
I took this photo nearly fifty years ago. It was probably taken on an old Mamiyaflex or a Rolleicord 2ΒΌ square twin lense reflex. I forget now. It was along time ago. It was in Coober Pedy which is an opal mining town. We sat and talked for a long time before I had the courage to ask him if I could take it. Today, … Continue reading My favourite Photo.
