This tree is like a local cedar as seen from a pub in Paterson. Coincidentally, a medium sized tree fell down in the 'beer garden' at that very same time, no one was injured.  Below, crop of corn at Pitnacree plus pumpkins.  The riverside reserve at Paterson was very green and land in the district did not look drought stricken which is fortunate and bearing in mind that irrigation is found near the rivers.

Not very far from here in town. Or, not here in town but further out of town.  A local journalist remarked in The Herald about the latest writing habits and all the usual pitfalls into which we so carelessly fall.   Expression is an interesting skill yet is difficult to learn. The skill may be honed writers speak of perfecting each and every paragraph even when they are celebrated writers. Or is it a talent freely handed around because finding out about words and things does not guarantee good English will prevail. At this stage not much sleep will be lost over it.  The politics of climate change is our priority.

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 Sign at a country pub. 

 Spoiler! Behind the scene and shadow puppet.  A legend seen in Clyde Street.
(On the fourth day a second tram broke down.)

He who juggles on stilts.
Teething problems.  On the third day one tram had a breakdown.  It was said the problem was in the device that rises to contact the power supply that hangs above each tram stop.

Amazingly a very large crowd came along to ride the new light rail during the public opening day complete with little stunts to mark the occasion  In hot sun, a long line of punters extend out and down the block awaiting a sardine-like experience which took them past Honeysuckle, Civic, Crown Street, Market Street to the final stop Pacific Park aka Newcastle Beach.
I believe the large flag was flown by an ardent protestor.  A reminder about the debate over the loss of the old train service.

In the city library it came to mind to have a look for ideas about the stir fry to improve on my existing haphazard methods. If a lift home is not available, take care not to choose a cook book that weighs a ton as many of them do.
 Things have moved on and the new cuisine which is usually delicious is not exactly like the old stir fry. Hunt through all sorts of diets, kale, low carb, paleo and more kale, be side tracked by wonderful feasts and exaggerated ambitions to try this that and the other without giving in to it - this time -to come up with the desired meal. 
 This time the result was tasty and the flavours were usual with a little lift as the thinly sliced chicken pieces had five spice mix, lemon grass, grated ginger and garlic applied an hour before cooking, grated lemon rind and juice added to the usual stir fry ingredients lastly coriander and spring onion. The Hoi sin sauce was rather salty and salt is usually avoided in my dishes.
     

From the files.  Cooling off.

A letter in Traveller Feb 2 (Sydney Morning Herald)

....I too, have a list but I also have a spreadsheet with a detailed clothing list.  My spreadsheet, updated for destination and season, has been the subject of many a joke for many years. However, last year my mother died five days before I was due to fly to Morocco and her funeral was the day before.  My spreadsheet saved the day and we managed to board that plane with everything we needed and everything done that needed to be done.