It all seems so calm at this time, Saturday 17th December 2022. Happy to have spent the last week in Sydney with Camille (or The Girl Not Known as Magnus Carlsen), Harper and Alex, also Sarah with us for part of the time, and Roger, Joe, Chris, Mary up from Hobart - all for Beryl's funeral, and a weekend at Pete Mann's shack at Colo River, along with an informal dinner, getting to know Clem Leske Jnr - a good fellow.
Missed the company of Rosie - always an asset in formal or informal social circumstances. We have had the benefit of sharing significant parts of the year in Hobart, Bruny, road trip to South Aust, in Sydney and in Vancouver/British Columbia, and adjacent territories.
But the Sydney trip was just last week, and included a journey back via the Southern Aurora train Sydney-Melbourne (is that still the name of it? Should probably be Southern Snail). Was good fun, but cold and should have taken a blanket and pillow. Otherwise, great way to travel 900km overnight - and only cost $90. I'd recommend a similar journey for family and kids up and down from Brisbane-Sydney.
Highfield MRP - we have lost a few minor tenants and the major Justice Dept tenant, and procured one new tenant (EDO), with minor but irritating teething issues getting the new tenant established. We will just have to persevere. Income will drop such that there will be minimal for distribution to the owners. "Why do we do it!" - I guess the increase in value is there and it is an education to keep a building like that running. As John F Kennedy said "ask not what Highfield can do for you, but what you can do for Highfield".
In fairness, it has given income such that attacking other resources to live has been unnecessary. That is a bit of a three pea trick though, as many resources have gone into acquiring and improving it.
Socially: I've been lazy, although replete. Many lunches with friends - old law colleagues and friends, the "Nosebag" crew of Thumper, Seals, Cookie and Upcher (Now including Curtly O'Farrell), The "Old Law Dogs" group under Walker, and the odd GFC Luncheon. The "Merv" Syndrome, and the periodic Don Camillo visits. Rosie and I have enjoyed the Don, and also the Blue Eye, and Cultura, and Astor Grill. I've had some family and some friends over and staying at 8 Nixon - always refreshing to the home and heart.
Work, I've had my time. I've tried to curtail anything remotely like it and get on with 'home affairs'. There are lingering trustee jobs which I can't avoid, and which in fact I (curiously) enjoy, for using my experience to make things work. Estates of Russell, White, Tom Dunne to name a few. But I am very comfortable with not going into work each day, nor having to meet the requirements of government and process for getting work jobs done, or disputes resolved. I should continue to replace that time with improvement to home, shack, boat and vehicles, and travel, and love for Rosie and my mob.
Had an enjoyable trip to Launceston for Bill Morris's 90th birthday early December, and stayed in Peter O'Sullivan's nice new apartment. Lovely and warm and hospitable, all of the people there. Visited Fenton Jones, took Pete Mann (ex sydney, over to Hobart for a week) up, and we went to Harry Rigney's winery/vineyard and Lalla for lunch, visit to winery.
Watching a youtube yesterday; men more disposed to 'things' and women to people. No disrespect to either, but talents lie in those areas. Best to try to expand in the area not the major, and contract in the area one finds easier. Curious result that is. Maybe personal insight and compassionate understanding are appropriate.
The Annual Parliamentary Handbook handover luncheon in November was a roaring success, with an 'at home' at 8 Nixon, plenty of wine, the best food (very professionally catered for by expert Peruvian Godess Rosa ESCL), and good discussion of important matters. Curtly O'Farrell a worthy addition to the Nosebag group, and also a boating man - has a mooring I can use on the Peninsula somewhere (Taranna, Nubeena?).
Home maintenance: the new roof is a boon. Painted front steps. For 2023 it will be get a painter to do the main side and part of stern of 8 Nixon. That will bring the house up to date.
