Musings about life in retirement from academe
For many Australians January is becoming a time for reflecting on what and when might be appropriate for national celebration. January 26 has become awkward and contentious as a focus for celebration but it does invite reflection about our history, much of it long hidden from many of us, and current circumstances.
We used to send Christmas cards but in recent years we have shared videos with a photographic record of the year. Here is our effort for 2023 with some additional reflections on the year.
I sometimes amuse myself by baiting would be scammers. This one was different – polite, plausible, and let down by his barking dog.
It was a year ago this past weekend that I began my journey with kidney cancer. I’m fortunate that it has gone so well.
It took longer than usual to process photographs from our recent trip to Western Australia. The extra time was needed as I attempted to identify the many wildflowers I photographed.
It’s now a bit more than 6 months since I had major surgery to remove my cancerous kidney. All the signs are positive. I’m healed, clear of cancer, and feeling fitter.
I’ll be voting Yes but I wonder what the referendum debate might be telling us about Australia. That so many people seem to be believing misinformation being sown by the No campaign is worrying for our future.
Our governments spend hundreds of millions of dollars on computer systems to support online access to services. Sometimes they work. Other times they simply send us round in circles. That’s what happened when I tried linking myGov to Centrelink.
I’ll still be having my bladder inspected every three months for the next couple of years but my PET scan was clear so for the moment I’m free of cancer.
My recovery from surgery continues well. This week I moved into the next phase of the process and looked deep within myself.