Hello everyone, it is with a heavy heart that I write this newsletter. By now you will be aware that Australia has been experiencing the most dreadful tragedy – probably the biggest in our history. As I write some 181 souls have been lost to the most destructive bush fires seen in generations. This number is expected to exceed 300 by the time all homes have been searched and last victims found. There are still several hundred people reported as being “missing”.

Over 1000 homes have been destroyed, displacing many thousands of people. Mother Nature reminds us from time to time that she is in control. Generally speaking we can cope with the disasters that Mother Nature metes out from time to time. What we cannot accept or even fathom is when a tragedy occurs at the deliberate hand of another human being. Incredibly some of the 27 fires have been deliberately lit at a time when the environment was in drought, and the air temperature was over 40°C, together with roaring winds.

May I offer my deepest thanks to the BellaOnline readers who have offered to me and my fellow Australians, via the forum and through private messages, your thoughts and prayers. It is heartwarming to know that unknown people from all over the world are praying for the devastated families and communities that have been left with nothing but ashes. I thank you.

I am situated 700 miles north of the bushfires and 700 miles south of the worst floods in living memory. Australia really is a stunning country with deserts, mountain ranges, snow peaks and monsoonal climates. But it is also a land of extremes. I guess we’ll continue to live in the bush, amongst the beautiful rain forests and where wild fauna and flora abound. Perhaps it’s time to consider preparing like our US neighbours, and build bunkers or cellars as part of our homes, a place to flee this type of storm should the occasion arise. We often see vision on our TV’s of tornados going through communities in the US, and yet so many people survive because they have a safe haven in their cellars.

I am unable to be upbeat in this newsletter dear quilters, I feel any amount of levity or flippancy does a disservice to all those who are suffering so dreadfully.

I will be back next week with the usual Quilters Quarters Newsletter.

Take care everyone and when you get a chance, hug all those who you love and who love you.

Sincerely

Judie Bellingham, Quilting Editor
http://Quilting.bellaonline.com

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