For the first few days of the month I had the pleasure(!!??) of having all my sisters here. It was in fact just wonderful to be together even for a short time. We all think that it will be the last time also. None of us are sure if we will manage trips, either to Scotland or Australia at the same time again. That of course made this time special. Elizabeth had her birthday during this time. Another first, all of us at the same party! Elizabeth's son and daughters came from Sydney with their partners for the weekend also. You see, just because we migrate, doesn't mean that our families will not move away either. My daughter Tracey of course is in Edinburgh. Elizabeth's children (adults now) all moved to Sydney. What can we say?

Emily went home a couple of days after the birthay. Another parting at an airport. Not the best thing we do. We get used to it. Though that does not make it easier. The price we pay for having family (or friends here).

Margaret is still here and enjoying her time with us. We will be visiting the airport again in the not too distant future to farewell her. More tissues please!. As I mentioned last month an election is in the offing. It is now official. It will be November 24th. As is usual we are now inundated with promises of "pie in the sky' Goverment promises $34 Billion in tax cuts over 4 years, Opposition only $31.4 in same period. All sorts of goodies for all sorts of things. Question is, of course, why wait until now, why not have done this along the way? We really know the answer to that, whatever country we are in!

The Labor Party has a big lead in the polls. That is interesting as the economy is very healthy. We have almost full employment (depending on whose figures one uses/believes) and interest rates are reasonable, although I think about to rise slightly. The Government has been in for 11 years so it may just be change for change sake. A long way to go yet and John Howard is nothing if not a very clever politician! We will see!

Kim and I had our wedding anniversary this month, we managed a lovely dinner out, just the two of us I even managed to let Kim buy her own present, well part of it anyway! I intended to get her the latest Patricia Cornwell novel and had ordered it. Kim not knowing this saw it in the supermarket (and much cheaper) and bought it for herself!! Plan B is in operation, she will now get the latest Eagles CD. Don't tell her please!

We have had the pleasure of an exchange student with us this month. Only for a week. Lauren-Jane is in the school choir and they are twinned with a school in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was the Kiwi's turn to come here this year. Sarah was a lovely quiet girl with a nice sense of humour also. She was quite tiny. Both choirs gave concerts and both are very good. Dare I say that I felt the visitors just shaded it? It was very nice having Sarah with us. Lauren-Jane will go to New Zealand this time next year. As an aside a very peaceful week for us that will be!

We managed a weekend away with the dinner party group (and Sarah) went to Carrickalinga, an hour south of Adelaide. Took the girls to the beach. While they played in the water I had two options. First was be sandblasted off and second was disappear in sand as I sat. It was very very windy. The girls enjoyed themselves though.

Main item this month in Adelaide, apart from the election, was the opening of the tram line extension . Yes Adelaide, as so many other cities are doing, has gone back to the past. In one way the new line is succesful. It is pulling patrons. However, traffic is not being helped by it. An interesting aside---the trams "destination boards" cannot show the new destinations! They are computerised, I believe and the computer programme won't take the new information. That is progress folks!

Scott and I went to the SA Football league's Grand Final early in the month. Our team, Central Districts, won "going away"as they say. It was their 6th win and they have been in every Grand Final this century. A fine record. The competition would be the equivalent of the First Division compared to the Scottish Premier League in regard to the AFL. Adelaide Uunited have hit the top of the league in soccer. Scored 4 in each of their last two home games. They play tonight, hopefully 4 more!

Dick Gaughan was in town last weekend. A fine Scottish folk singer. Was a great night. If he comes your way go and see him. He will not only entertain you he will educate you also. He has a great grasp of Scottish history which is interwoven into his songs.

Finally, for the last few days we have had Rain. Long slow soaking Rain. Not enough but so so helpful and handy..!!!

Until next time
Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)