Fathers' day

There were two people who were my early fishing partners - my teacher, Dad and my partner, Nathan.   Dad and Rick have known each other for 45 odd years and Nathan and I for 35. There have been many trips - soccer, camping, school, tennis....... and this year, fishing in Kuala Rompin.

Fishing was slow this year however we all landed one fish each and with the nice symmetry completed minutes before lines-up, we headed home happy to then watch the Waratah's win the Super rugby after all these years.

It was still squid season this early in the year and I am so amazed by them, I couldn't bring myself to keep all the calamari. The skipper couldn't understand why I was throwing them back however with enough for dinner here are some for the next little boy and for next year.

As war flares again in Israel & Palestine it is sad to think of a focus on differences rather than similarities. In our fleeting visit which obviously went into no meaningful depth on the complex issues at hand, we came away with a sense of tolerance and reasonable cohabitation. There were hints of what lay below the surface but on holidays, we were not scratching very hard.

 Lawrence I am not.

 Jesus was here.

 

My treasure.

Easy Tiger

Hmmmm. I was somewhat ethically uncomfortable but they seemed to have credentials so Amanda and I spent some time with the Chiang Mai tigers. It was momentarily thrilling but ultimately felt like shooting fish in a barrel.

However I did come away from Chiang Mai knowing that unless A gets one lucky shot away I am in no danger of any serious fury from my woman scorned.

It was my first time in northern Thailand and I was incredibly impressed by the cuisine - Chiang Mai sausage, khao soi, kâab mŏo........ mmmmmm.

Maybe it's me

I've joined a gym for the first time in my life, which is a story for another time. On my first visit I saw a man using the hair dryer to dry his chest hair.  After that weirdo, my second visit presented a man using the hair dryer to dry his underarm hair. On my third visit there was another man drying his chest hair and now I am wondering if it is me? Do people look at me and my towel and think I'm a little odd?

Some Christmas cheer

I am starting to enjoy some of the spoils of the Christmas. Thanks Amanda, I'll be sure to need more by Christmas 2014.

An interesting mirror

I have been working fairly independently for the last few years however with a new role I am back into a very close team environment. And in that environment I had an interesting conversation which is making me re-think my perceptions of myself. Considering myself very laid-back and easy going, it was a huge surprise when a colleague told me I was "far from laid-back" and was "very intense and focused."

Things I saw at the zoo - me!

Things I saw at the zoo

This little fellow was sunning itself on a leaf beside a path and was watchful but relaxed.

 

This big fellow - a Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula was safely cooped up out the back.

 

 

 

A taste of Iceland