No problem, Cheryl. If only we could get some way of sharing the weather out properly across the world.

I think they said on the TV tonight it is the wettest December ever here - I may be wrong, I was only half listening - and we're not even halfway through the month.

The trouble is we don't get rain like we used to. It tends to pour down when it does rain and then there's nowhere for it to go. The west (Glasgow area) always get the worst of it, there's not usually much rain left for the east coast by the time it has emptied over Glasgow and the hills. So the climate on the east coast is a lot better.

To prove we get sunny days here's one from last week a few miles out into the country.

What a horribly scary day. We had another very bad fire day here. We were under ember attack around 1 pm then everything went black. It was like midnight in the middle of the day....weird. The change came through in time to push it away from us, but we are far from being in the clear yet. We have 2 fire fronts one NNW of us and one NW of us. We also have another fire front to the WSW. We are going to have a very long summer here.
I took photos but since it was pitch black for 4 hours they didn't turn out, the experience was terribly frightening. We have been basically blockaded in our home as there is a road block 100 meters down the road towards town , if we leave we are not allowed back home. Locals are far from happy as it means we cannot get supplies of any sort.

We are said to have a few days of better weather for the fires, so hopefully we can get a little sleep.

Thanks for your concerns, it does mean a lot.

I was watching the news on the ABC tonight, the fires are just unbelievable....just looks like the whole state is burning away.

Wish I could help you O.K., I really do, ...words escape me.

I hope you manage to get some sleep, and I truly hope this all comes to an end sooner than later.

My thoughts are with you all.

Cheryl

Thanks Cheryl...

Just as I was about to go to bed the winds get back up. Going to be a long night.

Basically this whole side of the state will burn out by the end of summer. Obviously not all as in townships and such but much of the bush area and small communities will experience it. We are in drought as you are over that side of the state so things are far from green and easily burnt and not so easily controlled. Need to go and find some match sticks to keep my eyes open. They are sore from the thick smoke and tired.

One CFA man died in Heyfield today... very sad as he fell off a trailer and the tanker he was on backed over him. Any loss of death is sad, but this was a freak incident and CFA members are held in high honor with me for what they put on the line, so it hits me. I am in the CFA and we don't only offer our services to the community but also take unpaid leave from our jobs to do so and so close to Christmas it doesn't make things easy... but it's a damn good feeling when you can save people's homes and land, no money can buy that feeling. Then you have the homes you just can't save too...but I like to think of the smiles on people's faces over that.

I hope it comes sooner rather than later also in a way... If it can come soon and when there is no wind I'll be happy. If it comes fast and with strong winds I'd prefer to wait a month or 2 for better conditions to deal with it. We don't get to chose though, we can only hope.

Can't wait to have a good nights sleep.

I am exhausted from catering, just knocked off a lovely young wallaby, now I suppose I had better go get one to eat tomorrow night.

Caught a bout 100 big red claw yabbies, and a Murray cod or two.

On a more somber note, I have seen this evening that Bairnsdale is no longer safe, this is a frightening thought indeed.

Keep safe O.K.

Pete

Bairnsdale was never safe, only on a day to day basis. That is my home town and I don't want to see it burnt. I am 18 km's NNW of Bairnsdale, on the Dargo road. It got hairy out here today, but with the wind change our threat now comes from the WSW fire. It is in grass and running heading towards pine plantations and further down the line...us.

Where I am is pretty safe as far as things around here are concerned. I am in an area of cleared land so a running grass fire is what we will see unless a nice little spotting from the main fire gets here first which I would prefer. We are well prepared it's the guys down the road in the bush I fear for more.

Oh BTW Pete.... stop raving about your catch. I love seafood and a good feast of it right now would go down a treat and it sure beats eating ash.

O.K. The seafood is all for the Aussie thread's 1st birthday party tomorrow night, of course you are invited, eat your fill. BTW have just heard on ABC news that things have intensified out your way, fingers crossed.

Pete

Sounds tasty, Pete.

I hope all turns out OK for you, O.K.
(I've just been looking at maps to see where Bairnsdale is.)

Don't know where it came from but all the same I am happy. Just had a fall for about 20 minutes of steady rain. Not enough to damped the fires but everything is wet so embers aren't going to take off tonight. Bed for me

Pete if I don't make it save me some food.

Cake again.... thanks for your well wishes. If you're looking at fire maps of the region on the dse website or on sentinel then I am just NW of Lindenow. Bairnsdale should be ok... I remember in 82 when fires hit the town, it was scary but the town was much smaller then. It'll be ok, people are prepared that's what makes things easier to control.

