We shall start with sport this month, it has been very big news here in Adelaide. First Centrals won their 7th championship. Having been in all Grand Finals this century they beat Glenelg comfortably this month. So 9 Grand Finals for 7 wins and 2 losses. Not a bad record is it? Question is of course, how long will they keep going? They must falter and start "rebuilding" at some stage. We will however, take the glory for the moment. Wouldn’t you?

On an even grander scale Adelaide United are in the final of the Asian Champions League. Teams from 48 countries set out at the beginning. All, of course, National Champions, now 2 are left. Gamba Osaka from Japan and Adelaide. The final is over two legs. The first in Osaka on the 5th and the return here at Hindmarsh on the 12th - I have my ticket already! United lost the 2nd leg of the semi final 0-1 in Tashkent but went through 3-1 on aggregate. Quite an historic event. Aurelio Vidmar, United’s coach is favoured to be Asia’s coach of the year and United the team, some achievement. Vidmar has previously been voted Oceania’s player of the year. It will be some double if he wins this year. He also has been top goal scorer in Belgium’s first division.

All sporting eyes in Australia are on Adelaide at the moment, much to the chagrin of Sydney and Melbourne. We are after all, in their view, just a big country town. It must be said though that Melbourne, who were knocked out by Gamba have been very helpful with information about them, this in spite if beating United 3-2 last week to replace us at the top of the league.

On to cricket and The Redbacks (South Australia’s) state cricket team, continues as the last few seasons very very patchy. They have just been thrashed by Tasmania in a one dayer. Australia on the other hand are making a fight of the 3rd test in India after they were thrashed in the second!

Australia as the rest of the world has been affected by the "Subprime" affair. We are slightly better of than most countries but we are still suffering. Kevin 07 claimd to have the mattere well in hand. We shall see.

Here in South Australia, we have had an interesting few weeks. Government MP’s had a late night dinner in Parliament house’s dining room — at well subsidised prices of course — and apparently the ‘grog' flowed rather well. Consequently the “Leadership” came up, as it does on such occasions. The deputy leader was there, the Premier was not. The word challenge was raised, The deputy, it has been claimed was heard to say “I am ready to lead!” That of course was later denied. Well not quite.” I am not going to divulge any of my conversations’ he later told Parliament. He was, however, in the Premier’s office the first thing the next day swearing undying loyalty. The plot continues to simmer. There will be more revelations I am sure.

Kim and I had our wedding anniversary this month. We went to dinner at Windy Point restaurant. It is quite a special place on the hill's face with an all round view of the city. We took Lauren with us. Well she insisted! It was a very good night. We had more than the usual cause to celebrate. Kim had had an”anomaly” on her breast scan and had spent the day having exhaustive checks. Fortunately, she was given the all clear on the day. So as I said a more than usual celebration.

Lauren-Jane as I write, is in New Zealand with her school choir. Having a wonderful time by all accounts. She will be home on the 4th, with I am sure, lots of photo’s and tales for us. Keep it quiet but we do miss her. It is very quiet about the house without her. More important, I have to empty the dishwasher!

Went down to Willunga the other weekend to the Fleurieu Folk Festival. Had a very nice day catching up with people and saw some wonderful talent, among those appearing were Eric Bogle and John Munro - they will be touring in Canada until Christmas - and Keith Potger, an ex Seeker. He is a very nice person and has remained unaffected by his (previous) fame. I compered the main concert on the Saturday night so was able to get “up close and personal” with all who were appearing. A good day indeed.

Daylight saving started here three weeks ago. As I said last month the “flat earthers” are still complaining. However I think it is wonderful.

Tuesday the 4th of November brings us the Melbourne Cup. The race that stops a nation as it is described. Never having been a racing fan or a betting man I give it little attention. It is a major event none the less.

We are off to Carrickalinga with the dinner party group for the weekend this Friday. It will be fun.

More on that next time, Until then, Take Care

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)