flashman181

People of a certain age remember where they were on the Day of Infamy, Dec 7th. 7 people in particular remember it very well in Maryhole. This was the day the Hospital Pathology Laboratory was closed forever. Well not quite of course. In typical management efficiency all testing ceased on that day and the doors were closed to the public. The staff however were expected to work another week of course predominantly watering the plants I imagine. In a true sign from the heavens all the plants died by mid week which is kind of odd given all the fertiliser being spread around at the time

Ok it didnt quite have the same impact on the world as that spat in the Pacific all those years ago although it had a significant impact on many and continues to one year later. There were two main differences of course. Ours was not a surprise attack and no one took up arms in our defense. The writing had been on the wall for a while despite the constant highlighting of the issues that would result from this hard nosed decision. Not being in the loop anymore……. Wait a minute, did I just say that??? Ok, not having ready access to people who know people who may have access to people in the loop means it is hard to gauge the real current situation for public Pathology testing in Maryhole. Maybe the good folk of Maryhole have a better idea. Certainly plenty of rumors going around. One thing for certain is that the decrease in service has not been matched by an equal cost savings for reduced service given some of the bandaid fixes in place. Wouldnt it be wonderful to actually have a concerned local member who made it their business to conduct a thorough review of what was promised and what has actually occurred? Staff were affected in different ways of course but as this is my blog and I didnt Moan on Monday its my turn now ok 🙂

I will be first to admit at the time it all seemed like a bit of a knob kiss for yours truly. Had worked for 35 years and was going to get a nice little earner to leave a couple of years early. 55 was just around the corner and Q Super beckoned. There was much jocularity – after all Xmas was just around the corner, I could play golf on Wednesdays and didnt have to deal with “certain people” anymore. The stock question led to the stock answer – play more golf, see the grandkids more, travel yada yada yada. After a few months reality kicks in of course. And man dont you get sick and tired of that same question or the usual comments – “Your golf handicap must have dropped now”. “It must be great not to have to work anymore” ” Damn you are a handsome man”. Ok, I never get sick of the last one to be perfectly honest

But you know what – 55 is too young to retire really. Unless you have a shitload of money of course , which kinda explains the constant smile on Mickeys face I guess. Pathology was also the type of job, for the most part, where you were busy and engaged all day not quite knowing what was around the corner. There were quiet times of course but you never really relaxed totally when one phone call could change your day very quickly. You also felt you were doing something productive and helping people and life had structure and purpose. Golf has not worked out as expected and in fact handicap has blown out. Couple of reasons I guess but the main one is the general aches and pains of an ageing body have really kicked in these last 12 months. I have the mind of a 40 yr old (immature one of course )and the body of a 70 yr old. Not a good combo, although may be worse if other way around. Its pretty easy to get into a rut too because you can always “do it tomorrow”. Simply no longer having a paycheck every fortnight – often with penalty rates – is restrictive on a free wheeling lifestyle. Common sense tells you its ok to spend some of the nest egg but when there is no more incoming, only outgoing, then one becomes circumspect. Kind of the opposite of constipation I guess where one becomes rectumspect.

Maybe I should not be surprised, and definitely not suicidal, but in that 12 months only one person from my “work years” outside Maryhole staff has even contacted me. Now we know we were not amongst the annointed ones with management because we would not play their game but thought I had some friends out there in the real world. Oh well, their loss 🙂 .And no, Facebook devotees do not count!. You have to make an effort – not just click “LIKE”

CLP and I joke about the Bunnings option as we call it. Use my people skills for good not evil. But really, where is the fun in that? If you have to be nice to people 24/7 then I need to get paid a lot more than $20 an hour. I was barely civil at $45 an hour. And a better uniform. And paid Grandparent leave. And…….

So, as in all things be careful what you wish for – rarely is something what you expect. So if you meet me in the street and say something like “Lucky you, being retired eh” and you get a slap around the ear you will now understand. Of course you may not have read this blog. Which only leaves one question really.

Why would I even be talking to you?

Its hard to moan when you wake up on a Monday and Aussies lead the Ashes 1 zip. But not impossible. After all my whole plan for the day of watching the cricket is gone! Us reduntirees plan our days around major Televisual Events. So lets scratch a little beneath the surface before we pop the champagne corks.

