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An overcast and cold morning outside when I eventually emerged this morning. Another day of hospital visiting ahead was my plan, and we will just see what else the day brings. Seems like it might be a little more difficult to keep warm this time!

As has happened on numerous occasions over past weeks, Heather and I sent texts to each other at almost the same moment, not as a response to an earlier message, it just simply occurred that way. As I submitted my morning greeting, hers came through!  A  pleasant way to start one’s morning.

Occasionally yesterday, whilst talking to me, or to others, Heather would express the desire for a ‘bullet’ as a solution to ending the pain that her newly reconstructed leg was giving her. Perhaps the following verse might have been a good comeback to those feelings. Written by Eileen Caddy in ‘Footprints on the Path’, it read as

When you feel

that you have reached the end

and that you cannot go

one step further,

when life seems to be

drained of all purpose;

What a wonderful opportunity

to start all over again

to turn over a new page.

 

After leaving the motel this morning, I decided that my first ‘port of call’ would be the Art Gallery of Ballarat – quick look through the ;shop’, and a brief perusal of any new acquisitions or exhibitions currently on display. Just before I left, the sun came out as I was having a brief chat with the motel proprietor, but it was short-lived [the sun] at that stage!!

I spent about 40 minutes in the Art Gallery – always enjoy mu visits there, though today, I only explored the lower floor displays after a period of perusal in the shop area. Discovered that there were no large future prints of  the Australian classics planned for the near future – a bit of a disappointment as I was hoping  to purchase a companion to the Charles Condor print I’d bought earlier in the year. I did buy an ‘arty’ card for Heather. Meanwhile, a cappuccino in a nearby cafe took the time of my parking meter in Lydiard Street up to ity’s kimit, before I was on the move again.

Drove up to the Macarthur Street Primary School, and wandered in to the office/administration area. While I was not optimistic about getting any response today, I was wanting to confirm my enrolment date at the school. Surprisingly the lady who attended to my enquiry was able to find the relevant record from some 14,000 names she had on an Excel spreadsheet. It was confirmed that I ‘commenced my schooling at the Macarthur Street school on the 3^rd February  1953 where I was admitted to Grade 1. This fitted in with the following years, ending up in Grade 6 on 1958, finishing mu Primary School education on the 19^th December 1958, from whence I went to the Ballarat East High School as it then was.  At February 1953, I was six and half years old. Prior to then, I had this memory that I was a pupil at the Pleasant Street Primary School, on Wendouree Parade, opposite the Lake, but only for a short period of time. Next stop was that school  – their records were archived and more difficult to access.  The administration person took note of my details, and promised to get back to me at some stage with the answer to my enquiry – was I ever enrolled at Pleasant Street?

Spent just under an hour with Heather in the ward  – her friend Jan was there for about half of that time, and there was a brief break for a medical situation, when I went for a walk downstairs. Apparently Von, and Heather’s neighbour, Judy, had both been in earlier – again, I was sorry to have missed them. As for Heather, she seemed much brighter this morning, not in quite the same degree of pain as she was yesterday, although her major worry for a large part of the day, was the suggestion that she would be right to go home tomorrow!! That was obviously not a realistic proposition, yet it would not be until late afternoon that medical and nursing agreement, and a bit of push from a couple of social workers, that Heather could be confident that she was going to be allowed to remain until at least Monday.

Visiting hours off between 1pm-2.30pm – that saw me back into the city area, where after a light lunch, I called in at the Collins on Sturt bookstore./ A bit of a mistake that  – there for quite a while, and spent a bit of money I’d not really intended!! That included a couple of small inspirational booklets for Heather – yes, she was getting spoilt –  and a couple of selections for myself, including two classic Wordsworth volumes by Homer  – The Iliad, and The Odyssey  –  I think I may have an old copy of one of those, but decided these were a set that would fit in nicely with my ‘Wordsworth’ library collections. Also purchased a copy of a book by Michael Kerrigan –  ‘100 Great Art Masterpieces’ – just a cheaper discount volume, but an interesting selection of some of the great paintings.

