A lot of hot air

Katie and I drove out to Masterton today (takes an hour and a half over the Rimutaka hills) to check out a Hot Air balloon event called Night Glow. Basically there is a Hot Air balloon event on and they pick one evening to get all the balloons together and light themselves up at night along to some music. Last year it was in Wellington, this year it was out in Masterton.

It was quite a family focused event and there was plenty for the kids to do - check out the rides of death in the photos. $3 to put your kid in a cage and have him spun round by a contraption from medieval times. New Zealand - it's so laid back, wouldn't get this kind of thing back home any more.

New Zealand Kingfisher

Just spotted this bird out of our back window today and thought he looked suspiciously like a Kookaburra so I took a photo. After a bit of research it turns out he is a cousin of the Kookaburra and is a New Zealand kingfisher (aka the Sacred Kingfisher). These guys and the kookaburra are related to all Kingfishers. Here endeth the lesson on birds of NZ.

Karate Grading

Yesterday was also my latest Karate grading - I was attempting to go up to the next level which was Advanced Yellow. I am pleased to report that it all went well and that I successfully got my black tab for my yellow belt. Hurrah!

The next grading is in June and that will be for Green belt.

(just realised that I still haven't posted photos of this new house we are in - the carpet in this photo tells you a little bit about the age of the decor!)

Blackcaps versus Australia

Yesterday was yet another afternoon at the Westpac stadium, this time we were there to watch the Cricket One day International between NZ(The Blackcaps) and the arrogant Aussie's.

This was the final game in the series that Australia had already won by by winning 3 of the games so far so there really wasn't much to play for. However, as us Scots can understand - there is always a good reason to stuff your sporting neighbours. There is also always good reason as a spectator to get really drunk whilst watching.

We were there from 2pm until about 10pm and I can honestly say that I didn't watch much of the cricket. I was however looking forward to seeing Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting play so when he came on the match had my full attention - unfortunately for Ricky (and me) he got caught first ball and off he went. I went back to drinking beer.

We then went into town with Katie's Australian colleague Clint - and had a bit of a wild night on the town - still recovering!

Round the Bays 2010

Katie and I went for a run recently and here are a couple of shots that a "professional" took (seriously) that we have borrowed rather than paid $25 for.

For the statisticians amongst you

Katie did the 7k in 34 minutes

I did the 21k in 1hr 48 minutes

;o)