Author: jkirkby8712

It was about 7 degrees when I left Ballarat this morning – filled the car with fuel, and then instead of having a touch of breakfast and a coffee before I left, as suggested by Heather [through a brief exchange of text and phone greetings], I just headed straight for the highway, intending to stop at my usual coffee haunt in Melton. The drive from Ballarat to there was none too pleasant on the Highway, constant rain throughout the journey including periods of mist, etc,, and then when I reached Melton, my coffee haunt was not yet open. Bought a small coffee across the road, but nothing to eat, didn’t fancy pastries etc at this time of the morning!

I left Ballarat rather early this morning, intending to visit the gymnasium as usual for a Monday, but upon arrival in Sunbury, changed my mind and decided to give this morning’s session a miss. I was waiting to hear the xray results from Saturday’s ultra sound, and with quite a bit of pain still evident around the rib area, and still feeling a little weary overall, thought it might be wiser to bypass today’s activities. Plenty to do at home on a cold morning which was revealing a mix of weak sunshine, and occasional overcast conditions, and short rain showers.

I noticed in this morning’s Ballarat Courier, a report of Ballarat jockey Michelle Payne being injured in a fall at the Donald races yesterday. I had chosen Michelle in one of the races when I gave the country tips on air yesterday morning, but her day had obviously not gone as planned. She was thrown from her horse shortly after the start of  the first race, and suffered four fractured vertebrae, broken ribs together with bruising and lacerations to her face. Michelle is the youngest member of the famous Victorian racing family, and the 8^th of 11 children to become a jockey. I hasten to suggest that she has been the most successful of the family jockeys.

In mentioning the Ballarat Courier, I noticed some articles of concern about residents worried about their road being used as a bypass route for the main highway [or Main Road] between Ballarat and Geelong, a road which is also the main route to the University of Ballarat. This was referred to also, in the Editorial of the day, which dealt with the whole question of public infrastructure and transport facilities, etc. It read as follows, under the heading ‘Investment in infrastructure needed with regional push’.

Ballarat residents will probably get a sense of déjà vu when they see the latest round of state government advertising aimed at encouraging people to consider a shift to regional cities.  Similarly jubilant tree changers were splashed across railway billboards by the previous Labor government.  Decentralisation is a political nut that everybody wants to crack as it offers the dual virtues of easing the strain on an increasingly bloated capital city and fosters economic growth in the new destination But much as the idea has merit it should not be ignored that it comes at a cost.  If lifestyle is one of the choicest carrots being dangled before so many imprisoned Melburnians, it should be remembered that a critical mass in this exodus could as easily destroy that lifestyle.

All growth comes at a cost but it is the planning and active preparation for that growth that really dictates the severity of this cost.  One of the reasons most commonly cited for the change is lifestyle and in particular a freedom from congestion that has become a twice-daily migraine for Melbourne commuters. Within a decade of the ring road being built it was at capacity and in need of an overhaul.  “Thirty five minutes from Southbank”, Melton banners once proudly advertised, but that slogan must seem like a bitter joke as Melbourne piles suburb after suburb onto its Western flank with the most cursory attention to infrastructure. The dream home has become encircled by a nightmare of congestion and laughable public transport options.  But before we commiserate too quickly with our big city cousins, we should think about our own Main Road. It has already the signs of big city congestion as twice a day a major arterial is reduced to a crawl. The attempts to upgrade are piecemeal and sporadic, the public transport options are inadequate. The issue of Yankee Flat Road becoming an alternative route as such was almost inevitable. The advent of more 1600 new jobs expected at the University of Ballarat’s technology park is just the kind of growth Ballarat needs. The problem is a once quiet country road is turning into a major arterial with all its attendant problems. Anybody who has sat in the stop-start of Main Road in the morning would hardly blame the people who take this “Rat Run” but how long before it too becomes congested with another 1600 cars? On the other side of town we have a whole new suburb springing up in Lucas, to be serviced by Dysons and Cuthberts roads. It takes little imagination to envisage what awaits these thoroughfares. But these growing pains are just symptomatic of what lies ahead without the proper planning and the investment to follow. Advertising campaigns are all very well to sell a happy message but serious and long-term investments in infrastructure are what is really needed to avoid growth creating a new locality for misery’.

Yes, a problem we know only too well, in the Melbourne metropolitan area, but don’t always consider that a place like Ballarat, could be similarly affected.

Meanwhile, on things closer to my heart,  the Carlton team for tonight’s 7^th Round Match shows that coming back into the team, we have  Jarrod Waite, Chris Judd [captain] and Edward Curnow, while Brett Thormnton, Kane Lucas and Joshua Bootsma all were dropped from last week’s team. The record of matches between these two teams shows a bit of a one-sided picture for Carlton, although St Kilda have been dominant in recent years.  Carlton vs St Kilda. Played 208 times. Carlton has won 158. St Kilda has won 48. Drawn twice.Played 13 times at Etihad Stadium\. Carlton has won 4, St Kilda 9. Largest home & away crowd – 55,658 in Round 15, 2008 at the MCG.  If the Blues were to win tonight’s game, they will go to the top of the AFL Ladder, the first time they have been there at the end of Round 7, since 1995 [the Blues’ last Premiership year]…………………………….

It wasn’t to be.  As an Away game which did not cover my Member’s ticket, I had more or less decided to watch this one at home, but when I realised that Susie was going to go down to Jodie’s new place, and watch the game on TV with her while Ash was at work [on shift work], I decided to join them both.  I must admit, that at 6.30 pm when we left home, I would much prefer to have stayed where I was –  out on the roads between here and the city, and more specifically, Ascot Vale,  the traffic was heavy, it was already dark, cold, and raining, at times quite heavily. The kind of night driving conditions I detest these days – but I had decided to take my car, so could blame nobody but myself. We would eventually reach Jodie’s place with time to spare before the match began, at which point, at my expense, Jodie ordered a pizza delivery for a meal tonight – not my preferred food these days, but decided it was the best option on this occasion. My coca cola drinking daughter [unhappy that the pizza place only had pepsi cola available], borrowed my car and went back out in the weather in search of the local milk bar!!

As for my [our] football viewing tonight, there was not much for a Carlton supporter to cheer about!
Carlton missed the chance to go to the top of the AFL ladder after a shock loss to St Kilda in a fiery and entertaining clash at Etihad Stadium on Monday night. The Saints opened a six-goal lead during the third quarter, then survived some nervous moments early in the final term when the Blues closed to within 19 points.
But the underdogs held their nerve and prevailed 19.8 (122) to 14.14 (98). In stark contrast to the pre-game predictions, Scott Watters’ men used speed and creativity to go on a scoring spree against a Carlton side renowned for those exact traits. The Saints’ small forwards led the way, with veteran sharp-shooter Stephen Milne booting four goals, while first-year dynamos Terry Milera and Amed Saad chipped in with another five between them. Brendon Goddard, Farren Ray, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes were also outstanding in the middle of the ground, while Clint Jones held Carlton gun Marc Murphy to only 16 possessions.
Fresh from being rested when the Blues took on Greater Western Sydney last weekend, skipper Chris Judd was tireless in the midfield, gathering 30 touches. David Ellard, who started as Carlton’s substitute and was only brought into the game during the third quarter [far too late], was his team’s leading goalkicker with three. St Kilda set up its fourth victory of the year by kicking six goals to one between the 30-minute mark of the first quarter and the 15-minute mark of the second term. The Saints’ triumph has seen them leapfrog Geelong and Hawthorn into eighth spot on the ladder. The Blues went into the game as red-hot favourites, knowing that a win would see them displace West Coast on top of the table.  But after grabbing an 11-point lead midway through the first quarter, thanks to a miraculous left-foot snap from Eddie Betts and a brilliant long goal from Kade Simpson, they completely lost control of the game.  St Kilda was sparked into action when Carlton defender Aaron Joseph dropped a regulation mark in the back pocket four minutes before quarter-time.  Milne pounced on the loose ball and snapped a great goal, then ran and gave Joseph an earful.  A melee ensued and Milne was booed and cheered by the respective sections of the crowd after he had to leave the field with a torn jumper.
The Saints rarely looked back from there. Having entered the game with victories over lowly Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne to their name, they were finally able to claim a big scalp.\  Carlton, which is now fourth on the ladder with a 5-2 record, faces a big test next Sunday when it takes on third-placed Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. Quarter by quarter scores in a dismal Blues performance were:-

ST KILDA Saints:     5.3.33     11.5.71       16.6.102           Final:  21.14 (140)
CARLTON Blues     5.1.31       8 6.54       12.10.82            Final:  12.12 (84)

And my other opinion, as expressed on Face Book overnight – ‘You win some, you lose some gutsy effort Saints, but, I think it’s time Rats started coaching again from up top instead of down with the boys on the bench, just seems to miss what is obvious to everyone else from down there – leaving changes on the field too late for example!! And perhaps there is too much media access being allowed into the Club, some of these guys believe all that is written/said about them, but forget to do it on the field week by week [of course very easy to criticise from off the field, but I guess that is the ‘animal’ of spectating!!]!! And sorry Joseph, we know Milne is a little mongrel, but he can also be a damn brilliant footballer, and I would have preferred to have seen you guys concentrate on beating him at his game, rather than mouthing him off! That gained you nothing!  Disappointing player and coaching effort, when there was a prize worth winning for, may not get that opportunity again.’

