Merry Ho ho ho!

Had a great day with family and friends.

The rabbits enjoyed left over salad. The Stud was asleep by 6.30pm this year!!

We're off to Brisbane for a month. I may blog from there, or I may be knee deep in wine and family until the end of January. If I don't see you all until then, hope you all have a fantastic New Year. I'll leave you with another Kiwi band called The Feelers. Merry Christmas!

200

This is post number 200 for me! How tedious for you all.

A bit of Kiwi music is in order I reckon to mark this occasion. The lead singer from this group, Opshop, comes from my city. Also, its a song that I think Brother Tobias' daughter could do...if she had a mind to, that is.

Midweek hump

I was thinking today...I know, what an odd thing for a Wednesday. Well, it's downhill to the weekend from here so I threw caution to the wind and THOUGHT.

I wondered, if I could invite whoever I liked to dinner ...who would I invite? (Dead or alive I figured). So.

1. Bruce Springsteen


What a guy! Love his music and his ethics and I have just about forgiven him for his indescretion in marrying Patti Whatserface.

2. Ernesto "Che" Guevara


You will note I resisted the temptation to print the usual 'bereted" photo! I think this photo actually shows him how I like to think of him, and going by the book I have almost finished (written by his father) it's a good photo. Again, his wit and resolve would make for wonderful convesation. I am sure Bruce would approve.

3. Ivan Klima


This guy can write! I love his work, his insight into human nature is amazing.

4. Richie McCaw


I reckon if this chap can hold that cup, my "cup size' shouldn't be a problem for him! This man can get things done, as well as playing rugby he can fly planes. His determination and courage in the face of adversity is to be admired.

5. My mate, Pixie. I need some help with the drinks and I reckon she would be good at this! Plus, we have had fun at dinner parties together before now, including going to one where we refused to discuss our jobs. It was funny watching people struggle to find something to talk about...or was it our cleavage? Ah well, no matter.

I am sure I could come up with another list, like maybe adding Dawn French for a rollicking good time


and I have to say there are a few Bloggers who spring to mind as well. Might do that some other time. In the meantime, let the party begin....

Bird bath

On a recent trip to Wellington, I wangled some free time (a working mother's dearest wish) and took to the streets. No, not for THAT. But to brouse through shops without hinderance. I found a lush tea shop....the smells in there I can barely begin to describe. I succumbed to the Fabulous Feijoa Green Tea - it is divine.

I dawdled through Kirkcaldie and Stains....they have their Christmas window displays working and they were charming, and I felt a bit sad for kids of all ages who don't notice these wonderful Olde Worlde displays! Then I sat in the park where years ago as a child I stayed at a hotel which overlooked it. I recall being kept awake by the paperboys cry of "PAAAAY PEEEEERR".

The hotel is now long gone and in it's place new offices and small shops that feed off the workers in the offices. However, there are also trees and sculptures....and water fountains. I wasn't the only person enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the fountains.....this wee fella had a field day, then turned and did his other side!
I got it on video but blogger is being rambunctious and it will not upload it for you to see.

You'll have to see the photo instead. It looks better if you click on the image, you see it much bigger.

Another oddly titled book....

.

To help throw off this "funk", and as I have nearly finished reading "The Young Che - Memories of Che Guevara" (written by his own father, it's fascinating), I'm going to read this book next.

And, it's brand new - not a library job - so I will be the first to turn its pages, and smell that new book smell. There is something speacial about being the first reader of a book, kind of like getting into a freshly made bed or having perfect skin....

It's my BIRTHDAY and I'll cry if I want to....

What a week thus far.

Sunday got a call from my boss to let me know that a very good workmate of ours had suddenly passed away! He went to bed Saturday night and "woke up dead" as we say over here. I'm gutted cos I really liked and respected him.

And today, well, shucks it's my birthday, but these songs are for Paul, in my blog-rememberance.



Paul was a Union man all his life, and he and I shared a similar sense of hunour. He also had a great love of old stuff, like old books and last time he was here he had bought a very old walking stick which he carried bravely onto the plane looking for all intents and purposes a mafia hit man with the stick all wrapped up under his arm. I'll miss you very much, Paul, RIP and we'll see you at the big rally in the sky.

