h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello nic

Thought I'd get you some flowers to celebrate the arrival of your grandaughter, so how is it all going I bet you wish you were there to see her in person how is your daughter is she well and has hubby gotten up off the floor yet

Hiya, Lady. Thank you for the kind thought. As of early this morning, Mommy and daughter were both in high spirits and great health. I expect to hear again this evening. And indeed, you are right, I really wish that I could be there. To hug the new (again) Mommy, hold that teeny bundle of squawky-stinky-wailing joy.

I saw your post in the Atelier a couple of days ago, ... another fire sweep, and a local life lost. I was saddened to read that. Are you and yours okay?

Yes thank you we are fine the fire only came within 2k's of us, the saddest thing about this whole sorry episode was that the young girl and her boyfriend panicked at the last moment when they saw the fire and took separate cars to try and escape he made it she didn't and the house was fine if... they had only stayed put they would both have been fine.

So when will be your first opportunity to actually see your new grandaughter

Had some good news ourselves yesterday we had our visit from the CALM officer and we are now officially a part of the LWH land for wildlife habitat program. I learnt so much yesterday and I am really looking forward to making the improvements she suggested to increase the benefits to Flora and fauna

With our tickets and plans for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the UK, we have no idea when we'll see my girl and her tribe. They too are a long way away, ... about 1,350 miles, on an island. Somehow though, we'll manage.

That is sad to hear of the young one ... A simple misjudgement can prove fatal. I expect they thought it best to go different ways. I have to feel for the surviving lad though.

It sounds as is you will now have a great number of things to chat with my friend, Venus. if it has to do with plants and nature, she is a living encyclopaedia. And a very delightful friend as well. She is the first one we will visit when we land in England.

And please don't worry about Venus being offended by the natter about "down-under" geography. She's met Stephen before, as have I. He get's a little tunnel-visioned at times, but is really a sweet and well-intentioned gentleman. She and I chatted on the phone a smidge about that earlier.

I really am happy for you that the air is clearing. I expect the "fire" season is a hot and stressful one for you.