I'm sensing a small obsession

You know how you notice something quirky and then just seem to keep seeing other examples? I flew to Blenheim, at the top of the South Island yesterday. This mean going through Wellington and guess what - they have 'done up' their loo signs for the rugby!

The sign that you can half see says Welcome to our Turf. And then in Blenheim...

even the poor guy in the wheelchair looks desperate!

The end of the line

Pun absolutely intended. For the Rugby we got our own Blue Line, inspired by the one at Auckland Airport that I've shown you before. Well actually the photos below are the beginning outside Puke Ariki and part way along but for those following it back from the stadium on Monday night, after our last local game it was the end in more ways than one.

It's been great having games in town - players, media, hundreds of tourists most following the games but some not, wall to wall campervans and a fabulous buzz. The Fanzone is still going though and I suspect will be rocking every weekend right through to the Final.

Just to prove...

that it's only mostly about the rugby at the moment. This is the White Hart Hotel. My Mum stayed here when she was 6. It has been closed and displaying it's own version of shabby chic since I moved here suffering badly from weather and wear and tear.

But for the last few months it has looked more like this.

And a few weeks ago The Snug bar, in the 'front' part opened, all spruced up and looking gorgeous. I haven't been inside yet but apparently they have done a brilliant job of keeping some of the original features.

And just because I really can't not mention it - this is the hart, of the White Hart. Yes, he's wearing a Taranaki scarf as a proud supporter of the team that won the shield.

Happiness is...

A glass of Pizzini red, nibblies, Rugby on the telly (that's Georgia btw) and a pile of clean laundry that doesn't need ironing.

Rugby by the numbers

1 seriously impressive impersonation of the Michelin Man consisting of...
4 layers - 1 icebreaker, 1 sweatshirt, 1 vest, 1 coat
2 food groups - carbs & protein (pie and chips)
3 if you count the hops and barley in the beer
13-6 the final score - USA won against Russia
And finally...
1 fabulous guy with a great sense of humour on the sound system who played Singing In The Rain when it was tipping down at half time.

A small reward

for being rent-a-crowd for breakfast TV

Trust me on this

Brian O'Driscoll, captain of the Irish Rugby Team, two of his team mates and the coach open our Fanzone on Friday night

The crowd in the Fanzone (aka our foyer) getting ready for the opening game. Inside and out there were about 600.

Part of the US Pacific Marine Corps Band in town to support the USA team and in our foyer at the crack of dawn yesterday for Breakfast TV.

USA players (not the guy with the shiny buttons obviously).