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Well, I had been counting on a good night’s sleep, prior to my last day  before returning to the office –  today is another Public Holiday in lieu of New Year’s Day –  but it didn’t work out that way, although considering that it was beyond 8.30 when I eventually woke again, I suppose I did get a fair proportion of hours in total!.  The call of nature woke me just before 4am  –  a few minutes later, as I was hoping to settle back for a few more hours sleep, my phone buzzed  – a message from Adam, at the airport presumably in Paris. Last night, he had indicated that he was starting to ‘feel sick’ but still enjoying his  trip. This morning’s early message said bluntly that   ‘Feel crap, throat is killing me. Fly out to Scotland in 3 hours. Any ideas on getting rid of a sore throat?’  How helpless did I feel at that point – over the course of a couple of exchanged messages, I gave the normal advice re seeking medication, finding a chemist, asking the ‘tour’ people for guidance. I had visions, quite likely of his condition deteriorating over the next few days, felt really sorry for him at that moment. It was then that I learnt that the tour part of the trip was over – Brent and Adam were tripping on their own now, through Scotland and England for a few days. My next bit of advice was to try and find a doctor in Scotland – I knew that and any medication would cost a lot more than usual, but told him, I’d send any money to cover that.

Adam’s third message, at 3.45 am, was a little more comforting, at least it indicated he was thinking of other things – wanted to know the names of the places in Scotland that our ancestors came from – presumably, they would try and get there! I let him know Ancrum, near the English border for the Kennedys, and Dysart, Fife [closer to Edinburgh I thought] for the Kirk ancestors! I didn’t hear anymore, but certainly could not get back to sleep – made a cup of tea, and with a tub of yogurt, switched on the old TV in the bedroom for 40 minutes or so.ust have gone off to sleep soon after switching that off at 5.30, and woke 3 hours later!  Was tempting to go back to sleep if possible –  but, wanted to try and go for an early walk, and when I heard Susan up, preparing for another day at her casual department store job, got on the move myself. Later left a message on the family phone with news of Adam’s adventures and misadventures.

5th Cricket Test began in Sydney this morning. Just got back from an early walk [soon after I got up] – my justification for sitting watching six hours of cricket on the TV –  with Ricky Ponting out injured, the Captain for this match was Michael Clarke, and a couple of new team members, hoping to resurrect the Australian team performance. Interesting official opening – just before the two national anthems were played, an Aboriginal elder gave the ‘official Indigenous welcome to country’ – for some unknown reason, he began with ‘Good morning –  ohh bugger!!’ No idea what that was about, but his welcome was quite lengthy. Australia’s Anthem sung by Greta Bradman, granddaughter of Sir Donald Bradman, Australia’s most famous cricketer. Inspiring, special.  My thoughts went to Adam – would be close to midnight in Scotland, and if he was well enough and awake, I’m sure that he and Brent  would find as TV to watch the beginning of the game.  Must be some psychic connection there – a few minutes later, a new message from Adam –  “Just arrived at hotel in Scotland, by far the best room I’ve had :-)”  Well that was again, another positive bit of feedback. Sent him and Brent details of the cricket, which had just started here. Adam and Brent play together in one of the local Sunbury cricket teams, I think they usually open the respective innings for the teams they play for, so cricket is very much in the blood of both of them.

Meanwhile, to his joy, Michael Clarke won the Toss for Australia, and elected to bat. Roar of the crowd, full of optimistic expectations as Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes came out to open, at 10.30 am local time.  In Sydney [a bit like here I think], the weather conditions were overcast, humid, and with threats of rain. With this being the only day I could watch this match, I was hoping there would be no rain delays. I recall that is what happened on this 1st day last year. After the first hour of play, despite many  ‘tame’ appeals by the English fieldsmen, the Australian openers had survived the first 14 overs to be 0 wicket for 31 runs. Not rushing along but steady progress. Mind you, ten minutes before the lunch break, and Watson had only scored 19 runs  – if he goes out now, I would personally feel that his innings would have been a waste, 110 minutes for just 19 runs, all he will have achieved for Australia would have been to use up time with little to show for it. Aside from the cricket, I was planning to cook a pot roast of beef today, intending to let it cook throughout the afternoon. Hopefully, Susie won’t change her mind, and will be home for the evening meal tonight, after she finishes work!

Just before lunch, the ‘Barmy Army’ [English  team supporters] are really beginning to get warmed up in voice and support – not as much so far for them to cheer about today, perhaps they are getting restless and trying to inspire the English bowlers to grab a wicket before lunch.  Wondered if my brother, Robert & wife Evelyn were at the cricket – over recent years, they have made the first day of the Sydney Test a regular outing [no doubt in first class ‘members’ surroundings], and it would not surprise to learn that they are in the crowd again this year. At lunch, after 30 overs and 2 hours of play,  the Australian score had moved to 1 wicket for 55 runs  –  yes, Hughes fell with 3 balls to go before the break, out for 31 runs!!  Why couldn’t the restrained discipline of the previous 118 minutes held out for two more minutes!!  Watson remains on just 19 runs  – I still maintain that the slow scoring rate has proved little, with a poor score on the board at the first main break!! 

It’s not an especially hot day, but is now certainly a spell of brilliant sunshine, quite a contrast to the dull overcast conditions under which I was walking this morning. The pattern is repeated up in Sydney, where early in the afternoon session of the cricket, there was a lengthy delay of almost two hours because of rain [similar situation and time loss in the Melbourne test last weekend. Just before that break, we saw 24 year old New South Wales batsmen, Usman Khawaja came in for his first Test match innings. He was Australia’s first Muslim test cricketer, having come out to Australia as a 3 year old, from Islamabad in Pakistan. A good background in cricket at the state level, he was apparently in pretty good form  – starting off that way, scoring 15 runs off his first 10 balls faced.  Anyway, not long after the long break from rain, the captain, Michael Clarke, failed again, in his biggest test as captain, and continued with his poor form of this series. Personally, I would like to see someone like wicket keeper Brad Haddin as Australia’s next captain. That left new comer Khawaja and the in-form Michael Hussey to rescue the situation for Australia, with the team having slumped to 3 for 113! The new player was eventually out for a credible 37 runs, and before the next ball was bowled, the heavens opened, and down came the rain. As far as I’m aware there was no further play possible today, so by the official stumps time, Australia’s score was another miserly 4 wickets for just 134 runs.  Not a great deal of difference in the overall first innings top order scores than all of the previous test matches.

Putting aside the cricket for the time being, one of my favourite regular magazines is a publication called Limelight, which comes out each month. Published by the ABC broadcasters, it is the publication voice of the ABC’s national classical music radio station, and while I’ve never actually formally subscribed to it, I have been purchasing the monthly Limelight for many years now. The January edition includes an article about the 2010 Limelight Readers’ Choice awards for the twelve most popular classical musicians/singers etc over the past year. While I have at different stages probably heard most of them perform at different stages, there are only a couple whom I’m seen actually perform live. Never mind, as time goes on, I will gradually hopefully try and remedy that situation. Let’s have a look at the winners.

Readers’ Choice – Emma Matthews, soprano, currently aged 40, and one of the world’s most lyric songbirds.

Music Personality of the Year – Richard Tognetti, violinist and artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra [this combination, I have seen perform live].

Best orchestral concert – Australian Chamber Orchestra/Richard Tognetti, a concert in August of music by Schumann [Cello Concerto], Berethoven [5th Symphony] & Mozart [Symphony No. 41]. 

Best Chamber Music Concert – again, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, with violinist, Patricia Kopatchin, on the Barefoot Fiddler National Tour.

Best Solo Performance – Paul Lewis, pianist in the Musical Viva, National Tour.

Best Classical recording – Handel: Concerto Grossi, by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra/Paul Dyer.

Best Opera Production – Bliss by Opera Australia [this production was certainly raved over while it was in performance during 2010 – bit sorry I didn’t make the effort to see what all the fuss was about!]
Best New Composition – Bliss, the opera, by Brett Dean.

