taxham

Hi guys,
          	Today is a very important day in Australia, called RU OK ? day. It is a day that highlights the need for people to be there for people who suffer from depression, considering suicide or are struggling with illness, isolation and loneliness. Please, ring a friend and ask”Are you okay, mate?”   and be prepared to help him or her (Help with how to help someone who is not okay is available on the website www.ruok.org.au)
          	As a survivor of child sexual and domestic abuse, I will always be thankful to people who took the time out of their day to ask me if I was alright. Do not be scared to reach out to people either to offer or receive help.

ambermoon3105

@ taxham  Two Thumbs Up!!!!!
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DanGarrettAuthor

Wow! You're in there speedy-style today, Monika! Thank you for the votes and I hope you'll enjoy these penultimate chapters. Big finale next week. It's over so soon! I shall miss the thrill of chatting with you all.

taxham

I find the time difference between Australia and the UK ideal. I am enjoying an early night because looking after the grandkids wears me out. I have forgotten how much energy little kids have. I can enjoy the updates with a nice cup of tea. I am a super fast voracious reader and I just love those two characters. Team RyKe forever!
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DanGarrettAuthor

Hey Monika, thank you so much for the votes - very kind. I do hope you're enjoying the story as it rolls on. It's only a first draft, so don't hesitate to chip in any ideas and comments. They are always welcome. (Also, I am wondering - have you felt ready to get a new dog since Levi, or is it still too soon?) xxx

taxham

Hey, I am loving the story so far.  I have forgotten how hard things were for both of them in the beginning and how some people take advantage of another person’s disability 
            We have not got another dog yet. We are travelling overseas a lot (usually five weeks or more at the time). Even though we miss having a furry friend, it is less stressful..
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Bhangoo

Thank you for the follow, I appreciate it, I love your profile picture, he or she is very cute.❤️

Bhangoo

Sorry to hear about Levi, a terrible tragedy, he was a part of your family, of course you miss him, you always will.
            I live in Vic, we are neighbours.❤️
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taxham

Where do you live in Oz? Which state? I live in NSW
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taxham

His name was Levi. He was a rescue and we had him for seven years. He was attacked while we were on holidays and died. We miss him so much
• Reply

taxham

Hi guys,
          Today is a very important day in Australia, called RU OK ? day. It is a day that highlights the need for people to be there for people who suffer from depression, considering suicide or are struggling with illness, isolation and loneliness. Please, ring a friend and ask”Are you okay, mate?”   and be prepared to help him or her (Help with how to help someone who is not okay is available on the website www.ruok.org.au)
          As a survivor of child sexual and domestic abuse, I will always be thankful to people who took the time out of their day to ask me if I was alright. Do not be scared to reach out to people either to offer or receive help.

ambermoon3105

@ taxham  Two Thumbs Up!!!!!
• Reply

taxham

Hi guys,
          The bushfires have now been replaced by widespread rain. While it is welcomed in many parts of Australia (that have been drought for years) it is now causing floods in some areas. 
          We are bracing for severe storms and 8 meter waves tomorrow but it should settle down soon

pseudoannie

@taxham stay safe my friend.
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taxham

Hi everyone,
          We are thoroughly confused by the stuff currently pouring from the skies,  IT IS RAINING, YAY. Australia has been in severe drought for the last 2 years and after the bush fires we have finally had widespread rain. Believe it or not but some places are now flooded, just crazy.
          I saw news footage where a two year old saw rain for the first time in his life and jumped into the puddles.

AcervoNox

Thank God! Woohoo!
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AlphaKelly

@taxham Such good News I am so happy!
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ambermoon3105

@ taxham  Es regnet, es regnet, die Erde wird nass und wenn ist genug geregnet hat, dann wächst auch wieder Gras.
            Es regnet, es regnet, es regnet seinen Lauf und wenn ist genug geregnet hat, dann hört's auch wieder auf.
            Es regnet, es regnet, was kümmert uns das. Wir sitzen im Trockenen, und werden nicht nass...
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taxham

Hi everyone,
          Happy New Year to everybody!
          Just wanted to give an update on our horrendous bushfires.
          The government has declared a State of Emergency in New South Wales and Victoria amid horrendous weather forecast. Temperatures are said to reach 45 degrees Celsius tomorrow with no rain forecast any time soon.
          There has been widespread destruction and loss of life, currently over 25 people are unaccounted for.
          Thank God, my family and I are safe but I am very upset what is going on down south

taxham

@ssphitides Australia has received help from allover the world including USA (who always lend us their massive waterbombers) New Zealnd (our ‘cousins), Canadians  and even crews from your country. The bushfires are so huge that it is a huge undertaking requiring help from everywhere.
            The fires in the Amazon have been estimated to have destroyed almost 1 million hectares of land compared to Australia;s 3 million hectares (likely to be much higher). The Army has started to evacuate stranded people and holiday makers and tourists were told to leave as the weather gets worse again. The area currently affected is a very popular tourist destination and loved by local holiday makers/
            Thank you so much for sparing a thought for us Aussies
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