The world is hoping for a less challenging new year. Increasing COVID cases, particularly Omicron, across Australia are causing much concern. State borders are open and both family reunions and summer holidays have meant more movement of people with less safety precautions. Most Australians are double vaccinated. The third booster vaccination is being rolled out rapidly. January ... a very hot summer; temperatures over 30 deg for days on end, with intermittent heavy rain storms, keeping gardens and countryside green and lush. February ... COVID cases begin to flatten but still many hospitalised, a cautious move to allow people to use a home Rapid Antigen Test and report findings leaves some doubt that contact tracing will be as effective. Schools return for the new year, masks mandatory for all indoor public places, increased booster roll out for younger children, unrelenting heat of temperatures over 30 deg, all state borders open and many reunions of families and loved ones. We take a 2 night country escape from crowds and heat to Healesville, Yarra valley, east of the city, and a day trip to Geelong, 1 hr from Melbourne. March ... summer heat & humidity continues; devastating floods in coastal Queensland & NSW with reports in media of destruction, loss & suffering; the world is horrified as Russia threatens and invades Ukraine. April ... still very warm weather, restrictions for COVID easing and Victoria, and the rest of Australia almost back to normal. Easter and school holidays, churches resume open services, chaos for travellers at Melbourne Airport due to staff shortages and efforts to get back to normal. May ... we sail again on The Spirit of Tasmania taking our own car for almost 2 weeks of sightseeing. One of our favourite places. Autumn colours there and at home in Victoria. June ... Winter, a short getaway to Bendigo (separate Gallery)north of Melbourne, to see the "Elvis:Direct from Graceland" exhibition a the Art Gallery, walks around our own parks. August ... a day in the country north of Melbourne, to The Garden of St Erth. September ... a short holiday away on the South Gippsland coast at the RACV Resort in Inverloch; spring arriving beautifully with blossom and new leaves. October ... a special family celebration on Jupiter 89, top of the Eureka Tower,for my son. November ... continued heavy rain and tragic flooding of towns in northern Victoria and across the border in NSW, all affected by the flooding of the Murray River and its tributaries. We fly to Perth for 3 nights before boarding the Indian Pacific train across the continent and the Nullabor Plain to Adelaide and after 2 nights there we take the Overland day train back home to Melbourne. Severe flooding continues in the state with tragic hardship and loss of property, farms and some lives. December … Summer has finally arrived but the weather patterns are inconsistent. Our beautiful land of Australia is always threatened with fires and floods, so we hold our breath and hope for a safe season. We have enjoyed early festivities with family and friends; loads of laughs and much love. This year I am delighted that our son and daughter-in-law will “do” Christmas day luncheon at their home in Chelsea. In January we will go away to two country destinations, Maryborough, in the Victorian goldfields area for 10 days and Penola, across the SA border near Mount Gambier for 10 days. Both are in cottages which are pet friendly so we can have Willow with us.