Well hello guys and yes i have been awol..the heat over Christmas has been atrocious and the weather such that more often than not the computer is packed and ready to go .
This has left me struggling with a small phone and fat fingers so blogging is a real chore.
I will of course be doing a slide show of thanks for the gifts and cards we have received..i feel awful as i am behind but needs must.
Christmas in our beautiful country can be quite brutal and this year has been no exception, i understand in the USA the weather has been warmer than usual and tornados have been taking a toll on homes and tragically lives..places usually covered in snow are warm and dry .
In England the weather i see has caused flooding also .it seems Mother Nature has thrown us all a curveball.
On Christmas day the Victorian seaside towns of Wye River and Separation Creek were hit by bushfires
Respectively 98 and 18 homes were lost..people were spared thankfully but the toll on the communities is high.
People flock to this are in summer and the tourism is vital for the community. The fire is still going and some areas are only accessible to emergency services and the residents.
For me i can only imagine losing everything..living in the bush it is a fear we live with not only in summer but year round it seems ..our landscape is parched.
When the 2009 fires hit the paddocks for weeks had been red as if burnt by the heat and sun we knew we were in trouble so burnt already they looked ..this year they have looked like that for weeks and we are only in December.
My heart is broken at the huge toll on wildlife.The losses of Koalas,Kangaroos,Possums,Birds,Reptiles Wombats,Echidnas..awful just awful..and the injured wildlife is flooding in..it will for a long time as they find their way from burnt bush and into areas unfamiliar to them..
I love the bush but i am losing my stomach for the devastation and fear.
This is something hubby and i have been discussing for awhile..how many more years spent waiting to watch the bush burn.packing and unpacking ..in heat .
What people do not mention is the alert fatigue..a very real and very dangerous phenomenon,you see we get alerts to fires in our area..we get radio alerts ,mobile phone alerts,we see the warnings about bad days..the day we had our family Christmas we were warned was to be one level down from catastrophic..we had to go..we did what we could but our day was cut short by our minds being elsewhere.
And when you get these alerts day after day..then maybe nothing happens and then a fire starts and you are active and then it is ok..or you leave with all your animals and drive around and it is ok..well you get tired..physically and mentally.This is the danger..you think oh it will be fine..and maybe it isn’t.
When you do this mind you you are hot..usually insanely hot,in denim jeans,shirts boots etc..and it is a killer.But so is ignoring it.
The day after our family get together we were exhausted..i wen to bed and got up at midnight..headed back to bed..adrenaline gone…heat still foul..45C or 113F day after day..in denim..in boots.well you get the idea.
Now our pups are 12 and 13..and we have made the decision that when they leave us we are gone..we can’t do this year in and out..this poses our second dilema..the sheep..now the move here nearly killed them..sheep do not travel 3 hours well and they are old..9 this year..what do we do..we can’t move them interstate it would kill them for sure, but they are family..so this is also a situation we need to consider..
It is a lovely life..it’s quiet and the town is beautiful..we have no neighbours and the wildlife is amazing..but i dread Summer..i dread being caught watching the bush burn ..
For now i am here and as such we are doing our best to keep us all safe..i am going to be a bit awol for awhile as i am getting the sewing machine out to make mittens for Koalas with burns..as Pepi Smart dogs Mum Michele has shared the pattern and shared that the call has gone out for them and pouches for Kangaroos..
So please will you send some POTP big time to the people who have lost their homes and also to the poor creatures that have been caught in this hideous fire which has burnt through thousands of hectares..this is a very early start to our fire season and New Years eve is also starting to be of concern..i send my thoughts to all people and animals caught in Mother Natures path at the moment..
Thanks for your patience with me guys..Loves Fozziemum xxx
My roos are safe here for now
FOZZIE.M 
I saw it last night in the news and you were in my thoughts immediately. My eyes are full of tears for all the wild animals what died in this flames and for the people and pets what lost their homes and everything they own… I hope so much that all have a good insurance what makes a new start possible after all this bad things. I understand that you made this decision, even after all that work , sweat, blood and money you invested in your wonderful and quiet home… we sadly are always 29 only in theory and sometimes we have to do what sounds and looks like the best for us… althought we don’t like it… hugs to you all and potp to all people, pets and wildlife of oz…
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Thankyou my friend.yes it is beyond horrid to see this.the Great Ocean Road is such a beautiful drive that takes in views of our wonderful state..i love Lorne which is not far away and the whole place is a beauty for Koalas especially as we have so few where i am..this has been awful..Christmas ruined for these people much like when cyclone Tracy hit up North on Christmas day many years ago..we do not want to leave but we are so tired.it impacts daily life ..we cannot relax..even on Christmas Day as Hubby and i were here alone (we had the family one earlier) we were like zombies..hot tired and even both had a nana nap..i will set to making the mittens tomorrow and hope i can get many done.very simple but so needed and another shelter closer to us needs help from the fires out of Ballarat..so many peeps and animals..summer is a real be-yarch 😦 xxxx
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the whole year is probably created by a drunken freak, so much tears and sorrows and destruction…
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I agree..some sick joke..then i see Sarah from Runamok has gone to the bridge this morning and i wanted to scream..
