Happy birthday Helen, NZ fisherman emulate the Japanese, don't mention cricket to Australians - 26/02/07

LOCAL NEWS

Minister Phil Goff planned to throw himself out of a Hercules on the end of a parachute. Many hoped that other Ministers might do the same, and forget the parachute part.

Not wanting to be outdone by the Japanese who were hauling out rare sea animals and killing them a lot, an NZ fishing boat hauled up a 450kg squid that was 10m long.

Slow news day in Eastern Bays. Someone counted a cats toes and it had 26.

An earthquake near Auckland. Hannah felt it, said her chair was shaking. Nobody else felt it.

An anti-smacking bill approaches law. Sue Bradford is the sponsor, she is just awful, she used to lead the unemployed union and I vividly remember her overacting when a policeman tried to move her during a fiasco of a protest.

Some company selling t-shirts for toddlers with semi-joke "future porn star" have been censured for grooming children for paedophilia. I mean, yes, poor taste, but really, can't parents exercise some self control?

30,000 hay bales were burned in an arson attack on a large barn.

It is Helen Clark's birthday. Being undead, they don't really count, of course. Wonder if she celebrates her undeathday too?

WORLD NEWS

Funny how some moronic "personality" doing something as mundane as getting a haircut results in a plethora of "news" stories the continue into stories of auctions for her hair, and for auctions of magazines that she might have read whilst waiting for her hair cut. Few seem to acknowledge that hair does generally grow.

And news of another recently deceased moronic "personality" continues with the aftershocks around disposal of mortal remains, the remaining child's paternity and care, and more dodgy videos.

The Poms are pulling out of Iraq, and sending in Prince Harry to take their place. Mixed messages this week, I think they are reducing numbers there. We had inane reports of Harry being first royal to go to a war zone for 25 years (about a generation, so hardly news).

Unfeasible fuss over the Oscars tonight, and NZ has not one nomination to cling to this year, bit of a change from the last few years. Mr Jackson has been quiet, I suppose,

Big train wreck in England, but not many were hurt badly. An eighty four year old woman died.

The Japanese whaling vessel is back in business after being crippled by a fire. I thought it was a whaling hunting ship but it was a factory ship which prevented the other ships from catching whales. I think the world should either let them go for it or knock it on the head. This half-way stuff is just utter bollocks.

REAL SPORT

Rory's senior school team beat Lynfield 12-2, although to be fair Western Springs scored all the goals.

Hannah had a soccer warm-up session on Friday night, the same time as Rory's game. She saw a few of the usual suspects there, and had a lovely time (scored a couple of goals).

Rory's junior team lost 4-11, but it was 4-5 at half time. Rory scored three of their goals, but the opposition shut him down in the second half. I am coaching the team, it's going to be difficult. Three of them train with the seniors so I don't get any training time with them.

The social league game went well. The opposition didn't have enough so we supplied them with a few. Rory scored a couple of pretty good goals, including one while his head was under water. Korelli scored about three or four for the other team, he was playing well too. They had an adult who was very good. Final score was 9-8 win.

SPORT

Well, the Black Caps surprised everyone when they managed to achieve the second highest successful run chase in ODI history (demoting the game before to third highest). Craig McMillan got fastest ever ODI ton for NZer. Aussies not happy, New Zealand rested two key bowlers for the match so it was a bit like Australia B versus New Zealand B but there were more B team players in Australian line up.

Better week for NZ teams in Super 14. Hurricanes beat the Brumbies 11-10 with last minute try. The Blues beat the Reds comfortably 38-15. Highlanders beat the Stormers 35-24 in South Africa (I think). Bulls beat the Chiefs who still haven't won a game, 30-27. Crusaders beat the Cheetahs 49-28.

France are looking goof in the Six Nations. England lost to Ireland and Italy had a rare win beating Scotland.

Man Utd beat Fulham 2-1, Charlton thumped West Ham 4-0! Liverpool also won 4-0 over Sheffield Utd. Wigan beat Newcastle 1-0, Blackburn got much needed win over Portsmouth 3-0. Robbie Keane went hero to zero for Spurs against Bolton when he scored two goals then got a red card and conceded a penalty, Spurs won 4-1.

POT WATCH - WEEK FIVE

Well, not good news. The apricot never recovered. No sign of life in the nectarine pot. Three avocadoes planted mid week, having been soaked for about ten days. We have high hopes for at least one surviving. Need some positive results.