Best Jazz Recording – Jamie Oehlers [tenor saxophonist] and Paul Grabowsky [pianist] , part of a quartet with Sam Anning [bass] and  Ben Vanderwal [drums], their recording titled  ‘On A Clear Day’  includes such jazz standards as ‘I’ve Never Been In Love Before’, ‘Soul Eyes’, and ‘I Remember You’ – [I have seen Paul perform, with my favourite Australian singer, Katie Noonan].

Best event/festival – Australian Festival of Chamber Music.

Best World Music Recording –  Joseph Tawadros [of Egypt]  ‘The Prophet’, a recording which he does alone with the aid of an oud  –  the oud is a pear-shaped fretless Arabic stringed instrument – the artist describes this album as a body of work which hides none of his emotions and feelings as both a musician and a person.

Best Newcomer – Zubin Kanga., Australian pianist.

At present, I’m actually trying to make up my mind which concerts I would like to purchase tickets for during 2011. This is probably the last year that I will be able to afford to attend a number of concerts on a regular basis, so currently considering my options, and trying to decide which performances I would like to spend money on this year. These days, as readers have probably gathered, I tend to go to most of these events on my own – not always the preferred outcome, but at the prices of most tickets these days, it’s not a cheap form of entertainment if considering two or more tickets, most of which tend to be for music genres that are supported by a minority of music enthusiasts. A couple of the above mentioned orchestras are likely to be included, and I certainly like the opportunity to hear the couple of solo pianists referred to. At this stage, I do have my usual Series tickets for the Australian String Quartet but I think 2011 will be the last time I buy those, as I want to spread my concert going around a bit more widely.

No, I really didn’t want to get out this morning at 5.45 am –  but I did, as always, and back up the hill to my radio station.  Interesting, but at present, problems with computers seem to be following me around – the ‘mouse’ for the station on air computer was playing – it had been for a few days, but worked almost perfectly for me on Friday night. Not so this morning, and while I was still able to go the air and play my music this morning, the system wouldn’t allow me to undertake any of the ‘computer’ set commitments we are expected to undertake. I was not terribly keen to ring our technical guy at 7.15 on a Sunday morning, even though he insists we do so. Luck was on my side – Steve was on his way home from an overnight shift, 20o minutes away, and had a fair idea what the problem was. So about 45 minutes, after I started, all systems were go again, and we were back to normal with no on air affect, as far as listeners were concerned. Last night’s sole presenter for the day, apparently gave up on the system, and walked away from his show, merely noting the problem in the book, but not actually advising anyone – left the problem for ‘next on air’ to solve!  Guess who?  Me!@!!!!!  Such is life.

Despite those minor issues, enjoyed my music as usual – and finished up the program with a couple of Strauss waltzes, following on from last night’s Vienna concert. The rest of my Sunday relatively uneventful – included a visit early afternoon from one of the senior church members – Ron Sainsbury –  seeking a bit of financial advice for an organisation he was associated with, Quite interesting actually – it was a group of former Army infantry guys from World War 11, which was still going strong although the actual returned servicemen numbers in the group were naturally enough dwindling quickly.  I think Ron said he was 87 years old – certainly doesn’t look that age, and I remarked to him that I often see him walking around the town –  oh yes, I’m ex-infantry, walking is our culture!! From discussion, we worked that he and my Dad would have joined up in World War 11, around the same time, he serving mostly in the Islands of the Pacific, Dad in New Guinea.  I enjoyed that little visit and discussion. I’ve known Ron since the middle 1980s, after Mum had come down to live with us in Sunbury, and we had started to attend the St Andrews’ Church. I recall the odd occasions when he would call around the at the Goonawarra house with a message of some sort for Mum from one or other of the church groups – because she was a widow, and he at the time, still had his wife Grace alive, he would never come into the house, but any discussion would take place at the front door, particularly if Mum was on her own. He was a very polite and respectable man. None of us would forget the desperate state he fell into for a brief time when his wife died, but that was quite a few years ago now [although after Mum died I think from memory], but he has certainly picked himself up completely in the year’s since then, involved in many activities with the church and other organisations.  When I mentioned that I was due to retire in ten months, he immediately invited me to join up with the local PROBUS group who were in fact very active in Sunbury, and I already knew one or two other members of that organisation.  I think it is basically an organisation of retired professional men, although activities are not gender restricted. Certainly another post-work involvement I would be keen to become a part of.

Went for a satisfying lengthy walk late this afternoon, and followed up with a bit of work in the front garden into the early evening. Meanwhile, with my computer still not operating properly, I decided to put the books aside for tonight, and watch a bit of TV. Generally prefer not to spend my evenings in front of the TV, feel it is a waste of the night, and always have plenty else to occupy my time. But tonight, I watched the final episode in the recent series ‘Who Do You Think You’, the genealogy program which traces the family history of known piublic identities. Tonight, it featured Australian actress, Georgie Parker.  While I did naturally find the program very interesting because of my specific interest in the subject, I did find that   Georgie Parker’s reactions to many of the discoveries quite painful and annoying – basically her responses to me seemed like a classical case of an actor unable to put that side of her personality aside –  put simply, I felt her responses were over-acted!! Her storyline was that she went into the investigation with no fears at all -she was sure of her origins but wanted to find out where the intellect and strength of character displayed by the women in her family, came from. As with most episodes of these programs, surprises were in store1

When that was over, another rare event for me – watching a movie on TV!  I only did so because it was being screened on the ABC and so would be commercial free – I simply get so frustrated at having programs constantly interrupted by advertisements, and even worse, station promos!  Tonight’s movie was ‘Strictly Ballroom’ starring Paul Mercurio, son of the recently departed Gus Mercurio. I realised eventually that I’d seen the movie many years ago.  I also soon realised how much I disliked the so-called humorous aspects of the movie – found much of that and some of the acting as crude and crass. However that aspect was overshadowed by the music, the dancing, and the little love story between Paul Mercurio and his leading opposite – so much so, that some aspects of that part of the story brought this viewer to tears!  Ahhh yes, even at this age ‘sad movies make me cry’!

Fairly quiet around Sunbury this morning – and in this house. Susan stayed overnight at her friend, Rachel’s house, where she was looking after Rachel’s cat and birds while she was away, and Susie didn’t return here this morning, but went straight to another day’s work at Big W, so I would have the place to myself all day. Before I did much else today, decided to send a few overseas New Year’s greetings –  to England [Brenda], Singapore [Denia] and New Zealand [Dawn, whom I met here with her husband, Tony, last year] Met Brenda on the internet almost 12 years ago, Dawn began as a snail mail penfriend, and came across Denia on the internet about 3 years ago. Contact with all three is relatively spasmodic these days, but I guess that is the nature of life, we all move on. Nevertheless, I can hopefully say that as with many others, a friendship bond of sorts has remained. Anyway, I heard back fairly quickly from England with the wishes that ‘may all your dreams come true too’  –  not sure if I have much in the way of optimistic dreams these days, but the thought was appreciated. Dawn’s response later that afternoon was ‘annoying’ in a friendly way – telling me that they had just sat down to a New Year’s Day dinner of lamb with all the trimmings, followed by pavlova and fruit salad. In response, I told Dawn that I’d just ‘enjoyed’ a bit of yogurt, and some cold Christmas pudding with no custard!  I’m not envious of course  🙂

Anyway, true to form, I was not long in arising this New Year’s morning –  quick early drive into Sunbury to fill up the fuel tanks, and purchase a copy of the first edition of ‘The Australian’ for 2011. Then I rang through those ‘Flemington tips’ I’d been working at yesterday, and hoped for the best!

On the ABC TV this morning, I had a brief look at and interesting ‘wrap up’ of the past year’s politics in Australia. Titled ‘Moving forward, looking back’ it was [apart from filling up a gap[ at the end of a video tape] a useful reminder of the past year’s happenings in both Federal and State politics.  Meanwhile, the ‘Australian’ newspaper of 1st January 2011, tells us  ‘Military help called in as flood crisis deepens’ with a massive logistical operation underway across Queensland to evacuate thousands of people, and deliver emergency  supplies to communities and properties isolated by the worst floods in State recorded history. One area affected is the large regional town of Rockhampton, where my brother, Colin and wife Angela have just relocated to. A phone conversation with Colin yesterday, at least confirmed that they were not affected – on high ground about 10 kilometres out of the town. His problem, as a train driver up there, is that the trains have not been able to operate for about a week,  and that situation is likely to continue for another week or so! So he can’t work, as a driver, although I gather that the rail authorities have some extra training, etc organised for this week.

