It's raining steadily but gently, as it did most of last night. I had a burn off yesterday afternoon. I'd accumulated a mountain (or three) of dried out prunings. I try to use as much garden refuse as I can as mulch, that is the tops or smaller bits. The larger wood is kept for next winter's firewood, but there's still a lot of in between rubbish and weed that I burn in fire season tidy up. The rain started on cue to damp my fire so it didn't sear foliage on a nearby copper beech tree and a mock orange shrub, which I'll pick for blossom next week. The fantastic rain we've had this year has the garden luxuriating with blossom and new growth. The grass everwhere is lush and thick and trees that have struggled in the dry of the last several years are celebrating in the way of it, growing spectacularly.
The Afghanistan War Debate came and went, without me hearing much of it. I'm no more convinced our involvement is justified than before. The anti-terrorism line makes no sense to me. Too vague. History suggests that military invasion and oppression fuels fanatical resistance and terrorism. Why pour fuel on a fire? They say mastermind Bin Laden is in Pakistan now. Do we now invade there? I hear the Yanks are sending in drone bombers. What if he moves somewhere else? Iran?
What is known, is that Australia is to continue (indefinitely) its involvement in the occupation. The leaders of of our two major parties support it in the interests of global security and the fight against terrorism. I'll continue to feel shame and disappointment, as an Australian opposed to our involvement. I feel little sympathy for our soldiers killed. They are paid professionals employed by the Australian Government. They're well paid while overseas and happy to take the money as a matter of their own choice, aware there's a risk they could be killed or injured. I'm weary of this ultimate sacrifice crap. They take the odds and some lose.
This opinion may be distasteful to some. I feel a moral obligation to voice it nevertheless.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
At Last
Lately I've been Commonwealth Gamed, Grand Finalled, now McKilloped. In between I've been Brumbied, as in fire alerted, and plague locussed. I've been Caulfield Cupped, and I'm soon to be Melbourne Cupped. I was Chilean minered. Is it any wonder I'm hype weary?
I heard the other day that a Buddhist objective is to detach emotionally from things that you have no control over. I'm not Buddhist, but it makes sense. This week will test me. I believe there's to be an Afghanistan war debate in parliament. It's several years late, but I'm all ears. I'll try to listen with an open mind. Up until now I haven't understood the need for our part in what is military occupation of another country. The stopping of terrorist training angle doesn't wash with me. Not so far. Bring it on.
I heard the other day that a Buddhist objective is to detach emotionally from things that you have no control over. I'm not Buddhist, but it makes sense. This week will test me. I believe there's to be an Afghanistan war debate in parliament. It's several years late, but I'm all ears. I'll try to listen with an open mind. Up until now I haven't understood the need for our part in what is military occupation of another country. The stopping of terrorist training angle doesn't wash with me. Not so far. Bring it on.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Greetings from Chamomile
Dear George,
Thanks for your recent postcards and news. Most people enjoy getting letters and postcards, especially from the other side of the world. Pictures of Bogota Colombia and Oaxaca Mexico in the mail just give that bit of excitement to the day. Also I enjoy reading a little snap of your life as a parish priest and religious ceremonies.
After four years away from Australia it must be a good feeling to be coming home soon. You said you were taking a trip to The Holy Land then returning to Peru on Oct 22 before leaving for Australia soon after. Elvie, Meredith and I hope you do get the chance to visit us at the farm, for the first time without Pat who remains dear in our hearts and will forever. We each have our fond memories of the wonderfully warm and witty lady. For mine, she had the knack of always making you feel you were important and everything seemed fine when with her, you could laugh at the world. And I felt the same when I was 10 years old through to 50 plus.
It's been some time since I wrote for which I apologize. A previous letter of yours has been on my desk for some months, left deliberately so I'd write but till now it hadn't happened. One way or another life has been hectic. Your letter concluded, "Life is full of change and adventure." That's for sure. Ours probably not as much as yours but our family business and the connection to nature and the elements provides plenty of challenge, interest and excitement. Change is rapid around us. Housing developments here in Gembrook, and new supermarket and shops in Emerald.