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me too… I cried while reading… but that wasn’t the only bad news… Rayne the puppy of the granddaughter of idaho pug ranch went to rainbow bridge too on christmas eve… it’s so sad to imagine what a sh… christmas the families have… hugs to all…
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Too many tears this year…too many..i feel for so many and can do so little..what a year..it is time to kick it to the kerb…well and truly…xxx
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wish Santa would borrow me his sled… I would visit all who are sad to give them a hug and to cry with them for the loss… but it’s not possible… sadly… and otherwise Easy killed Rudolph …
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Oh my yes we saw Rudolph had lost a battle..i think because we all feel the sadness so strongly that even being far away our hearts and love is heard and felt..a magic carpet ride maybe ..we had to go into town yesterday..not really in the mood ..and as i sat under a big umbrella at the outside of a cafe (with hubbies cruddy ex employers logo on it) and silently fumed i looked out at the street and all of a sudden i was in France..becuase walking with their peep was the most beautiful sivermistygrey girl! yes oui oui what a looker..and i was wanting to go grab a picture and cuddle but they were gone in the crowd..see i felt you there..even so far away..:)
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that’s the magic of friendship and as long as we feel for each other no one is alone in good or in hard times :o) maybe you can eggs-port that umbrellas with the logo to france, we would need it with the rain we will get :o)
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Will do..sure made me want to go loco when i saw them..then again maybe i could find that gorgeous Weim gal for you instead 😉
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all bad things have a good side too :o) hope that counts for all things what happen next year too LOL
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I hope you will all be okay there. We have been warm here at about 84 F. (29 C.) on Christmas.
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I have heard..odd weather all around..we keep our fingers crossed it is pretty much in the hands of Mother Nature..careless individuals and arsonists…ugh..
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I’ll keep my fingers crossed too.
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Bev, I am so sorry to hear of all the loss of life, homes, and dreams. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for your family and the animals safety and the wildlife who are suffering horribly. So good of you all to make mitts for burned paws! I understand what you are going through, deciding what to do. Many in fire zones here in the West are contemplating the same decision.
Fire season has passed now where I am, and we are having a very wet December with flooding, in spite of earlier predictions I heard for drier and warmer than normal. Today is 32 F (0 C) this morning, and we may get some snow.
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We have been watching on the news, and are heartbroken at the suffering and devastation to humanity and nature alike. You are all in our thoughts and purrs and prayers always, but especially at this time. Love and hugs to you, dear friends.
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Bev, I am so sad to hear this news. Fires are very wicked and their destruction knows no bounds. When I think of Australia, I only think of the beauty and not all of the sadness. I will keep you and your country in my prayers. Stay safe, my friend. ♥
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Bev I completely understand your rationale for planning to leave the rural bush life once the pups make their journey OTRB. Be safe in mean time, keep taking your exquisite photos of all wildlife and nature. We just watched TV show explaining the El Niño pattern of weather. Good for us in the Western USA as the 4 year drought has cost so much to people and wildlife from fires, lack of water etc. and with global warming combined with he warming of the Pacific Ocean, 10 degrees warmer…the marine mammals are piling on the beaches from weakness due to lack of food…the warm ocean drives their food sourc s further and further out to sea. I know you get the picture. You and Phil take care, sending you our best purrs
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Bev, you, your family and your critters continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Be safe and best wishes for a wonderful 2016! 🐾
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Has to be heartwrenching to know of the devastation around you from the heat, fires – all the people losing homes and lives, all the animals being injured or dying in the fires……..I don’t see how you can cope. Yet you do……..it would certainly take a toll on ANYONE……..as beautiful as it is, it’s got a “cruel side” which breaks the heart and spirit after a while. Relocating would be a HUGE venture of course – you’ve made your compound there so PERSONAL and perfect for you and your animals. I know you would do that again wherever you would go but there’s so much to consider……doing what’s BEST for you sometimes is the hardest thing isn’t it!! Sending prayers to all of you down under….hoping for some relief from the devastation and sadness………………..all of us CARE but no more than you who are LIVING it.
