It has been another hot dry month here in South Australia. February, however, brings the official end of Summer. March brings Autumn. Although dry here, we have had very heavy rains in the hinterland and in Queensland and New South Wales. These rainwaters will eventually reach the Murray and us. Hopefully March may be wet. Summer has been on average 2 degrees hotter than previous. Rain is expected in April (Long range forecast). We wait with anticipation.

It has been an interesting and busy sporting month. The Aussie cricket team went through the whole summer undefeated until, that is, the last day and last game. We played the West Indies and Pakistan in all three forms of the game, Test match, One dayer and 20/20. We drew one test with the Widies, won every other game. Then we went to New Zealand played two 20/20 matches, won the first, tied the second, New Zealand won on the tiebreak over! This on the 28th February, the last day of summer! We still have a one day and test series there. In soccer Adelaide United started their Asian Champion's League campaign with a win against South Koreas' ohang Steelers (the holders!) 1-0 at home. They also won their last two league games but still finished bottom! Next season will be different, but don't all supporters say that? In Football, Port Power thrashed the Crows in the pre season cup then went on to beat West Coast. They are now in the semi finals. A trophy for South Australia? Time will tell.

The month has been very interesting politically. In Adelaide the Election due on 20 March has officially commenced. Our Premier has looked to say the least discomfitted on most occassions. The spark he usually has is lacking, the Opposition are on the upswing. It will be a cliffhanger, probably, but elections are difficult to call aren't they? To add interest Michelle (alleged affairee!) produced a lie detector test result. This stated that she was 96% truthful. She delivered a copy to the Premier and repeated her demand that he be honest. Silence from the Premier. Michelle's estranged husband will be in court again before Election day! The Opposition Leader has said these matters will not be raised by it during the campaign, but again raised the issue of trust. The vagaries of our Electoral system mean that the result may not be clear for ten or more days. Federally, the Government is in a bad way also over an Insulation scheme that has gone horribly wrong. As part of it's "beat the recession" the Government put together a programme of insulation installation. Basically free to the house holder but paid for by the taxpayer of course. Shady contractors got into the business. Not enough due diligence was done into either the contractors or the materials used. Four young men died installing the materials- -electrocuted. Over 90 in the roofing fires destroyed homes . All attributal to the alumium foli used. The Minister responsible was warned and warned of the dangers! He clung mightily to his position despite evidence of the warnings. The "I didn't know" defence was used. "No one told me". Finally, our Kevin 07, a few days after strenously praising the Minister for a wonderful job, demoted him. The scheme is now cancelled Kevin has admitted that his government has been "whacked in the opinion polls, and rightly so". He has also said that he as Prime Minister is wholly responsible. One wonders then why he didn't demote or sack himself! A bit too much to hope for.

Culturally the Adelaide Festival Fringe commenced in mid month. The Adelaide Festival commenced on the 27th. The Fringe is an annual event. As of 2011 the Festival itself will become annual. To this point it has been 'bi annual'.Critics are already saying that, that will spoil it! There's always someone isn't there?

Our month was highlighted by the arrival of Morris and Francis for a few days. Morris and I played football together for years. I have nearly always caught up with them on our trips home. This is the second time that they have stayed with us here. They are in OZ for ten weeks and have a campervan to travel in as they see as much as they can. Crossing the Nullabor by car is daunting, about 3,000 Kilometers from Perth to Adelaide. They did it! When they arrived we headed off for the weekend to Carrickalinga. Enjoyed by all. Reminiscing time!!! Some (!!) convivial glasses were raised (and emptied). Suffice to say that we managed to extend their planned stay by three days. Not that they took much persuading. An Indian meal and BBQ and they were ours! After a thoroughly enjoable week and a bit they headed off to tackle the Great Ocean Road and on to Sydney. We are missing each other. Haste ye back Mo and Fran and thanks for coming. The rest of February has been spent quietly by us.

Until next time Eric

(Article by Eric Ford, Australia)