OnDusk

The days are getting shorter and the nights are growing cooler so I've moved my writing set-up indoors, and then enjoyed a late burst of perfect weather. My winter writing set up .... It's not really cold enough for it yet, but I couldn't resist because if there's one thing I really enjoy, it's setting fire to things: Perfect for warming me and neighbourhood stray cats if only they'd come closer ... A writing exercise: Radio Star Goodmorning all – how’s your day so far – it’s cold, that’s what it is. Here’s three in a row to get you up, get you moving, get you into the day… If he brings you happiness…. Mmmm I love the smell of disenfectant in the morning. Using the key on the chain to unlock the luxury items – liquid soap, cheap spray & wipe and of most value, perfumed, soft as a cloud, patterned, two-ply, name brand toilet paper. No one wanted to be the radio station cleaner, but it didn’t worry me, I can breath...

The view from my window. [Northern Rivers] Working in the Northern Territory is a much different experience to travelling there for a holiday.  I count myself fortunate to have worked up there years ago. The land claimants I got to know were elderly, and many were in poor health. It gave us a purpose that kept the blood pumping, driving on dirt roads for 16 hours a day and sleeping beside croc infested waterways.  ... I was finally heading home, looking forward to a proper shower and a fresh bed, tired and hungry with my only accompaniment a blinking reserve fuel tank light. I hadn’t seen my son for a week. So I combined the two things on my mind, thinking I’ll refuel and get him a treat, and I pulled into a Katherine roadhouse. In those days there weren’t as many people you see nowadays crossing the streets and the footpaths, that you would now keep your eyes peeled for as they come out of the darkness. It was a quiet, starlit, temperate Dry evening. ...