Shack maintenance: likewise, the new roof and possum proofing, and cutting back the shrubs has improved the lovely place. Thanks to Roge for great assistance in the shrub removal last year. We (family) have resolved on treating her with respect, less randoms and reserved for us and family, of course with friends. I've got to get there and spend a solid fortnight or month daily in situ. So much can be enjoyed, and done. And just being at the shack on Bruny is lightening of the heart, enables thought and joy, and has a spiritual aspect.
Missed the Taroona High School year reunion in November - was on a motorcycle ride with Rosie across to South Australia. Somewhat nostalgic and melancholy - it is interesting and entertaining to reunite, but also exhausting. So not worse off, but missed something. My memory of the reunions is that the individual people seem 'the same as they always were'. That might well apply to me. It raises the issue of capacity and willingness to change (for the better) - or is it fruitless attempting?
The motorcycle trip was a beauty. The BMW R1250RS was a spirited beast, and Rosie was an agile pillion passenger. It is heavier with two and gear, and much more enjoyment to share the challenges of travel, accommodation, food and refreshment, people. We visited Geelong, Great Ocean Road, Port something, Robe, Coorong, Midnight and Catherine, friends and relatives of Rosie in Adelaide, and Moonta (Cathy) and the Clare Valley (Skillogallee Winery for lunch), then a long ride to Broken Hill, the races, down to Wentworth, Mildura, and Geelong to ferry back to Tas. Missed the floods by bees appendages, and had mostly sunny and warm riding. Terrific to visit the places, and share with Rosie. The museum for Pro Hart was a highlight, and the race day at Broken Hill likewise.
Peter Bowen, Paddy Hodgman, Jim and Jane etc good company too. Had Melbourne Cup luncheon at the Tas Club. Might consider joining for the enjoyment of another venue and billiards, dining, and comfortable reading room in the city. Will run that by Rosie when she gets here in January.
Marshall and his Kathleen Scarlette yacht to be brought over from Melbourne on Australia Day (is it still called that? Maybe Invasion Day - or change the date day) 26 Jan 2023. Apprehensive, but if the weather window is right, no issue.
My motorcycles are an indulgence. I'm tempted to think one should go. But like children and Sophie's Choice: which one? The BMW is a beauty and ideal for the longer day rides, east coast, around the bottom of Tas, west coast, and of course the trips to Sydney, Brisbane and hopefully further afield in 2023. The Bonneville is lovely. She rides easily around the city, and enjoys a breath of air on warm sunny days - but we haven't had any! I'm almost tempted to trade her in on a new Bonny. Madness.
Tax, super, assets and income. Big tax bill coming for capital gains last year on sale of BMB building interests. Now investments sheltered in super, but hard to pick the assets into which to invest. Besides super: family trust with Highfield units, and cash (on-lent to SRK and CIK, or in BMI) provide agility. 'Playing' with them provides mental interest, and some mind games, not damaging, and is under control. I look forward to the simpler result on filing present tax return, and then next year knowing my likely cash flow, and income from super and other assets, with significantly lower tax. Blah, blah, blah.
Sarah's Tassal job secure after takeover by Canadian company Cooke Acquaculture. $1.7B. My shares finally attained their original value, and a little profit.
Inca was out of the water in October for $5K tidy up. Bilge Rats did a good job. Now we need to take her for a trip up the east coast in February to justify calling ourselves 'sailors'. Can't continue to read stories by sailors and explorers without being one too.
October under Pete Larkey, our bike group took on King Island. A momentous holiday and exploration. His relatives and friends there made for a good visit, great accommodation on the Southern Ocean homestead, and the brewery, the restaurants, and the ocean beaches. Well worth the visit any time, take someone who hasn't been, and get the best accommodation, and book the two restaurants.
