What have you been doing today?

[judydawn]

That’s terrible news K Atie, I’ve been so busy I haven’t been watching the news programs. Stay wary and safe.

I’m off on our cruise today so wishing you all a happy and safe Christmas.

[K Atie]

Judy thank you . It seems not much on the news . Enjoy your cruise . Lots of embers and wind changes so far. The actual sun was red .. not a glow around it like normal . It’s very intense then the wind calms down and all is ok .

[Cuilidh]

Judy,special wishes and happy sailing - I am probably too late with this message, but you will perhaps get it sometime.

One of our colleagues at work has just come off a working voyage (42 days) crewing on a tall ship in the Antarctica - I hope your holiday is warmer, less hard work and calmer than her trip!!

K Atie the colour of the skies over here are telling us that the fire is still raging. Take care.

[K Atie]

Marina it’s been a very beastly day . A beastly day and the fire came out of the mountains but crews worked hard . There is more than 10100 ha burnt . We had both black large embers and white embers all day . Listening to the fire radio is gruelling , but necessary . At one stage the sun was actually red . Not looking forward to seeing the red glow tonight . Unfortunately this will be a lot for weeks .

[mab19]

K Atie, a very stressful time for you, stay safe.

Judy, enjoy your cruise.

[cookie1]

Not good at all KAtie. Fire is dreadful.

Judy, enjoy your cruise and enjoy being spoiled rotten.

[achookwoman]

K Atie, we saw that red sun. Amazing. Stay safe and be ready to leave. Fire is so unpredictable.
We all know Judy will be well prepared and will be having a well deserved holiday. This is a special Cruise for Xmas and the New Year so go for it Judy.

[K Atie]

Yes the red sun was quite amazing. This morning DS goes out on a fire tanker , hopefully he is with who he knows . Late last night Halls Gap and Pamonal were evacuated! The fire was flat out heading their way . GF and I are texting till very late last night .reassuring and having a few laughs . This morning is cold and cloudy . Another day .. I really need to shop and do I take all the stuff out of my car to do this !

[K Atie]

I did the shopping and managed to see a lot of people. A few Xmas presents too. So tired I stopped on way home and slept .. h he one to realise that shopping it away . Then bed , I managed to cook boys dinner ! The bbq would not work . DS was with everyone he knew and the talk is the fire will come out on Xmas Boxing Day with the weather being so bad . At the moment the fire front is 60ks long and winds are 60-80  in speed ( I’ll have to check this info ) so that’s huge . There’s no dought we are on for some drama ..let’s pray the weather changes . I am very stressed .

[cookie1]

KAtie I  feel for you. Just have everything ready in case you need to evacuate. Don’t worry about Christmas you can celebrate it at a later date.

[achookwoman]

Katie, when we lived in a fire prone area, we had one car packed all Summer. We had to leave at least once each year. It takes a lot of pressure off .
Cleaning out fridge incase I’m doing Xmas.

[K Atie]

Thank you I’ve packed most things in my car . Yesterday we harvested the wheat so I was pilot again . Rushed home to go to our annual picnic with friends! Boys stayed . Although I nearly turned around 3 times I eventually got there . The fire was coming out near when boys were but far enough away that they still could go on . Anyway we had lots of laughs and food . Rained most of the way home but stopped before us ! We did get a small amount of rain and it was very cold . Boys came home for dinner , heat up meal from supermarket… their suggestion. DH and went out late to take an auga ( moves the grain from field bin to truck ) up to where they are harvesting. Flashing light on it and Ute .. Police passed us and we thought they may well pull us over as not realy ment to do this so late . All good . Truck was coming to take the grain at 7.30 am today !

[cookie1]

I popped up to the Italian shop very early this morning to get our fruit and veggies for Christmas. I’ve cooked up the things I need to make the salads etc tomorrow. Defrosted the meats I need to prepare.

[achookwoman]

Yesterday was a day of pleasant surprises. Wilson’s packed to the rafters with people and food. Leg of ham, massive $200 !!!. Turkey, same. But oh it was beautiful. I only bought a few things including some Dutch cream potatoes.
Collins book shop , popped in to see if I could buy a collection of Agatha Christie stories. No such thing. While the staff were searching, a customer approached me and said that she had most of the stories and would lend them to me. How’s that for Xmas spirit ?
I’ve had a message from Judy and she is having a great time. No issues with food she can eat, wonderful.

[K Atie]

Chookie how nice I that person.. Manage to get the dinning room sorted a bit . Put some holly that has the blue buds soon to be flowers on MIL grave ! Another funeral today so DH wanted it to look nice . Took a sample of wheat to the testing station to find out moisture level , too high but we have to get it off so DH will have to dry it later. DD rang on GFs phone gets stopped working! They missed the train in Milan to Florence, as her ticket was on the phone . Apple shop in Florence thankfully fixed it . Inner vert late at home .