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.