Oh what a difference...

The topic for today is... O'what a difference an hour can make. I'll let the photo do the talking.

The only things remaining are two Blueberry trees that The Doctor planted - a desire to plant food that he can eventually eat. In the past we have had strawberries, zucchini (or I think most of the world call it a courgette), cabbage, broccoli and tomatoes. On our front porch we have hoping for mandarins and feijoa. These trees will eventually have to be planted so hopefully we'll have a fruit tree lined fence line. What do you think?

We have the next instalment in a fortnights time. And boy do we have a challenge for the gardener later on. Our backyard is what I would have called Mission Impossible. I'll post the progress when it happens.

Till next time, haveagoodone.

Too much of good thing...

Today, I would like to relay the story of one of my house mates who has originated from Japan. For those who don't know, The Doctor and I rent out our spare rooms, generally to International Students. At the moment we have a French girl, a Korean girl, a Hong Kong guy who is a University Lecturer (yes we have two Doctors) in this house and the final guy, as I mentioned, is from Japan.

The Japanese guy is quite outgoing and likes to experience many things around Aotearoa. One particular recent experience was not necessarily that enjoyable. Warm weather, or as the locals believe hot weather is quite a rarity down south. When it does come, the thing to do is head down to the beach and this is what exactly the Japanese guy did.


According to the Japanese guy, the weather was beautiful, nice clear sunny day and it was so easy to just enjoy the great outdoors. Little did he realise that this is where the trouble starts. It is commonly talked about how the ozone layer above Christchurch is very thin and the sun is extremely potent. When he arrived home on the weekend it looked like his legs were the same a lobster's.

Now Red Legs themselves are not that bad - just a little painful, however it looks like the sunburn was a little more deeper than first thought. It resulted in a trip to the doctor (not The Doctor), but with a general practitioner. The poor Japanese guy come home with bandages wrapped around the bottom part of his legs after having his blisters drained.

After a couple of days, the bandages have come off and a photo of the resulting damage is shown here. I think he has learnt his lesson about the New Zealand sun. This also serves as a timely reminder to me as I hate using Sunscreen but I am usually careful about the time I spend outside.

Anyway this little drama has not stopped the Japanese guy, he is planning doing a tramping walk in the middle of the South Island in a couple of days time. I hope that he is a lot more prepared as I hear that there are many sandflies around.

By the way, The Doctor and I do warn our International guests about the sun's strength but as they say, experience is the best teacher...

Till next time, haveagoodone...

The Buskers have come to town...

An event that The Doctor has been waiting for has finally arrived in our fair city. The Buskers have hit town!!!

Each year for the last couple of years we have been to seen as many as we can. The line up this year are quite a few of the regulars that we have seen before, but it is also good to see some new faces and new acts.

One of the regulars that we saw today was "The Space Cowboy". Not only is "The Space Cowboy" a regular over here, I checked my photos from many years ago (well almost a decade ago) in Melbourne, I found a few photos of him perform virtually the same acts back then. The additions I think "The Space Cowboy" has made are daring. The finale to his act this year was to perform on top of his 9 foot unicycle, juggling a machete, flaming torch and another sharp instrument (sorry I forget its name) - how did this guy get through customs. And if that wasn't dangerous enough "The Space Cowboy" did it with blindfold on. Amazing!!!

Out of the four acts we saw today, The Doctor and I are have agreed that the best act was the last one we saw. The act's name was "Reuben DotDotDot". It was more of an acrobat that comedy but what he could do was pretty amazing. I attempt to do yoga and I have trouble doing downward facing dog pose, let alone get anywhere upside down. "Reuben DotDotDot" was walking on his hands and doing all these acrobatic things like sliding up and down poles easier than I can walk up and down steps. An example is show to the left where he can touch head with his feet - backwards... Check out the photos.







Just one more thing I was to say, the two acts above are fellow country men. Go AUSSIES!!!

Till next time, haveagoodone...

Writer's block...

As Mother Blog reminded me, it has been a couple of days since I last posted. Probably even more days since I wrote anything about myself. Well there is a very good reason. I am in the midst of writing an assignment for my paper I'm studying at the moment and my brain has been exhausted on that exercise. Maybe more on that dilemina later (as in another blog posting when I actually want to think about it).

