Regular readers of this column will be aware that the Connery family unit has been under the hammer in recent months. 

A massive gum tree straddling the family home was just the beginning of a vexing period for the clan which also saw my wife confined to her bed for nearly three months and what had been a very private, settled and comfortable suburban lifestyle for me was turned completely on its head.

I should point out that the worst seems to be well behind us now with a brand new roof in place and a more mobile spouse finally starting to benefit from the extended period of enforced convalescence.

I could add that my previously non-existent cooking skills have been greatly enhanced and although I have never professed to be a nurturing ‘snag’ type of guy my bedside manner has also substantially improved albeit starting from a very low base.

So you can imagine finding a hot casserole or freshly baked cake on my doorstep or receiving a thoughtful email not only raised my flagging spirits but also helped me endure a totally new, unexpected and stressful experience.

Living in Australia in the 21st century surrounded by the conveniences of a modern economy one can become insulated from many of the trials and tribulations other less fortunate people suffer on a daily basis however as I can now attest unplanned and disruptive events can change all that in an instant.

Amidst unprecedented economic turbulence and ‘shambolic’ politics the kind actions of good friends and neighbours was so much more uplifting and provided a much-needed island of sanity and support in what was for me an uncharted sea of uncertainty.

It is at times like this our true friends and good neighbours step up and demonstrate why they are considered so highly and regarded as an extension of our family. To all of them here, interstate and overseas - and as I said before they all know who I mean – please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Roosters are OK but not yapping dogs

If our feed back is any guide it seems chooks get the nod but man’s best friend had better keep a lid on it.

All I can add is that if there were as many farm yard animals in local backyards as our canine mates I think respondents would have to reconsider their position.

But perhaps that’s the point.

What about state politics?

I cannot remember a time of such change. 

And change, for the sake of change alone, is not something I would usually subscribe to however when the government was so ‘broke’ we can only hope that anything will be better than the status quo!

Short and curly

It must be capitalism’s dirty secret when so-called investors can benefit from actively seeking to destroy good listed companies. 

Many are saying the sooner safe guards are in place the better – but the fact is share markets, in common with all markets, inevitably go up and down and there’s the rub.