Bruce from West Oz
New member
Sometimes, I know, I bitch and whinge about living here in Australia ...
... but it's still a good life.
It's Monday night, and Di and I have just finished a nice meal -- mint-marinated lamb chops, barbecued, with a Tuscan salad and a couple of glasses of fine white burgundy.
Its been warm today -- circa 90F -- now it's still and balmy. The garden's looking good and the reticulation's running, filling the night air with the scent of water on warm earth.
The TV's turned down, not even a distraction, and my kids are away. Di's upstairs with a wine and a chocolate (I'm sure you ladies will appreciate that) and I'm talking to my friends.
Yep, that's the good bit. I can't see you guys, can't shake your hand or pat you on the back. Can't hold you when you need it, or down a beer with you when you're happy.
But you're there, and I can talk to you like this.
Just us, with nothing in common except we own and love and appreciate guns. Not because of what they do or don't do -- just because they are.
Mine are locked away, cleaned, oiled and waiting for next weekend. But the memories they've already given me will last me a lifetime, even if I am unable to ever use them again. The same with the friendships. I met my best friend because of a common interest in guns -- we were 13. Sadly, he died in an aeroplane accident 7 years ago. But I still talk to him occasionally -- about guns and shooting.
What am I saying? Just this -- Australia can ban guns all it likes, but it can never ban the very qualities that make people appreciate, use and own guns. Self-reliance, independence, pride -- and a willingness to pass on our skills and belief to the next generation. Ban away, boys -- you ain't gonna stop us. We built a nation on the self-reliant digger, thumbing his nose at authority. Well, we may be dinosaurs, but we're not extinct yet.
Meanwhile, I'll count the Hornet rounds I reloaded over the weekend, maybe take the .22 out for another quick oil, then take my wife a second glass of wine -- and enjoy being free to feel this way, and to post this message.
Wish you were here, guys, to sit under the patio and share a beer with me. I'd like to shake your hands, each and every one.
B
[This message has been edited by Bruce from West Oz (edited November 01, 1999).]
... but it's still a good life.
It's Monday night, and Di and I have just finished a nice meal -- mint-marinated lamb chops, barbecued, with a Tuscan salad and a couple of glasses of fine white burgundy.
Its been warm today -- circa 90F -- now it's still and balmy. The garden's looking good and the reticulation's running, filling the night air with the scent of water on warm earth.
The TV's turned down, not even a distraction, and my kids are away. Di's upstairs with a wine and a chocolate (I'm sure you ladies will appreciate that) and I'm talking to my friends.
Yep, that's the good bit. I can't see you guys, can't shake your hand or pat you on the back. Can't hold you when you need it, or down a beer with you when you're happy.
But you're there, and I can talk to you like this.
Just us, with nothing in common except we own and love and appreciate guns. Not because of what they do or don't do -- just because they are.
Mine are locked away, cleaned, oiled and waiting for next weekend. But the memories they've already given me will last me a lifetime, even if I am unable to ever use them again. The same with the friendships. I met my best friend because of a common interest in guns -- we were 13. Sadly, he died in an aeroplane accident 7 years ago. But I still talk to him occasionally -- about guns and shooting.
What am I saying? Just this -- Australia can ban guns all it likes, but it can never ban the very qualities that make people appreciate, use and own guns. Self-reliance, independence, pride -- and a willingness to pass on our skills and belief to the next generation. Ban away, boys -- you ain't gonna stop us. We built a nation on the self-reliant digger, thumbing his nose at authority. Well, we may be dinosaurs, but we're not extinct yet.
Meanwhile, I'll count the Hornet rounds I reloaded over the weekend, maybe take the .22 out for another quick oil, then take my wife a second glass of wine -- and enjoy being free to feel this way, and to post this message.
Wish you were here, guys, to sit under the patio and share a beer with me. I'd like to shake your hands, each and every one.
B
[This message has been edited by Bruce from West Oz (edited November 01, 1999).]