Elaine, how very lovely of you to write. Thank you most sincerely.Sara has her immediate family, and lots of cousins and many friends, who all worry about the situation in Australia and what Sara, Derek and Tom and indeed everyone else is going through. It sounds quite horrific. She has been keeping us posted as best she can, and – as an anxious mother – I couldn’t help hoping that she wasn’t putting a brave face on things to protect us. It is so encouraging to hear from a friend on the spot. Thank you again.

Your daughter is a dear friend of mine here in Ulladulla. I spoke with her yesterday (Sunday our time). She is remarkably resilient and truly thankful for the miracle that seemingly has saved their house.

Understandably, as I drove past there today and you would not expect it to still be there.

Know that she and the family have lots of people who love and care about them and they will be well supported through this devastating time we’re all experiencing, some more than others.

And it has been raining – just a few millimetres. Not the hundreds we need to put the fires out, but enough to lift people’s spirits here on the South Coast.

Elaine

Clare, it is just too ghastly, isn’t it? Sara has let us know that they survived their (extremely hot) Saturday, with Derek managing to put out several spot fires on their property. Apparently rain is forecast For next week which would seem to be the miracle they need, if it actually happens.Let’s hope it does.
By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY for tomorrow!

Thank you Mike. We’ve missed you popping in after your swim. The situation in Australia is terrifying, with as you say no end in sight.

Thank you Tim. It is all very worrying for them and us, isn’t it?