ON OPENING A SUITCASE...

WHAT IS IN A SUITCASE CAN SURPRISE YOU...even if you think you know what is inside. I love the story of how Ernest Hemingway, on returning to Paris after many years, entered the hotel where he had so often stayed. The manager, having made him welcome, inquired whether he would like to take possession of the suitcase he had left in storage there. Hemingway had forgotten all about the suitcase but had worried over the loss of all his notes made when, as a young man, he had lived in the Latin Quarter. On opening the suitcase, there they were! His earlier life once more revealed. These became the material for his book "A Moveable Feast".

I cannot claim such a momentous experience but when I opened my suitcase left at my sister's home containing a cache of Aussie summer clothes, I was overtaken by surprise. Suddenly I became the fellow who had packed that case, with all the feelings and thoughts that I had at that time, contemplating my return to the US! My passing through the eye of the needle was about to become a labyrinthine adventure.

You who have so faithfully followed these postings will recall that I had intended to return to live in Australia permanently but, on being here for some months, decided that I really wanted to live in the Corning area in upper New York state. I can tell you that I had lots of ideas of how that might be and, frankly, quite a deal of anxiety, not to mention a certain feeling of slight insanity about this sudden reversal.

As I surveyed the contents of that case I felt as if sucked back into a time vortex, falling through the seeming eons of change in my life since closing up that case, a brief experience akin to Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Lots of things have happened since then. Instead of building a little home for myself, I found a house just perfect for conversion into an ageing bachelor's abode with hardly a vestige of garden just waiting transformation. This story is continuing in my other Blog

I returned to the US, spent some time with my daughter in Colorado and then drove up through Glacier National Park to visit with friends first in Fort Langley BC, then in Seattle and Portland, before returning to Basalt CO. In Portland, Howard, my sometime counselor, led me to see how core to my being is traveling, a revelation to me but likely no news to you, my readers.

Then it was across a good part of the US, enjoying the first signs of Spring through the mid-western states and finally into New York state where I was welcomed by rain, rain, and more rain. Eventually I went as far as Chatham, almost to Massachusetts, to assist Richard and Gina a little with the renovations of their new home. I had little idea of the adventure I was about to embark on with my small home in Sterling Street, back in Corning.

There have been other adventures but central has been my quest for spirituality. I managed to sack the god of my early adulthood and to redefine for myself the nature of belief. A stout agnostic, tending atheist, I nevertheless faithfully attend the local Episcopal Church when at home and where I feel very much at home. I have rediscovered what it might be to be a follower of Jesus (now a very different figure compared with my early conceptions of him) and value the company of those who follow a similar course and also the connectedness I feel with those who have gone before, all the way back to his time and teachings. I am not much concerned with theology though its complexities, inconsistencies, and dilemmas I still find most interesting. I think that I am learning more than ever to respect the faith of others.

Emboldened by the suitcase experience, this last Sunday I ventured downtown (into Adelaide, the City of Churches) into Flinders Street, first of all to Holy Communion (8 AM) at Pilgrim Church. This is part of the Uniting Church (formerly Methodist, Congregational, and Presbyterian churches). I joined with 20 or so other followers of Jesus to remember the last meeting of Jesus with his followers, according to his request). The visiting speaker spoke of the partnership the Uniting Church has with other fellowships around the world, particularly in Bali where Christians are developing interfaith approaches to worship and combating the effects of global warming. Following the breaking of bread and the communal cup of remembrance, we all met for breakfast.

My next stop was Flinders Street Baptist Church for their 10AM worship meeting. In this church I was ordained to the Baptist pastoral ministry (July 31, 1964). Must have been all of 40 years since last in this place! At coffee and biscuits after, I met an amazing number of folk I had known back in those long gone days, some of whom I was hitherto sure would have since died! So, another suitcase opened with very pleasurable results.

Just goes to show, suitcase have their little surprises.

ROBERTO DOWN UNDER.

