ok, i know i've been spoiled rotten by summertime in australia.

but geesh!

snow and snow and cold and cold.

you should see the end of my driveway!

and the kitchen cold water is frozen.

and i still don't have a camera replacement.

i got one--too big--

returned.

i got a second--

too fancy--

returned

and today i ordered one almost just like my old

plain old

powershot.

the kicker?

it's cheaper! and RED!!!

so here, trace, is my photo

taken by YOU!

which proves that i do not always break cameras and

that my good friends put up with me

as i look at the melbourne now exhibit.

i can say

in all honesty

that australians are among

the finest, friendliest people i've met.

and the north country, dear place,

it's time to warm up

just a tiny bit.

please.