Well. It is quite amazing, 6 weeks of Labor in power in all States and Federally and the sky has not fallen in. 30 odd years ago Malcom Fraser (then Prime Minister) told Australia to get its money out of the banks and hide it under our beds. That was in case Labor won Nationally.Well Bob Hawke did win. The relative few who did hide their money were the ones who felt foolish, as things weren't too bad. It must be said however, that Hawke gave way to Keating, and then money under your bed wasn't such a bad idea. The jury is still out on Kevin 07 (that's his nickname) but it looks ok so far. The new Government has been busy. Kevin did find time to help Channel 9 (TV) and the ABC (radio) commentators at the Boxing Day test at the MCG---Shades of John Howard!

Lauren-Jane had her 12th birthday this month. She decided that her party would have a Halloween/spooky theme, so we had a few witches here for a sleepover. Lauren Jane did suggest that it might be good if there was a football match I could go to. Why? Well, that way lessened the risk of a silly daddy embarrassing her! No football and more importantly no embarrassment! It was a good night for the girls. Kim and I enjoyed it too. Mind you at 0045 I had to remind the girls that sleep at that time was the norm--even at sleepovers. They soon complied thank goodness.

We also had my work's Christmas function. A very good dinner dance at the Adelaide Entertainmment Centre. The Company covers all the cost. It was a very enjoyable evening. Strangely some staff (usually ones who are a trifle unhappy with the powers that be) refuse to go. I would have thought that that was a good reason to go. Socialise with your workmates and let the boss (who you don't like!!) pay! None so strange as folk!!!!

Adelaide United has been doing about as well as Hearts at the moment. We have fallen out of the "four". That means we will miss out on the finals unless we get back in. Last Friday they shifted their game against Sydney from Hindmarsh (a 16,500 seater soccer ground) arguably the best (not biggest) soccer ground in Australia to the Adelaide Oval. This was done as a publicity exercise and gamble to get bigger crowd. United average about 11,500 to each home game. I thought we might get about 3 or 4,000 more. Was I ever wrong...25,000 turned up. In fact more than that as about 2-3,000 were turned away. We lost 3-1 after being in front then having a player sent off! Sydney are managed by John Kosmina, who was United's manager until we got thumped in the Final last season and had Brazil's Junhino (x Celtic also) playing. It was therefore a "Glamour" game Adelaide Oval however, is a cricket ground and also is set for Australian rules. It is not, and actually none of our 'Football Oval' are, suitablre for soccer. Money as usual talks. United's coach did not want to move the game!

So to Christmas. The weather was wonderful on Christmas Day--28 degrees, therefore dinner on the deck. The Day started with a Champagne breakfast at our next door neighbours (they are Geordies!!) after of course openig some presents! Then time for a bit of a rest. My son came over and the rest of the presents were opened. We were all very happy with Santa this year. My Mother-in-law gave me a new round BBQ cover. They are very wise, Mother's in law.!!! How did she know that Santa brought me a Weber BBQ? Makes you wonder doesn't it?

Lauren_Jane was as happy as only 12 year olds can be. Dinner, as I said, on the deck with again our Geordie neighbours and then to bed tired and emotional. The phone calls to Scotland to our families who still do that to you at this time!

Saturday (29th) was 40.5 Sunday 41.5. Last night the lowest the mercury got down to was 29.91 The hottest Adelaide night since 1941 I shudder to think what that was like without airconditioning! Today, Hogmanay it has already reached 42.3 and still rising. The "Coolade" and the Moragie will be very welcome tonight!!!

We are off to Nancy and Alf's with the rest of the dinner party group tonight. Not sure what time we will finish. Australians tend to celebrate New Years Eve early and finish early. Another neighbour's party starts at 6PM! Tomorrow we head off to Anglesea for 10 days then to Hall's Gap in the Victorian Grampians for a few days before back to work on the 14th. We will enjoy, sand, sea, sun and of course the occassional glass of refreshment!!!

May you have the best of times in the New Year.

Until next year.

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)