As I write we have just entered 2009. I hope that it is better for us than 2008, which brought us losses of good friends and family. They were all remembered during our festive activities. 2008 also brought the financial collapse. That probably means that I will be working for a few more years than I’d planned. But hey, why worry, I still have a job and not likely to lose it.

The beginning of the month brought Lauren-Jane’s Birthday, she is now a teenager, with all that that entails for her and us. Some teenage attitude slipping in! Any and all suggestions will be welcome! Seriously she is a good girl (mostly) and still head over heels about horses and riding. She is also an avid fan of Dr. Who! She had a very good birthday.

Our weather this month has been very interesting. The coldest December since 2001 - average temperature of 25.5C, no days over 35, usually there are at least 3. There was above average rainfall 40.4mm in 8 days. The average is 28.3mm in 7 days. Mind you, we got 95% in only a couple of days at the beginning with very little since. My back lawn no longer exists as a recognisable lawn! The hottest day on record in December is 44.2C in 1904, 34.7C our highest this December.

Christmas Day was warm and fine as was Boxing Day. Just warm enough to enjoy a swim which Lauren. And her cousin’s certainly did when the families were together for our traditional Boxing Day. Christmas day started with a Champagne breakfast with Steve and Linda our next door neighbours’. Kim and I had a little nap after that! Christmas Dinner was at our house again with Steve and Linda and their daughters as well as Scott my son. A very enjoyable day. Lots and lots of lovely ‘pressies” for all. Not to mention some fine food and wine! Roll on next Christmas!!!

We again held a Hogmanay “do’ at our house. A smaller gathering than usual and more special than usual. We had 20 guests including my sister Margaret and her daughter Sam. Sam is in Australia for a working holiday, has been here for about 8 months. Her Mum arrived in Sydney on Christmas Day and they arrived here on the 29th.

Elizabeth, my sister, who also lives in Adelaide was with us also. Unfortunately Emily, my oldest sister could not be here. However, having Margaret and Elizabeth and Sam made for a special occasion. We haven’t been together on many hogmanays or festive occasions since I came to Australia!

On a different note we have just experienced our lowest road deaths toll since 1946. 99 people lost their lives in 2008. In 1970 there were 382 fatalities. Lots of reasons have been put forward for an improvement amongst which are, random breath tests (for both drugs and alcohol), mandatory seat belts for all passengers, longer “Learner” times and also longer “P” plates. Once a person passes their driving test they are on “P” for probationer plates for a year, with some restrictions on them. Anyone who loses their license has to show “P” plates also when they regain it. Cars are also confiscated for “hoon” driving and there is immediate loss of license if you fail a breath test. Despite the fact we have had our best year for so long no one is complacent and further measures will be introduced this year.

Sport was a mixed bag in December. Adelaide United ended the year on a high. They were top of the “A” league here, only 5 games to go!. They aquitted themselves very well at the World Club Cup in Japan, winning 2 of their 3 games and finishing 5th. Manchester United won the tournament. Cristiano United's striker won goal of the tournament. Considering the opposition’s calibre a fine effort.

Our world champion cricket team on the other hand, has fared very poorly against South Africa here. They have lost the first 2 Tests and therefore the series with one to play, both times from very winnable positions. In fact South Africa had to achieve the 2nd highest ever run chase to win the 1st Test. Scoring over 400 runs in their 2nd Innings. Remarkable. The captaincy of our cricket team is quite often referred to as the 2nd hardest job in Australia after the PM!! Scott and I will be at the “one dayer” at the Adelaide Oval on Australia Day (26th Jan). Hopefully we will see a win then. I will of course let you know next month.

Till then take care

May 2009 be all you hope for

Eric (article by Eric Ford, Australia)