The ‘Focus’ part of the newspaper had quite a substantial report on the Queensland floods,  under the title of ‘Survival at the edge of disaster’  – a devastating cycle of flood and drought is the norm in large parets of Australia. A farmer in Queensland describes the average year as ‘drought plus flood divided by two!!’  Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Nina system arising from Pacific Ocean surface temperature indicates more higher than average rainfall ahead.  An interesting quote by writer Graham Lloyd: – ‘More telling is the pattern of annual rainfall over the past century which underpins Australia’s unchallenged reputation as a nation of climatic extremes. Extended drought is afterwards followed by years of torrential rain’  [although I personally maintain that those extremes are more of a ‘long term, slowly developing nature, than the kind of extremes we are currently seeing in the USA and northern Europe, or the immediate tragic affects of hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanos and earthquakes in various parts of the world, with their immediate outcomes. We are not usually affected [there are always exceptions of course – look at Black Saturday 2009] by that kind of sudden affliction.

I spent a large part of my first day of the new year with book in hand. Went out for another walk late in the afternoon, and later cooked a meal for Susan and myself – which she ended up not eating, after returning home from work, feeling unwell. Meanwhile, I’ve not raised again the subject of my ‘damaged computer’  -=  Jimmy would come and have a look at it, but so far, no suggestion as to when, and I imagine that like me, he will be back at work next week!  With the laptop not working quite as effectively as I would like, I am rather limited in what I can do, computer wise at present! With that in mind, I put aside the books this evening, and watched a bit of TV. This included the annual New Year’s Day concert from Vienna   – featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the music in the main of Strauss and his Austrian contemporaries. A wonderful two hours of  music,. and some great ballet work along the way.  While he constantly received praise throughout the concert [by audience, and commentators] I actually thought the guest conductor was somewhat uninspiring and quite boring in his style of conducting. However what would I know!!! It was still a wonderful selection of music which I thoroughly enjoyed tonight.

 I awoke at 4am, from a dream involving the kids during their schooldays. the times when I was out of work, and able to collect them to and from school – during my initial awakening period, I was trying to recall, the immediate reactions as we got home each afternoon.  I seem to remember that for one period there, I was going through a bit of a ‘crossword puzzle’ phase, and would often settle down to one of the ‘jumbo’ versions every now and then, or the daily crossword from the ‘Australian’ newspaper  –  only the basic crosswords, I simply could not cope with the cryptic variety!!  Often,  especially in the ‘primary’ school years, after delivering those who were still at that level to the school, I would  call at the office to see Bruce Bouch [the Principal] or Judy Toogood, [his office assistant] about some School Council matter.  Anyway, this morning, I found I could not get back to sleep – certainly, that’s the state I would have preferred to have been in, as the opportunities to sleep a little longer than usual, are few and far between these days. By Tuesday, I would be back at work!  Admittedly, feeling a bit low because of yesterday’s computer malfunction, and the realisation that I may not be able to retrieve the bulk of my working files. I knew that some of the files that I regularly work with, I would be able to resurrect through my MSN account, where I had often transferred files for printing purposes, but that remained to be seen, just what was still available.. As I lay there, I wondered what Adam was doing at this moment – whether he was over in France by now, maybe even in Paris where he intended to spend New Year’s Eve?  A world away from Sunbury!

By 4.26 am, I gave up trying to get back to sleep – thought I’d do a bit of reading and writing. I had no commitments this morning, so could afford to over sleep. should I drift off a bit later, though I knew I was going to end of pretty tired by the end of tonight’s radio shift. In fact, over the next 2-3 hours, I did sleep, off and on – woke to the voice of Ron Bourke on our radio station – at about the time I normally call into the station of a Friday morning for a brief sports’ report., but not this morning with things non-existent on the local sporting front over the Christmas break. I eventually gave Ron a ring – asked him to mention that I would be doing a New Year’s Eve show tonight during a time slot when there was not normally anyone on air. Ron reminded me that I was ‘in the chair’ this Saturday with the Betting Club tipping, on the Flemington races.

We were in for a hot day – a first real scorcher for the Summer [usually we get a few in October and/or November] – in fact the temperature in this neck of the woods would climb to just below 41 degrees!  A typical New Year’s Eve over recent years!! I think it was about 9am, when I went out for a ‘shortened’ walk, while it was still partially overcast, and the heat had not yet arrived. It wasn’t far behind however. I noticed that the worst of the ache in my upper left leg seemed to have diminished overnight, though it was still faintly noticeable. I thought the walk might ‘draw’ it out, and I think that, together with the anti-inflammatory tablet that  I reluctantly took last night.  Meanwhile, out in the garden, there was so much that I wanted [and intended] to achieve – but it wasn’t happening very quickly, and certainly not today – a wise decision I think today, to stay out of the heat. In fact, spent a great part of today, planning radio show formats, including tonight’s ‘menu’ for New Year’s Eve. Also had a bit of time to give some consideration to my ‘horse’ selections for tomorrow’s races – my task to ‘spend’ $40 of the Betting Club’s income, and I’d been given the task for the first weekend of 2011 – a bit onerous, after a rather unsuccessful round of selections through 2010.  I hoped I would get the syndicate some return tomorrow!  The ‘membership’s’ fortnightly input is only $20, which I consider as a bit of ‘Christmas savings acct’ – so far each year that I have been involved, those in the syndicate have managed to get their year’s contributions back plus a share of any net winnings through the year. That part of the return was quite low in 2010  – it wasn’t just myself who had a bad year of tipping winners!! I hoped I could earn some return tomorrow!

Susie had a full day at her casual job today, and would be back about 7pm, just before I left for the radio station She had tried to keep her two cats inside, out of the expected heat, but soon after she left, they were ‘demanding’ [as cats are prone to do] to go outside. Don’t think they like being inside with me, I’m not as keen on their company, as is Susie! I delayed adhering to their ‘demands’ for a while, but no doubt they would find somewhere cool and shaded in the backyard to escape the worst of the sun, and the hot north wind that was quickly making it’s presence felt, and adding vastly to the overall heat discomfort. It’s rather ironical in fact, that over the past 3 or 4 Christmases, the days around and after Christmas have been relatively cool through most of the 2000s. And yet, on each of the past few New Year’s Eves, we have suddenly found ourselves in heatwave conditions. Certainly, in 2008 and 2009, the heat of those days killed off a large part of the fernery which I have outside the dining room window. Admittedly through that period, we had only being allowed to water twice a week, and on both occasions, the sudden heat conditions caught me by surprised, and I was unprepared [or had the ferns unprepared] for the extreme conditions, where the hot sun and north wind basically ‘burnt’ the bulk of my ferns. They have grown back very well over recent months, and hopefully there will be a better survival rate this summer, as the fernery is getting much more attention [and more water] than in past years – how successful that is, time will tell. Susie will tell me, they ‘are just plants’, but to me, having a plant or shrub die, is quite a disappointing event!

As I have on numerous occasions over the past days, managed a few more hours of reading this day – in fact last night, I began the second of the two Wilbur Smith novels that Susie and Jimmy gave me for Christmas – they were in fact the only two of his novels that I’d not possessed or read previously. Notr been able to find them easily in the book shops, Susie had actually purchased them on line. This one was called ‘The Quest’. I’d put aside all other books and decided that Wilbur Smith was to be enjoyed first, this Christmas period.

