Snow

A short blast of snow falling at a slant threatens to bring the nation to its knees again.  A short while ago large noticeable snowflakes fell slowly, then the wind heightened, hats blew off, coats were tightened, and misery shone on the faces.  

I watched from the window.

That picture was taken 10 minutes ago, and already all has cleared.  I suspect several accidents have occurred in the region, but so far no sirens have sounded.  Quite how this lot would cope with the A9 in January I know not.

I still remain indoors hugging the heater drying the washing.

I am very glad it was not similar to this yesterday when I hobbled down the highway.  Kirk was quiet, as it is at this time of year, he traffic today is back to normal and Kirk will be similar next week.  It was good to see the faces, be surrounded by all the women, one at a time again, and speak to those who mattered.

However, I left early as my mind was clogged up.   It has been this way for a while, a remnant from the Covid of a month or two ago.  In November I usually have Xmas sown up, but this year it was slow, thinking apathetic, and it was finished by desperation, not thought.  Apathy remains.  Reading is hard, concentration often lost, and I followed nothing during the service.  This was awkward as I was reading the OT passage!  Gen 1:1-5.  I noticed I was losing concentration as I read this short passage!  I am amazed I did not fall asleep!  I ran off home soon after closing and limped through the rest off the day.

Some things held an interest but concentration soon lapsed.  

Maybe I should hire a nurse...?

 

Much later, Tsk!  Forgot to finish this...

 

Drink and Babylon!

 

I spent an enjoyable hour listening to a podcast from the 'National Archives.' 

I knew about these but only recently began to listen to them.  Today I listened to one from 2006.

Phillipa Glanville, from the V&A museum, discussing 'The Dichotomies of Drink.'  Very interesting this was too.  A clever woman, well researched, and clearly spoken, discussing drink from the late 1600s up until recent times.  The development of whisky taught me much I did not know, the growth of beer in its many forms, wine, political intrusion and responses to European wars, and the public response during difficult times.

Water being rough if not impure led to much beer drinking, of a  weak kind.  War in Europe led to sales of whisky and rum growing.  Drunkenness also grew alongside the increase in alcohol sales.  Who would have thought...?

A good Podcast, and well worth a listen and I suspect many more also.

This is a good book!

Good that is if you like reading about ancient Mesopotamia!

I do.

Paul Kriwaczek, a Viennese, was head of Central Asian Affairs at the BBC World Service for 25 years.  His wide knowledge of many languages no doubt aided his studies.  This book was published in 2010, a year before he died.

Beginning by comparing Saddam Hussein with the great leaders who had gone before him millennia ago helps us understand, he says, how life in the region continues in similar fashion since settlement began.  Human nature after all, does not change.

From Eridu in the south, where incoming peoples gathered around 5000 BC, through until the fall of Babylon to the Persians and the end of what the author calls the 'first stage' in civilisation, we follow the development of the various societies and indeed Pauls interesting, but not always correct thoughts on the matter.  

Paul was an intelligent and thoughtful man, however, some of his opinions were lacking in my view, indeed, somewhat idiosyncratic I would say.  His view on what was the 'Flood,' is worth reading, but somehow lacks substance to me.  

We hear of the rise of the Sumer super states, Ur and Uruk, the opposition from Elam, and the constant flow of peoples throughout time who eventually take over and, according to the author, continue the culture that they find.  

We read of Gilgamesh, and the various people who brought the rise and fall, and rise again, of Babylon and then Assyria.  Famous names such as Hammurabi pass by, less famous names come and go, leaving a mark in their day and going the way of all flesh into obscurity.  

Of course the rise of both Babylon and Assyria, and her fall, takes up some room.  Both, thanks to scripture, are renown in the west, though not accurately I suggest.  Paul describes the situation at various times attempting to enliven the image, he makes a story of the situation, often I found quite well, and throughout the book he remains easily readable, even I could understand the big words.

