Is it just me,

or do things speed up at the end of the year? December seems like it is on fast-forward and passes in a blur. Maybe it feels even quicker for me as this was my eldest daughter’s last year at high school. There were more markers to show me that the year was passing by in 2022: the trials, the HSC, graduation, a graduation ball, schoolies…

And now we are moving into the silly season and my calendar is filling up with Christmas parties and end-of-year celebrations. It’s been a few years since my schedule has been this packed with social outings. It’s exciting, and I know I’m lucky to be invited to join all the fun.

However, people in the NSW Central West and Riverina, and Riverland in SA, are dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods. When I saw photos of Molong, a town I used to play hockey in as a kid, I was shocked. Hailing from the Northern Rivers, floods are not uncommon, but to see these areas inundated is surreal. My heart goes out to the communities affected.

A brief break in the rain in NSW allowed us to shoot our December cover, garden and decorating feature at Steve Cordony and Michael Booth’s property, Rosedale Farm, near Orange. Shortly after, their beautiful garden flooded, but all their animals remained safe and sound. Turn to page 78 to learn more about what is planted in their garden, and what led to a change in career for Michael.

One of the wonderful things about my job is the opportunity to share stories about people on the land overcoming adversity and going on to do amazing, innovative things. Iris & Wool founder Emily Riggs is such a person and I was happy to make her “dream come true” of starring in The Style Diary (page 128) in the final issue for the year. Have a wonderful Christmas.