One of my dreams

When I was still at high school I wrote an article for the school magazine about my dream of living in France and Scotland.  I managed to live in France and visit Scotland, so count myself very lucky.  This photo (among many others) of Scotland you recently sent, Frank, reminds me of that dream!  What a beautiful country it is.

Michael, I feel ashamed I know so very little about Germany, which is a very beautiful country, too.  Here in Australia we are still Great Britain-centred.  We get all their TV programs and absolutely nothing from Germany.  Fortunately I can look at lots of interesting stuff on the internet and educate myself that way.  (I did do a year of German at university in 1967, and since then have made some feeble attempts at learning again, but have completely forgotten every word.)

Thanks for your Christmas Greetings, Michael and Frank.  I send mine to everybody, too.

This year I've barely given Christmas a thought (except to buy presents for Emma and Hugo and send a few cards).  I'm simply going upstairs to watch the kids open their presents and have lunch on 25th - very laid back.

Oh dear, Infogenium, I just read all your comments about your unfortunate encounters and I do sympathise. I'm so fed up with other people I'm becoming more and more of a hermit - I think that's why the above pic appeals so much.  Honestly, people make me sick, especially on the trains - graffiti and rubbish everywhere, feet on seats, mobile phones constantly ringing.  And noisy restaurants (as we both experienced recently)!  Consideration and respect for others seem to have disappeared from modern life.