Rosa journeyed to Hobart 12th October and earlier in the year too. It is a big ask for her to come all this way. I had my first longer time in Canada in June/July/August, and benefited from spreading the wings in a foreign land. Apartment living a big city is different from house in an antipodal place like Hobart. Definately benefited from avoiding the winter, getting to make new friends (meeting Rosie's friends), a summer when I don't normally have one, and exploring further afield: Whitehorse in the Yukon, Okanagan Valley. Canadians are nice people, generous and friendly, courteous. Not as complicated as Australians tend to make things. Our Irishness makes for uncertainty.
Cooking with Rosie; skills improving and enjoyment and company very beneficial. We should redo many of our meals and cook for ourselves and others either Vancouver/Hobart/Internet or face to face in Vancouver and Hobart. Very good spiritually.
The plan for Camille, Alex and Harper to come to Hobart late 2023 for Alex to renovate 7 Nixon on fair terms, and live in 8 Nixon for the period is a live project. I hope it comes to fruition. Improvement of dwellings doesn't ever seem to be a negative, even though cost is significant, and residual debt remains. Sarah and Justin have adequate income and job security. It is a must do.
It is a great benefit for me to have them across the road and I hope not too much an intrusion my proximity. I endeavour not to be too much in their face, but enjoy a meal or two with them weekly, and provide one or so a week for them at my home. Bonnie is a good dog, and I have great affection for her, as well as Nell's dog Moose (or "Mooster"). Sarah continues to show the courteous and helpful side of human conduct and thought, which benefits all around her. Justin is a straightforward 'guy' - helpful and personable.
They enjoy each other's company very well. They are also very good at the shack, shaking my tree to ensure I chuck rubbish out, and improve things, and do work themselves, also relaxing and boating - which is what it is for. They get along well with everyone.
Jim and Jane Paltos are good friends. We can talk direct, and tease and enjoy. His horse racing is a bit of fun once every couple of month, but I'm not a gambler. They are firm in making sure they enjoy company and contribute. They have provided me with enjoyment of Melbourne too.
Rugby: there is a lot of it. Best to have one sport which appeals. The Wallabies have had some interesting tests this year, and next is world cup year. I don't think I'll go. The big festival madness, travel, and rip off for prices, and in the end, lack of access to desired matches, make providing entertainment, etc at home on TV more appealing. Am I getting old? Yes, but so be it. Live vicariously.
Fitness and health: all going reasonably well, with regular 1 km swimming at the pool, and bike riding when the rain stops. Still my blood pressure is higher than it should be and the doc put me on pills for cholesterol. I don't like it, and think it has made me ache. But I've got to take advice and just 'get on with it'. Compared to others, I have a blessed life. For example, Merv has had a thousand things: ring work, eye replacement, hearing aids, heart attention, skin, etc let alone things which can't be fixed! He's a good mate.
Also see that so many around us are subject to health 'issues'. Thumper Cousland can't walk or breath without assistance.
My blood tests and ring inspection generally good, and improved during the year with time with Rosie in Canada - Of course, I always have Doctor Professor Jim Paltos to provide advice and demonstration surgery at the drop of a hat during meal times.
Chess: relishing it, and loving to play the game, follow it in the paper, on YouTube, and read about it in the Aus and books. It teaches many things: if only I would adopt what it does teach! Plan: keep improving and maybe get to the Thursday Chess Club at the Iron Duke again. Koslow is a good player, and always worth a challenge. He's definitely better at it than me, but I did beat him once in the King Island Challenge. Prize money: ego. MJK is a good player, and waxes and wains between careful play and blunder, so gives me a chance to do the same. Roge also, yet strains against his natural desire to keep moving, hence he can be taken down. I must accept I now have enough chess boards, strategically placed on board INCA, at home, one from Cuba (home of the famous GM Raul Capablanca), at the shack (double weighted set and wooden set), at Rosie's, and two travelling sets - along with the original Mexican bone set from the Mercado in Mexico Ciudad c 1976), and the marvellous wooden carved one Josh et al bought for me for a birthday. Some might say I have too many sets. Set to baffle.
