Wombat Bill

Overnight the smoke lifted slightly, providing some reprieve for those sheltering on the shores of Mallacoota. Suddenly, for the first time in days there was some daylight, because there had been a wind change and the fire had bypassed the town centre. However, help was still not at hand and the situation was about to become a health issue, with about 5000 people needing access to toilets. Food was also limited. The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, went on national television and announced ‘

NO WAY, I'm over it. Did this in my first story The Covids.

With Edward busy all night, Romel joined Jeremy, Brett, Rani and Daniel on their table for dinner. Brett was his usual bubble self and he, Jeremy and Rani kept each other entertained with shop talk. “We had a bit of an upset in the waxing studio this week. While I was cutting a woman’s hair, her friend was having a Brazilian in the next room. Suddenly we heard a huge shriek from the waxing studio.” said Rani. “But clients often let out a little scream, especially if it’s their first t

@ReaderPaul, probably every Australian has a bushfire story, even our city friend @Summerabbacat. @chris191070, the party's not over yet. @starboardtack, great to have you on board. I am pleased you and @NimirRaj notiiced the contrast between between city and country, and well spotted @NimirRaj for picking up the difference between the resources of the rich and not so rich. These chapters about the bushfires really had be blocked at times. That is why there was such a long break between chapters last month. The seed for these chapters was planted along time ago by @ReaderPaul, fertilised back when Virginia bought at Mallacoota and watered for many months till it finally bloomed this month. I feel somewhat relieved that it is almost over, it has been difficult to write. But thank you all for your encouragement and remaining loyal during my period of writer's block.

I was not in personal danger, but our property was threatened a number of times. My partner and I evacuated three times in a month, the first being New Years Eve. Each time we took precious personal items and files, just in case. At the time we had two ponies and 4 sheep. We debated as to what we should do for them and decided they were safer in an open paddock, with a dam, than running loose. The third time we evacuated to my partners's niece's home we really did not think we would be returning. A predicted wind change would have swept the fire towards our property. Fortunately the weather prediction was wrong and our house survived. However 10 houses were destroyed in the next village, only 10ks away. Each time before we left, we took food and crates of bottled water to the local volunteer fire brigade for the support team to prepare meals upon their return from duty. We also told them of our departure so they would not have to waist time looking for us if evacuation became compulsory.

By New Year’s Eve the town of Mallacoota was entirely hemmed in by fire, the road out blocked and mobile phone reception was patchy. The bushfire was big enough to generate its own weather, including lightning that was starting fires in surrounding areas. Fanned by strong winds, the fire was now bearing down on the town at a frightening speed. For the first time in Victoria's history, a state of disaster was declared by Premier Daniel Andrews. The declaration gave the state government power

The situation in Mallacoota continued for the next four days. The days were like night and the nights were lit by the red glow from the approaching fire. Every available unit and firefighter was out trying to save the town of Mallacoota. Embers were blowing ahead of the actual firefront and starting spot fires up to a kilometre ahead and causing the firefighters to spread their resources more and more thinly. Aerial water bombing was only having minimal effect, it was too late for back bur

Yes that is correct. In rural areas these are placed on higher ground as there are no high buildings to use, as in the city. The problem with this is that fires also like to burn UP hillsides. Since so many were destroyed or damaged in 2019/20 they are looking for new technology or other ways of protecting communication towers. I haven't read anything about it recently. Landlines are generally underground, but use local exchanges, to service small villages. These are very often just a small shed about the size of a one car garage or smaller. We have one just down the road, so a fire in this area would easily destroy it.

It was just on sunrise when Dean and Andy arrived home. They had not slept all night except for dozing in the waiting room of the hospital. “Do you want a cuppa or go straight to bed?” asked Dean as they both collapsed into the big red sofa. “I don’t think I could sleep anyway, so put the kettle on and I’ll try to gather my thoughts.” “Ok, but you know I somehow feel a bit responsible for all this.” “Why you?” asked Andy. “Because I was the one who saw what he was capa

Have you been hacking my computer?

There seems to be some relief that Thomas is getting help. With your good wishes, let's hope he recovers. But, the fires continue to burn. Thanks for your comments and reactions.

