Sunday 7 October 2018

Old friends.

Meeting one today with dear old friends went off without a hitch.   They arrived on time and we had a lovely chat and a lovely lunch.   When you get to our age and live so far apart then it is hard not to think it might be the last time you see one another.
They brought me another lovely tub of pansies - I am going to have a real display along  the front of my bungalow which should cheer the winter up considerably.

Another meeting on the cards for tomorrow and I am sure that will go just as well.   I think the weather is going to be less good but as long as it is dry then it should be alright.   Here tonight the wind got really strong and for a time it became very cold indeed.   When I went with Tess for our last walk I put on my winter coat for the first time.

I have just watched a programme on Simon Reeve going round the Mediterranean.   Some places  were such a surprise.   I remember that Albania was a very closed country for such a long time but really there are still areas where it has changed little. 

I expect someone will shoot me down in flames but when I see these countries and I see some of the archaic practices that still exist I say that for all the faults that exist here in our country, thank goodness we live in a Democracy and in a fairly modern, forward-looking country.   Yes, we have our problems - the state of the country's finances, the state of the NHS, the state of our prisons to name but three.   But at least we can talk openly about them, we can discuss them, we can moan about them without fear of recriminations.  In so many ways hasn't television altered our lives and the way we look at things.   With all the modern methods of communication there is absolutely no excuse for not knowing what is going on in the world whatever our age.   (of course some folk would rather not know and that is their prerogative).

14 comments:

Heather said...

Glad you had such a lovely day and I hope tomorrow will be just as good.
How ever much we moan about the state of the country, I would still prefer to live here than anywhere else in the world.

Bea said...

Yes, we can still openly critize those in positions of power and not be 'disappeared' as a result of our expression. -shame that here in the US we have a for-profit healthcare system that is more about $$$ than it is about care. I'd rather live in your country than in mine, to be honest.

Joanne Noragon said...

Your happy day pleases me.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Sometimes I wish i did not know what's going on as I'm a newshound and read so many sources. Troubles me those that don't read and then use their voices as if they know. I am grateful for the sources available, as you say.

Bonnie said...

I'm so glad your visit went well! Yes, I'm sure we all have things we don't like about where we live but I think despite that most of us are still quite fortunate compared to some in the world.

Derek Faulkner said...

I agree with what you've said Pat. Free speech and the ability to criticize others without recrimination are one of the major joys of living in this country. Those two things are not something that everybody can accept but in the main it is what we stand up for.

Librarian said...

What lovelier way to spend time than with old friends and a good meal!
Yes, Ablania and other countries are still very archaic, also in their treatment of women, minorities and animals. I am very grateful to be living where I do! I am largely free to decide where and what I work, where and how I live (and who with), not restricted by archaic traditions and mind-numbing rules, religious or otherwise. I can wear what I want, take part in political processes on a local and national level if I decide to do so, and have access to health care without having to spend all my savings.

Gwil W said...

I see a Saudi journalist working the Washington Post has been 'disappeared' presumed murdered by a 'hit squad' according to Turkish sources as he was applying for documents for his wedding at the Saudi embassy in Turkey. Which brings me to 9/11 . . . but that's another story. Yes, to live in a country where free speech is allowed is a wonderful thing. Long may it continue. But in these times of deception from all quarters we must be more than ever on our guard.

Lynn Marie said...

It always amazes me to hear about being able to keep pansies alive through the winter - a reminder of how different our climates are. I'm glad you will enjoy them.

Gwil W said...

Sorry, I forgot to mention the Bulgarian lady journalist investigating EU Funds frauds murdered over the weekend. Some courageous people digging in the dirt out there.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

We are indeed fortunate to live in the free world. We don't need to obsess about all the news that is out there, but it is necessary to know what is going on so that we continue to live in the free world.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Let us all celebrate that word FREE - we seem to all agree there. Thanks for the comments.

Terra said...

So many of us bloggers live in countries where we are free to communicate ideas and opinions, which is a great blessing.

Rachel Phillips said...

I enjoyed it and have visited Albania in the past. Simon Reeve was the usual annoying little Mr Innocent school boy wowing about everything.