Shootin' The Breeze

It's a new Monday

2010-05-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, I don't know if you knew this, but every day - Monday to Saturday, that is - I check the exchange rates. Specifically, the Pound and the US dollar. The Pound is still very good for an importer (like me!) - the current rate is 2.12 NZ dollars to the Pound, which is very reasonable. The US dollar isn't quite so hot as it's been, but the rate is still OK, at 1.47 of our $ to theirs.

Last night, we watched the Battle of Helm's Deep, on the extended DVD. Rather brutal, and very nearly a defeat for the good guys, but Gandalf showed up with the Rohirrim (the Horse-lords of Rohan) just in time.

Never seen one of THOSE before....!

2010-05-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well, today my eldest son began his blog. The world turns, and children grow up so fast, eh? Thought I'd get blogging daily again! Who knows, there may even be a few comments. I'll try to say somethin' controversial & interesting, each day or so.

OK, what did I see today, that I'd never seen before? Well, I've been watching TRUE BLOOD Season 2 since Thursday. It's getting madder every episode....! In Season 1, the serial killer was human, though Vampires were being blamed. THIS time, the killer is neither Vampire NOR Human, but Humans are being blamed, of course. The thing tonight, in particular, was that after ALL the drama with the nutter extremist anti-Vampire Christian Church, and the vampires have sorted out their differences...one of the crazier "christian" cadets turned up....with loads of Silver, and Explosives. He was the world's first CHRISTIAN SUICIDE BOMBER! Pardon me, while I go off & mentally throw up. I hope no Christians use this as an example, to bomb Gays or Muslims. I think the Fellowship of the Sun church is a parody of some American churches who are particularly anti-Muslim, or anti-homosexual. The language especially, is reminicsent of the Red Scare, and its more recent counterpart, the Terrorist Fright (sniggers). Apparently, it got so bad during the rein of mad old Dubya that George only had to say "there's been another terrorist threat to National Security..." and people would believe him. Just to keep them in a constant state of fear. Anyone agree? Disagree?

Quiet Day

2009-11-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

A quiet day today...did the laundry & hung out two loads, it was a great day for drying. Then I watched the rest of Death Race 2000. Went into town; bought a push-pop for Zoe, went to see elderly Jean - I had some calendars she wanted to see. Began watching Mistresses.

Wheels Day at School

2009-10-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, it was Wheels Day at School. As part of their developmental learning, the class that Zoe & Ben are in were asked to bring their wheels in to school - in some cases, that meant that their parents had to come in later, as, for instance, Margaret's car isn't big enough to take the kids AND their wheels! So, I brought their bikes in for them at 12:40pm. Their were loads of 5- and 6-year-olds whizzing around on various wheeled contraptions...bikes, one trike, scooters, skateboards, and one that was half-and-half! All the kids were wearing their helmets, and Ben was absolutely delighted to be charging 'round on his bike. Zoe enjoyed herself, too!

New Pants!

2009-10-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome, dear reader. Yes, I got new pants - Jockey Active Cool Trunks (with "breathable mesh panels")! And, there was a FREE car sun-shade with them! Kelly the shop assistant showed me the options...these were the most affordable. I suspect most of my readers live in the UK, so the garment cost me about 16 Pounds 81p.

New Boots and Pants

2009-10-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember Ian Drury & the Blockheads? Back in '78 (or thereabouts), they brought out an album called New Boots and Panties. Well, today I got new tyres on my car; which, for a petrolhead, is the same thing as boots. I don't wear panties, but tomorrow I'm getting new pants...

The tyres are low-profile, and they come with the wheels, which are 3 inches wider than the previous wheels. The problem with the previous tyres, was that they were too soft & spongy!! It was like driving a rowing boat! The car wallowed down the street, like a mobile whale! And driving around slow left-handers was like leaning sideways into the wind...

My new friend Arno fitted the wheels, which are exactly the same as those on his Mazda RX8.
I think Arno just might be a neat new friend!

Labour Weekend

2009-10-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

A quiet weekend at home, as the nation celebrates Labour Weekend, with a lot of people going on road trips - and already, 3 dead on our highways. Too many people don't drive in such a manner, to get there in one piece...

