Sometimes Life is what happens when you are making other plans....

As you can see: no blog entries for a few months...

What's been going on:

Firstly, the wonderful news that "Lovely Little Lollie" is OUT of her plaster and - as of November 4th - is OUT of her brace!   She may be visiting Nannie and  "Da" Karmichael in December, so that is something we are looking forward to...

Secondly, the Air Hawk project is going along fine.   I finished the layout for the First Volume this morning, so expect news on this front soon...

Sad news: I have learnt (perhaps belatedly) of the passing of Gerard Piper, Brisbane based cartoonist.   http://lambiek.net/artists/p/piper_gerard.htm    The website Lambiek gives a quick summation of his history, although it tells nothing of the wonderfully warm humour that his comic strip "Trevor" imparted.
I have an embarrassing tale to tell about Gerard (and I shall tell it).   In the early 1980s I published a comic anthology (simply titled "The Australian Comics Group") and sought further contributors to make submissions for proposed future volumes.   One day while I was at work, a young gentlemen named Gerard Piper left some samples with my sister (who was staying with me at the time).  
It was soon after this that Gerard began working for "The Sun" newspaper.   Over the years we attended various Australian Black and White Artists' Club functions; but the funny thing is we never met.   When Gerard attended Club get-togethers, I was at work; and on the occasions I went (with all his artwork, for the purpose of returning) Gerard was not there!
On reading his Obitutary site just before writing this, I noticed he lived at Sandgate (something I didn't know - sadly, a mere ten minute drive from my home)....

Jason Paulos came to Margate for a quick visit during the past few months.   Those who know Jason from his "Hairbutt the Hippo" days, will be pleasantly surprised to see how he has expanded his craft lately.    Check out his new comic "EEEK!" ... Here's the link:  http://www.blackboox.net/products/EEEK%21-Issue-1.html    Sadly, Jason's visit wasn't all beer and skittles, and we trust your brother Gets Well Soon, Jason.   We enjoyed your company at the RSL, with your brother and cousin; and it was fun to hear all the old memories that the occasion brought back to you all...