TONY ABBOTT

Tony Abbott and the new Liberal National coalition government should now begin to have clear water ahead to start to implement some of their policies. They have now identified most of the mess left to them by the previous Labor Government. When the new Senate is sworn in in the middle of the year this should give them an opportunity to push through new legislation.
The later part of this year 2014 will be the time that we should be starting to judge Tony and his team on their performance.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Well the silly holiday season is over again for another year.
Now that raises the question, sorry to digress, should we wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as the US President did just Happy Holidays. Me, I am for Merry Christmas. I would not be offended if someone from another religion wished me a happy or merry day on a date that was significant to them.
Now to new year resolutions. Why do we bother; we never keep them. To lose weight for instance takes more that just a wish on one day as does giving up smoking. So my policy is to just relax over the holidays, enjoy the food, the company and all that goes with Christmas.
A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Well it is good to be back home again and back in front of my laptop.
Four weeks ago I had a total knee replacement operation on both knees! Yes both at the same time.
I spent a week in a regular hospital after the operation and then two weeks in a rehab hospital. The physio and hydro therapy were great. I am now walking with just one walking stick. It is still quite painful, especially at night in bed but regular doses of endone and panadol osteo look after this.
If anyone is considering getting a knee replacement operation I would recommend going ahead with it. If both knees need replacement then I would, and my doctor and two friends, recommend getting both done at once.
Possible the worse aspect now is trying to sleep at night as it is very difficult to get comfortable.
I have exercises that I do religiously twice a day and am seeing progress.
I should be back doing regular blog entries soon.

INDONESIA and REFUGEE BOAT PEOPLE

Many asylum seeker boats coming to Australia originate in Indonesia. The boat is Indonesian, the crew are Indonesian and the refugees on board have spent time free in Indonesia. What I cannot understand is why when Australian Military or Customs officials try to turn these boats back when they illegally try to enter Australian waters the Indonesian Government objects.
Most of these boats start calling Australia for assistance even before they leave Indonesian waters. Surely these people are the responsibility of Indonesia and not Australia.

THE END Today i share a poem i wrote recently

THE END?

John Ross ©

I am the last.          

The culmination of mankind’s genius.

The perfect human being.

I see all. I know all. I never grow old.

Millenniums, ages, eons stretch out behind me.

I look down on the city from my lofty tower.

I see order, beauty, industry.

Created, maintained, by cold lifeless machines.

 

 I am the last.

We came from star dust.

We fought, learned, loved, hated.

We grew, prospered, imagined great things.

We dared to believe we would live forever.

For a brief second we thought perfection was achieved.

 

I am the last.

We cast aside so much.

The joy of new life, youth, discovery.

The challenges of failure, hardship, striving to achieve.

No need for compassion, forgiveness, repentance.

We knew all but had nothing.

                                              

I am the last.

I have seen the stars slowly dim and die.

Burnt out, exhausted.

We reached for them; they eluded us.

Now they and us, me, I, will end.

The universe is ready to die.

 

I am the last.

Loneliness is a constant cloak.

They are all gone, we may not age but we still die.

Love, friendship, a look, a touch. No more. Never.

I feel the weight of untold billions of people.

Their lives, their very being instilled in me.

 

I am the last.

Millenniums drift by.

The sun. The giver of life dims.

Time now to wonder. Why Who What. Meaning.

Soon it will end. This journey of Mankind.

Will there ever be another story.

Perhaps another beginning.

I am the last.

FRIENDSHIP

On Friday I will be attending the funeral of a very good friend. It is at times like this that you look back and realise just how valuable and rewarding a true strong friendship can be.

BUSHFIRES

Five days now of bushfires. 208 homes burnt down and another 150+ damaged. Here in Blackheath we are still in danger. There is a massive fire only a few ks away. Heavy smoke and fire fighting helicopters everywhere.  Emergency bag packed, house prepared as much as possible and ready to go if the order is given. It is times like this that you really value the things around you. Your possessions and your family and friends.