Morning all

I'm still alive and kicking and my head is above water!
Sorry not been around, my life has been a tad chaotic - not because of anything in particular happening but just because I sometimes have these spells where nothing quite goes to plan
We were hit by the tail end of the cyclone towards the end of last week but we just got big rain and high winds but fortunately no flooding. I'm fairly up in the hills anyway so should be good even if there was torrential rain coupled with king tides which is usually what leads to problems up here. We lost power for a few hours because the lines were down and there was tree debris everywhere but that was about the extent of the damage. Down south (or South-er) in Brisbane area is really copping it again and because of that we lost mobile internet and mobile phone services for a day or so. Some of these poor devils that are being flooded out must only just be recovering from the last terrible floods a couple of years ago! .... and they call living in Australia living in Gods Backyard, if that's the case then he needs to sort out his drainage issues
The other unfortunate aspect of this weather for me on a personal level is that I've had several shifts at work cut because we aren't getting deliveries. When big rains come the roads and rail services inevitably get cut and no load, no work ..... no pay - wahhhhhhhh!

However, in the light of the devastation down south I'd rather be in my position than in theirs, so I think it's a case of counting my blessings again
YoungPlummie went back to school today after the LONG summer holiday, and is starting Grade 6. She's a happy little trooper as she got the teacher she wanted - she likes male teachers best which I think is probably a good thing as it gives her a good male role model. Unfortunately she seems to have done some more sprouting and I thought I was going to get away with just new shoes and sport shoes but when she put on her uniform this morning it's become apparent that I'm going to have to replace all that - again! She does this every year - pesky lanky bean that she is! Uniform isn't cheap, so she's going to have to breath in and stoop for a week or two - I'm a cruel mum!
DestructoPup had been a good dog for a while until our miserable old git neighbour thanked me for all my efforts in getting her to be good. Since then he has jinxed the situation and she has reverted to being a tearaway as soon as darkness falls. At the weekend I was up to 4 am one night and 6 am the other night shhh-ing her every time she started to bark. She stops when told, has a rest for 20 minutes or so and then has another woof. I gave up going to bed and just camped out on the patio in the end! However, last night she was a good girl so keep your fingers crossed that progress is being made again! Otherwise the dog will have to go!
That is all my news

I could also give you details of my weekly shopping if you so wish
I have read through the thread but by the time I came to post, I can't remember who I should be saying what to!
Congrats twingle on your grandson of the frowny face! Amica I hope life is getting better for you, I had no idea how grim things had been for you.
.... and that's where i forget everything. So big hugs and positive vibes to all of you that need them.
Sorry about all the wiffle - that'll teach you to keep your mouths shut when I go quiet, just enjoy the peace