It's Sunday....

Many years ago now, I moved to Wellington as a fresh-faced kid.

I was still of the ilk that thought people only ever thought and did their best by others.

When I first got to "Welly" I had nowhere to stay. I had advertised in a paper for board. One of my workmates found me a place. "they sound lovely" he said. Ok.

I moved in.

After about 3 weeks, I noticed the couple I lived with had some "odd" friends. They kept odd hours and had lots of different people stay over. They wore bugger-all.

One night, after a few wines and a nice dinner I had cooked, the wife remarked that she thought I needed a "friend". i reminded her that my then-boyfriend was overseas. I would wait until he returned.

She said she understood that, but that "wimmin" have needs and if I ever wanted to, she was "happy" to lend me her husband.

To be honst, I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry. One of life's defining moments I guess. The husband was a skinny, greasy and generally lust-quenching weasel. She, on the other hand, was equally lust-quenching, very chubby, sweaty and bad tempered to boot.

I was 20. I had nowhere else to go. My parents would take days to rescue me.

I did what I thought was best.

I demured. I wittered on about how flattered I was, but that my self control was fine. really. Thanks but no thanks. I learned how to barricade my bedroom door.

I also scanned the papers 'toute suite' and found somewhere else promptly.

I do wonder how well we raise our kids to make good decisions. Do we "molly-coddle" them so much that we think they have to consult us before they even so much as fart, or do we trust them to make their own mistakes? Shoud we? My kids so far seem fine. At the BBQ last night, awash with nurses, my 11 year old remarked that for a bunch of health workers they sure smoked a lot.

This song has been on my mind all weekend. I love it.

Spring is sprung...etc

Look at this. WEl Dorado, isn't it lovely? This rose has a wonderful scent as well. I can think of nothing worse than sticking your nose into a fantastic looking rose and inhaling...nothing! (Well, I can but it's early in the night and the kids might still be up....)

We live right next door to a park, aren't thses rhododenrons beautiful?

Oh, this is very pretty.

And here we have a close up of one of our Foxgloves...the bee flew away before I could snap him but aren't they colourful? I like this time of year very much. It is getting near the end of the school year for us, my kids are getting a tad "testy", luckily there are only a few weeks to go and that's it for this year! When I was a kid the summer holidays seemed to last forever, skies were bluer..oh dear. Can you tell I have a birthday coming up?

Downhill to the weekend

Yay, from my desk I can see Friday 4.30pm....and that nice chilled Sauvignon Blanc waiting for me. Perhaps when I get home the kids will be scrubbed clean, dinner waiting on the table and my slippers set out by my favourite chair...oh. Wait. No thats a 50s ad and I'm not a male.

Hm. Ah well, it's nice to dream.

I wanted to share this with you, an old favourite from years ago...a Kiwi band. One night I was in a bar on the wrong side of midnight and met the lead singer. We shared far too much red wine but hell it was fun. He is slightly shorter than me. THAT was worth it!

Long weekend

We have a long weekend here in Canterbury, our anniversary day. It means better weather and sleeping in! I have also decided to throw off my funk of the election; the country will get what it voted for but I also think perhaps the Labour Party needed the kick up the southern-most oriface - in some of their policies it was becoming difficult to tell if it was a Red or Blue idea. However, I will be changing the colours on this blog. So. What will be, will be. Sorry to rabbit on....



The bunnies have settled in. They are very sweet and actually developing personalities. I had no idea wabbits did that. I have also trained them to come running when they here me ring a bell cos it means apple slices to them, clever eh?



Look here, we grew our own limes this year! It wasn't easy and they grew best in the greenhouse (or hot house or glass house depending on where ya live) and we put the plant on a heat pad during winter even tho' they were in the hot/green/glass house.

I make a mean Margarita, if I say so myself, and we now have our own supply as I reckon limes are better than lemon juice in just about everything (except cuts, in which case I recommend neither!!)The weekend can just get better...