MY SAD LIFE

Hannah and I went to the soccer shop to get boots for the new season, and socks and shinpads. Her new boots are very red. She had a lovely time, as you might expect.

Wednesday was interesting in a number of ways. The school van was running low on fuel when I picked the seniors up at school. Went to the gas station, realised it took diesel, so moved to another pump. Then tried to put petrol into it instead, realised my mistake very quickly, poured $1.42 worth of super on my feet. Sent one of the lads off to pay for that so I could try putting some actual diesel in the van. Drove off to West Wave reeking of petrol, had to ask the guys not to smoke. On the way there someone pointed out we had a flat tyre (was only flat on the bottom). We were running late so that got pumped up on return trip, and the van drives way better with pumped up tyres (it would weave at 80 but not with proper tyres).

We all came home from various activities on Wednesday night, completely knackered (Me & Rory polo training, Diana gym, Hannah dancing), and watched some TV together. We hardly ever all watch the same things at once. That was when the earthquake happened.

Rory got his hair cut on Saturday. You might not think this newsworthy, but rare occurrences are worth mentioning. I almost didn't know who he was for a day or two. He's gone from looking like a dead terrier is stuck to his head to a regular person.

I had to try on suits for the wedding, now six weeks away, with Matt and his Dad (David). The woman kept trying to get me to wear things that were way too small for me and then she kept apologising. Was kind of funny. Wasn't sure whether I was being insulted or complimented, at my age I think I have to take anything that could remotely be a compliment.

We heard from Gavin. They are in Patong, in Phuket, going to odd shows involving women and elephants. Not sure why, don't remember him ever having much of a thing for elephants.

Mother leaves for Norfolk Island on Wednesday, the destination for newly weds and nearly deads (as they say, not inferring anything Mother, a sweeping generalisation, and not suggesting you should be in the newly wed category either).

Tried to buy a new watch for Hannah on Sunday and somehow ended up buying....shoes. I can't begin to work out how that happened. We did actually look at quite a few watches, but to no avail. The shoes were way cheaper than the watches. Again, should treat this as a positive outcome I think.

Work has been quite busy, very odd. Have had up to five audio conferences in a day. Been out of the office for work three times in two weeks, and two trips were about a kilometre from home. Might have to leave today, don't want to.

Still no sign of the English Medal, Rory had athletics the day of assembly. Maybe this week it will show up.

Well, better focus on work.

Paua from the people, a cricket surprise, and trucks start cooperating with each other - 19/02/07

LOCAL NEWS

Bent MP Philip Field has finally fallen from grace, in one aspect at least. Threatening to run against Labour in his electorate, he has been unceremoniously dumped from the party. Not sure about numbers in Parliament but things are pretty tight.

A Wainuiomata grandmother who was jailed for possession of $4m worth of drugs in Thailand has been pardoned 11 years into a 35 year sentence.

Three Auckland florists had their locks super glued in time for Valentine's Day. One florist came in to work at 6:30am!!! And could not get in. I seem to recall that Penny probably hasn't ever gone to work as late as 6:30am on Valentine's Day, which is the bit I found really funny. In fact, not sure she's even been to work as late as 6:30am on any sodding day, but that is another story.

Trucks are predicted to begin hunting in packs after two double-teamed a motorist near Katikati. A motorist went under a tanker and then into another truck.

The kayaker was not found, his family hope that he has inspired people to give things a go. He died. Hardly a positive inspiration.

A 15 yo learner lost control of his car and ran into a group of four small kids and a 59 yo woman. At least they don't let learners drive trucks.

Bit of a fuss about a fire on a Japanese whaling ship near Antarctica.

Meanwhile, stabbings became the theme with three children stabbed, allegedly by their father, in Porirua.

There were a couple of accidents in south island involving tourists. One hit a van, the other crossed the centre line and hit another vehicle loaded with tourists (Canada versus England). Police later confirmed the van had been converted from a truck, so they are now disguising themselves....

Big news in Invercargill was the destruction of Fred and Myrtle Flutey's paua shell house. A legend the world over, Fred Flutey (they are both now deceased) covered most interior surfaces with Paua. The removal was not random, their grandson who purchased the house removed them under cover of darkness. To be fair, consider the practicality of a house decorated entirely in paua. I wouldn't want to live there. Interesting when a private thing becomes "public" property.

The Queen Mary arrived in Auckland and left the same day. It is very big, would have awesome sight, we just didn't have time to go see it.

