Tress and I used to go out on Fridays. There were a few restaurants or cafes near where we lived in Melbourne, and sometimes, we went with a couple of friends. These Friday soirees were our little TGIF dinners that I looked forward to. During the football season, we’d go for these dinners and come back in time for the Friday night games to start. Yes, we went for these dinners early as late dinners wreak havoc to my sleep.

It has been a while since we had our TGIFs. It would be a long while before enjoying a game of football, particularly in situ, can be on the cards.

The past few Fridays, we have been getting takeaways to get to Kiddo and Mic’s place, and spend Friday nights with the little kiddies. We don’t actually eat anything, the takeaways were mainly for the tired mum and dad.

Last Friday we did the same thing, and took away a couple of pizzas that are now little Abby’s favourite thing to eat. Tress and I would cradle little Zoe and then play with Abby for a bit, before coming home to wind down, with some chocolates or other such indulgent fares. Our lives have become even more sedate, out here in this bush capital.

On Saturday, Tress and I woke early and prepped some “red eggs”. Zoe had turned a month old and we were doing her “full moon” party. It was at Mic’s parents place in the northern suburbs of Canberra. Tress did the eggs, we gave the little fellow a quick walk, and then we headed out to Woden to pick out a cake. We got a choc and raspberry choc mousse cake and it was very good. The little party at Desmond and SL’s finished up just before noon and we then headed to the shopping strip near where they lived to pick up some “angku’s”. They were for the “cafe time” snacks at SBC the next day, along with yet more red eggs that Tress also did.

At SBC on Sunday, a few men were “commissioned” for leadership roles and there was also the Lord’s Supper so the service ran even longer than it usually did. SBC services are longer than St Alf’s but we are slowly becoming accustomed to it. Just like a few more things at SBC. The (much) more “direct approach” (read: prescriptive), the even more laid back approach to Sunday mornings in some ways but much more serious in others. The more “raw” and unadorned music style, the longer sermons (and yes, loads more prescriptive as well). Nothing grossly unpalatable but very different indeed. It does take a bit of getting used to but I’d like to think we’re (I am) getting there.

My reading is now at Ecclesiastes. After countless advice from the preceding “wisdom” books, this is a crescendo of sorts. Wisdom and meaning is elusive. Or it can be. For now, for better or for worse, I care l little if I have/find either or both. One chooses a path and make the best of it. As I used to say to myself and others I care for, having the option is the first (and very important) goal and it (having an option) has already given me a head start. I’m already a “winner” in that sense. I’m liking my life now, warts and all, and sans whatever notwithstanding.