Or maybe it will deteriorate completely...(I suspect this might be Mike's choice! especially if you check out the Quiz on his blog)

Election Day

We're not allowed to talk up any particular Political party on Election Day...so I'll leave this here instead and you can work it out for yourselves which way I hope it all goes over here tonight.

You can thank Steve for this one

Steve has tagged me for confessing the most embarrassing record I ever bought. I have to say I had more to choose from than I thought I would. Oh dear.

However. I challenge Pixie, Violet Sky , Mike and Meggie to do the same.

Rather than even type it, I have added it for your listening pleasure. And oh gawd, I suppose I have to admit I still singalong to it. there is no hope for me. Caviat Emptor.

Tagged

Its a case of the hurrieder I go the behinder I get...

However, here I am numb of face but brave of heart bringing to you the 6 most random facts about me that you will ever know.

1. I have never seen ANY of the Lord of the Rings movies. (Spank me)
2. As a kid I learned the piano and the guitar.
3. I once did a "dine and dash"...a friend and I went out with 2 guys, the restaurant was great but took forever to bring us the bill. So. We edged to the door as we figured they would track us down and hand us the bill (this was after asking for the bill several times)...when we made it outside unaccosted, well, I went to get my car with my mate and then we decided to the ditch the 2 guys too.
4. I am ambidextrous (much to The Stud's delight)
5. I was on the High school magazine committee (and wasn't shy about publishing my own stuff)
6. I get the giggles at funerals - no idea why, probably relief that I'm on the right side of the box!

Oh, and I have decided to try and remember to sign off each post with a random music clip. It'll be like a box of chocolates y'all.

Pam Ayers got it right!

An early morning dash to the airport last week saw me rushing through the morning tooth brushing and flossing ritual with perhaps more vigour than necessary in ONE SO YOUNG. However, sadly must have flossed too hard and managed to dislodge part of a tooth...a molar no less. Spent the day swanning about in Wellington and doing the meeting thing while trying to book an appointment with my dentist back at home. Friday morning saw me slumped in "The Chair" resigned to the fact that we were facing an extraction. Not sure what hurt more, having the tooth removed or paying for it afterwards.

However here I am Sunday night still with that post-extraction chipmunk face, suffering also an allergy to the medication which means I have a hideous red itchy rash across my face and neck, with half my face still numb!

Oh joy. Pam was right - I wish I'd looked after me teef!

Over the hills and far away...

I have driven over 800 kilometres since we last yapped! So, pull up a chair, get yourself a cuppa and let's see...I drove to my brother's 50th birthday bash in Invercargill. It was a long drive especially with Scowly and 11 year old in the back seat!

However, yes it was my OLDER brother since you ask. Cheeky!

It's a pretty part of the country and was actually very green, a symbol of all the rain lately.

Here is a place called Shag Point. Seems well named according to The Stud, he answered nature's call and reported several pairs of wimmin's knickers in the bushes!! You'll be thrilled to know there are pix of them.

Here is a view of Bluff, there is a narrow causeway between Bluff and heading back to Invercargill. It was a freezing cold day with hail and everything.
This is a wee beach at Land's End, no good for sunbathing eh?
We took the kids out for dinner on our first night in Invercargill. To a restaurant named Big Willy's. This is the ladies loo door. You can imagine the boys loo door!! To be honest, it was not the best meal ever. Our steaks were ok but considering they called themselves a family restaurant our kids meals arrived pretty much just as us adults were licking our plates clean!


This is Lake Waihola, and we had a cuppa tea and whitebait sandwiches here on our way south. The sandwiches are basically fritters/patties between bread. Yum. I like mine with vinegar but then again I like vinegar sandwiches too.

Drove home 465 kms in one day. It was tiring but they make red wine for that eh? (After the driving, mate, AFTER the driving!!