Probably the next exciting news that I have relates to planned work that The Doctor and I plan to do to our lovely home. We met with a Property Manager late last year about possible renting our home out middle of this year when we plan to make a move. There were certain things that were suggested to us that needed, shall we say attention.

The first was to tidy up the garden. Now between The Doctor and I, we don't make very good gardeners. I personal don't like the garden that I contribute to my childhood. I distinctly remember being given weeding chores when I misbehaved. Whereas The Doctor coming from a place where concrete gardens are the norm. So for The Doctor everything must be prepared ready for him to plant and water. No weeding, no digging over, no pruning or anything else fits into The Doctors garden repertoire.

One of the first areas that we are going to tackle, when I say we I actually mean the gardener that we have hired, will be the New Zealand flax that is growing along our front fence.

When I showed The Doctor this photo, his reaction was, how did they grow so quickly...

I'll post more pictures as we progress through the rest of our jungle. As a little teaser, wait til you see our backyard...

Anyway till next time, haveagoodone...

Monday morning jokes

Since finishing up work to take on full time study, a friend from Auckland has added me to his email list that he sends funny jokes around. On this Monday morning, below is what was received today has tickled my funny bone and I thought it might be good to share around. Hope that you enjoy:

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.

I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation,and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible."

My loving wife of 10 years replied, "Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'. 'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.

'My Goodness!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. "I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please." He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?" "Nah, she can order for herself."

Till next time, haveagoodone...

I couldn't resist...

The Doctor and I are watching a TV show called Jimmy Carr Commercial Breakdown. It basically shows funny commercials from around the world. Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) seems to be featured quite bit but I'm not sure if national pride survives that well.



If you like that advert, maybe try this one:



Have you seen anything like this before? I hope that the Kiwis have the same type of humour has the Aussies and can laugh at themselves.

Till next time, haveagoodone...

A wedding made in heaven

After my quick visit to the Sunburnt Country, I have arrived back home in Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud). I am pleased to report that my Wedding Friend is now happily married and on her honeymoon. The ceremony was held on a small lawn beside the lake in the botanical gardens. It was really beautiful and I'm sure that my Wedding friend will remember fondly for the rest of her life.

One, or actually many, unexpected surprises was meeting so many people that I knew 8+ years ago but had lost contact with. Most of them were my Wedding Friend's friends we all chatted and caught up with what has been happening in our lives. I must admit most of them were married and had, or about to have children. I was remembered as my Wedding Friend's friend who lives overseas.

At the reception, that was held at a beautiful restaurant on St. Kilda Boulevarde, was magnificent. I was seated next to the celebrant who performed the ceremony. We had a great chat about the different types of ceremonial requests that she has performed. We even discussed about the civil union that Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) offers its residents. I was even told that my accent now includes that of Kiwi??? Now the only way I can describe a Kiwi accent (and this is not meant in any derogatory sense), is that all the vowels are silent or softly spoken. To my ear, and The Doctor agrees with me on this, bed sounds like b_d, fish sounds like f_sh and chips sounds like ch_ps. After four and half years, The Doctor and I are so used to the accent that it almost sounds natural. But I quite like my different accent.

A special message to my Wedding Friend, may you live a long and happy life with your husband. I'll be back to see you in July...

Till next time, haveagoodone.

Decisions, decisions, too many decisions...

Sorry for the tardiness on my part but there is some much more to do in my home town as opposed to Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) so I have been out and about.

On Saturday I decided to visit a place known as The Fashion Capital. My earliest memories of the Fashion Capital date back more than 20 years when I new it as an open roof shopping centre that consisted of Myer and a ten pin bowling centre at one end, and at the other end a supermarket and doughnut shop in the middle. How it has since changed. For starters The Fashion Capital has increased in size so much that orientation tools such as compass, map and packed lunch are needed.