The study of those clay tablets covered in 'cuneiform' have offered us much detail on the life of people in the area.  This includes letters from a wife to her far off husband complaining about what he has taken with him on business, or detailing her efforts to sell the goods he has sent back from far off.  

It amazes me how much detail can be found, and it is exciting to consider how many thousands of these tablets have still to be translated.

We see the rise and fall of Assyria, her determination never to be put down again, resulting in her harsh treatment of those who resist.  Our author details also Assyria's harsh treatment of women, so harsh that it is possible to see how Islam can regard their treatment of women as protective!   

States cannot exist for ever under violence, eventually people rebel.  Babylon took over for a period, then the Persians ended this period of life.  Things were never the same again.

Ancient Sumer, and those that came after, developed the sciences as far as possible in their day.  Much of the maths known to the Greeks was already found in Ur and Uruk.  Architecture and art developed quickly, agriculture, in spite of mistakes, fed the people well, and life developed from Temple led authority governing an organised society, to a more 'free enterprise' world under the Kings.  The rich got richer and the poor remained poor as in all societies, but differing times had different responses to human need.

I liked this book, I disagreed with much of Pauls understanding of the situation, but I would wouldn't I?

This book is an easy read, full of information, offers a large reading list at the end, and is well worth spending time on.  Such a shame the author has passed on.

Quiet Day

Another day of joy and laughter.

A trip for bread, and a day watching a video of a train from Kings Cross to Hull.  What more could you wish for?  

The sun shone, on the video also, I fell asleep, and ate.

A busy day for me.

A quick look around revealed no news. 

However, that nice Man Vargas did score again the other night, that's two goals in two games, as he begins to adapt to Scottish football.  I told you he would be popular.

New Year Dawns ....

The new year dawned with bright sunshine and an early opened 'Ladbrokes.'  'Iceland' and one or two lesser shops were about but most remained indoors, sensibly.  It remains quiet today, though storm force rain helps to keep people inside.  Dogwalkers apart, only the brave wander in this rain.

Nothing else happened, though the Tories keep lying, storing cash and inventing excuses.  Starmer keeps well away from Socialists, just in case they give him an idea.  The Lib-Dems have appeared on Twitter again, but few will notice.  An aircraft crash in Japan, Russia killing Ukrainians, troop movements elsewhere, trouble in the Red Sea, and most coverage is of celebs!    

Life has not improved in 2024, so far...

 

Happy New Year 2024

A Happy New Year to all my friends, readers and bots.

May it be a good one!

Hogmanay

Hobbling down to the Kirk this morning I was impressed by the bright sun dazzling me.  Had it not been for the cold air I would have thought it summer brightness, however, wrapped up in my big coat, flat cap on flat head, I knew it was December.  

No fox running across me this morning at this spot, one or two dogs grinning as they headed towards the parks, a few miserable faces passed by, almost forcing me to say 'Happy new Year,' just for spite.

However, I refrained.  We ought not to say this until the stroke of the midnight bells, though the English adoption of Hogmanay has brought changes here.

The Kirk was quiet today.  No kids at all, few adults, possibly they are all preparing for midnight, possibly they have indulged, possibly the last week has just worn them out.  My attention was poor, I forgot to eat before going out, and the man rambled a wee bit.  However, the talk is on video tonight, hopefully, and I will hear it again.  I may wait until tomorrow.  No lift home, a stroll through the sun, now hiding behind clouds, and noticed how quiet the streets still are.  Just wait until Tuesday when they all return.  

Bright news from the Netherlands where an enterprising young man obtained 75kg of fireworks.  Great fun for all!  Unfortunately he smokes.  On his way home he smoked a cigarette and at the end threw this out the window.  However, the wind brought it back into the car, started a fire, and within seconds fireworks were going off everywhere!  His Volvo is I suspect a right off.

The last sundown of the year, seen through my grubby window, was a good one.  2023 has not been the best year, but not the worst either.  Years come and years go but if we keep in with Jesus all will be well.  

Books!

 

The problem I have now, with the year ebbing away, is which book do I read first?  Considering there are several already open and at varying degrees of accomplishment it is trying attempting to work out how to read them all at once.

