Before Christmas Break

And the rain has moved on! Isn’t it wonderful to finally wake up to sunshine? The last storm certainly dumped us a bonus before it moved towards the coast. We got 3 inches Friday night. One of the down sides of progress was that those on the south side of the paved part of Torrens Street had about 4 inches flooding through the yard. Up side is that it washed all the nasties away from the house.
Our friendly fish venders who travel through here regularly were bogged on the Aramac road and stranded all night. Luckily they had their van or it would have been pretty uncomfortable. Bet they were glad when morning, and rescue, arrived, though.
How nice it is to see the Christmas lights around the town. Especially worth mentioning are those on the Police Station. It gives the town a welcome feel to see them flickering for the girls. Hope Santa is good to them. This will probably for the last Christmas as an official building.
The continuing debate about who is smarter—feline or canine?
A Smart Cat Story on today’s news.
A quick-thinking pussycat has saved his owners' house after a fire broke out in the kitchen while they were Christmas shopping.
Five-year-old Pepper has been hailed a hero for his actions - he opened a window, which allowed smoke to escape and alerted neighbours, who contacted firefighters and stopped the fire spreading to the rest of the house.
The cat had learnt to open windows so he could let himself out at night. He would hop on a kitchen bench and turn the latch with his paw.
Owner Sharon White, of Totnes in Devon, said Pepper showed off his window-opening skills at a dinner party.
"Everyone was applauding him, I think it spurred him on," she said.
"He can climb back in through the window by jumping diagonally on to the ledge as well so he really does come and go as he pleases.
"Pepper is still a bit spooked by the ordeal but is still managing to eat plenty of food."
The West Australian December 14, 2010, 7:31 am

8th December.
Tuesday a group of concerned locals attended the meeting with the Police officials to hear how discussions re closure of the Torrens Creek’s Police Station. Although the discussion is still open, and emails regarding local needs and concerns are encouraged, it is anticipated that the station will eventually close. As it was pointed out, the station was established when there was a vastly different transport system. Now, with cars and four wheel drives so much quicker than the horse, it is seen to be more necessary to have personnel out in the field. That , combined with the availability of official sites on the internet where registration, etc. can be handled, release officers for more intensive road patrol, and other duties.
Seems another page of our history turns.
Speaking of history. Here are some interesting dates for this week:
Monday 6th - William Arnott, biscuit manufacturer was born 1827,
Tuesday 7th— Sir Robert Lucas Tooth, brewer was born 1844. Interesting the brewer not the biscuit manufacturer got knighted, I think.
Wednesday 8th— the first Australian harvest was made in 1789.
Thursday 9th— “Breaker” Morant born in England 1864.
former Prime Minister born in Bordertown 1929.
Friday 10th— Queensland declared a separate colony in 1859.
Monday 13th—the first stage appearance of Dame Edna Everage in Melbourne, 1955
　

Finally I’m back on line. Hopefully the problem is fixed permanently. It is scary how necessary the internet has become to my life. I guess it is another symptom of the instant gratification generation - and the loss of patience.
This is the last day of November. Only 4 weeks until Christmas and I haven’t even got my cards. The early rain has upset the shopping routine too. Couldn’t get into town last week and now it’s going to be a rush to get all the parcels off in time. Among the many emails waiting to be opened when I got back on line I came across the following message which I thought was worth passing on. Nice to know that other countries approve of what we are doing.
Powerful stuff. May we all learn from it.
This is perhaps one of the most intense commercials that I've ever seen and very well made. I hope that by passing this along to others, it will make a difference and if just one life is saved, it will all be worth the effort .
I think that Australia should be complimented on having the guts to "tell it like it is" and get this campaign out to all of its licensed drivers and to air it on TV. It is very moving and very life like, so it has a very strong impact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z2mf8DtWWd8
Some Things are Sent to Try Us. (a character I met last week, with a bit of poetic license .)
He drove up from Isisford,
that’s due south from Longreach,
for a trip he'd carefully planned
in a boat off Mission Beach.
But now beside me at the bar
his ruddy face was bleak
as he explained his presence
here in Torrens Creek.
“This flamin' wet weather
keeps followin' me around -
rained so hard along the coast
I think the fish all drowned.”
His granite face impassive
stern lips gave a bare tweak,
“Now it seems I'm stranded -
be here for another week.
“The road's cut, the creek's up
between here and Barcaldine.
so I'll stay 'til it goes down
and we see some more sunshine.
　
He sighed and settled on his stool,
Then downed his amber brew,
“Guess I'll chill here awhile
before I can shoot through.
“The beer's good, company too.
lots of peace and quiet,
and actually the menu here
beats my no fish diet.”
His eyes twinkled, he waved his glass
and called for another round,
adding, “So if my wife calls for me
please tell her I can't be found.
“I'll veg. out for awhile
play a round of golf - or more,”
swung his imaginary club
then he hollered “Fore!”
He seemed to be reconciled
to this unforeseen delay
separating him from family
500 kilometres away.
.