The race that brings Australia to a standstill is ours again

Melbourne Cup... The race that supposedly stops an entire nation... I recall fondly a time when even the local radio station ran a fake version of this race, teachers held sweeps in the classroom and every kid had a favourite. It was back when Adelaide had the Grand Prix... That seemed to be the heyday when the Melbourne Cup truly was the race of all races, at least for us Aussies. Lately though it seemed to lose its sparkle for many. We still embrace it each and every year and rope in however many friends we can to join in the festivities. It is pretty much the only time every year when I gamble (or at least it is the only time every year since meeting my wife that I always have a flutter on the horses). I must admit though I've noticed the national interest in this race has died away a bit.

Today may just have been what our (well actually Melbourne's) race has needed. A champion Australian representative has taken out the race of Aussie races with a touch of controversy for second and third. A ripper close race that went right down to the line.

Sadly I didn't back the winner this year. It was my spare for if any of my initial picks scratched. I know for many though that little Aussie champ was their numero uno and they've ridden it all the way to the bank. My lesson from the day of course was always listen to your wife as her words of wisdom stated I'd regret not putting even just a dollar or two on that one...

We love a flutter and hopefully a win today with so many foreign competitors seeking the millions and glory of a Melbourne Cup victory will be enough to re-ignite the passion in all of us. I hope to see over the next year or two that national excitement for November I recall so fondly. Fingers crossed we get known for the super close finish with a local steed succeeding again and again...

Come on Aussie, come on!!

Secretly I'm a fan of discovering what pets get up to when we are away

Family movie night again at Casa de Law and honestly I was not too sure of the flick of the night. Secret Life of Pets 2, the aptly named sequel to Secret Life of Pets has finished its holiday run and is now on DVD. We missed it at the cinema so thought we would give it a go in the comfort of our own cinema (aka the lounge). My wife was not super keen on the first film about the dog Max and all his pals so it was with a severe case of trepidation that we settled into our designated seats and prepared ourselves for Max and Co. part two. Five waiting for the (hopefully) fun to begin. Yes five! Even Master 13 decided to join us for family movie night.

And the verdict... Surprisingly good... In our opinion so much better than the first one, great, wholesome family fun. At least three and a half paw prints, maybe four... If you have not seen it yet give it a go and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Love is in the air and so is a koala at Belair National Park

Yesterday was a busy one for us. After Nen and I tackled our first (of many) Murray Bridge Park Runs along the bank of the gorgeous River Murray we hurried home to get ready to go out again. The Laws had been invited to the beautiful Belair National Park with a secret password - ENGAGED... Friends Emma and Mike are getting married and we were lucky enough to join other friends and family to help these two celebrate their love for each other.

The trip from The Bridge to Belair was confusing (thanks GOOGLE) but once we got to the Joseph Fisher Picnic Ground we settled in nicely and pitched the LAW/CROOK feasting area. Fine food, finer company and the sense that love was indeed in the air made for a lovely afternoon. The weather was great with plenty of tracks for the dads and kids to explore.

We saw birds galore, fox holes and even a koala climbing higher and higher (maybe it was searching for peace and quiet).

We discovered old friends and new and I can't wait for the two Tims to catch up and pop the top on a rich red while the wives continue bonding over bubbles and the kids run amok. Such a fun afternoon.

Many thanks Emma and Mike... Oh and congratulations by the way!

Park Run number one (hopefully of many)...

I've been hearing about this global phenomenon that started in London (Bushy Park, Teddington) about 15 years ago. A 5km course that is 'run' every Saturday morning across the globe. This free communal fitness fetish which encourages members to walk, run or jog the distance has become part of my brother-in-law's routine for a few weeks now, something that his whole family is doing. As every good brother-in-law does I thought I would go along to one and support.

Of course I had my wonderful side-kick join me too. Miss Nen kept pace with her Aunty and little Squidge while my mate Hicksy and I ran, jogged and walked with Maddy and Tills.

Fine weather, fine company and a chance to chat with so many. I handed out the high fives and found encouragement came thick and fast as runners sped past.

Our first Park Run was great fun and I for one cannot wait to go again! I now can totally understand what all the fuss is about.

Thanks Mel and the volunteers for doing a great job running the show and thanks to all my friends who have encouraged us to give it a go.

I think Miss Nen is so keen she wants to go next week with out me. Super dooper proud!

A visit from Eddie - A chance to show off flexibility, teamwork and the pull power of a star

When Eddie Betts says he wants to visit you find a way to make it happen. Regardless of where he is going next year and what he will be doing in 2020 there is no denying that Eddie Betts is the poster boy for kindness. Eddie's Lil Homies is a great book series for young children (0 to 6 years) which features the great goal sneak embracing his indigenous culture with pride (My People) and encouraging us to all be a little bit nicer by showing our kinder sides (My Kind). Eddie and his amazing team have recently been visiting Libraries and other locations throughout South Australia with one place luck enough to host being us.

This has been the biggest event ever planned for the library where I work with almost 300 members of the community (mostly children) expected. With that many people using a library in such a way needs planning, paperwork and a dedicated team to pull off such an event. Luckily I have risk assessment experts that I can call on, a great team and some great advisers. With such great support what could possibly go wrong...

Nothing!!!

Wednesday, October 9th we hosted Eddie and everything went to plan. With between 260 and 270 people attending we found we still had room to spare. Eddie was relaxed, a truly charismatic performer who was honest about past struggles and someone who knew his message and delivered it well.

In my mind we have proven we can successfully host big events with popular performers and authors. I am looking forward to our next big event with Judy Nunn at the end of the month and then what ever opportunities next.

Father's Day - A chance to celebrate family

In Australia the first Sunday of September is Father's Day. This year it just so happened to fall on September 1. In recent years we have found it easier to meet with my Dad and my wife's Dad on the day before as often we have ventured forth on a family outing to the Royal Adelaide Show on the actual Father's Day day. This year I was hoping to avoid the crazy crowds of people who normally attend the Show on the weekend, instead hoping to relive some of my fondest childhood memories at a nearby waterfall. Although the Saturday plan seemed to succeed with both dads seen and fed our Father's Day family plan unfortunately did not eventuate. Instead our focus was on our newest and smallest family member, a little ball of mischief named Patches.

We can always visit Mannum falls another time. Family is important, whether feathered, fury or not. I hope everyone had the chance to reflect, focus on family and what is important and to catch-up with those you love.

Inspiried and energised in the Land of Libraries

I have recently had the opportunity to venture forth, out from behind my desk and rub shoulders once again with my peers. The bi-annual South Australian Libraries conference held on the first Monday and Tuesday of September attracted many a South Aussie colleague as well as a few representatives from interstate. We had presentations from futurists, analysts and even a Teacher Librarian. From attending the two days I came away with my eyes opened regarding jobs of the future, possible library trends and the current state of our school libraries. All in all it was a great two days and I look forward to further working with some of the presenters, keeping in touch with the wonderful girls from Adelady (MCs for the conference) and doing what I can to try and support the future of all libraries.

First though I need to get my head back on straight, unpackage the wealth of new knowledge and bring my Managers and my team up to speed... If only there were another seven days in every week...

The future of Libraries is bright, but only if we learn to head toward the light and not chose to remain in the dark.