This however, is a common occurrence.   There does tend to be books lying around in all corners, on the couch, in the Loo, through in the bedroom, and all around the desk.  Some are short, one of  chapters such as books re travel reports, others feature a policeman's life tales, or history reports from various periods, not books that need to be finished, rather books to dive into when the desire rises.  Others are a bit more reference like and can be read regarding certain periods or events.  Some, like my favourite at the moment, must be read through because I am captured by it.  Next week something else will take its place, hopefully.

That means I must add these two the piles.  This is 'First World Problems,' and not something that will worry those seeking fresh water to drink, and end to the bombing, or shelter for the night will worry about.  Should I complain?  No., I have it so easy really.

Especially with the single malt around...

 

Out of the Frying Pan...

The constant scraping on the frying pan has led to the purchase of a new one.  This, somewhat larger pan, remains clear of the ingrained muck spoiling the older, and so far successful, pan.  However, the old required changing, and this has appeared.  

The impressive looking picture does not take away from the fact that this 'Extra Lean Beef Medallion Steak' can taste just like any other kind of slop I cook, no matter how many spices are added.  Still, it is healthy which is something.

Tesco is quite useful at times.  It seems to me they have taken the place once owned by 'Woolworths,' no long departed.  Not quite the same approach but the sort of place almost everything for the house can be found, usually.  

Looking around in the gloom of the afternoon I can see many items that originated in Tesco.  Of course, while the shop is useful it is also limiting in that only items that sell will be found there.  Those that sell slowly or feebly will never return.  I noticed |Sainsburys has the 'Byline times' the other week, but so far no sign of the latest edition.  Possibly it has not arrived, possibly not enough copies sold last time.  Too many Tories here to even have heard of that magazine.  Possibly 'W. H. Smiths' will have it, they will sell anything, even if they are calling themselves 'WHS,' these days.

Fattening Christmas

Thursday and I am wishing the week was over!

All this single malt drinking, all this Christmas cake eating, all this 'eat it before the sell by date,' and all the odd bits of chocolate that are killing what is left of my teeth being used up is wearing me out.  

I can cope with the sleeping bit, easily done after lunch, but then there is the clearing up, washing dishes, putting out rubbish and used Christmas wrappers, and having to iron a shirt for Sunday as there are none left in the cupboard.

It's all very tiring.  

Tomorrow, if the rain allows, I will make the last Sainsburys visit of the year.  Though I suspect it unlikely that they will close on New Years Day, but they might.  And then next week, having checked the accounts, noted the gas and electric meter readings for the latest price increase, searched around the house for loose change, I will ensure that for a month or so it will be mince and chips for lunch, with occasional egg and chips to ensure variety!  

Next week, or is that next year, there will be a time of non buying as I attempt to budget properly and also lose weight.  I had lost a few pounds by last week, that situation may surely have changed since.   

The Day Following Boxing Day

Having had several packets arrive, all in good time at that, it is depressing to sit here and listen for the ringing doorbell or knock on the door and nothing happens.  No postman arrived, no post van was noted passing the door.  Even 'White Van Man,' has deserted us.  If it carries on like this I may have to spend my own money on things just to have parcels to wait for.

However, while I wait, I do have several new books to read, they are in the queue like so many others, and a book voucher to squander on Amazon's cheap books also.  It would be terrible not to have books awaiting study would it not?  

 Another marvellous piece of sham PR today.  Having discovered that 95% of people do not wish to return to 'Imperial Weights' and are fine with 'Metric,' the Brexit promise to return to 'imperial' has been dropped.  On the same day they announce, with a smug grin, that from today you can buy wine in pint bottles!  Brilliant!

Of course there is one or two problems here.  For one, no-one bottles wine in pint bottles, and no-one intends to start.  The other unfortunate fact is that no wine dealer, producer, buyer, wants pint bottles of wine.  It appears Churchill asked for this many years ago, but since then not one soul has done this.

