It's Never Too Late.

I’ve just spent a week travelling in France with an old friend. 

We met more than 30 years ago while working in Japan, and despite living on different continents, we manage to catch up every couple of years. Of course we are in regular online contact, but it’s not the same, is it?

But France was a lot of fun.  Good food, good wine, and a lot of chatting. Oh, and there may have been a few Beatles singles found along the way.

In our reminiscing, he told me something from all those years ago, something I didn’t know, and something that absolutely delighted me. I think he thought I knew, and so never mentioned it before.

Thanks for letting me know.

I arrived back in the UK, exhausted after a week of travelling, all on trains and buses, and then walking long days all around cities - Strasbourg and Paris. We saw some great sights, visited museums, art galleries, Christmas markets, and scenic spots. Did I mention vinyl shops?

What a week. One I will remember and cherish.  And if you have something positive to share, it’s never too late to let someone know.  It will be appreciated.

Home Again, Home Again?

I'm confused.

I'm currently in Australia, at the tail end of a two week visit, and in a day or so I'll be heading home. Or am I currently at home, and heading off again?

Since July 2016 I've been working and residing in the UK with Lindsey. That's where you'll find our dogs, our TV, my Beatles' albums and our car. But I grew up in Australia, so for so many years that was my home. Before that, however, I was born in Scotland and emigrated to Australia when I was a tot.

So which is my home?

Both, in different ways. But for now I'm heading home, with a bag full of Tim-Tams to share with Lindsey. If you drop in for a coffee after I get back, you might just score one.

The Weather With You.

The past week has been cool, although milder than it has been. Temperatures have ranged from 6 to 10c and mostly dry. Yes, there have been a few showers, but nothing terrible.

In a couple of days it will be high 20s into the 30s. Not in Lincoln, of course, but in Melbourne, Australia.

Apart from articles about my Australian Football team, and the odd bits of news I pick up through Facebook, I have no idea of what's happening back home. Entertainment, politics, news or sport - none of it. I stopped reading the Australian news and weather a few months after arriving over here. There just didn't seem much point, and I felt it was more important to be aware of what was happening here in the UK.

But I've been tracking the Melbourne weather for the past few weeks as I'm heading home in a few days, time to visit family and friends. It appears I'll be arriving into a 33c day. Guess I won't be needing my winter jacket and scarf.

I was planning to get up to a football match, although I think that's now fallen through. I have made some plans to hang out with my best friend, to have dinner with others, to visit my school, and to catch up with family.

I've also made arrangements to visit Deakin University, where I studied all those years, and to chat with some staff there regarding the differences between the Australian and UK tertiary systems. Aaah, Professional Development - grab it where you can.

When I booked my ticket I wasn't too fussed. Yes, I was looking forward to going, but as the departure date approaches my excitement continue to grows. I really can't wait to see my family and friends.

And Tim Tams. There will be Tim Tams.