Scott Cunningham

I will reply to your email as well as to this comment.

With all the turmoil in Europe, The Middle East and the USA I can understand your return to Oz – that nice Mr Obama will be building some military bases there soon so you will not feel left out of things

The dollar in Australia is getting stronger, so this is a definite plus and good for us poor euro people as it will attract more tourists to come to see us;

Are you ever over Pezenas way? Do call in and see us

Best wishes and I wish you a Joyful and positive year to come.

Tony

We have had enough of France and are really hoping to try and head back to Oz before Lucas ( our 13 year old son ) gets too old!!!!

Wishing you and your family best wishes for 2012.

Susie
P.S. Do I have to go back on your site to see your reply? That is the reason I didn’t see the last one and took months to respond.

Tony

Yes – I am writing about myself, Carole has never ever been on a motorcycle It seems the brain damage was probably not caused by my old lifestyle (the film work I did was always very carefully rehearsed and made as safe as possible, I never injured myself, although we did not make it look too easy for the directors so we could charge more) – my brain is simply falling to pieces for one reason or another, I suppose I will find out eventually if this is fast or slow progression, only time will tell – meanwhile I certainly shall “take stock” of my life, change my lifestyle where it can help in any way to minimise further damage and try very hard to give positive structure and help to my family (and other animals).

The dog walking, sunsets, new pathways and interesting bugs have been an important part of our life in France ever since we moved here and in retrospect I am glad we did leave the damp and stressful conditions of the UK twenty years ago as this has been 20 years of sunsets and new walks I would never have seen.

My heroine in history is Lola Montez – when faced with changes she said “Courage, et battre les cartes” (Take Courage – and shuffle the deck).

So no more Googling “cerebral lesions” – it’s “nose to the grindstone” to finish what has to be done, concentrate on the “day” and “shuffle the cards” –

Hope to see you in Sunny Languedoc next year

Tony

We are beginning to see the wear and tear of aging in my parents, my Mom age 78, and my Dad age 81. Mom has always been the organized, sharp one and Dad was the caretaker of the house. Today, Mom’s mind doesn’t remember most little things and Dad is learning how to fill in for her. Being the oldest daughter, I think of myself as being so much younger and definitely more acute and aware that I can’t imagine myself in their stage of life, well, at least not for a very long time. However, now that I’m retired, life is slowing down. Today I apologized to a friend for forwarding an email to her after she sent a reply saying she found it a bit off-color. I felt a bit uneasy until it eventually occurred to me that in fact, she was writing to apologize to ME for sending it on. Seems she wanted me to know that she deleted several photos to avoid offending. Hah! I never noticed! Might I also have the Holey-Brain Syndrome? This could work in my, ahem, our favor…….

From your story I conclude, that when life moves too fast, even the “empty spots” can’t keep up in our already overloaded brains. From now on, I sure hope you spend lots of time sharing a sunset in the garden with Carole and the kids, walking the dog(s) in the countryside while noting a new plant or bug as you explore an unused pathway. That will fill up the empty spaces nicely with things of beauty instead of everyday clutter.

In fact…..you should consider yourself fortunate. The kind of “brain purge” you describe is a gift even if you stumble or forget a bit. You have the perfect timing to now go forward and fill the blank pages with words, thoughts and images that will soothe you in years to come, such pleasant things to remember.

Finally…..Note to family: it also is now a medical fact that Tony can no longer be held responsible for forgetting where he left his keys! Smile. Life Is Good!

Happy Holidays to all,
Ruthann Donaldson

Hope you are OK? How’s French life? I guess you will be very busy at present, but hope you continue to post and haven’t succumbed to depression over the goings on in the UK. I’m thinking of a trip to Paris in October with Jackie. I want to make it special and stay in a quality hotel that’s central and not too extortionate! Any ideas from your experience.
I was surprised to see in Tesco last week bottles of Picpoul de Pinet. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it outside of France and it was from the Cave at Pomerols. Made me smile and instantly transported me back to the region. Hope you are ok and the sun is shining.

KR’s

Andy