Fans would know I called this series early after first session on Day 1. Who would have thought the Poms could be even more pathetic? Ok its easy to be painted as the eternal pessimist but in reality this win, as great as it was, covered over a few cracks in our team. Its just that Poms have Bigger Cracks. Something we have always suspected. So the good news? Our bowling attack looks good and balanced. However lets wait until after Adelaide before starting the Moustache Mitch for PM campaign. To win the Ashes we need to win the series – yes that is a simple statement maybe but just highlighting a drawn series wont cut it. Brisbane and Perth were the two matches we had pencilled in and the Poms Powdering against some quality lively bowling tends to support that. The 3-0 result in England was never a true indication of the difference in the teams – but it did give the Poms momentum. Its a pity Perth does not follow next while the foot is on the throat – may as well hit them there with a couple of bouncers as well. Warner and Pup look good in front of the pegs. Rogers and Watto not so much and jury still out on Bailey. Haddin seemed relaxed and that bodes well. Hard to see the Poms batting as poorly again. Everything went our way from the toss to the weather. The true test will come when some adversity kicks in – MM saved us on day 1 but we all know at some stage in this series Mitch will likely be in the fetal position in the corner of the dressing room tugging at his moustache. The best thing of course about being a fearless soothsayer is worst that can happen is you end up with egg on your face – but we win the Ashes. Any true cricket tragic would have a carton a day cracked on his head if it meant we beat the Poms!

Speaking of winning could Aussieland enter 2014 as holders of Ashes, World Cup of Golf and Rugby League – and of course the Green Jacket. Halcyon days my friends taking us back to the eighties and that 12 m boatie thing in the wet stuff. And a PM that wears Budgie Smugglers.

When exactly did news reporting become so pathetic in this country? It is like the Today show now runs at 6 pm on weeknights. Every news bulletin last few days lead with the cricket. The only one that didnt started with the bad storm damage – but of course had to mention how it impacted on the cricket at the Gabba! Then we had the fascinating exposes on drinking at Schoolies or Drugs in our Schools. Where is Mike Moore when you need him. Lordy Lordy it is bad.

Weather forecasting? Remember how the Red Sea had relocated to Maryhole and all storms split and passed ? I am starting to think it is my magnetic personality. The same thing happened on weekend at Flashman Inc, Maplehead HQ. Storms approached and then parted , moved around, and rejoined out to sea. Currently in talks with software developers Come In Suckers to develop a weather app that overlays my exact position in Universe via GPS over the radar image. At last we may have the perfect storm chaser app. If successful I can then be hired to turn up to major sporting events where clear weather is required. But no, I refuse to travel to Adelaide.

Gympie Maccas? 7/10. Everything went smoothly but at the end of the day it is still only Macca’s coffee folks:) Worse still I may be becoming immune to the wonders of the Sausage Egg Macmuffin. Could my body be developing antibodies? Or is it just 8 a month is my limit?

Pretty quiet week all round mainly because had a bad case of man flu. Mind you there are never good cases are there? Living my mostly solitary life has several advantages but certainly one of them is not being exposed on a regular basis to hordes of diseased folk. Escaped the cattle herding experience that long haul flights are completely unscathed. Almost champing at the bit one could say. Then I hit the mother lode – grandkids hanging off you for 36 hrs. What appeared cute at the time – eg licking my face like a puppy – is not listed in the Top 100 ways to avoid disease. Not the kids fault of course but it just reminds you what an incubator a young family can be and in those first five years of life there is rarely a completely healthy household. Of course as you get older the man flu gets worse – or maybe your tolerance levels drop? It has been a rough four days but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or, maybe I have passed over. Either way the flu is going going gone.

Its been a rough week of weather for some so lets not make light of it. These storms can be bad. I do believe though that the second series of The Dome could be set in Maryhole. Quite fascinating to watch the blue become orange become red as it approaches Maryhole – and then part like the Red Sea and pass around. I have no issue with a next day forecast saying “chance of storm” and it not occurring. Storms are female with a mind of their own – I get it. Late changes are the norm. What does piss me off of course is when that cockhead on the News will start giving Xmas day forecasts next week – down to the hour! It also appears I have reached saturation point – weather lingo – with apps and pages for storm warnings. My Facebook feed is full of them – so if I have not sent you that life in Candy Crush or ridiculed you in a Bitstrip lately please understand

Tony Abbott on the international stage this week was embarrassing. I am no fan of his naturally – or any current politician at present to be honest. (In Paul We Trust). I have always considered any politician who rises to this level to be a rather intelligent person though regardless of political persuasion. Its a tough job and you have to have widespread knowledge on many issues. (Damn I miss Paul). Even Sookie Boy Kruddy – who could not resist one last moment in the sun – sounded coherent abroad. I fear that now that Tony is away from the set script there are going to be some clangers to come. Never has the political landscape looked so barren

The Wanderlust continues to …. well lust I guess. Thoughts that the 2 week “Hands Across Half America” would dull the ache have not really materialised. Only served to feed the beast really. And its a damn hungry beast. And costly. Trying to divert all energies – when not flattened by aforementioned Man Flu – into next years European Jaunt with CLP but the spectre of the next solo adventure looms large.

