​As I write this, I am having a cuppa’, solo, in a small-ish, plain, but very comfortable and convenient two-bedroom low-set, at Marlo, where the Snowy River runs into the sea. It belongs to my elder sister and her hubby, and is next door to my parent’s (whom I have come to care for) home.  It is a very peaceful, very beautiful place.  The estuary just down the embankment from the road in front can only be described as stunning!  Above the embankment, a massive white-bellied sea-eagle glides into the prevailing westerly, deceptively fast, surveying the breakfast options in the sparkling water.  This is the largest flying bird I have ever seen, bigger than the “wedgies” up the farm.  A flotilla of five magpies launch off the lawn in pursuit of this perceived threat, squawking and beating their wings as fast as they can.  The eagle, without even one beat of his wings, dips down a little more into the wind and streaks silently way beyond them.  (One day I will get a decent photograph – sigh!)  His mate, 50 metres out over the water, effortlessly keeps up.  Every day is a “Weekend” for this couple!  I have driven here in our EV.  The parallels between EV’s and eagles are many.  (No space here!)
Back in real-time, there is much to reflect on.  The entire Servant Community team has agreed to “go around again”, despite their nominal “3-years” being completed.  I take it as a compliment that the team is coping with my style, and ready for more.  Each has stepped up when needed and much has been quietly achieved in the background.  We pray that more will join us.
As many will attest, 2025 has been a very wonderful year for Cursillo in our Diocese,  #83 Weekend was a cracker, and our 40th Anniversary celebration the greatest Cursillo event I have been part-of outside Weekends.  #84 will be quite something, and with Ann and the #83 Team ironing out many wrinkles at the Coolum venue, James and Peter will have less to worry about.  (It gives me an unjustified warm fuzzy feeling, that James and Peter were both Candidates on M73, which was my first time Team.)
While I have been 1600 kilometres from home, Manly has copped giant hail.  My aging Corolla has been written off.  At least two PV panels will have to be replaced (although the system is working normally still) and four roof-tiles were punched-through.  A mate, Alan, drove from his home in Carina and climbed on the roof to check and take photographs.  Jen was still at Work in the city.  Next morning was sunny, and Alan and our son Peter made patches of aluminium flashing sheet, caulked on – all good and weather-proof again, until full repairs can be done.
Everywhere I look, I see much to give God thanks for.
Where and with whom will you soar in 2026?
De colores
Nick Crisp