I must be a 'Time Lord! What have ya done to me, Thames?!

Time 'slips, slides,cavorts and dances with me: Yes---that is Thames. One minute I am wandering around by back yard, watching Monarch Butterflies kissing amongst the Poinsettia, which has no business being so verdantly scarlet at this mid-winter season. Then in the next I am stanza, I am transported to a nearby beach, stepping over stones that look like they have once held the promise of gold, only to have my moment splattered by the beat of a thousand wings as the Oyster Catchers flee the sight of a frustrated jack Russell, who wants nothing more than to 'be amongst them! Then---time stands still why I fritter the day away, chatting with strangers, on-leash to their beloved four-legged children; that is until we are collective reminded that another 'plane' awaits us---further down the beach. None of the inhabitants of this kingdom seem to be wearing watches; none of them have that look that imprisons--the----'I need to be somewhere else,' look. A flick of the psyche, takes one to a warm kitchen, where the waft of tonight's dinner escapes the slow-cooker, promising a comfort equalled only by the clink of cutlery, as he table is set for repast to follow. The Time Lord moves again, gently transitioning the subjects to the front sitting room, where a fire awaits------time becomes-----slips past us and melds into day's end. I think---I must have done other things--I must have gone places--or was that yesterday by the babbling brook or the shady bush?!

The 'Coast' is having a strange effect on me!

I have been a month in this idyllic part of the world--the Thames Coast, and I am noticing something that is somewhat of an enigma. I no longer struggle with the traffic that not so long ago was a regular determinant of my mood. Yes, I used to cover my mouth, whilst expelling expletives at an imagined slights on my driving or more often (stop laughing!) the lack of skills or good manners on the part of the others on the daily grind to get to a destination in that far-flung 'City of Sails.' Then I would have to endure the daily 'parade of stupidity,' as exemplared from our politicians, each night on the box and then add my own commentary on FB and other platforms. Yes, I still do that, but there is something else taking over--a realization that sometimes, simply living in the moment is way better for my health. I shall strive to retain my concern for my fellow humans as I read each day of yet another attack from a privileged twat who cares nothing about the lives of an ever increasing number of our people. It would be so easy to succumb to the natural flows of the tides, the garden and the joys of wandering along a foreshore, chatting to fellow dog-walkers and then heading home to prepare 'simple fare,' to share with a neighbour, in return for their largess from the sea.NO--I have not forgotten that life for many is not so comfortable. I have had a break from relaity and those issues that face our nation are not going to go away. I know that keeping my head beneath the 'turrets' of life under a Government that does not care will not work for me. I will keep my base--as my 'touchstone,' and seek out like-minded people down here on the Coast,' because I have had an 'inkling,' that people here care too, for the direction NZ is heading. The 'Coast' will be my 'strength.'