It's my Birthday

 

                                                               Still a twat

Today, marks my 66th year upon this earth, with all the bounty and evil which is associated with a relatively long life. Wisdom, they say, comes with age. Although I've known a few old buggers where wisdom has passed them by leaving them bereft and hanging about in intellectual limbo- mercifully they don't realise their painful and depressing predicament. Yes, I know, I'm starting to sound elitist, once again. Tis a flaw that I bear with a modicum of aplomb.

With the passing of the years, I'm starting to contemplate my own mortality. Death, as a concept does not trouble me too much. All living things, die; tis inevitable. Some folk think they can delay, the inevitable. Healthy living with a balanced diet is a plan for many, although luck is something that no prudent planning can overcome. And indeed, genes for ill or good is oft underestimated when it comes to our overall health. Also as we age our health declines. Within the past 5 years, there has been a significant decline in my health. Five years ago I was out running the streets and my medication intake was zero. Today, I'm taking two separate meds for hypertension and I'm reliant and addicted to strong pain killers.

I'll enjoy a quiet day ensconced in my shed. The bow I've been working on for the past six months is coming to completion. Tis a longbow constructed out of compressed Moso bamboo- I have high hopes for this bow and hopefully, it will draw about 45lbs at 28 inches. It is of simple and primitive construction without frills and frippery. Tonight, my wife, daughter, her partner and two fruits will join me for dinner at the local pub. A simple repast with a couple of decent pints of English Ale. Number one son will join us at the weekend and no doubt he'll treat his aged father to a couple of pints. Simple pleasures for a simple man.

COVID has finally caught up with our 'isolated' island home. Although New Zealand managed to stay disease-free for a relatively long time, it was only a matter of time before we succumbed. According to today's news just over 15,000 new cases have been reported over the past 24 hours. As expected we are experiencing a rapid rise in new infections, from the 1,500 recorded at the start of the month. It appears the government have learned a few lessons from others and we will not be entering any form of severe lockdown. Ongoing measures will be sensible and non-restrictive. As for the rest of the news, I will comment, no more........... 

                                                         ARSE AKIMBO