In the early 1980s - long before smartphones, tracking apps, and social media bans - my young daughters would wander down to the local shop with a handful of coins to buy my cigarettes.

They’d come home proud, a little excited … they had been on an adventure and all was right with the world.

We didn’t believe in wrapping children in bubble wrap. We believed in scraped knees, small responsibilities, and lessons learned the hard way.

Because banning things doesn’t remove danger -  it makes it more tempting… and harder to see.

But then came a moment that stopped me in my tracks.

One day, a family friend saw the girls at the shop and offered them a lift home. They happily accepted. And so I began the journey with Tripitaka... 

The Forbidden Zone Yarn

A Special Dispatch from Roderick (Whiskers) McNibble, Senior Correspondent, Dusty Gulch Gazette
Filed from beneath the third loose plank, Boat Shed No. 2

Your correspondent reports that an island nation without a navy must, by necessity, improvise. In Dusty Gulch, that improvisation has taken a distinctly avian turn. At 0437 hours this morning, I observed the full extent of our local maritime readiness: fifteen ducks, one rubber dinghy, and not a single puncture repair kit in sight.

Mr Prentis Penjani - local enthusiast and self-appointed Commodore of Amphibious Readiness - was conducting what can only be described as a full-spectrum aquatic mobilisation exercise.

Fifteen ducks. One rubber dinghy.

The brainchild of John Bradfield, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is tribute to the man who brought us the concept of the much touted " Bradfield Scheme " and also the Storey Bridge in Brisbane and Sydney's rail system.

The 17th of March marks the date of the death of St Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. St Patrick was actually born in Britain but, when he was 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. It was about the year 415 and there was no kids helpline or social media available to send out a cry for help.

So he planned and plotted and eventually managed to escape. Alas, Paddy was no Houdini and he was sent off to France where he was introduced to Christianity. 

He escaped again and managed to return to Ireland, which he now accepted as home. Converted to the Christian religion, he set about spreading the Word throughout Ireland.  Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

What is the luck of the Irish?  Many people think it is a good thing to have. I asked one of our commenters ( Paddy ) what it meant and he said to me " Well, my old Gran used to say that if it was raining soup, we'd be carrying forks. "

Imagine a world where the forecast predicts a downpour of steaming soup instead of rain. While most people would be scrambling for umbrellas or ducking for cover, the Irish would be out in the streets, forks in hand, grinning like they've just discovered a new national pastime. But joking aside... 

The Irish have been renowned for their gift of seeing the funny side of life during times of adversity. They have borne the brunt of many a joke at their expense and seem to take it in their stride. Something that gays, lesbians, transgenders and left wing activists have not been able to do. 

In fact, being offended is almost a badge of courage these days. It is the catch cry of so many and the art form of being offended has been crafted into a political statement. 

The Irish have long been celebrated for their uncanny ability to turn life’s hardships into laughter. Centuries of navigating adversity,  from historical struggles to everyday challenges, have given rise to a rich tradition of witty storytelling and self-deprecating humour. This knack for finding levity in the darkest of times isn't just a coping mechanism; it's woven into the fabric of Irish identity, celebrated in literature, music, and even casual conversation. In essence, the Irish approach to adversity is a masterclass in resilience, proving that sometimes the best way to face a storm is to dance in the rain, with a joke and a smile.

So what has happened?