Not surprisingly, a relatively quiet drive back to Sunbury – we actually left Jodie’s place ‘before’ the match ended, such was the disquiet at the loss!!  I was glad to get home – traffic still heavy, rain still about, and with a passenger [who drives her own little car hard] I felt obliged to at least drive close to the speed limit!!  The AFL Top b teams after 7 rounds shows:

1.  West Coast Eagles……………………24……………138.41
2. Essendon Bombers……………………24……………136.61
3. Adelaide Crows……………………….24……………126.08
4. Carlton Blues………………………….20……………140.22
5. Sydney Swans…………………………20……………125.51
6. Fremantle Dockers…………………….20……………114.17
7. Collingwood Magpies………………..20……………..107.05
8. St Kilda Saints…………………………16…………….126.13

 

This is the day [like Valentine’s Day] when the price of fresh flowers suddenly sky rockets!!! I would buy some later in the morning when I got down to Ballarat, although I think I got a reasonably good deal on that occasion! Anyway, for my Sunday morning program on  Mother’s Day, I tried to select as varied sample of classical music that I thought might appeal to some mothers out there. As far as I’m concerned, the highlight selections were the Adagio as composed by Albinoni;  and three songs performed by Yvonne Kenny with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra  –  We’ll Gather Lilacs [from ‘Perchance to Dream’’  Songs My Mother Taught Me’ and Danny Boy. A little later, Sara Macliver sung Bailero from Songs of the Auvergne. There was of course, much more, as always.

As soon as my show ended at 9am, I was on the way, heading down the various highways towards Ballarat. Bit of rain about but generally the weather stayed fine, though very cold. It was actually quite a busy weekend in Balllarat – described as ‘Vintage Weekend’ with visitors coming from all over the State for such events as walks, tours of heritage buildings, rides on vintage trams, buses and horse drawn vehicles, an historical tour on bikes [with riders dressed in period costume], a Mother’s Day run for cancer,  a ‘Frock Tails’ show t the Art Gallery [which I didn’t get to this time] featuring the fashions of the 20^th century  –  overall, various activities that brought the cafes, hotels and the local galleries ‘alive and pumping’ and parking around the city area at a premium, as Heather and I would discover later in the day.

My arrival in Ballarat – well, it began with the obligatory visit to the local ‘public’ stopping point!!@  Then across the rod to ‘White’s Florist’ establishment – I’m sure this shop was on the same corner of Sturt Street when I was here back in the mid-1960s!  As I was meeting Heather & her daughter first thing this morning, decided to buy a small posy [or plant actually] for each of the two mums, as well as a few white flowers which I took up to the Crematorium. Expected it to be quite crowded up there, but in fact, while I was at Mum & Dad’s memorial there was no-one else around for a few minutes, but I was out in a very strong and biting cold wind. I actually ‘dug’ those flowers [for Mum] into the soft earth beside her memorial plague [Mum, 30 May 1990; Dad, 24 December 1969] because it was obvious that if I just left them lying there, the wind would have quickly dispatched them elsewhere.  I didn’t remain up at the Crematorium site for long – drove from there around to Lake Wendouree where quite a bit of activity was already beginning to take place. My intention was to text Heather but not meet up with her and Vonda until she was satisfied they had had enough mother and daughter time together – that came earlier than expected, she got in first, and invited me to join them – on the other side of the Lake, at ‘Racer’s Restaurant on the corner of Wendouree Parade & Webster Street – the family used to buy icecreams here, s kids, way back in the year’s when the establishment was probably a little less classier than it is now.

Racers was not very crowded when I got there, though by the time we left 30 minutes later, the lunch time patrons were beginning to build up the numbers. It had been crowded earlier for the breakfast rush, the purpose that Heather, in her usual way, had gone there – for her regular ‘dine out’ breakfast, though not the same place every day. No wonder half of Ballarat knows her!! This place is actually knon as Racers Bar & Café, of  2 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree  –  described as a ‘trendy bar and café overlooking picturesque Lake Wendouree [ideal] for a quiet glass of wine with friends, ideal spot for a cocktail to start your night, or settle in for the afternoon and watch the swans on the Lake as you eat your way through a generous cheese platter’ – I settled for a cappuccinio, having just walked in from a freezing breeze and the beginnings of a sprinkle of icy rain.

Think it was around 11.30 when we left Racers – Heather & Vonda said their goodbyes, then I followed the former back to her place, and from there soon after, around to another of Heather’s favourite eating places [can’t recall this name but she was hoping it would be within possible walking distance after her knee operation later this week]. It was there that I was shouted to a light lunch [having not eaten anything since 5.30 this morning] while Heather sat back with a glass of wine and something to nibble  – I was the ‘agreed’ driver for the rest of the day, so no wine for Bill – actually that was my choice, can’t seem to manage more than a glass at a time these days!!

From there, we drove into the city central part of Ballarat, where we discovered the shortage of parking on this busy heritage weekend, but eventually had some success, not a long walk back to Sturt Street to another fascinating little book shop  –  in fact, to ‘Known World’ –  Quality second hand & collectable books, expresso coffee bar & [upstairs], a boutique city apartment. Didn’t get to see the latter part of the establishment [and the proprietor, whom Heather knew of course] was upstairs, cleaning at the time we were in the shop. Apparently, this place started life in 2001 as Buninyong Books, located in the small historic former goldmining township of Buninyong [where Heather’s daughter, Vonda lives. In June 2008, they relocated to Ballarat, at 14 Sturt Street. The new premises, are in an 1880s Victorian building on this main thoroughfare of the city, and is much larger than the former shop, and offers a wonderful selection of quality second-hand books, together with an espresso coffee bar, in a 1930s Art Deco-inspired atmosphere [rarely for us, we didn’t actually have a coffee on this occasion!!]. I must say however, that the place  held a fascinating collection of books, though generally not particularly cheap for ‘second hand’ books, but the collection is comprehensive, with quality literature, modern classics, books on the arts, history, philosophy, Australia, militaria, science & technology, poetry and more. There is also an excellent collection of children’s literature, including childhood favourites and classics.

They do take a great deal of pride in the collection at The Known World, being proud of their books, and of the service they  provide our customers, both there at the bookshop, and to their online customers.  That latter aspect attracted my attention, and no doubt I will be in contact with them on future occasions, but decided I would certainly be back here in the shop. Once thing I discovered in recent weeks through my friendship with Heather is the amazing little collection of bookshops hidden around parts of Victoria!!  An interesting little promo note from this place  – ‘I hope you enjoy browsing our collection as much as we enjoyed assembling it’ [Michelle Coxall, presumably, the proprietor].  Anyway, we purchased a couple of books while we were there – in fact Heather bought me a little booklet called a ‘Guide For the Advanced Soul’ by Susan Hayward, described as a ‘book of insight’. I think she wanted to show me that there were other means of creating faith and seeking assistance in life troubles in addition to both of our Christian backgrounds  – this little booklet began it’s introduction with the words “Your life is a journey. In it you will face challenges, then leaps forward; setbacks and despair; joy and sadness. But whatever life holds for you be sure of one thing: that your reality is what ‘you create’ to give you the opportunity for growth  –  A Guide For The Advanced Soul is a book of insight to be consulted in times of indecision and crisis to help you understand your questions, and give guidance…………and with it, you will come to understand that every problem holds a gift for you in its hands”.  Interesting philosophy and ideas,  and no doubt over the weeks ahead, this writer will come to share with his readers some of the thoughts contained therein. Meanwhile, this will no doubt shock my friends out there in the wider world who would not accept that words of guidance could come from any source other than the Christian Bible.  Meanwhile, Eileen Caddy’s quote on the back cover – ‘Be at Peace and see a clear pattern running through your lives. Nothing is by chance.’

From bookshops to electrical stores, where without a great deal of knowledge about such matters on the part of both of us, Heather purchased a DVD player, which incorporated the ‘Blue Ray facilities, apparently the follow up medium now available to DVDs – the limit of my understanding of Blue Ray!! Anyway, Heather needed the DVD to make use of while she was ‘cooped’ up in her home after this week’s operation, and not allowed to drive for 6 weeks or so!!

The afternoon was passing quickly – we’d not participated in any of the ‘special’ events happening this weekend, but nevertheless, time was flying – appropriate, as Heather’s personal inscription on the inside cover of the above mentioned book was simply ‘Come fly with me’!!  That saying will form a part of this weekend’s Face Book ‘poetic entry’!