WORLD NEWS

In Sydney, they had some stabbings too, three NZers that were members of the same family, two who are League players (one an international). One of them was seriously injured. Something about loud music caused it....

REAL SPORT

Rory had swim sports this week, he was a genuine intermediate this year (swam as intermediate last year when he should have been a junior). Won freestyle and breaststroke, didn't enter backstroke or butterfly.

First and second game of Western Springs College Senior Polo team this weekend. First game was against Liston College, the lads won 6-4, should have been about 6-2 but they let in a couple of soft goals. Rory got one goal. Sunday night was against Kaipara College (also known as Fight Club, they can be pretty aggressive). They didn't really fire a shot, we didn't have any subs and one player hadn't played a game since last year (unlike the rest who played on Friday night). Led 2-0 end of first, didn't score again until 3rd quarter, and final score was 6-1, Rory got three goals.

Rory's social league team lost on Sunday, by about 2 goals. Not sure of score, I didn't go, was resting.

SPORT

Blues lost 22-23 to Hurricanes, Crusaders lost 3-9 to Lions, Highlanders and Chiefs also lost in South Africa.

We had the Halberg Sports awards, Mahe Drysdale winning for being world champion in single sculling (type of rowing). Shot putter Valerie Vili won the women's prize.

NZ confounded the world and beat Australia in the first ODI in NZ. Mind you, half the real Australian team was missing. NZ won by ten wickets though, that doesn't happen often even against Bangladesh. Apparently this is first 10 wicket loss 646 ODIs, which I think we can take as being first time ever.

Then, in the second ODI, the Aussies got 336/4 which seemed like quite a hill to climb, and chasing down 150 odd was a lot easier. Anyway, long story short, Black Caps hauled them in with about an over to spare. That means they won the Chappell-Hadlee trophy thing, for the first time I think (been going two or three years).

FA Cup games this weekend. Chelsea won, Arsenal and Man Utd both had draws with lowly placed teams.

POT WATCH

Hmm, not good news. The sprouted apricot isn't in good shape. Sun too strong, in a sheltered place now but may not be soon enough. Nothing on nectarine yet, but avocados are germinating so there is something positive.

MY SAD LIFE

These first few bits are really quite sad confessions about dubious achievements this week. I ask that you keep them to yourself.

- I used the word "efficacy" in an audio conference. I am so embarrassed.
- Even worse, I went to call someone and started dialling their fixed IP address. Ulp. Where's the dot button? If you laugh then you are a geek, if you don't get it, I won't explain it to you, sorry.

- Thursday, I grabbed my clothes to change for a meeting, took them to my office, and then wondered why I had decided that I only had one foot (even worse, had two socks but one shoe). And no, I hadn't dropped it.

Rory's name went up outside his school about the English thing, which was back in October, but was still pretty cool seeing "Rory Clarke 1st in New Zealand in English ISAC competition". Even if he wasn't observant enough to notice it himself, which is sad. They even put the E on the end. I am almost at the point of changing my name because so many things drop it off. He will actually receive the medal tomorrow at assembly.

Hardly saw Hannah this weekend. She had a sleepover Saturday night for her friend Jess's birthday. Rory and I were on a water polo coaching course so when we were home, she wasn't, and vice versa. Wasn't allowed to be told much about the sleep over (they had food, don't know what sort, but glad they were fed). She did not return missing an eyebrow, despite having fallen asleep, Rory was disgusted that obscenities were not drawn on foreheads with vivid markers.

Hannah had trials for softball this week. She thinks she isn't in the team but there was a cock up in the announcement (they missed out four of the names) so there is a chance she actually is. Fingers crossed, should hear today.

The whole busy weekend, relaxed week thing seems to be recurring. Despite being pretty busy at work, downright frantic at times, I left the house for work once this week. I left it for the pool about eight times, for school about three times, not sure I left for any other reason at all. So while busy, and theoretically earning as much as I need, weekdays just seem more relaxed.

Have had almost zero interaction with friends this week, except for couple of emails. Hopefully next weekend might be more normal.

That'll have to do for now.
Lunch time.

Tranquillity is restored, I learn a valuable lesson about polo, and action in the agriculture sector - 12/02/07

Today is the most joyous of days. It is the first in which everyone has gone to work and school and I get a quiet house. This is the first time since the day before we went to Wellington to Nationals on around the 14th December. Aaah, can you feel the serenity.

LOCAL NEWS

They arrested a 45 year old man in relation to the lady found dead in a near-Morrinsville lay-by.