MY LIFE HAS SETTLED INTO A PLEASANT ROUTINE. I manage to get in good walk each day, usually first thing after two cups of coffee, either along the cliff tops overlooking the sea (if at my sister's) or around the area where my daughter lives, if with her and her family. The bicycle has added a more demanding dimension, especially if at my sister's, as the hills thereabouts can be quite demanding. A 'to do' list is appearing as I survey the work yet to be done on her house. My daughter has a list too, but not so demanding so I can be more relaxed.

I though you might like this picture of the Aussie Magpie snapped while on my suburban walk, apparently studying a young Bottle Brush. This is alongside the light rail line that so conveniently runs close to where my daughter lives and then into downtown , or to the beach, depending on direction.

The beach terminus, by the way, as at a seaside place called 'Glenelg', the only town name palin-drome of which I am aware.

The Queen has been down here also, at least her fourth visit to this land. She did not come to Adelaide thereby avoiding getting in my way...that she has done three times so far, once in Adelaide, once in Melbourne, and once in Brighton UK. "What's with all these crowds?", I have asked these three occasions. "Its the Queen, silly.", has come the reply.

One of the reasons she has visited is to lead the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, an auspicious event unlikely to be noticed by the non-Commonwealth world*. Sixteen nations make up the Queen's Realm', including the UK, Canada, and Australia; these have the Queen as their nominal head of government. There is a bunch of other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, all united by their love of the game of cricket (with the exception of Canada, although it is played in British Columbia)

Australians are quite given over to gambling. Currently there is a move by the government to require poker machines to have players nominate the amount of money they are prepared to lose. Once they reach this amount, the machines will cease playing for them. Given the many tales of gambling induced tragedy, one could hardly fault such a move. Predictably, the gambling business is up in arms against this measure. One gambling magnate said that present measures are adequate to prevent abuse and that other more effective means could be devised. A statement likened by one commentator as similar to a well-known African dictator speaking for democracy!

Less controversial is the famous Melbourne Cup Day, the culmination of a several weeks of horse racing. Aussies do love the horses. Some are a little miffed that the Queen, herself a prominent owner of racing horses, is not hanging about for this event (although she is 'bouncing the ball' to start an Aussie Rules football match over in Perth before she departs...akin to the President pitching the first ball at a baseball game). What is remarkable is that, on the first Tuesday in November, the nation will virtually stop to listen to the broadcast commentary, or watch the televised race. In offices everywhere, there will be the 'Cup sweep" when hopefuls will contribute a dollar or two, maybe to take home small winnings. Well, one has to be in it to win it! Your name is attached to a horse's name drawn at random from a hat and you may be lucky enough to have scored the winner.

After 'The Cup', the nation will settle down back to normal.

Apart from Adelaide, that is. Here in a couple of weeks, the Great Christmas Pageant will occur. Colorful floats depicting fairy tales and Christmas stories will emerge, all spruced up, from storage and parade through the city streets. This is almost an international event, attracting many visitors from around the world, and many thousands of children and their proud parents, all lining the streets and awed by the procession. The last float will have on board good old jolly Father Christmas and a gang of helping gnomes and fairies. This will deliver the venerable gentleman to the Magic Cave in the basement of one of the large downtown stores (the event sponsor), thereby opening the way for all the other stores to produce their St. Nicholas clones. Finally, the Season of Joy will be resoundingly upon us.

How I loved this event when a child, growing up in this fair city. Now I avoid it (like the Queen).

The Queen, in her royal way, is quite the trooper, even likened by some to having rock-star quality. There is some agreement that her visit may have set back somewhat the occasional urge of Australians to become some sort of republic. This can only be determined by a nation-wide referendum, involving a majority of the people and at least half of the states. This may go on the back burner during the present Monarch's lifetime, or until she abdicates. Long live the Queen?

*I take that back...it did get a mention in the latest NY Times at least.