I took Heather back to her place, where she had a few tasks to attend to. She was a little disappointed that  she had not heard from her son, on this Mother’s Day. Although over the years, that had sadly not been an unusual occurrence! In the meantime, I drove across to the Eureka Lodge Motel [where I’d decided to stay the night, rather than return to Sunbury this evening – becoming my regular relatively inexpensive place of accommodation these days in Ballarat, modest but comfortable and certainly suitable for my comfort].  Early evening, and back to pick up Heather, and take us both out to dinner, back to Sturt Street again, this time a beautiful cosy little restaurant  – the Red Peppa on Sturt [at 34 Sturt Street, described as one of the best restaurants in Ballarat, and yes, the prices did reflect that! Quite crowded for Mothers Day night as to be expected, in fact, I don’t think they are normally open on Sunday nights, so did some good business on this occasion [including from us!!].  The promo material refers to a menu which is  updated regularly by head chef paul burge and reflects the latest in culinary trends.  Lunch Specials: *Chicken wrap, *Grilled Fish, *Chicken Parmagiana, *Open Steak Sandwich, *Seafood curry, *Risotto, *Piri Piri spiced calamari salad, *Pasta, *Duck Salad, *Open Sichuan Spiced Lamb Souvlaki, *Includes a complimentary house wine or soft drink. Dinner Menu: *Soup, *Garlic bread, *Bruschetta, *Red Peppa platter, *Prawns, *Duck Pancakes, *Trout Salad, *Market Fish, *ice-cream.  We actually only had the one course each [actually, Heather had two entrees including the Duck pancakes, while I had the main Duck meal plus a salad, and was very pleased with the outcome Heavy means have been the curse of me of late, or simply having a course more than I really need at present. This dish was perfect for the purpose of avoiding a heavy meal. Again, a glass of wine for Heather, but not for yours truly!!

A rather pleasant way to finish up a very pleasant day, and I think I can add with some certainty that my accomplice enjoyed the company and the opportunity on this Mother’ Day to have her mind relieved of the need to dwell too constantly on both,  the recent loss of her own mother, and he impending medical procedures she herself has to go through over the next few days. I would be back later in the week to see her, in the Ballarat Hospital, in which place we were actually both born, six weeks apart some 65 years ago!

 

 

 

Unfortunately, due to a medical appointment, I had to give the gymnasium a miss today, though in retrospect, wish I’d thought of going an hour earlier! Oh well, perhaps for the best!

Meanwhile, my little poetic selection for today’s Face Book page, was taken from  p743 of  ‘The Complete Stories, Plays and Poems of Oscar Wilde [pub.1991] – quite a lengthy poem, the following is just a small sample of the verses.

Startled the squirrel from its granary,

And cuckoo flowers fringed the narrow lane,

Through my young leaves a sensuous ecstasy

Crept like new wine, and every mossy vein

Throbbed with the fitful pulse of amorous blood,

And the wild winds of passion shook my slim stem’s maiden-hood.

 

The trooping fawns at evening came and laid

Their cool black noses on my lowest boughs,

And on my topmost branch the blackbird made

A little nest of grasses for his spouse,

And now and then a twittering wren would light

On a thin twig which hardly bare the weight of such delight.

 

[from ‘Charmides’ by Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900].

Jodie was leaving her little room at Goonawarra today after almost 24 years, and moving closer into the city – a big move for her, a bit sad to  finally leave home this morning, I would join her and Ash later, after collecting a car load of  her belongings from the family home.  But first, I had an ultra sound test to ‘participate’ in, just hoping it doesn’t produce any unwanted results!!  I pity I have to wait until midweek for those results – meanwhile, was glad to get back home, and have something to eat after having to fast in preparation for this morning’s activity.

Over to Goonawarra, where I loaded up my car for the last assortment of items that Jodie needed taken over to her new abode in Ascot Vale. Shouldn’t have eaten had home, as Mrs S. very quickly had soup and toasted sandwiches on the table for both myself, and Shirley, who had just arrived home from an overnight work roster. In the meantime, a reasonable trip in towards the city, until I reached the Bulla Road turnoff, at which point the traffic became congested and frustratingly slow – or perhaps that feeling was just my reaction to getting out of the habit of driving in much heavy city traffic over the past 6 months!! Anyway, eventually, had little trouble in finding Jodie’s new ‘apartment’ [in Ascot Vale Road, adjacent to the railway line] – a bit of a problem, finding somewhere to park, but eventually attracted the attention of Susie [who had travelled down with Jodie and Ash this morning] who was able to let me into the underground carpark of the complex.

Interestingly, the owners were moving things ‘out of the apartment’ as Jodie and Ash were moving in – had apparently not been expecting Jodie until Tuesday!!  Anyway, that was all sorted out, just looked a rather odd situation. With help, I unloaded Jodie’s items from my car, and then helped the girls unload Ash’s car, which he had not yet got around to doing, seemed to be busy constructing packaged items of furniture!  The complex itself rather interesting – externally, almost gave the impression of a large prison or modern business building, but judging by Jodie’s apartment, the units were quite modern and very comfortable looking – two bedroom, with most of the internal facilities, quite modern & new.  Just did not give the impression of an accommodation facility from outside!!  I only stayed around for an hour or so – Jodie was apparently going to drive Susie back to Sunbury later this evening, while Ash went to the MCG to see his West Coast Eagles team play!

By the time I returned to Sunbury, the weather had turned quite cold, and in fact it was beginning to rain. A bit of shopping, then sat in the warmth of the car for a few minutes, drinking an iced coffee, and listening to the local radio station in Melton, and their broadcast of today’s Ballarat League match in which Sunbury was playing [over at Darley, near Bacchus Marsh].

In the meantime, in the AFL competition, this year’s new team , the Greater Western Giants, today  had their first win, defeating last year’s new team,  the Gold Coast Suns, by 27 points!!  Kevin Sheedy, that  great long-term coach of Essendon for a quarter of a century,  has a permanent grin on his face as inaugural coach of  the new team!!  Meanwhile, over in Adelaide, apart from the Adelaide Crows thrashing last year’s Premiers, Geelong in the football, Black Caviar was going for it’s 21^st win from 21 races here in Australia! Pity there was no television coverage of this, the horse’s last race in Australia, before heading overseas!  I had to depend on ABC radio, and was a little annoyed that the race was on so late in the afternoon, as I wanted to get on with other things!  And then it was on – and over – 21^st win for Black Caviar, and now off to challenge the ‘world’!!  And while in the sport’s arena, a comprehensive win to Sunbury Football team this afternoon, giving the local team three wins from three games in the Ballarat Football League competition.  While for Carlton’s next match, on Monday night, we have three changes – Chris Judd, Jarod Waite & Ed Curnow into the team, while out go J Bootsma, K Lucas & B Thornton [the latter two unlucky, they played quite well last week but someone had to make way for Judd and Waite!!].

Incidentally, I forgot to mention on Wednesday, that cricketing son Adam, was re-elected as club Junior Vice President at the Sunbury Cricket Club’s Annual General Meeting that night. Adam is now very heavily involved in the cricket club, and is I think so far, the only one of my four children to follow Dad’s regular involvement in a range of community and sporting organisations – he is carrying on that tradition, which I followed from my own Dad.

Rang Heather this evening for a bit of a chat – I think our phone accounts are going to look somewhat different this month, painfully so!!! Rang her again later when I realised she was getting herself upset as she was going through her mother’s personal papers, and discovered little things like selecting the wrong hymns for her mother’s funeral etc, because she’d been unable to find the list at the time. Unfortunately little moments of regrets over things we wished we had done or said to the person we have lost are a nature of many situations, and are really things that one needs to try and avoid dwelling on – because by that stage, no amount of regret is going to change what has happened, and the only person now hurting is the person with the regrets!  In this instance, I think I was able to assure Heather, that the hymns that were actually played that day would have more than satisfied her mother, one in particular, which I referred to at the time. I feel it is perhaps a good move that I have decided to pay a visit to Ballarat tomorrow, in case my friend needs some support, with tomorrow being Mother’s Day. I will also take the opportunity to visit the ‘grave site’ of my own parents!

 

 

 

It was my turn to be attending to medical matters this morning – off to see Larry McGrath for a few renewal prescriptions, and to enquire/mention a couple of medical concerns, the outcome of which were two referrals – one for a ultra scan for pain under ribs which I was assuming was merely a turn muscle, but doctor suggested possibility of gallstone[s]  – much prefer it was a muscle problem,   and for long running [since Christmas anyway], digestive tract discomfort, a referral for a possible endoscopy medical procedure. Now that one disturbed me a little, depending on the nature of the problem as to some of the potential long term consequences – but let’s not jump ahead of ourselves on that one!

The ultra-scan I organised for tomorrow morning [which was going to throw out my Saturday morning plans for the gymnasium and the time I would be able to assist Jodie in her move to Ascot Vale] – was the first time available, so thought it better to get that one over and done with. Meanwhile, the initial consultation for the endoscopy was planned for 31 May. I just had to make sure that didn’t interfere with any planned visits to assist Heather after her operation this coming week.

