This month we revisit some of Eric's exciting stories from 2009 and welcome further exciting stories for 2010.

January 2009 - 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.

March 2009 - I should explain that the majority of firefighters in the bush and country area's of Australia are volunteers. In South Australia it is the Country Fire Service. In Victoria the Country Fire Authority, although volunteer they are professional firefighters in all but remuneration. Extensive training and practical experiences fighting real fires sees to that. Men and women only to be admired. Sadly at least two lost their lives. One a volunteer from the ACT brigade, who had fought the disastrous Canberra fires of a few years ago was lost. A South Australian volunteer fights for his life after being badly injured. The price is paid for their "mates' in trouble.

July 2009 - As we left last month we were organising to head off to Bali for two weeks. Well we went, we enjoyed, we are home! Would that everyone would describe their holidays so, and no swag of photo's!!! Sorry there is more, but I think that you may have suspected that.

Our flight was unremarkable and quite smooth, 4 and a 1/2 hours. Bali is hot and humid. The resort was very nice, the rooms comfortable. There is a constant cacophony of car horns, street traders and music from the stalls as you walk along the street. The traders are quietly insistent but in the main oh so polite. They take 'no' quite equably usually. We did strike a couple who were quite aggressive. They apparently were Javanese not Balinese. Kim was soon quite well known around the markets closest to our hotel. She is after all a shopper! "Mr Eric" was the cry "where is your wife?" It must be said that she shopped wisely and well. Most of our Christmas shopping is done!

Until then take care

Eric

(Article by Eric Ford, Australia)