'The Engagement Party'. We all feel a bit cheated by the party! Why? You ask. Well, it was a really good night but it turned out not to be just an engagement party, it turned into a Wedding! We actually had suspected that it might. Was a lovely night though. Cheated? Well, we missed out on the bucks night and a Wedding down the track. Seriously we did give Paul heaps but were very happy for both he and Tania. They are very happy.

My sister Emily has been here all month. As I said before, mainly due to the illness of Elizabeth but nevertheless we are all enjoying each others company. She stays with Elizabeth during the week and comes to us at the weekend. Both she and Kim manage to utilise(!!) a reasonable amount of 'Sparkling' each time! Margaret, my youngest sister will be here on the 6th. This will be the first time we have been together in 4 years. It will probably be the last time. We will make the most of it!!!

Emily has enjoyed her stay. She has been to see Colcannon and Eric Bogle both of whom she likes. There is an American Colcannon but ours is the Aussie one!.

We are stil in the throes of the drought although we have had some rain. Stricter restrictions are now in force. Politics as usual have intervened even there. The Federal Government has a "PLAN" to help the Murray. Unfortunately, Victoria won't play ball with them or the other states. That for the moment knocks that plan off the board. It is interesting as all States have Labor (thats how we spell it here!) governments and of course Fedarally the Government is Liberal!!! Our Premier has sent a "Stiff" letter to his Victorian counterpart. To no avail I think.

On the sports front the month went reasonably well until the penultimate day. Adelaide Crows lost in their semi final so they were out of the race. Port made it all the way to the Grand Final. A really good achievement as they were expected to be also rans when the season started. It might have been better if they'd remained also rans. Despite finishing second on the table and beating Geelong (!st) on the way the Grand final was a step too far. They were beaten by a record margin for the final --- 119 points. Still they got there I suppose! They do say it is better to get to the final and lose rather than not get there at all. I wonder!

Adelaide United started the season with a plethora of draws. In fact the whole league has been infested by them, draws that is!. They beat the top team yesterday for their first win. They have only lost one game. A very close league at the moment. Australia lost out in the semi final of the 20/20 cricket world championship and the tennis team slipped out of the world group of Davis Cup. How the mighty have fallen tennis wise. We are still in rugby World Cup at the quarter final stage. So is Scotland for that matter.

September is "Bills month". Do you notice how all the big bills, Rates, Water, Power etc come in at the same time. I confess that I usually leave them all "til the last minute and even then pay them grudgingly! Car registration and Phone bill due as well. Car of course has to be paid by due date--or else !

Lauren-Jane is on school holidays. She is off at Guides camp this week--peace perfect peace! Shouldn't say that as we do miss her. She will be back Saturday then next week a 2 day riding camp. Kim will have that week home and they will "do" things together for a few days.

Back on Politics. We are due an Election in the next few months, as in Britain it is purely in the Prime Minister's purview when it happens, consistent of course with the law. At the moment the government is 10 points behind on the 2 party preferred polls. It might be a little while before Mr. Howard calls it. We shall see.

I will keep you informed.

Until then-Take Care

Eric

(article by Eric Ford, Australia)