As does Xmas. For the previous 35 years around this time of year would be starting to plan the Office Xmas party. Which lucky Maryhole Pub would it be this year? That is no more. But somehow I imagine we will still get together over the festive season. We were that sort of gang. And you miss that camaraderie around this time of year. And Ree’s Fruitcake. But this year do have what I hope will be the first of the Fergella ( bit of a Nigella vibe??) gatherings to look forward to where several Fergusons suddenly invade the traditional Della gathering for Xmas at Maplehead. Supplying the oldest attendee – Valda Merle weighing in at a spritely 87 yrs old and the youngest- Handsome Harry tipping the scales at 18 months. But first there is the weekend Xmas shopping trip to get through with CLP this weekend. Whoever invented Secret Santa deserves a medal. But you cant resist buying too many presents for the grandkids can you?

Now if only I had bought back 4 more Snowglobes from USA…..

People who know me well would be surprised to know I am not always the carefree , easygoing glass half-full optimist. Some things bother me, some intrigue and a lot disappoint. But lets give the meteorologists a break today

Has Joh come back to life? Now I am happy to admit that at first this bikie crackdown seemed sensible to moi. I was agreeing with C***bell Newman. That should have been the first clue. WTF is going on and when did it suddenly fill the first 5 minutes of the nightly news bulletin. Outlaw bikies leave me alone and I dont annoy them. I wouldnt want them living next door to me – I have seen SOA after all – but our paths dont cross so let sleeping dogs lie. I do of course ride a motorbike and when out and about on the highway you will usually find that other motorcyclists acknowledge you with a tilt of the head or whatever. Your badged variety dont do this and that is fine with me – it is their way of life not a joy ride. But there is some scary legislative power hidden under all this leather hysteria folks. And that appears to just be the thin edge of the wedge. Segregating bikies into their own jail sections. No smoking in Jails. Gee, cant see that blowing up in anyone’s face. Recently in USA and saw the difference in the political landscape there in just a couple of years. There are some scary Republicans that simply cannot be voted out of office anytime soon – sound familiar? Patriotism always stood out in USA when visiting – it is now a very divided country. Never thought I would see the day when their own President was so attacked by his own people. We do that in Aussie land sure but we are masters at the Tall Poppy decapitation – hell we invented it. Dangerous times ahead folks especially now that we have these conservatives in power both state and Federal.

How did the Wankabies become favorites to win a Grand Slam suddenly? Last thing they won of any value was a chook raffle 3 Saturdays ago. And they still had to buy every ticket. Oh I get it – they must have drafted another 6 league players while I was OS to help Izzy out. Nope, same clowns ran out, same result. Now we were dudded of course but not expecting to get dudded in England playing Rugby would be like expecting Watto to make it through a full tour. Yes thats right we have the Ashes just around the corner and we can get our revenge on England in something – apart from the lay down misere league wins of course. The first session of the first test will be critical especially if we bowl first and Spearhead Johnson is let loose. If he ends up in the foetal position in the dressing room at lunchtime its all over boys and girls

Maryhole weather. Newsflash. Its hot and dry. And another 5 months to follow. Just when my golf game was starting to take shape – and not the usual gay fade, but rather a controlled draw. Soon it will be compulsory tee up on the fairways. They tell me the fairways are bad. Cant confirm, rarely see them. Its just hard to get motivated to do anything, apart from sweat, from about 09:00 – 17:00. Luckily I am a morning person and bounce out of bed at 0500. Well I use to bounce out. Then I got an iPad and realised there were all manner of things you could do and see in relative comfort while the sun rises. So have the routine down pat now. On about the 2nd toilet visit for the night around 0300 I turn wifi back on and grab iPad. Try to go back to sleep, sometimes harder than it should be. Especially during war times on Lord and Knights. Damn these alerts that display on lock screen – yes I know you can turn them off, but then would have one less thing to moan about DUH. Then its up and off to the gym and morning coffee. The day is looking good