The next most notable change is the environment, the only word to describe it is chic. Nearly every corner I walked past, there was a coffee/cake shop to tempt the desires. Luckily for me, I like the smell of coffee but never the taste so I can have my senses excited and it doesn't cost me a cent. Mind you I did see something that can only be described as a chocolate version of Starbucks where they mix Chocolate with other ingredients, liqueur I think, to create all these tempting delights. I was so tempted to try but then I decided there was more to see and taste but I'll come back later.

The shops I like to look at are mens clothes, homewares, well just about any type of shop (with the exception of women's clothes). Now if I only had unlimited money, unlimited time and all my desires would be filled. Alas I am on a strict weight control for my baggage to fly back to Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) and my Aussie cash is running out with exchange rate not looking that favourable. I guess it will have to wait for another day (or lifetime).

Decisions are made a lot easier when the vital resource of cash is not available - and living in the South Island of Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) - choices are a little more limited.

Till next time, haveagoodone.

What a long day

Its only 5:06pm and I feel like it has been a very long day. And yes I do have a good reason for it.

My day started at 3:30am this morning for today was the day that I temporary leave Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud). This coming Sunday I have my friend's wedding and I certainly didn't want to be late. Apart from that, this was the day that had the cheapest flight when I looked a couple of months ago. Mind you, The Doctor being the bargain hunter he is found a cheaper flight that I could have purchased if I had waited. Isn't it always the way.

After catching my flight and flying over the beautiful Southern Alps, I crossed what is affectionately known as the ditch. Leaving behind one world and entering another. Well actually they are not a lot of differences between the two countries - and I'm sure that my former work colleagues read this they would be saying - yeah right... but you would surprised the number of Kiwis that come across to The Lucky Country. If you don't believe me, check out this story published last November titled Kiwis flee nest in record numbers for new life in Australia - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10544876
.

Anyway after heading into Head Winds, well that what the pilot told us, and Melbourne control tower asking us to slow down because Melbourne was becoming too popular, I finally arrived after 4 hours.

Going through customs always make me a bit uneasy. You never know what their computer is telling the customs officer. Well I had a computer screen today, and I thought I was technological up to speed. Well having a trouble of attempts at scanning my passport, being digitally compared to my passport photo and not seeing my customs ticket being given to me - I made it through and a lot quicker than the queue that had formed for those who prefer the personalised service.

Then if fours hours of travelling many thousands of kilometres wasn't enough, I embarked on my journey from the airport to Mother Blog's house. A mere 40 kilometres, shouldn't be too difficult but I think it took me another 3 hours after taking bus, train and bus plus a small walk. I feel like I have lived a movie - do you remember Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Tonight I think will be a good nights sleep. By the way, I apologise in advance for any spelling, tying and writing errors - The Doctor usually is my proof reader but unfortunately he is still back in Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) suffering record high temperatures. Poor thing, I wish I was there to turn the air conditioner on for you...

Till next time, haveagoodone...

Weddings?

This morning I finally finished off one of assignments due over the next couple of weeks. You may be wondering why am I in such a rush. Well this Thursday at the crack of down I will be heading over the ditch (well that what the locals call it - one of their many strange sayings like "dove dove dove" in stead of " w w w "). Anyway I have a friends wedding that I'm going to and I'm quite excited because I haven't been to a full wedding before.

The only other sort of wedding occasion that I did attend was in Taiwan but it was only a Wedding Banquet, plus I didn't really know the person that well. The person I knew was the bride and she was my dance teacher. I didn't speak much Mandarin and she didn't speak much English. Somehow I got invited. Weddings in Eastern Culture - well in Taiwan anyway - are a little different than those of Western Culture.

One of the first differences that I found out was that I was expected to give cash in a red envelope as my present to the couple. No buying a toaster or something similar which was probably just as well in my case. However you can not give any amount. Them amount must be equal to two but not anything with four in. For example, to give $400.00 is a big no no because it implies death. $200 is better because it is shows couples. However the value of NT$200 (New Taiwanese Dollar) would be the equivalent of buying a small pizza. So the amount is actually considered quite cheap. After much deliberation, the amount I gave was NT$2,000. Ahh, that the hard part over and done with...

