The earth moved this morning!

I was awake and about to get up when there was a rumbling and shaking. I laughingly called out to the girls ‘perhaps an earthquake! Or a train has run under our house. ‘

I didn’t think much more of it until Ros pointed out later that she read there had been an earthquake in Adelaide. Very brief and quite light on the scale but nonetheless an earthquake.

What a start to the day. It was also very cloudy and cool but the forecast predicted a nice day , no rain, so no umbrella needed.

We walked another way to the Pioneer Memorial Gardens checking out the trees And today we all had our phones so no problems checking in!

We checked the daily program because things change and unfortunately Brian Brown is unwell and won’t be speaking today. Instead there will be a tribute to Shane Warne.

For those who don’t know…… Shane Warne a former spin bowler of great fame passed away in Bangkok yesterday. He is a sportsman , a larrikin and always talked about with huge affection by Australians. He was once engaged to Liz Hurley the actress.

Our first session today was with Charlotte McConaghy. What a smart articulate young woman who has written a book so different that it should be read. It’s about wolves! After the culling of wolves in Yellowstone park the author was interested, researched the topic and decided to write a fictional book about introducing 14 grey wolves to the Scottish highlands.

The same author has written another award winning novel called Migrations. It explores the last journey of the arctic terns on their migration to the Antarctic.

Lots to read!

The next session was with Jennifer Downs. Another young author who has written a book of great sadness and empathy. I haven’t read this but it’s now on my list.

Next up a big story session Empire of Pain. Such a well written investigation by Patrick Radden Keefe. His account of the OxyContin abuse in America and the family of Doctors, the Sackler family, who developed it and made a fortune out of it – but have never acknowledged the damage done by this dangerous drug.

This is a really well written book , lots of detail but so accessible.

Next up, two icons of science in Australia. Peter Doherty and Barry Jones. both had some interesting points to make about the pandemic and the way it’s been handled in Australia.

Next up a big choice. Two young writers Diana Reid and Indiana Schneider. Both have written novels set in universities around the concept of consent.

OR The Big Switch with Saul Griffith who has developed a blue print for an approach to climate change that ensures more jobs and a healthier environment.

I took a little of both. Saul Griffiths is a laid back metallurgist with a lot to offer in getting people to accept we can do things differently when it come to renewables.

Time then to head up town.

And time for a cocktail. We visited 2KW a roof top bar.

Great views. Great cocktails.

A quick trip up to the Treasury Courtyard for a Fringe event. A bit of Soul & Blues by locals Mensforth Quintet. Featuring songs by Etta James, Nina Simone we were entertained for a good hour – enjoying a glass of wine.

What a day!

We finished with dinner back at our local pub The Kentish on Stanley Street.