The World

“Did you know that childhood is the only time in our lives when insanity is not only permitted, but expected of us?” Louis de Bernières.

University life is wild and varied. Robert was telling us about the dealers that are found on most street corners at the moment. Not dealers in the drug sense but book dealers. The process is all done through social media. You are told you need the following books for your studies. Books are expensive so you turn to social media to see if you can buy a book from someone who no longer needs it. Once found, you draw the cash from an ATM and meet the dealer at some prearranged location, hand over the money and get a small parcel in return. If you did not know any better, it would look just like a drug deal!

In all fairness, he did buy some books on Behavioural Economics in the Cold War or something along those lines. He is looking into the possibilities of doing a Masters degree or a PHD. Feels like the eternal student taking shape.

The Middle Smiths have moved into an apartment with all the space they need.

They have been in Ancrum Lodge for about 3 months and we did a fair amount of trips moving all their things. Very little furniture had to be moved as it is a furnished apartment. If they decide to move again, I will make myself scarce.

I am a little disappointed as I feel a cold or flu is trying to take hold. Not sure if I want to be incapacitated with the festive season fast approaching. Talking of celebrations, Angela, my favourite daughter, is celebrating her birthday today and I must say happy birthday Angela, hope you have a happy day. On this subject, we might be seeing her quite soon. Actually if all goes to plan we will see Michael as well, everything seems to be coming together for an almighty party.

Christmas, they say this is the best time of the year. For most of us that's probably how it feels, but what about the ones left alone and all the people looking for a glimpse of home. To me our Christmas lights are a beacon for those who have still not arrived and hopefully put a message out there, we are home..

This flu has now spread its infected cells, the Middle Smith are all down with the exception of Mika. We will fight on, on the beaches, when I take JB for his walk, in the coffee shops, where I am at the moment getting stronger with the help of a double espresso and a slice of fruit cake.