Love and Hugs, Pam and Sam
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It certainly has been a rough year for many of us and in different ways whether it is the loss of pets or friends and family,Bush fires,floods and storms or even just family stresses that we have to deal with on a daily basis or ill health,I for one will be happy to see the back of 2015…it has been a shit year for us all.Love you Bev stay safe lovely,xx Rachel
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Thank you for raising our awareness for those of us outside Australia. Sending POTP to all. Stay safe.
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Oh Bev I am so sorry you are dealing with all this. I hope MN stops the fires and get’s the temps down.. It’s so sad that you are talking of leaving a place you love so much. I am sending positive thoughts to you and all those being affected. Stay safe. Sue, Polly & Honey
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California was parched till this year now they barely contain it, hope you get relief, so glad to see you back
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My God!! Fires are horrendous in better conditions. Till I met you, I had no idea Australia suffered with fires during OUR winter season. My heart and POTP go out to all caught in difficult situations like the fires and just the burring atmosphere…..I follow your plight with deep interest and concern.
Big hugs Jean, Shoko and Kali
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It’s been a rough year for everyone I think. Maybe 2016 will be kinder. I can slightly imagine your stress, growing up in hurricane country on the Gulf of Mexico. But – I could go inland, you hardly know which way to turn with the winds and fire being able to fly. I don’t envy you the heat, either – I sure don’t miss that about Florida myself. I wish I could send some of our rain to you, and you some of your heat here for our summer. Be safe, Bev – above all, be safe.
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Oh, Bev, this is so sad and we can just imagine the stress and the worry every single day and what a toll that has to take on all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone there, and in all the other places that Mother Nature is being so cruel to this holiday season. We are especially always thinking of you, and pray that you and your whole family stay safe and get a break from all of this very soon. Sending huge hugs and love….please keep us updated when you can.
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Hi Bev, it has just been the pits. Thinking of you and glad you are all safe. We are still going to try and go to Lorne for our holidays, they depend on the tourist trade there. Wye river had it very bad. You must be exhausted, all of you. ❤ ❤ ❤
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So very sad it breaks my heart for the loss.
We received you card (big Smile) Thank you so much.
Sending hugs prayers and well wishes.
Linda and Cinnamon
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lIt was good to connect yesterday but your post lays out the dreadful devastation more clearly. It was the worst holiday season I can recall for so many. I send you and you dear ones hugs, love and light for all. May all creatures find solace.
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Oh my kats! I had no idea! I can only imagine! Here we have had downpours of rain fur days and days – and some landslides. I hope you get some relief soon – and those poor animals too!
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That is so sad about all the wildlife that die in these fires. That is so kind of you to make mittens for those poor koalas. I only see all the beautiful photos you take of where you live that it is easy to forget how dangerous it is to live there with the threat of fires. I pray for your safety. XO
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Oh Bev,
I know how you feel. Though now that I’ve left and moved where the danger is not as dramatic, That fear has touched me too. You are always in my thoughts and my purr ayers are with you.
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My heart goes out to you and all affected by the fires, the heat….I cannot imagine living with the fear that has to hang over you daily. I don’t know how you endure it all. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and you are always in my heart xoxo
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Thankyou Caren..yes i am getting over it sadly..we are safe at this time and hoping with increased bad weather expected New Years eve that these fires get somewhat co tained…hugs and loves to you my friend xx
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Oh Bev …… me too!! My heart goes out to you. I think of you so often. Especially when I hear of the high temperatures being experienced down your way. Bushfires are a terrible thing and unfortunately a lot of Australians live with this constant fear. Even worse when the fires are deliberately lit. These latest ones, although no lives lost, were still devastating. These people rely on tourists for their livelihood. AND the animals …. OMD!!!!!! Unimaginable.
I found your post heartwrenching!! So beautifully written. It really tells the story of life in country Australia. Its a tough country ….. but we wouldn’t live anywhere else, aye?? I’m sending POTP not only to the people affected by these devastating fires but also to you and your family Bev, Two legged and four and may 2016 be kind!!!!!
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Thankyou Charlie..you know how it is of course..i hope tourists return…took a long time for Marysville to recover but the loss of life and homes was tremendous there..we went to buy our sheepies from Kinglake and it was so damn sad to see it after..the bush kicked back with beautiful flora..but the animals and people..kills me..i am mid mitten making right now and hope to get them in the mail tomorrow..all that life..”harsh brown land for me”..huge loves we are safe..a cool break to catch up on cleaning then back to bad weather xxxxFozziemum
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The tourists will return and the people will rebuild. It’ll be tough but so are Aussie country folk, aye?? I’m with you re the animals though. It must be terrifying for them and they just can’t get away.
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They will return indeed..just hoping they don’t turn up in the hundreds for New Years get blotto then have to evacuate!
