this morning I was talking to a friend, Chris Clarke, (author of 'The Toast Song' - parody of 'Both Sides Now' put up by Bob Bolton several years ago), who lives in the middle of Kambah one of Canberra's hardhit western suburbs. He spent Sat hosing everything down even tho he is no-where near the bush, & watching out for burning embers which were everywhere. The neighbour's house lost part of their backyard from embers. He & other neighbours put out the fire as the people are away.

2 of his friends have lost their houses. I have other friends & colleagues in Canberra & I'll be contacting them tomorrow.

Our National Broadcaster gave a magnificant coverage this morning but then dropped the cover for Sydney & went on to bloody sport!! I would have preferred to continue listening to the Canberra-based coverage, so I have only had news reports tonight, which say the situation is better now, but don't give enough details.

sandra (1030 Sunday night)

sandra