Tonight, I spent over four and half hours on air at the radio station. A night of rock n’ roll music, a genre of music I don’t have much opportunity to play on air because of the nature of my regular show, so the chance to liksten to and share some ‘classic rock’ is always readily taken up. There is seldom any regular programming scheduled [or presenters available] on New Year’s Eve, and I consider that the local listening community is entitled to be given the option of some live music/programming, so in the absence of other commitments these days, I like to make a point of making such a show available.  There was a cool change predicted before midnight, but at the time I arrived [about 8pm] it was still in the high 30s outside, and a very hot night for the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city and elsewhere. Although in the studio, I had to keep the air conditioner under control, otherwise it would become too cool!!! Anyway, at 8pm, there was a long stretch of hours ahead of me, yet I was optimistic that I would be eventually joined by another presenter or two –  a couple had hinted at doing so, although there had been no definite commitments made. Currently, our station policy permitted only a 3 hour shift for a solo presenter, up to four hours if there were two or more of you. So, while to keep within those guidelines, I was counting on someone else joining me, I really didn’t care one way or the other – it was New Year’s Eve, and I considered my attempt, as a committee member, to have live radio available to help the local listening community see in the new year, more important on this occasion. Particularly in view of the fact, that I was anticipating that there may not be anyone else on air again, from the time I left tonight, until my return, early on Sunday morning [in retrospect, I was almost correct, only one presenter would be in, briefly on Saturday night].  My conscience was clear!

Anyway, from that viewpoint, I would be disappointed – there would be no visitors during the evening [apart from some night time magpies at the front door, seeking out some supper of the flock of moths etc attracted to the light there], and in fact, I only received one phone call – and that from our Station President, thanking me for being on air!! The only other communications received during the evening [apart from family text messages, etc] came from friend Ruth, up at Riddells Creek. She was flying out to Indonesia tomorrow, for 7 weeks, where she was going to stay with an Indonesian family – she was keen to listen to my program, but can’t pick up the station in her homer, so resorted at different stages of the night to her only option – sitting out in the car, in her driveway, with the station tuned in! Hopefully, Ruth, and the President were not my only listeners!! Although I must say, that despite the personal enjoyment I was getting from at least attempting to share my music [as I always do], I was a little downhearted overall, at the lack of feedback, and did wonder at times, just who was tuned in. Mind you, the lack of feedback was not unusual for my shows, or shows on the station in general [the usual exception being the country music programs], but nevertheless, I kind of felt that it would have added an extra dimension to the night to be assured that there was a strong listening audience, and everyone wasn’t simply glued to the TVs waiting for fireworks’ displays!!!

Now amongst my ‘communications this evening, was some contact from Adam over in France. I think it was about 5pm, when I received a message from him[early Friday am in London] to say that he and Brent were off to France today, via the ferry across the English Channel, hoping to see some ‘sights’ such as the Somme, Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Catacombs & Napoleon’s Tomb, as he described them. It was about 10pm, with a brief message came through that ‘Just saw the Mona Lisa’!!!  Earlier, he had apologised that he had not been able to make an actual phone call from Europe – apparently his phone wouldn’t permit it, although text messages were apparently okay!  Anyway, certainly for Adam, the rare , to see a bit of culture, and I was glad that chance had come his way!   Meanwhile, an earlier batch of New Year’s greetings to my siblings received various responses. From Queensland, it was simply ‘Thanks Bill’ from brother Ian, while my sister Jill, in response to my remark about the high temperature down here, noted that she ‘keeps telling me I live in the wrong state’!  From Sydney, Rob Kirk noted that ‘after an indulgent Christmas, we’re having a quiet one tonight! All the better for an early hard [bike] ride in the morning, with the TDU [Tour Down Under bike race] approaching fast’. He had mentioned to me in an earlier email, that in conjunction with the TDU [to be held in mid January over in South Australia, that he was participating in a separate tour at the same time, and adjacent to the main tour location, in similar fashion to the various tours he has taken part in during the Tour de France. No doubt the already intense daily training he undertakes, is suddenly even more intense. Works and plays hard, does our Robert!  As for youngest daughter Jodie, she was down at the St Kilda Esplanade for the New Year’s City celebrations [where ironically, the police would later in the night, closed down the venue because of crowd problems]. I was still on air when her response came through – she was ‘sick’ [had sunstroke apparently], there with boyfriend Ash, and waiting for Mum to pick her up  –  Mum was lost, trying to find her. And Jodie’s phone was about to die!! Of course, I was on air at this point – once I was sure Jodie had company, I was still left a little worried as to whether they would find each other. No doubts there were thousands of revellers in the area and traffic would be hectic – I later, after midnight, since messages to both Jodie, and her mother, wondering if they’d found each other, and if all was okay. No reply on either count, and as I did not hear anything else from anyone, had to assume things were under control. Shirley has a history of getting lost  – on this occasion, I would learn next day, that she gave up eventually, and went back to Sunbury, while Jodie, now feeling a little better, stayed on in the city for a while before she and Ash caught a taxi back to Sunbury [not a cheap exercise either!@].  No idea where James Kirk, eldest son was –  probably at the Casino, or a major city pub somewhere.

My night on air, at the radio station ended at 12.35 am. Until I left the building, I didn’t know if the cool change had come through – would normally stick one’s head out the front door around midnight to have a look at the distant view [40 kms away] of the Melbourne firework’s display – on a clear night, that display can be seen from on top of the hill here in Sunbury where the radio station is located. But I let it go tonight  – to hold that doior open, would have been to invite a plague of moths and other insects into the building – I could see them all on the TV monitor in the studio. We were also under instructions to keep that door shut at all  times until a bees’ nest [or perhaps worst] a hive of wasps, which were located just outside the front door – well really, none of us would welcome a sudden swarm of bees or wasps into the studio!! As it turned out, the worst of the heat had evaporated, and the population of moths etc, diminished in the cooler conditions, so I was able to exit the building in reasonable comfort.

A warm day, began with periods alternating between overcast and sunny, and with another early morning walk, felt quite good afterwards, although later in the day was troubled by a bit of pain in the upper leg area, almost felt like a pulled muscle, which would worry me through the night. A bit disappointed tht had happened, and as usual, when one is afflicted by any kind of arthritic pain of that sort, it tends to have a flow on affect to one’s overall energy levels and general well-being!

Mind you, that feeling of ‘dispiritness’ [new word!] was not helped by a major crash of my computer hard disk system. I tried to ‘fix’ the problem as best I could, but later in the day was ’roundly’ ridiculed by my daughter and her boyfriend [he was on the phone] for attempting any kind of fix  –  you’re probably got a virus Dad, best left to the ‘experts’ – even if it takes ‘them’ week to getting around to provide assistance!  Anyway, at this point, that problem was suggesting that I had ‘lost’ most of my desktop files of word and excel [my main areas of operation] – and for someone who depends quite heavily on my computer for much of my voluntary and family history material and research,  this was all pointing to a major ‘record keeping’ disaster!!  Did you have your work saved, said Susie, later tonight  –  well, some of it, in various ways, but not all!!  She had actually been in the city most of the day – came back with sunburnt legs, so presumably at a concert or something, so I’d had to wait until mid evening before I could even make mention of my computer problems! Needless to say, it all gave Susie and Jimmy something to have a big laugh about  –  and yes, he would have a look at the problem [works in a computer organisation] , but the question, unanswered, for me, would be ‘when’!!

The day didn’t improve much –  had to make an extra trip into town, for a medical appointment that was only necessary simply in order to renew a prescription which I’d allowed to run out, again! Seem to have problems lately keeping those things in order!! Long wait for the doctor, then to be told he was out somewhere, and after all that, my prescription was made out for me by the duty nurse, with the signature of another on duty doctor. Why could I not have been told that was an option 30 minutes earlier?  Then, true the form, the chemist had run out of what I wanted – back tomorrow for a new supply!!!  Grrrrrrrr!! This is beginning to become a regular occurence with this supplier!  Anyway, to continue with my general grumbling mood in this entry [!!] by the end of the afternoon, with the ache in my upper leg region intensifying, I was beginning to feel rather sorry for myself. That was brightened a little by a couple of text messages from son Adam, over in the northern hemisphere –  telling us that he was heading across to France that morning for some sight seeing including the Somme, with a later message to confirm that, yes, he was receiving my messages in response, pretty well immediately after I’d sent them.  Modern communications across the oceans! Also mentioned that he would give us a call in about 24 hours.

