Oh for the good old days when I wasn’t filled with trepidation every morning as I typed into my phone “Trump news’. Life seemed so blissfully normal then.

Every day, from the other side of the globe, I check my phone each morning to see if Canada has been invaded for no reason,
or if civil war has started in the US.
It sounds insane, yet every day it seems more likely.
Hope l’m wrong … two rotten options.

I hope Albanese shows some Macron-type backbone and does something - anything really - to show Trump that Australia, as a loyal ally, isn’t going to lay down and be kicked around by an out-of-control would-be fascist on a whim. It’s called national pride - and leadership.

One weekend a year we can laze in the pool, wine in hand, and still have front row seats for the awesome #huntervalleyairshow. Aerobatics was fabulous and the F35 fighter jet was deafening. It scared the hell out of the kangaroos in the next paddock. We do it all again tomorrow.

Watching the news tonight … as a retired journo, I never thought I would say this, but I am so embarrassed by Australian media. It’s right wing, shallow bullshit. Everyone (Albo, I’m talking to you) bowed to Murdoch . Overdue Royal Commission required. Now!!

How did we ever get to the stage where honest, factual news reporting became such a rarity? Murdoch and Musk madness, plus millions of gullible people. Tough times ahead, but facts and science will win out. Sadly, we all thought this fight had already been won. But never underestimate stupid.

It seems weird. We didn’t get a Xmas ham this year (enjoyed one at my sister’s place though). It has meant we haven’t had to come up with outrageously creative ways to use the leftover ham over breakfast/lunch/dinner for the past week. A rather pleasant change if you ask me. This sound familiar?

#AUSvIND One of the best Tests I’ve seen in 60 years. More pitches like this please … a contest between bat and ball every day. Batsmen earned their runs and had to fight hard, as they should. Sick of Test pitches that are dead flat for the middle three days. And yes, Bumrah’s a wizard.

Christmas with family, wine, turkey, ham, roast potatoes, kids, presents etc … but no Love Actually. Something ain’t right people.

Hard to think of any Australian company that has bent over backwards to trash its outstanding brand more than Qantas. But don’t rule out the ABC just yet, they’re in hot pursuit. Sad all round.

Tough week. Two trailer loads to the tip and more to come (always fun), the cell for our pool packed it in, the fridge broke down an so did the fan. Thank God for wine.

With uncertain times ahead, I hope Tim Walz isn’t thrown on the scrap heap by Dems after the election loss. I like his style and hope there’s always a place for an avuncular, straight talker in politics. We need more of them - and that includes Australia. #politics

Hey peeps, am a wine and sports lover - ok, politics too God help me - from Hunter Valley wine country, NSW, Australia. In wake of the last few days, I will drink something especially nice tonight (I need it) to celebrate my Blue Sky debut.