Vale Harry Melbourne, inventor of the Freddo Frog. Maybe I’ll eat one today in his memory. Quote of the day yesterday, first school day of the year: “I can’t believe I’m in Grade 6” — Isaac. (Neither can I, as it happens.)
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Category: Friends and loved ones
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The rellies
Just before Christmas I got to meet some of my relatives for the first time in quite a while. My aunt(-in-law) Gem and my cousin Justin were in town for a few days. Hadn’t seen Justin in almost 20 years… both of us were much younger than at present, and while I barely remember it ... [More]
OK, I admit it, I’m getting a little stressed about Christmas. After a good start, the shopping has all fallen in a heap over the last few weeks. I’ve still got numerous things to buy, both known and unknown. The way it’s looking, this Christmas it won’t quite be gift vouchers at twenty paces, but ... [More]
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The unexpected connection
In Christmassy terms, I had a very successful couple of days — on Friday I managed to get my Christmas cards (and annual letter) to UK relatives into the mail. I’ve gradually reduced the number of cards I send every year as more people get email. I’ll do some kind of email card in the ... [More]
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The old school
On the train the other day I overheard two students from my old high school, talking about the pros and cons of various teachers. I had to chuckle when a couple of familiar names popped up: Mr Kite and Ms Lester. Still there, 18 years after I left. (Gawd. 18 years. It’s a long time.) ... [More]
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Another trip
Another trip (more pleasant this time) and another fellow-passenger out of context. I sat down on a train a couple of weeks ago, and flicked through the MX. I looked up and saw a familiar face in a nearby seat. Who is that? Oh. So I went over and said “Hi Dad.” Hadn’t seen him ... [More]
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Young Years
Marita was reminding me on Saturday of Dragon’s song Young Years (a discussion of various music lyrics that culminated in my car gaining the nickname Black Betty). Secret meetings at the river’s bend Simple days when I called you friend Came a time, we went separate ways — Dragon, Young Years As it happens last ... [More]
In each generation, most kids show boundless enthusiasm for creative pursuits. Whether it be drawing, building things, play-acting, whatever. When I was a kid, there was a lot of Lego building going on. My sister and I constructed whole cities. Sometimes we’d stick to the official designs of the sets, sometimes we’d go out on ... [More]
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Fathers Day
I seemed to spend most of Fathers Day doing dadly things. Like putting oil in the car. And cleaning the windscreen. And painting (well okay, it was just street numbers on the bins). And climbing ladders (just to move the John Brack a few inches downwards). And pulling the computer apart to put a new ... [More]
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Happy birthday to me
Turned 36 today. Biggest present: A big framed print of what is probably my favourite painting, Collins Street, 5pm (John Brack). Other presents: Books to read, CDs and DVDs to listen to and watch, a really nice (and expensive) dinner at Il Solito Posto, a really nice (probably inexpensive) home-made dinner and birthday greetings by ... [More]
(Couple of extra points added 8:45am Monday) Superb preparation help: Marita, cleaning and tidying yesterday. (The house certainly hasn’t looked better since I’ve moved in.) Obligatory pre-party crises yesterday: Washing machine broke down, leaking from inlet pipe. Water throughout laundry. Plus work hassles; many phone calls. Today’s isolated drizzle: thankfully hit before things started. Party ... [More]
I had a reasonably bad cold last week, and I’m still periodically coughing yeuchhy stuff up very noisily. At its worst, I worked from home, which was actually pretty good — I reckon I got more done at home than I would have done at work, thanks to the tranquility. Thanks to a contact in ... [More]