The other day, I got a new jigsaw in the mail - a 100-piece set, from the Dr Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. It's ideal to do with my twins, Zoe & Ben. I made it with Ben first, he's delightful - he loves jigsaws, and he's so methodical! Reminds me of his auntie, who passed away last year. With him, it's two things - doing the jigsaw, and spending time with his Dad. Zoe, on the other hand - she's never been that good at jigsaws, though she still likes them. With her, it's mostly about being with me.

Farewell, Lindsay Henke

2009-10-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last time I tried to blog, it wouldn't let me in...I've found me password, and I'm BACK! Woo-hoo!

My final essay for the year was posted online last Monday; with a great deal of stress, anxiety, prayer from my minister, and worry, it was finally done! So I'm a bit more relaxed now. Well, a lot, actually. No exam this year; just LOADS of essays...for some unknown reason, I get MUCH more stressed about essays than exams! Go fig!

Two days ago, M. opened up the morning paper, and told me - "Oh no! Lindsay's died!" Now, Lindsay was our (male) next door neighbour, who would tease me with good-natured quips over the years, that I came to appreciate. On my side on the fence, I would pull his leg, saying things like: "...you should wear one of those pinstripe suits, with two-tone shoes, the number of cars you sell!" Lindsay would sell at least 3 or 4 cars a year, some years. I admit, there were times that I didn't appreciate his leg-pulling; but I came to appreciate his sense of humour. He & his family have looked after our cats for years, when we are away. Also, he gave us a 29" TV a couple of years back. I remember part of the conversation...Lindsay said, in his croaky cancer-affected voice, "D'you want a TV, Neville? My daughter doesn't want it anymore. She doesn't have the remote."

N: "What about these two roosters?...your sons?"

L: "Don't be stupid! This one has a 29" in his bedroom, and THAT one already has a 42" telly in his room!"

N: "What brand is it?"

L: "Philips."

N: "Hmmmm..." (thinks: we have a Philips remote in the kids toybox, doin' nothing...)
"I'll take it! ...could these carry it over for me? My back, you understand..."

L: "Righto, Neville!"

I gave Lindsay two dozen DB Export beer for the telly, which was good value in anyone's books.

RIP, Lindsay Henke. You'll be missed.

One of our Cats!

2009-09-16T03:42:00.001-07:00

This is one of our Cats - the fluffy one! She's called - AHEM- "Coco Calico Bluebottle Fluff Rapunzel Walker." I usually call her "Bluebottle-puss". She's quite beautiful, is she not? Comments on a postcard to "The White Rabbit", opposite London Tower...no, just pop 'em here on bloggie :D

Father's Day

2009-09-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

OK, so yesterday was Father's Day, here in New Zealand! It was a good day... I was served breakfast, yummy soft-boiled eggs on my double Dr Who egg cup; and piping hot coffee in my 3D Dalek mug! My kids gave me cards they made themselves; and Zoe gave me two pictures she'd made! I was proud of all of them :) They also gave me some new aftershave, which I wear with pride.

Oops!

2009-09-05T01:03:00.000-07:00

OOPS! I forgot to mention Friday! Well, Friday dawned cool & bright. For the first time in several weeks, I went to visit my Canadian friends, for Coffee. They have a SERIOUS Coffee Machine! It's the sorta thing you see in a Cafe! Cost seven times what mine did...anyway, looks like they'll be leaving soon. Jim, Julie (& their 7 kids) will be off to Brisbane, to do full-time Ministry. I'll miss 'em!

...the highlight of the day, was the Fish'n'Chip (& plus games) Night at the Church. After we'd all filled our faces, games were played. A number of kids showed interest in my Doctor Who Interactive Electronic Board Game. It was fun!

A Pretty Good Saturday

2009-09-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

This morning, our new friend Cia (that's pronounced "Say-uh") came round with her daughter Taylor, for a playdate with Zoe. The two girls had a good time, while I made Cia a cappucino with my machine. It was nice to talk to Cia while I hung out the washing. Margaret was at the After Hours Clinic.

This afternoon, Jamie played with our neighbour's son; he continued playing there while I took the twins out to see a Magic Show. Some of the tricks were rather Captain Cornball, but others were worthy of Paul Daniels!

A long day.....

