It just so happens it is both today.
The Worriors beat Canberra early last week, much to everyone's surprise. Then they got thumped by the Mariners on Saturday, one of the few teams they have beaten this season. Some very dubious refereeing but despite that they weren't at their best ( if they actually have a best). Ridge has completely fucked his shoulder, shouldn't have played at all.
I nearly put money on ACT Brumbies playing Auckland Blues. Top of the table clash, Blues down a few key players. Odds were pretty good for ACT, paying around $3.25. Would have been a stupid bet.
Half time score was 15-3 to Auckland. Then they score three quick tries, up to 41 points, then Brumbies score three quick tries, go to 29. Very fast moving game, 10 tries scored all up. Auckland now top, Brumbies 4th, and Wellington have a chance of making it into the top four. Last week someone put $700000 on Auckland who won by 1 point against Canterbury and won $750K for his efforts. Ouch! They (Blues) play Gauteng Lions (Natal) at home next weekend.
Roger Randle has been cleared of rape charge, after DNA tests. Silly bitch. Sounds like she was pissed off at him because he told her to piss off from the room he was sharing with another player who probably had managed a consensual version of the activity Randle was accused of. His girlfriend who has a 6 month old baby with his input was a complete mess after the charge was announced.
Pretty good weekend, sunny until late last night. Went to see radio control aircraft at an open day yesterday. Bambi's plane wouldn't start (the Amway guy, Barry). (Koos- Philly's dad was there, and Terry and Jacob too). Also bumped into a friend of Mum's who used to teach at my primary school.
Kids went to a play on Saturday morning, while I ran some errands on my own, which was a nice change. Had Ross and Kath over for dinner on Saturday night. They snuck in and deposited some easter eggs around the back yard and then took the kids out to look for them. Major discussions about who had how many. Ross has hurt his leg pretty badly so tried to play tennis with three people last night, was actually quite good, except the lights in my club don't go on Sundays because of that bloody awful resource management act.
Having a fitness test tomorrow night. Will be interesting to compare to last one from late Feb. Am not so hyped up about this one, last one I was shitting myself.
Did a bit of weeding and cultivating yesterday when I got bored. Trimmed the roses. Helped a few climbers to climb appropriately. Found some flexible boxing type stuff at the garden centre yesterday, will buy some so I finally do that bloody border for my vege garden, then I can get moving on growing some veges. Trying to decide whether or not to kill off the kaikouia and replant. Bastard bloody stuff. Feijoas coming thick and fast. The really big one finally fell off yesterday. No sign of ripening on Lemon or Grapefruit but Mandarins are turning yellow. Some guy in Christchurch picked a pumpkin that weighed 151kg. Mine don't get that big.
Gavin's still got a sore back. Everyone else is recovering. Did I tell you Kath's dad broke a rib and twisted his ankle, then Sue's (Kath's sister) boy Jarad jammed a screwdriver up his nose which had to be surgically removed. Tania's mother and sister both hurt their backs. Everyone has hurt themselves in the last two weeks. Spooky.
My sister gave my mother a blast last week, don't know if it has done any good. She is still having wedding in Tassie. I suppose it is the appropriate place. She didn't want to do it in NSW because they both got married there before. We reckon she should move to the US so she doesn't run out of states. Life is much easier with her in another country.
Big discussions about pit bulls after that guy got killed last weekend. Helen Clark reckons an election could be called any time. Police seem to be getting worse, not answering 111 calls and private security firms being hired in the richer suburbs.
7 April 1997
Too much gym and tennis - 07/04/97
Pretty sad around the Clarke household this weekend. Diana went to the gym five times this week to counter the battle of the bulge, then did her neck in and can't go for nearly a week. Hasn't lost any weight and isn't happy about it at all.
I played two tennis matches on Saturday, won one, lost one. My partner in the second is one of these penis envy people who think that hitting a hard shot that is a winner one time out of ten is enough to justify playing like a dick. The fact that it means we almost always lost the long rallies was beyond him.
Played one yesterday and pulled a muscle behind my left shoulder blade. Could still play tennis, with my left hand in my pocket. Couldn't throw the ball to serve though. Discovered how it must be for thalidomide people to play tennis. Lost first set 6-0, came back and won second 6-3, then lost 6-1 in the third. Tough opposition though, they were about sixth seed in the competition. That's my excuse and I am sticking to it.
