It's dark again. A dark, blowy Hogmanay with further gales forecast. Before I return to the role of Domestic Goddess for one more time - cooking for a meal with a friend - I'll join the hordes who post their look back over 2006. I hate this night of the year - have done ever since I was a child. The days may be imperceptibly lengthening, but the turning year brings with it the reflection that life ain't - let us not think after these ways: so, it will make us mad.For me, 2006 was a big year - the trip to New Zealand, the death of my friend Edgar, the wedding of Ewan and Morgane, Neil's graduation. But it was also the year in which I made a host of new contacts - some virtual, some becoming three dimensional, like David and Andrew, who no longer needs to stand sideways for me to recognise him. I still enjoy the thrill of making new contacts online - especially if they seem to appreciate what I have to say. And I still find it amusing when people much younger than I say "You have a ... what?" I wonder if there will come a day when writing a blog is as commonplace as keeping a diary - though come to think of it it's not everyone who does that either. (I have kept a diary continuously since 1958 - quite a thought!)
That's enough. I'm off now to do wonderful things with a fillet of venison from Winston Churchill, and then I'll domestic goddess it no further. A Good New Year to you all.
For the sober and literary: there are two Shakespearian references in this post. The usual rules apply.
Chris, howdy! I didn't catch the Shakespearean references, even though I did major in English in college! However, I would like to ask you what your perspective is on New Zealand, it's education system, the people's attitude toward using technology..and ask you to speculate as to how that attitude is different from Americans.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance,
Miguel
Lady Macbeth for starters:
ReplyDelete"These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad."
How I love to know our clergy are literate! Do you want your Mars Bar virtually, or do I make a pilgrimage?
ReplyDeleteMiguel: I spent a month in Central Otago, South Island with a dying friend, so wasn't really looking at these issues. However, I had the impression that the adolescents I met were polite, wore uniform to school quite happily, used mobile phones like every other kid, but were more interested in sport and outdoor activities than virtual ones. Their appearance bore this out - they were slim and well-proportioned. Oh, and they played in school orchestras and stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe whole ethos reminded me of Scotland 50 years ago - right down to the place names (Bannockburn, Glen Orchy). My friend was a computer-savvy 74 year old - but he'd only recently emigrated and I'd taught him to Skype so's we could talk when he left here.
I'll be in the USA in just over 2 weeks - I imagine it'll be quite a contrast.
I think that Mars Bars just don't work virtually.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm not sure that I deserve one as I did not spot the second reference.
However, I did spot the reference to the Queen song by Brian May so perhaps I deserve the Mars Bar after all.
Oh oh the night comes down
And I get afraid of losing my way
Oh oh the night comes down
Oooh and it's dark again
And it's dark again
And it's dark again
Silly me, I never thought about the post's title. Caliban, of course. [though I had to look it up] :-
ReplyDeleteFarewell master; farewell, farewell!
No more dams I'll make for fish
Nor fetch in firing
At requiring;
Nor scrape trencher, nor wash dish
'Ban, 'Ban, Cacaliban
Has a new master: get a new man.
Freedom, hey-day! hey-day, freedom! freedom,
hey-day, freedom!
Kelvin, you are obviously prodigiously well read, with a catholic (small "c") taste in music. The "Tempest" ref. was not intended, as it's not a play I know well - "an ancient and a fishlike smell" being the only useful quote in my armoury from that play. However, there is a sideways glance at another - do you want more time?
ReplyDeleteI think that by the end of this you will require a procession of chocolate bearers beating a path th your door ....
Is it: "I’ll devil-porter it no further"?
ReplyDeleteYes! Now go to bed! Well done - one of these days I shall stagger into your domain with a camel-train of Mars Bars. (You can see I'm moving into Magi mode early)
ReplyDeleteSweets with sweets war not,
ReplyDeletejoy delights in joy.
Kelvin:
ReplyDeleteIf the dull substance of my flesh were thought,
Injurious distance should not stop my way..."
Sonnets too? What a man!
Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?
ReplyDeleteActually, I'd be prepared to swap one of the virtual Mars Bars for a link on your sidebar ;)
I still expect the camels, mind. I'll be staring across the water looking for them to arrive by Epiphany.
Sidebar seen to, kid. The camels may take a little longer, being galled, refractory, lying down in the melting snow.......
ReplyDeleteI'd settle for silken girls bringing sherbet if the camels really cannot be had at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI'll do my best. On the other hand, you may end up with an old white horse......
ReplyDeleteCamel journey successfully completed.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks from this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars bars, this other Eden.
..this earth, this realm, this Glasgow .... or Dibley, if you prefer (see TV 10/01/07)
ReplyDelete