Re Contemplation

Nan, an interesting diversion. I should be working too but your question is an interesting one and as I suspect that at the end of the day it is one of the 'questions of life'  to which none of us may ever know the answer, I thought I would throw in a contribution.
 
It is a particularly apposite question because only a day or two ago a friend told me of a TV programme that went out last week here in the UK (and which we missed) stating that rickets was once again a problem in this Country. I cannot recall which vitamin deficiency this emanates from but we normally absorb it from sunlight. As you may know, the UK, certainly during 2000,  has been particularly deficient in sunshine and it seems to have been something that has been gradually been getting worse over recent years. Some of us think that the lack of sunshine is having a detrimental affect on the nations temperament etc but that is another issue! Apparently, the return of rickets is most prevalent amongst the Asian Brits as a result of their skin tone and dress, thereby being less able to absorb the minimal sunshine that does occur. As I say, I did not see the programme, but it led us on to discussing how Nature requires it's own elements to sustain life. Light and sunshine are obviously a key element but the wonders of Nature appears to be able to adapt over a period of time to most situations. In this regard I am forever mindful (and wonder at)  those trees/plant in Australia that require a bush fire in order to germinate, thereby ensuring a renewal after what is potentially a major tragedy. I suppose it is along these lines that I am not surprised that some plants can reproduce on the forest floor. Whilst perhaps the KEY element (light/sunshine) is reduced, thereby restricting the variety of plant life, it is nevertheless capable of sustaining varieties that are required in that environment for reasons that are perhaps beyond our knowledge!
 
I suppose it might be along this overall subject that I cannot help but reflect on the more recent dialogues that have been posted on Oleanders. Glenn's comments on their invasive nature in SA and the attitude of the local authorities. Also Olivier's comments regarding them in France. Given sufficient time I suppose that the "local" plants would have adapted, but then it was not Nature that transplanted the Oleander but man! Please do not think that I am against growing things out of it's own environment in which it will happily grow, with or without loving care and attention, but things and perhaps people too, are indigenous and it is not for us to be surprised when we upset the balance by getting on a plane or putting seeds in the post.
 
Nan, I hope I am not getting too far off the subject here but we are "pondering the conundrums of life" I believe and I think what I am saying is that Nature requires essential elements, perhaps the most important is sunlight and water and if through natural disaster or man the balance is upset Nature can adjust given sufficient time. Overall, I am as Western as the average person but, perhaps as a sign of increasing maturity (age?) I cannot help but reflect on the fact that the so called civilised world thinks that we are all so clever and developed when there are so many things to which we do not know (and perhaps should never know) the answer to. Proceed with caution eh?
 
Whilst writing can I say how much I enjoyed the dialogue on the Golden Rectangle etc. All new to me and I intend printing them off to try and understand all the knowledgeable things that were said. Still being used to day and INVENTED(?), by the Romans was it? No computers then. How far have we really come?
 
 
Whilst on a roll and completely unrelated can I say how much I enjoyed Yvonne's summary of the British and their gardens - I laughed aloud and have taken a copy for my desk which I can read anytime I feel low. HOW TRUE, maybe that is why we are moving to Portugal we just do not fit the criteria!
 
 
No more pondering, back to work. Sorry Nan, I do not appears to have helped to bail you out but you may be pleased to learn that at least one other person is going around in circles too.
 
Richard
 
 
Richard F Lovejoy
R*@dial.pipex.com
 
Grey, wet and cold UK
 

Tel: ++44 (0)1869345635
Fax:++44 (0)1869345650
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index