A 14 year old boy stole a car in Rotorua, took two friends on a joy ride, and died when he lost control after hitting a row of tyre spikes. One friend broke a leg, the other wasn't so bad (must have been wearing a seat belt). There will be an investigation. Perhaps they don't read the paper or are just convinced they are indestructible despite the evidence to suggest that nobody is.

Waitangi Day passed with usual dignitaries doing their thing. Nothing seriously interesting occurred.

A woman was charged with the murder of a man in Parnell, notable for the reverse of gender norms.

Not doing too well with our Asian friends this week. A Chinese national has been arrested as a spy, bit odd, didn't know we were at war with China. And a busload of Koreans rolled and three had to have their right arms amputated. Three! One other is seriously hurt (although losing an arm is pretty serious). The operator was Korean so at least NZ won't get hassled too much.

We seem to have lost an Australian kayaker down off the coast of the south island, also. Quite careless. Apparently he kayaked 1600 miles from Tasmania. The kayak made it but so far he hasn't.

A 90 year old skydived for her birthday to raise money for a hospice.

Michael Cullen, Finance Minister, has made noises about a tax on mortgages to try and discourage home borrowing without changing interest rates (which impacts FX rates). Because so many are on fixed interest deals, the Reserve Banks method of changing the OCR (official cash rate) is a flawed mechanism because it can take three to five years for an interest rate change to hit borrowers (other than businesses). The reaction to this has been pretty universally less than positive, but personally I don't have a huge problem with it. However, the reaction has prompted the Government to distance itself as fast as possible from the concept.

A police station was burgled, and they didn't know about it until the Fire Service contacted them after they extinguished a fire set in a police car outside. Weapons and drugs were stolen, and guess what? Police were worried they might fall into the wrong hands.

No news of the Lahar yet.
Another survey of kids exercising says they should exercise for an hour a day. Well, fair enough, but every day is hard to achieve, depending on other commitments. I think it is okay if they do more some days. This survey reckoned 2% of kids eat the right number of calories, low fat, 5+ a day, and do the exercise.

Meanwhile, we are now being subjected to regular news of when the police want to interview dodgy MP Philip Field.

Three blokes near Palmerston North had a night on the town, took some pills, and lost consciousness. Two recovered, one didn't. Must have been fun.

WORLD NEWS

You know, I haven't got a clue what happened overseas this week. Sorry.

Oh, hang on, except for the passing of Anna-Nicole Smith, which fills me with hope and concern. I hope that means we won't be subjected to her antics any more and I am concerned she won't become another Marilyn Monroe. If Elton John re-does his Norma Jean song again, I think his life could be in danger. I understand there is now going to have a memorial built at her birthplace, called "Disgraceland". Her baby daughter is betrothed to a 98 year gigabillionaire to help fund it.

REAL SPORT

Well the kids had sixteen hours of water polo this weekend, at a water polo camp. They were pretty buggered. They played four games each on Sunday between 9am and 3pm.

At Rory's social league game, we were a little short as so many were knackered, so I put on the togs. I have to say that I was not completely useless and did contribute but I think the lack of training showed. Not being able to eggbeat meant every time I used an arm to grab the ball I would start to sink (I did block a shot at goal). We won 6-4. And I gained a considerably greater respect for what my children do when they play water polo and I may be considerably slower to suggest they should work harder in the pool. It was my first proper game, the last one being without a ref in 2005.

We enrolled Hannah for soccer this week and she has softball trials today.

SPORT

The Crusaders predictably beat the Reds 33-22. The Hurricanes beat the Chiefs, who haven't had a win yet. The Blues just squeaked home past the Brumbies 17-15 (was actually pretty hard to find out even who they were playing, was very odd).

The Black Caps predictably got rolled out of the tri-series despite the Poms needing three results to go their way.

Well, I don't even know how to say this, but the Poms won the cricket. Not even needing three games to do it. Bet the Aussies aren't happy. This is first time in 14 years they haven't won it according to one paper, but I think that can't be right because it wasn't that long ago that they didn't make the finals and South Africa won.

Arsenal came from behind to beat Wigan 2-1, although Wigan scored more goals. Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1, bit of a shock all round. Chelsea won 3-0 against Middlesbrough. Man Utd won 2-0 against lowly Charlton.

POT WATCH WEEK 4

BIG NEWS!!! We have action in the apricot, with about an inch of greenery sprouting from the pot. Nothing from the nectarine yet, soaked or non-soaked. False start on avocado but now in progress.

