Hard of hearing

What an unsociable affliction being deaf can be, even if only temporary. I'm not completely deaf, but am having to strain to hear what others are saying at present. Hoping not to have my good ear syringed, as the other one isn't working too well, but if the oil doesn't solve problem may have to go down that route. How hard it must be for those with this difficulty permanently. Not to hear music, or birdsong, apart from conversation. Just think myself lucky.

Technical frustrations

The problem with creating blogs or web-sites, is that I spend so much time trying to understand it all that I don't leave any time for writing! How do others manage it so well?

Reasons to be cheerful

Hurray, there are flowers on the witch hazel! I know they are supposed to be there in winter, but thought they'd succumbed to the ice and snow. Also lots of trees in bud, and bulbs sneaking out of the soil.

Monkey World

Been to visit monkey world today. Those capuchin monkeys have the wisest eyes, so human in their expression. In fact I'd go so far as to say better than some humans.

Brave Australians

What a terrible disaster in Australia with the floods! Notice how the people there have not begged for any help from the outside world though. They simply get on with it. An example to us all.
Does anyone else think there are really strange things happening throughout the world? Birds falling from skies, fish being washed up, dogs dying here from unknown causes, and so many weather phenomena. After all, it should be summer in Australia now.

Inspiration

Inspiration

When the well of creation begins to run dry,
Do writers sit in a corner and cry?
Do they open a bottle, smoke one more cigar
Or hasten down to prop up the bar?

No, we take up the duster, the Hoover, the broom,
And systematically clean every room.
For the housework's forgotten when the writing is BIG,
We leave cobwebs hanging – we don't give a fig.
We could even forget what each meal time's about
If it wasn't for stomachs giving out a great shout.

But if housework or gardens don't do the trick
We tear out our hair, beat ourselves with a stick.
We return to the day job, or go on a hike
To encourage the old inspiration to strike.

At the end of each day we hatch up a scheme
Whereby all the answers appear in a dream,
But when all's said and done and our guard is well down
A spark can emerge while we're walking round town.
Don't know where it comes from, but help can appear
When you least expect it – pass me one more beer.

I'm feeling a little like this at present, but know if I persevere it will pass!

Good intentions

It's already 8th January and I'd like to wish all my friends a very happy New Year! Not making resolutions as such for the year, but each day I'll focus on positive aspects of life. I may not put them all on here, we'll see.