Where has the time gone.....

Hey all,

Well, firstly I would like to re-iterate what Ellen and Rob have stated on their posts.  This past week has been absolutely crazy busy but sooooo much fun!!! Non-stop laughter and great hospitality!!!

My first hosts on Monday and Tuesday were Janice and John McConnaughy who were absolutely great! We went out for the best pizza in Carbondale on the Monday and went to The Lodge in Giant City Park on Tuesday evening before sheltering from the storms!! We just managed to get inside the garage before the rain started pouring, winds howling and incredible lightning and thunder.....never seen anything like it.  The unfortunate thing was that we lost power from 8pm and the power didn't come on till later the next morning, well after we had left! Let's just say showering by torchlight is interesting!!!

My vocational day on Tuesday was absolutely fabulous.  I was looked after by John Sanders and Amanda Gott mainly and managed to get inside the Court room to witness two Emergency Protection Orders, an adoption by consent and a contested hearing in relation to a Will.  Great experience.  I also helped out answering the telephones, as they were short staffed, but John paid me with a Dairy Queen ice-cream - you can't say fairer than that!!!! John had me in stitches for most of the day, so thank you so much for his hospitality!

I won't bore you all with the details of the days that the team spent together as they have been accurately detailed by Ellen.  I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone....I have had the best time so far and especially enjoyed learning to navigate Martin's boat on Kentucky Lake....so much fun!!

I am currently staying with Cindy, Gerrie, Katrina and Jacob Buys where I am having a great time.  Cindy showed my around the Law School at Southern Illinois University here in Carbondale and I met some lovely Professors.  I also visited the Land of Lincoln, who deal with people who provide advice to people who cannot afford Attorneys and met Missy from the Dispute Resolution Institute who does wonderful work with co-ordinating Mediation for all types of disputes, including Family.  I am amazed at how friendly and informative people have been and would  like to thank Cindy for working so hard to get everyone together for me.

Unfortunately due to the constant storms, we were unable to visit Cairo today, but I am really pleased that we got to meet and have lunch with the Lieutenant Governor and enjoyed a spot of bowling.  Robert was by far the best, but I was happy to come in second!! (Had to curb the competitive streak in me!! ha ha!)

Well, I think that is all for now.  Hope everyone at home is doing well. 

Louise
xxxxxx