Then 09:00 comes around

Normally no problem filling in a rainy day as it usually involves Golf for the afternoon at least! But I just checked – and its only Tuesday so how does a reduntiree fill in an overcast drizzly Tuesday? Glad you asked

1. The Wait. One thing more certain than the “cheque is not actually in the mail” is that Tradesmen rarely turn up on time. Had decided to get two windows replaced as glass was like me – old and cracks showing. Informed they would be done yesterday afternoon but of course turned up late and only got one done. “Dont worry mate, will be back in the morning definitely before lunch” . Who the fuck knew that Tradesmen have their lunch at 4 pm in the afternoon?? And of course while waiting for mine have the clown visiting Tradesman across the road with the Van parked in the driveway for an hour with the radio blaring as usual!!So while waiting…..

2. The Game Lords and Knights continues to fill in the day even though Peacetime reigns at present in Flashville. Time to rebuild the stocks and freshen up the whores. Its a slow process and so to fill in the downtime a bit of Candy Crush. I have a new conspiracy theory that doesnt involve JFK (who they are now saying was also shot by a Secret Service agent??)but rather companies like Zynga, Playdom and King. Do they actually block resource requests to friends in the hope you will give up and pay out instead?

3. The TV Show Online forums are often populated by antisocial sheep molesters but still throw up some gems occasionally including a show you had never heard of. This weeks entry is Love/Hate – at times referred to an Irish The Wire. Unlikely but it will bloody well do for now. Its tough and gritty but sadly no subtitles. 3 seasons available already which is always great and a 4th season coming soon. As Molly would say “Bend Over and close your eyes” Oops wrong quote. “Do yaself a favour” Thats better.

4. The Doco Saving Ronald Reagan Devoted followers would know of my fascination with all things US Presidential and Reagan is an interesting study. But this is all about the assassination attempt, how close he came to death, the amazing fact they didnt know he had been shot for a significant time, the agonising search for the bullet fragment in his lung and the cockup by the remaining staff in the White House. It was a riveting 90 minute even with the totally unnecessary re enactments.

5. The Book The Kill Room Latest Lincoln Rhyme novel – always a safe bet

So throw in a quick gym visit followed by morning coffee as the sun rises and the obligatory 7 toilet visits and the day fills itself in really

But people who dont keep appointments and dont phone piss me off big time. You have been warned.

The government tried to get a lot of legislation through in its likely last days of sitting. But they missed some golden opportunities to fix this country. After 6 months of reduntiring I have a different view on some things so here is my list of new laws required to help Kruddy along. Lets face it he already parted the Red Sea – from her job

1. Roadworks. When you have to slow down at roadworks where there is actually no work being done you gain special points which can be subsequently used to offset any demerits accrued while speeding through actual roadwork

2. Speeding. With the introduction of the reduced “allowance” for over the speed limit to reflect aussie made speedometers we also introduce same fines for anyone travelling 5 K below speed limit

3. Dogs. All dogs are allowed 5mins barking per kg per day. Beyond that they are put down or their owner. Owner can choose

4. News bulletins. Any news bulletin that refers to another show also on same channel within the context of reporting “news” loses all advertising revenue accrued for length of bulletin. ABC simply fades to black. Additionally all morning “news infotainment” crap is removed from broadcasting and so called media “personalities” shot at dawn instead , one day at a time

5. Weather Forecasting. No weather forecasts are to be broadcast where the forecast period extends beyond the next 12 hrs. All registered users will receive an email every morning with “Bureaus Best Guess” for that day

6. Checkout chicks and Hairdressers are not allowed to speak to paying customers

7. Government will supply one free coffee every morning to all citizens along the old school milk principle of the 1960s

8. Any Australian Tennis Player that makes the third round of a major tournament receives a trophy

9. English Bowlers are not allowed to swing the cricket ball

10. Two State of Origin Matches are played at Lang Park every year. It is the worlds best ground and we all want a 20 year dynasty

You know it makes sense.

Parents to be can now relax, the Flashman Foursome is just around the corner. May go straight to print, an iPad app or a Reality TV show. One thing for sure is that road to my future is now gold paved after this takes off.