Saw a little of the Rugby on Friday night, where Auckland Blues squeaked home against the Caterbury Crusaders by one point (29-28). A Wellington player (Roger Randle) has been charged with rape in South Africa, which has caused some excitement. Worriers play tonight against Canberra at home. Can't guess what will happen there (right). NSW and Queensland both won, first time for both teams damn near. ACT are top, Auckland second, three SA teams come next.
David Tua won another fight, going to eleven rounds this time. Given that blinking has historically meant you missed the fight previously, this is a new record for him.
Some guy got killed by a dog yesterday when he was walking his two dogs, pretty gross, in Te Puke somewhere.
Police are seemingly ignoring 111 calls. A woman was beaten despite calling the cops, and a some burglars continued their burglary of a gas station for a good half hour after the cops were called. Something seriously amiss there.
Build an X-wing and a Tie fighter out of lego when I wasn't playing tennis. Took some of the pressure off the demand from Rory for every star wars toy available, He has the whole set from KFC thanks to two trips I made to Hamilton. Thank god I didn't have to buy any of the food. We've been playing softball in the garden a lot lately. Hannah is getting quite good. Stick ball really, but they like it.
Six feijoas landed on the ground legitimately yesterday, Rory was out of his tree, or rather was under it. Other gardening matters have been neglected in the interests of tennis. Next weekend I really will do the concreting.
Gavin got his agency contract couple of days ago, so now he has an agent. He's started on book two, although I've read only a few paragraphs of it.
Rossco is working his butt off because of year end.
Catch you later, folks.
I played two tennis matches on Saturday, won one, lost one. My partner in the second is one of these penis envy people who think that hitting a hard shot that is a winner one time out of ten is enough to justify playing like a dick. The fact that it means we almost always lost the long rallies was beyond him.
Played one yesterday and pulled a muscle behind my left shoulder blade. Could still play tennis, with my left hand in my pocket. Couldn't throw the ball to serve though. Discovered how it must be for thalidomide people to play tennis. Lost first set 6-0, came back and won second 6-3, then lost 6-1 in the third. Tough opposition though, they were about sixth seed in the competition. That's my excuse and I am sticking to it.
Saw a little of the Rugby on Friday night, where Auckland Blues squeaked home against the Caterbury Crusaders by one point (29-28). A Wellington player (Roger Randle) has been charged with rape in South Africa, which has caused some excitement. Worriers play tonight against Canberra at home. Can't guess what will happen there (right). NSW and Queensland both won, first time for both teams damn near. ACT are top, Auckland second, three SA teams come next.
David Tua won another fight, going to eleven rounds this time. Given that blinking has historically meant you missed the fight previously, this is a new record for him.
Some guy got killed by a dog yesterday when he was walking his two dogs, pretty gross, in Te Puke somewhere.
Police are seemingly ignoring 111 calls. A woman was beaten despite calling the cops, and a some burglars continued their burglary of a gas station for a good half hour after the cops were called. Something seriously amiss there.
Build an X-wing and a Tie fighter out of lego when I wasn't playing tennis. Took some of the pressure off the demand from Rory for every star wars toy available, He has the whole set from KFC thanks to two trips I made to Hamilton. Thank god I didn't have to buy any of the food. We've been playing softball in the garden a lot lately. Hannah is getting quite good. Stick ball really, but they like it.
Six feijoas landed on the ground legitimately yesterday, Rory was out of his tree, or rather was under it. Other gardening matters have been neglected in the interests of tennis. Next weekend I really will do the concreting.
Gavin got his agency contract couple of days ago, so now he has an agent. He's started on book two, although I've read only a few paragraphs of it.
Rossco is working his butt off because of year end.
Catch you later, folks.
1 April 1997
Pepsi and cellphones don't mix - 01/04/97
After an incredible four straight days of sunshine, I am back to work. I cannot tell you how this makes me feel (mainly due to some standards of decency in terms of what is allowed on the internet. Hang on, thinking about what is allowed on the internet, what am I saying).
Weather was awesome, I have to say. Six dead in the holiday road toll. One person killed when a car was left without brake on and rolled down and got them. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
A girl who was walking along a beach in Napier got drowned and her brother and father were rescued when a freak wave washed them out to sea. Unlucky, unlucky, unlucky.
April fool's day includes a news article that the two islands in NZ were originally going to be called New Cyprus (north) and New Madeira (south). Crap, crap, crap.
Went to the rugby yesterday and watched Queensland get handed a smack around the ears by Auckland, who played badly but still won 49-26. Zinzan did a death tackle on one guy, revenge for the pounding that Auckland got last year by them (59-12 or something). Rory came too, but was pretty bored.