NOW IN ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AS YOU MIGHT RECALL, I was last heard from in San Francisco airport, awaiting boarding for my flight to Sydney, somewhat dreading the coming ordeal. It turned out to be not so bad, as is the case with most things dreaded, and perhaps one of the better experiences I have had crossing the Pacific. Since I have now done this 30 or so times, this may be worth noting.
Apropos of how to avoid jet lag, this time I decided to sleep according to departure zone and eat according to arrival zone time. I had an aisle seat in the Exit row with plenty of leg room and that helped a lot too. Whatever the reason or reasons, not a trace of jet lag.

After a very long night (some 13 hours) we arrived in Sydney on time, about 7 AM local time. A short wait in the Transit Lounge and I boarded the United flight on to Melbourne. There I met up with my dear friend of some 30 years, Kim. We ate Thai and I say again that it is hard to beat Melbourne for excellent food. Then aboard the bus for the overnight trip to Adelaide. To complete the diversity of travel (plane, bus, BART, and walking), I ambled in the early morning hour to the central square of Adelaide to catch the light rail to my daughter's home (just across the parklands from Adelaide downtown), presenting myself at just on 7AM. How very nice to have arrived, at last!

Since then, I have gotten in lots of walking and have even purchased a cycle to ride when I am here each year (alas, Bike Friday remains in Corning; I hope not too upset at being left behind). This is a great season to be here, the weather very like that in San Francisco. Many natives bloom during the Winter and the wattle is still quite beautiful, though somewhat muted. This cannot be said of the birds, all as colorful and noisy as ever. With the warming of the weather, the lizards and skinks are eager to soak up the sun. Walking with the family yesterday, I spied a Blue Tongued lizard hogging his share who then quickly scuttled off into the safety of a nearby bush as we approached.

The Spring flowers are making their entrance and I am including a picture of one such along the bike path I use for my morning walk (commonly called, I think, the Bottle Brush). You will see why as you view this photo. Of course, you may never use a bottle brush but we oldies once did to clean out bottles. Very useful indeed!

So it is very pleasant to be back here for some six weeks. My little house awaits my return. Daniel, my contractor, will be finishing out the external trim on the sun/potting room, fixing up some leaks and removing the framework of the wall between the living room and the kitchen/breakfast room. With the temperatures falling during the Fall (what else can the temperature do in the Fall?), the house will be mainly closed up and the heating system set to run close to 60 deg. F. I will be very interested to see what the gas use will be during this period I am away. I expect to see six inches of snow when I return after Christmas.

Those cyclists among you will be interested to see what my cycle looks like. It is exactly the sort of bike I wanted for riding around hereabouts and cost about half of what I thought I might have to pay. The mechanic in the pic is Graham, formerly of Winnipeg, Canada. He does not miss the Winter there. It is a modest bike, with more gears/speeds than I expect to use and 'flat' handlebars. It is very comfortable, being quite well suited to my peculiar build.

Until next time. I probably will not say more about Adelaide. In the unlikely event that you might one day visit 'Down Under', I recommend to you my home city. A very relaxing place to be and well endowed with good food, wine, and places to go.

ONLY IN AMERICA

SORRY FOLKS... you will have to wait a bit longer of a final 'god' posting but some things are going on I need to reflect on with you. As for the no doubt long awaited note of possible implications on of choosing Mother Earth, imagine that it were She who spoke to Moses out of the burning bush or on Mt Horeb, what might the Ten Commandments have said?

In a week or so, I will be back in Australia for almost two months which will certainly be a change of scene, not the least entering Spring and then a taste of Summer. Now prepare for a slight jump.

Just last week I attended the annual presentation of the Medicare Advantage fund I have chosen. A bunch of us seniors gathered at a local, very spiffy, motel to hear the good news and the bad news about our 2012 cover and costs to us. No need to go into the boring detail of this except to say that I found myself reflecting that, under Medicare in Australia, there would never be a reason to go to such a meeting, nor would I be getting monthly summaries from such an organization. All needless under 'socialized medicine'. I would, of course,be comforted for any possible sense of loss by the knowledge that far less money would be spent on administration and therefore available for actual services. I did ask a question about cover while out of state and this betrayed that I am from Australia, a far away and mysterious country hereabouts.

