John

Very warm today. Temperature peaked at 41.7 degrees C today on my back patio

Went to see Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce who led the fight to abolish slavery in Britain in the 1800's. A really good historical, costume piece well acted by a cast of relatively unknowns. Very powerful in its portrayal of the attitudes of the "born to rule" upper class in Britain at that time and their absolute contempt for the people they considered lesser beings. It wasn't the sort of movie you "enjoy" but compelling in its realism.

I've just been to see Amazing Grace which is the story of William Wilberforce and his battle to abolish slavery in Britain. A beautifully produced, powerful movie.

1.6C outside this morning. Hopefully we'll get a fine winter day. Top temperature forecast to be 12.

In Victoria today a beautiful autumn day. About 24 degrees Celsius

Cold, overcast 12.1 degrees, a chance of storms

Cold, overcast 9.2 degrees

13 degrees and still overcast

10.1 Degrees celsius here and cloudy. Great day for work!! I've been spreading crushed rock on my drive.

Rain and wind. Getting cold. Temp has dropped 3degrees to 9degrees celsius in the last 30 minutes

Really, is that true? Probably not as low as I am. But a few kilometres into the hills from here. Wow, I didn't think that anywhere in Australia got snow ! We didn't actually get any snow. Temp got down to 4degrees C overnight. Where I live snow is very unusual. About once every 10 years. However about 30km north of where I am we have the Cross Country Ski area of Mt St Guinere and about 60km away we have the downhill ski resort of Mt Baw Baw. I'm not sure either of those places has had their first snowfall of the season yet. Last summer a huge bushfire burnt to within 2km of our house and we had temperatures in the high 30's and over 40degrees celsius for weeks on end. You can see Australia is a country of huge contrasts!! I will have to learn how to post pictures then I could put some up.

In the hills to the north of Latrobe Valley. Our forecast from the local RAAF base is different to the Melbourne one and colder. Temp currently 7Degrees C and falling.

Really, is that true? Probably not as low as I am. But a few kilometres into the hills from here.

Cold, possible snow tomorrow.

Just come back from my morning walk. Was sunny and cold but the cloud is closing in and it is starting to rain and blow. Temperature 9 celsius.

35 degrees celsius here!! I am heading to the Oz Open Tennis tomorrow and the temperature will be even warmer.

By way of contrast, where I live in South Eastern Oz today was 41.8 degrees Celsius and the next two day are forecast to be similar. We are dealing with grass and scrub fires spread over a wide area.

Blowing a full gale in southeastern Oz. Been out with the fire brigade clearing fallen trees.

Cloudy and expecting a top of 14 degrees Celsius in the Latrobe Valley east of Melbourne in Oz. Rain expected later in the day. Huge rainfall on Gold Coast and Northern NSW. 2000 km north of here. It is mid winter of course!!