What a month for us. Busy, dry (well at least weatherwise) and not without incident!

Anticipation of my daughter Tracey's arrival did not exceed the actuality. Was just great to be at the Airport early in the morning to greet them as they arrived. It must be said though that 0700 is not the best time to be at airports, wheather, here or anywhere! Still, we got home safely. That night we had a BBQ and a few drinks to celebrate. Unfortunarely, that's when things went just a little awry. My backyard has 3-4 steps leading down to it, my son in law is a smoker. It was dark. Yes, he did, he fell down the steps whilst having a cigarette. Result, as confirmed by the hospital, a dislocated collar bone and 6 weeks in a "collar and cuff". So the literature is right. Smoking is a health hazard!!!. Since then, however, things have gone quite well. They stayed with us for a few days then went off to Perth for Tracey's cousin's wedding. Came back to us a week later. We then had various outings to wineries, friends and the City. Then more disaster (milder) Iain (Son-in- Law) had dental emergency!!. Managed to fix that at my dentist quite quickly and almost painfree! Because UK and OZ have a reciprocal health agreement, cost will be minimal (thank goodness) we then snapped a match (superstitious us) to prevent a third "Calamity" occurring to Iain!!!. So far it has worked!

We have been to see a South Australia Soccer match. Pleased that Adelaide won. Iain enjoyed that. Well he would, he is a Hibbie! Do they win that often? Seriously, it was an entertaining game 4-2 result for us. Last weekend (21st) we had a big BBQ for them and our friends and friends of Tracey and Iain. 50+ people on the deck, started about 3pm and we got to bed about 0230 on Sunday morning. A terrific day/night. Heads thankfully not to "heavy" when we awoke!!!! However, was a very quiet Sunday for us. The price of course has to be paid, and will have by the time you read this. We have a couple of days to go though. They leave Sunday 29th October. That is a much harder time to be at the airport! Seeing them off rather than welcoming them. We know it will be at least 2 years if not longer before we see them again. That is hard, but we would not have the tears if we had not had the time together. So we pay it. We have lots of pictures, memories and more importantly have had the personal contact over the last few weeks. I have been able to cuddle, see, and converse face to face with Tracey and watched her interactions with her little sister and the "wicked stepmother". A term of endearment between Kim (my wife) and Tracey. We are all so lucky in that respect. So I pay the price, not happily but content with what we have had. Before we get to the airport we will have one last night together. On that night (Sat 28th) there will be much reminiscing of the last four weeks, much OZ "Sparkling" and Cooper's Ale consumed. A certain Jimmy Barnes will be listenened and danced to! Both Tracey and Kim are great fans of Jimmy, as I am! Jimmy is a Glasgow born Adelaide singer, have you heard of Cold Chisel? A rocker from wayback. He gets big licks when we are over in Edinburgh also!! Then that will be it, and it will be up up and away in the morning with tears!

There have of course been other things of note happening here of late. We have just had major water restrictions imposed on us. South Australia is of course the "driest state on the driest continent" and we have just had the driest winter for years. Our reservoirs are at about 38% capacity (this time last year 60%+). Other states especially New South Wales and Queensland are experiencing drought also. The Federal government has instituted drought relief measures for farmers, large relief measures at that! South Australia's main water supply is the River Murray-Australia's longest, but that too is suffering. Not only because of the drought, but also by inefficient irrigation methods upstream where cotton and rice farmers take extraordinary amounts of water out. The salinity also increaes markedly compounding the problem. South Australia is at the "end" of the chain and the other states insist on their water rights, so by the time the water gets here to SA! Well I am sure you can see the problem. Much of Adelaides water is in fact pumped from the Murray. Ways to solve? There is always desalinisation, better management, more rain! So far, better management is looking unlikely (States interests) Desalinisation? Do you know the cost? More rain Anybody? Know a succesful raindancer?

The drought, of course, has other ramifications apart from crops being decimated. Bushfires! We are already experiencing them. Sad to say, quite often lit by firebugs, with devastating effect on lives and property. We haven't even reached summer yet!!!!

Talking of summer, it will soon be here and with it, the "ASHES" tour by England. Look forward to kicking their butts and bringing the "ASHES" home.

Till next time.


(article by Eric Ford, Australia)