Zakynthos, 2009
You may have already read my Bio page on my website here, and that should tell you more than enough about me. However, for the ultra-curious of my blog visitors, I suppose I could add a few more bits and pieces of information, without jeopardising my privacy. I am, by nature, and by training, a naturalist – an ornithologist, an observer, and someone with an insatiable appetite for watching life – whether it be a hawk pursuing its prey, a stoat mesmerising a rabbit, or just sitting in a pavement cafe, watching the world go by. I love the way communication works – in all its forms, and I am saddened when I see that for what ever reason, it isn’t working as it should. My avian research, the teaching, and latterly, the woodturning, are all manifestations of that combination of natural history and communication, which together have shaped the direction of my life for well over half a century. As with any journey, there have been good bits and bad bits and yes – a couple of really horrible bits too, but they are all in the past, and hopefully I have learned something (if never enough!) from all of them.
I used to think that with increasing age came greater wisdom, but it doesn’t seem to have worked like that, and I find that as I grow older, I become more and more frustrated as the list of “things to do before you die” just gets longer and longer. I console myself by thinking that it is better to be frustrated than just plain bored…………. I have been lucky in many respects, and an eventful life has left me with much to ponder upon. Maybe, in this autumn-time of life, I should concentrate on letting the leaves of life change colour gracefully – and not struggle to keep them for ever green. After all, that plant which I refer to as the “Great Green Weed” (Cupressus lawsoniana – the scourge of sub-urban house boundaries), is an evergreen – and just look at the amount of grief that has caused to countless people…………………
Remarkable info on SEO, thanks for posting About me | Curly shavings…..!
I hope you would not mind if I placed a part of About me | Curly shavings….. on my univeristy blog?
Thanks for getting in touch – and feel free to link me to your Uni sblog! Best wishes – Tony
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
Cheers!
Many thanks for your kind comments! I assure you that I am not a famous blogger…..or a famous anything else either . I wouldn’t know what to do with fame even if I had it! I just enjoy putting my thoughts into words from time to time. Blogs have another pleasant characteristic too – they don’t interrupt before you’ve finished saying what you want to say
Glad to be of help – call back on here sometime.
I have known Tony for about 12 years and can only say good things about you Tony.
You have been my mentor and friend and you are always full of encouragement for me in whatever I do.
I love your woodworking and the blog is pretty good too mate
Keep up the good work Tony.
Mark.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
If you have not met Tony then you do not know what you have missed. A great man whom I met in Bangor and had the pleasure of working with him for numerous years. He was not only my manager, but a mentor and a true friend. .I am glad I stumbled across this blog (never knew Tony to be such an expert blogger) and having seen your picture Tony, I can only – you have not changed a bit.
Votre amis du passé
Ahhhh – Salut, cher ami Ziad! J’ai te retrouvé, enfin! Maintenant, j’ai ton adresse e-mail je vais envoyer un message privé au cours des prochains jours. A bientot Ziad – et mes salutations pour Rima et les gosses! Hwyl iti a gobeithio dy fod yn hapus yn dy waith yng nghanol Llundain efo’r Gemau Olympaidd ar eu ffordd!. I hope you are still having fun in the IT world – and keeping all the students on their toes! – Iechyd da! – Tony
Just would like to say you have a wonderful way of expressing yourself, and I loved reading your blog…I noticed it’s been over a year since you have added to it. I am hoping you are well and enjoying retirement.
Hi Tony,
Greetings from the USA. I have only know you from email, and from a site called Pogo I believe. It’s a site where you can play games. I hope your well and have to say, I’m very disappointed to see that you have not written any more in your blog.
Do you still miss Wales? I am sure you do but, I’m also sure you are happier where you are. All the best. Jeanne