Hello, Wednesday readers

This is a tough one, this week.

Last Wednesday, our precious doggo, Elsie, woke up with a snuffly nose. We did not realise then that it was the beginning of the end of our 11-year relationship. That we would soon lose her. That we would be lost and heartbroken by week's end.

It's funny how these little smelly creatures can have such a huge impact in our lives. How they each have such distinctive personalities that when they're gone their loss is felt physically, like a repeated kick in the guts, like all of the air let out of a balloon and then nothing, just a heavy emptiness.

This week, I've written about three of the many, many lessons that Elsie has taught me.

Amongst the chaos, I was able to get to see the fabulous Holly Throsby speak about her new book, Clarke, and the differences in telling stories through fiction and through music.

There's lots more packed into this Wednesday edition including our new series on local weeds - how to identify, remove and what native plants you can use in their place. And Emma is back with the lowdown on the Giant Pepper Vine and just who enjoys a nibble or two on its fruits.

Until next week,

Amanda

The Wednesday Editor

Read today's newsletter here and subscribe to receive free local news in your inbox here