First Jackie Blue and now, possibly Tim Grosser!

What's happening with these high flying National MP's and in one case a Cabinet Minister? I know Labour had a few leave while in office, but two in quick succession seems to point that maybe 'the
chairs are being rearranged' on the Titanic.' From what I hear, the next two on the National list, don't do much for 'rejuvenating' Nationals 'list MPs in parliament.
John Key must be wondering who's next to 'jump ship.' Hell, at this rate he may have a complete turnover of his list MPs. I suppose he must be considering his list (and possibly electorate MPs) as now just being 'in training' for the real thing, because their tenure is becoming a 'limited time' thing.' Oh well, I guess you have to sort out your members one way or another and having part-term MP's system is as good as any. Deep down, Jonny boy is probably freaking out. That 'look' he has acquired of late, (causing some to wonder at his 'state of mind') will become a permanent part of his demeanour. Perhaps he is going to take us back to the Muldoon days, when reporters became the target for the latter's nasty attacks while the 'nation' begins to wish for an early election. The difference will be that John Key will be sober when he announces the date!

Going, going gone! Goddbye 100's and hello 90's.

No, this is not a sale unless you want to buy my 'fat.' Oohh, yuck, the very prospect dims my wits. Yes, I am happy to see it go and being in the nineties (Kilos) for the first time in about 6 years is a very satisfying place. I will now head for the 80's. The boring Optifast and enduring the operation seems very worthwhile this morning and I am surviving with my new regime quite happily. Hell, I am even going out for breakfast with my sister and Perdy. Perdy loves that because she knows that she will eat something from my already meagre 'breakfast.' She can have the bacon.
Yesterday the surgeon said I can introduce slowly, some more food options. That's great because I feel ready.
OK-----for the obligatory walk before we go and then another one later in the day after a nap.
Catch ya..

A terrible day in Boston.

The USA has it's detractors and many around the world hate the foreign Policy played out on a daily basis, 'as seen on TV,' every night. This has probably been so since the Vietnam War and possibly earlier during the onset of the 'Cold War.' Prior to that, we lapped up everything 'American'  from Coca-Cola to the movies from Hollywood.
There is no doubt that the USA is becoming a target for 'groups opposed to American policy and if they can't 'take it to them on the battlefield, simply because 'they' lack the means then they are going to take it to the heart on the USA. Such groups and I am sure you can name a few, know that by disrupting the very 'soul' of American life; that is in the cities and towns of the USA, then real damage is done, not just in the numbers of the dead and injured but in the 'threat' that such actions as we have witnessed today pose to all citizens of the USA.
We are not yet sure about who was responsible; it could have even been 'fringe groups opposed to the 'Government;' something we have seen before. 'Home-grown' terrorism is and will continue to be a threat in the USA.
If fundamentalist Islamic groups have committed this crime, not just against USA citizens, but against many other nationalities present at this august marathon race, then they will have sickened far more than Americans alone.  What is totally certain is that the people of the USA and others will not be cowered into some sort of 'giving in to such actions. Nothing other than a more resolute USA will result from this. If anything, people will line up behind their Government to defeat such actions. No matter how you view the policies of the USA, internally or abroad, few would say that 'terrorist' actions, be they home-grown of from outside, will have the effect of changing such policies. History tells us that when 'stung' the USA rebounds with renewed vigour and a sense of righteousness, to fight any threat. Unfortunately that has not always served the USA well.
Finally, we should think of those who were killed or horribly injured. Our prayers should now be with them, the innocent victims, who are no different to the majority of 'us.'

Mission Estate Wineries--- the first hint of an excellent 2013 vintage!

I love the wines from Mission Estate Wineries. I remember a few visits to the beautiful estate, with it's top class eatery and the glorious grounds.  I was wondering how their harvesting was going for 2013, given the inclement weather they are about to face. I stumbled on a Facebook entry that said that all the grapes are picked. This enticed me into making inquiries (very inpatient of me, I know) about how this years vintage might 'pan out.' I received  a quick response that simply had my 'wine tasting buds 'on full alert. I shall be checking out the vintage as soon as I am able. That may well equate to being my first 'post-surgery' experience with the 'good stuff from bottles. It will however most definitely be a case of 'less is more.' Go Mission Estate Wineries!
Read the response to my inquiries:

Hi Neil, if you insist on early hints....the vintage promises vibrant, intense Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc,
juicy, ripe HB red wines, including velvety Cabernet Sauvignon, full and round Malbec, fruit driven Merlot.
The Gewurzt and Riesling are looking aromatically stunning. Clean and crisp. Can't wait!