Was lucky enough to spend time with my 4 wonderful grandchildren over the last few days. Let me start off by saying what great parents my kids, and their spouses, have become. I sit back in awe at times to see how they have developed. Nature and instinct are amazing things. Now the kids range in age from 6 weeks to just shy of 4 so for the sake of simplicity lets just go with 0, 1,2 and 4. As the 6 week old is the only gal in the group gender bias will have to wait for Version 2 as we all know that the worrying and scary feminine traits only develop later in life when interacting with the male of the species. So why foursome? The 4 things parents should worry about are : how well do they sleep, how easy to feed, how hard to entertain, how scary to care (babysit) for? At the end each age group gets their Flashman Index™ and then you plan your life. All scores out of 10

Ground Zero

They sleep a lot but often in short or long bursts. A solid 9. Feeding doesnt get any easier – as long as you have a lactating woman on call 24/7. In deference to what women say about sore lady parts and feeling like a cow lets give it a 8. At this age they are usually sleeping, feeding or bawling. Get some ear muffs and strong arms and back and you will get by . They are easily distracted by bright shiny things but it is temporary 7. Ok can be a bit scary to look after ( without aforementioned necessary appendages) especially for the male of the species. One of those areas where maternal instinct really kicks in but across the board only a 5. Total 29

One

By this age we may still have good nights sleep and one or two daytime naps for that much needed break. Then we have to factor in teething which can bring all that to a grinding halt. 5 at best. They are now on solids of sorts but have also discovered the joy of throwing food. Easy to please though 8. They can sit, crawl and just about stand by now so they are rather easy to entertain but move from one thing to another. TV not really a viable option yet 7. Moderately easy to look after although you will have moments of non communication when all you get is crying and no words 8. Total 28

Two

Interesting age often referred to as the Terrible Twos. Down to one afternoon nap by now and if dont get it look out. Will usually sleep ok at night but can be up early and raring to go 7. Its a growing phase so tend to eat well but can throw a tantrum or two and we are only advanced to basic words by now, the most popular one being, of course, NO. Call it a generous 7. By now they have discovered the joys of books and TV so there are plenty of options but attention span can suffer. 7. Caring for can be tricky if one of those tantrums kick in and the frustration grows on both sides as you cant decipher the grunts in correct order. Usually still nappies involved. This age really is the Jekyll and Hyde stage 6. Total 27

Four You may snag the odd afternoon nap break and will sleep through the night but can be hard to get to bed on time. 8. By now they can get picky at meal time and it can be a struggle as they can out stare you by now and have discovered the word “stubborn”. 6. Entertaining is pretty easy with so many options but you need to be fit as these kids can run all day. TV is the safe, though not ideal, option. 8. Caring for 4 year olds is a fairly safe, if tiring , option. There is usually Kindy or similar “break time” available and then we have swimming lessons, gazoo lessons yada yada yada 9 Total 31

So not surprisingly the older or younger the better – the gap years can be the tricky ones. And why would you care? Well you are planning an OS trip and wonder what is the best age to travel with kids? Tickets to the Opera? Dinner Party planned? Sex orgy?

Its all in the planning folks.

Especially with Sex Orgies. Apparently.

Now Finance is not my strength. I know how to spend money and I know if you leave it in that big brick building for a while without touching it there is more when you go back. In between is a large grey area. That is why they have Financial Advisors. Our plan was we needed to “make” about $35,000 a year on investments to keep rolling along largely unfazed. Anything more would be a bonus, less and I have to become a Stop/Go Man apparently. So after first 3 months and I had an “extra” $17,000 I was feeling like Clive Palmer and not just because I also had a dinosaur as my first pet. This money shit was easy. Spoke to FA and his final words stayed with me. “I dont take credit when it rises and I dont take blame when it falls”. Exact opposite of erections then I guess. (Note to self – check why FA was calling from South America?)

Now the funniest part of the News Bulletins has always been the Weather forecast as these clowns stand there with straight faces and tell us what the weather will be for the next 6 months, day by day. Just before this segment they usually flash up some numbers and from what I gleaned green was good for me and bad for farmers and vica versa for red numbers. Odd really given the affinity of farmers for green pastures. Anyhoo of late there has been more red then Gillards bathroom sink. And this is not good for me. Arent the farmers happy just with the all the bloody rain? A quick check of tally indicated in a matter of a week $17,000 had become $7,000. This cant be good. That is like a 4 week holiday in Europe gone in a week. And no extra 5 kgs to show for it.