Now here comes the jump I mentioned: a woman came up to me after the meeting to say that she had heard that Australia is a very prejudiced country. Hmm, I thought to myself, this is news to me, given that there are about 200 different language groups and almost half of the inhabitants born somewhere else and all getting on fairly well.

After several questions, it became clearer that she was thinking about intolerance toward religion and particularly directed at Christianity. Now this was really news to me but I managed to keep my peace. Walking back to my car, I reflected that there is something really 'nutty' about some folks views on religion and the role it ought to play in this society. Forget that Jesus once said, 'Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.'

Consider that the country may be in much the same trouble as before the Great Depression of the 1930s but, instead of pulling together in a time of crisis, proper government has been traduced by devastating political partisanship. The political right looks to be taken over by christian fundamentalists, some of them claiming to be 'new apostles', while the current paramount political anxiety seems focused on that a looming serious candidate for the presidency is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints ( a Mormon)!

As the saying goes...Give me a break! Unattended to is the greater divide by wealth. Millions are out of work, 15% of the population are in poverty, homelessness even of some who were once middle class is increasing, some 46 million are without health insurance, and most of us now know that 40% of the wealth is owned by 1% of the population, while only 15% is owned by 80%. Over 20% of high-school graduates cannot get work. Meanwhile, four of five members of Congress are millionaires. Once elected, members can expect generous health care and comfortable retirement benefits for the rest of their lives. Nonetheless many freely talk of reducing the costs of benefits for the poor and for seniors to 'balance the budget'. And so it goes...gone is the 'American Dream'; work hard and you might become rich, or at least enjoy the 'good life'.

A new development is the move to 'Occupy Wall Street". This began with young people but many older disenchanted middle class folk, and more recently the Labor Unions, are joining this movement. It is spreading to other cites, even my old home town of Portland, Oregon (Occupy Portland). The chant is, 'We are the 99%'. A growing number of folk sense that they have lost influence over government, that it has become 'government by the wealthy for the wealthy'. Some sense that, here in the US, home of the 'greatest democracy', some form of revolution is imminent. Around the world, young people, armed with iPods and immersed in Twitter, have emerged as a powerful revolutionary force.

Occupy Wall Street has been disparaged as 'aimless' and 'disorganized'. A somewhat radial Australian website (Citizen's Electoral Council) has acquainted me this is not the case. This movement is demanding return to the provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act passed in 1933. This regulated the banks to separate ordinary, commercial banking from investment banking and came about to restore order to the collapsed banking system here in the USA. Prior to this, bankers could do pretty much anything they wanted. This legislation was repealed in 1999 by the Republican dominated Senate and House of Representatives, signed into law by President (then just recently become a millionaire), and setting the stage for the 2007/2008 financial collapse here in the US which continues to affect global economy. Basically, the repeal turned the clock back to the pre-Great Depression era of unbridled financial license.

I doubt that the 99% are overly concerned about a Mormon possibly being in the White House. After all, we survived the election of a Roman Catholic and more recently the election a non-Caucasian. If the sky is falling, race and religion have little, if anything at all, to do with our current woes. Mormons, so far as I have been able to see, are honest, conscientious, moral, hardworking and trustworthy folk, at least as much as any other group given to faith. This could be seen by some as a breath of fresh air at the pinnacle of politics! This quip aside, I prefer to wait and see how things turn out.

What is the 'so what' of all this? Like folk the world around, Americans want to feel that the government is for the common weal. There are many who, as do I, don't want politicians who seem to pander to 'Wall Street', who are overly influenced by lobbyists (whether representing the drug companies, the health industry, the energy industry, the military related industries, the rifle associations and gun lobbies, the wealthy corporations, the labor unions, or religious groups). As the common Aussie phrase has it, just give us all a 'fair go'.

I suppose and hope that those increasing number chanting in the streets, 'We are the 99%', might finally get the politicians to listen to what once was the 'silent majority'.