Hello 2013! Can you believe it? A 2nd Australia Day!

Tropical Cyclone 'Oswald"

I feel like a survivor - in so many ways.  I know that sounds like a tired old statement, but so what.  It is my reality, so you can hear-(?) me say it because I love being alive right now!  Maybe it's just the flavour of my "Moccona"-coffee & "Dilmah"-tea cocktail in the bottom of my mug - you know when it gets to the bottom and the good bits rush in!  So, when I feel like I do - like I do now - mostly, I forget to share it around on here in my blog, because I have to remember to blog!  That's not easy for me, at 46 with the memory that I've got - but considering all that I have been through, I feel for the survivors of the monsoon-floods in Bundaberg, when the "Burnett-River' burst it's banks, in Queensland on Saturday 26th January, last weekend...

Queensland Rivers in flood...

So in my small way, I want to say a tribute to the ordinary people of Bundaberg for being so tolerant in the face of despair.  After having lost everything - memories, belongings, houses, even the lives of loved ones - they still show a side that makes me proud to be Aussie - true grit!  When the entire northern half of their city has been obliterated by Natures fury-(Tropical-Cyclone 'Oswald"), so absolute strangers come together to help their brothers and sisters, clean up the mess left by the maelstrom from last weekend...

North Bundaberg - (in flood)

The Premier of Queensland - Mr. Campbell Newman, has graciously issued a proclamation; "That Queenslanders can have a second chance to celebrate "Australia-Day"-(formerly held every 26th January), to be given a 2nd Australia Day, on the 3rd March 2013.  Thank you sir - for giving  this courtesy!  Let's hope we can have a good weather day to celebrate, our day!

Too easy can I forget that there is always someone out there - somewhere, doing it tougher than me!  I wish I could remember that more often, than when I get reminded of that - When a tragic event occurs - somewhere around the world, or even in my own 'backyard'.  It also means that I can be grateful for the level of health I have right now too!  And that we can be good to each other, loving to our families, respectful to our friends, and when they need a helping hand - to give them a hand before they ask for it! Just like Good-Charlotte! 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you folks...