Just had my first introduction to two of Australia's spiders.As you probably all know Australia seems to have collared the world's supply of dangerous spiders, snakes and other creepy crawlies.I am told that they are not all fatal, just give you a nasty nip and leave you feeling a bit yukky… My granddaughter calmly told her dad that there was a 'redback' spider by the rabbit's hutch.Being a bit of a cowardly individual I didn't know whether to jump on the sofa, crawl into bed and hide under the covers or tough it out. So I was very brave and toughed it out. I was then informed by my granddaughter that the 'red back' was only really dangerous to young children and the elderly. I'm not sure what age one has to be to be 'elderly' but have decided to give all spiders a wide berth! Probably in my granddaughter's eyes anyone over forty is elderly so there is not much hope for me. Then this morning whilst we were having breakfast, my grandson informed everyone in general that there was a 'white tip' on the wall. Now I thought the 'redback' was a bit dodgy but the 'white tip' is apparently even worse. Having summarily dismissed it with the swipe of a newspaper my son informed me that it has a very nasty bite, very venomous and when bitten the skin blisters and then, the best bit of all, the venom eats into the flesh. And we think we have problems in the UK with MRSA!

Anyway, back to my diary.I went into Perth on Tuesday of last week in the morning. Went to the State National Library, the Museum and the State Art Gallery where there was an exhibition of local Aboriginal art amongst other exhibitions. Some of it is quite stunning. I also went to the local jail and courthouse - now defunct - but built by convicts that first arrived in Perth in the mid-1800s. It reminded me somewhat of the old building at Taunton Police Station with the high roof where the gallows were. Perhaps some of Somerset's finest came over as 'guests' of the government of the time and helped build it. Who knows? In the afternoon went to Kings Park above Perth with fabulous views over the city and the two rivers meeting. Perth has some wonderful parks and open areas and they are all so well kept. They are also working hard to conserve as many of the endangered species of flora and fauna as possible.

Also visited Caversham Park. A very large area in the bush that has a pool, a tram, a train and things for the children to do. It also has a wild animal park. The kanagaroo enclosure was wonderful. They are all so tame and the children were fussing over them. Oh, by the way, we have sheep ticks in UK, over here they have kangaroo ticks - nothing like being told that after you've been up close and personal with a kangaroo! Anyway, the ticks didn't like me because I never found any on me. Thank goodness. Also had a cuddle with a wombat, a close look at a very sleepy koala and spent a bit of time watching the Tasmanian Devils - always thought that was some Ozzie football team (no, not really). They are strange little creatures, don't know why they have a bad reputation.