Summertime in Australia

I tried so hard to do something light for this month’s FOFT challenge (“summertime” by the lovely Laszlo) given my last few challenge posts have all been on the heavy side and I tried not to write too much. But in the end I couldn’t do either.

I have spent the last few days in the country on my friend’s farm. I took images of kids jumping off the big rocks and swimming in the waterholes-typical Aussie summer fun in the country. Then on Friday we were blanketed with thick smoke as was most of Victoria and New South Wales. On Saturday, our Vic Emergency Apps sounded the alarm, telling us there was a bushfire near the tiny town of Euroa, not far from where we were staying. The smoke thickened. We decided to leave. I drove past the fires and got through without incident. Not long after, there was an emergency warning to evacuate and the highway was closed. Fortunately, the wind changed in the afternoon and Euroa was spared.

Other places are not so lucky and so much of East Gippsland and places far and wide across Victoria and other states are on fire. Almost 1 million hectares has already burnt in Victoria alone. I don’t think anyone can fully comprehend the long-term loss and devastation these fires will have on our ancient forests, their associated wildlife, the stock and all the communities dotted throughout these landscapes that will have to try to rebuild.

There are few words. I am heartbroken. I don’t have a monopoly on these feelings of helplessness. Images of summer once involved gorgeous sunsets, days in the pool, outdoor BBQs and games of Cricket. Ever since Black Saturday, the thought of summer now brings anxiety and the fear of fires.


However, as is often the case, in the face of disaster our communities band together and do the most incredible job of supporting each other. Millions of dollars has been raised (locally and overseas), food banks are being set up everywhere and people are donating their time, homes and machinery to help.

That is the heart-warming part of the story.

This image is a composite of two I took while away. The sheep in the smoke and the sun, made blood red by the fires. A light texture applied.

Tags:   2020 Strathbogie fire sheep smoke drought rural Country Victoria dry FOTF

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The FFF+ monthly challenge (FOTF) is “Freestyle on the Fifth” with a new theme every month to be posted on the 5th of the month.
This month it was Lisa’s turn to choose the theme, and she chose “Sparkle”.
I have chosen a beautiful 300-500 year old crystal floating in Tasman Lake in New Zealand.

Tags:   New Zealand ice crystal glacier Mount Cook Tasman Glacier Tasman Lake Water boat tour Glacier Expeditions FFF plus FOTF 2020

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The FFF+ monthly challenge (FOTF) is “Freestyle on the Fifth” with a new theme every month to be posted on the 5th of the month.

This month it was the Pocket Rocket Margaret's turn to choose the theme, and she chose “Clouds”. No seagull Margaret but there were little swallows flying about above the clouds!

This image was taken from the restaurant at Baw Baw Village. You are so high that you sit above the clouds.

I have zoomed in on the cloud bank that fills the valley. They look so solid. I can't imagine a much better feeling than to be wrapped up in their cottony embrace.

Tags:   Fog Mount Baw Baw alpine trees weather clouds CloudsStormsSunsetsSunrises sunset sky bird Baw Baw Village cloud

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" I like beautiful melodies telling me terrible things" Tom Waits

Which is why I love the music and lyrics of Tom Waits so much.
Just recently my best friend went to LA (just before the outbreak) and she dined in a restaurant in the table next to Tom Waits and his family. She said he did not look well.

Since she is my best friend and "What's Apped" me at the time, with six degrees of separation, I was almost sitting there too ;-)

Tags:   Black rock Cerberus FFF beach sunset orange ocean refelctions Shipwreck ship Australian Seascape Victorian Seascape seascape

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This year the FFF+ Group have decided to have a monthly challenge called "Freestyle On The Fifth". A different theme chosen by a member of the group each month, and the image is to be posted on the 5th of the month.

This month it was Greenstone Girl’s turn to choose the theme, and she chose “Change”

I have chosen an image of Harpo because bringing a new puppy into the home brings big change. I think one of the most positive changes is the joy of watching the relationship grow between Harpo and the eye-roller.

She sat down to play Fur Elise on the piano which immediately drew his attention. He climbed up onto the pile of washing beside the chair and then onto her lap. He happily sat there while she played.
He is fast becoming her shadow which is exactly what she wanted and needs right now.

Tags:   Change FOFT Harpo Portrait piano puppy poodle Standard Poodle dog Monochrome

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