Hi Roger and Everyone,
Thank you for all of your good wishes and caring. I was in the middle of moving house when the floods hit us here in north Queensland and for the past two weeks have been isolated with the road into where I am now living flooded and all the phonelines down. We have just connected wireless so am now back online. We have had no major damage to homes here where I live, the worst is a bit further north in the Ingham area.....  http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/gallery/0,23816,5037202-17382-20,00.html



The flooding has affected over a million sq klms, but nothing compared to the horrific fires in southern Australia and the terrible loss of life, which now stands at over 170.  It is overwhelming and no words can convey how we are all feeling.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/bushfires_in_victoria_australi.html

I am so proud to be an Aussie, last night the Aussie Spirit of ordinary Australians raised over 75 million dollars in a national Red Cross Appeal telethon to help all the bushfire victims.

There's scant good news from the fire front but this pic took my breath away in its simple message of love and care.



The fire fighter's name is Mr Tree. The report reads:

"Mr Tree said he was surprised by the reaction to the photograph, which was snapped by a fellow CFA volunteer on a mobile phone.

He said he was in the middle of backburning at Mirboo North when he saw the stricken koala.

"I could see she had sore feet and was in trouble, so I pulled over the fire truck. She just plonked herself down, as if to say 'I'm beat'," he said.

"I offered her a drink and she drank three bottles.

"The most amazing part was when she grabbed my hand. I will never forget that."

Here is a video link  to the story.

Once again, thank you Roger and Everyone who has posted here, knowing you care is heartfelt.

Many Thanks, Gerri