The next difference I came across was entering the hotel where the wedding banquet was held, I was greeted by a reception table and two people who take the red envelope, open it, count the money and then proceed to write my name down along with the amount of money I gave. Then there was a large satin table spread that we were to sign our name and give our message for their wedding. I'm sure that to this day they both look at my message and wonder what I said (thinking it all looks like English to me) .

After getting past the front gate, we went into a large dinning hall and were seated. The Doctor and I were seated near the back and I think the people on the table were dance teachers at different places. The meal that came out was a ten course meal. Some of the meals were artistic creations like this one. The food generally was pretty good but I think it had a lot of msg in it. Anyway in between the courses, we had a few theatrics. One time the lights went down and what appeared to be Roman Torch bearers marched around. About a third of the way through, the lights were turned off, the bride and groom came out from the back entrance, and with each step they took, the lights above followed them.

Nearing the end of the meal, they gave speeches, that I had not idea what they said but could have guessed, and then the big moment. The first kiss as husband and wife. Along with half of the other guests this was a kodak moment. To tell you the truth, looking back on it now, I feel as if I am one of the paparazzi.

The banquet continued until the last course and the strange thing that happened (and I saw this before at a Christmas Party I went to for ANZ Taiwan) was that immediately after the eating was finished, everyone got up and left. No socialising afterwards. Just got up and left. I have never seen a place become empty so quickly.

The final thing that I will add to the Taiwanese wedding experience was I was given to large boxes (these boxes were covered in pink lace stuff that I have given to Mother Blog - do you remember them) that contained lots of sweets and savory stuff - I think as a give to say thank you for you attending the wedding banquet.

All in all, I think the Taiwan have it good in some respects, the giving of cash eliminates all those presents that you don't like or received numerous one of (like multiple toasters). But I think the best thing to give a hint that the day is over, stop serving the food (almost like stop serving the alcohol).

Anyway I look forward to my friends wedding in Melbourne next weekend. It should be fabulous as it is Melbourne's botanical gardens.

Till next time, haveagoodone.

Memories...

Here I am on the first day of the new year, trying to update my heading for my blog and I started to go through some of my old photos. How easily I get distracted from what I'm meant to be doing (apart from studying). But I guess that is part of why we have photos to trigger memories.

From all of the places that I have travelled to, there are not that many photos of me. I think one reason is that The Doctor likes to take photos of me from the ground up and this is not always a flattering photo. Apart from making me look down, it seems to enhance my double chin (mental note - must do more exercise this year). Then when I get home, I don't want to keep them so I end up deleting them. I should really learn how to touch up the photos and that would solve my problem...

Anyway with any each place there seems to be a story that goes with it. In May of last year, The Doctor and I travelled around Tasmania and the last night we stayed at a place that really gave me the spooks. In case you haven't heard, Tasmania was the place where Australia sent the convicts in the early days and even within the last decade or so - there was a mass shooting incident at Port Arthur. Anyway this last night, we had to drive down a long gravel road where we had hired a lodge for the night. The reason we had a lodge was that it was the off-peak season and we were the only ones there apart from the maintenance guy. Upon driving up, the maintenance guy was using a chain saw and cutting down trees. Does it ring any bells already??? Upon enquiring about the lodge, we were taken to the other side of the road and shown where we were staying. A picture is to the right. The key to the front door was under the mat but I'm sure there were spare ones around somewhere. When we went inside to check it out, there was no telephone, no TV, no curtains on the windows or doors and no cell phone coverage. At that time of the year it got dark around 5:00pm and all you could see was the blackness outside and the creepiness feeling building up inside. Its amazing how slowly time goes buy when you don't have a computer or TV to entertain you.

By the time we were ready to go to bed, I had placed the oil heater right behind the door just in case any tried to sneak in. During the night I intently listened for any noise in the dark silence that surrounded us. I remember at about 4:00am a car drove buy and I sure it was rather closer than what the road was.

However all ended well and I can tell the story how we survived the Texas Chain Saw Massacre house in southern part of Tasmania - the place where all the convict where once sent.

I better get back to my study and avoid any further nightmares tonight.

Till next time, haveagoodone...