2025 Heroes and Villains 

Once upon a time the New Year Honours  were special and restricted to genuine recipients that had excelled in a host of Community endeavors.

These days political influence has diminished the meaning and importance of a gong or splash of letters although there are some deserved , dedicated souls to be found amongst  the expanded list. 

I couldn't help but shuffle through the long list that resides in my mind. The list of people that emerged at a time of need and helped so many families , so many residents who were on their back feet after Gabrielle.

These silent heroes went about the task of helping and supporting without hesitation. Where does one start to  recognise the amazing effort that went in over such a long period of time.

I could hand out medals to all of them.

These were not people that  had piles of  money , piles of influence , big companies or a 'name'.

 These were people who sprang in  to action at a time of need. No hesitation.  They lent a shoulder , a dollar, muscle , time and equipment.

They are all heroes to me and I give them all an award for the massive effort they put in to make so many lives better at such a difficult time.

The villains were the big entities .Some of the Councils and staff. Many corporates lacked empathy and had a couldn't care less attitude .

2025 and much further down the track.

Happy New Year to my heroes and gongs to you all.

   

Christmas 2025

Here we are.

Another xmas .Another year almost defunct. Another year full of twists and turns and politics and people.

The last two months have been a blur with a lurch out of a cold winter in to a busy busy spring and early summer.

The crops are looking good and hopefully the strong seasonal winds that bashed the trees about for weeks , have diminished forever. The dry has meant blackspot is hiding , waiting for a wet year so apples are clean and expanding at a rate.

It was pleasing to find the homeless guy I had for a while has found safe haven in another town and appears to be getting back on his feet. It's bloody difficult for some of these people especially at a late stage of life where  questionable law turns life upside down and fractures lives forever.   

Here I have to extend my best Christmas wishes to my adoptive church who has been a tower of strength the last two years. For the ongoing contact and help I am  beyond  grateful. The whole team are standouts in this world and you will be with me forever.

I also take time to embrace and thank all those friends who have put up with my persistent nonsense and frivolity which has become worse since the recovery from Gabrielle.

My first girlfriend gave me a wall hanging of Snoopy by his kennel saying "I am outrageously happy in my stupidity' 

She had me summed up at an early age.

However we must endure. We must confront those dastardly days that trip us up and get back on our feet.

What a year. There are still bits and pieces to repair but eating the elephant is down to the last back leg. Or something like that.

I will baste the roast and make a toast soon to all those who have moved and molded my year.

Merry Xmas to all good people out there.

       

 Bob has Gone

Too soon 

Too quick.

I sat with Bob in the dusty old shed . Plastic chairs. 

Dirt floor. Bottles on the dwangs,

Bolts and tractor parts. Cobwebs wafting from the roof struts.

 Cat mooching around.

Nothing like a cup of tea cupped in the hand.

Chewed the fat. Reminisced.

Invercargill, shearing , cold days, farming, Employment Service days .

Bob always stopping. Taking stock.

Family history.

CMT. Both disciplined in those times and reflecting on todays youth.

Where have things gone wrong?

The vines were gone now. Succumbed to the botrytis and rust , lack of demand , lack of pickers, birds .

No boysenberries in ice cream containers, no trailer full of  red delight and red stains.

All gone now. 

Bob gone now.

I have the memories but its a tragedy . 

Survived the wrath of Gabrielle but not a medical mistake .