Questions:

In your opinion, what’s the closest thing to real magic?

The idea that sound and pictures can be transmitted anywhere is like magic to me. I know there is science behind it but it seems like magic.

Where is the worst smelling place you’ve been?

I can think of a few places that were pretty gross. Wineries smell really bad. I like wine but it doesn’t smell good when it’s being made in my opinion. Worse than that, I remember how when I was a child we sometimes used to drive through an area where there was a sewage treatment plant and boy did that area stink. But probably the worst smelling place was the entire Huon Valley during the 2019 bushfires. You could barely breath the air.

What are some things that you’ve heard in your own life, which sounded like compliments but were actually insults?

Nope. I’ve got nothing. I am sure that in 60 plus years I’ve probably heard some but I don’t retain them.

What incredibly common thing have you never done?

• Never smoked a cigarette. I know that’s not common now but it once was.
• Never ridden a bicycle.
• Never had a driver’s licence.
• Never chewed gum.

Gratitude

Yesterday was a fine winters day and I went outside to do some chores. I planted some bulbs, liliums and gladioli. I raked up some leaves, a neverending task in this garden and swept the paths. When I went to ditch the debris in the compost bin something yellow on a nearby tree caught my eye. In the same way I was surprised to discover an apple tree in my garden in Geeveston I was surprised to discover we have a lemon tree. I have to admit I miss my old garden, the roses, the daffodils and especially the apple tree which I loved. It was a nice surprise to discover a lemon tree and to see some bulbs that I didn’t plant coming up. I’m looking forward to seeing what they are.