That's good news, we have some New Zealand fire fighters over there help you guys out

Hope they get this uncontrolled soon, is this hot, hot summer turns nasty for a few weeks.

O.K.
If you can't make it we will understand, however we will set a place at the cyber table for you.

Great that you have had a little rain, I have just been on the sentinel site, and it seems that the pressure might be off temporarily.

Chin up, Pete

Hi Pete,

Looks like we are early for the BBQ/party, i will leave all the seafood for the rest of you as i am a son of a butcher and love me mystery bags and buggers and of course.....................

I hope all is well with all the people here that are in the middle of the Aussie fire drama and hope they get a chance to hop in and take there mind off things for a while.

I will be back later........cheers.......

GP

A very happy birthday to us Aussies, we are a little early G.P. but the sun's gotta be over the yard arm somewhere.

Just looked in my in box and I had recieved a P.M.

LOL..HAHA...
Very funny Pete....
When we hit 100 we get a letter from the queen!!!

I wonder what name little johnny posts under??

You're a funny bugger Pete,.....looking forward to our meeting one day..........

Happy 1st Birthday to the Aussie Thread

So glad I have been a part of it.

What else you got behind that bar???? 'cause I don't drink beer.

And did somebody say seafood?

And just to get us all in the party and festive mood, who's gonna join me in a rendition of our own
Aussie Jingle Bells?

Dashing through the bush,
in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side,
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in
my singlet, shorts and thongs

*
! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
onOh a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

*
Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard,
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way,
by the barbecue.

*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap,
Pack the car and all shoot through,
before the washing up.

*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

Funny you should mention a telegram from the queen:



[quote name='aussiefox' date='Dec 15 2006, 03:42 PM' post='3359256']
You're a funny bugger Pete,.....looking forward to our meeting one day..........

Happy 1st Birthday to the Aussie Thread

So glad I have been a part of it.

What else you got behind that bar???? 'cause I don't drink beer.

And did somebody say seafood?

And just to get us all in the party and festive mood, who's gonna join me in a rendition of our own
Aussie Jingle Bells?

Dashing through the bush,
in a rusty Holden Ute,
Kicking up the dust,
esky in the boot,
Kelpie by my side,
singing Christmas songs,
It's Summer time and I am in
my singlet, shorts and thongs

*
! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
onOh a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.

*
Engine's getting hot;
we dodge the kangaroos,
The swaggie climbs aboard,
he is welcome too.
All the family's there,
sitting by the pool,
Christmas Day the Aussie way,
by the barbecue.

*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
*
Come the afternoon,
Grandpa has a doze,
The kids and Uncle Bruce,
are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go,
we take the family snap,
Pack the car and all shoot through,
before the washing up.

*
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summers day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
[/quote


I love it, here have a schooner of asti spumante.

Pete

Happy Birthday to the Aussie Thread ......and it's my Forum birthday as well.

Let's follow the advice of Shirley Bassey on UK TV adverts right now singing "Let's get this party started..."
We obviously need to teach Shirley the Aussie Jingle Bells, I'm sure she'd do a good version.



I love the messages you have been receiving, Pete. It just shows the high regard this thread is held in.
I'll have to email Her Majesty about future arrangements......where's her address?....yes, here it is...
liz @ buckhouse.er I would be wary of Philip lowering a sword into my layers, he could slice me up quite easily - even if the thought of "Arise Sir Cake.." is quite appealing.

Anyway, on with the party... and to help us celebrate, I've lined up a lot of Aussie artistes to perform...Midnight Oil, AC DC, The Church, Powderfinger, Icehouse will be kicking off and there will be lots more to follow.....more cake, anybody??

Happy forum birthday to you too Cake, (Sir Cake). Have a slice of murray cod off the barbie, while I get you a coldie.

The spread you have provided looks wonderful.

Pete

Thanks Pete.

Cheers everybody.

Yesterday it was 39.5 C and today (lunchtime) abt 34C

Just watched Kenny.

A broadminded Aussie must see.

Pete

Arrrgg the cricket in Perth, OMG

We must live in a backwater, I have been waiting for this to come. I have heard about it. Was it good?

Dorky

I must admit that I downloaded it, so I got to see it before most. Kenny is a really happy little story about a true blue Aussie bloke, when you get the chance please go and see it.

Pete

Is it suitable for kids Pete....ie 6 and 7?

Depends on your language requirments, in my book no.