MY SAD LIFE

Koos went ice skating for the last time about a week ago. He broke his wrist and radius, has won three metal plates, and a stay in hospital. Diana broke her wrist the last time she went ice skating. She reckons ACC should force people to wear wrist guards. I think Koos does too, now.

Diana's car had a flat tyre, again. Rory and I changed it. Diana could not resist to use the phrase "rite of passage", well, Rory knew it was coming so he used it first. She does tend to say it a lot.

On Monday, Rory and I visited the factory with the Goodins. There was a lot more machinery than I expected. Rory and I really like the sock machines, they are just cool the way they do stuff to finish the sock off. Pretty sure Rory enjoyed it more than he expected, too.

Was really nice having a three day week last week, shame I can't manage it every week.

I received a random act of postage from Brett, which arrived on Friday. It is very random. Two cricketers (Boone and Botham) on talking stands that talk to each other using infra-red. I might try them with Hannah's old furby. They make noises quite randomly, the house can be dead quiet and then you hear David Boone say "If I was going to walk it would be to the pub".

We have been watching TV shows that have been bit-torrented. The quality is much better than in the past, and it is a heck of a lot better watching shows when you want rather than being subjected to the vagaries of broadcasters. I think broadcasters have some series issues coming if they don't start treating their viewers as customers.

On Saturday we had the kids at the camp, we had a quiet house. It was quite nice. We went and had lunch at Richmond Road, which we decided to call a Valentine's Day lunch. Not sure that old wrinklies need to celebrate Valentine's Day.

The kids were pretty tired after their weekend of water polo. Rory was in the top group of kids, Hannah was in the second (she was pretty pleased, as she was two groups higher than last year). After they got home on Sunday afternoon, Hannah lay on the floor to pat the cat and fell asleep, was very cute.

Being Valentine's Day on Friday, it is also Gavin's birthday. I think he is going away for a belated honeymoon to Thailand, I think. I won't hold my breath for a post card. Mind you, that being said, he has started sending Christmas Cards in last two years, so you never know.

Pandora was being attacked by a nasty ginger tom this morning, which we scared off, and less than five minutes later she caught a cicada to prove her prowess is not diminished. Ollie ate a bird in front of us the other day, wasn't pretty.

FLIES

We've had an awful lot flies around recently with the hotter weather. I have been going (not so) quietly mad with the fly gun. I tend to lose count but reckon I got 50 yesterday and would get at least 10 a day. I know this should result in any obvious reduction immediately but should help as larvae being produced must be going down in the general vicinity. I could be utterly wrong of course, but please don't shatter the illusion.

I think it is time I stopped now. Aah, can you feel the serenity?

Some things you are just better off not knowing - 05/02/07

Lots of speech marks this week, sorry.

LOCAL NEWS

Children appear to be a little too money-hungry in Christchurch with four cases in last week of them getting a 20c piece stuck in their throat. They blame the new smaller money, but don't seem to understand that new 20c is about the size of the old 10c which was the same size as the old shilling. It's not like the new money is chocolate flavoured or anything. Slow news day.

New National Leader John Key gave his virgin state of the nation speech and I think he missed his chance to make an impression with people who might actually vote for him. He lays on this whole "welfare kid that made good" thing too often. He also wants the long term unemployed, generally considered to be unemployable in current economy, to get a job. I think they should all become MPs and Councillors, because I find it hard to believe they could do worse than those currently doing the job.

The naked body of a woman was found near a lay by close to Morrinsville in the Waikato. The story unfolded over a couple of days with post mortem results, notifying family, the family's surprise (funny how nobody seems to expect their loved ones to be found dead next to a rest area). She was such a loving person with a big heart. Then it turned out she was a "professional" (yep, loving, that's one word for it) and was on P, etc.

Big flap about putting a Maori flag on the harbour bridge. I say "a" Maori flag, not "the" Maori flag because there isn't actually one official one. Funny that the aboriginal flag gets recognised in Australia, and yet their treatment of aboriginals is considerably worse than what we did here.

Bit of a politically correct fuss when Eric Clapton (a recovered alcoholic) took offence when they sold a bottle of commemorative wine with his name on at his concert in New Zealand. Dude, get over it, it was at a winery. Were you expecting Pepsi?

The investigation into exam papers with "good one dick" and "you useless sack of poo" written on them found that a postal worker and former classmate had done the deed. New Zealand Post weren't too happy.

A boy was killed by a truck this week to ensure truck awareness continued.