I drowned my cellphone in my chilly bag when the Pepsi leaked. Could be an expensive mistake. Expensive, expensive, expensive.
Let myself down in the gardening department. Did some weeding and trimming, but didn't finish the edging. Fruit trees are still quietly achieving. No sign of life in the kauri seeds. Growing some in pots, and some just in water on paper to see if they do anything. Rory wanted to know if a feijoa fell off the tree and into his hand, would that be okay? I said it would not, he has to wait until they fall on the ground. He has the potential to be a good lawyer.
Went to Point Erin pool on Friday, which was awesome. Heaps of stuff for kids. I swam a few lengths, dived off the low board. Water was cold but tolerable once you got in.
I took Rory to Star Wars on Saturday, with Allan and Paul and Emma. I don't know if it is that much better. Some things certainly hadn't improved. The extra bits were nice to have and the decorations in some places were cute. I don't know if I will race out and see the other two, if I do I might not take Rory. The stereo effects were a struggle as well, only noticeable in a couple of places.
Went to visit my grandparents in Te Kauwhata on Sunday, Zoo and Rugby yesterday. Kids knackered, parents sleeping about ten hours per night.
Got my first speed camera ticket last week. Doing 115 on the motorway cost $60. Wankers. It was on the way to the family reunion.
Note that my predictions for The English Patient were accurate. Still think it sounds very stupid.
Rumour of my mother getting married late this year appears to be true, possibly in Tasmania (the inbreeding capital of Australia, like Taranaki I believe). Diana doesn't want to go if it is going to cost too much (air fares could come to $2500). We will have to see about that, hell of a lot of money to blow on someone else's wedding (only spent about $6000 on our own bloody wedding, and that included the honeymoon). It's not like I haven't been to other weddings she has had (okay, one from two so far, but a guy isn't supposed to be at his mother's wedding). Definition of a lousy bastard is someone who sits at the back of his mother's wedding and scratches.
Having a new program done for me at the gym on Thursday. Will try to continue to use my old program as a filler. Did three mornings in a row over the long weekend and I hurt. Alternating exercises would be good for the days when I do it consecutively. Getting there though. I think I may have inspired Ross, but we'll see. He puts in too many hours at the moment I think.
Last interclub tennis game this Saturday, then the pressure is off for a while. Am toying with playing in the club mixed doubles champs, but not many spare ladies around.
Better go and do some work. Dull, dull, dull.
Weather was awesome, I have to say. Six dead in the holiday road toll. One person killed when a car was left without brake on and rolled down and got them. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
A girl who was walking along a beach in Napier got drowned and her brother and father were rescued when a freak wave washed them out to sea. Unlucky, unlucky, unlucky.
April fool's day includes a news article that the two islands in NZ were originally going to be called New Cyprus (north) and New Madeira (south). Crap, crap, crap.
Went to the rugby yesterday and watched Queensland get handed a smack around the ears by Auckland, who played badly but still won 49-26. Zinzan did a death tackle on one guy, revenge for the pounding that Auckland got last year by them (59-12 or something). Rory came too, but was pretty bored.
I drowned my cellphone in my chilly bag when the Pepsi leaked. Could be an expensive mistake. Expensive, expensive, expensive.
Let myself down in the gardening department. Did some weeding and trimming, but didn't finish the edging. Fruit trees are still quietly achieving. No sign of life in the kauri seeds. Growing some in pots, and some just in water on paper to see if they do anything. Rory wanted to know if a feijoa fell off the tree and into his hand, would that be okay? I said it would not, he has to wait until they fall on the ground. He has the potential to be a good lawyer.
Went to Point Erin pool on Friday, which was awesome. Heaps of stuff for kids. I swam a few lengths, dived off the low board. Water was cold but tolerable once you got in.
I took Rory to Star Wars on Saturday, with Allan and Paul and Emma. I don't know if it is that much better. Some things certainly hadn't improved. The extra bits were nice to have and the decorations in some places were cute. I don't know if I will race out and see the other two, if I do I might not take Rory. The stereo effects were a struggle as well, only noticeable in a couple of places.
Went to visit my grandparents in Te Kauwhata on Sunday, Zoo and Rugby yesterday. Kids knackered, parents sleeping about ten hours per night.
Got my first speed camera ticket last week. Doing 115 on the motorway cost $60. Wankers. It was on the way to the family reunion.
Note that my predictions for The English Patient were accurate. Still think it sounds very stupid.