And becasue you have been good kids while I've been away, here's a treat for you

On the road again

I have been away again, the West Coast. I have taken you there before. About half way there (or back, depending on which way across the Island you are going) is a place called Arthur's Pass. It is a great spot to stop and have a cuppa - or in winter, to let the kids get out of the car for a run about in the snow! Whatever time of year, you can see these birds. They are native to New Zealand, called the Kea. Right cheeky they are! They are parrots. It is not uncommon for them to get into some hapless motorists car if they have left a window open, they will then proceed to chew on whatever they find. I think they own Arthur's Pass.
This one thinks so too. Just be careful if you ever decide to have a drink form this water fountain, you don't know who or what was there before you! They look rather dull but in reality have wonderful orangey-red underbellies.
On the way back to Canterbury, I also found Steve a new place to live (to escape his gloomy world at present anyway!) - isn't it lovely? Land for the kids, sheep to count, mountains nearby...
Just put this car in as random eye-candy for the blokes or petrol heads in general, it was parked across the road from where one of my colleagues lives. Maybe I could convince the boss that this is the new car he needs to buy for me to continue to carry out my duties....

Kiwi Moosik

Just thought I'd share this one with you.

Gad, a book review? Surely not!

It's like this. I saw this book at the airport bookshop on one of my many trips to Invercargill. At the time I decided I would finish the book I already had and would buy Don't tell mum etc next trip. Well, couldn't find it next trip or the one after that so eventually put the idea to the back of my mind.

When up in Auckland recently I saw it in a shop there and nabbed it. I couldn't NOT read a book with a title like this, even tho' its not really the sort of travel adventure book I would read. I'm not sure there are ANY travel adventure books I would read. I am too lazy and prefer the DVD, the visual events.

So, I started reading the book on the plane on the way home from Auckland to Christchurch and thoroughly enjoyed the start. It is a "larikins" book really. Full of funny fart jokes and boy-speak but there are some rather insighful passages which made the overal experience worthwhile. I would have liked to hear more about how things went with his dad, but I'm nosy that way.

Don't get me wrong, this won't win any prizes for its language or plot, and its more like a sit down with a mate who is just back from an OE and you've had a beer or three and he's telling you abouot the trip. But some days thats what you need. Some days, you want a good read for the train or plane, and if you're really lucky a charming handsome fella next to you (or felless if you prefer) might strike up a conversation about it and thus add a bonus to your trip!

Daisy makes a break for it...

I know, how cute! I did wonder about the pink leash and the grey fur...a bit too 80s??


In the meantime, 2 blondes walk into a building...you think one of them would have seen it.

And now for something completely different...

Sorry folks...I guess this is my response to some heavy stuff going on in the world in general and some personal stuff I'm dealing with. However, "normal" transmission will resume. Maybe.

I'm going about with a face like two buckets banging together as we have no Dr Who on the idiot box now, what will we do for that Whovian fix? Last week in Torchwood Capn' Jack disappeared to the sound of the TARDIS arriving...and I had almost given up on Torchwood. I still can't warm to Gwen and Monkey-Face (Owen) is annoying too. Maybe I'm just grouchy today.

What is going on?

What is this? What's going on?

I can't believe that this senseless killing has happened here. naive I know, we're not that unique here. Fugitive Bolgger has put it all extremely well. It happened there too. WTF?

All FB's readers have a point. But how much do you weigh up in that "flight or fight" nano-second? I would appreciate someone helping me too. I have 2 daughters and a husband, a mother and brothers.

Have we really some that far from dancing round the campfire? Sometimes I think not. Sometimes I KNOW not.

Value your friends and family. Make sure they know you love them. You never know what's round the corner.

Introducing.....

Daisy the Second. She is very sweet but still not used to us. Did I say "us"? I meant me. The kids have taken her for a walk round the yard, well..more of a bounce really but they aren't that confident in bunny handling yet. The rabbits are also a bit bewildered by the great outdoors but I have a cunning plan. Bribery and corruption.
This is Gretel. She is the smaller of the two and very cheeky, she will be the first to the wire when I go out there and talk to them. She lets Daisy push her out of the way for treats. Will work on her assertiveness!

It is still a bit of amission having these as pets. The hutch wil also need an extension, with it being ok but not ideal for two wascally wabbits.