A fire at a dental surgery killed a Korean woman in Henderson. Sounds like a domestic at work to me.

The Lahar was supposed to have broken out Thursday, now the "experts" say three weeks. They just look silly.

Two police officers apparently had sex outside a police station in Christchurch after work while somewhat inebriated. Police are investigating. There are trying to find out:

A) were they locked out of the station?
B) were all the cars out on patrol?
C) did they drive home afterward?
Despite them being consenting adults, etc, the letter of the law states that a lewd act committed in public carries a maximum two years in jail. Awkward but pretty funny.

The African girl who died in Christchurch has resulted in a murder charge being laid against her 54 year old uncle. Nice.

WORLD NEWS

A couple of weeks after banning the Australian flag at Big Day Out in Sydney, they are banning Mexican Waves at the cricket. Banning beer would cause a revolution.

REAL SPORT

Rory played social league polo on Sunday. Scored a goal for another team but not for his own team, they had 6-6 draw.

SPORT

The Black Caps managed to beat the Poms by 58 runs. Lou Vincent and Jacob Oram are both doing well with the bat.

The Super 14 has begun, seems too early as usual. The Blues surprised everyone, including themselves, to beat the Crusaders 34-25 in Super 14 opener.

The Poms won a game of cricket on Friday. Even the Poms couldn't believe it. The Aussies weren't too happy either. Then the Aussies beat the Black Caps to regain their confidence.

Chelsea beat Charlton 1-0, Reading beat Man City 2-0, Liverpool had 0-0 bore, the Arse drew 1-1 with 'Borough. Fulham upset Newcastle 2-1. Man Utd beat Spurs 4-0.

Samoa won the Wellington Rugby Sevens, beating Fiji in the final. New Zealand sucked.

POT WATCH - Week 3

Scratching for news here, bit of a worry. Read up on nectarine germination and found out nectarines are basically a hairless peach. I have transplanted the hydroponic seed, sans coat (after reading about that bit too), into a pot. Nothing sprouted yet. I have nothing that tells me whether we should have seen movement yet.

MY SAD LIFE

I forget so many things I want to add to this. Usually about two or three within minutes of hitting send. This week, I wanted to mention the discovery of Rory's student ID card in Diana's glove box. That in itself wasn't particularly interesting other than the way he lost it. The funny bit was that another item in the glove box was a car air freshener thing that was too disgusting to use, which Rory deposited in there with a little too much vigour, and it cracked. This meant that anything in the glove box reeks of gay smelling air freshener, including Rory's ID card.

Another forgotten item was the swear jar, which we added a colour coded bead to every time anyone in the house used an agreed profanity (can't list them or spam filters will block email). The list was interesting, in terms of what was allowed and not allowed, very subjective and the source of considerable debate. The list sat on the coffee table and made quite disturbing reading, any list of dodgy words like that is particularly disturbing. Anyway, Rory lost by miles, and I think against everyone's expectations I either won or came a very close second to Diana. It was an interesting exercise for a number of reasons.

Our neighbour Jim turned 91 on Wednesday, he's fading a bit but not too shabby really.

Brett is playing with my mind by warning of random acts of postage.

Hannah went away for a few days, she is coming home today or tomorrow. House quiet. They return to school on Wednesday.

Saw Helen and Brian Monday night, as predicted. They are both well and engaged (both of them at the same time, coincidentally). I even noticed the ring (pretty unusual for me).

Spoke to Penny this week, had an interesting chat.

The kids went to Snow Planet on Wednesday with Paul. They seemed to enjoy themselves. Rory had sore shoulders for days (mostly to get out of swimming I think). Had dinner with Paul and his friends Stu and Glenda on Saturday.

Got myself new laptop this week as screen was dying on other one. Took a major amount of effort to get going, they always do. I hate computers. Not Vista though, you'd have to be mad. RRP here in New Zealand for a home edition is $500. That is beyond insane. Cheaper to buy a new PC.

The home repair stuff has slowed down a lot. Have done the kick board on the new cupboard but that's about all.

Rory finally got his CD of Wing reading his story. It is very funny. It was read on radio last year, we never heard it.

Rory and I are going to visit the Lothlorian factory today, I think, where Ross & Kath knit stuff. A lot of stuff.

AWFUL REALISATION

Swimming and seeing hairs (there were like four) down over your goggles is annoying, but considerably worse when you realise it must be eyebrow hair. Oh boy. And I thought ear hair was bad enough (no, I haven't seen that in my goggles yet).

That'll do for now.