Hi Rikki....howzzzz it going now? The media finally giving us some decent coverage on what's happening down there. And....it made the front page of our state newspaper.

At one point when I lived in London, I was living in an apartment house (they call them "flats") with maybe 20 other groups from various countries. One day a group of male Aussies moved in....big guys...look like they could (and would) snap a tree in half on a bet. Also...very rowdy, and I thought "there goes the neighborhood!" They would "party" every night...drinking, joking, singing. Turns out, as I got to know them (through their partying), they were the nicest people you ever want to meet. I ended up speaking to them and, upon inquiring why they spent every night drinking and partying, they told me (true or untrue?)....most Aussies save up their money and go to London in groups for one big and final fling. They then proceed to have the wildest time they could 'cause after they go home it's back to the "grind for the rest of their lives." I never forgot that. But they were such great guys and good, decent people I never forgot them.

I was leading up to....I've had a fondness for the Australian people ever since. New Zealanders too. Having said that it's really disturbing me what's going on there.

Now...back to you. I Googled where the fires were but I still can't get a handle on it. I CAN see that they're all around Australia coastlines, and mostly in New South Wales, I think.

Has it changed at all now? Any present danger to you and Ray (post above) and hubby and "Rikki's bears? Are you guys becoming more concerned at this point?

The teller at my bank is Aussie. She tells me a lot about Australia when we talk. Today was about the Koalas. Cute as kittens but I understand they'll scratch the heck out of you if you get too aggressive with them. Kind of like the giant Panda bears in China....only the Pandas don't scratch you...they EAT you!

They're reporting that Australia will never be the same again after this is over....too much terrain burned up...too many natural animals killed (heading for extinction?).

I hope what I wrote is not depressing you 'cause last time you wrote you sounded "optimistic."

So....howzzzz it going now???

Your friend

Mark