Another step towards destruction at Tory House.

 

Boxing Day 2023

Christmas Day offered a nice wee service in the morning.  Many missing though the other church did attend as they were closed.  Few children arrived, and those that did were noisy!  At one and the same time we wanted them quiet and enjoyed their laughter!  We wanted to join in!

A lift home to a special dinner from Sainsburys, it was rubbish!  I ought to have cooked my own.

Today, I cooked my own, it was rubbish!

Tired from all the activity I moved to the bed at 5 pm, spending much time watching little exciting on various YouTube posts and draining some Single Malt.  Someone had too.

Today, much time has been spent arguing with lonely people on Twitter.  We know they are lonely as they argue, people with friends do not waste time.

I watched poor football, searched for news, there is none, just a war or two, the end of the world preparing in the middle east, and Rishi Sunak failing in the PR department.  The 'Daily Mail' filled space with the Royals on holiday.  How interesting...

For some reason that single malt returned.  

Anyway, I howled at the moon for a while, then altered the setting on the camera to where it ought to have been anyway, and got a couple of not quite right pictures.  This tells me the chill will come tonight as we can see the moon, the rain comes tomorrow.  Still remarkably warm for December.

The single malt, 'Jura' by name, is calling me to bed....

Christmas Day

 A Merry Christmas to all  my friends.

Messy Christmas

 

 

There was not one child in the premisis when I arrived this morning.  I dumped my Christmas Puddings (small balls of chocolate ones) among the food offerings being prepared.  I spoke to several people, gave out a card or two and took  my seat.  As always many a young lass came to speak to me, it happens regularly, and one the crowd dispersed I looked around and found the place full of kids!

Being a special kids oriented service the rear of the building was laid with tables of activities, all beyond me, and the kids were cutting, colouring, glueing, and so on happily.   

This went on for some time and then we were called to attention for the nativity part.

Naturally this followed the traditional manner, in spite of the readings we have done recently, and Mary and Joseph, two sisters, happily took their place, while a donkey, wise men, angels and one or two spare beings attended.  

All in all it went better than I expected and all appeared happy with the result.  Some men of note did agree that theological facts were taking a beating mind.  But a chocolate Christmas Pudding soon shut them up.

 

 

 

I was much taken by the obvious delight in this dad's face as he cuddled his new daughter.  Here was one happy man!  In spite of the noise around the babe never responded and concentrated on sleeping.  Mum was a happy competent lass also.  A jolly good Christmas Eve I say.

 

Shopping Over...

Trumpton

 

At last the shopping is done, the guilt about those missed begins to hit home, and I am left looking forward to the bottle of 'Jura' sitting awaiting opening on Christmas Day.  Tesco was so packed this morning, even at 8:30, and I am glad I was not one of those who came later.  

Now I look forward to what they call 'Messy Church' tomorrow, a thing aimed at kids, so I have no idea what is going on.  I wish I could miss it but was persuaded by one of the young women with learning difficulties to go.  If I don't she may remember!  

That sums up Saturday when avoiding crowds and remembering things I forgot to buy.  

Friday Frills...

                                                    Ship-on-stormy-seas-ivan-konstantinovich-aivazovsky

This ship sums up the past few days!  At least I have caught up, almost got all things ready, and have found all parcels arrive at their destinations, even if she is out at one of them.  

The weekend approaches, checkout lassies everywhere look forward to Sunday just so they no longer have to listen to Xmas music all day long.  There is only so much of that slop that one can take.  That said I will visit the girls in the morning, obtain enough to last for three days, though I have most stuff in already, and be back before the desparate crush through the store all day.  

Later, I will walk around laughing at those men attempting to buy for her indoors.  There are usually a few, easily recognised and their eyes look blankly into every shop window.  It is possible some stalls will be out tomorrow, they are often off before Xmas, so a trinket or two might be found there.  I will distainfully pass by before remembering someone I forgot!  Dearie me...

