Hey Kyle - I'd be happy to meet you in Melbourne - we'll be there in October this year, but the flights just keep getting cheaper. There's a new airline starting up in December with flights from Melbourne to Perth for as little as $69 one way. If you could do the reverse, we'd gladly drive you from Perth to the farm for some R&R.

I was only thinking about you today - listening to a new CD in the car and knowing you'd enjoy it. I'll get another copy and send it on it's way... I was also pondering the Police concert. They're coming to Perth 1st February - tickets start at $99 (and they'd be right at the back of the stadium). I'm trying to work out if I can justify over $500 for the experience plus accommodation plus petrol etc. etc. Was it really that good??

The global warming phenomenon - it's mid-winter here and the dam is still close to empty and we're way down on our annual rainfall. Fortunately, it's quite mild, so the grass is still growing a little. Our nesting pair of swans have returned, but the wetland has hardly any free water - not sure where they're going to build their nest this year safe from foxes.

Sorry to hear about everyone's pet losses. Our cat Tigger has taken to eating baby rabbits and leaving the entrails on our doormat - not a nice sight first thing in the morning. On the weekend, the girls decided that he was "King Tigger", so built him a bed from blankets and pillows above which they draped a gauzy red sarong on four wooden sticks (like a 4-poster bed). He sat there luxuriating, being brought meals on the royal tray, which he deigned to eat. I was repeatedly summoned for an audience with the King... Our house would not be the same without Tigger, so I empathise with your losses.

Love and hugs to you, Kyle...