In the meantime, the Coalition continues to bombard the ‘faithful’ with the same messages – but they need to get these messages out to the broader community, it’s no good just reminding me of what I’ve already heard, namely that   ‘Last night, Tony Abbott lit the beacon of hope for all Australians when he delivered the Coalition’s addressin- reply to the Budget. He outlined the Coalition’s plan for the future of our nation, a plan with strong economic growth the overriding focus. A plan that will restore hope, reward and opportunity for all Australians and a plan that is in touch with the aspirations of every community . Tony Abbott knows the concerns in local communities – he has made 51 visits to Victoria alone in the last 18 months, meeting with local leaders, hosting community forums and taking the time to speak with business and industry. The message is the same whenever I accompany Tony on his visits to regional Victoria. The Labor-Green Government of Julia Gillard cannot be believed, it certainly cannot be trusted and its dysfunctional existence is impacting on jobs and livelihoods. And Julia Gillard? Never seen and certainly not listening…………..’  [Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson].  Sadly, more broad statements, little detail to give precise hope to those they are trying to convince that a change of government is required.  At least there was a great family photo on the front of today’s Australian newspaper – of Tony embracing his three daughters prior to delivering his budget reply speech, obviously wanting to convince the public that he is as human as the rest of us – I’ve actually no doubt about that, just sometimes wish he would change his political tactics sometimes!!

There was one aspect of Mr Abbott’s speech, that I considered of particular importance, and that related to the study of other languages in this country. Though keeping in mind, that the plans referred to below, should have been  encouraged and instigated years ago, while the Coalition was in government,  the Opposition Leader now says that:-    ‘Madam Deputy Speaker, too often, government’s focus is on the urgent rather than the important; on what drives tomorrow’s headline rather than on what changes our country for the better.  We are supposed to be adapting to the Asian century, yet Australians’ study of foreign languages, especially Asian languages, is in precipitous decline. The proportion of Year 12 students studying a foreign language has dropped from about 40 per cent in the 1960s to about 12 per cent now. There are now only about 300 Year 12 Mandarin students who aren’t of Chinese-heritage. Since 2001, there has been a 21 per cent decline in the numbers studying Japanese and a 40 per cent decline in the numbers studying Indonesian.  If Australians are to make their way in the world, we cannot rely on other people speaking our language.  Starting in pre-school every student should have an exposure to foreign languages.  This will be a generational shift because foreign language speakers will have to be mobilised and because teachers take time to be trained. Still, the next Coalition government will make a strong start.  My commitment tonight is to work urgently with the states to ensure that at least 40 per cent of Year 12 students are once more taking a language other than English within a decade.’  I  have always felt that in comparison to students in Asia, and particularly European countries, the ability of Australians to speak a language other than English is such a minority as to be shameful. Whatever Party is in power, I would like to see more legislation and action in this area.

Meanwhile, Susie had a shift at the bakery this afternoon – can’t say that her cold sounded much better, but presumably enough for her to go out to work for a few hours.  She seemed bright enough when she returned home later this evening. Tomorrow, her sister, Jodie, is moving out of home – she and Ash are moving down to Ascot Vale, which from a travel point of view is much closer to both of their places of employment. When I rang Jodie tonight she was in the process of packing –  and feeling horrified at just how much ‘stuff’ she had accumulated!!

I was reading a couple of articles in this month’s Limelight Magazine this evening, and came across a couple of interesting little quotations.  In an article about Kristian Winther, who has just completed his first national tour as one of the two new members of the Australian String Quartet, mention was made of the 1784 Guadagnini Violin which he has taken ‘temporary’ possession as a member of the ASQ, which he described as :an extraordinary beast which is taking time to master but is always a joy to play. It’s scary to realise that in the violin case that goes with me Everywhere, is something made before almost every building in Australia’. In another article, written by Guy Noble, in which he is discussing the fact that orchestral musicians provide all the sounds, yet conductors bear all the responsibility and get all the glory, he comes out with the quotation that   “A great conductor is nothing without great  musicians, and great conductors only work with great musicians”.

I had things to do tonight, but think I found myself sitting in front of the TV later on, watching a bit of football while knowing I should be doing something else. And yes, there were a few messages exchanged between Ballarat and here throughout the course of the day and evening. Heather is rather busy at present, rushing around trying to get various tasks done before she goes into hospital next week, and also trying to finalise matters relating to her mother’s estate. Interesting to learn that the sale of the antique furniture shop which had been in the family since we were both kids, had finally been sold by her brother, and Heather admitted to a few pangs of sadness when she drove past it today!

One more matter arising out of this week’s budget which might have a direct affect on me eventually, came in advice from the AMRAP organisation – the Australian Music Radio AirPlay Project – from which I obtain a lot of the music free of charge that I play on the radio of a Monday night. The basis on which that music is able to be provided to me, and other subscribers from radio stations relates to Federal Government funding.  AMRAP’s email advice today was as follows:-

Dear Bill,    CBAA General Manager Kath Letch and I wanted to contact you personally to let you know that unfortunately Amrap was not allocated any funding for 2012-13 in the Federal Budget on Tuesday. It is an extremely disappointing outcome considering the very positive results from the Government’s independent review of Amrap in 2011 and the strength of the project.  The CBAA is committed to continuing Amrap and is working towards finding funding options and is in discussions with Senator Conroy’s office. All Amrap activities will continue as normal for stations and musicians.  The CBAA regards Amrap services as a critical national infrastructure project for community radio stations throughout the country and it plays an essential role in supporting community broadcasters and Australian music. We’re optimistic that funding solutions can be identified to maintain Amrap and will keep you up to date with progress.   If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on manager@amrap.org.au or the CBAA General Manager Kath Letch on kletch@cbaa.org.au  And don’t forget to order great Australian music for airplay at www.airit.org.au
Best regards,  Chris Johnson & Kath Letch  The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project  www.amrap.org

I’m hopeful that this won’t in the long run affect the current selection and distribution process, but one can never be guaranteed of anything when it comes to government funding!

Back to the gymnasium this morning – early start as I wanted to get away reasonably quickly. It was meanwhile, a beautiful morning, and the weather would remain that way throughout the day. Certainly, it was a lovely sunny day in Bacchus Marsh, my destination today where I met Heather at the same little café we had enjoyed lunch at on the 18^th January, that being our first meeting since the late 1950s when we finished Primary School and went our separate ways. Bacchus Marsh [BM] itself is situated on the Western Highway [although the main Freeway now bypasses the town as it has done for many many years], about 53 kilometres west of Melbourne [halfway between Melbourne and Ballarat, a good ‘meeting point’ for the two of us]. It was originally a small farming and horticultural community,  but is now a thriving town of approximately 15,000 people.

We spent the best part of 5 hours in BM – eating, drinking [coffees mainly], talking, and just generally enjoying the company of two friends. And relating more ‘stories’ about what each of had been doing in our lives over the past 50 plus years. We also had a brief look through the ‘Blacksmith Cottage & Forge Bookbarn’ next door to the café in Main Street there. Unfortunately, we had to restrict our viewing to the lower floor – with Heather’s pending knee operation due in a few days, the stairs leading to the next level, we considered a little too daunting, so I went out in sympathy and stayed downstairs as well. Shall return another time when we are both a little ‘stair climbing’ active!! The Cottage itself, was built around 1851, and was occupied by the blacksmith and his family. It is fully restored and furnished with items donated by local and interested families. From an historical point of view, some fascinating old equipment on display in the form of printing presses, etc. The books must have been upstairs, as we did not notice them!

Eventually the time came to drive off in our separate directions, but unlike the last time we were here, with the knowledge we would meet again in a few days, this time in Ballarat, on Mother’s Day, the first one since her mother died a few weeks ago. It has been an eventful 4 months getting to know someone who was briefly in one’s life over half a century ago, and with whom some kind of connection has always been there, perhaps waiting for the right time to reveal itself. Who knows, two people just taking one day at a time and enjoying a new found friendship along the way!

Expected Susie to be at work when I returned home, but she was still partially suffering from her cold, not sure if that’s why she was not rostered. She went out for dinner tonight, a kind of Mother’s Day treat for Shirley – James came to the door, and with a bit of ‘late notice’ invited me to join them. But already settled for the evening, I agreed the notice was a bit late, so declined the invite. After a reasonably large lunch with Heather, I was not yet ready to eat in any case!!

Tonight, the Opposition leader, Tony Abbott gave his ‘Budget Address in Reply’ to Tuesday night’s budget speech – this is a regular formal response to the Government’s deliverance by the Treasurer, but by it’s nature, is generally more broad based in character, and doesn’t have the specific kind of alternative policy detail that you get in the Budget itself!  Certainly, one would expect that even less, with a speech from Tony Abbott, and as his own summary below indicates to those who can read between the lines, there were lots of broad statements and promises but little to indicate the actuals workings behind those ‘promises’ – a kind of situation that puts an Opposition, whatever Party, at  distinct disadvantage in such debates, I feel.. This is what he had to say, prior to the actual speech in Federal parliament tonight [which also was televised on the ABC], and which a certain friend ‘jokingly’ ridiculed me for watching, hoping at one stage that  I ‘was enjoying all the Liberal rubbish’!!

