Hello and Happy Christmas,
Writing to indulge you in our yearly happenings and sending our love to you and yours at this most celebratory time of year. We're in Perth, Western Australia where the cloudless skies and cool refreshing water provide a welcome reprieve and beautifully relaxing end to a pretty good year.
On to the year in a few words:
William, now 11, is in his last year of primary school! As such he wears many hats: car aficionado, conscientious school council member, music, table tennis and drama club participant and still reigning chief of the contagious laugh. He and Marian continue to make beautiful music with their cello’s passing grade 2 after just one year. We had a proud parental moment when he finished first in a solo competition and is now on to prep for grade 4 exam. Apparently my parental input consists of reminding him of Ned Flanders-an opening I have willingly exploited for maximum embarrassment with great pleasure. hahaha!
This letter marks the only time all year I get to speak for Marian so let me take full advantage to say it continues to bring me great pleasure to see her enjoy and succeed in her work. When she isn’t culinarily scheming or making the finest cup of coffee based deliciousness you’ve ever had….she’s pretty great and especially pleased to see her family and close friend here.
As for me, I’m especially pleased to get off the British Isles for the first time in almost 5 years and basking in the break from the norm. Also, after years of trying to work out how the financial crisis of 2008 happened, mostly profligate banks creating too much money, I’ve set up a campaign FunctionalFinance.Org to raise awareness and promote a more balanced approach to managing money and the economy. A few things in the works for the new year otherwise early days but nicely occupying. Otherwise, apart from some sunburn on my feet at the moment no major injuries from athletic pursuits so that’s a bonus.
Finally, Gandalf the Gray cat arrived thru the cat flap some time this year and has managed to stay and eat while avoiding contact with us as much as possible.
Music
The beautiful music and violin of Andrew Bird has been a wonderful close companion this year. Especially in those moments when I pine for that place I used to call home his Pulaski at Night fills my cup of nostalgia. Many good albums another song taster is Danse Caribe. Otherwise,
my close musical proximity to brass instruments from an early age provides easy affinity for bands like Beirut...more trumpet!
Person of the Year
With all the monsters and mayhem about it's notable that the leadership of Germany and Chancellor Angela Merkel stand out. While the rest of the western world grapples terribly with the mess we made in the middle east, her country's mercy and compassion to those in need is a reminder that we can and should do better.
Well, that's all from us except to say big love and a cheeky back to the pool. All the best for a healthy and happy 2016!
Peace and Love
Bryan, Marian and Will
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