Gorgeous.

What on EARTH could I add?




Pick me. I know I'm past 40 but site...I know what goes where....

27 September 2008

Here I am aged 9. My dad took this photo. My Dad died tonight.

13 years ago tonight at 10.40pm my best friend, my mentor, my everything died.

Cancer - you arse. I hate you. Even more because you have given me strength. I will use it against you. Be warned.

However. I have so much to thank Dad for. He was very gregarious. Heck, he was so wonderful that my Mumn has since remarried - to one of his mates, she loved being married soooo much that she was not hesitant to do it again. And I bless them both for that...that is fine. I think they have prolonged the lifespan of both of them. Many children then have more time with their families, even tho' you may think that as "grown ups" we don't need it.

I love and miss my Dad more than words can say.

Picture this....

You're lying in a lovely deep hot bath. You can hear the birds chirping and the soft "wap, wap" of the occasional tennis ball from the park next door. You are super relaxed.

Then you hear a sound not unlike an air-raid siren. And you just know. You know that the 11 year old has inadvertently let the bunny escape. Bugger.

You leap out of the bath (well, living on a busy road with a park nearby if that bunny gets to the gate it's gone!)...and still dripping you run downstairs, into the yard and yes. there is the Sciowly Teen trying to tackle aforementioned bunny, who deftly twists away towards the pool. Nooooo!!

You make a grab for the speedy fluffy butt, succeeding only just. With the squirmy creature pressed to your still damp torso you pop the wee f**** back into the hutch.

And the kids, rather than saying "thank you" loftily advise that next time you help maybe you could put clothes on first.

Oh, and we don't have one bunny. We have two. Daisy and Gretel.

New Pets

Since Daisy left, the 11 year old has really been sad. She decided however to get anew pet this week. She wants a rabbit. The rabbit (A Ducth Satin cross) will also be called Daisy apparently. Daisy II. Maybe we shouldn't let them watch the Simpsons? Anyway, today she and The Stud set to and made a hutch. Here she is wielding a hammer. She also was thrilled to be allowed to use the jig-saw and the automatic screw driver. I always thought she looked so cute in pink!
The finished hutch. Complete with straw. We get the bunny on Thursday. Yippee. I should say that again with enthusiasm but I have this feeling that it will be the 11 yr old's rabbit for about 3 weeks and then it will become mine. Anyone got any recipes??

Look, we have daffodils. Lots of them. I'm reading again. Got a book about Che Gueuvera written by his father, it is really interesting. I have read several books about this man. So far, it appears to me to be a complete SHAME the way he was killed.

Gawd, our election day has been announced. 8 November. Watch this space.

The crazy times of a working mother

I did finally get to Auckalnd. I started my day getting downstairs and being greeted by the Scowly Teen lying on the floor, howling in pain and clutching her head. Hm. Earache can be a right bitch! So, then set about getting the 11 yr old ready for school, popped them both in the car (ST still in PJ's) as well as leaving MANY frantic phone calls to The Stud (he starts work at 7.30am and was long gone!!).....Then I dropped off the wee one at her school, took the still bawling teen to work, wrapped her in ablanket on the office floor and rang the Doctor. They agreed they could see her at 9.30am...the exact time I was meant to be at the airport by. The Stud arrived at my office at 9.10am and promptly took over childcare, I scampered half heartedly to the airport. Is it just me, but is there a part of every working mother which believes NO-One can look after their sick "baby" as well as they can? Talk about guilt, I should have been Catholic. Anyhoo, once at the airport the queues were almost out the door. Why? FOG. Jeez, once a year there is chaos at Chch airport due to fog and it had to be that day. Several hours and a cancelled flight, recscheduled flight later...the 10.30am flight to Auckland left Chch at 1.40pm...arriving 3pm, too late for my 12.30 meeting. However, managed to re-schedule that one (thanks heaps to the CTU Advocacy service guys for being so accommodating)....then as it is getting lighter in the evenings here now, was able to get down to the pre-dinner cocktails in good time. Had a few nice glasses of bubbles and back to the Hotel.

