Smoke alarms are one of life's sometimes irritating necessities, although very essential for keeping us safe from incidents like the photo to the right (No-one was harmed in this particular fire). During a recent visit to Victoria one of many funny moments involved a renegade smoke alarm - the type that is ultra sensitive, and doesn't have a reset button. In the very low temperatures that are typical of a winter's day, it was not uncommon for the smoke alarm in the dining roo

My alien in it's current location I recall clearly the moment that my mother, an avid gardener, pulled a threadbare blue tarp wrapped about something heavy and long, from the back of her car. Excuse my humour, but in that moment my mind immediately flew to the image of Will Smith dragging the unconscious body of a captured alien through the desert toward Area Fifty-One. You might recall the scene in the 1996 movie "Independence Day". I still chuckle when I think about it. T

"Whisked Away" is my current novel in progress. It's still a ways from publishing, but I'd love to get some feedback. I would love your feedback so please feel free to leave a comment below in the comments box, if you have enjoyed the excerpt or have thoughts you'd like to share. Comments will require a name and an email address (this is hidden from other readers's view) and is not a subscription. If you would be interested in receiving updates about the novel's progress, or

Sourdough Fruit Loaf with a seasonal twist With December fast approaching I've started preparations towards making one of our family favourite recipes. Rich fruit cake aromas are bringing up family celebration memories each time I open the oven. The tantalising smells of cinnamon and other spices, blended with brandy and locally produced Bundaberg rum wafted through our home last week, and those cakes are now wrapped and maturing in our fridge. One will be sent down south t

Crusty white and wholemeal loaf with bagel topping. My journey into the world of sourdough bread-making is a relatively new adventure (about a year now). The many who utilised lock-downs during the Covid era for learning the craft, are streaks ahead in practice and proficiency, so I am doing a catch-up. As happens, I was oblivious to the exciting hobbies that people were taking up to keep themselves busy. As a health-care worker I kept working through that time. So, actually

Frosty morning at Bairnsdale Recently I had the joy of spending time with a part of our family in another deep south state. There is nothing better than these precious times, which sadly end too soon. What is the saying? “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I do look forward to next year’s jaunt into the colder state, with much anticipation. What did I enjoy, you ask? Well to start with there is much to be said about being able to don six layers of clothing and still feel as

No one starts out life with an understanding of how they will live their life or what their life will produce, me as much as anyone. Conversely, I can now look back over my years with increasing understanding. I’m finally able to see the greater plan and purpose interwoven through my years, even those I would describe as my muddling years. Recently I was reading a commentary by Joseph Benson and his description of late fruiting trees resonated with me. Fruit trees are fascina

From my earliest memories, I have loved reading. Childhood holidays were spent exploring the extensive library in my grandpa’s sunroom (our bedroom for the holidays). I'd grab a book and curl up on the bed with the sun streaming through large picture windows, or head out and find a low-riding tree branch under a shady tree to hang in and read. And when, I wasn't able to find reading material that grabbed me, I'd raid his treasure of Phantom comics that filled a large chest of

I knew in that moment that I was going to be...

My hope is to share a sprinkling of love, hope, encouragement, and perhaps inspiration from what I have received, with whoever is interested