Now I am not a glass is half full type of person. If some bastard took half my drink I want to know who and why. But driving back from Gimpland to Maryhole this morning there was some good news just around every corner

They are still doing heaps of bloody road work!

Red is Stop, right?

Shit Yeah! And its not the wind in your hair feeling because you should be wearing a helmet ya clown. But there is freedom. Also Power and Acceleration – couple of serious intoxicants. But then there is also Exposure and Vulnerability

I took up Motorbike riding late in life when my other dream of being the first Aussie to wear the Green Jacket looked unlikely. Now this has its pros and cons. On the plus side one is more mature and sensible and realise that going 180kmh does not make you brave, simply stupid. Was able to do Q Ride so wasnt stuck with a pissant motor mower disguised as a 250 cc motorbike. Also have you seen the price of petrol ?? On the con side because one is sensible and mature – ok old – one does not have the reflexes or agility of a youngun. Not a big issue in a straight line but one does slow down in tight corners which I am led to believe is one of the joys of riding fast. Also, 2 hrs in the saddle is my limit these days before the bot bot and the back need a break. Of course these days just happy to get the leg over and not fall off – and that extends to bike riding.

So Mid Life crisis No 4 began about 6-7 years ago with an old Kwaka 650. It was red so must have gone fast, as my Mum would say. Quickly moved on to a Suzuki SV 650 which was a sweet ride before finally agreeing with the CLP – Yes Honey bigger is better – and bought a brand new Suzuki SV 1000. Now racked up > 50,000 k on it and it will be my last bike. Now back in those days finances were a bit tighter and only had a Hyundai Excel shitbox which was lucky to make it to Tiaro and back so Suze became the transport of choice when visiting Flashman Inc headquarters on Sunshine Coast or Offspring in Toowoomba. I would set off for the 2 hr ride come rain, hail or shine and commune with nature from the inside out. This would even include leaving occasionally at 0430 in the morning dressed like Nanook of the North for the trip back to Maryhole and then a full days work. I even did a couple of Rides for Daniel – where it always seemed to rain! Riding in the rain is like playing golf in the rain – dont like setting off in it but if it happens during the event then so be it.

Then financial position improved and so did car. A very passable 2006 Mitsubishi 380. That first time I drove down early in the rain and decided to stop into Maccas at Gimpland for a sausage egg McMuffin (is there a better breakfast roll around??)and coffee for breakfast was life changing. This is quite enjoyable and comfortable – and can also listen to Roy&Hg on the way. Sweet. Suddenly I started to trust the weather bureau. Ok it may rain sometime in next few days, better take the car just in case. Suze sat in the corner of the garage looking forlorn and unloved – something we have all felt at times. This went on for about 3 months and then became a reduntiree, and then the JANUARY FLOODS. It was a sign from God surely. Move to NSW? Fuck off – QUEENSLANDER!!!!!! Then one day, during the rain, an oldish guy (probably my age but not in my pristine condition) knocked on the door and said he had heard from someone at the hospital that I had and SV1000 and would I be interested in selling it. Now I was slightly interested I guess so took him under the house and showed him Suze. “Can I sit on it please to get a feel?” Sure mate. Ok 5 minutes later he had somehow got his arthritic hips to lock in and he was able to sit on the bike – and his face lit up. Now this was a biker who was going to be buried with a bike if he had to but was never going to stop riding. It struck me. I didnt want to stop either. So after another 5 minutes he was able to get off and finally left with a tear in his eye. So it was time to start riding again but it was going to be a slow process becasue it seemed every time I travelled south I needed the car to take extra gear yada yada yada. My story and I am sticking to it

Then I got serious. Updated Will and even got a Power of Attorney drawn up with nominated Plug Pullers – who I must admit seemed slightly excited at the prospect of the power! Then a quick check of the bike by loyal mechanic and then a plan formulated. One should not underestimate the uneasy feeling one gets if travelling at 120 kmh – no cops read this right? – when one has lost a bit of confidence and there is not a lot between you and a lot of pain. So lets start slow with some trips to Toogoom to see GC2 and BF1 – who it just so happens just got himself a motorbike. Spooky eh. And it was a glorious cool brisk Queensland winter morning today to head off. Next will be the 2 hr trip to Sunny Coast followed by the 4 hr trip to Toowoomba. Not all in the same day mind you – and Toowoomba may wait until Spring. I may be old but I aint stupid.

My only question though is do I push the bike through Maccas drive through or stay mounted?