Rumour of my mother getting married late this year appears to be true, possibly in Tasmania (the inbreeding capital of Australia, like Taranaki I believe). Diana doesn't want to go if it is going to cost too much (air fares could come to $2500). We will have to see about that, hell of a lot of money to blow on someone else's wedding (only spent about $6000 on our own bloody wedding, and that included the honeymoon). It's not like I haven't been to other weddings she has had (okay, one from two so far, but a guy isn't supposed to be at his mother's wedding). Definition of a lousy bastard is someone who sits at the back of his mother's wedding and scratches.
Having a new program done for me at the gym on Thursday. Will try to continue to use my old program as a filler. Did three mornings in a row over the long weekend and I hurt. Alternating exercises would be good for the days when I do it consecutively. Getting there though. I think I may have inspired Ross, but we'll see. He puts in too many hours at the moment I think.
Last interclub tennis game this Saturday, then the pressure is off for a while. Am toying with playing in the club mixed doubles champs, but not many spare ladies around.
Better go and do some work. Dull, dull, dull.
24 March 1997
Another weekend bites the dust - 24/03/97
Nothing major happening to speak of.
Blues had a weekend off. Chiefs beat Queensland, Otago beat some South African team. Our Rugby Sevens team, after winning the last three HK 7's went and got beaten hard by South Africa in the semi-final. They were up 14-0 against Fiji in the final, then Fiji came back and won 24-21. Bet there will be heaps of celebrating in Suva today. I was there about four years ago when they were beaten by Australia at HK and the next day they were in mourning. They take their 7's very seriously. At least SA didn't win (bastards). Kath's dad Tony went to see the tournament. Wish I could go.
The one dayer at Eden Park got rained out on Saturday and again on Sunday. Ground was very wet although sunny most of yesterday.
Went to the Gym on Saturday morning, in the rain. Then went and played interclub tennis for 3 1/2 hours. Quite buggered, really. Lost, which makes matters worse. Didn't play as well as I could, but I was pretty knackered. Wind was really bad. And to be honest my shoes were wrong and my racket was playing up and the government didn't help. Not my fault at all. Last interclub of the season in two weeks.
We had three twisters and two waterspouts during the Round the Bays run yesterday. Ross and Kath were there. 80,000 people in all, they reckon. Absolutely bucketed down between 9 and 11.
Did more bits of gardening. Feijoas looking good. Ready to rip everything out of the vege garden and start afresh. Found some Kauri seeds at Allan's place yesterday, so will try to grow some seedlings. Have decided to try and rip out all the buffalo grass (how the hell do you spell kaikuya?). Damn stuff that I sprayed a week or two ago isn't exactly dying yet. Will concrete the new edging maybe next weekend. Fiddled around in preparation for it yesterday but didn't have time to do the real thing.
Star Wars opens here on Wednesday, will take Rory over Easter. We watched it on video to prepare for the big event.
My mother went home on Tuesday, nobody died. My grandmother goes to hospital to have eye surgery today. Probably go see her on my way home from Hamilton on Wednesday.
Diana went to see The English Patient on Saturday afternoon with Allan and Jackie, then they all talked about it for hours yesterday afternoon. Put me off entirely. They reckon it will get an Oscar tonight/tomorrow.
Kids are okay. Rory is practising his writing and is recognising most letters now. Is beginning to become literate, takes a lot of work, really. Hannah can write an H, but I reckon she is just drawing a goalpost and she wants to be the next Number 2 for the All Blacks after Sean Fitzpatrick retires in 2014.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful time.
Blues had a weekend off. Chiefs beat Queensland, Otago beat some South African team. Our Rugby Sevens team, after winning the last three HK 7's went and got beaten hard by South Africa in the semi-final. They were up 14-0 against Fiji in the final, then Fiji came back and won 24-21. Bet there will be heaps of celebrating in Suva today. I was there about four years ago when they were beaten by Australia at HK and the next day they were in mourning. They take their 7's very seriously. At least SA didn't win (bastards). Kath's dad Tony went to see the tournament. Wish I could go.
The one dayer at Eden Park got rained out on Saturday and again on Sunday. Ground was very wet although sunny most of yesterday.
Went to the Gym on Saturday morning, in the rain. Then went and played interclub tennis for 3 1/2 hours. Quite buggered, really. Lost, which makes matters worse. Didn't play as well as I could, but I was pretty knackered. Wind was really bad. And to be honest my shoes were wrong and my racket was playing up and the government didn't help. Not my fault at all. Last interclub of the season in two weeks.
