QUESTIONS

Has anyone ever tried to scam you?

Who hasn’t had someone try to scam them? On my first trip to the UK in 1977 I was scammed twice. One was a street photographer. This was before selfies were a thing remember and these people used to latch on to tourists at places like Trafalgar Square and offer to take your picture. Stupidly, I paid upfront and of course never saw the pictures. The other one was a bit more serious and I should have known better but I was nineteen and still very naive. This guy was a con man with a nice Canadian accent. I forget all the details now but he “borrowed” some money and was supposed to meet me later to pay it back. Of course he never did. I never told anyone at home about these incidents.

What’s the best thing about parties?

When they are over.

Do you listen to people’s advice if you didn’t ask for it?

That depends on who is giving the advice and whether it sounds sensible. I wouldn’t ignore advice just to be contrary if it was given to be helpful. However, sometimes you don’t talk about a problem to get advice, just to vent. Some people just think they know best about everything.

Why is it impossible to spell funeral without fun?.?

Well, you’d only have “neral” wouldn’t you? Is that even a word? Seriously though, funerals are not fun but I have been to funerals where we’ve laughed as well as cried as we celebrated someone’s life. I think it’s OK to laugh.

GRATITUDE SECTION

How was last week for you?

Last week was good. I had my birthday late in the previous week as you know. On the Saturday we voted in the Federal election, went to a church fair and out to lunch. We each found some goodies at the fair and lunch was very nice. The election result was interesting. We now have a new Labor government and lots of Greens and Independents elected which should help “keep the bastards honest” as they say. I thought I’d be more excited by the result but I am just relieved that the other lot are finally gone.

On the Wednesday of last week my friend Gillian flew over for the day. We went out for lunch again and then in the short time we had we tried to show her a little bit of Sisters Beach and Wynyard. It’s been several years since we’ve seen each other although we keep in touch regularly. I may try to plan a return visit in the spring. Thursday was my volunteering day and I always enjoy that. So, on the whole a good week.