Pete

did you guys see this
Woman, son charged over fire in Victoria

A teenage boy and his mother have been charged with arson after a fire in Gippsland, south-east of Melbourne.

The 29-year-old woman and her 15-year-old son also were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, allowing a fire to remain alight on a day of total fire ban and impeding an investigation.
full story here

http://au.news.yahoo.com/060922/2/10mrm.html

Hang the *******s.

Oh and R.I.P. Scobie Breasley, the greatest jockey ever.

Pete

I would like to wish every one here at this thread a wonderful and safe christmas and also
a better year in 2007.

Hope you all have a nice time where ever you all are.

Best Wishes Always
Jane

Thank you Jane

I too, would like to wish everyone from the Aussie Thread, Pete, Cake, Justin, O.K, and the others who pop in now and then, a very Merry Christmas. I hope you are fortunate enough to be spending Christmas with your family and friends.

Eat, drink and be merry

I hope 2007 brings health, wealth and happiness to all of us.

I am taking a break from autosurfing for now, but will stay active in this, my favourite thread.

Thanks for starting the Aussie Thread Pete

My husband, myself, and our two littlies are heading off to Yarrawonga/Mulwala early January, for a well deserved break for 10 days.

Santa is being very good to us this year

Unbeknown to the two little ones, apart from their usual Xmas gifts from Santa, on Christmas morning, they will find in the backyard, completely set up, a large 2 roomed bungalow tent, containing everything that is needed for any impromptu camping trip we decide to take. Beds, lights, sleeping bags, bathers, torches, chairs, a BBQ, board games......you name it, I got it.

I decided after the trials and tribulations we have faced over the past 10 months or so, we all deserved to be spoilt

To Dorky, if you happen to read this, I have looked at your blog, and at Trevor's page......I just want to say what a wonderful man you must be. Please take no notice of the people who take joy in criticizing you and others.............they are not worth the ground they walk on. Continue on with your fantastic fundraising, and enjoy the feeling one gets from knowing that what they do helps someone cope just that bit easier with the trials and problems facing them. You have my admiration.

I hope each and every one of you reading this have the most wonderful Christmas.

Cheryl
xxx

Thanks Chery for your well wishes, and enjoy every moment of your much deserved break. The Murray river is a lovely place, and I am sure that there will be all kinds of wonderful things for your kids to do, while you big people relax.

Lot's of love and best wishes.

Pete

Merry Xmas to all my friends from down under....

Merry Christmas to all my Aussie, and international mates.

Christmas arrives here quite a bit before the rest of the world, so Santa, is quite fresh, however we do insist on leaving a few cans of beer out for the old guy.

So by the time he gets to the Northern hemisphere, he normally is a little addled.

Hope he brings what you want most.

Pete

the only chrissy present i want is too watch my kids walk into the lounge room and look at there brand new bikes big smiles on their faces

the streets of junee have come alive parents sneaking around picking up present they have been hiding at relatives places i hope you all have a great day well im off too bed any way take care all merry christmas

Don't get him too drunk, Pete, in case he mixes up our presents.

Merry Christmas to all

Well Cake, it's a kinda annual challenge.

Download a bit of Kevin Bloody Wilson, in the Santa area, it'll do you the world of good.

Merry Christmas, your Aussie mate.

Pete

Hi Everyone

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

Its 5.30am and I am up on my patmalone, hubby is still asleep, so much to do this morning.

Santa has been a left a couple of pressies under the tree.

Hi watsuuuup, I know where Junee is, a lovely country town in southern NSW, I know where
the RSL is, as I was there nearly 30 years ago. I was nearly going to move there as I knew
a very lovely person from down there.
I hope you guys aren't having all that heat like down in VIC,
as Santa will certainly need a cool one.

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful day.

Jane

I just dropped in here to say gidday.... but typical, hardly a post today except for Jane, Hope you had a great day, you will be in bed by now.

Well typical of us Aussies, we have probably drank too much, eaten too much so we go to bed early... How did the heat affect you guys today. i don't have airconditioning, but the old ceiling fan flat out this afternoon while I slept on the lounge.

I enjoyed today, but as always it takes a long time to get here, and before you know it. Christmas is over for another year.


So I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. But I love NEW YEARS.... CAN'T WAIT

Dorky

Today, Boxing Day was a scorcher... but i didn't have a drink all day. But now i am sitting back relaxing.

Join me ?

Dorky

happy new year to all.




