Okay so the classic writers might use the weather (Austen, Brontes, etc) as a vehicle to further the plot and show the mood of a character or two but what about real life? I spent last night relegating all the summer gear to the spare wardrobe and digging out jumpers, cardigans and coats and yes, believe it! even scarves, beanies and woollen gloves. The weather has changed drastically. Last week we were basking in 20 degree heat and now we can expect a top of around 10 with overnight temperatures down to - 1. And with the chilly wind you just know it is snowing somewhere. Stay warm indoors reading or writing!

Doors open to the public tonight for a Bush Slam as part of filming for a new ABC television series hosted by HG Nelson. ABC TV and Freehand Productions are taking two different poets to six rural towns to explore the culture, the beauty, the folklore and the humour. The other towns featured will be Lightning Ridge (NSW), Corryong (VIC), Yarrabah (QLD), Blinman (SA) and Stanley (TAS). Each poet is given just three days to capture the essence of the town and its people in verse. At the end of three days, the poets entertain the town in a live head-to-head poetry slam hosted by HG, with the locals deciding the winner. Doors open to the public tonight at the Japanese Gardens in Cowra from 5.30 pm and the wet weather venue is the Railway Hotel. There is a gold coin donation entry fee and be early to get a seat. Bush Slam will screen on ABC TV later this year. Read more about it in today's Cowra Guardian: http://cowra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/cowra-fuels-word-feast/1449729.aspx#