 

 

 

I like this cartoon, but notice how he follows the 'traditional' tale.  Joseph with an old man's beard, and a donkey, which looks more like a horse.  If these two were as I have proposed before do you think they could afford a donkey?  This is unlikely, and even if they had one the image on many cards at this time of year would be wrong anyway.  If there was a donkey involved it would be Jpseph sitting on it, not the wife!  

The 'Star' may well have been a conjunction of three planets, I forget which, Mars Venus and Saturn I think, which occurred twice.  'Magi,' in Babylon recorded this sighting, as did stargazing men in China.

The first appearance was 7 BC, and it returned in 5 BC, therefore, add in the historical fact that Herod died in 4 BC we can jump to a conclusion Jesus was born around this time.  The exact time is hard to define, but I rush to 5 BC, but with no other evidence.  Travel from Babylon would take time after working out the meaning of the sight.  Gather your men together, collect the sandwiches required, and trot off slowly joining in a vast caravan for safety.  It would take a while to reach Jerusalem. 

 

By Truck to Bethlehem...sort off..

Today has been a day for driving across from New Mexico into Arizona.  

What?

As I worked on things I put on the video of, 'BigRig Travels,' in the background.

This is live, usually, from the front of a truck travelling across the USA from one spot to another.  

OK, it is not the most exciting thing you will see, depending on various car drivers that pass by, but it does show the real USA as we pass.

For example, this day has been spent in an almost straight road passing by land that is almost all scrub.

The view is constantly the same.  Scrub at either side, an occasional turn off to a town, and then more flat land for miles ahead, a blue sky for much of the way also.  

I keep asking myself why they forced the Indian's off the land as there is nothing to be made of it out here.   What is here?  Why do Wilmslow and Flagstaff exist?  What keeps people here in the middle of nowhere?

Anyhow, by the time he reached Flagstaff we saw hills  in the distance, towering above the area.  Vast miles of low lying land, actually 6000 feet above sea level, and sky filled the day for the driver.  You can see on those 'Virtual Railfan' cams that Flagstaff gets snow early and deep and it lies for a while.  

The Highway was busy, especially near towns, but at times scarce vehicles were noted.  The job of a long distance truck driver is great if you like being on your own for hours at a time.  This left me regretting not taking those £2 an hour driving lessons back in 1971.  I would have loved a wee van to run around delivering in.

Our friend Psephizo makes some interesting points regarding the birth of Jesus.  He, and indeed other worthies, believe Jesus was born in a house, similar to those found in that area even today.  The description given, and the picture provided, offer one interpretation from those who have travelled in that are during the last 200 years or so.  The style of house has changed little, as those travelling during the 19th century found.  

The house is usually a one roomed building, often with an area beneath or alongside for the animals.

The 'manger' however, from which the animals were fed, lay in the corner of the living room.  This is because there was only one room, and all lived within one room.  

This rather poor shot I took within a small Byzantine house at the Temple in Jerusalem.  As far as I can recall this was the entire house, note how small it is!  I stand on a raised platform, about 4 ft wide, that stretched across the room.  I took this to be the sleeping area.  Bethlehem homes may have been similar in size, with added rooms according to your wealth.  This Essex town has many grand aged houses which began 500 years ago as one room, after which wealth enabled other rooms to be added, this is an old practice.  The writers of these articles imply the house where Mary and Joseph stayed at that time, connected to the family, possibly some say Josephs actual home, while Mary came from Nazareth, possibly, but certainly he would be welcomed by family of some sort.  

The animals next door would reach in, or come in to eat from the manger.  You will understand the cultural differences, but remember houses divided between humans and animals were common in various parts of the Atlantic Islands until comparatively recently.  

Possibly this example is better:

This makes more sense to me. Quite how it operated, the family in one room, the animals, the kids, I have no idea, but this does mean the thought of Jesus in a stable, or a cave as I have thought for some time, is ruled out.  

'Katalmya,' is the word used for a guest room and implies there was no room for the couple in the 'guest room,' so Jesus was born in the living area.  This is why he was placed in a manger, not in a separate building but in a crowded house. 

