Hazelbrook, while it is busier and noisier than once it was, still maintains many of the comforting rhythms of a semi-urban town that make it a desirable place to live. Mowers hum, hammers thump, dogs bark while acres and acres of trees sway and bustle with birds. Trains depart hourly for the city ('pent cloisters dim') and folks must head into the distance if they want more than the local shops can provide. There are joggers, but mostly walkers and the night is very dark and still.

But I confess, it has changed in some key ways over thirty years, with sirens an everyday feature on the highway, a greater volume of traffic and a changing population. There are more 'city-folk' ( I was once one of those) who are seeking a cheaper buy and a different lifestyle. Sydney is a relentless place. Nice to visit but...

So living here you might look outside and in the near vicinity and think you are in a bit of a bucolic paradise. But turn on the radio, TV or any news media site, and the mood is decidedly gloomy. Wars, rumours of wars, awful murders, dreadful behaviours, incomprehensible human conduct - one could go on. The case for turning it all off forever is strong indeed, if the discipline is there, if the temptation is avoided. An old university friend whom I lost contact with over ten years ago once said, in response to my shying away from terrible news,

'David, I watch the news because if I am going to be killed by something I want to know all about it.'

I used to agree but now I am not so sure. I have my faith, which is an extraordinary bolster to negative news. It doesn't mean I don't worry or get anxious - I do - but I also have a powerful refuge.