Brunch with Spike Deane in country New South Wales. Off the beaten track. Happy man.

Thistle the Cat takes charge.

In the immortal words of John Lennon ... love is all we need.

All we need is a lawn.

The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley,

Chance of a shower ... said the weather forecast.

Solanum nigrum, Solanum americanum ... to be all Latin and botanical about it.

Canberra cancels the Midnight fireworks. We have our own. At home.

The final meal of 2024. At home with Spike Deane.

Spike Deane has a new coffee machine. And a surprisingly stylish $3 mug from K-Mart. Living the dream or what?

Traveling on Australia's 20th Century train service between the nation's capital and Sydney then on to Glasgow with Spike Deane

Spike and Thistle The Cat enjoying the dappled shade in Spike Deane's garden.

We are told to expect a long, hot summer. Already I cannot remember the last time it rained. This may be as green as it gets.

Thistle The Cat inspects the apple tree blooming in Spike Deane's garden.

Warmth returns to the Canberra morning. Brunch outdoors.

The answer is not always blowing in the wind. Sometimes it's just a storm.

Cuppa tea and some (IKEA) biscuits with Spike Deane. Nuff said.

The hero's journey ... Or not. And not quite Dante either. But, you know, IKEA on a Saturday?

“Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks.” Marilyn Wann