Most importantly, we're all well George. We look after each other. It has been a wet year in eastern Australia as I'm sure you've heard. About a month ago there was ten inches of rain in the mountains on one weekend which swelled all the rivers on the north side of the divide with subsequent good flows down the Murray and into Sth Aust., at last. Eildon went up 8% of it's capacity in one week and now is at almost 60%. I remember when we were in Peru our guide telling us that when Australia has a La Nina, Peru has an El Ninio (and vica verca) so I hope the Peruvian farmers are not suffering from an Andes drought. I know that can mean near starvation for some.
Looking forward to seeing you in the not too distant future, safe traveling and God bless,
Carey
PS I'm writing this on my blog, as then tomorrow I can print on the other computer that has a printer connected, and send it hard copy. Also I can copy and paste onto hotmail and email to you. So it should reach you one way or another when you get back to Peru on the 22nd. Don't forget you have a warm invitation.
Thanks for your recent postcards and news. Most people enjoy getting letters and postcards, especially from the other side of the world. Pictures of Bogota Colombia and Oaxaca Mexico in the mail just give that bit of excitement to the day. Also I enjoy reading a little snap of your life as a parish priest and religious ceremonies.
After four years away from Australia it must be a good feeling to be coming home soon. You said you were taking a trip to The Holy Land then returning to Peru on Oct 22 before leaving for Australia soon after. Elvie, Meredith and I hope you do get the chance to visit us at the farm, for the first time without Pat who remains dear in our hearts and will forever. We each have our fond memories of the wonderfully warm and witty lady. For mine, she had the knack of always making you feel you were important and everything seemed fine when with her, you could laugh at the world. And I felt the same when I was 10 years old through to 50 plus.
It's been some time since I wrote for which I apologize. A previous letter of yours has been on my desk for some months, left deliberately so I'd write but till now it hadn't happened. One way or another life has been hectic. Your letter concluded, "Life is full of change and adventure." That's for sure. Ours probably not as much as yours but our family business and the connection to nature and the elements provides plenty of challenge, interest and excitement. Change is rapid around us. Housing developments here in Gembrook, and new supermarket and shops in Emerald.
Most importantly, we're all well George. We look after each other. It has been a wet year in eastern Australia as I'm sure you've heard. About a month ago there was ten inches of rain in the mountains on one weekend which swelled all the rivers on the north side of the divide with subsequent good flows down the Murray and into Sth Aust., at last. Eildon went up 8% of it's capacity in one week and now is at almost 60%. I remember when we were in Peru our guide telling us that when Australia has a La Nina, Peru has an El Ninio (and vica verca) so I hope the Peruvian farmers are not suffering from an Andes drought. I know that can mean near starvation for some.
Looking forward to seeing you in the not too distant future, safe traveling and God bless,
Carey
PS I'm writing this on my blog, as then tomorrow I can print on the other computer that has a printer connected, and send it hard copy. Also I can copy and paste onto hotmail and email to you. So it should reach you one way or another when you get back to Peru on the 22nd. Don't forget you have a warm invitation.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Vanity?
It's been difficult for me to find time to blog for some time now and I've considered giving it up. One less thing to think about doing, is the temptation. I do wonder at my application in previous years, and my motivation. It isn't a vanity thing, as I've heard blogging described. At least no more than other things I do. There's a quote in the Bible, Hughesy told me, "Vanity, vanity, all is vanity." I must ask him where it is so I can check out the context. It seems more like a Shakespeare quote.
I started blogging for writing practice. It gives me pleasure, like a hobby. It satisfies a need I didn't know I had, to write and record, and comment. So I'm sticking with it. I feel better already tonight having started a post even though I had no idea what I was going to write about. I forced myself. My companion is a cup of strong black coffee.
If anything there are more things than ever to write about. That could be my problem. Where do I start, what do I choose as topic? It's a little overwhelming. Things I might write about for some reason don't appeal. My involvement at the Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park took up much time in June, July and August, draining me thoroughly. I chose not to write about it, I needed to get away from it, as well as also not wanting to inflame or offend people who may read it, therefore further straining what has been a tenuous predicament. It's a bit touchy yet, in other words. For now let me say simply that I have been shocked at the devious bastardry that can exist.