We had three twisters and two waterspouts during the Round the Bays run yesterday. Ross and Kath were there. 80,000 people in all, they reckon. Absolutely bucketed down between 9 and 11.
Did more bits of gardening. Feijoas looking good. Ready to rip everything out of the vege garden and start afresh. Found some Kauri seeds at Allan's place yesterday, so will try to grow some seedlings. Have decided to try and rip out all the buffalo grass (how the hell do you spell kaikuya?). Damn stuff that I sprayed a week or two ago isn't exactly dying yet. Will concrete the new edging maybe next weekend. Fiddled around in preparation for it yesterday but didn't have time to do the real thing.
Star Wars opens here on Wednesday, will take Rory over Easter. We watched it on video to prepare for the big event.
My mother went home on Tuesday, nobody died. My grandmother goes to hospital to have eye surgery today. Probably go see her on my way home from Hamilton on Wednesday.
Diana went to see The English Patient on Saturday afternoon with Allan and Jackie, then they all talked about it for hours yesterday afternoon. Put me off entirely. They reckon it will get an Oscar tonight/tomorrow.
Kids are okay. Rory is practising his writing and is recognising most letters now. Is beginning to become literate, takes a lot of work, really. Hannah can write an H, but I reckon she is just drawing a goalpost and she wants to be the next Number 2 for the All Blacks after Sean Fitzpatrick retires in 2014.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful time.
17 March 1997
Blues Monday - 17/03/97
Well, the first game at North Harbour Stadium, under lights on Saturday. The Waikato Chiefs against Auckland Blues. The Blues can't lose. 26-16, with Chiefs only just getting that close towards the end. Only got to see highlights because Diana and me went to the Hawaiian night at the tennis club.
Mother is back here because she has three relatives on death row. Bet none of them die before she goes back....
In the cricket at Trustbank Park in Hamilton, the kiwis were going well at about 173 for 3, then imploded to 204 for 7 or something like that. Astle never looked very good but managed to stick around a while and finally score around 52. Sri Lanka needs about 320 to win and were 20 for the loss of 2 last night.
Warriors play the Sharks tonight. Bet they lose.
Went to Mission Bay yesterday with the kids. They have shipped in heaps of sand so the beach comes right up to the footpath now. No wall! It looks amazing, must have been shitloads of truckloads. Rory fooled around in the water a lot and Hannah led Granny around in it.
I continued work on Son of Vege Garden yesterday, finishing the digging for the mowing strip and edging, sprayed the buffalo grass, attached the hose reel to it's new postion near the new taps. Will have to take a bunch of mandarins off the mandarin tree as it is drooping with the weight. Feijoa tree should start producing edible ones in a couple of weeks. Hope to concrete next weekend (the mowing strip and edging).
Scored 20Kg of oranges off gavin yesterday for about $30. Heaps fresh and hard to stop eating. Might make some juice but a lot will get eaten first.
Daylight saving turned off yesterday so got an extra hour's sleep.
Mother is back here because she has three relatives on death row. Bet none of them die before she goes back....
In the cricket at Trustbank Park in Hamilton, the kiwis were going well at about 173 for 3, then imploded to 204 for 7 or something like that. Astle never looked very good but managed to stick around a while and finally score around 52. Sri Lanka needs about 320 to win and were 20 for the loss of 2 last night.
Warriors play the Sharks tonight. Bet they lose.
Went to Mission Bay yesterday with the kids. They have shipped in heaps of sand so the beach comes right up to the footpath now. No wall! It looks amazing, must have been shitloads of truckloads. Rory fooled around in the water a lot and Hannah led Granny around in it.
I continued work on Son of Vege Garden yesterday, finishing the digging for the mowing strip and edging, sprayed the buffalo grass, attached the hose reel to it's new postion near the new taps. Will have to take a bunch of mandarins off the mandarin tree as it is drooping with the weight. Feijoa tree should start producing edible ones in a couple of weeks. Hope to concrete next weekend (the mowing strip and edging).
Scored 20Kg of oranges off gavin yesterday for about $30. Heaps fresh and hard to stop eating. Might make some juice but a lot will get eaten first.
Daylight saving turned off yesterday so got an extra hour's sleep.
10 March 1997
A scary family reunion - 10/03/97
Well, the family reunion went off over the weekend. 130 people that I am related to in some way or other. Given that my grandfather was the product of the union between a Clarke and a Waugh, I am as much Waugh as Clarke. There were two families, one with a male Clarke and female Waugh, the other was a make Waugh and a female Clarke. These two branches of the family seems quite dubiously intertwined. Seems there are also Rosenfeldts and other strains in there along the way. We now have two complete family trees dating back to my great great grandparents who owned the two farms in Woodville that were alongside each other. I think I am a fourth generation kiwi (that is three generations before me were born in NZ).
