16th August 2020

What a wonderful VJ Day BBC programme last night, honouring all the brave veterans who gave so much 75 years ago. What was significant about their sacrifice was how 20 countries came together from Africa, Europe and India against a common foe, Japan.  Didn’t matter whether they were Sikhs, Hindus, Muslim or Christian; the 14th army recognised what had to be done. As they merged in the jungles and mud of Burma, Japan had already invaded large swathes of S. Asia and was massing to attack India.  Like Hitler in the west, there are times when murderous countries, intent on taking by force other nations, have to be stopped by any means to protect the rest of the world. As Prince William urged the public last night on TV to learn the lessons of the past, how lovely to see all those old veterans given the respect they so rightly deserve. As they so poignantly said: We gave our today so that you can enjoy tomorrow. Time people today gave more respect to the ‘forgotten army’ loyalty of older citizens.

9th August 2020

The world is so unstable. How I wish democracy would prevail worldwide. When that enormous blast happened in Beirut last Tuesday, fingers immediately pointed to perceived aggressors. Yet, as so often happens in life, ultimately incompetence at home was to blame. But in the immediate aftermath of the explosion, other factors emerged equally damaging. When other countries offered desperately-needed assistance, unbelievably some were turned down. “Help only accepted from ‘friendly’ countries,” said Lebanon. So, when neighbouring Israel offered immediate treatment at state-of-the-art hospitals just over the border, their magnanimous gesture was rebuffed. Instead, Lebanon sent those terribly-injured people hundreds of miles to Cyprus for treatment. Friendship is a wonderful thing but we often don’t recognise who our friends really are until times of tragedy. Never reject the hand of friendship whenever and from wherever it comes.

2nd August 2020

Since my birth post-war, I can’t remember a time when the world’s been in such crisis. From the smallest island territories to today’s super powers, the story’s the same. Disaster. The Philippines is losing the battle, Australia’s Victoria yesterday declared a state of emergency, Melbourne under curfew, Covid 19 has roared back in Europe, cases rising yet again in the virus’s birthplace - China, and in the US, response to the virus’s deadly surge seems to be driven more by the coming November election - Republicans dealing with it one way, Democrats responding differently. What’s wrong with people? Why is everyone reacting in such an insular way?  During WWII, countries liaised, disregarding their internal, political struggles to work together to fight the common foe. But today’s threat is much greater. The world’s mix of free democracies and repressive, totalitarian states is actively hindering a common approach. For the good of the entire planet, it’s time nations stopped concentrating on their individual perceived ranking in the world and worked together as one.

26th July 2020

New rules everywhere regarding the wearing of masks. The other day I, fully masked, waited obediently in the pharmacy doorway for the customer in front of me to finish with the female assistant before entering. But then the male pharmacist also stepped to the counter, calling out to me ‘Can I help you?’ So, taking this as an invitation, I stepped into the store only for the female assistant to shout at me ‘Get back!’  There have also been incidents on public transport where deaf passenger companions have been confronted by others for lifting masks to enable lipreading. Restaurants too now seem weird. On Thursday, accompanied by friends, we went to a lovely country pub. Handwash gels and strict notices at doorways and in loos. Inevitable delays, mismatched orders and chaos in the kitchens. And, what are diners supposed to do - lift up masks at each mouthful? Further mayhem in supermarkets where, reportedly, when a masked customer asked a cashier ‘Where’s the honey?’, she put her hands up and gave him a bag of £50!

19th July 2020

Thursday will be our 53rd wedding anniversary, PG. When I think back, I realise it’s not the happenings in our lives that are important; it’s whom you do them with. The ‘50s era was a time of introversion, unspoken feelings. Latterly I started writing which initially helped me release unspoken feelings about the past. But then I noticed I was trying to say something to the world. My 3 war novels spoke about learning about the past lest all that hatred happen again. My 3 non-fiction travelogues about France and America brought out the clash of different cultures. But it’s my planned series of 7 novels set in 7 different countries that, if published, will resonate the most with me, having as its ultimate goal the bringing together of the whole world in a common purpose. In the real world, could it be that the Corona virus - affecting us all, irrespective of faith, colour or creed - has been sent from above with that same express purpose?

12th July 2020

As we approach our 53rd wedding anniversary, as I look back on my own life I realise that most of the things that went disastrously wrong over the years were caused by a lack of communication within the family. In the wider world, each country continues to go their own way, distrusting each other when a bit of cooperation would help so much. Amidst all this mayhem, within days of each other, the US, China and the UAE each plan to send separate, 7-month voyages to investigate Mars and find out whether there is or ever was life there. All 3 trips will happen at the same time. Such madness. Why couldn’t they have merged their scientific quests into one voyage? Not only would this have saved millions economically but also would have shown the benefits of inter-nation cooperation. As a first step, I suggest a world flag for all extraterrestrial missions. Maybe then, here on Earth, such a flag could be the catalyst for greater global communication. At my age I’ve learned: it’s never too late!

5th July 2020

The US president says 99% of new Covid cases are “harmless” whilst rapper Kanye West announces he’ll stand for president. Putin cements his unassailable leadership, China continues unaccountable for damaging the whole world, whilst European countries who were first to test the dangerous waters of easing lockdown now have a second surge, some more deadly than the first wave. Here in the UK, OH reports that in our local post office, he was the only one wearing a face mask. Not even the staff were wearing them. Local streets are once again thronged with unmasked shoppers, none observing social distancing. Even the weather has a tale to tell. During early lockdown, the skies here were unnaturally clear blue. But as soon as lockdown eased, it’s back to grey. Lessons to be learned from all the above: cutting industrial pollution improves the weather; nations must forget political differences when facing a global pandemic or threat, learning best practice from each other; and common election criteria is essential for all national leader appointments. Money and fame should never be on the agenda: proven education and political experience should.