On the way back I took some photos of the Auckland Sky Tower. The above pic shows the Tower, and the one below shows the person I caught jumping off the Tower. If you click on it, it shows it up bigger (as the actress said to the bishop)

He (or she) was attached to a special cord that they have for this sort of thing but I was quite thrilled to capture it unintentionally! Not bad for a FujiFinepix "starter" camera. I'm still quite attached to my old Pentax K1000 which is probably older than dirt but takes fantastic photos.
During the night the 28th policeman to be killed in the line of duty in this country was killed.

The next day passed in ablur of exciting Health and Safety stuff...no, I know you want me to elaborate but I'm sorry: too exciting! We started the ocnference with a great display of Mine safety rescue, complete with dry ice and spooky music! Innovative for a conference such as this, I thought! Anyway, there came a point on the second day after a too late night at the dinner where I just had to get some fresh air. Took myself off for a stroll down Queen Street and found this fella who was in slightly worse shape than I was in!
Stick to this type of bubbles in your galss, is my health advice for this week.
Incidentally, the Scowly Teen had the rest of the week off on more antibiotics and has only just started to resemble her usual self today. I think that's a good thing.

Unspectacular me!

I have been tagged by Violet Sky so buckle that seat belt, put up your tray table and pay attention!

I have to list 6 unspectacular things about me...only 6....which ones should I choose?

1. I wear a size 5 and a half shoe (Kiwi sizes, I have no idea what that means to the rest of the world but suffice to say there's no point looking for Big Foot in my shoe collection);
2. I like Spaghetti Bolognaise more than is decent for a woman of my age;
3. Red is one of my favourite colours;
4. I am a horder;
5. I enjoy creative writing but have always found this easier to do when I am meant to be doing something else; and
6. I still have all my old school reports.

There. Howzat?

Hoorah. A conference.

Be still my beating heart.

I'm going to Auckland. I'm going to Auckland.

Owing to the absence of sunshine and the predominance of rain, there is no paint to watch dry here, no socks to sort, no dental x-rays to catalogue.

So.

I'm going to a health and safety conference. In Auckland. First up there are welcome cocktails. Then a gala dinner. How will I cope? What does one wear? Sadly, Ray-baby is busy so I will be "flying solo". Such is life.

I'll be back at the weekend if you can stand the suspense!

If we weren't married, I think I would!

I sat up and watched "Compulsion" last night, having seen Ray-baby (as he likes me to call him) in Henry Viii and various other things over the years, I really liked this one too. Of course, I have no idea why I find Ray-baby so attractive! He's on the cuddly side for a start - but he was very sexy in this programme. The script was rather shallow in parts but that aside, I found myself googling him like mad this morning to get the 'right" picture (all the others he has sent me are too pornographic to publish here and are for my eyes only anyway - Ray-baby is posessive that way. He likes to call me Randy-Mandy and I let him!!)

In the real world, the Scowly Teen's ears are on the mend very slowly - or it could be that her natural "off switch" has been activated so she wouldn't hear anything anyway!

Oh, and if any of the brits reading this happen upon Ray-Baby, remind him my bath night is Wedsnesday and I'll leave the ladder out for him.

Murphy and his sodding law

If a child is going to get a chronic ear infection, they will do so in the late hours of the evening, certainly after medical centre hours and ALWAYS after a few glasses of wine have been imbibed by both parents.

There will be no panadol in the house or indeed the street!

It will be storm-like conditions thus rendering a walk to an after hours chemist impossible.

And the child will dodge bookshelves, shoes, and monsters in the wardrobe to get to MUMMY at 1am to complain that their ears are killing them.

And father will sleep through the bloody lot.

An 80s weekend

This past weekend, one of our (four??) TV channels had an 80s weekend. It has been eyars since I heard this song, and I am sure I had the Cd at some point but can't locate it now. probably lost it in my haste to leave my last relationship for the one I have been in for the past 14 years!