Kids were reasonably well behaved, Diana wasn't. She kept stressing out all the time, which was useless. My grandmother partied until midnight and Penny took Sarah (my half sister) and Travis (one of my few cousins on that side of the family) to a nightclub (Hamilton is the rage capital of the world).
Sarah goes to live in Japan for a year from tomorrow. Penny flew home last night. I spoke briefly to my Father, relations are pretty strained to say the least. Stayed in an expensive hotel in Hamilton (the only one) after trying to stay elsewhere but as we went toward the pool in our togs they pointed out that we could not use it so we left.
Kiwis forced the Sri Lankans to follow on in the cricket, which was after the NZ team got 586 for 7 declared. Bryan Young got 267 not out, second highest score ever behind Martin Crowe. So far he has been on the field the whole test.
Warriors won against the Hunter Valley Mariners. Waikato Chiefs beat NSW in Super 12. Auckland Blues beat Orange Free State in South Africa.
Runner Toni Hodgkinson came 5th in 800m in Paris (loser).
Cyclone Gavin has whacked Fiji around a bit, and is now heading for us. Coromandel, Northland, Gisborne are primary target areas. Rugby sevens were on in Suva, but were a bit wet.
Speaking of target areas, a 155mm howitzer in Waiouru blew up when the round exploded in the breech, killing 2 Singaporeans soldiers and wounding heaps of others. One NZer was wounded.
Winston tried to beat up John Banks, but he still lives, dammit. Physical violence is the last resort of the incompetent and deputy prime ministers.
Peter's MG had another prang on Tuesday. Written off by the insurance company. Someone lost control bounced off a wall and hit him head on. He's got a sore neck but otherwise fine.
My grandmother insisted on giving me a television yesterday, so I may have to fix the third video. Do you think three TV and videos is excessive? I think it might be.
Better go. Catch y'all later.
Koos - Diana was talking to this chick at childcare the other day. Turns out to be Bruce's wife. They have a small son. I will try to get hold of him. He lives in Western Springs and is a Fisheries Officer.
Kids were reasonably well behaved, Diana wasn't. She kept stressing out all the time, which was useless. My grandmother partied until midnight and Penny took Sarah (my half sister) and Travis (one of my few cousins on that side of the family) to a nightclub (Hamilton is the rage capital of the world).
Sarah goes to live in Japan for a year from tomorrow. Penny flew home last night. I spoke briefly to my Father, relations are pretty strained to say the least. Stayed in an expensive hotel in Hamilton (the only one) after trying to stay elsewhere but as we went toward the pool in our togs they pointed out that we could not use it so we left.
Kiwis forced the Sri Lankans to follow on in the cricket, which was after the NZ team got 586 for 7 declared. Bryan Young got 267 not out, second highest score ever behind Martin Crowe. So far he has been on the field the whole test.
Warriors won against the Hunter Valley Mariners. Waikato Chiefs beat NSW in Super 12. Auckland Blues beat Orange Free State in South Africa.
Runner Toni Hodgkinson came 5th in 800m in Paris (loser).
Cyclone Gavin has whacked Fiji around a bit, and is now heading for us. Coromandel, Northland, Gisborne are primary target areas. Rugby sevens were on in Suva, but were a bit wet.
Speaking of target areas, a 155mm howitzer in Waiouru blew up when the round exploded in the breech, killing 2 Singaporeans soldiers and wounding heaps of others. One NZer was wounded.
Winston tried to beat up John Banks, but he still lives, dammit. Physical violence is the last resort of the incompetent and deputy prime ministers.
Peter's MG had another prang on Tuesday. Written off by the insurance company. Someone lost control bounced off a wall and hit him head on. He's got a sore neck but otherwise fine.
My grandmother insisted on giving me a television yesterday, so I may have to fix the third video. Do you think three TV and videos is excessive? I think it might be.
Better go. Catch y'all later.
Koos - Diana was talking to this chick at childcare the other day. Turns out to be Bruce's wife. They have a small son. I will try to get hold of him. He lives in Western Springs and is a Fisheries Officer.
3 March 1997
New VCR and the prodigal son due to return - 03/03/97
Rory is still in Sydney, comes back tomorrow. Our neighbour Jim asked yesterday if he was okay because things seemed quiet. Hannah doesn't really want him back. I miss him heaps. Diana is starting to go funny about him too. He's not five yet, he's seems so grown up but he's still pretty little.
