Hello Everyone
It’s been quite some time since my last post.  A lot has happened some good some sad.  This year isn’t quite turning out like I first thought it would.  Then again does any year in anyones life go exactly to plan.  I don’t think so and this one is certainly turning into a doozey for my family and I.

As previously mentioned one item on the agenda has finally been dealt with:
The second time around, we sold our house.  Hooray for that. I will state here and now I hated every stinking moment of it, and the real estate agents that were involved with it.  They truly are sleazier than car salesman if that’s at all possible, and deserve their shitty reputations. Not quite the price we wanted but it’s done.  Settlement for us is 3rd December.  At first I felt quite sad to see it sold and a lot of emotions were flying through my mind.  I really wasn’t happy at all on the day even though we really did want to sell.

The last 22 years have been a mixture of many memories and we have experienced some amazing things within these walls. We have shared many a joyous celebration and led a wonderful and fulfilled life here.  So many have been with our family, friends and colleagues.  I will take all of them along with me and in times of doubt will reflect on them in our new abode.  Of course there has been some times of grief and sadness as you would expect to experience over such a long period of time.  Thankfully the happy memories far outway any of the sadder times.  These I take with me too.

By the next morning I began to look at things in a different light.  It’s a new beginning to expand and broaden my knowledge again.  Apartment living will certainly be something neither my partner and children have ever done before.  Well apart from the family holidays. Will I love it or hate it.  Who know’s but I am now very much looking forward to finding out.  One thing’s for sure:
I’m certainly not looking forward to; packing everything up that has accumulated over the last 22 years. That in itself will stretch me to my limits.

Needless to say that the last three months has also brought along with it some sadness and grief.

I have lost two of my lovely friends Pete & Trevor,
My thoughts and condolences go out
To all of all of their friends, families & colleagues & anyone who knew them.
I dedicate the following to them: Kinda reflects the type of people they both were:

May they both rest in peace
Miss you both
Kazza

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927