However, can you recall where you were when you heard this song? The singer probably wouldn't pass muster these days...too um "agricultural" perhaps for today's tastes. Shame cos she had a good voice.

A spot of modern Kiwi music

See, we are growing up!! This band is one even me and my gals agree on. We like 'em. Of course, it would have been nicer if the video showed pix of En Zed but you can't have everything can you?! Bollocks. You can. And Kiwi clips should probably show off our country just like other countries show off theirs. Don't you think?

Sunday Groaner

A man took his kid to see the zoo animals.



The only animal at the zoo was a dog.



It was a Shih Tzu.










OK, as consolation, how about this lovely old song?

Torchwood

It was pointed out to me that TORCHWOOD is an anagram of Doctor Who. Personally I think the similarity ends there.

I have perservered with this programme but to be honest I find it...light. Sure Cap'n Jack is pretty but the storyline doesn't really grab me. Most of it is so...obvious? Yes, obvious. Annoying Gwen and Brash Owen...yep, saw that coming (so to speak,the servile fella with the weird name? I call him Alfred...well, his part is a bit Batman and Robin isn't it? And of course the long-suffering Toshiko. I guess I was expecting so much more from this programme, especially considering the numerous references to Torchwood through out the Dr Who series. Sorry, for me it's 'close but no sigar' for this one. I'll keep watching it tho' as the Scowly Teen and I sit up together to watch it and she likes to snuggle up and for the Scowly Teen that's a plus I'll take!!

Everything chnages and everything stays the same

I have had this song in my head for the past few days, dunno why. Maybe it was Mike's recent post?

Snow again

The above view from my office window earlier this week.
This one from the plane window on the way to Invercargill. There was this stuff for miles, I kid you not!

Boobs on Bikes! Pervs on Pavements?

This event takes place every year. Every year the same people flash their bits and the same people protest about it. There is the debate about "professional boobs" as opposed to amateur boobs (implants v nature). There are those who claim to only go to the parade for the bikes - I assume they mean the ones with actual wheels!

Old Guy who hasn't seen the TV cameras "Oi, show me yer jugglies"

Old Guy who has seen the camera "Oi, is that a Harley you're riding"

Hmmmm.

There were over 100,000 people watching the parade this year.

You gotta keep abreast of the times. As for me, well I was at the complete opposite end of the country today - Invercargill (also known as the "arse end" of the country. That figures. The day my ship comes in I will be at the airport!!)

Dunno what they will do for next year...scrotes on scooters anyone??

Sorry I cannae help it!

Use your best John Hannah or Taggart voices, click on the image to be able to read it and away ye go! It's one of my favourites and is so hard to tell in person...

The Doldrums

Even the river is in the Doldrums...water warmer than the rest of us. It does look magical tho' doesn't it? Hobbits anyone?
Further round the bend the Avon River is clear and still with just a hint of mist...crikey, you could almost drink it if it wasn't for the duck poo and rubbish thrown in by careless citizens!
And here is our front lawn. Nice isn't it? I think the mix of mud, ice and snow really works!

I can't garden, I can't even settle to read a book even tho' I have two to read. Why? It's this place The Doldrums. They sound much more exotic than they really are. They sound like you need to have your sunblock ready, champagne at hand and a relaxed attitude but in fact The Doldrums are nervewracking and annoyingly grey.

Anyone else been there?

What did you pack?

Olympics bollocks, I say!

Steroids anyone?
Drug cheats going cheap.
Made in China.

Sorry, am cynical for one so young - tragically. The gloss of the Olympics is lost on me these days. You watch a wonderful race (and I confess that I am rather partial to watching the re-runs of the men's sprints...all that lycra in slow motion...purrr!) and then find out that the winner was taking something illegal.The gals and I did stay up late to watch the opneing ceremony and it was spectacular, although my 10 year old did state that the amount of money they spent on that they could have spent on rehousing those who were run outta town/lost their homes so that the "birds nest" could be built in the first place. We talk alot about current events in our house. The kids are encouraged to join in and they know their opinions count for something - a trait I suspect will come back to bite us on the bum soon enough!

