Silly season is well and truly amongst us. I lay up last night thinking that we should send out a newsletter for 2009 together with season greetings. I then realized that it’s all here anyway, right on this website. Or at least the last seven months of it is. The beginning of the year was characterized by various cycling events including an awesome Sani-2c and a blustery Argus. With this in mind, I would like to make mention of my latest acquisition-an exercise bike! With a portion of the funding raised, your Christmas present to me is an electrical stimulation bicycle that will allow me to get back into one of my passions in life whilst assisting my bone density, joint integrity and general fitness.
On the topic of spending money raised, you may be interested to note that I have identified three disadvantaged children whom Tom’s discretionary fund will be putting through school next year [school fees, uniforms, books, nutrition etc.]. I am hoping to have pictures and the full story up on the website by January, but thanks to Ryan Wiberly and the Humber crew who specifically requested that their funds be put to a charitable cause. More welcome of course!
It’s great to be home in Zimbabwe. I have been back one month already and time seems to be flying. Routines are gradually beginning to emerge, and I am back  into the swing of things at work. I have been inundated with visitors, made several public outings and got really well set up at home with regards to computing and communicating with the world [on Skype]. Best of all however, is being with my family!
2010
For 2010, I offer you the same advice that I’m taking myself – to simply be as aware as possible of each moment. The clarity and appreciation of things exactly as they are might astonish you. In addition, I would like to borrow a phrase from one of Mary Oliver’s poems -
“for how long will you continue to listen to those dark shouters, caution and prudence? Fall in! Fall in!”
Finally some thank yous – to the organizers and participants of the croquet day in Johannesburg, the Cape Town walk and of course, the Humber (hilarity!) challenge right here in Zimbabwe. You guys are really great.
Have a fantastic Christmas!
Tom

Silly season is well and truly amongst us. I lay up last night thinking that we should send out a newsletter for 2009 together with season greetings. I then realized that it’s all here anyway, right on this website. Or at least the last seven months of it is. The beginning of the year was characterized by various cycling events including an awesome Sani-2c and a blustery Argus. With this in mind, I would like to make mention of my latest acquisition-an exercise bike! With a portion of the funding raised, your Christmas present to me is an electrical stimulation bicycle that will allow me to get back into one of my passions in life whilst assisting my bone density, joint integrity and general fitness.

On the topic of spending money raised, you may be interested to note that I have identified three disadvantaged children whom Tom’s discretionary fund will be putting through school next year [school fees, uniforms, books, nutrition etc.]. I am hoping to have pictures and the full story up on the website by January, but thanks to Ryan Wiberly and the Humber crew who specifically requested that their funds be put to a charitable cause. More welcome of course!

It’s great to be home in Zimbabwe. I have been back one month already and time seems to be flying. Routines are gradually beginning to emerge, and I am back  into the swing of things at work. I have been inundated with visitors, made several public outings and got really well set up at home with regards to computing and communicating with the world [on Skype]. Best of all however, is being with my family!

For 2010, I offer you the same advice that I’m taking myself – to simply be as aware as possible of each moment. The clarity and appreciation of things exactly as they are might astonish you. In addition, I would like to borrow a phrase from one of Mary Oliver’s poems -

“for how long will you continue to listen to those dark shouters, caution and prudence? Fall in! Fall in!”

Finally some thank yous – to the organizers and participants of the croquet day in Johannesburg, the Cape Town walk and of course, the Humber (hilarity!) challenge right here in Zimbabwe. You guys are really great.

Have a fantastic Christmas!

Tom