‘Dear   Bill,   Tonight, I gave my Budget   Address in Reply.  The   Coalition has a strong plan to restore Hope, Reward and Opportunity for all   Australians.  A Coalition   Government will build a stronger economy, repay debt and create secure   jobs.  Strong economic growth   will be the over-riding aim of the next Coalition government: it starts with   abolishing the carbon tax.    Only with a growing economy is it possible to have lower taxes, better   services and a stronger budget bottom line as Australians discovered during   the Howard era.  Abolishing the carbon   tax will be the swiftest contribution government can make to relieving   cost of living pressures on Australian families. This will take the   pressure off power prices, gas prices and rates; it will prevent more   pressure on transport prices.   Tonight   I highlighted the fundamental truths of what will drive a Coalition   Government:   Government should be at least as interested in the creation of   wealth as in its redistribution.   Government should protect the vulnerable not to create more   clients of the state but to foster more self-reliant citizens.   The small business people who put their houses on the line to   create jobs deserve support from government, not broken promises.   People who work hard and put money aside so they won’t be a   burden on others should be encouraged, not hit with higher taxes.   And people earning $83,000 a year and families on $150,000 a   year are not rich, especially if they’re paying mortgages in our big cities. I   want to reassure the people of Australia that it does not have to be like   this; we are a great people let down by bad government that will   pass.  There is a better   way.  The Coalition stands ready to   restore Hope, Reward and Opportunity so that, once more, all   Australians can plan for the future with confidence.   Regards,

Tony Abbott,   Opposition   Leader’.

Well, I must say the actual speech presentation was quite impressive, apart from having to constantly see the ridiculous facial expressions coming from Julie Bishop [Deputy Opposition Leader] behind  Abbott, throughout his speech. But as anticipated, difficult to find any detailed substance, but a lot rhetoric and the usual attack mode  – or as the next morning’s ‘Australian’ would headline – ‘Abbott fires bullets, misses detail’[Call on arms on class war, budget debate pushed  aside] where we will read that ‘Tony Abbott has accused Julia Gillard of deliberately using her 2012 Budget to spark a class war, as part of an ignoble ploy to save her ‘drowning government’  –   it wouldn’t surprise me if much of the budget in fact had such a ploy, aimed at resurrecting the government’s standing in the polls, etc, but perhaps that description is going a little too far!!!

Noticed a little promo online from the Radio National network –  ‘Tired of hearing about Budget 2012? Read on and discover a suite of alternative programming from the world of books, art and culture. Plus, we tackle some Big Ideas with Bill Gates, head into the bush to find out what makes The Perfect Working Dog, and put the spotlight on aunts, the unsung heroes of family life, on Life Matters’. Much more variety indeed!

 

 

From today’s Australian Financial Review, we have Laura Tingle’s opening paragraphs to her front page summary of last night’s Federal Budget.  Laura writes:-

‘Business will lose tax cuts but households will enjoy a cash bonanza as Wayne Swan’s fifth budget redirects the benefits of the mining boom to underwrite growth and gives his embattled party it’s best chance at re-election in 2013. Big spending cuts in defence, foreign affairs, welfare, pharmaceuticals and the public service, along with decisions to dump tax measures previously promised to be funded by the minerals resource rent tax, have helped the government reach it’s long-held goal of a return to surplus in 2012-13 and beyond and record the biggest cut in government spending in 24 years. The 2012-13 budget also benefits from the first clear signs that a $150 billion slump in tax collections after the global financial crisis has finally ended. Tax collections as a proportion of GDP are finally forecast  to climb in coming years, though to remain at levels below pre-GFC peaks. Mr Swan’s budget strategy – built on official forecasts of more interest rate cuts – seeks to underwrite consumer and business confidence even as a big contraction in overall government spending robs the economy of steam. It does this by focusing spending on a number of payments which – in conjunction with last week’s interest rate cut – will deliver cash into the hands of the low income households most likely to spend it, with both economic and obvious political benefits [to try and persuade all those disaffected Labor supporters back to the fold!]. It is argued that annual growth in household consumption of 3 per cent will help spread the benefits of the mining boom by supporting the non-mining business sector, while contributing to overall forecast growth in GDP of 3.25 per cent. The boost to household spending  will come from……two new payments [and] will be in addition to tax cuts and compensation already scheduled to offset the carbon tax, which is now killing the government’s political prospects. There is also a booby trap for Tony Abbott in the family tax benefits measure as it is being funded from the minerals resource rent tax. The Coalition has opposed all spending funded from the tax – which it says it would rescind in government…………………” and so Laura goes on!!!

Some of the other headlines that appeared in the Review this morning, and no doubt other similar ‘comments’ appeared throughout the nation’s media, included: –

• Higher earners face tax slug;
• Business left on the sidelines;
• Team Gillard employs some reverse psychology;
• Most families [will] face wait for sweeteners;
• No apologies for soft-shoe shuffle [of monies];Vision ceded to penny pinching;
• GDP at trend on rate cuts;
• Super slug for top earners;
• A surplus too small from a budget too tight;
• Intent on giving away money; and
• Facing up to a surplus of distractions.

 

But enough [for now] of politics and budgets  –  I noticed an interesting little piece in a recent newsletter from the National Senior’s organisation headed ‘Life purpose heads off Alzheimer’s’

Greater purpose in life may help head off Alzheimer’s disease, a US study has found. Patricia Boyle from Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center said that people who reported greater purpose in life showed better perception than those with less purpose. “This is encouraging and suggests that engaging in meaningful and purposeful activities promotes cognitive health in old age,” Dr Boyle said. Researchers studied 246 participants from the Rush Memory and Aging Project who did not have dementia and who subsequently died and underwent brain autopsy.  Participants received an annual clinical evaluation for up to 10 years, which included detailed cognitive testing and neurological exams. They also answered questions about purpose in life, the degree to which one derives meaning from life’s experiences and is focused and intentional. Brain plaques and tangles, which disrupt memory and other cognitive functions, were quantified after death. Boyle said that much of the ongoing Alzheimer’s research seeks to identify ways to prevent or limit the accumulation of plaques and tangles, a task that has proven quite difficult.  Until effective preventative therapies are discovered, strategies that minimise the impact of plaques and tangles on cognition are urgently needed she said.

Meantime, the Carlton Football Club advises that it has just broken its all-time membership record, registering 44,296 members up until today. Their aim is to reach 50,000 by the end of the home and away season. This is the second year in a row the Club has reached new ground with its membership numbers, having surpassed last year’s final figure of 44,136. Obviously, the promise of future success helps in such ambitions after  almost a decade of  the most unsuccessful years in the Club’s history. This year, Carlton was the first AFL Club to introduce personalised membership cards with members being able to select their favourite player and have the image of that player  alongside their name on their ‘I Am Carlton’ membership card.  I have Mark Murphy on my card, chosen on the spur of the moment when purchasing the membership – a worthy choice, though in retrospect, given a bit more time to think about it, might have chosen someone else [Brett Thornton]. In any case, the Club feels that the ‘I Am Carlton’ campaign has been well received by Carlton supporters and believes it has been a key factor in helping drive membership as well as promote all other areas of the Club in 2012. No doubt the various pieces of paraphernalia that came with the membership also proved an incentive [quite an expensive exercise overall, by the Club]..

For myself, as a ‘committee’ member of the local Family History Society, there was the obligation of attending a committee meeting tonight – held in a ‘new’ location, the ‘Men’s Shed’ building location at the end of the Evans Street Grasslands Reserve in Sunbury. Only problem was a lack of external lighting and properly constructed pathways to the building from the road, but I guess those things will come over time!! A committee which frustrates me at times, with the ‘slowness’ of the manner in which the meeting is conducted, nevertheless, some useful decisions made including an agreement of holding a month long display at the George Evans Museum later in the year, and the possibility of having an article about the group written up in one of the local papers. Meanwhile, not a late night, which always pleases this writer.

A bit of communication with Heather during the evening, as we finalised our lunch time ‘meeting up’ tomorrow, For me eventually, another reasonable sleep!!

 

May 8^th is also significant as V-E Day [or Victory in Europe Day] –    It commemorates 8 May 1945 (in Commonwealth countries; 7 May 1945), the date when the World War II Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. The formal surrender of the occupying German forces in the Channel Islands was not until 9 May 1945. On 30 April Hitler committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin, and so the surrender of Germany was authorized by his replacement, President of Germany Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg government. The act of military surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France, and ratified on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.

From Wikipedia, we read that  “upon the defeat of Nazi Germany, celebrations erupted throughout the western world. From Moscow to New York, people cheered. In the United Kingdom, more than one million people celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part of the war. In London, crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace before the cheering crowds. Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret were allowed to wander anonymously among the crowds and take part in the celebrations.