With my computer out of action, I took the opportunity this evening to finish Wilbur Smith’s book ‘Warloch’. As usual, with all of his other novels,. a book that was hard to put down! Despite the fact that Smith’s novels always have more than a share of gruesome storylines – this one was no different.   I think the book’s cover flap summarises the gist of the book quite well., no need for me to try and precise it, suffice to say, a great – perhaps I was not as keen on his ‘Egyptian’ novels because of the high levels of ‘magic’ and aspects of spiritual cults and the supernatural, etc, emphasised within the stories – somehow, a little less believable than most of his historical novels, but nevertheless, it was a great read, and easily digestible. From the book itself:-

‘Hidden away in the vast and forbidding deserts of North Africa, Taita has passed the years since the death of his beloved Queen Lostris in prayer and study. He has become the Warlock, wise in the lore of the ancient Gods, an adept of magic and the supernatural. Now Taita answers the summons from the beyond. He leaves the desert vastness and returns to the world of men, to find himself plunged into a terrible conflict against the forces of evil which threaten to overwhelm the throne and the realm of Egypt, and to destroy the young prince Nefer who is the grandson of Queen Lostris. With vivid depictions of battle and intrigue, of love and passion, with fascinating characters both good and evil, Wilbur Smith brings to life in colourful detail the world of ancient Egypt……’  Certainly, intrigues, passions, etc are words which could be applied to any one of Smith’s 28 or so novels. While still on leave, I began immediately on the next sequence to this book, and expect it to be equally another example of Smith’s master story telling talents.

One should begin today’s comments by reference to the cricket.  I was thinking back to my feelings as I watched the start of the match last Saturday morning – my thoughts ‘trying to imagine what the atmosphere must have been like at the beginning of the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the anticipation and the tension –  just sitting at home in front of the television was tension enough – but then, I didn’t have to imagine, because I’d been there on that very, on many previous occasions, and quickly realised that morning, that nothing really can compare with actually been at an event!  My problem these days, is that I find it much more tiring than I used to, and more disturbed or uncomfortable in the big crowds.  I’d actually planned to go today, on Day 4, but when the game looked as though it was likely to be over quite quickly in the morning, decided not to bother. Mind you, if I lived around the corner from the MCG,  my visits to the ground would be a lot more frequent, because the journey involved is now a bit more off-putting than it used to be in past years

Anyway, as anticipated, the match was over and completed before 12 Noon,  within 90 minutes of the beginning of play on Day 4 of the 4^th Ashes cricket test – despite a bit of a tail end defence by a couple of middle order batsmen and the bowlers, Australia were eventually defeated, and as a consequence, England retained the Ashes Trophy  –  the first time England had won an Ashes series in Australia since 1986. Now while I can’t lay my hands on the precise details, I was present at one of the days at that match, it may well have been the shortened final day [as in today’s case]  – another Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with very similar outcomes to this week’s match, that time, on the 28^th December.

In 1986, the scores were England: 349 defeated Australia 141 and 194.  Today, the final scores were England: 513 defeated Australia:  98 and  258  – won by an Innings and  157 runs [bit of a thrashing really]. England have now won three of the last four Ashes series [two in England], and Ricky Ponting becomes the first Australian cricket captain to lead three Ashes losses  –  I somehow don’t think he will be in charge when Australia next visits England for the next series in a couple of years!  The game ended at 11.55 am, and I immediately sent a ‘reluctant’ Facebook message of congratulations to friend Maureen over in England – as well as a brief text message to Adam, who at that moment was probably somewhere over Europe. I would discover later that I was getting messages from him, but not sure if Adam was receiving my responses.  Meanwhile, in the post match speeches and presentations, Ricky Ponting gave a fair and honest appraisal of the game just completed –  and lots of credit to the England team for a superior effort. As for his own form – ‘my Series has been horrible – I take full responsibility for that – one more game to turn it around  – still feel I have a lot to offer to the team as a batsman and a leader’.  Andrew Strauss, the England captain had a typical English comment –  ‘a top quality performance from the lads’!!

Meanwhile, over in England no doubt, the media there are going to have a field day – in fact already, the British press have relished England’s Ashes success, pointing to the tourists’ superior planning as the reason for their breakthrough performance in Australia.  And this report from ‘The Guardian’ – England legend Sir Ian Botham couldn’t contain himself after 23 years of Ashes heartbreak on Australian soil [not an Englishman you would expect to display much sympathy for the Australians].  “If you’re an England cricketer nothing beats the feeling of travelling halfway around the world just to point out to the Aussies that they are not quite up to scratch. That really hurts,” Botham wrote in the Mirror. “(England) have outplayed this Australian team in Melbourne from start to finish so comprehensively that some people might even feel sorry for the home team. “But this is international sport and there is no room for sentiment. This is where the strong survive and the weak move aside to lick their wounds and work out a way to come back from their beating. “And Australia have got plenty of wounds to lick.” Botham also urged England to deny Australia the consolation of drawing the series by winning the Sydney Test. “I said it before I came out to Australia and I’ll say it again. England will win these Ashes by two clear Tests and all things being equal that is exactly what they’ll do. “The gap between the teams is growing wider by the over and it is nothing less than England deserve because they have played the better cricket over the course of the series so far. “Australia have only shown a flash of brilliance – that is not enough.”  Certainly, it was only a few years that Australia was the top nation in most forms of the game, and especially in the Test cricket format. In the past couple of seasons, we have slid down the rankings severely, and it appears time for some kind of generational change. It will be interesting to see how the team changes, both for the 5^th and final test in Sydney this weekend, and for the immediate future tours in test cricket. In some ways, one could feel this could be the start of a new exciting era in Australian cricket!!

Of course, should Australia happen to win the Test Match in Sydney next week, this actual series will have been drawn [2 wins each, and a draw]. But to actually retain the Ashes, which England won two years ago over in he UK, all they needed to do was draw the Series, so the result in Sydney won’t change that fact, but it will add a little bit of credibility to the Australian team, if they can pull off a win up there in the Harbour City.

As for Adam, it was late in the afternoon, when I received his brief text message  ‘Made it 2 London’ [sent at 4.39 pm our time].   Just before 5.36 pm, another message came through – ‘On the underground on our way 2 russell square J, been up for over 30 hours but were safe’

Generally speaking, it was a bit of a lazy day this Wednesday – I did manage to have another  mid-morning walk [three days in a row now, after a bit of a ‘break’ from my walking routine ], and later in the afternoon, headed into town for a coffee with friend Ruth –  ostensibly to return to her the Leonard Cohen cds that we had both featured a couple of weeks ago on the radio. She was heading over to Indonesia for 6 weeks on New Year’s Day – part of a study course she was currently undertaking, which included living for that period with an Indonesian family. Forgot to ask her exactly where she was going, but no doubt there will be some kind of communication from her during that period. The remainder of my time in the town centre was spent at places like the chemist, post office, and of course, the local book shop – I mean, I do gift vouchers from that venue sitting in my pocket waiting to be used!!  So I did!  Weather wise, it is getting hotter –  tomorrow, heat wave conditions are predicted to extend into New Year’s Eve.

I paid a brief visit to the family home – to bid a brief farewell to son, Adam, who with a cricketing mate, is heading for the snow and cold of England, France and Scotland, leaving later this afternoon. Probably an opportunity and experience that he might not have thought possible a year ago, and while the ‘excursion’ is only of about 10 days duration, I’m glad he has taken the chance to make the trip [something I didn’t do, when younger]. Though as his father – and someone not experienced in overseas travel – I do feel a little apprehensive for him, I guess from the flying point of view, and the visit to far away places – interesting that he is travelling to the one part of the world that would be my first choice, were I given that option – Scotland and England!  Anyway, by mid afternoon Wednesday here, he will be in London, from where they travel across the English Channel to France and Paris – will be spending New Year’s Eve in the French capital.  Hopefully, I might receive a report or two from his journey, though because of the short time involved, we have not committed Adam to any major communication  –  just want to know when he arrives in London!