-------------------------------------------

[edit]Link belongs in signature[/edit]

In Brissie we had a cool change with some pleasant consistent light rain.....it's still tinkling away.
Top temperature yesterday was 24 degrees I think. VERY nice for a Brisbane summer.

I'm now wearing jeans, a long sleeve shirt over a t-shirt and some socks to keep warm and comfy.....bl**dy mental weather.

I tell you Justin, about mid morning today, Wednesday I was looking for my slippers, a cool change and light rain came in. As I type this it is still cool and still raining. Not drought breaking stuff though. But enough to put some water in the tanks and settle the dust.

Dorky

That's good news Dorky. Glad that it's of some use to some people out there.

I know the feeling Dorky, we live over 40kms from the nearest town, and we have to survive
on tank water, nothing like drinking fresh water full of green frog poos, wouldn't have it
any other way.

My hubby and I did Driver Reviver 1st thing on Boxing Morning, most Aussies know what
I am talking about, and so many people commented on how green it was where we were,
as most of Australia is in drought. It doesn't take a lot of rain to make things green around
here, and yes we can always do with the water.

And for the ones out there that don't know what Driver Reviver is, well it is a volunteer thing
we have here in Australia, hopefully it is in all states here, but I am not sure. We volunteer
at rest areas for Drivers to take a break hopefully every 2 hours of driving, where we
offer them a FREE cuppa tea, coffee or a cold drink - cordial and some bickies. So that they
can refresh themselves for the next part of their journey and hopefully get to where they
are going in one piece. As quite often we have long distances between where we leave
from and where we are going to. This is offered here in Australia on long weekends and
the start and finish of School holidays, and our little driver reviver (Gunalda) rest stop is open for
12 hours a day when it is operating, and our volunteers usually do 4 hour shifts. So if
you are on the road drop in and say hi and have a rest at one of the many driver reviver
sites and have a cuppa with one of the many wonderful volunteers doing their best.

Jane

That's a beautiful selfless act Jane. You make me very proud to be an Aussie.

P.S. They say it's going to get to only 23 degrees in Brisbane today.
Feels like winter....totally nuts.

I know its a lot cooler up here where we are today, still been having light rain all day. We are
about just over 200kms north of Brisbane, and we had a very hot xmas day here, over
30 degrees and I have to say I am thankful for the cooler days.

And thanks Jason for your comments, but we are all put on this earth to help each other out
one time or another. We are moving to England in 2007, I am 5th Generation Aussie, my
hubby is English, and has been here for 20 years now, and I thought it was time we went
to england to spend some time with his family for a couple of years. I have had another
12 months of just being alive after a heart incident late last year and I thank the world that
I have just had another 12 months of being alive, so I would like to spend some time in the
cooler part of the world while I still can and enjoy being with his family for a bit.

And I need to give the English a hard time from over there when us Aussies keep on winning the
cricket. he he he. Just ordered an inflatable Xmas 4ft High Kangaroo to take with me for next
Christmas and I have a set of Aussie Flag Christmas Lights, so the small town that will be
moving to will know that the Aussies have arrived. Yes I am a bit of an older stirer.

Anyway I hope everyone out there has a nice safe New Year in 2007 and an excellent New
Years Eve, drink plenty, be merry, but stay off the road and don't forget to drop into a Driver
Reviver and say hello to the volunteers on your way home from your holidays.

All the best everyone

Jane

Jane I loved your two last posts, and Justin, my best wishes to you as well.

We have just returned from 4 days on the Gold Coast. Christmas day was a sticky 28, and I reckon it was 28 at midnight, before the rain started.

Boxing day was cool, and we went up to Mt Tambourine to have a belated Christmas dinner with one of our adopted families, by 3p.m. we had a fire going in the living room ! Can you believe that?

The last 2 days have been a beautiful 23-24, when you are accustomed to 35-40 degree Christmas breaks, this one has been a real relief, I am sure that all other Queenslanders will agree.

I have not long returned home, and I am relaxing with a gekko chirping away in my ear, it is still cool, but tomorrow promises to be hotter.

Congrats Jane on your taking time out to really spread the Aussie spirit with the driver reviver campaign, so many of our international members have no idea of the distances we travel. I have often taken advantage of the driver reviver program while driving along the Marlboro stretch North of Rocky.

Pete

Thanks mate. Happy new year to you as well.

Only Aussies in the thread Atm, Aussie Fox and me, let me take the time to wish all a Happy New Year, I know I am a little early, but, the rest of the world is a little behind us Aussies.

May all your New Year wishes come true.

Pete