Since our holiday I've been in work catch up mode, and a pernicious water leak at the farm took much time, energy and expense to locate and rectify. Our winter water bill was huge by comparison to a normal winter bill, after the autumn bill was up more than 100% on the previous year, despite good rain this year and hot dry weather last year. The leak was obviously getting worse and had to be found. After much digging and searching and talk with plumbers it was a water diviner who found it, close to the house. We couldn't believe our bad luck on discovering the burst pipe, the result of inferior copper being used in the original plumbing, shooting water straight into an old storm water drain which had not been in service for more than thirty years, the existence of which we did not remember. It took the water to the lower side of the house and well away to a place where we thought the water logging must be the result of the wet winter as we'd turned off the town water at an isolation valve well before there. There was no evidence of a wet spot anywhere near the leak.
The last two Saturdays we've had Ricky Ralph and Mon from Belgrave and Steve and Ann from across the road for Grand Final barbies which have been great days with fun and laughter. We all know who won the premiership. It's better not to speak of it, other than to say, as Rick said in his email tonight thanking us, "it don't amount to a hill of beans." He's right. I love the footy, but except for it being a good social lubricant bringing together people across generations and differing backgrounds, who wins is really is of little importance. Especially if you compare it to the issues raised on Q and A tonight, which I won't go into or I'll be up all night.
I'm off to bed or I'll be no good on the spade tomorrow. I have a lot of digging to do now that the weather has finally turned warmer. By weeks end I'd like to have in rocket, dill, coriander, Queen Anne's Lace, calendulas, cornflowers, to be followed a little later by zinnias and basil, and more of the former in staggered sowings. It's time to check the bees too. They're busy now, awakened from their slumber of the recent cold months, ready to go round again giving it all they've got.
I started blogging for writing practice. It gives me pleasure, like a hobby. It satisfies a need I didn't know I had, to write and record, and comment. So I'm sticking with it. I feel better already tonight having started a post even though I had no idea what I was going to write about. I forced myself. My companion is a cup of strong black coffee.
If anything there are more things than ever to write about. That could be my problem. Where do I start, what do I choose as topic? It's a little overwhelming. Things I might write about for some reason don't appeal. My involvement at the Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park took up much time in June, July and August, draining me thoroughly. I chose not to write about it, I needed to get away from it, as well as also not wanting to inflame or offend people who may read it, therefore further straining what has been a tenuous predicament. It's a bit touchy yet, in other words. For now let me say simply that I have been shocked at the devious bastardry that can exist.
Since our holiday I've been in work catch up mode, and a pernicious water leak at the farm took much time, energy and expense to locate and rectify. Our winter water bill was huge by comparison to a normal winter bill, after the autumn bill was up more than 100% on the previous year, despite good rain this year and hot dry weather last year. The leak was obviously getting worse and had to be found. After much digging and searching and talk with plumbers it was a water diviner who found it, close to the house. We couldn't believe our bad luck on discovering the burst pipe, the result of inferior copper being used in the original plumbing, shooting water straight into an old storm water drain which had not been in service for more than thirty years, the existence of which we did not remember. It took the water to the lower side of the house and well away to a place where we thought the water logging must be the result of the wet winter as we'd turned off the town water at an isolation valve well before there. There was no evidence of a wet spot anywhere near the leak.
The last two Saturdays we've had Ricky Ralph and Mon from Belgrave and Steve and Ann from across the road for Grand Final barbies which have been great days with fun and laughter. We all know who won the premiership. It's better not to speak of it, other than to say, as Rick said in his email tonight thanking us, "it don't amount to a hill of beans." He's right. I love the footy, but except for it being a good social lubricant bringing together people across generations and differing backgrounds, who wins is really is of little importance. Especially if you compare it to the issues raised on Q and A tonight, which I won't go into or I'll be up all night.
I'm off to bed or I'll be no good on the spade tomorrow. I have a lot of digging to do now that the weather has finally turned warmer. By weeks end I'd like to have in rocket, dill, coriander, Queen Anne's Lace, calendulas, cornflowers, to be followed a little later by zinnias and basil, and more of the former in staggered sowings. It's time to check the bees too. They're busy now, awakened from their slumber of the recent cold months, ready to go round again giving it all they've got.
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