A Year of Memories

Hi Everyone

This is the time of year when you look forward to celebrating Christmas with family and friends. With modern communication technology, you can also almost instantly connect with your friends from across the world. It is also a time to reflect on the highlights of your year. It is then that you realise how much Covid and approaching middle age have changed our lives. We would go to the theatre probably five or six times during the year with about the same number of visits to the cinema. Since Covid started we have been to the theatre once with no visits to the cinema. Add in the fact that driving at night for many of us has become a risk rather than a pleasure and you see some of your friends having difficulty walking from a chair in your house to their car outside, you then begin to understand why your world has got smaller. Two highlights this year were both enjoyed while sitting in front of our TV screen. We enjoyed Paul McCartney at Glastonbury and, last week, probably the best football World Cup Final ever. Best of all however is the opportunity for all our family to be at home with us as we watch our grandchildren grow from small children marveling at the sight of Santa Claus to the young adults they are today.

The Prime Minister, Chancellor, city wizz kids, and any number of economists who, as you know, do not agree about anything, all think that they know best about which direction the world economy is heading. Now, this is where you have to read very carefully as I am going to give you my secret Christmas message, especially if you are an investor or worried about your savings. All you have to do to discover the direction of the world's finances next year is to google the word 'cardboard'. Ok, I know that you will think that is a load of Rubbish but apparently the amount of cardboard being manufactured directly mirrors the state of the world's economy. All you have to do now is cancel your Financial Times subscription and bin the business section of your newspaper and just eagerly follow this Rubbish every week. You know it makes sense.

There is a popular Christmas song called Coming Home for Christmas and a lovely favourite Christmas film - Nightmare on Elm Street. Both seem to be very relevant this year as families struggle to be together. Our son was Coming Home for Christmas. His journey started in Rotterdam in the Netherlands with no problems with border control or with his Eurostar journey to London. Then Nightmare at Euston railway station takes over with train cancellations due to lack of staff despite the fact that it was not a strike day. The train operator was given 6 months in October to improve their service and reliability. They promised that by mid December they would resolve their problems. I bet that 90% of train travellers did not believe that and, of course, it has not happened. He then found a train going to Liverpool and went to find the buffet car for a drink and sandwich. The buffet was not open so he helped the harrassed attendant fill the shelves and get the service open. He then tried to pay by card for his food but the machine would not work so it was cash only, something many people now do not carry so the harrassed attendant thanked him for his help and gave him the food. He eventually Came Home for Christmas and escaped the Nightmare at Euston. I suspect that story could be repeated many many times in just one day. At least all is quiet now as their workers are on strike again. Happy Christmas!!.

Just a Thought :

A friend of ours this week needed urgent care. The paramedics were with him for a number of hours. The senior paramedic had a degree with extra qualifications to enable her to administer prescribed drugs saying that if she got it wrong she could end up in prison. Her hourly pay is just £2-00 more than a duty manager at McDonalds.

I am very grateful for all those of you who waste your time every week reading this Rubbish.

This week's Rubbish will arrive on Christmas morning - a perfect way to start your special day.

A very happy Christmas to you all.

Brian