In the United States, President Harry Truman, who turned 61 that day, dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died of a cerebral hemorrhage less than a month earlier, on 12 April.  Flags remained at half-mast for the remainder of the 30-day mourning period.  Truman said of dedicating the victory to Roosevelt’s memory and keeping the flags at half-staff that his only wish was “that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day.”  Massive celebrations also took place in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and especially in New York City’s Times Square.  Victory celebrations in Canada were marred by the Halifax Riot.”   Meanwhile in Australia, there were two significant dates – the 8^th May as above, and a few months later, the 15 August when the Japanese Government accepted the terms of surrender imposed by the Allied nations. On that date, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced in the following terms:

Fellow citizens, the war is over.  The Japanese Government has accepted the terms of surrender imposed by the Allied Nations and hostilities will now cease. The reply by the Japanese Government to the note sent by Britain, the United States, the USSR and China, has been received and accepted by the Allied Nations.  At this moment let us offer thanks to God.  Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us.

And indeed, both aspects of World War II were at great cost to human life, both military and civilian, and while conflicts have continued around the world since those days, we can never forget the huge sacrifice that wars create in our world.

Meanwhile, today is Federal Budget Day, with the Treasurer’s address televised at 7.30 tonight. A good friend wondered why I bother to watch such things!! Just natural curiosity and interest I guess, and of course my already much demonstrated interest in our politics!

Anyway, this was the Liberals view on the Budget before it came out this evening [the usual negativity, I’m afraid to say, this time even before the event!!] –  ‘Tonight, Wayne Swan will deliver a Budget that no Australian should believe or have any confidence in.  Wayne Swan has delivered the 4 biggest Budget deficits in Australian history, despite previously promising surpluses. His Budget delivered just 12 months ago has deteriorated by a further $20 billion! His Budget tonight won’t provide a strategic vision for Australia. It won’t be about protecting jobs or keeping a lid on the cost of living for Australian families. The Budget, with its tricky accounting, will be all about the survival of Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan. One guarantee is that the Budget will threaten our economy and jobs with Labor’s Carbon Tax. Labor is in chaos, racked with deep internal divisions and on-going leadership instability. It’s a government that relies on Craig Thomson for its survival. Labor is too distracted by its own scandals to govern our country in a responsible way”

So what did happen!! First day of Parliament back from recess – not much in the way of Question Time, as it was dominated by condolence motions, and then an attempt to suspend standing orders by the Coalition of the Speaker situation!!.  I think all that did, as usual, was to waste valuable parliamentary time [they really don’t sit very often] that could be utilised for more useful debates and legislation!! As tonight’s media would highlight, ‘Gillard government stews as it defeats moves in Parliament to ditch embattled Speaker, Peter Slipper, and suspended MP, Craig Thomson over union rorts’

However before having a ‘brief’ look at the budget summary, I read an interesting proposition from the GETUP Organisation, along the lines of –  ‘Imagine an Australia where refugees who seek our help, and have committed no crime, are not locked up for months or years. Imagine that instead, we give them a warm bed in a real home while they get started in a new life.   Now we can make that a reality, by opening our hearts and homes for asylum seekers as they find their feet. We’re working with Australian Homestay Network through a new, Government-approved program to provide temporary accommodation to approved asylum seekers.  Most asylum seekers are eligible for bridging visas once the Government has assessed their bona fides though health, identity and security checks. Bridging visas mean refugees can live and work in the community, but previously, they could only do so if they had family or friends in Australia. Otherwise, they must stay in detention facilities.  Sadly, many who are fleeing persecution don’t already have contacts in Australia: that’s where we come in. Could you spare a room or granny flat for six weeks through this professionally managed program?  Find out more and register your interest here: http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/refugees/host-an-asylum-seeker/register-your-interest   Here’s how it works.

1. After you register your interest, we’ll pass on your details to the Australian Homestay Network, who are working closely with the Australian Red Cross on this programme.

 

2. AHN will      ask you to complete an online      training and assessment. After this, you will be required to get a      police check. This is standard practice in the homestay industry, and      involves requesting a letter from the police to vouch that you don’t have      a criminal background that would make you unsuitable.

 

3. Then, if      there is an opportunity to host an asylum seeker in your area (they’re      interested in all areas, including rural and regional), a professional from AHN will get in touch to      organise a time to come and visit you at your home, walk you through the      program and answer your questions.

 

4. Following      that, if your application is successful, you’ll be asked if you can accept an eligible applicant      into your home for six weeks.

 

5. Before the      end of your six weeks as a host, your guest will be given options for      further long-term or short-term accommodation.

 

You needn’t be home throughout the week to be a host, nor provide anything more than a safe place to stay. You’ll receive training and support throughout the six week period, and a weekly stipend to help with costs; though, should you prefer, you can choose to donate this stipend to refugee support programs which we’ll let you know about.  Meanwhile, your guest asylum seeker will have dedicated experts to help with the practicalities of finding a job and a place of their own, and getting a translator, if needed, for important things like medical appointments. You’ll also have access to a 24 hour support hotline during the six weeks. Asylum seekers who are highly vulnerable don’t come through this program, but have other alternatives. This is an approach that has worked for many years in other countries, and has been run by the Homestay Network for many years here in Australia with foreign students. It’s far cheaper to the public purse than immigration detention. Most importantly, every asylum seeker we host won’t be inside a detention centre, where we know they could experience months or years of anguish. Instead, we’re holding out a hand of friendship and really showing the way for a new, compassionate Australian response to asylum seekers’.

Certainly an interesting proposition, and given a few different circumstances, and perhaps at a younger age, something I would like to have become involved in. There are many similar programs [generally unacknowledged] where this kind of support is provided for refugees. Interesting that in the midst of it’s problems in that area, the Government is grabbing at such an opportunity to become involved in an outwardly more humane approach to the whole refugee question!

As for the Federal Budget –  some of the headlines tomorrow would include – Tricks, cuts and handouts; Labor dumps lower company tax to woo battlers; Swan’s surplus shuffle; Super takes a hit; Families share the boom; lower rates punt; and so on!!!  I might look at Laura Tingle’s introductory paragraphs to her summary of the Budget in tomorrow’s contribution, but in the meantime, ‘my’ organisation – ‘National Seniors’ were quickly of the view that the  ‘Federal Budget has overlooked older Australians with the cost-of-living “benefits of the boom” payments given to families and welfare recipients.  While the Budget included rises in Family Tax Benefits and annual payments to eligible singles and couples on income support, it did not spread the benefits of the mining boom fairly, NSA chief executive Michael O’Neill said.  “A boom dividend would have been welcome relief for over-70s on low fixed incomes who are quietly feeling the strain of rising health and utility prices,” he said.  Another negative was a reduction from 13 to six weeks in the amount of time Age Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders can spend overseas before losing their $30-a-week Pension and Seniors Supplements. “It’s rather mean-spirited,” O’Neill said. “More than the dent on small incomes, this measure will influence how much time people who’ve spent years in the workforce or raising children can spend on that trip of a lifetime.”’  I don’t think that latter aspect will affect me much, but is a relevant point, though often, I feel that the National Seniors organisation seems to speak more for the wealthier members of it’s realm, rather than the average senior citizen!

The first of a couple of ‘better’ sleeps tonight, after I managed to spend a but more time working on the ‘church accounts’ audit, which I really should have finished by now!!  Very difficult to get enthused about such things these days!

Well, we have quite obviously seen the last of any ‘Summer’ type weather – waking to another miserably damp looking and cool morning. I am certainly glad these days, that I do not have to travel over to Northcote each morning for a day of employment!

A morning exchange of ‘greetings’ with Heather, and I was then to be found doing a bit of ‘radio program’ work, before somewhat reluctantly heading off to the gymnasium late morning – outside it was cold, with light rain in the air. Thankfully a little less chilly in the gym, and of course by the time I’d been there for an hour, I was feeling substantially warmer! And exhausted, found it all hard work this morning! A bit of shopping afterwards, before returning home.

Interesting reports in today’s media, that Julia Gillard [Prime Minister] has been ‘unofficially’ given notice by her own Party, that she has until September to lift Labor’s poor standing in the opinion polls. An indication say some, that many on her side believe that Labor cannot go to an election with Gillard remaining as leader, if the ratings have not improved within 6 months.  It seems that the basis of that declared timeline, is to allow the effects of tomorrow’s Federal Budget to take their immediate course, the response to interest rate changes, and the revealed effects of the carbon tax [although some want a change before that tax takes affect at the end of June]. Treasurer Wayne Swan was a bit more blunt about things – saying that she ‘is as tough as nails and she ain’t going anywhere’!!  Meanwhile, the Budget is to be revealed tomorrow, although reading today’s papers, speculation would have us believe that what’s in the budget has already been revealed. Whatever it contains, the affects and outcomes are likely to be crucial factors in Labor’s [and Gillard’s] immediate short term fortunes!

I felt rather lucky this afternoon – another ‘greeting’ card [3 in 7 days] from my dear little friend in Ballarat –  and as she says, I think we are both thanking ‘someone or something’ up there in the ‘universe’ for bringing two childhood friends from the 1950s back into the other’s life, whatever that may come to mean in the future. Anyway, that deserved a return in the mail, and so a hasty trip into the Post Office despatch area in the middle of the afternoon ensured that a note of appreciation, etc, would reach it’s intended recipient tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I received another weekly greeting from the ‘Coach’s box’ in today’s electronic mail!!

