It was not long after my arrival in Almonte in 1976 – now almost precisely 50 years ago – that I first heard the comic proclamation: “Hurray! Hurray! The first of May! Outdoor screwin’ starts today!” It was told to me by a white-haired Mrs. Annie Honeyborne, my neighbour (and her husband Frank aka “Honey”) directly across the street. It was on that identical corridor (Martin St S) that in the summer of 1976 I witnessed a float celebrating the Almonte Fair.  The float had displayed on it a large banner which simply said, “Gidday!” My introduction was complete! It has survived as a test of the truly local candidate.

Forgive me for repeating the common refrain, “What is the world coming to!” but one cannot listen to the news on any channel without becoming disappointed – disappointed that misery, violence and war have infected the condition humaine. While it is unlikely to avoid being perturbed by the intelligence, I am happy to have the inexpressible privilege to contemplate these matters from the indisputable advantage of my present circumstances. First and foremost, I’m still here to talk about it. Second, we inhabit a singular residence overlooking endless farmland and upriver. Third, we enjoy the fellowship of our local family, friends and acquaintances.

There is a moderation that comes with this beneficence; that is, age. And with age, limitation.  It is now exceedingly clear to me that my perhaps biggest challenge in life will be to accommodate limitation. Adjusting to limitation is an effort – not because there is more work, less actually. But because there is restraint upon movement. I was never a great walker but I recall from my youth that “walking about” was not an uncommon affair. There were also museums, concerts and art galleries. Travel is naturally an example of the need or preference for mobility. But like anything else, travel is affected by age. Regrettably too age is affected by death. And it must be recalled that the loss of loved ones shackles the survivors with loss of companionship.

There are some who have developed the custom of having morning coffee at a local coffee shop. I applaud them on having done so! I fully accept that a revival of the tradition may be in process.

Meanwhile the scope of limitation continues to broaden with age. It requires a degree of grit to overcome it. Just as everything else is retreating, so too does one’s capacity merely to imagine involvement. Everything is ruled by governance; and, the government of this state of affairs is dwindling commensurately.

And, yes, today is the first of May!