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The fires here in South Australia were bad enough but the Great Ocean Road fire is much worse and causing greater devastation. I thought and worried about you and your family when I thought you were close to Ballarat and the fires were in that area. There is no doubt that 2015 has not been a great year for any of us. Our temperature shot up to a new record of 45.8 and the heat was so very draining, but we have no alerts and do not have to go through what you do because there is nothing much to burn near to us – a saltbush fire perhaps that would be quickly brought under control. I was out on the GOR a few years ago when I stayed in Drysdale with my Brother-in-law – a most beautiful area. I feel sad for the destruction and for the massive loss of wildlife there. At the moment it is cool to bordering on cold, (very odd) but the weather will start to hear up again from tomorrow. Please take care. Look after each other.
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Thankyou John and yes we have a weird cool spell at the moment..New -Years posing the next threat..it is draining that heat is beyond a joke…once it hit 45 i stopped looking! So much destruction..lives safe thankfully but the animals…awful..those grass fires can be just as bad..they run like nothing else so take care when it heats up and let’s hope Summer can be a bit kinder my friend..
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It is so very scary my friends! We don’t live there but we watch the news and hear what is going on in our talks. We worry about you 🙂 Please take care of YOU. YOU aren’t replaceable in any means – Much love. XOXO – Bacon
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oh my I had no idea what you live with each day. many prayers my friend. Thank you for what you are doing for the animals. Bless you!!
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Been thinking of you each time we see the reports of bush fires and the temperatures seem mad. Don’t worry about blogging – keep safe and sewing. Just hate to think about the devastation to the wildlife.
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Annie thankyou..i am so sad for the wildlife..been sewing all day…when my back hurts i think of those poor paws burnt..just keep going..bad days ahead weather wise next few days…ughh..loves and hugs Bev xxx
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I am just glad to see you and the Roos are safe Bev. The heat over here is just as terrible and everything is so dry. People were also warned that they are not allowed to use fireworks over the New Year because of the drought and of course for the pets and wildlife. Some folks will however ignore that and get in trouble.
Love the photo of the Roo. What a cutie! 😀
You and the beasties must keep well, be safe and wishing you and your family a wonderful and prosperous 2016 darling. 😀 ♥
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Such heartbreaking news, Fozziemum, but we’re glad you are all fine. Came by to bring you Extra fresh Pawkisses for a Happy and Healthy New Year and we’ll purray and send healing pawkisses to the wildlife and surroundings 🙂 ❤
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Little Binky..sorry we have been missing…the heat is making us all melt…but we hope to get the cooling dude to install some cooling so we can function! Happy New Year sweetie..miss you to bits…Loves Fozziemum xxx
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Oh my goodness I had no idea it was so bad there, I’m so sorry to hear about this. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I will send lots of POTP to you all and pray you stay safe and that the bush fires stop. I hate to hear of such an impact on wildlife and what you’re going through is torturous. I don’t think I could manage. I can certainly understand why you want to move even though you’re living in such beautiful country. My heart is with you.
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Thankyou my sweet..yes i have lost my nerve for these summers on a knifes edge..the older you get the harder it is to find the energy..i love the bush..but she can fight nasty sometimes..the heat is up up again and fires elsewhere in our country have taken a huge toll on the land..2 people lost 140 homes lost this time with a whole town now gone..72,000 hectares gone..horrid…i pray winter comes early…:( hugs Bev xxx
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OH BEV…FIRE IS MY WORST FEAR IN THE WORLD…I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE DEALING WITH IT AS OFTEN AS YOU ALL DO. SENDING SO MANY PURRS AND PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL AFFECTED. WISH I COULD HELP WITH THE MITTENS FOR THE INJURED. THANK YOU FOR MY BDAY WISHES….HARD TO BELIEVE I AM 67. I VIVIDLY REMEMBER BEING 16.
LOVE CECILIA
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Cecilia i so remember being 16 too…kind of prefer 54..haha..yes fire is my worst fear also..i dread summers..lost my stomach for it..tonigjt packing cars in case..pack..unpack..ugh..never ends..and lack of sleep does not help you think straight..if you ever want to help with mittens the patterns are simple and on IFAW site..pouches will be my next project as Western Australia has lost 72,000 hectares and i imagine the wildlife that survived if any will be flooding shelters soon..:( summer can take a long hike! Much love and hugs Bev xxxx
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Sweet Bev I have been looking and looking for your blog I thought I would never find it. I have been thinking about you a lot and had not heard anything from you for sometime. I finally found your blog and I am heartbroken and so sad to read this post. I hope you are okay. Fire is such a scary thing and I cannot imagine how it would be to live there with all the fires and all you have to do when the alerts come. I wish I could make it all better but since I can’t I will do all that I can and that is to keep you and all others in my thoughts and prayers and hope the fires come to an end. Warm, gentle hugs dear friend.
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