The Boxing Day Test was a great day out. Had a beer with Heath before a ball was bowled. Watched a bit of cricket with 70,000 others. Then met up with Paul Wilgose and his 2 sons for a couple more beers. Then found Ross D and the other Albury lads for a couple more in the early afternoon session. Few more with Heath later on. Brilliant, you have to pinch yourself to remind yourself that you're on the other side of the world. The power of sport. More than just a game, it's a way of life for many of us.

Spent a few days down on the coast with the very lovely Pritchard family. Relaxing, chilled, just perfect. Great to report that the family really are in fine fettle. In counting back , I am the 7th Chester visitor they have received. Another example of how sport turns into a lifestyle.

Fantastic day out with Pritchard Tours when he took Matthew and I along the Great Ocean Road to see the twelve Apostles, via the Erskine Falls and a spectacular rooftop rainforest walk. Trip Advisor be aware, Pritchard Tours are top drawer.
Took in the 'derby' match between the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades at the Etihad Stadium ( 33,000 ). Spectacular entertainment geared toward families. Pieterson, Luke Wright, Faulkner, Maxwell, Bravo,Finch etc,etc. Match was completely one sided as the Stars triumphed. Big Bash is huge down here.Flintoff is Australia's favourite Englishman. A match every night in the holiday season. Aussie players will be well grooved for World Cup. It'll take a decent team to beat them. On the other hand, there are likely to be some chinks in their armoury come this summers Ashes series. We'll see soon enough.

Toured the MCG, changing rooms,press room, long room and the excellent museum. As we were leaving the Stars were just coming out for net practice. Interestingly KP batted against the spinners ( mostly left arm), the pace bowlers were practicing bowling widish Yorkers and all under the watchful gaze of Sir Viv.

Have now returned to Brisbane where my feet haven't touched the ground. Botanical Gardens and lizards, Mount Coot-tha, Melaney,Montville, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island ( clear fresh water lakes and creeks on a sand island 45 mins off the coast ), dingo's, swimming in rock pools at Boonoo Boonoo , kangaroos,king parrots, Bald Rock National Park and the beaches at Ballina and Byron Bay in the last week.

Heard Geoff Foley on the radio yesterday reporting on cricket so will try to look him up at the Gabba during the England v India ODI.
It's all going on in the world.

See you soon.
Mr. T.