What about you, do you watch this extravaganza with excitement and expectation...or do you run to the DVD store?

BTW - we actually had 2 days of sunshine this week...woke up this morning to find snow everywhere again! Honestly, have had more snow this year than we usually get at all. Fun! Snowmen and wet clothes everywhere.

Between the Sheets

Between the Sheets - my favourite cocktail!

1 oz Bacardi rum
1/2 oz Cognac (brandy for the cheapskates)
3 oz Cointreau (or orange-flavoured liqueur)
1/2 oz lemon juice

Combine in shaker with ice. Strain and serve in cocktail glass.

It's been awhile between drinks actually - mainly because my doctor had a chat with me...apparently my Blood Pressure ain't what it should be for a young whipper snapper (schnapper?) like myself. It seems that because I had toxemia with my last baby, I am now in a high risk group for blood pressure problems "later in lfe". Oops. Oh well, c'est la guerre right? Wrong. Dr says "eat better, drink less, exercise more"...Time for a new doctor methinks... (Dr Who??Oooh I feel better already, and such wonderful legs!!)

So, bearing that in mind we had a good friends 50th birthday party dinner to attend last night. I was the sober driver. (Yes, me!! I am a fast learner) We went to Tim's favourite Thai place for a meal. Great stuff. The chilli is still working it's magic on me today (I suspect no further explanation is necessary - or wanted?). We had a wonderful evening, had to scurry off early as the babysitter had an early start -at what point will the 13 year old object to a babysitter being called a babysitter??

I feel "hippy happy" today. Sorry.

Stormy Weather

I actaully took this photo last year, the past few days have been so wet I have bacically scuttled in and out of doors. We are in storm mode. Tomorrow they ("they") are predicting 140mm of rain for us, today it snowed in Amberley. Hopefully it will dump down big time over night and we can stay in bed in the morning. Sigh, wishful thinking.

The Stud had a car accident on Monday so he is without his car, which means I am also doing 2 school runs now instead of just the morning drop off - plus full time work...blah. Next time I'm gonna get me a zillionaire with a bad cough.

But until then, "bugger".

Ood 'ave that for a face?

Dr Who blazed across our screens last night, the one with the greeing of the Ood. The 10 year old enjoyed it (I still struggle with Donna bleating like an Aussie fishwife "Doctaah") and then decided that now the Ood were free maybe they would get real names instead of numbers. She favoured Burt.

I may be getting old and grumpy or I may be just tired of drab, dreary and cold weather (or I may be smarting over our thugby team losing 2 in a row...) but I am certain David Tennant was leering like a man possessed during tonights episode. I felt like perhaps he could see thru my top with those groovy specs he continuously takes on and off - whoa, if I was the writer I suspect (geddit?) that his specs wouldn't be the only on/off action. Wouldn't dare tell the 10 year old that, she's got him pegged as my number one son-in-law.

Anyway, am off to view Life on Mars. Oddly not the political thriller that it sounds like but it is certainly great social commentary. Anyway, speaking of social commentary I'll leave you with this interesting arrangement! (Parental supervision highly recommended).

Best Kids book

When I was a child, the only story I ever wanted to hear was The Wait-for-me Kitten. I just LOVED it. Briefly, the wee kitten is always being left behind by it's mates and always the one to get the trouble meant for the other "naughty" kittens. Suffice to say, the wee kitten triumphs in the end. For years I wondered where my well-leafed thru copy went. We moved around a lot when younger so the book could be anywhere. However, one afternoon a few years ago I was recounting this story to the wife of a friend of my husband's. Well, that year on my birthday...they proudly handed over The Wait-for-Me Kitten which their now grown up kids have long since forsaken. It is in good condition, actually it's not... but it is more likely in the same condition as my own well-loved copy would have been at the time. I just LOVE it.

Sure, I had other favourites..The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh....but this book has held a special place in my heart forever!

What was your favourite book as a child? Do you still have it?

Hm. Spell check extra perhaps?

I know which one I'm buying. And it's cheaper! (you might need to click on the graphic to...er...enlarge it.)