Australia, after the lunch break, batting in the cricket, after finally dismissing for English for 513 runs!!!   Australia need 416 runs, simply to force England to bat again!!!  By the end of the afternoon session, Australia had progressed to 1 wicket for 95 runs – the wicket lost due to a wasteful run out! Two messages from Adam, while he waits for his flight – wanting to know the score!! It was at that point that the current ‘form’ of the Australian team revealed itself again –  collapse of the batsmen, so that by the close of play today, our team score was another miserable 6 wickets for 169 runs, still a massive 246 runs behind, and defeat in the Ashes series likely to come early in tomorrow’s 4^th day of play. I had been thinking of going tomorrow but the game is unlikely to last very long, barring a batting miracle, or a day long downpour of rain [though the item below, will discount that idea].  Another disappointing day for the majority of the 67,000 at the MCG today, although there is also a large support base for England.

Meanwhile, authorities are warning the public not to be complacent over the recent spells of cooler weather, and the rain of recent weeks. Temperatures are likely to rise considerably over the next two or three days, certainly in to the high 30s around this area, and in the low 40s in some northern regional areas. The expected searing heat together with a northerly wind is likely to lead to the first fire bans for the summer [we normally get these off and on from October onwards. Meanwhile, long range forecasters are expecting above average temperatures over the next couple of months  [and there I was, hoping this ‘rare cool summer’ was going to continue that way – over optimistic!!].  Meanwhile up in Queensland, floodwaters from heavy rains are again causing concerns in many  areas.  While thinking of this, I’m wondering how my son – currently in the air on his way to the UK and France – is going to find the extreme wintry conditions they are currently experiencing over in that part of the world. Despite our relative cool summer so far, I think his destination is going to feel like another world, weather wise!

I must admit that my thoughts are with Adam tonight. This is only the second occasion on which one of my ‘children’ has undertaken a long international plane flight [James went to the USA about 3 years ago], and in view of my personal reluctance to fly myself, I find myself feeling a little apprehensive about Adam being ‘up in the skies’ for the 20 hours or whatever it takes to get to London! I’m imagining, that at the time of writing this, he is getting close to the end of the first part of the flight – the changeover in Malaysia – certainly, he won’t be cold here, will probably be hit hard by the heat and humidity. Adam was hoping to get some sleep and fill in some of remaining 13 hours of flying to the United Kingdom.  My prayers of a safe journey are travelling with him!

I finally had a morning when I had no need to be up early, so took advantage of it, though needless to say, I was up and about before 9am but had been reading for an hour or so before then.  As I mentioned here on Christmas Day, I was presented with a couple of missing Wilbur Smith novels by Susan, and putting aside one or two other books that I was currently in the process of reading, decided that a bit of  ‘light’ reading was called for during this holiday period. Not that you would necessarily refer to Smith novels as light reading – usually quite dramatic, with a strong flavour of historical fiction, and a strong mix of violence, politics, intrigue and sex, yet all within the context of his stories.  I will always remember a section from what I think was his first novel [or at least the first one I read] – ‘When the Lion Feeds’, and there was a vivid description of a wild dog with rabies, and the potential threat that posed for humans.

Rabies is a disease that is transmitted to humans from animals that is caused by a virus. The disease infects domestic and wild animals, and is spread to people through close contact with infected saliva via bites or scratches. Amazingly, I read somewhere recently that up to 55,000 die from rabies each year!! Obviously only in certain parts of the world would most of those deaths occur, but it is an astonishing figure, with some 40% of those bitten being children aged under 15 years.  Dogs are the source of 99% of human rabies deaths.  It’s not incurable, and with wound cleansing and immunization within a few hours after contact with a suspect rabid animal,  the onset of rabies and death can be prevented.  Nevertheless, it is a most disturbing affliction, even just to read about it, but strange that is the first thing I recall reading about in a Wilbur Smith novel..  Anyway, with respect  to my two new books –  the only two Smith has written which I did not previously possess –  they are both set in Africa, as have been most of his novels, these two in ancient Egypt and are basically written in sequence. Called ‘Warlock’ and  ‘The Quest’, I am  already well into the former, finding as with all of this author’s books, that they are very difficult to put down!  As for the author himself, Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933, and became a fulltime writer in 1964, after the successful publication of ‘When The Lion Feeds’. It would be nine years before I ‘discovered’ his novels. It’s no surprise that most of his writings reflect Africa as their theme – he owns a farm and game reserve in Africa, and has an ongoing concern for the peoples and wildlife of his native continent. As far as I can tell, ‘The Quest’ was his 30^th novel, I’m not aware of another since then, remembering that he is now 77 years old!

Anyway, reading finished,  when the cricket began this morning. I found it interesting listening to the TV commentators, all of them ex-test cricketers – at one stage, we had three generations on together – Richie Benaud [now in his 80s I think], Bill Lawry, and Ian Healy –  the memory of Benaud in particular was amazing, his ability to reflect back on individual incidents in matches played back in the early 1950s, eg, his story about a test match of that era, when Australia were overnight, sitting on a score of 2 for 75, needing about 160  to win, and next morning, were all out for 111, with England’s fiery fast bowler Frank Tyson, collecting 6 wickets  for 15 runs, Benaud being the first of his victims, describing completely, the type of bowl that got him out, and the two balls that were bowled at him prior to that. Of course, he could have been making the whole description up, because I doubt that any of the younger commentators in the Channel 9 commentary box could argue about it!

Meanwhile, Day 2 of the Test Match, apart from a few bright moments for our bowlers, when a few wickets were picked up, ended up being another day of ‘victory’ for England, who were still batting at Stumps tonight, with their score having moved from 0 for 157 to  5 wickets for 444 runs, a lead of  346 over Australia’s miserable total of 98. And to add insult to injury,  Australia’s captain, Ricky Ponting, was fined 40 per cent of his match fee tonight after pleading guilty to breaching the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct.  Ponting’s fine of $5400 came after his furious arguments with umpire Aleem Dar over a disputed decision during today’s second day’s play of the fourth Ashes Test against England at the MCG. Ponting was charged with a Level One offence under article 2.1.3 (h) of the code which relates to arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision. Ponting had ugly clashes with both umpires as England pushed ahead to a commanding 346-run advantage after day two of the fourth Ashes Test. I think he deserved the fines, in fact was lucky not to have been suspended, as the whole incident did not look good for the sport of cricket!  Frustration boiling over into disrespect for the authorities!   If I were the English, I would simply keep batting, and put Australia into an impossible position with no chance of winning – still three days available to play, and the English team know that if they win this match, they will defeat Australia for the Ashes on Australian soil for the first time for decades!!

Incidentally, because both Christmas Day and Boxing Day fell on a weekend,  public holidays have been declared for both Monday and Tuesday in lieu thereof.  Next Monday will be the same situation, with New Years’ Day being a Saturday. So, with the addition od a few days annual leave, I don’t need to return to the office until the 4^th January.

A brief visit this afternoon from my son Adam, and his cricket friend, Brent. Both of them are flying out to Paris, Scotland, and London tomorrow – a brief visit to those parts, on a short tour I believe – will be in Paris for New Year’s Eve!!  Brent has done the trip before – for Adam, the opportunity of a lifetime, as unlikely he will get another opportunity to travel overseas for some years. Although his visit to Scotland will be relatively short, I’m somewhat envious of that portion of his trip, particularly in view of the family history research relating to that country that I’ve been investigating of late!  I doubt we will receive much feedback whilst they are away, but will be interested in his reactions upon their return in a couple of weeks. Brent’s parents are taking them down to the airport tomorrow – I plan to visit Adam briefly late morning, before they leave Sunbury.

