There are a number of instances when I look back on this life and can see intuitions, forebodings and dreams. Several years later, more than decades in some cases, events which can be perceived as being foretold, come to pass. Something has perhaps heralded something else many years in advance. The sceptical scientist could say that it is my confirmation bias, I wanted these “predictions” to come true in order to fulfil a personal pet theory. A similar story can he told for some of the wife’s dreams. A retrospective look at dated material suggests a current event predicted. I have enough confidence in this phenomena that should a “prediction” come true I am not surprised, nor is it a big deal. It is normal in this house.

I have an overarching assimilation for many things which have taken place. This may or may not be “proven” by events upcoming. My hypothetical assimilation is simple yet far-reaching. I will not be surprised if it is correct nor will I be surprised if it is wrong. The gist may be better than the detail. It pertains to the karma of other people which is not mine to address.

My life has already had a number of changes of direction and one could say that these are by way of precedent. As such I will not be at all surprised if life has a least one more sudden and “unexpected” change. Fate may yet have some quirks up her sleeve.

Of late we have been watching a number of fairly modern TV series in which the narrative device involves multiple apparent plot twists, which are “unexpected”. These can be portrayed by showing a snippet of action from before or after. They seem to be trying overly hard to be complicated and clever. The consequence is that they introduce an incredulity into the narrative. “If that had really happened the plot would not be as it is portrayed. It is not internally consistent. It does not make sense.” I suspect that it is a part of the modern algorithm the pitching of which to programme funders has been honed to secure money. The algorithm must not be strayed from, the formula for success is sacrosanct. The elevator pitch must have twists and turns and surprise. For me it has gotten to the point where quality of narrative has been sacrificed for artificial cleverness. “Gee  are we not clever…” “You did not see that coming!”

Well maybe but I can no longer be arsed with your programme.

OK. I know I am an old git…

For most people there is some degree of divergence from where they thought their life might go and where it actually does. The degree of divergence varies. Back in the early 1970s we left Bristol for Mt Isa. That was a larger than standard deviation back then.

One of the things which is fairly inexplicable given my life circumstance is the appearance of “important” figures in my dream. These range from high lamas, to spooks, politicians and royalty. Viewed analytically it is very unlikely that such people dream of me. There is no obvious trajectory in which our circles might cross. Yet there remains a very tiny chance that the direction of life here could change big time.

The most obvious trajectory is of a spent life quietly winding down secateurs in hand and toasted cumin seeds in the pestle and mortar.

Based on the life expectancy from South Wales at my time of birth and the age of death of my parents. It is possible I have a decade left. That leaves a while for some kind of quirk of fate to tip up….