NZ won the cricket yesterday. Wankers. Most useless team to crawl onto the pitch. I think I will protest by not going to any cricket with my season ticket this year.
Auckland Blues had a draw with the Northern Transvaal Blue Bulls. Didn't watch the game because some bastard had a radio going in a gas station so I knew what happened already. Watched the Waikato Chiefs just beat the Wellington Hurricanes on Friday, very good game. The Worriors played Brisbane again to open the season (third time in a row). They lost, who cares. They are in the same bucket as the cricket team as far as I am concerned.
Put in a new letterbox last night and this morning. My life is just so full of excitement it is hard to describe. My emails are so full of excrement you have to wipe your screen.
I went to Clevedon to play interclub and won my mixed doubles 6-3 6-0. Was winning doubles 6-4 when the rain knocked it on the head. First time (of three) that I won. First time lost both, second time won one, lost one.
Went to the Wings and Wheels at Whenuapai, saw a customer racing, although he was third for a while, he disappeared all of a sudden. Hannah enjoyed herself.
Big family reunion this weekend. Can't wait for that, believe me. Get to be in the same place as my father. Pass the Prozac.
Garden taps are finally in, will have to do the irrigation system and other bits now. Most of the veges are gone, but some potatoes and one tomato are still growing. Going to dig the whole thing over and expand it. Some weeds have survived nearly two weeks in the lawn. I am getting slacker all the time.
Got a stereo video yesterday !!!! Whoopee! Now I have to buy Jurassic Park and watch it in sensurround. (note from 2007, interesting that ten years ago we were not yet buying DVDs, how soon you forget. Also, still using the video, I think)
Everything else is muddling along. No mass murders or $90 underwear to report.
NZ won the cricket yesterday. Wankers. Most useless team to crawl onto the pitch. I think I will protest by not going to any cricket with my season ticket this year.
Auckland Blues had a draw with the Northern Transvaal Blue Bulls. Didn't watch the game because some bastard had a radio going in a gas station so I knew what happened already. Watched the Waikato Chiefs just beat the Wellington Hurricanes on Friday, very good game. The Worriors played Brisbane again to open the season (third time in a row). They lost, who cares. They are in the same bucket as the cricket team as far as I am concerned.
Put in a new letterbox last night and this morning. My life is just so full of excitement it is hard to describe. My emails are so full of excrement you have to wipe your screen.
I went to Clevedon to play interclub and won my mixed doubles 6-3 6-0. Was winning doubles 6-4 when the rain knocked it on the head. First time (of three) that I won. First time lost both, second time won one, lost one.
Went to the Wings and Wheels at Whenuapai, saw a customer racing, although he was third for a while, he disappeared all of a sudden. Hannah enjoyed herself.
Big family reunion this weekend. Can't wait for that, believe me. Get to be in the same place as my father. Pass the Prozac.
Garden taps are finally in, will have to do the irrigation system and other bits now. Most of the veges are gone, but some potatoes and one tomato are still growing. Going to dig the whole thing over and expand it. Some weeds have survived nearly two weeks in the lawn. I am getting slacker all the time.
Got a stereo video yesterday !!!! Whoopee! Now I have to buy Jurassic Park and watch it in sensurround. (note from 2007, interesting that ten years ago we were not yet buying DVDs, how soon you forget. Also, still using the video, I think)
Everything else is muddling along. No mass murders or $90 underwear to report.
25 February 1997
Attack of the crickets - 25/02/97
Penny and Craig have returned to Australia with Rory in tow. Hannah seems to be coping on her own so far, was more concerned about where Craig was than Rory. Penny and Rory due back next Tuesday. Had a barbie on Sunday with a few people (Ross, Kath, Philly, Terry, Tania, Steve) to say goodbye to Penny and Craig.
Holiday in Paihia was good. Went on a fishing trip and caught two large trevally. Craig caught a metre long Mako that broke the surface and the line. Caught a John Dory with a live snapper. Had a major fish dinner the next day.
Went fishing on the Russel wharf, caught five snapper, two of which were keepable but we put them all back. Did heaps of pedalling around the place on water bikes and pedal boats, who needs a gym.
Swam heaps in the pool at the motel. Crickets invaded the place on the Wednesday night, so we left on Thursday instead of Friday. Dozens of them in the beds, in clothing, you name it they were there. It was like a horror movie, they aren't exactly dangerous, and we didn't keep finding people dead, but you open the fridge and they are already inside, you can't get into your bed, and they are not far from being a carpet outside. Never seen anything like it
Joined a gym on Thursday afternoon. Have been three times so far, and I am completely knackered. Some awesome (as in scary) ladies there last night lifting 30Kg in each hand.