2009-09-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

I've updated my profile. And, surprisingly, I actually achieved what I set out to do today... I wrote 500 more words on my essay!!!

Oh, by the way - my essay, is about the methods used by the Nazis in their propaganda during the Third Reich. I'm looking at the Hitler Myth; the Cartoons; and the use of Army Comuniques in disseminating propaganda.

ANANDA

2009-08-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, at the weekend, my lovely wife & I dropped the kids off at Gran and Grandpa's, and went to stay ANANDA. We thought it was so wonderful, I thought I'd share it with you all...

ANANDA is a Day Spa, with a Bed & Breakfast attached. Isn't that a marvellous idea? We got to be massaged by qualified beauty technicians; then headed off for night without the children...which meant we got to WAKE UP with out our children (only happens once every 170 days, at home) - and then have breakfast, quietly, on our own, without breaking up arguments, disputes over computer time, etc! OH, it was bliss.

Sept 1st

2009-08-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so here I am; the 1st of September. I've started the day by having cereal, with prunes....and so far I've changed fourteen of our calendars. Anyone out there think we have enough...?

I must admit, I think the last post [about RAIN - Sub. Ed] was worthy of comment....any chance you'll do a month of Weather Songs from youtube, Ally? ...with the emphasis on water falling from the Sky...?

If Only It Would RAIN.....

2009-08-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm not saying it never rains here in Timaru, New Zealand. But, if you google Timaru, you'll notice something straight away - it's on the east coast of the South Island. Cold Fronts usually come from 2 directions....the South; or the West. If it's coming from the South, the rain will hit Dunedin (my hometown); then head straight to Christchurch, missing out Timaru completely! :(

On the other hand, if the Cold Front is coming from the West, it hits the West Coast...and stays there. The precipitation pretty much gets no further; 'cos the Southern Alps blocks the progress of the wet!

So, in honour of all the rain we're missing here...ok, the rain I'M missing...my family isn't nuts about loads of liquid falling from the sky...I've got a friend to make up 2 CDs, with the following songs:

Walking in the Rain - Johnny Ray
Kentucky Rain - Elvis Presley
Raining in my Heart - Buddy Holly
Sunshine, Rainbows and Lollipops - Leslie Gore
Rain - Jose Feliciano
Warmth of the Sun - Beach Boys [a li'l sun now & then!]
The Rain, the Park & Other Things - the Cowsills
Flowers in the Rain - The Move
Who'll stop the Rain? - Credence Clearwater Revival
Rainmaker - the Fifth Dimension
Rain on the Roof - the Lovin' Spoonful
It might as well Rain until September - Carole King
Smoky Mountain Rain - Ronnie Milsap
Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka
Summer Breeze - Seals & Crofts
A Hard Rain's a-gonna Fall - Bryan Ferry
It's Raining Again - Supertramp
Hand in Hand - Dire Straits
Summer Rain - Cliff Richard
Feel like Buddy Holly - Alvin Stardust
It Never Rains - Dire Straits
Mandolin Rain - Bruce Hornsby
I Can't Stand the Rain - the Commitments
The Sun Always Shines on TV - A-ha
Weather With You - Crowded House
Storm Front - Billy Joel
I Wish it Would Rain Down - Phil Collins
Storms in Africa - Enya
Rain - Madonna
It's Raining Men! - Geri Halliwell
Why does it always Rain on me? - Travis

Songs that didn't make the cut (though I wish the first one listed HAD) -
Don't Rain on my Parade - Barbara Streisand
Raindrops keep falling on my head - BJ Thomas
Rainy days and Mondays - the Carpenters
I love a Rainy night - Eddie Rabbit

Humm, hummmm....

2009-08-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

Winnie-the-Pooh often had "hums". These could be simple, common sort of "hums"; or full-blown poems...or songs.

(Pause, while Blogger automatically saves this)

I wonder...am I doing this for fun? Or, to remind myself, I can Write? I don't know...anyway:

"There was a little green-eyed idol, to the north of Katmandu
But the wind blew up the chimney just the same!
And when the Great Pink Hunter kissed his wife whilst she did snore,
She woke and bellowed, "Doctor, I'm not that kind of Dame!"

