Kleva Kookaburra

I have been trying to call into our local Fire Shed on most days to get an update on our fire situation from the people who are actually fighting the fires.  I was amused the other day when this beautiful Kookaburra landed at my feet outside the shed.  I thought it was after some water but it seems that it has become the Shipley RFS mascot and visits regularly and gets fed regularly.  I was on my way out to a New Years Eve party and decided I would let the Firies know that I was out, just in case.  Would they please call me if anything blew up and I would be home in a flash.  Our little mate appeared once again and this time flew up onto my hand to extract the tasty morsel that was sitting there.  I think this little character has been a nice distraction for the crews.  They're working under enormous stress at the moment and I know how comforting it has been for me to have the birds keeping me company through these troubling times.

I am back blipping this image and I haven't posted for a couple of days.  I will catch up!!  Suffice to say, I have been dreading New Years Eve.  My darling Catherine was a proud "Wee Scots Lass" and loved to celebrate New Years Eve.  She will be pleased to know that I did "Polish the Brasses" before I left home and my "First Footer" was a big burly fireman who had come to help me with my Fire maintenance program.  I hope that was okay!!

There's no doubt that 2019 has been the most challenging year of my life.  However, I know that on reflection I honestly couldn't have given more of myself than I have.  My dear old dad used to tell us how important it was to give whatever we did EVERYTHING in fact he used to put it in these words.  It doesn't matter if you win or lose as long as you can tell me that you "Left your Guts on the Floor".  It may sound crude, but the gist of his message was, if you do just that you can have no regrets.  

I wish all of my blip buddies a very gentle, nurturing, peaceful and loving 2020.  You are a very special part of my life, of course I would wish just that for you.  Lots of love and big hugs from the wombat in OZ :)