The room was very musty from being closed for so long, so Thomas put on a couple of fans to move the air around. “So what are you planning to do?” asked a nervous Dean. “I thought I might start with Jared’s favourite, he’ll like that.” “It doesn’t involve needles does it?” “No, why do you ask?” “I have to admit that when I first met Andy and we came over here one day for a little...you know. I was curious about this room and we had a poke around. That’s when I found these nee

Well gentlemen, you're all back in fine form with your analysis, predictions and suggestions. I don't usually telegraph what's coming up, BUT I will say, @ReaderPaul, there will be no ghosts. @chris191070, the padlock thing I saw in Paris in 2014 and was tempted, but unlike Thomas, refused to pay ten times the normal price of a padlock from the street vendor. A few weeks after we returned from Paris a friend sent us a news item where the wire sides of one of the bridges was falling away under the weight of the padlocks and they were removed. Maybe I saved myself more than just a few Euros. @NimirRaj and @Summerabbacat, a faked death????????? Do either of you work for a life insurance company.

@ReaderPaul, I sometimes use a chainsaw, more this year than most, since we have had some much wind and rain, there have been many downed trees on our property. BUT I shall never look at the chainsaw the same way again, after reading your story. @chris191070, I must be letting too much of myself show in Edward. Reminiscing seems to increase with age. @Summerabbacat, An irksome Brett, who would have thought? Tristan, I had a long-term idea of a story just for Tristan, named Dance Boy, but as yet only a page or two. Maybe sometime soon. Thanks to everyone.

Peggy was played by 'Bella", my daughter's cat and she even has her own facebook page, Bella Boo.

Thomas was enjoying his holiday in France, with Jonathan and Lachlan, who were both excellent hosts and friends to Thomas. Their days were mostly spent touring around the local area. They also took a few overnight trips further afield and even went to Paris for a few days. While in Paris, Thomas went walking on his own, very early one morning and came across a bridge with hundreds of padlocks attached. When he enquired as to the meaning, he was told couples lock them there as a symbol of their n

@chris191070, & @ReaderPaul, so you both like Peggy's appearance. If you like Dean, then you will like some upcoming chapters that feature Dean, more than usual.

While Snowy and Romel were serving the food, Duncan and Isa took the opportunity to sit either side of Tristan, so they could pump him for information about Justin’s strange behaviour. “I guess he’s just a little surprised at two brothers having such a relationship.” replied Tristan. “No, it’s more than that.” said Duncan. “And he said it was complicated and raw. What does that mean?” asked Isa. “I think I may have an idea, but I’m not certain, so I don’t want to say anything

With Thomas away, this would be the first time the party would be all couples. It had been an eventful year for all with lots of career and lifestyle changes to celebrate, as well as a few sad occasions to be remembered. Edward wanted to style the party as a celebration of the past year, a remembrance of Jared’s life and looking forward to an even better year in 2020. It was the biggest roll-up yet for Edward’s pre-Christmas party. Divas had no functions, Dean’s was staffed by casuals, Dare

@chris191070 & @ReaderPaul, Pleased you both and many others, like the new chapter. Now the big reveal...drum roll please! The interview with Edward and Max, regarding Donna Summer, was written by a guest collaborator, our very own @Summerabbacat. Well done and thank you, @Summerabbacat.

Tristan’s ballet was now complete in its theatre form and he turned his mind to the additional pool sequence that would be added for the bath house presentation. Edward had attended some rehearsals and was very impressed with what he saw. “Tristan, do you think it’s ready for a premiere in this form?” “I certainly do and I know the dancers are keen to have an audience.” “Good, then let’s schedule it for a performance, here at Divas. Then depending on advance bookings we migh

Our second favourite drag queen, of course.

Strewth! You little ripper! You blokes are dead set, fair dinkum legends. Good on ya for being such true blue cobbers, no galahs among yous. I was a bit iffy about writing this, but no dramas, turned out to be a piece of piss and I’m rapt with your comments. I reckon you blokes are bonza, and true blue mates. But right now I’ve gotta shoot through and get back on the lappy. I’m stoked. A big g’day from Straya and I’ll raise a stubby to yous when I go down to the boozer.

Edward thought it might be a good idea to take a few days off so he and Romel could have a short holiday before Romel headed to Manila for Christmas. They decided to head west on a road trip to wherever the road took them. They packed the car the night before, so they could make a quick getaway in the morning and avoid the worst of the peak hour traffic. When they were getting into bed, Romel said “I’m so excited about this. It will be our first long trip in my car.” “That’s right

@NimirRaj, @chris191070 & @ReaderPaul, You guys are always looking for intrigue and scandal, often where none exists. I think Daniel just wanted to be sure Thomas kept quiet about the drug conviction. Of course Thomas was curious about the "club", hopefully only innocent curiosity. We don't want to see Daniel go back into the cage, do we?