The first of the last month of the year. The trouble is that when December is here it becomes alarmingly easy to calculate the number of days until Christmas. Still, it gives a lovely excuse (were one needed) to visit family to deliver presents. But why is the far north of Scotland so much colder than Seil. At least the damp never gets time to settle.
Him Behind The Wheel nearly broke an old telly and himself, trying to get both of them down from the loft. It is the kind of thing that makes people call their elders silly.
Let's hope it is wanted in its new home!
It used to be sufficient for orchestral musicians and accompaniests to be good at playing the music. Now they have to have long blonde hair and wear stunning evening gowns. (Yes, the women in case you are in any doubt.) The men need to be svelte and in swanky dark suits, preferably with a dangly diamond earing.
It is an education watching TV these days.
This modern translation of Deuteronomy 32 illustrates the God we would all like. It is by William J O'Malley SJ.
Out in the desolate, wind-worn wilderness God went,
the relentlessly patient Father or runaway souls.
Fearful of his wrath, I huddled from the howling wind
under a crop of rock, hoping he'd pass me by.
But he stopped, his shadow shielding me from the searing sand.
“Ah! he said with a weary smile. “There you are.”
And he stooped and pulled me into his strong, sheltering arms
and rocked me like a frightened, whimpering child.
“There, there,” he whispered. “It's all right now. You're home.”
And, as in a dream, he bore me up, above the storm,
into the cool sweet air, safe on his wings!
Why do there have to be queries on my tax return every year?
I guess it is me.
A better hair day today. Judi Dench and no fuss.
Yes – I went to the hairdresser and got sorted. Now I shall have to consider a purple wig and a new hat.
I have to say something about the National Health Service. They often get a bad press, particularly in this area where the future of our local hospital has been under threat because of restrictions on doctor's working hours and the high costs of delivering care in rural areas. The stroke clinic is excellent and has put my mind at rest (even if it is generally spaced out these days.) The fast-track system has meant a speedy diagnosis and treatment needed to lower the risks of a major stroke, so I am very grateful. I even had a home visit from the stroke co-ordinator who was able to answer questions and make sure I understand everything that is happening.
I know from visiting patients that our local hospital is a valued resource, so I can only urge all local people to keep up the pressure on Argyll and Clyde Health Board to ensure the good work continues.
I saw a wonderful cartoon recently: picture two frames. In the first a small child with a bright smile on her face; she is opening the curtains of her bedroom, looking at the sky and saying, Thank you Lord, it's morning. In the next picture, a disgruntled man is sitting, bleary eyed on the edge of his bed saying, O Lord, It's morning!
The trick would be to wake every morning like the child, looking forward to the new day.
Faith is often nothing more than a series of doubts vanquished by love.
Michel Quoist