Not my idea of Christmas...

Of course we are reading from clever people who understand the background, the local attitudes and both Greek and Hebrew.   We rely on those who have travelled in the past, and Historical insights, often unknown to those who translated the scriptures in the days of long ago.  This proves our need to study and understand what is said, not what is believed today.

It changes my outlook.

Jesus was born at the poor end of society, to a girl about 14 years of age, in a crowded house, and left in the feeding bowl.  Quite a start for the Son of God and the ruler of all.

From Dreich to Mary

Dreich!

Monday saw me up and down the stairs three times before 10 am.  Today, nothing has been delivered.

I reckon the postmen have been flooding the area yesterday, today they are elsewhere.  Maybe it is the rain hammering down since last night?  Possibly Tesco café is full of drookit postmen avoiding work until the rain eases?  Tsk!  That never happened in my day...

I have searched the press for news of Michelle and her £200 million, but it appears the real news is found on Twitter as always.  There, the heart of the Conservative Party is revealed.  All Tories who comment are blaming her alone, all are moving far from her side, almost no-one in Westminster has ever met her, seen her, or heard of her it appears.  

In short, your on your own love.

Of course she can hit back, indicating the names of those who knew and approved.  All such are found hiding under bushes at the moment.   Interestingly, Lord Bethell, the man who lost all his mobile messages re the Pandemic, has found one from Michelle that incriminates her.  How convenient.  Maybe now the rest can be ordered to the Covid inquiry.  Mone is asking whether Sunak benefited from the Moderna Covid vaccine, he has connections, did he get paid?  Sunak has not commented.

Luke 1:26

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’

34 ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’

35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.’

38 ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.

When you consider Women were pledged to be married by the age of 12, this means Mary was possibly 13 or 14 by the time she was to give birth.  Many have attempted to alter this as they feel this is incorrect by todays standards, but this was biblical times and many women would not see 40. 

Neither would the men.  

The 'pledged to be married' bit is not a forced marriage.  In such places marriages would be arranged by talking women over many years as the kids grew up.  It is likely most would therefore have been reasonably happy and secure.

Joseph, the lesser man in Luke's story is secondary here, not least because Luke appears to have spoken with Mary and learned from her the details of the birth.

The name 'Jesus' is given, though as you know that is the Greek translation of his name, the Hebrew being 'Joshua.'  That name means 'God saves.'  It was common in ancient times to give names that meant something about the person.  The ancient Sumerians did this down at Ur and Uruk, and it also applies, as we have all seen on bad Hollywood cowboy films, to the 'Red Indians,' as they were slaughtered by the incoming immigrants of the day. 

This teenager is suddenly confronted by an angel calling himself Gabriel.  

How would you react?

A quick glance through scripture reveals that no angelic appearance ever mentions 'wings!'

So why do we always see pictures of angels with wings?

This angel, standing in the presence of God, is instructed to visit Mary.  No arguments, no questioning whether she is worth it, no doubt about the job, just obedience.  An obedience based on knowing God and loving it.  This, I suggest, is an angel that enjoys his job.

'You will carry a child, he will be son of God, and will rule over all for ever.'

Quite an achievement for a 13 year old.

Her response?  Apart from a practical question as to 'How?'   

Mary responds with 'I am the Lord's servant.'

What faith/belief/trust in a wee girl, all based on Gods word alone.

I note she appears not to say anything to Joseph.  It seems like she left that to God himself so Joseph was able to understand just what he had got into.  Joseph may well have been no more than 19 or 20.

And so they prepare for life, and what went through their minds at this time...?

Psephizo For more detailed study 

Nazareth

Carols!

An enjoyable Carol Service last night.  John did things a wee bit different from the normal routine and it worked well.  A smattering of the usual Christmas faces appeared, though many of ours found it too late and dark to walk this far.  

I particularly enjoyed the kids in front of me, one lass who clearly has been watching 'Sickly Come Dancing' of Saturday nights, attempted to dance through all the songs.  Her younger brothers were less enthusiastic re dancing.