With Heather at the hospital for just under 3 hours this afternoon – various visits from medical personnel, her social worker friends, etc, all of whom combined to make sure that Heather was not forced to return home tomorrow. Relief for her eventually when it was confirmed that the situation would be reassessed on Monday. Not a great deal of time for us to be alone, but that was expected and accepted – Heather has a great support group of friends, and I was pleased that they were making their presence felt. I just hope that support continues after she returns home and is relative immobile for a few weeks! Once again, I would leave a little earlier than intended, with the hope of allowing Heather a bit of extra rest – but again, that hope was short-lived, as she would have further visitors. At least tonight, she would manage to get a reasonably uninterrupted sleep with a few other emergency cases keeping the attention of the nursing staff away from my friend.

A quick drive back to the motel – seemed to be a few more patrons tonight, including a group of guys who seemed to be settling in to watch the football, in the room next to mine.  Perhaps it may not be so quiet tonight!! Drove back up to Mair Street, just half a block from the hospital, where Ross & Anne loved – eventually found their home, not so obvious in the dark. I liked their place – long passageway with various rooms leading off to one side, and the upstairs and external areas – and all the walls covered with paintings, pictures and various other ornamental decorations covering a wide range of areas – bit of emphasise on sports, grandchildren, etc, chandeliers, and so on – I imagine much of the material in the house had come from the Antique shop in Armstrong Street, just recently sold up!

Dinner tonight at the Eureka Pizza Restaurant in Sturt Street, guests of Ross and wife Anne. She was quite tired this evening – fairly normal apparently for a Friday night after a long day with a large group of kindergarten children that she teaches!  On the odd occasions when talkative Ross wandered off, and was waylaid by someone he knew [everyone in the restaurant it seemed], I found myself unusually having to make the conversation with Anne, I think she is often so tired [with Ross’s regular conversation, that she chills out. Heather’s brother is a great guy  – he loves ‘talking’!!  Meanwhile, I enjoyed a beautiful meal  – marinara pasta plus a shared pancake later with Ross. Very popular, large, busy and noisy restaurant, and with our table almost opposite a well replenished fire place,  it a lot warmer than was possibly comfortable at times. I must admit that I found it intriguing, the way Ross introduced me to people –  ‘our friend Bill, who is currently looking after my big sister’!!

Back to the car parked in Mair Street, said our goodnights, and I later also exchanged a greeting with Heather who was settling down for the night. No other distractions, I drove straight back to the motel – bit of writing, reading, and watched the end of a close Collingwood/Geelong football match. The end of that game signalled the departure of some of my neighbour’s friends, but it was a while before the room occupant himself settled down – not much thickness in the adjoining walls!! For myself, a bit of a restless night, but managed a reasonable sleep.

 

 

 

I intended to begin the day with a visit to the gymnasium, but after a day and night, not feeling at all well, I decided it might be best to give that exercise a rest today, instead took my time getting organised this morning, for an earlier start than planned, for another trip to Ballarat   I was actually surprised by an early morning ‘hello’ from Heather – didn’t think she would have her phone in the hospital ward.

I think it was soon after 9.30 when I left Sunbury. Despite a very cold start to the morning, it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, and the drive down the highway, via Melton was quite warm in the sunshine.  My arrival in Ballarat, found the same weather, a glorious day. More or less drove straight up to the Ballarat Bass Hospital, parking a couple of blocks away in a two hour spot!  As visiting hours this morning were 11am-1pm, and I arrived here just after 11am, that was perfect. It took me a little find to familiarize myself with the hospital layout, but eventually found my way to Room 209 on the second level of the north wing, and found Heather and her daughter, Von, sitting on chairs talking, beside the bed. Von left soon after. And I would stay with Heather until just before one o’clock.

Surprisingly, she was in a lot more pain, than she really should have been, and it was not until I returned later that afternoon that the reason for that was discovered. She was supposed to be wearing some form of pain patch, but apparently during her shower this morning, it had been knocked off, and not noticed until this afternoon. Staff had been filling her up with other pain killers, probably thinking she was asking for too much, when the real villain was lying on the bathroom floor for half the day.  As it was, it would not be until after 5pm, before the hospital pharmacy finally provided a replacement patch. So for a lot of the time that I was there with Heather today, she was genuinely in a lot of pain from her ‘repaired’ knee. Meanwhile, during that morning period, her brother Ross called in briefly, with some flowers and greetings – he didn’t stay long, but I was pleased to see him.  I think our patient was trying to recover from a rather unappetizing lunch, when I left at around 12.45pm.