Stephen Bourke's Telegraph hotel renovation completed during the year and it now represents a major asset, but undoubtedly touchy re cash flow due to borrowings and interest rate increases. He should keep it and let inflation to prices and tight market ensure the capital value increases. It is his "Highfield" - but giving him the income in full, whilst ours needs a new major tenant and internal expenditure. Reminding me that 2 pints of Guinness at the Clarendon any time is a good thing.
I see from my diary that I make notes of things to do, then repeat it for months, if not a year or more, without having completed the job. Front porch, roof, shed, fence. My desire is to ensure things don't drop off the job list, but also to get the bloody jobs done. There is a lack of nexus between desire and action, yet I am reputed to be an 'action man'. Maybe I should lower my expectations, and sit back and enjoy the sunshine. When a job exposes itself for attention, set a 3 month limit and note when first intended to be done. Getting tradesmen to attend and the cost of it is a burden to mind and action. No solution in mind yet. I'll put a 3 month limit on arriving at a solution!
Roge, Marsh and Ronnie are my siblings. They each are beauties. We are all getting old, but still have full mind. Out set ways take away the wonder of the exercise, but do make things nicely predictable. We are each in our own way generous of spirit and helpful to each other. Many outsiders comment on how fortunate we are to have good relationships with each other, implying they do not with their own. There is good, bad and indifferent. We should contribute to keeping the good.
I'm working back through my paper diary for refreshing my mind about what has happened this year. I'm only back to Sept. It has in fact been a full year.
Dottie and Mont approach 90 years. They keep on going and don't grumble. They are good to the kids, yet have had inability to treat their own kids as family. As the Dalai Lama says "they teach us many things". I continue to get them down for a meal now and then, and to the shack, and celebrate anniversaries - it is a good thing. They will be remembered by Sarah and Camille. They are set for not necessarily the easiest time for elderly people in the next decade. They will need to sell down and move into a more modern apartment on the flat part of town, and will be looking to their health with regularity. Don't mention the Aero Club.
Literature has been full, but disjointed. No time now to stop and reflect on each book I've partly read or failed to read. But it all helps feed the mind. buying books is a victor of hope over reality: when will you read them?
I'm finding there are numerous good people whose company I enjoy, but with whom I've not had extensive social contact. Ottmar Helm, Richard von Witt, Scotty Taylor - come to mind. There is an element of repetitive simplicity in my time with friends. But I guess that is what friends are. Best also to replenish and extend. With youth and others. Cultures, ethnicity, occupation.
The Jones Boys remain lovely allies. Each one in their own way different, and the same, and their self reliance, harmonious family contribution, and their kids generally, add great joy to my life. Most entertainment with them is on whatsapp, but also in person when I get my arse around NSW and Qld. They are very welcoming and generous, at the same time productive. Active minds make good conversation and ideas.
I can't do much with Marshall's kids. They will have to manage themselves. Roger's and Brenda's are self reliant and unique, good to be with when they are about, but generally managing their lives independently of socialising with me. Content with that. Can't spread too thin.
Tina and Joc at Number 1 Nixon are good neighbours. Good on the social side, and resourceful and knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. Very good hosts.
Now, the tour in Canada with Rosie, and time over to the Dave Matthews Concert in Toronto, people met and company enjoyed. A big change for me, and we benefited. Too much for this simple journal at the moment. Lots of names and people, festivals and touring, relaxing and covid, travel and socialising.
I better take a breather now, and get outside and taste the air....[trip into town to buy a new fender for INCA].
Back now. The traffic is awful. Recalling now events earlier in the year:
Had a trip with Rosie to Sydney, visited and stayed with Don Church in Blue Mountains, and Harper and Camille/Alex in Willoughby.
Visited Dave Murrell at his shack at Bruny (Lunawannah) and he is getting along with his home at Acton - roof on he says now in Dec 2022. Rosie and I had a lovely time at the shack at the same time. Just arranged dinner with him for next Tuesday at the Don or Syntax.
