Start of summer holidays, Wellington, New Zealand

We have now started our extended summer holidays and are trying to get into habits. Steve likes his book, Linda likes her magazine, but boy have the ruddy plants grown !!

For the last 2 weeks we have been mostly gardening, trimming back the overgrowth and replanting some areas.



Steve relaxes over a good book

Linda relaxes over a magazine

Only joking - we shifted a load of weed from our neglected garden

Clear out of the top terrace

Native Birds

Morrissey Tour - Wellington, New Zealand

After having to withdraw from his US leg of the tour to return to the UK, we were lucky enough that Morrissey was able to continue his world tour back on schedule in New Zealand.

It was 1992 apparently when he last performed in Wellington and I do believe some of the crowd were not born then. Some of the crowd however may recall being thin in 1992. But still the bloke next to me in sunglasses is wrong in any time period.

Having told some people we were going to the concert, some younger souls had said they did not know who Morrissey or The Smith were. What is the world and our youth coming to.

He played at the town hall which is a small old fashioned sort of stand up venue as opposed to the detached larger arenas, so it was very close and engaging.

We were a bit concerned beforehand that Morrissey may launch into some new unheard of stuff but he got stuck straightaway into a selection from throughout his career opening up with Shoplifters of The World Unite.

I had obviously missed a few songs somewhere of recent times, shameful me, as there were one of two that we did not recognise but they all rocked anyhow. In truth the whole concert was excellent as our Morrissey is a well honed showman.

The songs played were approximately the following, but not in this order! :

Shoplifters of the world unite
You have killed me
Your the one for me fatty {excellent}
November Spawned a Monster
Alma matters
I'm throwing my arms around Paris
How soon is now
First of the gang to die {excellent}
Black cloud
Ouije board, ouija board
I know it's over
Everyday is like Sunday
Please, please, please, let me get what I want
The more you ignore me the closer I get
Let me kiss you
Meat is murder {shhh, he may not of heard we export quite a lot}
Irish blood, English heart
The youngest was the most loved
We hate it when our friends become successful
and possibly leaving the best of the night till last ..... Still ill {OMG}

Missing songs since downloaded.

A notable change to the band was that they had all been out and purchased All Black rugby shirts (see below). This did give a surreal feel like it was the actual All Blacks backing Morrissey, but respect bros.

We had also been told by some people at work that Morrissey had broken his arm but that turned out to be one of the band ..... dough ..... the one least looking like Morrissey as it happens. Again come on NZ concentrate.

The best concert this year in Wellington.

Band wearing All Blacks kit

Injecting some Smiths classics

Rocking the crowd

Morrissey exits left after staged shirt give away

The Hobbit World Premier, Wellington, New Zealand

The premier of The Hobbit was today in Wellington. I think the whole of Wellington turned up. The red carpet was 500m and all the stars walked to meet the massive crowd. It was an amazing day and one that will be recorded in the memory. Cheers Mr Jackson.

Cracking Day on Wellington Waterfront

At lunchtime if it is a cracking day in Wellington you just have to go for a stoll alone the waterfront.

It was so awsome today I had to snap a few photos. In order these are the loop from the city back into the city. These are all panoramic for click on them and enjoy the view.

Toast Martinborough

A very enjoyable weekend spent at our local wine festival called Toast Martinborough. Wine glasses ties firmly round our necks we crossed our fingers that the weather would hold. As it happens, although a bit of a blustery start, the sun came out and everyone partied. We planned our route going from the last to the first so as to avoid too many crowds. Our favourite 2 were Murlie Rise and Vinefields both of which were I have to say rocking! (Click on the picture for more photos).

Glass firmly attached around the neck ..... off we go then !

First call on the route - Escarpment

It's stopped raining, let's get outside !

A jolly good start to the day

Next stop - Muirlea Rise

Managing to try all the vintages to Pinot Noir

Yes, yes, we know you are both beautiful

Brucie, look after them and get them another Rose

The band were rocking

Good chap

Dudess

OK, water should be drank now

Sad to say we must be on our way ....

Next stop Margrain

Burgers were GRRREEEAAAT

Next stop Ata Rangi .... Mmmm .... think this one may have all the pissed kids

Yep, this one has pissed kids all over the place

On to the next one ... walking in a straight line demonstrated

Next stop Vinefields

Seem to recall doing this walk before !

But not been here on Toast before so in we go

What can I say

Is that my hat up the tree, oh well !

Irish Rock Music, get those legs up in the air

And we really, really must be on our way ..... by ekk champion