I drove down to the main town area, and eventually met up with my sister Jean, and her husband Ross, in the Mall, and we adjourned to a nearby restaurant for a bite of lunch. Rosemary and Marc joined us soon after, although they had already eaten! A pleasant hour or so over lunch –  I decided today was the time to have what was a rather tasty Mediterrean Salad, and even survived the rich layers of oil, and the multitude of olives which I generally avoid in any quantity. Ross, who had recently resigned from his technician’s role at the Ballarat Grammar School, was ‘enjoying’ his new found freedom of working weekends and some weekdays as a motor cycle instructor and teacher, so a lunch outing like this was a treat for him too. Actually, the meal was a treat for me – I didn’t have to pay!!  I enjoyed that brief sojourn with my sister and part of her family, though had to offer apologies for staying at a motel in Ballarat, rather than accepting their hospitality out at Enfield – explained in terms of  independence, convenience, etc. I think that was understood!

From lunch, I drove across to the Eureka Lodge Motel, where I was expected, and checked for a couple of days. Slightly different room to the one bed variety I had the other night – this one had three beds in it!!  I really only needed the one!  From there, I drove across to Wendouree Parade, via Neil  & Macarthur streets, purchasing a copy of the Ballarat Courier, and the Age, along the way. Stopped at the Chaser’s Restaurant, where I had met Heather and Von last Sunday morning – the weather much more pleasant today –  and shouted myself an ‘over-expensive’ iced coffee, and read a bit of the ‘Courier’. It was while doing that I came across a couple of interesting articles. One of them related to the Ballarat Art Gallery!  As a member and fan of the Art Gallery of Ballarat, I was interested to find the following article [partially reproduced] in today’s Ballarat Courier, under the heading ‘Celebrate the art we do have’, and written by journalist, Kim Anderson – obviously in response to criticism from some areas as to why the Ballarat Gallery did not exhibit the recent successful ‘Grace Kelly’ exhibition held at the Bendigo Art Gallery. After reading this, I simply had to say “hear, hear”!! The article follows, in part.

‘Of all those people leaping onto the bandwagon to criticise the Art Gallery of Ballarat for not holding a ‘frock show’, how many of you have also bothered to actually visit the gallery and view the amazing collection on display? Yes – the permanent collection- as in work that we, collectively, as citizens of Ballarat, can be proud to call ours. Why is it that we are quick to praise something further afield, while ignoring the riches literally beneath our noses?

Ballarat has an extremely significant permanent collection with a major focus on Australian art, a collection which is ever-increasing in quantity and quality thanks to the passion and vision of the gallery’s directors, both past and present.  And it doesn’t cost a cent to see. You can walk in there, free of charge, and view masterpieces by some of Australia’s greatest artists including Margaret Olley, Jeffrey Smart, John Brack and Hans Heyson, to mention but a few. And I haven’t even mentioned the stunningly beautiful indigenous art on display, nor the extensive collection of works on paper or the rare illuminated manuscripts. Ballarat’s collection also offers an invaluable insight into the history of our region from the very first colonial settlements [including many works by convict artists] right through to works by local artists. Surely that holds much greater value than a few dresses worn by a dead movie star [with all due respect to Princess Grace]. The Grace Kelly exhibition, along with all the other ‘couture’ shows that Bendigo has held recently, has been brought in, ‘ready-made’ from the UK at great expense [my greatest apologies to Duchamp for using the term in this instance].

The Art Gallery of Ballarat curates the majority of its own shows, most of which showcase at least some aspect of its permanent collection. And that, I might point out, is Ballarat’s strong point. Our permanent collection is one of the best in Victoria outside of the NGV, and dare I say it, in all of Australia……………..The Art Gallery of Ballarat is one of the most spectacular jewels in Ballarat’s crown, achieving it’s status neither from royalty or celebrity, but from a genuine vision to establish an uplifting and inspiring cultural institution that originated with its founder James Oddie in 1884. However, unfortunately, artistic and scholarly integrity now seems to be undervalued and overlooked in favour of temporary easy-to-digest blockbusters. Titanic might have broken numerous box office records, and it’s even been presented in 3D now,  but could it actually be truly classed as a high-quality film? The sad truth is that mediocrity tends to appeal to the masses, and before you retaliate I’m not the first to say so. Bendigo’s visitor numbers mean very little when it comes to making comparisons between the two institutions. Apples are not oranges, and a fashion show is not an exhibition of art – although certainly there can be a crossover in some cases. I absolutely agree that there is an appropriate place for both, and neither should be in competition with each other………………Dresses and shoes are pleasant and pretty. ‘Real’ art is perhaps perceived as a little more challenging………..Art is challenging, memorable, soothing, provocative, emotionally and psychologically arousing, raises many questions and provides some insights into the human condition. It’s incredibly complex, and thus ultimately more rewarding.’

