As I write this it is St. Andrews Day all over the world. It will pass almost unnoticed here in Australia, as it seems to do everywhere. I see that there is talk of an "alternate" 'National Holday' in Scotland to celebrate the day. Hopefully this will become a set holiday. The lack of celebration here is in strict contrast to St. Patricks Day. There are about a weeks activity to celebrate. Pubs pour green beer-I know we have Tartan but can you imagine a tartan coloured beer?? something to see indeed!!! Not only the Irish theme pubs, of which there are a few who celebrate. At least one street is closed off for a street party. I ask why can't we Scots - you know the 'Here's tae us, Whae's like us: "mob have something similar. Maybe its the weather out here.

There will be a Celtic Festival this coming weekend, 2nd to 3rd December, at Port Adelaide. Eric Bogle will be there among other Celtic musicians. Open Air on dockside. That will help us remember our roots. I will be there.

November is also the start of Adelaides Christmas season. This year we started a week early. The season starts with the "Christmas Pageant". It used to be the John Martin's Pageant. Martin's being a major department store, and was first held about 1933. John Martin's is now no more (aquistions, mergers etc) so Pageant now run by major Credit Unions here. It usually is second Saturday in November. However this year that was Remembrance Saturday. so the Pageant was the previous Saturday, 4th November. It comprises of floats and people representing fairy tales, Australiana, current movie characters, dinosaurs, clowns and much more. Culminating of course in the old man himself ! Father Christmas! Who arrives at Magic Cave after his ride through the city. The cavalcade takes about 90 minutes to pass. The crowd is estimated at 250.000 conservatively. So the season is upon us. I felt it a bit early to be putting up decorations etc, however lots of people are already there. I'll wait until traditional 12th day. It must be said tho' that the city is brighter for it.

Still no rain the drought goes on. We will have further restrictions from January 1st. Only allowed to use sprinklers once a week. Our gardens will become very dry and brown.

We are in the midst of a cricket furore at the moment. The "Poms" are in town for the second test, after being thrashed in Brisbane, hopefully for more of the same. There is intense interest in the series after OZ lost ashes to England last year. Whereas the usual attendance at the interstate championship matches can be measured in "Men and a Dog"! the tests are sold out and have been for months. The authorities unfortunately have become somewhat "Party pooperish" with the rules and regulations (some are understandable post 9/11, but!!) I suppose that we all have to get used to security increases even in little old Adelaide. The city is full of the "Barmy Army" England crickets answer to the "Tartan Army. They are in the main good for the game and bring noise and colour to the arenas. Adelaide Oval it must be said (he bragged) is generally regarded as the prettiest cricket ground in the world. For the next week Adelaide will feature in the newspapers, radio and Television around the world, at least the cricket playing part. Great publicity for us. Check out parts of the game and see for yourselves.

On a sad note we (Australia) has just lost a Blackhawk helicopter and suffered fatalities among the crew. Whilst we have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan we have sufferred minimal casualties unlike Britian and the US. This hits us hard. I make no comment on rights or wrongs of the involvement by UK, US and us in these conflicts,however having served in the Australian Army I feel for all the servicemen and women in harms way. May they come home safely.

Tomorrow, 1st December, is the official start of summer here. We do it very neatly December to February is summer, March to May autumn, June to August is winter and of course that leaves September to November as spring. It also usually means that the 1st June is fine and warm, but 1st December is cold and wettish. We are forecast showers tomorrow. Hopefully cricket will not be affected!

Now I'm off to do Christmas shopping, well one must get in early, if one can. So Kim my wife tells me!!

To everyone. May all you wish for youself be all you wish for others !

Merry CHristmas and all the best for the New Year.

Until 2007 take care.

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)