...truth beauty

Last night was the last episode of the last season of Vera.  I felt quite bereft afterwards.

For years the Easterers (Bronwyn in Canberra, Heather in South Australia and I in Tasmania) rendezvoused and watched Vera together on a Saturday night. In 2025 it has just been Heather and me, though even Steve (who watches only news and sport) started watching with me and has recently reported that Jill PD also curls up on the couch with him when Vera's on.

One of the reasons I love the show is Vera's mode of dress.  It reminds me of Corinne (Easterer Four) who always wore a hat and covered up because she felt the cold and feared sun cancer. Her skills and personality couldn't differ more from Vera's.  Corinne loved language and I have always felt smug knowing 'vera' is Latin for true, and truth is what Vera seeks.  Corinne would have known this too.

Another reason is that I love the landscape.  I watch Father Brown and used to watch Midsomer Murders - to the incredulity of some of my murder-noire friends - for the same reason.  Perhaps you have to be been born in England.  I feel at home when I watch.  It comforts me.  In our txt banter last night, Fleurieu Floosie, not a Vera fan, replied 'Thank Goodness' when I told her the end was nigh. 'How can you bear to miss all that lovely scenery?' I asked.  'Hmmm. I think I prefer the Eyre Peninsula*', replied the WA born Flooze.

And this brought to the fore something deep and meaningful that I have been pondering for quite a while.  I recognise the beauty of the various Australian landscapes and I have spent years in support of protecting them.  I have lived surrounded by their beauty. But I never get the same sense of calm, of belonging, that I get when I see the English countryside or when I arrive in Wales.  Belonging to country is true.

Tonight I will watch the special.  Or maybe I'll wait a day or two.

*Catch her recent travels here.