Australia - a land of contrasts

We are getting emails from friends worried about us here in Australia! So, I'd better update.

We are both well. We have been spending a lot of time getting quotes for this and that to do with our little home. My goodness it sure does take time to do all this, and also it is very tiring trying to co-ordinate all the comings and goings of tradespeople (and we're only getting quotes). It has been hot here in Perth, but we love the blue skies and warm weather. We sleep with a fan on each night as we can't have our bedroom window open. It's too noisy with the freeway (motorway) going past!!

We have both been devastated by the flooding in Queensland and then Cyclone Yasi. Our hearts have gone out to the many, many people affected by what has been going on. Then we have just had fires here in Perth in the suburbs of Kelmscott and Roleystone. The dreadful this is that the loss of over 70 homes could have been avoided. A man was using machinery that gave off sparks which started the fires! How tragic is that!

The fires were nowhere near us, but up in the surrounding hills east of Perth. Actually we were sitting having lunch down on the Canning River with our friends Julie and Richard Waterman who were visiting us for a few days from Cornwell, England (we knew them in Basel and Richard has now retired). Roger mentioned that he saw terrible smoke and we actually thought it was a lot closer than what it was.

We've had a lovely time with Richard and Julie, though to tell the truth, we get very tired these days with extra activities and I have to really pace myself, which is not always easy. We went on a lovely cruise on the Swan River down to Fremantle and back and then met for a picnic at Kings Park. Irene joined us which was great fun. Kings Park overlooks Perth and is quite beautiful. We took them swimming at Cottesloe Beach and it was perfect. I even managed to coax Roger into the water. Then we had fish and chips and watched the sun set over the ocean. They are now traveling down the south of Perth and having a wonderful time I hope.

More later. I must get myself ready for work. The big office move is tomorrow and it's all go!!