Well, we have our own local shark story to add to the ones you mentioned. Yesterday a young man was snorkling under the Windang bridge that goes over a sort of inlet to Lake Illawarra and he was bitten by a shark. He did the same thing as the young girl you mentioned and started hitting the shark on the head and it worked...It let go. The Windang bridge is a mere 1 Km from where we swim in the ocean.
Hmmm may wait awhile before venturing in this year. But I can't resist the call of those waves forever. I believe the news report mentioned it was a bull shark and they are more dangerous this time of year. I agree. Although if I were the relative or friend killed by a shark it would be harder to be objective. We do choose to go into a very dangerous ecosystem...most people know what lives there and what could happen...but we never think it will happen to us... and it most likely won't. Driving through rush hour traffic in the city is probably more dangerous than swimming in the ocean..taking for granted that you know how to swim and follow simple safety precautions. (Of course I am not the best of drivers...especially when on the "wrong side" of the road!When we have a shark attack.. there is always a debate over whether the shark should be hunted and killed, because it may be a danger to swimmers. I find this so unbelievably selfish and offensive, because we are in their habitat, not ours, and we should treat them with respect.
)Hiya Heather! I love the violin! It does stirs the heart doesn't it? I am so thrilled that you are following through on a dream and learning how to do this. Those gifted in the arts give so much lasting beauty to the world. It is a learning process I bet though! Wow...I remember the difficulties in trying to learn piano. I hit so many Klinkers! My poor family!
They loved it when my attention turned towards a nice quiet subject...painting. 
Hey Lilly, Well... the cookies wound up being virtual after all because at the last minute I discovered I didn't have any butter. Just as well. George and I dodged a bullet there.
Come over when ever you want... we never run out of tea and coffee.
Hugs,
Sandy
i am in a very good mood. It's surprising.. considering i didn't get to bed til 1am and i'm usually asleep by 9:30. 
cosy
Aleah suffered a few years ago to the point of us filing charges, lots of tears, anger, and frustration for us. It was a nightmare for her, kind of a darned if you do and darned if you don't senario. She no longer attends the same school because the boy has been allowed to return time and time again even after several altercations with others, attacking a teacher, and spending time in juvenile detention. The teacher in me knows this kid needs help, and is a victim as well. There's something wrong with the whole system. We did what we had to to protect our child. I still believe that much of her asthma problems even now are a direct result of the escalation of fear she experienced from it. Hope it works out for all of you.
Give Aleah a hug from all of us. ...You get one too.... 
Hugs for everybody...and especially a big one for our Gypsie Deb right now. {{{{Gypsie}}}}
