This is sad. Do not laugh. It sums things up for now.

After a night of thunder and lightening (remember: such weather events are rare in Tasmania) and close to 100mm in one night (I kid you not – I sort of measured it) our beloved Cobb oven went kerplunk. It is sad for me, as I have many happy memories of watching my husband and my daughter create this together. I watched Georgia get muddy and laugh with sheer delight. I listened to them plan their creation over dinner.

What could we have done to protect the oven? If you have been a faithful reader (of which we have many), you will remember that the oven was incomplete. We were yet to protect it with a lime render, which would have waterproofed and secure it. Also, it is a good idea to keep it protected from the elements with a roof, and this will certainly be a feature of our outdoor kitchen. I think Matty stood on it when it was wet and soft. I saw a faint boot print when I took this photo (right after checking the new dam, which was half full, and some other puddles, which were nearly 20cm deep).

And so ends the story of the Cobb.

“We will rebuild,” proclaims Monte, sounding like an enthusiastic Spartan about to fight the Persian army.