So another week down and another new addition to the Young household, a 13 year old Honda 4x4 in a tasteful dark green. I had given up trying to get a roof rack or tow hitch for our other car (Mazda gas guzzling people mover). I needed to solve the logistical challenge of getting all of us plus bikes and luggage plus 1 ‘mature’ (not elderly) Uncle Geoff (U.G.) + luggage back from Auckland in April at the end us (minus U.G.) spending a week exploring the wild Northlands area at the top of New Zealand. This Honda seemed to tick most boxes, it has a tow hitch which now supports a proper ‘Kiwi-engineered’ bike rack – solid steel and will hold 4 bikes with ease (see trip to Napier for the fate of the Halfords one!). It also has roof bars so I’ve just brought a roof box on the Kiwi Ebay (Trade-me) which I’ll collect later in the week. Our neighbour had a good look over the car before we bought it (he used to sell them) and thinks it looks pretty good – time will tell no doubt.
So theatrical news….. Lana has started rehearsals for ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ – a musical about someone covered in acne I think….. I (Richard) have landed a tiny role in Oliver! – I play Mr Sowerberry the undertaker who sings in the stage version – albeit only one song. Both plays are on in June so that will keep us on our toes for the next few weeks. Chris is singing with the massed choirs of Hamilton at a big open air event next weekend. And Kirsty is cracking on with her flute and singing – good old Kirsty. Kirsty has also started swimming after school – today the coach told her she needed to concentrate more on her breathing – I’m surprised that she made it to 13 if her breathing wasn’t great!
Dog news – Woof, woof woof, Grrrr, woof….. translation…..
“Monday’s obedience classes are great – I’m getting Chris trained really well to call my name and feed me liver cake for the simplest of tricks.”
Fence news – garden is now dog escape proof (I think), the hardest bit was the entrance but it is now closed up with five electrified bunjee ropes. Rudo hasn’t been out but then again neither have we…… I think I may still resort to a radio controlled rock by the gate that triggers a quick ping (OK – electric shock) should Rudo stray too close to it.
At work we managed to get into the paper again three times last week, one on the front page, but I’ve been on a charm offensive (difficult to believe) with the local mayors (did you ever see The Dukes of Hazard?) and I wheeling in my friend – The Minister – next week to announce some more good news. We must get those letters R and N stuck back on......
I spent two days in Auckland learning about her government here works. This trip coincided with the first night of the Jeremy Clarkson ‘Top Gear Live’ tour in New Zealand so I went along and enjoyed the string of stunts, super cars, Stig racing, jet powered cycles, flymo powered hovercrafts and chainsaw powered deck chairs. As I was leaving I picked up a ‘VIP Pass’ which the guy in front of me left behind and nipped off for a few beers at the reception – when they called us to sit for the gala dinner I discretely nipped off – as my shorts and Hook Norton polo-shirt didn’t seem to match the black ties that others were wearing! Anyway the girls each now have a Top Gear Live VIP lanyard.
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