Stepping out the front door at 6 o’clock in the morning there was this wonderful earth smell in the air after last night’s heavy rain. This now is my first diary entry for the year 2015. Hopefully it is going to be a year with less wars and more understanding among people. I wish very much for peace and some happiness for everyone. If people go through difficult times, may they be supported by family, friends and others in their community. And may strangers also find support and a safe place wherever it is needed!

Here near the mountain ranges and close to Wollongong and the sea we had plenty of rain last night. I think of the disastrous bush fires in some of the other areas of Australia that are still ongoing with people having had to leave their homes and some people having lost their homes to the fires. When we watch on TV how the fires are raging this looks truly frightening.

Yesterday, Sunday, was the tenth day of Christmas. For Christians it was also the Epiphany of the Lord. I made it to church yesterday for the 9,30 am Mass. Temperatures were soaring, but still not much over 30 Degrees Celsius. I had not been able to attend any of the Christmas Masses. I also missed out on the Sunday Mass on the 28th of December, which was in the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.