Clare so sorry to hear about your workmates loss. I don't think there will be anyone in all of Vic who is not affected one way or another, the scale of the disaster is so huge and overwhelming. Maybe L is just picking up on the general angst and trauma around her at the moment? Some of these little ones are really very perceptive.

Jazah - good to hear from you! We'll have to have a pimple-off. I reckon I'd win on account of my d!cky liver LOL. The only thing that's working for me is to smother my face daily with witchhazel (I think it's the alcohol in it that does the trick). I *know* it's not chocolate either cos I haven't had any for 2 months and the pimples are still as bad.

MM, I hope you get the hair situation sorted ASAP - that's the sort of thing that can undo you at the last moment LOL. I agree with Trill, go for a 'proper' honeymoon, it might not come together like that for you for a long time (DD1 was 5 yo before DH and I managed to get away for a weekend together LOL)! Plenty of time for family holidays later on.

Cally I hope K's immune system is up and firing and she doesn't succumb to the lurgy.

Well I can't really give blood because my veins are so shiatt (it's hard enough to get out a vial or two for blood tests) plus with surgery on Fri not the wisest. I've given DH a push though cos he pumps out the red gear by the litre. LOL We're gonna send some $$ and I'm thinking in the longer term about volunteering with the Red Cross to do Disaster relief work. It won't help this time but in the long run it all helps.

Trill I didn't even think that you might have fires any where near you! I've been all-consumed by the Vic situation. I did notice however that a little town we used to drive thru all the time on our way to Eden's been burnt thru.