Dear Bill………………`This time last year, Josh Bootsma was chasing the footy for North Albany. To think that yesterday, barely twelve months later, he’s motoring around Etihad Stadium in a Carlton guernsey . . . just goes to show how quickly it can change for these kids. Josh was of course a last-minute inclusion for Ed Curnow, who complained of soreness after the final training session at Visy Park, and as the players had already left the training facility I was forced to put the call in to Josh rather than tell him face to face. The message was pretty basic. I said to him ‘Mate, you’re in, well done’, and being a WA country boy Josh was fairly laconic about it all, but very appreciative nonetheless.  Though his mother and girlfriend were in town, Josh’s father Brad was on a bike ride somewhere in Bunbury and getting word to him was no easy task.  In the end, Brad got wind of what was happening and caught the “midnight horror” to Melbourne to see Josh take to the field in the final quarter against the Giants.  I’ve no doubt Dad would be very glad he made that trip and equally proud of the way his boy fared. Josh showed a cool headedness in adapting to the next level and we enjoyed our best quarter with him on the ground. Clearly he is a player of the future, although we must be careful not to put too much pressure on him too early.
In reflecting on Josh’s senior debut, it would be remis of me not to acknowledge Eddie Betts and Kade Simpson, who completed their 150th and 150th consecutive games for Carlton respectively. When you consider that Eddie was a pre-season draft selection, he’s been an outstanding small forward who’s continued to raise the bar and is now closing in on All-Australian selection. As for ‘Simmo’, it’s phenomenal that a bloke who weighs in at just 76 kilos should complete 150 games straight. He’s the spirit of the footy club, he plays with heart, guts, and determination, and we just love him.

Kind Regards
Brett Ratten, Member #1018372

 

I do find these weekly despatches from Brett Ratten quite an interesting personal touch to the typical newspaper reports of a weekend’s matches – I suppose that it is only because I am a member that I am getting them this year, nevertheless, an interesting means of keeping in touch with the team. His comments about Bootsma quite touching, as the lad certainly did create quite a stir amongst the Carlton fans yesterday as though he was the ‘waited for Messiah’ or something,  rather than a young recruit playing for his team for the first time. Incidentally, one of the highlights for me, of Sunday’s match, was the goal kicked by back-man, Paul Bower, and I see that brilliant goal on the run, has been subsequently officially nominated for the AFL’s ‘Goal of the Year’. Great effort Paul!

Meanwhile, on the radio tonight, I had a very enjoyable three hours –usual great mix of folk, blues, jazz, country, pop, world and show music amongst other things, and included a little segment of strictly love songs and/or instrumentals including Josh Groban’s ‘When You Say You Love Me’!  I also played a couple of songs from local Melbourne girl, Marilla Homes, who was my guest in the studio, three or four years ago now. She has some concerts coming up in the near future, and I really must come good on my promise over all those years, to go to one of her performances. As usual I went a little overtime, and when I eventually did get back home, close to 12.30am, decided I was awake enough to watch tonight’s taped edition of ‘Revenge’!  That meant of course, well not enough sleep, but seems to be par for the course at present!

 

Sunday Classics as normal, on the radio this morning from 6.30am. Difficult to want to get out of bed on these cold Autumn, but nevertheless, well worth the effort once we are on air!  Must say I had a bit of a silent whinge about the way some parts of the studio had been left by the last presenters yesterday, but some things and people, one has to tolerate I guess.

Football match today at Edihad Stadium, near the Southern Cross Station – an easy trip in from Sunbury, if you can put up with a train load of football fans – at least most of them are fellow Carlton supporters, because today’s game is against the new AFL team this year, Greater Western Sydney. If the Blues can’t win this one, I think I might switch to following hockey, or something!!!  An early start this week – 1.10pm.

Meanwhile,  as for the line-up for the clash, we find that, originally listed in the squad of 25 was ruckman Rob Warnock and forward Andrew Collins, both however have been forced out with hamstring soreness. Replacing them will be Mathew Kreuzer, who will start in the ruck and Mathew Watson who has been named as an emergency. General Manager of Football Operations, Andrew McKay said Kreuzer’s inclusion was a boost to the line-up. “Kreuzer tweaked his knee at training yesterday, so we took the ultra-conservative approach in not naming him to play, however he has pulled up very well this morning and has been given the all clear by the Club’s medical team,” McKay said. “It is unfortunate that Rob pulled up sore after training yesterday, it was to be his first game back for the year after having both shoulders operated on in the pre-season. “He had a scan on it this morning as a precaution but it is only a low grade strain and we expect him to push for selection in the coming weeks.” Changes to the team from last week are – IN: Ellard and Bower OUT: Judd (General soreness) and Waite (Hip).  In the meantime, small forward Eddie Betts will celebrate his 150th match alongside teammates Kade Simpson who will be play his 150th consecutive match (163 matches overall) and Shaun Hampson will line-up for his 50th senior game.  While Carlton is not expected to lose this one, hoping for a good game of football!   At the last minute, because of a minor injury,  Ed Curnow was replaced in selected side by young Josh Bootsma

James was working today, while Jodie had other things to do, so I went to the football alone this afternoon, and chose a comfortable viewing spot up on the 3^rd level of the stadium. Had brought along various bits and pieces to eat, as I usually find there is not much of a healthy value at these venues [though should admit that I began the afternoon by indulging in a couple of hot jam donots –something I used to purchase outside Princess Park after the match, on Carlton’s home days at their original ground back in the 70s].

Today’s game, from a Carlton viewpoint was very frustrating. The Blues should have dominated the match from the beginning, but instead, what lead they had was at times threatened in that first half, and the performance they were putting on, looked second rate and outright embarrassing. Mind you that tends to take away the ferocity and effort put into the match by the inexperienced and match weaker opposition, but nevertheless, the effort by Carlton, even to the point of very poor kicking for goal, and putting themselves under a pressure which shouldn’t have been allowed. One kept expecting Carlton to turn things up a notch, but it really didn’t happen until the final quarter, at which stage  they were still only 4 goals in front!

Thankfully, that final quarter saw the team play as they were expected to have for the whole game, and a bit of excitement was added as well, when the young Josh Bootsma came on for his first game for the team, and was cheered by the Carlton faithful every time he went near the football!!  The following report from the Club sums up my feelings –    ‘Although the eventual outcome of the match  was the result everyone expected, it was achieved by means that few would have predicted.   Carlton, with a 67-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, has moved back into the top four on the ladder.  But don’t let the 15.20 (110) to 6.7 (43) margin fool you. It was the Giants’ resolve rather than the Blues’ win that was most admirable.  However to point only to the Blues’ sloppy approach would be discrediting the fledgling club’s endeavour. First-year players took on premiership hopefuls and, in many cases, held their own.  If not for some poor decision-making out of the backline and some crucial turnovers, the Giants might have gone closer to winning their first AFL game.  The Blues’ sluggish start set the tone for the day. Their three first-quarter goals only came as a result of Giants’ mistakes, and instead of making the play, Carlton was sweating on their less experienced opponents making errors.  In fact, the Giants led Carlton in disposals, contested possessions and marks, and had six more clearances by the first change. The 10-point margin was something of a façade.  Seven minutes into the second term Tom Scully levelled the score with a set-shot goal. The high-profile recruit’s straight kick left the crowd in stunned silence, but it did sting the Blues into some form of action.  They kicked the next three goals to open a 16-point advantage. But the Giants kept coming, holding the deficit to 10 points at half-time and breaking even for the term.  With Carlton’s champion captain Chris Judd missing, the Blues lacked someone to take control of the game. Marc Murphy was solid, and finished with 27 disposals (19 were contested), but couldn’t find the space or run that has become crucial to his game.  With three goals to one in the third quarter the Blues established a 25-point lead at the final change, and a goal to Bret Thornton in the opening minute of the last quarter all but ended the contest.  They piled on six goals for the quarter and held the Giants to only one major for the half.  But the final margin was not indicative of the Giants’ efforts. Losing ruckman Dean Brogan to a wrist injury at half-time, and then Setanta O’hAilpin in the third quarter with a knee complaint severely changed their structure. They might have lost the game, and key mature players to injury, but GWS lost no respect in the defeat.  The final  quarter by quarter scores were:

CARLTON                                         3.5.23    6.8.44      9.14.68            FINAL:   15.20 (110)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY      2.1.13    5.4.34       6.7.43              Final:      6.7 (43)

Carlton Goals: Hampson 3, Thornton 3, Lucas 2, Simpson 2, Walker 2, Bower, Robinson, Garlett
Carlton Best players: Robinson, Murphy, Simpson, Scotland, Thornton, Walker [and I have added Paul Bower to that list, a player I have maligned a bit in the past].

