Each year in March the Chancellor of the Exchequer presents his budget to Parliament. This year most of his message was gloomy. Chancellors will always offer some sweeteners but this year the message was even more gloomy than normal. I guess that he had no option given the dire state of the British economy. As I am sure you know, we have a lot of debt!
But could things be worse? Of course they could and they have been. In 1953 the British economy was still recovering from the 2nd World War and most foodstuffs were rationed. Sugar in particular was in short supply and sweets and cakes were a real luxury. Then in the budget of 1953 the then Chancellor announced an increase in the supply of sugar. Overnight people were able to buy sweets (toffee apples were very popular) and make cakes. After more than a decade of darkness, the British people could celebrate a little bit of pleasure.
I wonder how long it will be before the present Chancellor is able to announce such a popular decision?
I finished last week's blog reflecting on the awesome power of nature. But my example was as nothing in comparison with the devastating tsunami which hit Japan last week.
It is almost incomprehensible that a society as technologically advanced, civilised and prepared as Japan could have suffered such a devastating blow. I guess that we all sat back dumbfounded at the pictures we saw on TV. It must have been terrifying for the Japanese. The torrent of water seemed unstoppable sweeping all before it.
Human life seemed so fragile when stacked up against the power of an earthquake and its repercussions. Probably in excess of 10000 people will lose their lives as a direct consequence of the tsunami and over half a million will suffer severe dislocation. Japan is a society deeply conscious of the impermanency of life and the cruel side of nature living so close to major fault lines in the tectonic plates. It is no surprise the tsunami is a Japanese word.
We can only look on in wonder at the fortitude of the Japanese people; their quiet acceptance of the situation, their ability to keep going. There is no doubt that they will rebuild their lives. Perhaps then I should finish this week reflecting on the resilience and resourcefulness of human beings. Faced by overwhelming odds they keep going, building for a better future. Now that's awe inspiring.
Half-term for my wife and I was skiing in Canada. Whistler, the resort we visited, is wonderful. Home to the alpine events at the 2010 Winter Olympics, it is full of life and offers a wealth of varied skiing not to mention some great restaurants and a fabulous hotel, Chateau Whistler. We couldn't have been happier. The early morning swim at 5.30 am, breakfast at 7.00 am and on the piste by 9.30 am. That was until Thursday. From inside our room it looked beautiful outside, clear blue skies and bright sunshine. Once outside reality kicked in. The thermometer said -19 degrees centigrade and the journey up the mountain on the chair lift was unpleasant. At the top the temperature had dropped to -26 degrees centigrade and I was ready to pack it in. My cheeks were burning raw, my toes had gone numb and my fingers had shriveled into my gloves. Yet the view was spectacular. Glistening peaks, sparkling snow and the promise of exhilarating skiing.
By lunch-time we had enough. It was just too cold. Sitting in our cosy chairs basking in the warmth of the sunlight magnified by large glass windows, we marvelled at the contrast between the wilderness outside and the comfort of our hotel. My toes were still numb and my fingers looked a funny colour but it had been worth it. Nature is awesome experienced at -26 degrees centigrade.