Holidays continue - but counting down for some!

We have been setting up the apartment for a confirmed 12 month lease starting 28 January, beating off a would be buyer although that is still active subject to protection for the tenants. Also bringing in more wood for the winter (Yes! It will arrive!). Macrocarpa from Mrs Martin's Borough's golf course. Also playing golf 3 1/2 rounds so far since Christmas. Monday 21 January was Wellington Province anniversary and Sammo and Sadie played Ambrose as a team of two at Landsdowne, Masterton; gross was 80, net 67.75 but 3 shots short of the money. Hot as hell, 32C that day and much liquid consumed AFTER (please note the emphasis) the golf.

Much reading by SWMBO (alias Sammo) in hammock. Top temperature 32C in Greystone, minimum 15C - hammocks have been well used, slung between the pear trees.

130 kph winds from the NW yesterday. Lasted 4 hours only but much damage around the lower North Island (Te Ika a Maui). Power lost in many areas from Taranaki all down the West Coast to Wellington and across into the Hawkes Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa districts. Minor tree damage at Greystone but lots of leaves and branches from neighbours' trees. Big clean up this morning. Winds were the remnants of Cyclone Funa - went down the Tasman till off Taranaki, decided to look in on Jo, Steve and Thomas and then scooted through to the East just north of Cook Strait. Gave Northland a dose of the wets but nothing like NSW and Queensland have received lately from other weather systems

Cats are coping, Sammo first day's work at school yesterday (holidays continue till next Wednesday 31 January - teacher only day). Very dry in the Wairarapa, total fire bans and water restrictions.

Sadie's 64th next Tuesday! This Friday in town with SWMBO for drinkies at Wellington Club and thereafter food and liquids with Leigh and Horst.

Sir Edmund Hillary was duly dispatched by way of a fully fledged State funeral in Auckland yesterday followed by a private cremation. Fame did not go to his head - he used it to help and encourage others. His work in Nepal over the years is testament to his attitudes and deserved greatness. This position is now vacant - all applications welcome - they will be studied by us Kiwis over the next 50 years!