Enjoyed coffee and sometimes breakfast at Ed's Spuntino (Leggera refezione al di fuori o in sostituzione dei pasti principali) under aegis of Ed and Peter, in Bathurst St.
I have become a Fly Buys engaged person. I look forward to finding out that there is some benefit from it all, in due course in the fullness of time etc perhaps after a Senate enquiry into lost time. In Search of Lost Time (French: À la recherche du temps perdu), first translated into English as Remembrance of Things Past, and sometimes referred to in French as La Recherche (The Search), is a novel in seven volumes by French author Marcel Proust. So at least to that extent the Flybuys has been beneficial.
I see that my diary contains much on maintenance of car, bike, my body, boat, shack and house. Possessions do weigh us down. I might have to rationalise.
Enjoyed Gordon Campbell's company a few times too - he mostly resides near the Gold Coast, but regularly pokes his head up when he comes to Hobart.
Have had opportunity because of living briefly in Canada, and also more time spare in Tas to get to know Rosie's relatives, including ones in NSW, Launceston. Good people and pleasant company, and they know how to engage and enjoy themselves. Given all the news about bad people, where are they? We don't seem to run into many.
Last summer 2022 (ie Jan-March 2022) was, on reflection, lovely and warm. Barbeques, motorcycling etc. The Nick Hawker, Tony Parker, Billie Jarvis, and out of State - cousin Martin, Matt and Sol Jones - are a good crew for relaxed company and sport on the road/cafes/bars.
I see that BMB is now shedding a batch of the old partners, now over 5 years or so PJJ, GRG, PAK, JTL, REH and soon I expect Con Tsam and DMZ. New ones will take charge and that is good. I hope it is providing a service. I'm sure it is. We worked hard there, and now enjoy not having to do so. It is now for the 30-50 year olds, not the 60 plus.
Regatta Day early 2022 was fun out on old Amity under Patrick Bourke - Captain, for the rowing, and Government house reception under Governor Barbara Baker.
So much entertainment and refreshments: Aloft Restaurant for Buchanan dinner, Don Camillo at the drop of a hat, Syntax, Blue Eye, RYCT, Astor - is the balance right? Must be. It is self defining. Whatever you do is right (as Richard Nixon said, he can't break the law, he is the law).
I see from my planning in January 2022 that there is much more to do in Canada, and in Australia - road trips, trains, flights to get to places, and motorcycling to enjoy the ride. So it will be the same in January 2023, with plans for a train trip with Rosie across Canada, and now for crossing Bass Strait in Kathleen Scarlette yacht from 26 Jan 2023.
The many dinners at 7 Nixon St, the lamb chops or roast lamb at 8 Nixon, the fine dining at 1 Nixon, and good roast at Merv and Helen's, the meals with Rosie on the internet and in persona, the entertainments at the theatre (Hobart Rep or Theatre Royal, often with Stephen Bourke, and sometimes his son Ailbe performing), the concert halls - Melbourne and Sydney. But also the personal - where external matters do not, but who you are with is all that matters. Family and friends: Sarah, Camille, Rosie, love and lightness. Siblings, friends. Their spouses and kids. The special events of celebration of reunion, and of anniversary, the casual friends around the shack, and meals together there. Filling the shack with people, tents and kids, and cooking and talking, walking and swimming. The Christmas-New Year period of somewhat peace but people, helping and participating. You can't beat it. The Josh, Christine, Felix, Nina and Artie, the neighbours Michael and Siobhan, Tony and Deb Price and our Inca yacht partnership, the teasing and fun arising out of nowhere but the head - jobs and patching up, fixing and not (but now rarely making things worse). Planning and executing...Writing and reading, playing chess or other games.
Jim and the author, ready to attack the Melbourne Scene
Meeting uncle Paul at the Okinagan Valley airport - Kelowna. A fair hot day, and enjoyable company.
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