The one day of summer I have a picnic planned. It's been hot, from 38 -43 degrees celsius, (up to 110F) and, with bushfires raging through the State, we have had days of total fire ban. OK, no firecrackers for New Year's Eve, and the barbecue must be electric. No worries.

What happens? The sky opens up with 48 hours of rain. Noah would have been checking to see if the seams on his boat were caulked.

And this morning, after a fizzled day yesterday where the expected crowd was 60 and the turnout 16, beautiful sunshine to mark the first day of the Year of the Dog.

They say people born in the Year of the Dog are the nicest of the lot. They have a deep sense of loyalty, honesty, discretion and inspire the confidence of others. It's said of Dogs that they will 'live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible'. But there are sides to the Dog that can be seen as not quite so positive. Read more >>>