A little Oasis in a storm

Yesterday, we became proud parents to four chickens. We have a lovely big yard, surrounded by bush, so they can roam all day. My partner, Tony, built what I call the Taj Chickal, a very secure safe haven for our chickens to sleep and feed.

Milly the dog, now deaf from age, was beside herself with excitement. At one point, we found her sitting guard after the chickens had gone to bed.

Hopefully, in a few days, when the chickens are allowed to roam, Milly and the chickens will become friends.

Our house is our sanctuary, surrounded by native bush, water, and bird life. 

Not a day goes by that I do not feel overwhelmed with luck for this life.

A little Oasis in a storm. 

Tony works in the garden, does the composting, grows vegetables, and now has chickens as a stress relief from working in a company that epitomises everything I rail against. Profit is the god, people are the machines of profit. 

Each morning, I wake in the dark to the sounds of bats and creatures, steeling myself for the news feed. 

Then we head to the beach, still in the dark, for either a walk or a surf, allowing the ocean to rinse out the infections of the world’s hate and horror. 

Against everything, it is a healthy way to live. I am aware, in almost every moment, that I have this luxury when so many do not. 

It is for this reason, and others, that I bear the responsibility of speaking up for those who cannot. 

Photo June 29th 2025, Article written June 29th 2025