Merry Christmas!

Dot writes: we’re in Wellington, we’re wearing flip-flops and short sleeves, there’s a gorgeous view from Ken’s aunt’s house across the thickly wooded valley, and it doesn’t feel like Christmas at all – apart from the presents, the wine, the family gathering, the carols, and the fact Ken and I have just made everyone play [...]

cabbage trees

I don’t think I can insert a picture into a comment so I’ve had to make this a new post, but here’s a picture of a cabbage tree. They look like things designed by Dr Suess and they are all over Dublin.

Recent highlights

Dot writes: we haven’t been cramming in the activities in quite the way we might have done pre-Hugh, but we’ve still managed to do a fair amount since last posting. A particular highlight for me was visiting Waikataruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park, near Morrinsville in the Waikato. We went there because it is owned and [...]

Photos from trip

Ken writes: Here is a selection of the photos we’ve taken on the trip so far. There’s a shot from the plane; a shot of a tired mother and boy; a couple of shots of the view from our Auckland base; my dad and brother; my brother’s fiancee with Hugh; Hugh entertaining other diners at [...]

Live from Auckland

Ken writes: We’ve made to Auckland safe and sound. Updates to follow.

Morituri vos salutamus

Dot writes: later today we are getting on a plane with two hold bags, three carry-on bags containing bottles, books, spare clothes, toothbrushes, nappies and toys, a pushchair, and a strong-minded one-year-old who doesn’t like sitting still. And then we are flying to New Zealand. Pray for us.

Booze price freeze

Ken writes:
As you know we are in a recession, and moved obviously by fellow-feeling, a solemn concern for the plight of their customers, and a keen sense of their duty to pull their share of the common burden, the Licensed Vinters Association and the Vinters Federation of Ireland, two organisations representing publicans in Dublin (LVA) [...]