The bike, which my brother Bill has given me for my particular use, is the same one I had last year; in fact it hasn’t been used by anyone else since I left nine months ago – such is its allure. And, come to think of it,  even before then it wasn’t wanted by its previous owner who gave it to Bill rather than the dump. Well, it may be plain silver (or grey, perhaps more accurately) and it may have funny handlebars (to some people) but it has some plus points – I need not buy an expensive bicycle lock (nobody will ever steal it) and I prefer to walk up hills anyway (it’s so tedious to have to pedal away like anything and go only two metres). The old bike enjoys going at a leisurely pace so I can take in the scenery and best of all, it seems to know where it is going – it especially enjoys going to our local Minnippi Parklands where there are lakes with ducks  and turtles, and designated areas for remote controlled aeroplanes; there is even a quiet spot where ladies can balance on one leg for great periods undisturbed (hence no photographs of the statuesque lady who I saw).

Now I am heading off up north a little way to the Sunshine Coast to stay with Lorelle, my childhood friend, until Friday. She has a wonderful pool, something you will be aware of already if you have read my book, The Innocent Flirt Down Under (a smashing read!). Must dash – calling in on another friend en route….