Ashes and Dust

My beautiful green home town has become russet and black and grey. The bushfire's have hit my community hard, destroyed homes and businesses. Scattered neighbours, friends and family far and wide. But the true Tassie spirit has not been lost, properties are starting to be cleared, tents are popping up like mushrooms and if you look carefully a little bit of green is starting to return.

The community is stronger than before I believe. This was evident today at the Bream Creek Farmers Market. There were heaps of people there having a great time, buying fresh local produce. Saw many people I knew, spoke to some, waved to others. Bought a bucket of apricots (for chutney), two kilos of cooking cherries (for cucumber and cherry relish) and various other vegetables. You should all come down next month, but get there early!

Listened to Tino from Gardening Australia talk about fire damaged gardens, which was very interesting. I am lucky that my front garden was not singed but it inspired me to get my veggie patch up and growing, it will need fencing first as the wallabies have finally returned, I have seen three of them at least and have started putting out food. Was very concerned they may not have survived.

Although the countryside is blackened the community is thriving but we need to get visitors back into the region, we want the message to get out there that the peninsulas are back in business!! Come visit...will put the kettle on and make the scones! The welcome mat is out!

Happy and safe travels!

Tammy xx