In many respects, those three words adequately describe Boxing Day [the day after Christmas] for many people in Melbourne.  The sales part I seldom have any interest or concern for, but for thousands, the Boxing Day sales at major retail stores, etc, are the highlight of the spending year!!  As for recovery, well again, my activities on a Christmas Day [apart from a potential excess of eating] seldom require any major need for a recovery stage.  The cricket is a different mater, and for many years, either alone or with friends and/or family, I would be found at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for Day 1 of the annual Boxing Day Cricket Test against whichever cricketing nation happened to be touring Australia that particular Summer. Over recent years, I’ve not bothered to go to the cricket on that particular day, preferring instead to go on one of the later days of the match, when crowd numbers are not so large, and there is generally a more peaceful environment.  Age and comfort coming into the picture again!!  This year of course, the English cricketers are out here in Australia, so the Boxing Day test is part of the traditional Ashes Series. More on that later.

This year, Boxing Day is also a Sunday – strangely, it doesn’t feel like a Sunday, as in fact yesterday didn’t really feel like a Saturday. Still not feeling as well as I would have liked, it was an extra early arising this morning, as I’d planned to begin my Sunday morning program of classical music an hour earlier than usual. Totally my choice of course, though at the time, in trying to get on the way, one sometimes initially regrets making such a decision.  However, what was to follow was another 3 hours of delightful music, and music of the kind, that despite the time of day, those who were interested in listening, would do so. For this morning’s program, I managed to fit in two major pieces of work, beginning with Benjamin Britten’s 1948 opera of St Nicholas, my last ‘contribution’ you might say to Christmas 2010. Prior to purchasing this particular recording recently, I’d never knowingly heard this opera, or cantata really rather than an opera, and I found some of the musical parts to be quite exhilarating in their powerful emotional affects [certainly the music, more so than the singing parts, which as in many such cases, were not always that easy to understand].  It’s always useful with these things to have some understanding of the story behind the music – ABC Classic FM radio here in Australia provides through it’s monthly magazine ‘Limelight’ for example, a useful précis and storyline of the many operas that it programs from time to time [although my preference for operas is to actually see them live, rather than listen to the performance]. Anyway, from Wikipedia, comes this initial description of  who St Nicholas was:-

“Saint Nicholas (Greek]: (270–6 December 343), also called Nikolaos of Myra inspired the popular folk-legend of Santa Claus, but was himself a historic 4th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (Demre, in Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker.  He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus, whose modern name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as is common for early Christian saints”.

Later in the program this morning, getting completely away from the Christmas theme, we played Beethoven’s 4^th Symphony, probably not his best known or most popular symphony, but one of the nine for which he is famous.  This one was written in 1806, and first performed over a year later. In my Sunday program, I’m gradually over a period of months, working through those nine symphonies [as I did a few years ago], usually playing one every six weeks or so.

I left the radio station soon after 9am, but was back there even hours later for another program, this time just the two hours – another of my ‘promotion’ of Australian artists and their recent releases in a range of musical genres, including folk, blues, jazz pop, and some country tracks.  Despite my fears of Christmas Eve,  the voice managed to survive my 8 hours plus on air, although when I finished this evening, I was feeling rather glad I did not have to go back for a couple of days!

As for the Test cricket, the coverage of which began at 10.30 am, I had made sure that all required tasks were completed by then, so that I could relax in front of the TV for a few hours, before returning to the radio late in the afternoon.  They were expecting a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground [MCG] today for Day 1, but, partially I think because of the threat of rain delays during the day [ the forecast was for rain late morning and possible storms], the crowd numbers didn’t quite reach the anticipated level, although for a test cricket match, an attendance of 84,345 on Day 1 wasn’t a bad outcome!

In fact the ‘records’ came in other directions, and it was not good news for the Australian team. Sent in to bat, by the English captain, the Australians produced their lowest score at the MCG  in 133 years  – all bowled out for just 98 runs. A perfect outcome for England, especially when by Stumps at the end of the first day’s play, England had responded to be 0 wicket for 157 runs!!! It has to be said, a disgraceful effort of batting by the Australians, and the biggest cricket day of the year turned out to be a bit of a flop for the home team.  It was no wonder I wasn’t too unhappy about leaving the TV coverage and returning to the radio station at 4pm! The following was one report of the day’s events:-

‘Fans packed the MCG yesterday for one of the most anticipated days of Test cricket in years and were then forced to endure one of Australia’s most embarrassing performances. The crowd fell short of the record, but Melbourne still turned out a bumper welcome despite dismal weather and a cricket team to match. The less-than-expected crowd of 84,345 – 6500 short of the attendance record – was blamed on members who failed to show, prompting fresh calls for an overhaul of ticketing procedures. Australia lost four wickets in the first session before rain forced an early lunch. After that it got worse – all out for 98 and a deficit at the close of play of 59. The score was the lowest ever against England in 54 Tests at the MCG, and one of the worst Aussie Ashes innings in memory. England’s openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook then continued the theme, gliding past Australia’s total without loss, finishing the day at 0-157. But, despite Australia’s poor showing, the crowd number thrilled purists who’ve watched on in recent years as the game’s long form took a back seat to one-day games and the cheap thrills of Twenty20. Crowds began milling around the MCG as early as 7am, many draped in flags or with their faces painted in national colours’. At stumps, on Day 1:  Australia: 98 England 0 for 157.

As an amateur genealogist, I usually enjoy watching a TV program called ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’. A few days ago, I made reference to the death of TV and boxing personality, Gus Mercurio, and by coincidence, tonight’s program featured his son, former dancer and Dancing With The Stars judge, turned TV cook, Paul Mercurio. Actually, I think this episode was particularly screened tonight as a tribute to Gus Mercurio because it was actually filmed some time ago, sending Paul  on a search for his family roots. His father, Gus, had little contact with his own American family, and Paul, prior to the program, knew nothing about them.  While the episode doesn’t really produce any earth shattering revelations, there are some very moving scenes, as Mercurio peels back the layers of his family history [something I’ve been doing in recent weeks] – particularly poignant are the scenes of interview with his father, and the new relationship and understanding that appears to develop between the two of them as the story unfolds – made even more poignant, by Gus Mercurio death last week. I enjoyed this program, the only thing I’d watch on the TV tonight, and had almost forgotten about!

Bill was left alone tonight.  My daughter is ‘babysitting’ a girlfriend’s home, well, her cats and birds actually, while the friend is away. The house is within walking distance of here, but apparently, the animals need to be fed early in the morning – Susan is not generally a morning person, and so decided that at the moment while she is working some extra days due to the holiday period, that it is easier for her to be on site. I was actually a bit uncomfortable about going and staying there alone, probably would have preferred her boyfriend to have been with her – but as usual, it was only ‘Dad’ worrying about things of that nature, it was of no concern to Susan!  I guess if we living in one of the inner suburbs of Melbourne, I might have more cause for apprehension!

I spent about 4 hours at the radio station last night, only a few minutes actually on air. Would have liked it to have been longer, but with three programs lined up over the weekend, I knew I had to protect my voice and throat, and for most of the evening, I was not feeling that well. To be honest also feeling quite annoyed  – at the office over the past couple of days, our fanatical little ‘boss’ had insisted on being in the office despite carrying a heavy dose of the flu. I’d have preferred she had stayed away, but no, duty comes first!!! So even before I left the office shortly after midday yesterday, I could feel that her virus had infiltrated my system, and I was not happy.  So a restless sleep on Christmas Eve, with a fear as to how I was going to be feeling over the weekend  –  I had avoided any serious flu viruses this winter but the weekend ahead looked ominous.

Anyway, ‘Dr’ Kirk dosed himself up with panadol in the 18 hours leading up to 8am on Christmas morning  –  seemed to have some degree of preventative reaction, because while still not feeling 100% this morning when I woke, better than  anticipated by the time I was up and reached the radio studio. With one exception later tonight, I would be the only live presenter to put in an appearance.  Our annual Christmas ‘gift’ swapping and Dinner would take place after midday over at my wife’s family home  –  I’d bought Susie a little collection of books which she had expressed an interest in, so left one of them, suitably wrapped, outside her bedroom door when I left this morning. Boyfriend Jimmy, had stayed the night also, but I didn’t really hear them return last night, such was my state of exhaustion at that stage.