Lots of work on, was somewhere yesterday when the Pakuranga substation exploded in a puff of smoke.
Otherwise, nothing major happening. The $90 underwear scandal muddles along. Auckland Blues beat Brive on Sunday (best of Northern Hemisphere against best of Southern). Super 12 starts this weekend.
Cricket team lost again. They blamed the weather, because it was shortened by rain, but England were running at 8.5 and over after the first two overs. Our bowlers were useless.
Holiday in Paihia was good. Went on a fishing trip and caught two large trevally. Craig caught a metre long Mako that broke the surface and the line. Caught a John Dory with a live snapper. Had a major fish dinner the next day.
Went fishing on the Russel wharf, caught five snapper, two of which were keepable but we put them all back. Did heaps of pedalling around the place on water bikes and pedal boats, who needs a gym.
Swam heaps in the pool at the motel. Crickets invaded the place on the Wednesday night, so we left on Thursday instead of Friday. Dozens of them in the beds, in clothing, you name it they were there. It was like a horror movie, they aren't exactly dangerous, and we didn't keep finding people dead, but you open the fridge and they are already inside, you can't get into your bed, and they are not far from being a carpet outside. Never seen anything like it
Joined a gym on Thursday afternoon. Have been three times so far, and I am completely knackered. Some awesome (as in scary) ladies there last night lifting 30Kg in each hand.
Lots of work on, was somewhere yesterday when the Pakuranga substation exploded in a puff of smoke.
Otherwise, nothing major happening. The $90 underwear scandal muddles along. Auckland Blues beat Brive on Sunday (best of Northern Hemisphere against best of Southern). Super 12 starts this weekend.
Cricket team lost again. They blamed the weather, because it was shortened by rain, but England were running at 8.5 and over after the first two overs. Our bowlers were useless.
10 February 1997
Raurimu population drops sharply - 10/02/97
Well, Raurimu had a small massacre on Saturday, six dead, five wounded, one of which is likely to make the transition from one state to the other. It was a family gathering at which one person, suffering from schizophrenia, decided to play spin the shotgun, but he wouldn't let anyone else have a turn. He went bush but was caught later on.
Really cheerful thought: I am going to a reunion of the Clarke/Waugh clan with around 100 members attending. Let's hope schizophrenia isn't rampant there.
Aotearoa TV is still in the news, the $90 underpants for a director who is now a NZ First MP was only the start of it. Trips to Cannes to buy material, even though they are supposed to be making Maori TV here (Do any of you know Maori TV program makers anywhere other than NZ?). Supposed to be decision today about extra $4m funding.
The NZ cricketers managed a middle order collapse late yesterday to ensure that rain was their only chance of survival (it probably will be raining most of the day).
Played interclub tennis on Saturday, played reasonably well, but lost both matches. My partner in the second was playing terribly. We won more games than the competition in the first, 6-2 7-6 (us first) but we blew the third utterly, which was a tie breaker only.
Went to the gym Friday for the first time, again yesterday morning and was utterly buggered the rest of the day.
Desperately need to weed my lawn again. The guy next door reckons I am watering my tomatoes too much.
We go to Paihia for a week on Saturday, so getting ready for that.
Otherwise things are pretty normal.
Really cheerful thought: I am going to a reunion of the Clarke/Waugh clan with around 100 members attending. Let's hope schizophrenia isn't rampant there.
Aotearoa TV is still in the news, the $90 underpants for a director who is now a NZ First MP was only the start of it. Trips to Cannes to buy material, even though they are supposed to be making Maori TV here (Do any of you know Maori TV program makers anywhere other than NZ?). Supposed to be decision today about extra $4m funding.
The NZ cricketers managed a middle order collapse late yesterday to ensure that rain was their only chance of survival (it probably will be raining most of the day).
Played interclub tennis on Saturday, played reasonably well, but lost both matches. My partner in the second was playing terribly. We won more games than the competition in the first, 6-2 7-6 (us first) but we blew the third utterly, which was a tie breaker only.
Went to the gym Friday for the first time, again yesterday morning and was utterly buggered the rest of the day.
Desperately need to weed my lawn again. The guy next door reckons I am watering my tomatoes too much.
We go to Paihia for a week on Saturday, so getting ready for that.
Otherwise things are pretty normal.
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