This morning I had the weirdest shopping experience of my life. We were out of cat litter (we have three cats), and we needed both cat and dog (two dogs) food. Cat and dog spam below.... Boots Socks (Yes I know, but it wasn't deliberate.) Nosey Diva (small dog in big bed) and Jace (bigger … Continue reading A Letter To Our City Brethren
Surely We Can Be Better Than This?
Everything's in flux. Things are currently changing daily, seemingly hour by hour. We're being slammed with all kinds of information, via media, government releases, and of course the Facebook meme. People are frightened, I understand that. This is the unknown menace, a fearful spectre of history, or a fanciful movie theme, and now it's here, … Continue reading Surely We Can Be Better Than This?
How to Respond?
A few months ago, Australia was burning. We saw incredible scenes, from dramatic escapes and heroic actions by firefighters and other emergency services personnel to walls of flame moving faster than anyone could ever believe. We also saw incredible generosity - of finances, goods, and more than anything else, of spirit. We banded together as … Continue reading How to Respond?
Countdown to New Book, and the Great Toilet Paper Crisis
The 17th of April now is only about six weeks away. That's when Amethyst Pledge will be officially launched. It's been up for a few weeks on Netgalley as an ARC with some pleasing reviews. The launch will be held at one of our local cafes, Double Picc, where part of the story was written, … Continue reading Countdown to New Book, and the Great Toilet Paper Crisis
It Rained – on Both Sides of the Continent!
It has rained. Not everywhere, but in many places across this dry and dusty continent. In some places, they've gone from drought-dry, fire-scorched landscape to flooded. It's a rain event to provide much hope across at least parts of Eastern Australia. Here, in my home town, it has rained. Not nearly enough to break the … Continue reading It Rained – on Both Sides of the Continent!
Australia in Drought, Fire and Flood
In case you missed it, Australia is in drought, and we’ve had severe fires. What’s been very heartening, however, is the connection that people feel due to the marvel that is the internet. I’ve had queries from online friends, making sure we’re all right from a variety of places across the world. I think it’s … Continue reading Australia in Drought, Fire and Flood
It’s Hot…Again
It's 10.54am as I type these first words. It's already passed 38 degrees on a day forecast to reach about 45 degrees in our town. (Celcius!) That would be 113 degrees Fahrenheit for those who are not au fait with degrees C. Our local fire danger is listed as 'Severe' while further south, areas are … Continue reading It’s Hot…Again
Merry Christmas
I grew up in Western Australia. At this time of year, I miss a particular thing that has always signified Christmas to me. It's a Christmas Tree, or more particularly, the native tree that grows in WA, and flowers at this time of year. Nuytsia Floribunda (Moodjar) We called them Christmas Trees when I was … Continue reading Merry Christmas
When a Volunteer Dies
This morning, we in Australia woke up to the news that two firefighters have died. Their truck was hit by a falling tree and rolled, injuring three others. You can read the whole story here. They were volunteers, members of the Horsely Park rural fire services brigade. I'm deeply saddened by this. Our fire emergency … Continue reading When a Volunteer Dies
One Day Closer to Rain
There's a page on Facebook called One Day Closer to Rain (Drought). Or there was. I'd link to it, but today it was taken down by Facebook. It's a support page, for people struggling with the drought here in Australia, and it's a place for people who aren't from rural areas to be able to … Continue reading One Day Closer to Rain