But I was knackered.  

Today, a grey Monday, I intended to do little.  Having made it to Tesco before the crowds I hobbled up the stair and expected a day of leisure.  By 10 am I had been down the stairs twice more for the various postmen delivering parcels.  Happily, they were all for me!  Now I have a small pile in the corner awaiting me.  These however, make me feel guilty that I have not spent enough on others, some I cannot reach, and what I have sent out is nowhere good enough for those receiving, at least in my opinion.  Still, it's the mealy mouthed Scrooge like thought that counts, innit?

As has become my custom, I gave all the women yesterday a bar of chocolate, one of those more expensive types.  None were refused.  The men obtained a miniature of whisky, again, none were refused.  I got nothing in return but enjoyment at doing this.

Actually, one lass did give me a wee box of something, but only one.  Many cards have been going to- and-fro, along with coughs, sneezes and 'coming down with something,' comments.  We await developments.

I am left weary and scared to move towards the bed as they deliver at all hours these days.  Sunday, just after 4 pm a Royal Mail temp delivered a package for me.  What with the roadworks down the way and Amazon drivers habit of calling late there may yet be a ring on the bell tonight.  Me, I just want to stretch, and then lay about for a day or so, the little jobs that need done can wait.   

Bored & Busy Saturday

 

The Past was Better?

I had a Twitter debate last night with a man who considered life was better back in the past.  That is, he looked back to the early 50s, a time when you could leave your door open, people did not knife you in the street, and life was generally better all round.

I disagreed.

I too look back to the early days of my young life and consider life was better then.  However, we had had a war that killed 52 million or so, nuclear bombs were beginning to become popular, and we had an even larger police force than we do today, so was it better? 

Our childhoos was occasionlly bothered by the 'Penny Gang,' a group of yobs who came up from 'over there,' causing trouble and bothering the world.  Was this what he saw as 'better?'  If we had gangs so did he surely.  My dad could not take a day off work for flu, and I mean flu, because he would lose £1 and mum could not feed us if he did, so he went, and it was not an easy thing for him to do in winter and walking miles to deliver milk.  Was this better?

Certainly free school milk. the NHS, polio jabs, and other benefits, from a Labour government, remember them, improved life.  But crime existed, murders occurred, thieves stole.  What was different bar the perception that things were improving? 

After two wars and the depression certainly people looked to create a better world.  The residue of a Judeo-Christian society meant a form of agreed culture covered much, but not all, of the land.  For many after the war a sense of 'right and wrong existed, especially for those who had seen the results of the Nazi regime.  

The main difference I wonder could be the loss of the agreed Judeo-Christian moral stance, even if a loose one, and wealth!  When the nation loses the need to work together to survive and wealth covers the land people lose morals.  Having enough they now want more.  Producers offer more and we desire every glittering thing on offer and come to believe we have a right to obtain this.  With no agreed God laxity in morals creeps in over time, the results, aided by greedy incompetent politicians lies before us.

The world looks worse than in the past, however, what we see now lay just under the surface awaiting a chance nto escape.  Encourage the lowest moral outlook and you find it everywhere.

Murdoch plays a big part in this, the so-called sexual revolution helps, easy divorce and lessening ofresponsibility, though that was often avoided before, and crime is encouraged as there is no agreed morality.  Parents less keen to teach children, happy to defend them more.

Human nature lies at the root, and that never changes.

 

Christmas has certainly changed.  When I was young in never cost me a penny!  Now I am emptying the piggy bank!  However, the cards are almost done, all the presents to go have gone and been received, and I am now watching the van drivers knock on my door to bring things for me!  This is good!  

One mug, one book and one bottle of Single Malt, 'Jura' no less. has arrived.  With this I am well pleased.

Less pleased when the driver had to ask my year of birth before giving the box to me.  It took me a minute tor ecall that far back, which made him laugh!  I suspect I will see him again soon with another book expected.

Life is not bad at all really, in spite of the bad things that are always with us.