Spent the next 3-4 hours back in the ward with Heather, although she was not there when I arrived – was away having x-rays. When she came back, with me waiting in the background, she was helped in the bathroom for a while [that was when the missing pain patch was discovered], and it was afterwards that the full extent of her distress from pain was evident – not so bad lying down, but when she has to try and walk, even with assistance, the pain and  discomfort becomes quite severe. She was upset that I was seeing her distressed in that manner, though I think we quickly assured my friend,  that such feelings were unnecessary, I just wished there was something I could do to ease her discomfort! No other visitors while I was there, until after school when Von came in with her two teenage daughters [Heather’s granddaughters]. Earlier, I went for a wander downstairs, while Heather was attended to by the nursing staff again, and returned while she was eating the evening meal – in fact, she was actually eating the meal this time, which was a good sign.

I think it was getting on towards 6.30pm when I left, felt that Heather was probably ready for a rest and a bit of a sleep – however, she would have to wait for that, as she had some late visitors – I was a little disappointed to have missed a  return visit by her brother Ross, and a couple of other friends, would have liked to have met them.

Bought a meal of roast vegetables from a nearby establishment, and returned to the motel for the evening, where I would have a comfortable and warm night. A couple of goodnight messages from Heather, as she tried to settle down for the night, although no doubt she would be disturbed throughout the night by the nursing staff.  UI had no such problems – very quiet again, around this motel, watched a bit of TV, wrote, read, and generally slept fairly well, with the occasional short break.

 

 

A bit of a Face Book  message discussion with Ruth during the morning concerning my ‘friend’ in the Ballarat Hospital. I guess Ruth guessed!! Meanwhile, I was kept up to date with progress, and by early afternoon, the operation was over and Heather was out of recovery and into her ward, feeling rather miserable and ‘away with the pixies’ to quote her daughter.  I the meantime, I decided to get some flowers delivered – via White’s Florist in Ballarat, and I later learnt they arrived a few hours afterwards!

Throughout the day, I was kept updated on the recovery phases of Heather after this morning’s operation, by her daughter. In fact this evening, while I was eating, Heather rang me herself – just a brief chat, as she was rather hard to understand, sounding very groggy and tired, said she couldn’t stay awake, but she was clear enough to mention the flowers had arrived J  Told her I would be there tomorrow.

Other matters took a bit of my attention today, surprisingly – a visit to the Sunbury Library, where I met up with three other Family History Society committee members, and the George Evans Museum curator, Sue Sutton [a former member of the Society] to discuss the archiving of a number of boxes of old Shire of Bulla papers and records, which went back to the late 1800s. A mammoth job for a small group of volunteers but it seems like we are going to take it on. We also discussed some initial arrangements for a genealogical exhibition to be held in August within the Museum surrounds [which is located at the rear of the municipal library]. This would be followed up by the general members’ meeting tonight which included a speaker from the Commonwealth Bank, giving us a bit of a rundown on the kind of archives held by the Bank and/or it’s successor, the former State Savings Bank of Victoria. Quite interesting, and also short – which for me, meant an early night – not feeling that well, and would have preferred initially to have not had to go out. Also had to find time this evening to check the spelling etc, of yet another of my son’s university assignments!! The things I agree to do!! Haven’t finished the audit of those church accounts as yet however!!

On a different subject, there was I thought an interesting Editorial in today’s Age newspaper concerning the need for Australia to consider it’s role in a US military build up. I won’t comment on it, but include it here for the information and interest of readers.

‘JUST in case the Gillard government thought China had decided to overlook the deployment of 2500 US marines in Darwin, Beijing this week issued advice to the contrary. When the announcement about the marines was made during President Barack Obama’s visit to Australia in November, the response by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman was diplomatically phrased: ”It may not be quite appropriate to intensify and expand military alliances and may not be in the interest of countries in the region.” But Foreign Minister Bob Carr evidently received a blunter assessment during talks with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, and other officials in Beijing. Their view, Senator Carr said later, was ”that the time for Cold War alliances had long since passed”.