I think this was the 5rh year that I’ve ‘hosted’ a Christmas morning program on air, and in the absence of nearly all other presenters on that day – we are all volunteers, so there is of course no compulsion for anyone to give up their Christmas Day and come in –  but it is something I feel I want to do for those in the community who on a Christmas morning need the comfort of a few hours of music which I always carefully select as appropriate for that morning.  The following was the manner in which I had promoted this particular broadcast:-

CHRISTMAS MORNING ON 3NRG

This is your opportunity to relax for a few hours beside the radio, with that cup of Christmas coffee or tea, and that little gift packet of shortbread, before the rush of families, friends, present opening, and Christmas Dinner takes over for the rest of the day.

How??

Tune in to 99.3 FM, your Sunbury Community Radio Station – 3NRG –  between the hours of 8am and 11 am on Saturday, 25^th December [Christmas Morning] for 3 hours of traditional Christmas inspired music and song, presented by your Christmas host, Bill.

[there were a couple of pictures here, but they don’t seem to have shown up in the translation, lol]
So that is what I did –  for 3 hours, a variety of Christmas carols, and music, in the main from traditional sources, choirs, and orchestras etc –  most of the other on-air programs in the weeks leading up to Christmas, tend to play versions of Christmas carols and songs [note,  there is a clear distinction between the two as far as I’m concerned – every time I hear some kind of Christmas style ditty referred to as a ‘carol’, I grind my teeth in annoyance] sung by popular current artists, pop stars, etc, who are simply in my view, cashing in on the season, with their annual cds of ‘Christmas’ music!  Mind you, I did break that rule a couple of times this morning – playing some exceptional versions of carols by people such as Josh Groban and Charlotte Church. And then towards the end of my three hours, I relented with a couple of tracks by Brook Benton and Frank Sinatra!!

While all this was happening, I was trying to protect my voice – with two more shows tomorrow –  but from the reactions of the people who rang in during the program, there was no evident problem, which was pleasing, and I felt reasonably happy with the way things went. Also pleased at a number of phone calls and text messages from listeners that came through during the morning – the effort of putting on this show was satisfaction enough for me, but from the view of someone who gets very limited feedback throughout the year, it was an added bonus to hear from so many listeners on Christmas morning, and to realise that the very nature of the program, and simply the fact it was on, when all of the regular presenters were missing today, was being appreciated.  Even received texts from Susie, and sister-in-law up in Queensland, though neither of them were actually listening to me!!!

Christmas Dinner and all of the associated ‘delights’ of Christmas – family, presents, the meal, etc, followed at around midday by which time I had finished with the radio for the day. Our Christmas tree at home, had been surrounded by gifts, etc, when I left this morning, but while I was out, Susie loaded all into her car, so I actually arrived at the family home empty handed!  Now at my age, I don’t normally expect or look for much in the way of Christmas gifts, but enjoy the giving part. And yet, as with today, I always seem to do very well, feel somewhat undeserving, but at the same time pleased.   Since 1973 [the year of my marriage] I have been reading the books written by Wilbur Smith – have them all, except a couple which came out a few years ago. Susie became aware of that, and apparently went searching for them on the internet, and today, produced them both for me!! My collection is now complete, and while I am currently partway through two or three books, couldn’t resist making a start on of one the Wilbur Smith novels later tonight!  As well as a couple of book gift vouchers, cds, and a dvd of the recent Australian film ‘Australia’, I was also presented with the latest Bryce Courtney novel – he seems to come out with a new book just in time for Christmas, each year!  I must say that my family is very much a ‘book reading’ family, not all of them, but enough for most of ‘my’ Christmas shopping to have been undertaken at a couple of major book retailers.  Especially Susan, who seems to be becoming almost as avid a collector of books as her dad!

I stayed over at Goonawarra for the whole afternoon – got ‘dragged’ into taking part in a new board game, although my enthusiasm for it was not quite at the same level as those of my ‘kids’ who were involved  – in fact, that was a very noisy few hours, I had anticipated a quiet afternoon of dozing after Christmas Dinner or settling down with a new book. The opposite occurred, and I must admit that by about 5.30 pm, although originally intending to stay for the evening meal, I decided I’d had enough of the afternoon’s excitement and noise. And one or two younger members beginning to show the affects of an over indulgence of wine!  Also had a bit of concern for my second son –  he was due to work later tonight [as a baker] and went off to get some sleep after the meal & gift swapping etc. As he mentioned a couple of days later, he’d not achieved much sleep whilst the board game was happening  – I’m glad it wasn’t me, I would have been voicing a few more complaints than Adam did!  I guess in some ways, my ‘fatherly’ concern tempered to some degree my enthusiasm for the afternoon ‘games’.

Irrespective of that, I can’t complain. It was a good environment all afternoon, and I considered myself rather lucky, that despite being a part of a now long term broken marriage, we were all able to join in with family celebrations of this nature without any form of acrimony or dispute, but good friendly relationships,  each year

I was home by 6pm, but it was some hours later before Susan returned. I don’t think I really bothered about eating much this evening, though I did have another helping of ‘Christmas pudding’ which Susie had brought home for me.  Her Mum’s mother cooks this each year, using the recipe that my own mother had used through her life, and it was a lovely link with the past. In recent years, she [Shirley’s mother] has often cooked an extra pudding  – just for her former son-in-law’s benefit, but I didn’t hear any mention of that treat this year J

Switched  the TV on tonight, just in time  to hear the Queen’s annual Christmas message from England.  There was an interesting combination of subjects tonight in her speech which the Queen actually apparently rites herself each year. The following are a few notes of the speech, taken from on site reports.

In a break with tradition, the Queen decided to tape this year’s message in the Royal Chapel at Hampton Court Palace near London, the residence of King Henry VIII, instead of the usual broadcast from Buckingham Palace. Wearing a matching purple dress and coat topped off with a large brooch and three strands of pearls, the Queen briefly touched on the last year’s Christmas message: the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.  “One only has to think of the injured men and women of the armed forces to see how an interest in games and sport can speed recovery and renew a sense of purpose, enjoyment and comradeship,” she said.    Her message, which is written by the Queen herself, is a rare chance for the monarch to express personal opinions.  Making the broadcast from the palace built for Henry VIII was a break from tradition. The Queen’s annual address is normally recorded from Buckingham Palace. The change was suggested by the Queen, because Hampton Court was where, in 1604, King James commissioned the bible, which took seven years for translators to complete. The Queen said the King James Bible was “acknowledged as a masterpiece of English prose and the most vivid translation of the scriptures”. She added: “The glorious language of this Bible has survived the turbulence of history and given many of us the most widely recognised and beautiful descriptions of the birth of Jesus Christ which we celebrate today.”

The Queen poses for a photo during the recording of her Christmas Day Speech to the Commonwealth Photo: Getty

The Queen also included reference to sport in her subject matter  –  where she explained  why she believes sports and games enrich communities and build harmony, and  teach all of us valuable lessons about life and building communities.   “It is as important as ever to build communities and create harmony and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games,”  “I’ve seen for myself just how important sport is in bringing people together from all backgrounds, from all walks of life and from all age groups.”   The Queen said that the many sporting events this past year — from the World Cup in South Africa, the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth Games — have demonstrated how sports can do far more than improve physical fitness.   She said athletics plays a key role in bringing together people from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life.   “No team can hope to succeed without co-operation between the players,” the 84-year-old monarch said, noting that athletes must also respect their opponents. “This sort of positive team spirit can benefit communities, companies and enterprises of all kinds.”

I agree completely with those sentiments of Her Majesty, but the problem is, those attributes of team spirit etc, seldom seem to carry into the rest of life, and so often, the bringing together of different cultures, etc, disappears when the ‘games’ are over! Nevertheless, it was an interesting conversation piece from the Queen, probably not the kind of message people would have generally expected to hear from her at this time of year.

Meanwhile, an interesting little comment about the Queen’s broadcasts, made by Charles Moore in The Telegraph where he wrote:-

Back to the present – my Christmas was fairly inactive, still not feeling over well, and quite an early start planned for the next morning, though as usual for a Saturday night, sleep did not come easily or smoothly! Noticed a few fire crackers being let off earlier in the evening, but thankfully they didn’t go on for too long!