I had to be in Wellington for a few days with work… I was there to go on a Crystal Reports course – definitely worth doing… but as it was entry level, and there was no exam, I took the opportunity to get out during the evenings :)

Met up with my friend Jackie from college who I’d not seen in ages. She is now doing buckets of mountaineering and general outdoorsyness. Excellent.

Then on Thursday headed out to comedy with a pretty eclectic mix! There was Glynn & Jayne, Catherine and Matt (from work), Tim (Scouts!) and Ronan (Primary School). Unfortunately – the pictures on my funky new mobile phone are… rubbish :) hehe, still… I wasn’t expecting too much.

I spent the weekend staying with Glynn and Jayne. Glynn has a ridiculous amount of computing equipment. Crazy. Really enjoyable weekend though.. we had a hilarious sing-star kinda night by picking out one-hit-wonders from SongZa. Great. Glynn managed to win at our game of Risk too. Unfortunately Jayne and I spent the entire time trying to annihilate each other… and then Glynn demolished us both. It’s always the quiet ones!

This little coastal walk is literally 5 minutes from where they live.. it’s a pretty stunning location really.

So, had a great day up at porters (who have recently started linking to snowpool – YAY :) .. Berit, Rob, Maaike & I headed up – and it was a beautiful day. It was a slightly slow start to the season – but really taking off now.

Also, had a lovely surprise – a letter from my niece (and God-daughter) Orianna

Finally – I think this gives what seems to be a relatively concise and correct insight into some of the things I think about from time to time… being Economy, Energy and Environment. It’s 20 short videos (only 16 live at the moment though)… enjoy – and lemme know what you think.. The Crash Course starts getting interesting about chapter 7.. but worth watching from the start.

One of the things I love about London is the Museums.. they raped and pillaged the world and brought it all back. The sticks are Tally Sticks – and old form of money.. sure we may go back to it yet.. I mean what does 3 Trillion dollars of debt really mean for a currency?

Anyway.. also saw a statue of me. Made before I was born sure, but definitely me in mind.

On my last night had dinner with my cousin Beth who I’ve not seen in an age – and not before she married Stephen..

So yes, a great trip.. I had been planning on coming back in May – but not quite sure now.. Glynno is getting married in March and I’m not sure how much extra holiday I can get… now that I’m permanent I suspect there is less scope.. but sure we’ll see.

The flight back was great – I think the funniest thing was sitting down and watching Black Sheep. It’s a spoof horror.. not the one to watch over dinner, of lamb ;)

So had a few days back in Dublin before jetting off again. Had a really fun night out with the engineers.. It was great to be back with good friends… I quote Barry..

If you are coming to this meal hoping to see crazy antics from the Davey don’t bother. From talking to him briefly last Friday his mental condition is disappointingly stable.

Lovely ;) hehehe, no it was great to be out – also went round to Gordo & Gillians house. They have an awesome toilet… and the rest of the house is great too (or will be once Gordo finishes his impressive DIY). Note the name on the beer bottle.. Budweiser tried to sue (and lost) ‘cos they stole the lot from Budvar back in the day.

Also managed to catch up with Stella & Dermot (now married) and Ben who was back in the country for a week.

So yes, a lovely time with family and friends.. eating Weetabix (as opposed to Weetbix).. and yup – just good times. Would you all not just move over to NZ?

Helene recently bought a 1973 MG, called Rosie. Matt has a Seat (1999). Matts had to be towed away for a new alternator I think it was..

I did manage to get a nice drive in Rosie on the way home via Bunratty Castle.. I did feel a little like Ferris Bueller (my childhood (ok, adulthood too) hero)

Then off to Bunratty Castle – definitely worth a look if you’re in the area.

The odd black picture is off a Sheela Na Gig a Celtic fertility goddess (most likely). The small staircase was kinda cool – if the castle was attacked the children would go up those stairs which a man could not fit up.. and hope that help arrived in time!!. Also, things like all the staircases have a clockwise spiral so that right handed people attacking up the stairs would be hampered. Quite clever really.

So a great week all in all, group picture to follow when I get my hands on it.. not sure when that’ll happen again – not before little Vivian is running around the place one imagines :)