Few Australians expect or want this country to repudiate its alliance with the US, which is not only based on strategic necessity as it was understood during the Cold War and, earlier, during the war against Japan. The alliance also reflects deep cultural affinities, including, most importantly, shared democratic values. Acknowledging these things to be so, however, is not the same as saying that Australia’s national interest lies in closer military integration with the US as it shifts its global projection of power away from the Middle East to an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific.

In the context of that shift, the basing of US ground forces in Australia for the first time since World War II can only be seen in Beijing as a provocation. And the language used by Senator Carr to explain the marine deployment – ”an American presence in the Asia-Pacific has helped underpin stability there” – can only seem like weasel words.

The Gillard government likes to talk of the 21st century as the Asian century, and to portray Australia as especially well placed to participate in this global reorientation. Thus far, however, its actions have rarely been consistent with that rhetoric, for its inclination has not been to act independently as a middle-ranking power in the Asia-Pacific region. This government, like its predecessors of both political persuasions, has preferred Australia’s historically comfortable role of doing the bidding of a powerful protector.

No nation in the world can ignore the rise of China as a great power, and potentially a superpower. But China’s increasing reach, economically and strategically, holds different consequences for Australia and the US. For this country, China is the industrial giant whose demand for Australian raw materials has been the chief driver of growth. It would be naive to assume that this demand will continue indefinitely, but neither can Australia pretend that economic exchange is not fundamental to its relationship with China.

For the US, matters are more complicated. China is both the low-wage economy that has come to dominate global manufacturing and the expanding military power whose new assertiveness means the Pacific is no longer an American lake. And, China’s resistance in international forums to interventions aimed at protecting human rights in third countries is a constant reminder of its obsession with preserving its own creaking, authoritarian system. In all these things lies the possibility of conflict. Yet the fortunes of the reigning superpower and the contender are also entwined, for China is the biggest holder of US debt. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said, ”How do you talk toughly to your banker?”

When the marines’ deployment to Darwin was announced, The Age argued that if a military build-up in the Pacific by the US and its allies results in a new Cold War, the Obama administration and the Gillard government will have seriously miscalculated. Mutual hostility will not easily bring about a more open, less suspicious China, let alone a democratic one. This week Mr Carr got a chance to learn that directly.’

 

I had my usual Wednesday morning phone in to Ron at the radio station this morning [6.45 am] with some local sports results. But before that, a slightly earlier rising, so that I could give Heather a ring before she went into hospital. Daughter Vonda was to collect her at 6.40 am for the short drive down to the Ballarat Base Hospital, where we were all hoping that this time, the surgeon would agree to proceed with the knee reconstruction operation required to her right knee.

By the time that short conversation was finished, I think my friend was more upset, than the nervous state she had woken with this morning, after a restless night with not much sleep. Her big fear was that the surgery would be deferred, again as it was 12 months ago because she had a minor infection at the time.  Around 7.30, I received a more cheerful message [obviously pre-op prep time from within the hospital] from Heather, and I took it from that, things were going to proceed as planned.  An hour later, at 8.30am, a message from her daughter – ‘Mum has just been taken off to surgery – I’ve been told it will probably take 3 hours for surgery and recovery..’.  So that first step had been passed, actually getting to surgery this time.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope [Lady Bird Johnson]

The flowers take the tears of weeping night, and give them to the sun for the day’s delight [Joseph Cotter]

A couple of early morning text exchanges with Heather – more blood tests and other medically related factors she had to get through today, wished her well in all of those things!  Personally, I could have done with a sleep in this morning, but Susie had signed up for a first aid course in the city today, and asked me to drop her off at the train station. That suited me, because shortly afterwards, I took my car to the local Ultra Tune service station for a bit of a check up. I had undertaken a few more trips in it than previously anticipated, and wanted to have a few items checked out. First time I’ve had to pay for a car service [my own car, that is, ignoring the ‘kids’ I’ve helped out] for five years, and today’s little venture will no doubt not be without some cost!!

