Welcome to 2023, from your pal Oddie.
We’ve had a few stinkers in recent weeks, which has made Oddie become extremely appreciative of the air conditioner.
It hasn’t had a lot of love since last summer, but it’s easy to remember why it’s an absolute essential in Australia.
Oddie’s air conditioner lives in the main room of the house, right above the TV, and angled directly at the couch, which has given him a wonderful excuse to sit on the couch to watch TV, to eat dinner, and — on the really hot nights — to sleep.
I mean, Oddie has of course been sleeping during the day in glorious, Christmas leftovers-induced powernaps, but we fail to see how that’s relevant.
However, he’s becoming concerned at a distinct Oddie-shaped depression in the cushions, which suits him slightly too well.
Time loses all meaning
For years, Oddie has heard about the strange rubber-banding between Christmas and the new year.
As someone who has had to work in that period for most of his adult life, Oddie never knew what it meant — until this year.
It’s honestly a wonder anyone comes back to work at all after New Year’s Day, because how in the world does anyone know when to return?
For all those that did go to work this year, from nurses keeping people alive, to emergency services, to people at the supermarket, to anything and everything else, we thank you.
Oh, and that includes Oddie’s colleagues.
Good feelings on return
The only way to mark the time through the period seems to be New Year’s Eve.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve there’s no understanding of what day it is or what’s happening, but the December 31 celebration is a good milestone to have.
For Mooroopna, it was lovely to see the town welcome back its New Year’s Eve festivities.
It was nice to hear of so many people able to come together after three difficult years. So here’s to 2023, and to more community gatherings.