The heat here in the southern areas of Australia have broken all records. The temperature has been 43 to 44 and 45 C which is stinking hot for over a week. The heat has created a weather pattern that has produced hundreds of lightning strikes, many of which have started bush fires. At least one person is dead and four more are missing. To make it worse, the police have arrested three teenagers about 17 to 18 for lighting at least one of the bush fires. There have been hundreds of homes lost and lots of pets as well. The survivors of the burnt homes only have the clothes they are wearing. There is so much trauma and sadness here that it is indescribable. The people are in a dazed state of traumatic shock having lost everything they treasured as keepsakes. The heat and the wind is continuing unabated.
Some good news but it pales beside the news from the south. The heat here on the Central Coast has subsided a lot and we have had some wonderful rain. A total of more than 6 inches has brought wonderful relief. It has washed the air clean and the forest smells so good once more. Th grass started growing the day after the first rain and now, after eight days, we have to begin mowing with the ride on. Before we can commence mowing, I have to pick up about half a ton of fallen branches and cart them to the dump.
The TD is progressing well now that it's beautifully cool. I will write up a post for you all later.
Kody