Decided to walk home rather than catch the bus – but stopped at the Jolly Miller café for a cappucino & toasted ham sandwich along the way. Interestingly, a young lady in the café – reminded me instantly of a young Shirley Clyde [now French] of 40 years ago – a wondered if she had a niece down this way, the girl just looked so familiar!! I’ll ask her one day. Meanwhile, the walk from Sunbury township, up past the high school to Fisher Court – well it was a little tougher than I recalled, and was uphill virtually all the way!!

Rest of the day at home – a cold overcast day, busy at the computer, etc, and awaiting phone calls, principally regarding a pick up time for the car – had a couple of those concerning items that had been found and a fix up was advisable  – each phone call, I could see the dollar $$$ signs getting bigger!!!  During the afternoon, another awaited message came through from a nervous Heather  – her operation, to her knee, was set for first thing in the morning, she was first on the list, now all she had to pray for was that the surgeon would not find an excuse not to go ahead, as happened twelve months ago. I must admit to a little concern about the state of mind this girl would be in if such an event occurred! Positive thoughts required here! In the meantime, mail, two days in a row from this friend, almost makes collecting the daily mail a pleasure, never know when there will be a surprise there.

Meanwhile, the mail in my inwards box included the weekly message from the ‘Coaches Box’, Brett Ratten, coach of Carlton. This should be interesting, following last night’s ‘performance’!!

‘Dear Bill
Behind closed doors in the aftermath of last night’s 24-point loss at Etihad Stadium, the players and I homed in on the drop-off in intensity from the first three matches as opposed to the next block of games.  There is obviously a discrepancy there. The fanaticism shown in getting after the ball and the man is not quite at the level we’ve seen of this team.  We also discussed that little period of time towards the end of the third quarter of last night’s contest where it looked like we were beginning to get our mojo back in that vital area of the game. Clearly we need to get it back for four quarters, together with our ball use going inside 50 and the drop of the ball in our back half. The opposition got 11 inside-50s for eight shots on goal in the first quarter and that’s hard to live with.
Obviously we’ve been faced with two scenarios this season where we’ve been behind and on both occasions when we’ve been up against it we’ve also kicked inaccurately. In the second quarter of this game we kicked 3.5 so the simple lesson learnt is that when you’re trying to claw your way in you need to be able to kick goals. In saying that, while we did have to deal with some structural issues in the fourth round match at the MCG, last night was more about our intensity or lack thereof. Put simply, it was about our inability to roll up our sleeves. Some have questioned the pressure of expectation given the significance of a victory in the lead-up to last night’s match, but I suspect that’s a scenario that plays more into the hands of the opposition. Perhaps the opposition players thought “Gee, are they looking more at the final siren rather than the first bounce?” and maybe that afforded them a little more energy. At the end of the day we had a fair bit to play for, although nothing was said about it going in. There was no need to talk about the outcome – it was more about how we were going to win – but we were beaten by a more aggressive, intensive group who got in our faces and didn’t allow us to dictate terms.
Talking of intensity, our next opponent Adelaide presents a massive challenge in what is a short turnaround time to next Sunday afternoon’s game. The Crows are at the top of their game right now and we’re faced with some massive challenges as we seek to regain that intensity we on show through rounds one to three. Once again Etihad provides the backdrop for what will hopefully be an ample turnout of Carlton Members, and it’s to all Members I offer my sincerest congratulations for smashing our all-time Membership record last week.
Despite last night’s loss we feel we’re continuing to build something special at the club – and through the course of this week those of us on the coaching staff and in the playing group will be feverishly working the phones through Wednesday and Thursday to help drive our membership towards 50,000.
Kind Regards

Brett Ratten  [Member #1018372]

That was the word from the coach, whom I to some degree, critised in last night’s summary. Perhaps in the above, I might have liked to see him admit to some fault, but then that would obviously come over as a major negative. Best left unsaid!

On a local matter, a bit of attention has been directed in the media to one of our local schools in Sunbury – the Sunbury Downs Secondary College [which school Jodie attended, on I was a member of the School Council, included a couple of years as President]. I became a bit annoyed at some of the biased comments and unfair generalizations, on the basis of a couple of individual students not having the ability to fit into the school’s culture,  that were directed towards the school as a result of this, and responded accordingly on the Face Book page. The story itself appears in this week’s local ‘Sunbury Weekly’ newspaper, written by Tara Murray.

