It has been unusually mild this summer but the mercury has risen. Temperatures in the mid 30's accompanied by violent storms. Trees down all over the place and 100,000 folks cut off from their electricity on Sunday night!

Among the highlights of the last few weeks has been the spotting of a brontosaurus in South Queensland.

My first ever brithday on a beach. Kayaking at the idyllic Currumbin Creek.

Meeting up with Bob Ashley, my Over 60's Captain, at England's glorious victory over the Aussies at The Gabba.

Just brilliant being in a place where Kookaburras, parrots and lizards are all part of your early evening walk to the pub is brilliant!

Have had my Chakras cleared by the beguiling and enchanting Infinite Harmony. Very interesting experience.

Met up with over 1,000 people to meditate on a beach on the night of the super blue moon. The moon appeared for 10 mins between 6.40 and 6.50p.m. It then wasn't seen for 12 days. Not sure that worked.

Meanwhile, visited Bee Gees Way, which is tastefully done.

Have met some very interesting folks. I watched England v Australia T20 with the wonderful Hughie McLeod. Hughie will be 90 shortly. His memory is crystal clear and he tells beautiful stories of long ago. Books have been written about him. He developed the sugar cane industry in northern New South Wales. In certain quarters he is treated like royalty. Lives in house 400 yds from where he was born. Has had no need to move. Recently attacked by a cow. Over 100 plus stitches to his face and arms. And yet, after signing himself out of hospital early, his daughter had to tell him to "put that brown snake down" ( the second most deadly in the world ) on her return to the family house to look after him. They don't make 'em like him anymore!

Have recently spent some time in Wellington in New Zealand. Stunningly beautiful and relaxed City and yet its inhabitants are its greatest asset. Everyone so kind, polite and so very helpful.

I had been in the country for 20 mins. Checked into my hotel, walked 200 yds before I heard a voice say "Hello Phil, do you fancy a beer?" Dan Power ( ex Tattenhall ) had also just arrived in the City. So we went to his nearby hotel had a beer and were offered complementary wine and complementary beef. Just about perfect.

In fact the only disappointment in my visit to the country was England's incipient performance against the Kiwis in the T20 at the almost empty Westpac Stadium. By contrast I'd visited perhaps the most beautiful Test Match Arena earlier on in the day. The old fashioned and understated Basin Reserve.

A truly glorious introduction to a little bit of heaven. Beautiful country!

So, onwards and upwards. I wonder what is around the next corner.

It's all going on around the world!

Mr. T