It’s Christmas Eve, or more correctly Christmas Day, here is the latest set of questions over coffee.

Are you more socially or community-minded regarding people, or do you not think there is a difference between the two?

I am not sure if I really understand the difference well enough to comment. I don’t think I am a particularly social person but I do like the feeling of being part of a community.

2

On a scale of 1 – 10, how ethically minded do you think you are?

What behaviour do you consider to be ethical?

If 10 is high I’d like to think that I am more than halfway up the scale. I’m not perfect but I try to consider others and do the right thing. Ethics is not a subject I’ve studied but in my opinion if you are following the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would like to be done by then you are acting in an ethical way.

3

Tattoos are a very personal lifestyle choice by those who have their bodies inked.

So – Do you think tattoos make people more confident or less?

Do tattoos look good on everyone?

[If you are inked, have you ever regretted any of your tattoos?]

I honestly don’t know if they do make people more confident. People seem to like them regardless.

I don’t think that they look good on everyone. To be honest I don’t find them attractive on anyone. It just looks ugly to me to be covered in ink. No offence intended to those who have them. I know that some people’s tattoos have significance for them.

4

What enrichment do you personally receive from being social?

When David died and I was left on my own I realised that because I am quite introverted it would be necessary for me to get out and talk to people or I might lose the ability to do so. I started volunteering at an Op Shop. I am obliged to do voluntary work to continue to receive government benefits but the social aspect of volunteering was very good for me.

Have you become noticeably more socially isolated or socially interactive after the pandemic and the lockdowns? There may be no difference in your social behaviour; if this is the case, let me know below.

I have become more socially isolated but not just because of the pandemic although that was a factor. Moving to a place with no public transport and where I didn’t know anyone was far more to blame for that I think. Apart from my neighbourhood I can’t go anywhere unless someone takes me or I get an expensive taxi. There are no community facilities locally where people can meet apart from the local shop/cafe so I don’t really know a lot of people. It doesn’t bother me, perhaps it should but I’m happy doing my own thing. It’s just different from where I used to live. After more than fifteen years in Geeveston I knew a lot of people so I’d always be running in to people at the shops. People would stop to offer me a lift if I was walking to town. I’d go out to lunch or for coffee quite regularly. I don’t do those things now.

5

What would be your top sustainability tip?

Do what you can not to be wasteful. Even if it doesn’t seem like much it still matters.

6

We live in a world that treats being open and vulnerable as a taboo and something to be frowned upon, so –

Do you find it easy or hard to talk to your friends and family about your health?

I find it hard. I don’t like to discuss my problems with others and I don’t like a fuss. I dislike going to the doctor so if I must do it I prefer to do it with minimal discussion with others. It’s not because I fear looking vulnerable. I just think it is my own business .

7

What will you be doing this weekend?

It’s Christmas so our activities are based around that. Today I iced the Christmas cake and prepared some food for tomorrow, Naomi finished putting the decorations up. In the afternoon/early evening we went to Wynyard to watch the local Christmas Parade. Tomorrow there will be lunch to cook, presents to open and in the afternoon we will play some games or watch a Christmas movie or just spend some time doing our hobbies.

8

As the writer and author of your blog, how connected do you feel to your audience?

The WP community is great. I generally feel very connected to my audience. Many of them are people who have been following this blog for years and I think of them as friends I haven’t met.

Does your blog reveal too much, too little or just the right balance of you to your readers?

Just the right balance I believe. I have total control over what I tell people about my life and while I like to share details of everyday life I don’t think anyone wants to read every little thing. That would be TMI.

9

If you were granted a day at being one of your favourite book characters, who would you choose to be and why?

I’m going to pass on this for now because I can’t think of anything. It’s 1:30am and I am tired.

10

What do you believe is the greatest threat to our planet today?

We are. The human race.