‘SUNBURY Downs College has defended its policy of compulsory parent-teacher interviews despite having apologised to the family of a student with a learning disability who was suspended. Last week, year 12 student Brendan Mason was suspended by a vice-principal after his non-attendance at two detention sessions imposed after he and his parents failed to attend interviews. Brendan’s father Andrew said he was disappointed by his son’s suspension. “As Brendan has a learning disability and [has] a learning aide, we speak with them regularly about his progress; so it’s not like we don’t have contact with the school,” he said. “We were away for those couple of days when the interviews were conducted … it’s the first two days I’ve had off in eight months.” School principal Brett Moore later apologised to the family, saying it was a misunderstanding. Mr Moore said that because of the regular meetings between Brendan’s parents and his integration aide and teachers, they weren’t required to attend the interviews.  “It was a misunderstanding and Brendan shouldn’t have been issued with the detention in the first place.” Mr Moore said parents and students were aware that they were required to attend the interviews. The school newsletter states students who don’t attend the interviews will face two detentions. Mr Moore said the two previous schools where he worked had similar policies and they worked successfully. “The school works hard to communicate with students and parents,” he said. “We are the only school in Sunbury that has two orientation days at the end of the year and another at the start of the year. We have a great reputation for being supportive of our children.” Mr Mason said his family was pleased the suspension had been lifted, but he was disappointed with the handling of the situation. “Brett was good and, as I expected, he was unaware. But there is no excuse for the rudeness of the vice-principal, who hung up on me. We achieved what we wanted, which was for Brendan to return to school. “I don’t think it will happen again.” He said he didn’t agree with the school’s policy. “The child should not be penalised because of parents’ action. “It is up to the parents if they have an interest in their child’s education.”’

Obviously, this policy has come into the school since I lost contact, as I don’t it been enforced in the nature referred to a few years ago, but there were certainly at the time, a number of parents who did not attend parent/teacher interviews in those days, when it was a preferred option, though no penalties were applied. In my own case, I think from memory that I attended all such interviews at both Primary and Secondary level – but I did so either alone, or occasionally with the child in question. I don’t ever recall Shirley attending!  My comments on Face Book, were along the following lines, and were partially a response to the comments of a parent whose child for whatever reason, couldn’t fit into the school’s requirements, was withdrawn, and obviously did better at the subsequent school, yet the original school has been blamed for that child’s problems ever since, without any consideration that perhaps the fault lay with the child in their younger years! Maturity was beginning to set in at the time of the second school. Whether that is a fair or unfair assessment [my myself], my gripe here is with the constant unfair and biased degradation of the school’s value because of one unfortunate situation, and here we see the same type of thing happening. Anyway, my major contributions were that:-

·         Don’t judge a school on the actions of one, a poor judgement was made and has been apologised for. The news seldom reports on the achievements of a place, those kind of things are not what people can be bothered reading about these days!

·         From someone else -[I think it depends on the child and I really don’t think Brett Moore deserves all the negativity he is getting. If it is so bad why have enrolments nearly doubled? Obviously some people still think it is an ok school and going in the right direction].

·         There’s been a constant vendetta and unwarranted criticism against Sunbury Downs by some people for years, and as a former SC President, I consider the school was getting close to the equal of SC when I left and some wonderful advances have been made under Brett. So yes, let’s get on with life and not retain personal grievances!!

I picked up my car late this afternoon, after it’s service  – cost not too bad, although any money spent on car servicing is painful, and the bad news was that it was considered I needed 3 new tyres. I had been concerned a little about one of them, but from my perspective, I would not have considered them close to been unroadworthy!! Such is life!  That was followed by a ‘long’ wait at the station for Susie’s train to arrive from the city – a more painful wait for her, almost an hour at Sunshine station, while police and other emergency personnel dealt with a person threatening to jump from an overhead in front of a train!! This delay did not improve Susie’s view of the convenience of public transport!!  Meantime, she had gone to the city today to do a short First Aid Course, think she is going to do some part time work at Jodie’s work place, and required that status. Seems to be the air – Shirley was over this evening using my computer so that she could watch a cd on first aid, a requirement she needed to update herself on! Eventually, my computer was free later in the evening, to allow me to prepare the sports report for tomorrow morning’s radio ring-in!!

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!