Early Start

2009-08-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, today (Thursday) I was up early...for me, anyhow...around ten to Seven...checked the Ski website; and the Roundhill Skifield is OPEN! So, I took Jamie to School very early! And he's off Skiing, for the FIRST TIME....well, actually he's chosen Snowboarding....I hope he'll have a wonderful time.

Meanwhile, in my world, I'm off to the church leadership course this morning. I hope I'll learn something new & useful, from 10 - 12. Just after lunch, I plan to do a little more on my Assignment. Oh, I'll be SO pleased when I've handed it in!! :)

Monday Monday

2009-08-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Monday was a pretty normal day...though it didn't start that way! I had to take M's car to the panel beaters, which, luckily, is about 50 metres from here :) I then had to take my kids to School & my wife to work; before coming home - just a couple of minutes after our Cleaner arrived. She's very good; pity she is off to Australia soon, to continue her round-the-world travels. Anyone know where I can find another young, Scottish, assiduous female cleaner...?
No?

Breakfast was made more complicated, by Jamie opening his birthday presents...still, it was nice to see his happy smiles! :D

Saturday 22nd Aug

2009-08-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning my day began with a leisurely breakfast of crumpets & coffee. Then I hung out 2 loads of laundry, in the sunshine..... :)

Later, I took Jamie & his friends to G.I.Joe: Rise of the Cobra. This was an action movie, with all the depth of Paris Hilton's make-up. OK...though not to be taken seriously. No blondes, soldiers, or Polar Bears were harmed in the making of this marketing exercise...er, I mean... motion picture ;-)

Seretide! :)

2009-08-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

A big, public SHOUT-OUT to GlaxoSmithKline, for supplying my free cordless mouse. I LIKE it! :D

An Unusual Friday

2009-08-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I had intended going out to the Railway Museum workshop tomorrow; to give the old lads a hand...luckily, I bumped into Bill at the Northtown mall; he said he was going in to do a few little jobs on Friday, so I popped in there this morning. I did some sanding on some new shelves. Then, this evening, we had our new housekeeper, Amanda, do a spot of Babysitting for us, while we went out to Margaret's work do. Quite a pleasant evening!

Noisy Thursday ::-)

2009-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

The kids are particularly manic today; Jamie has gymnastics at School, the Twins are having lunch at Ashbury Park with their class, and I'll be there with my Dr Who lunch bag & box! :)

A parcel arrived in a courier bag this morning, too - I only ordered it yesterday!! Plus, I won TWO auctions on eBay.uk overnight...one rare Dalek, and a very special CD...I hadn't expected to win either of them, so I better stop bidding on auctions!!!

...oh, and it turns out that there were over 900 peop. at Russell's funeral, and not the 600 I estimated.

Ode to Russell

2009-08-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

One of the real characters of my local community has passed away. Russell Paul (QSM), died suddenly last week, Aug.13th 2009, of a massive coronary, at his home in Timaru. Russell was the driving force behind the Pleasant Point Railway Museum & Society; and he taught me to drive the Model T Railcar. I attended Russell's Funeral yesterday...it was the largest I've ever attended; at least 600 were there, with 2 police cars supervising the folks arriving & leaving.

So, here's the poem I wrote, as a tribute to Russell...

ODE TAE RUSSELL PAUL

Well Russell, I'm gonna miss you seeing you,
At Keanes' Crossing,
Where, for all of us,
You've been our Glue.

You always had a smile for everybody,
Old and young;
....And a cheeky grin from Russell made even polishing Brass
Seem like a bit o' fun.

You kindly taught me how to drive your "baby", the Railcar RM4,
An' you were understanding, even forgiving,
When I - nearly - used it to cut the Pleasant Point
Public loo, an extra door.

Then several years later, you re-trained me,
So that back to the tracks the ol' Railcar I would take;
But you did give me ne word of warning -
"Now look here, Dr.Who - don't forget! That pedal there,
ON the floor! THAT'S THE BRAKE!!!" :) :) :)

You were AWESOME, Russell. And you always will be.

New look, New blog!

2009-08-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

Well folks, here I am in my new Blog...I found I couldn't access my old one when I wanted to post, so here's the new! :)

Thanks to my helpful Selkie, Ally, for her help in setting up this new page!