In Memoriam

VATI geboren 9.12.1907 - gestorben 31.1.1984 Steht nicht an meinem Grab und weint, denkt an mich, wenn die Sonne scheint. Ich bin nicht mehr an diesem Ort, Ich schlafe nicht und bin nicht fort. Ich bin der Wind über brausender See, Ich bin der Schimmer auf frischem Schnee. Ich bin die Sonne in goldener Pracht, Ich bin der Glanz der Sterne bei Nacht. Ich bin die Freude der Blumen die blühn, Ich bin für Euch in allem was schön. Steht nicht an meinem Grab und weint, denkt an mich, wenn die Sonne scheint. Ich bin nicht mehr an diesem Ort, Ich schlafe nicht und bin nicht fort.

Merry Christmas

My 15th Christmas at "Riverbend"! After more than fifty relocations across a dozen countries on four continents when the longest I ever stayed in one place was just under a year, I seem to have reached 'Journey's End' - or is old age slowing me down?

Retirement is not what it is cracked up to be. There were times in my high-pressure working life when I wished for nothing more than to be able to sleep in late and spend a day doing nothing. After eight years in retirement, I wish I were what I was when I wished I were what I am now (you may have to read this twice to understand what I mean!) However, even nostalgia isn't what it used to be. And why Nelligen? Well, perhaps here the transition from life to death is hardly noticeable.

The number says it all!

Have just returned from Samoa ...

... and will write down my experiences as soon as I find the time.

Have just returned from Cooktown ...

... and other points north!