Michael and Frank back after a long absence

It was a lovely surprise to find comments from you, Michael, as I was beginning to worry.  It was also lovely to see your name, Frank, though you are a frequent emailer so I know you are still going strong.  Of course, it's always lovely to read your comments, my regular Winifred!


It seems we're all suffering from weird weather.  I read that the rainfall Sydney had in July was equivalent to FOUR MONTHS of rain in Edinburgh.  Now that is really some rain!!!


However, I must count myself very fortunate, as I haven't been uncomfortably cold at all during our winter.  The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is open one of my doors and I usually leave it open all day, quite happy for the fresh air to come inside.  I close up and turn the gas heater on in the evening, and snuggle under a quilt, with Muffy on top.


Speaking of quilts, here's a pic of a beautiful new one, made for me by a very talented friend:

It's hard to see, but there is a definite Japanese theme, which is lovely and most appropriate for this family.  Yesterday, as Emma and I were walking along a street in Chatswood to her piano lesson (with a Japanese teacher), she remarked at the many Japanese people about.  Of course, she thinks all Asians are Japanese, and is too young to know about other Asian countries, though I am beginning to tell her.  There are many shops with Asian writing in their windows, which she identifies as Japanese, as she does with graffiti!!!!


We don't have a lot of problems with racism in Australia, though there is an occasional outburst, mainly against Muslims.  I hope our peaceful country remains this way, though who knows...