Capital hit by over 100 lightning strikes in hour

Well, that was nice.
Wellington was hit by thunder, lightning and hail after a sudden storm broke over the city this afternoon. The thunder was right overhead and incredibly LOUD and the hail was thunderous. Then it sleeted and rained.

A crispy frost is now forming for tomorrow. Has been snow down to sea level in the South Island, with vineyards there using helicopters overnight to prevent frost settling and attacking the young shoots and leaves.

Is Summer next month!

Up in Tauranga the parents are already eating strawberries from their garden, so I guess there is some hope............

And tomorrow I'll just crunch through the frost and any ice to the polling station, ready to make my 2 ORANGE ticks. At least it will be sunny, no rain, light winds, just a bit nippy.

(Yes - cat was scared by thunder, was given loving hugs etc - Zebster is fine now)

Huggles and purr-rumbles from us

Septic Truck Sign

With our own general elction still to come on Saturday, I guess I'm politically weary.

Living in our capital city since age 4, having worked in the public service, and now for a private company but for a Govt contract, Mickle is also very cynical.

I come across the politicians on the street, see some of them out jogging, or in my supermarket.

Walked through Parliament Grounds to get to High School, and now to get to Supermarket, view said place when I look up from my desk at work.

Don't worry - I will definately be voting come Saturday. Is way to close to predict results.

Never mind - thanks Dear Dad for sending me this funny photo. Has me laughing a lot.

And yep - Zebby-cat is snoring once more!

Guy Fawkes

It all went bang, many times. This is a shot of the public display here in Wellington Harbour. There is a great view from the posh part of my street. Being a responsible cat owner I stayed home as Zebby-cat is scared by loud noises. Only when it all started Zeb was snuggled up beside me, sound asleep and snoring. He didn't even notice the enormous booms!

This Week's Important Events

A wee reminder to remember:

Tuesday the fourth - Australia comes to a standstill for THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Wednesday the fifth - UK and NZ go "Bang" for Guy Fawkes

Saturday the eighth - Dear Sylvie's Birthday. Our Sylv (http://sylvssilverspoon.blogspot.com/)
heads to London to celebrate in style.

Do have a wonderful time, Sylv, huggles from Mickle and Zebby-cat.

Oh - there are a couple of national elections happening too.

Voting Kiwi Style

Just watched the final of a Brit tv series I enjoyed, thinking "I wonder what we'll get next Saturday?"

Silly me, is only the general election results.

Now voting in NZ is very high tech. I'll line up at my nearest polling station (a local school) already for them to look up my name in electoral register. Once found they write my line reference onto my voting papers and note the ref in relation to the voting paper number, and draw a line through my name on the printed register.

Next I wander over to the voting booth - made of corrugated cardboard so can be flat packed between elections - and get to weild a bright ORANGE mini marker pen and make my two ORANGE ticks. Only ticks are acceptable.

Two votes - yes one for the my choice of electorate mp (out of 14 candidates) and the other for my party vote (from a choice of 19 parties).

The ORANGE mini marker is attached to the cardboard voting booth by a length of knotted string. String colour may vary.

The votes get placed in a cardboard box which has plastic tie thingies on the corners for security.

(The school is only a 5 minute walk from my home, and always has great artwork from the kids on display.)

Spring, election.. more soon....

I'm still here, just not a lot to report. and bugger all inspiration either.

Will do a proper post soon, including how ORANGE features in our voting here.

Back soon m'dears, huggles,

7 Hour Lamb

I like the idea of the slow food movement, and there is a lamb recipe I've wanted to try for a while. I suggested it to the dear parents for Christmas Day - they agreed it would be good.

So I will be making this version http://www.juliebiuso.com/recipes/recipe.php?rid=36.

There is no mucking about making gravy at the end, just strain the excess fat off the cooking liquid. Should be scrummy.

Only ...............

7 hours.............. er, yes,









I'll have to get up by 6.00am on the day.

Brilliant Idea Mickle!