Easter here already. Where does the year go? And why did I forget Pancake Tuesday? Why? Why is my Easter Egg still unopened? So many questions.

Anyway – headed up to Steve’s property in the Waiarapa. Better known as the back of the back of beyond. And a little further. It’s quite the drive up there, but it is a scenic one.

Quite a long drive up to Ekatahuna? AND stupidly we’d all forgotten that, being Good Friday, that there were no bottle stores (off licenses) open. Irritation, coupled with admiration that there is one day a year when it’s impossible (or at least hard) to buy alcohol.

Steve’s place was pretty cool though – I have no idea of the the hectarage, but it seemed big to me. Quite the undertaking though – not sure I could (or would) want the responsibility. Something closer to ChCh, perhaps. With a gardener.

Anyway – here’s a short video starting in the wee hut Steve & Michelle built (last Easter)

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=6209838635513154765]

Played a few games of Happy Families, tried to shoot goats (failed), shot a block of wood (slightly less accurately than Maaike), saw Stick insects, showered outside (quite effective things camp showers)

There was also a Fridge (read slightly dammed river). Which was perfect for keeping things cool enough – even beer too! And a picture of the alarm. Burglars beware!

One of the jobs we helped out with, was ripping up a section of fencing for where Steve is going to plant trees.

But all in all it was a great holiday – though I think next time I would prefer to fly! I think there’s big kudos to buying land and making it work for you – and grabbing some carbon out of the atmosphere too…!

Well, not going to write anything – but here are some pictures from Glynn and Jayne’s wedding. All pictures were taken by my friend (and wedding photographer) Michelle McMillan, and are put here with her kind permission.

Amazing fun. See if you can spot anything… cute but unusual in the picture of Domhnall and Jill.

Firstly – yet another picture of the tree in the houses’ courtyard. I *love* this tree.

So yes, Dave Aubrey was in town, here to visit the lovely Maria.. the hope was, that having Maria here would entice Dave back. Unfortunately it seems the opposite has happened.

Had a really fun time orienteering up at Castle Hill on Sunday.. It was a pretty tricksy map as it was literally boulders everywhere. Fortunately I had a secret weapon – in the form of a 10?! year old boy who I realised was doing the same course as me.. so, while I obviously didn’t just follow him… I did… how would you say.. double check that I was going in the right direction. Perfectly acceptable.

And crushed Maaike’s (all girls) team by 50 minutes or something. Crushed. Destroye… heh… kidding. Possibly proving that women can’t read maps? ;) hehehe, ehem… think I will have to turn comments off on this one ;) Hehehe.

Mind you – speaking of getting lost.. Maaike, Steve, Michelle and I have been doing a midweek rogaine series – and with daylight savings, and Steve in the North Island, and a Southerly coming through tomorrow night.. it could be a disaster. Or fun. More likely a disaster though.

Well, hope ya’ll have a fun Easter.. I’ll be shooting goats on the North Island… more to come..

Winter beckons with a large index finger. While there is something to be said for conserving energy by heating less and simply wearing a jumper, sometimes it is nice to not be completely frozen going to bed (and wearing a hat).

If you’re very very lucky, I’ll put up a picture of my mid-winter bedroom attire. Maybe it’s time for a pop-survey. Maybe it’s time I moved to wordpress. Maybe pigs can fly. Who knows? It’s a big multiverse out there.

Anyways – yes, made the most of last weekend with a wee picnic in the park. Park of Maaike’s Christmas present.

Mind you, today I discovered the Mediterranean Food Warehouse, and that really was a find. Dangerous place. Good place. Yummy place. Expensiveish place. Emporium of Italian Ice-Cream. mmmmmm.

Other than that, buying a new computer, not rreeeaaallllly needed. At all, but sure what the hey.. what with the end of the world coming best to enjoy it while we can eh? (no I have no idea when that’s coming – but it sounded sinister and exciting). Oh – and need to get ski-passes too, and hoping to go up to Auckland to see Cirque du Soleil in July.

This weekend it was up to the Marlborough Sounds for Glynn & Jayne’s wedding. Maaike and I left on Wednesday evening and went the very long (but enjoyable) way through lewis pass. This meant we could stop at Syliva Flats on the way up (natural hot pools just close to a rest stop where you can park for the night). There’s something very nice about soaking in your own earth heated bath looking up at a crystal night sky.

The next day we left there and passed via the Riverside Cafe for lunch. Ok, so it took us a good 8 hours to get to Picton going that route, but well worth it.

To get to Furneaux you have to get a water taxi from Picton – and it’s an hour to get to the lodge. I really liked the way all the family were there already. It’s definitely the way to go I think.. that way everyone gets to meet for a few days (rather than just the one). Furneaux is a great place to chill out though. Even has a bar – perfect.

Glynn was ridiculously calm. I tried to do my job as best man by making up for it by trying to be extra stressed for both of us ;) Didn’t work though, it’s just a relaxed place.

I’m afraid I didn’t take any pictures this trip – was too busy enjoying myself, and I have *no idea* who’s any of these are.. so sorry about that.

There is a ridiculous amount of preparation in a wedding.. honestly, I urge anyone thinking of undertaking this event, to think about the seriousness of it.

There’s glasses, and tables, and shoes, and flowers…

And then the big day arrived… two pods (20?) dolphins arrived into the bay (first time in 4 months), and after eating the fish they had herded in, proceeded to play – doing jumps and flips. If you believe in omens (they can be good!), this would have to be a great one. (more pictures to hopefully come on this).

Anyway.. basically chilled out until 3 (managed to get to have one small sandwich) and then went to get changed. I am ashamed to admit, that I had to have Glynn’s brother in law show me how to tie a Windsor knot. Must learn that one. Anyway.. we came out looking like this:

These next two are Alan and Caroline – Glynn’s parents.

Ok, so Glynn did get a little nervous.. but then we’d put holes in all the boats and placed sentries along the Queen Charlotte track – so Jayne would have to swim to safety. She didn’t – and preceded by Mia & Lilly, her two beautiful nieces, was walked down the aisle by her father (John).

And then there were the vows – quite simple, but very loving. Sam, Jayne’s nephew arrived with the rings – and shortly after (or has it happened already by then?!) it was time to kiss the bride :)

Then it was time for photographs, champagne and speeches. I was quite nervous about giving the best man’s speech.. mainly because of the quality of Alan and John’s speeches, and Brett’s MCing.. But it seemed to go down well enough.. I did manage to work in the title pun (love at first byte) so it wasn’t completely bad ;)

Then cake, drinking’ laughter and dancing. I did have a chat with John (Jayne’s Dad) about careers etc. The exchange went something like “You should workout where you want to be in 3 years and how you’re going to get there” And I said “No one on their death bed ever wishes they’d spent more time at work”. I think there’s space for a little compromise on both sides :)

Big thanks to Maaike too – it was great to be able to go off under a tree for 3 hours and work out the speech (and very kindly be brought sandwiches) and to know that she was perfectly happy mingling on her own. We didn’t quite get through our agreed?! no arguing / slagging / heated discussion / raised debate / screaming fighting clawing no-holds-barred weekend completely unscathed, but that’s ok – no ones perfect. Well, almost.

Still – mission accomplished, Glynn & Jayne Foster – happily married. Good work.