Thanks Art. At the moment, it's just damp, cold and miserable - we seem to be having the calm before the storm right now - those storms and high winds aren't due till late tonight or early tomorrow, according to the Weather Bureau - New South Wales Weather and Warnings. Hopefully by the time the nasty stuff really picks up, I should be warm and cosy at home.

I've been following the weather warnings too, Bob. Those were my thoughts exactly. No new tarps yet, and the gazebo is still safely packed away in the shop. As for BBQs? Not for some time yet!

This year's weather is shaping up to be quite different from last year's - although maybe it will improve in the next few weeks. I seem to remember having a BBQ or two around July, for my grandson's birthday and for my brother's visit from Paris. Although it was not exactly warm, it was okay to sit outside - especially with a little fire in the brazier, and I don't remember storms around that time.

There's plenty in the news too - East Coast braces for another battering and Coastal NSW braces for severe weather.