Hi Neil, What a wonderfull photograph you snap in the countryside am sure you enjoy it. How abt. those 3 playing scrabble, they look profesionals? huh!
My Interests?? I have many: Keeping my Wife happy is the first priority, and if She is happy then it naturally follows that I am happy too.
Then - the Philippines, the language and culture - not just a great place to visit but the jewel of the pacific ring. Over seven thousand islands to explore with mountains, fountains, caves and coves, vulcanoes, mangos, sand, sea and the most friendly people you could ever wish to meet.
I enjoy my Masonry, - not a secret society but a society with secrets; trusted social friendship with a like minded serious pupose to uphold positive traditions and work together in the interest of charity.
I like 'hunting' for mushrooms, - edible ones which are far more tasty than the ones off the supermarket shelves. Oh to find my own truffles! I start my searches in the spring for St Georges Mushroom and finish in late autumn with the last of the Ceps ( Cep = Boletus Edulis - a very tasty Bolet).
During the hunt I try to improve my skills with the camera. Photography has been on my personal 'back burner' since my early teens when I was given a book on the subject by a family friend - and my mother gave me her box Brownie, I still have it!
I have spent much of my life travelling. Mostly in the cause of work. Travel for pleasure appeals to me now.
Gardening has been a great hobby over the years and I want to experiment in the tropical climate of Northern Luzon after a lifetime in the european temperate zone. Watch this space!
When I was younger, I had different plans for my dottage than I have now that I am getting nearer to it!
Do I really want to try Base Jumping any more?
Will I have the same interests and goals in 1, 5 or 10 years time? I doubt it. I think I will still want to grow things. I hope I will still enjoy some sport, badminton still thrills me and I like to swim. I detest running or jogging, yet I enjoy walking. I enjoy golf, yet don't have time for it any more - there are not enough days in the week or hours in the day. Perhaps I can take up fishing again - for both sport and the table. I may still have the occasional ski trip in the future - but no more black routes or mogul fields - my knees are worn out. I would like to teach my darling Fe to ski - perhaps New Zealand once we are domiciled in the Philippines!? I would love her to experience the thrill of the powder when the air is deep cold and the piste is squeaky!
I have very little interest in politics, having seen enough to know that the ordinary person rarely gets value for money from any government, whichever party is in power. There is, probably justifiably, such a sad loss of trust. Poly = many and tics = blood suckers.
I have no desire for power, except perhaps the power to please others.
Music:
Movies:
My favourite movie - The Plank by and featuring Eric Sykes.
TV:
Have I got news for you.
Books:
The Lord of the Rings trillogy.
Heroes/Idols:
The late Sir Edmund Hillary was an inspiration to me.
