And another one!

This time from the Wellington waterfront (during a break from a conference)

About to be cake

Not much has been happening apart from work but I have had leave approved at Christmas which means I can go home to Aus for a few days which means I can also make the Christmas cakes. My self imposed deadline for this activity is Melbourne Cup Day - the first Tuesday in November. This gives the cakes plenty of time to mature and have at least two dowses of brandy. As we have a long weekend here for labour day the timing is perfect, the fruit has been soaking and the happy hen eggs are all lined up and ready to go.

Trophy count - 3

Sometimes the wierdest things happen. I was in Auckland for work last Thursday. On the flight home I was in 9B, in 10B was the 2011 Melbourne Cup on it's way to the Hawera Races. I lived in Melbourne for 6 years and never got to the races, let alone anywhere near the actual cup.
So...William Webb Ellis (Rugby World Cup) Trophy - Tick. Ranfurly Shield - Tick. Melbourne Cup - Tick.

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.