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
Drought
I've written before about the drought we're currently experiencing. Today we drove from our home in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, to Roma in Queensland. As we went west and north, it got even drier. It's dry at home - really dry. When you dig, there's no moisture in the soil at all … Continue reading Drought
Dear Retailers….
Dear Retailers of Australia, It is not Black Friday. You have emailed me repeatedly about your sales that do not encompass Black Friday at all. You've also flooded the television with your ads. Are you confused? Why are you doing this? In case you're having calendar malfunctions, I'd like to inform you that it will … Continue reading Dear Retailers….
Tomorrow
If you look at the image above, you can see the fire danger ratings across NSW tomorrow. We live in number 3. The Greater Hunter. Tonight isn't hot, just comfortable, and there's no wind. Tomorrow's forecast is for 36-38 degrees (C), and high winds. It's going to be hot, windy, and the fire danger is … Continue reading Tomorrow
Remembering
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. At 11am, we pause to Remember. From its beginnings as Armistice Day in memory of the First World War, to a time when we remember the both the dead and all of those who have fought, and still fight in conflicts across the globe. Yesterday was also a significant day for … Continue reading Remembering
Forty Minutes Of My Life I Won’t Get Back
I was folding the washing this afternoon, and it was very hot outside, so I decided to watch something on Netflix. I'm not in the middle of anything in particular right now, so I decided to watch The I-Land. From the very start, I could tell it wasn't going to be a new favourite - … Continue reading Forty Minutes Of My Life I Won’t Get Back
R U OK?
Last Thursday it was R U OK Day here in Australia. R U OK Day is meant to remind people to ask their friends and workmates whether their mental health is OK. In theory, the day is meant to remind people that they should check in on their friends and workmates on a regular basis. … Continue reading R U OK?
What Makes Us More Than Shallow?
We live with privilege. We live in a developed country, have comfortable jobs, and leisure time, something that many in developing countries may never have. Over the last few weeks I've been reflecting on a variety of things. We've recently seen many friends deeply touched by sadness, sorrow, and loss. Yet still, all around us … Continue reading What Makes Us More Than Shallow?
