Anyone who has been following this blog for a while will know that I recently had cataract surgery. Now any woman who has had this procedure will tell you that the new lenses bring every speck of dirt and every cobweb, no matter how high your ceilings are, into sharp detail. My hair has been various shades of bottled blonde since I was in my thirties. OK, a long time. Even when we’re on the road I colour my hair, slapping on the chemicals and wrapping my head in plastic wrap. Last weekend I was cleaning the house and colouring … Continue reading Why cataract surgery can be dangerous for women

Nov 2018, Lake Bolac, Vic It is a warm still evening that doesn’t drop below 22˚c. Getting into bed Woody spots a hairy Huntsman* scurrying off the doona. We madly strip the bed and spray half a can of fly spray around the bed and into all the crevices while Woody stands naked in the kitchen stomping on my socks. When all is quiet, about an hour later I crawl into bed and revel in the fact that all of the hatches and windows are open and there is a gentle breeze flowing through the van. It would be lovely … Continue reading An unwelcome guest

Mar 2018 We are up early to meet the auto electrician in nearby Clare. It’s a beautiful drive through rolling hills dotted with sheep chewing contentedly on wheat stubble and substantial stone farmhouses with wide verandas, though difficult for El and Elle Prado as they are closely following our van with its flickering tail lights. As we arrive in Clare, Elle has trouble getting us on the radio and our verbal instructions to her of “breaking now, turning right” are fractured and garbled. We say goodbye to The Prado’s who are heading for home because they have yet another ship … Continue reading Most people visit Clare for the wine