Ooh ! What a party! Didn't we have a party? The short answer is- Yes we certainly did. Kim's birthday was a really great night. 100 guests. The Country Club did us proud and all enjoyed a great evening. Colcannon the band were every bit as good as they always are, perhaps a bit more just for Kim. They have CD's available through Greentrax records in the UK and around the world!!! DJ did a sterling job until 0130!!! Then a little more party at home with some of the guests who came back! We also, of course, had friends from interstate staying with us. Kim had a wonderful time which was the main purpose of the exercise!

It's interesting that people seem unable to read invitations properly though. We had been quite explicit---No presents! To our surprise, that was observed in the main by being ignored. Some beautiful gifts were given to Kim. Should say also that as my birthday falls around the same time as Kim's I got a few nice things as well. I am no handyman, but I have just become (I think) the oldest man in Christendom to get his first drill. The most useful "Do It Youself" gift I received previously was one of these Reader's digest 'Tips for handymen' volumes. It comes in useful when I need to step up to a high shelf!! That about sums up my prowess in that area. The drill? It is now available for friends and neighbours to borrow!

July has also seen our winter school holidays. Lauren-Jane had sleepovers at her cousins and also had her Riding Camp. She returned from that stilff and sore but very happy.

Australia had its first incursion into the Asian Cup Finals. Went in as favourites (not sure why) and were knocked out in the quarter finals by Japan after a penalty shootout. It has to be said that overall they performed poorly. The best thing to come from the Cup was the win by Iraq. What a lift for that poor nation. Well deserved too.

At home Adelaide United have made the semi finals of the preseason cup. They play this Sunday the fifth. Port Power go from strength to strength but unfortunately the Crows are slipping. It is the local derby this Saturday. We call it the 'Showdown" here. Crows must win to retain a chance to make the finals. Fingers crossed.

I have realised that since the Scottish elections I have made no mention of the results. Each time I have planned to but seemed to lose the idea when writing. So, I am glad the SNP won and I am very impressed so far with how they have managed. Even at this early stage and from this distance Alex Salmond and his government seem to be growing well into their part. Long may it continue. Who knows, if they really do well this could become 'Life Back in Scotland'!

The month has in fact been a terrible month for us. My sister,who lives here has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has in fact had surgery and now awaits Chemo and Radio therapy. We are as you would imagine on tenterhooks. One of our best friends has been given about two years, again due to Cancer. The biggest blow occurred a week after Kim's Bitrthday party. We received a call from my son to say that his mother (Joyce) had collapsed (we are divorced). The last 3 weeks have been spent in the Modbury Hospice. Tracey, my daughter flew back from Edinburgh and had time with her mum. It was a twelve hour day at the Hospice for Tracey, Scott and their aunt who came from Perth (WA). Unfortunately, it was discovered that Joyce had lung cancer and that it had spread into her brain. This came as a complete shock to everyone. Joyce passed away on the 26th, she had been unconscious for a week before the end. She grew up in 'Lamb's Court, Newhaven - a Bow Tow.

I learned a lot about my children during this time. As their father I am proud of them (aren't all fathers). This last three weeks has made me even more so, as I have watched them and been involved with them conduct themselves with maturity and dignity in such difficult circumstances for them. They were with their mum at the end. I am so much more proud of them now. I am also proud of my youngest daughter Laure-Jane (their half sister) and my wife for the support and love they have shown both myself and Tracey and Scott. That has made this terrible month so much easier to cope with for all of us. The next major hurdle is the funeral which takes place on the 1st.

On that sombre note I will say ---

Until next time

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)