Usually, at this time of year, I write a column about all the little things that annoy me. Things like people walking three abreast on footpaths with no consideration for oncoming single pedestrians or, for that matter, cyclists.
Then there are cyclists and joggers who think they are in a gold medal race at the Olympics and nearly bowl you over if you don’t immediately get out of their way, as they head for some invisible glory.
Add to that the new scourge on footpaths, electric scooters and bikes that are out of control. Not to mention folks you pass at five in the morning on the walkways who can’t bring themselves to say hello. Drivers who push in that can’t at least acknowledge that you were kind enough to let them in. Or checkout operators who ask you how your day is but have no idea or interest in what your response is.
Try it one day; respond by saying, “Yep, not great. I only have three hours to live.” I guarantee the response will be, “What else have you planned for the weekend?”
None of the above really matters. They are only musings of someone who has been on the planet watching people for way too many decades. None are life-threatening, and of course, I could go on for pages about other little things that are annoying.
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This time, though, I have a new gripe. I have noticed all the whining about homeless people and free campers. Neither bothers me. You see, I work on the theory of “But by the grace of God, go I”.
It could be me in that car or van with all my worldly possessions.
However, my new whine is somewhat related. I can’t believe that folks around the Coast are outraged about the above, but don’t mention the caravans, campervans and trailers parked on the side of the road indefinitely. Especially those parked in cycle lanes.
Related story: Fed-up resident calls for action on parked caravans
Surely if you can afford one of these you can afford to either store them somewhere or have them on your property.
Yes, I am a grumpy old man, but hey, I have noticed that these vans multiply. It’s only a matter of time before someone on a pushbike or a pedestrian gets skittled.
I probably should live by that famous quote, “There are two rules for living in harmony: 1) don’t sweat the small stuff, and 2) it’s all small.”
Ashley Robinson is chairman of the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball, and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.
