Gone, But Not Forgotten

A year ago today, I lost my old border collie Kane. I still miss him and think I always will to some degree or other, but the pain did subside.

I'm more grateful than ever that I have got another dog, Rolo - the lummox! For all that dogs can tie you down a bit, not to mention the fun of walking them in the wet, I'd hate to live without having one around.

Truly, they are man's best friend!

Stargazer

I've commented from time to time about my interest in astronomy. Apart from the occasinal glimpse of the moon through a pair of binoculars, though, I've never done anything other than naked eye astronomy. Something I would really like to do is to see the rings of Saturn and every so often I seriously consider buying a basic telescope.

Mooching around the 'net this morning when I should have been working (sorry, Boss) I noticed this offer. Notwithstanding the fact that as telescopes go, it probably isn't anything to write home about, shouldn't the word be ASTRONOMY and definately not ASTROLOGY!

Make Your Mind Up Time

Today the few remaining members of the Conservative party who have yet to meet the grim reaper will receive their ballot papers to decide which of the two Davids on offer should become their leader. As a rule, I don't get all that worked up about Tory leadership changes - after all, we've seen quite a few of them over the last few years! This time, though I think it's rather more important.

Despite having won the election earlier this year, it seems as if Labour are imploding. We've seen Blunkett depart (again), the cabinet seem unable to agree about much of anything, even something as important about a smoking ban and, no doubt, behind the scenes the party seems far more interested in sorting out the succession to Tony Blair than the mundane issue of running the country.

Perhaps if the Tories were to break with their recent tradition and choose a leader who might make a credible prime minister in waiting - so that's you disqualified, Mr Davis - then it might light a much-needed fire under Labour, such that they could sort themselves out. If they don't, I guess we're in for a rerun of the John Major years - just what we need, I don't think...