Another packed train for the return to Sunbury – in fact this was the Bendigo train, and it was to Bendigo that I should have been going this evening. Jan {Emily Bower’s daughter] and her family were up in Bendigo this weekend and had invited me to join them for dinner tonight. I guess my trip to Daylesford yesterday to spend the time with Heather, more or less decided for me that I would not do a rushed trip to Bendigo the next day. But sitting there on the ‘Bendigo’ train, I found myself wishing that I was more appropriately, and had made arrangements for an overnight stay – this train would get into Bendigo just after 6pm, perfect timing for the dinner plan! Anyway, that was not going to happen – I’d more or less intimated to Jan that it was unlikely I would get to Bendigo, and that saw me alight from the crowded train, at Sunbury.

Got home to find Susie had been unwell through the day – heavy cold and throat infection. I didn’t feel like cooking [again], so went out later and bought some takeaways for us both from one of local ‘fish & chip’ shops, though our purchases never include any chips, and grilled fish for yours truly.

A  bit of an exchange of messages and phone calls between Ballarat and here tonight. Not sure why I bother, but I attempted another early night this evening – it did take a while to sleep, but overall, a better outcome than Saturday night.

Meanwhile, after 5 rounds of the 2012 season, here are the leading 8 teams in the AFL competition:-

1. West Coast Eagles……………………24                    [161.5]
2. Carlton Blues………………………….20                   [157.8]
3. Sydney Swans………………………..20                    [137.2]
4. Essendon Bombers……………………20                    [128.2]
5. Adelaide Crows………………………20                   [119.9]
6. Geelong Cats…………………………16                    [114.2]
7. Fremantle Dockers……………………16                   [106.9]
8. Collingwood Magpies……………… 16                     [97.3]

 

 

An earlier start than usual of a Saturday – have planned a few hours with Heather up in Daylesford today [where we were 3 weeks ago], and as I also don’t want to forego another session at the gymnasium, decided to head over there an hour earlier than usual, hopefully that won’t be a problem with the trainer, and if it is, well bad luck!!  I’ll give the session a miss. As it turned out, I didn’t go –  developed a bit of a muscle pain below the right ribs during, and decided it might be wiser to try and rest it, rather than aggravate with lifting and pulling weights, etc, and hope in the meantime that the ‘occasional twinges’ dissipates over the next few hours

In the meantime, my little piece of poetry/verse/ whatever for Face Book this morning – well, in fact it’s the words from a song recorded  by that wonderful singer who was performing here in Melbourne a few years ago, Josh Groban, and taken from his album ‘Closer’  – the lyrics below are an extract only, and this correspondent  hopes they resonate a special significance for some of my readers for whatever reason. Beautiful words indeed, a description which could be applied to many of the lyrics from songs that Josh Groban has recorded.

“When You Say You Love Me”

Like the sound of silence calling,
I hear your voice and suddenly
I’m falling, lost in a dream.
Like the echoes of our souls are meeting,
You say those words and my heart stops beating.
I wonder what it means.
What could it be that comes over me?
At times I can’t move.
At times I can hardly breathe.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
For a moment, there’s no one else alive

You’re the one I’ve always thought of.
I don’t know how, but I feel sheltered in your love.
You’re where I belong.
And when you’re with me if I close my eyes,
There are times I swear I feel like I can fly
For a moment in time.
Somewhere between the Heavens and  Earth ,
And frozen in time, Oh when you say those words.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
For a moment, there’s no one else alive

On my last two visits to bookshops, I have brought home for Susie, a novel, though not really sure they were what she wanted to read. Well, today in Daylesford, I intend to visit a couple of bookshops again, and this time, I have a choice of three novels to pick from, that I know she would be happy to receive – I asked her!! So we are looking for Catcher in the Rye [J D Salinger], Catch 22 [Joseph Heller] or Slaughter House Five [Kurt Vonnegut]. The first two I am well familiar with, but had honestly never heard of the 3^rd suggestion previously. Meanwhile, I am hoping that the book I ‘didn’t buy’ last visit, will be still on the shelves of the 2^nd hand bookshop on the shore of the Daylesford Lake!  It was the story of gold discoveries etc, in the Donald district, written and the copy signed] by Lilian Kirk of Donald. She was one of our family members who came to the Charlton Cemetery dedication on the 3^rd September, last.

Retrospect – yes, Lil Kirk’s book was still available, and I purchased the Salinger novel for Susie!  As for the trip to Daylesford – drove via Woodend, then across towards Trentham, though I actually bypassed that little town – last time I was on this road, I think I had young baby Jodie in the car, with Shirley, and Rick Murrihy, the then Administration Manager at the Shire of Gisborne, It must have been around 1989/1990, and we traveling to Council planning weekend in Daylesford.\ – it was extremely cold, in fact the roads were covered in snow, and at one stage, we slid off the road, thanking coming to rest into a bush, and it took a bit of muscle power to get the car back onto the road. A very quiet drive from that point onwards!!  Today was also cold, although the drive from Sunbury to not far from Daylesford was in bright sunshine, so it was quite warm in the car!! It only became much cooler and overcast once I reached the township area.

I parked in a street, a block or so from the main shopping strip, and wandered down to that area – toilet visit, and the purchase of the Ballarat Courier from the local newsagency. Decided to take that back to the car, and not long afterwards, thought I saw Heather get out of her car down the road. Wasn’t sure if it was her from a distance, was looking for the tell-tale right limp, but by the time I caught up with her around the corner, I knew I had the right lady – was able to surprise her as she was not expecting me for another 30 minutes or so.  We would spend the best part of the afternoon together – began  in Vincent Street, a very nice ‘lunch’ from the breakfast menu of  the ‘Himalaya Bakery and Café’ [an establishment which prides itself on the quality of their bread and the large range of the vegetarian and vegan food, spreads, dips, cakes and cookies – we gave some of the latter a miss today, with Bill enjoying another great omelette, and Heather, a specialist mushroom dish on toast. The Café produces organic artisan  sourdough bread in the traditional way, made with three ingredients – flour, water and unrefined sea salt. Can’t say it sounds particularly special, but the two pieces of bread [toast] I had with my omelette, tasted rather nice!

We would  spend the next few hours re-exploring book shops, art galleries, nurseries – and of course various guises of coffee lounges. That included the Paradise Bookshop in Vincent Street run by a guy named John Trefor – as well as finding one of Susie’s books there, I shouted Heather a little CD of mystic music, and on a second look through, bought myself a classic – Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, a novel I don’t recall ever reading, and certainly don’t possess [or didn’t before today].  Overnight, I’d prepared a copy of the Josh Groban recording, referred to at the beginning of this contribution, for Heather, but I discovered in the car coming over, that the copied CD would apparently only play on my computer, and would later discover as anticipated, that Heather was unable to play it either, bit of a wasted exercise that one had been!!   Meanwhile I did find the Lil Kirk book over at the Lakeside Bookshop and café, one of our stops for a coffee!!  This time we decided it was not quite warm enough to sit out on the balcony overlooking the lake, but chose a table near the internal heating system!!   It was also  a little chilly to walk around too much down at the Daylesford Lake, but much warmer just sitting in the car and talking. Heather had her knee operation coming up next week, and I think she was beginning to get somewhat apprehensive about it, and also worried about getting an infection of any sort – it was something like that which led to a last minute cancellation [she was prepped up on the trolley ready to go] of an earlier attempt almost a year ago – 12 months of pain suffered since, so there was a real urgency to get this operation over and done with. My friend was still under a bit of  stress following the 12 months of her mother’s fatal illness, and medical and health concerns for both her daughter and son over recent months [in fact her daughter was in hospital now after a minor operation], so a bit of confidence boosting was needed. Hopefully, today’s little outing was of some assistance in that respect.,

We finished up at another coffee place back in the town which also included an interesting collection of antiques, pictures and a range of knick knacks, relatively expensive in most cases but generally good to look at and dream about. An inviting open fireplace in this venue, the name of which I seem to have forgotten! Unfortunately, with the afternoon getting on, and with neither of us really wanting to be driving back to our respective homes in darkness, we wandered back to the cars at around 4 pm, and duly parted company. I learnt later that Heather returned to Ballarat, via Creswick where she had friends, while I travelled a little further than I had come, and for a longer period of time – somewhere found the wrong road out of town, and instead of returning via Trentham and Woodend, ended up on the Ballan Road to the Western Highway [between Ballarat and Melbourne] – was quite a good road, but once the forested areas ended, I soon realised I was heading in a slightly different direction to that intended. It did enable me to listen to the local Melton radio station’s descriptions and results of the local football games in the Ballarat League, including a second win in 2 matches for the Sunbury Lions team!

I must admit that upon my return home, I was not in the mood for cooking meals, and was therefore pleased to be reminded by Susie that she was going out again, so didn’t need to concern myself about meals. In fact, I ended up attempting to have an early night – which was a bit of a usual joke for a Saturday night!! Hours before I got to sleep, and then rather restless from that point onwards leading up to an early Sunday morning. AS I would learn next morning, tonight I missed sitting up and watching, for the first time in over 40 years, the telecast from England of the FA Cup Final which I would discover in retrospect was on today – apparently Chelsea defeated Liverpool, and thereby win their 4^th FA Cup in 6 years.  Quite an effort!