Doggone it!

Australia Day it is, and what better way to start the day than with Vegemite on toast, narna on Rice Bubbles, and a good strong cuppa!

Days like today bring out all sorts of memories of family and home and harbour boat races and everyone gathered round the barbie, with snags and chops sizzling away. A beer or two to wash it all down, and then plonking ourselves down on the couch for some cricket or tennis - or both. Those were the good old Australian days!

Nothing quite like celebrating your homeland in the traditional way, even when you are miles away from it. A few phone calls to family in the great southern land and a check in with the kids to make sure they are making the most of the day - like swimming in the weir with their mates or working hard in the veggie patch - and makes you feel all comfy inside, even though it's bloody freezing outside and you can't see any green for looking!

Make light of it if you will, but it's tough being away from family anytime of the year. And that's why we wanted to help our friend by taking care of her little ones - Tika and Mojo (see tikabrown.blogspot.com) - while she was away. If one has to be separated from the ones they love, there's nothing more comforting than knowing that they are safe, happy, and well taken care of.

A few days ago, Tika and Mojo were happily reunited with their Mum - although still waiting for their Dad to come home from Afghanistan - and seem to have settled into their usual routine no worries. Yesterday we reconnected with my family down in Oz and a few mates around the world. At the end of the day, everyone was where they should be and we were all the better for it.

So, regardless of your nationality, mark this Australia Day by checking in with your family and friends, whether they are next door or around the world, and let them know you are thinking of them. If you can't walk to where they are, drive or take the bus or hop on yer bike, use Skype or Facebook or MSN, or simply make a phone call.

Take a moment to connect or reconnect because doggone it, in this hyper fast-paced world, it just feels good! And we are all the better for it!