How about that for a promising vintage?
 

5000 Phillipinos doing the work on farms in the South Island alone.

Firstly, this is not an attack on the wonderful Philippine workers who are working so hard on our farms. It is an indictment on New Zealanders who won't move their buts from the cities. They would rather collect a benefit than move house and take up a new challenge. I come from a farming background, way back in my distant past, and I know that conditions have improved a great deal since those days. For a hard working person, there is still a possibility to improve their lot by going the way of starting at the bottom. Sure, they may not get to own outright their farm, but they will make money. It takes true grit and determination. Their kids can have a lifestyle that has so many plusses.
A word of caution though. I hope that our Philippine friends are being looked after. I would hate to think that NZ would exploit these very welcome workers, as there have been reports that this has happened. We regularly hear about in other countries. I hope that there is a regular check to see that everything is above board. It is too easy to exploit workers when they work in isolation, well away from the 'eyes ' of the bodies responsible for their welfare.
In the meantime, we need to harden up as NZers and be prepared to move in order to find employment. I know that in my field, education, that teachers have to do this. Hell, we most definitely do not want everyone working ion Auckland with its debt traps and crazy traffic!

Day 13 post- surgery.

 Each day seems better. I feel like walking more and I have not lost my love for food at all; it's just the type of food and the amounts that have changed. I know, some people say that I should have been like that before. Crap to that, as I accepted that I needed a 'tool' and now that's how it feels. I am in control and know that I have helped myself by doing this and I won't be a drain on the tax payer. Hell, I hope I go out with a bang, not a long drawn out decline, afflicted by all of those things that I would have had.  Bye bye pills. OK, no one knows what hides around the corner, but at least I have avoided a few 'ambushes' that were laying in wait for me.
I had some energy today, big time (well for at least half the day) so I oven dried a few kilos of beautiful tomatoes and concentrated another lot in a pan. I will freeze the dried ones and make concentrated ice block of the others. The house smells divine, like a Mediterranean kitchen.
I will do the same again next week. I am quickly running out of freezer place. For once my adage, 'less is more' just doesn't work for me. Time for a nana nap!

Move to the country and be a farm worker--isn't that better than living on a benefit in the cities?

You have a choice---live on a benefit in the cities and get further and further into debt or go and become a farm worker; an occupation where there are many vacancies and one that apparently pays more then the average wage and has some damn good 'fringe benefits.' No one is suggesting that such a move to the country to fill these jobs will make a huge dent in the number of those receiving a benefit. The suggestion is not a panacea for the country.
How many of those on benefits would either want or be able to make such a move. If one has been brought up in the city then there are quite massive adjustments to be made and the day to day grind of 'life on the farm' is not for everybody. Those early morning starts, in all weathers is something that takes grit and determination. The physicality is not for everyone either, although technological changes have made inroads in that area. Working with just one boss can be 'telling' on a workplace relationship and the isolation from the 'draws' of the towns and cities can be quite daunting for some.
If you can get over these challenges and you have a desire to make some massive changes for you and your family (or as a single person) then maybe a move to the country is worth considering.
The bonuses? You could look forward to a better income, one that certainly exceeds even a combination of benefits, a healthier lifestyle, a school that is smaller, being part of a rural community that if you take full advantage of, can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle. Then there are the added benefits. Some farms offer cheaper accommodation with the addition of some free produce, ranging from food, firewood to state just two. You could have your own garden (keep the kids busy?) and further enhance your economic position. Is this lifestyle for you and could you make you change and take up the huge new learning experience. Let's face it, not too many of those on benefits would even consider such a move, but for those who would, every step should be taken to 'enhance' their chances to make this massive move. They should not do so thinking that everything is rosy in the rural garden. Think of the lack of 'fast internet access, the early morning starts and the grumpy bosses, (not all of them are 'nice,' or even fair) the bad weather and the relocating ramifications.
You should also consider where you are now. Is life that good at the  moment and do you have the 'drive' to start a new life. Look back in history and know that all NZers are either from another land or the descendants of those who have made the move.
Is this your chance. Think carefully!