We never did get into Dunedin today. By 12 the captain announced that today was now, officially, a Sea Day and a beefed-up program of activities was now available. Quite impressive, in the circumstances.
Marilyn and I lined up to watch Man of Steel in 3D and were exhausted at the end of it. It's hard work, saving the world but I think it was the extraordinary noise and unbelievable destruction which tired us out. I hope everyone who sees the film understands that it is fantasy and mass- destruction is not an answer to every problem. Somehow, though, I suspect there are people who take it seriously.
So, we're heading now to Milford and the other sounds on the SW coast. This is always a favourite part of the cruise and we hope the weather is kinder to us.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Sunday, December 1st ....
It's almost 11am and we're sitting off Otago Bay waiting for the wind to die down so we can head in to our berth at Port Chalmers. The captain says the wind is gusting up to 70 knots and it's just too dangerous at the moment. There's a container ship off to port, also waiting for a break. The Pacific Pearl has already left. Our captain has said, smugly, that the Pearl doesn't have the manoeuvrability to cope with this situation so they're off looking for calmer conditions.
Meanwhile, we wait. Those who've booked on day excursions are starting to fidget. It looks like their day is ruined. And, of course, the locals can see their anticipated profits blowing in the wind. Apparently, Dunedin is having its Christmas Parade today and a lot of our passengers were looking forward to seeing it. I can't imagine why.
Last night we were treated to an Australian singer called Colleen Austen - brassy, big voice but quite a good act. I don't understand why some singers think it's appropriate to show pictures of their children and relate, breathlessly, how they met their husband. But Colleen did.
She sang songs made famous by female singers: Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Shania Twain (OMG!) etc but her best medley was songs by Dusty Springfield. A bit too much screeching for my taste but the songs are fantastic. In one Burt Bacharach song, she couldn't quite reach in high note. She gave it a good try and each time she missed it she muttered under her breath 'Close.' But, all-in-all, a good performance.
One interesting story she told was about how she got on this ship. She flew to Singapore and joined the Radiance of the Seas, got off somewhere and joined Rhapsody, off at Port Hedland and flew to Sydney for a Queensland cruise, off at Brisbane and flew to Wellington to join Voyager. What a life!
We've passed the halfway mark of the cruise. We've eaten well, been entertained well, won trivia (just once and with a score of only 12) and we're very relaxed. As always, we've made resolutions for the future - to simplify our lives, avoid taking on more responsibility and make more time for ourselves. Let's hope it works this time
Meanwhile, we wait. Those who've booked on day excursions are starting to fidget. It looks like their day is ruined. And, of course, the locals can see their anticipated profits blowing in the wind. Apparently, Dunedin is having its Christmas Parade today and a lot of our passengers were looking forward to seeing it. I can't imagine why.
Last night we were treated to an Australian singer called Colleen Austen - brassy, big voice but quite a good act. I don't understand why some singers think it's appropriate to show pictures of their children and relate, breathlessly, how they met their husband. But Colleen did.
She sang songs made famous by female singers: Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Shania Twain (OMG!) etc but her best medley was songs by Dusty Springfield. A bit too much screeching for my taste but the songs are fantastic. In one Burt Bacharach song, she couldn't quite reach in high note. She gave it a good try and each time she missed it she muttered under her breath 'Close.' But, all-in-all, a good performance.
One interesting story she told was about how she got on this ship. She flew to Singapore and joined the Radiance of the Seas, got off somewhere and joined Rhapsody, off at Port Hedland and flew to Sydney for a Queensland cruise, off at Brisbane and flew to Wellington to join Voyager. What a life!
We've passed the halfway mark of the cruise. We've eaten well, been entertained well, won trivia (just once and with a score of only 12) and we're very relaxed. As always, we've made resolutions for the future - to simplify our lives, avoid taking on more responsibility and make more time for ourselves. Let's hope it works this time
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Friday, November 29th ....
Each morning, very early, one of the elves on the ship comes around and changes a piece of the carpet in each lift to signify the day of the week. It's a brilliant idea, as it is too easy to lose track. Yesterday, our lift showed it was Thursday but there was a rumour doing the rounds that at least one of the lifts at the front of the ship thought it was Friday.
The elves had also been busy in other areas. Overnight, a huge Christmas tree appeared in the Promenade. At least 20 feet high, it towered over everything. So, this week we're celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas. It's all a bit much!
We're in Wellington today; it's a beautiful day, sunny but windy. Out itinerary is a bit odd. We didn't arrive in Tauranga until 2pm, in Napier at 3, and Wellington at 10am. We're used to arriving about 7am and leaving about 5, and we're not sure why this ship is different. In any case, it doesn't bother us. We haven't been ashore yet and probably won't be in Dunedin either.
The elves had also been busy in other areas. Overnight, a huge Christmas tree appeared in the Promenade. At least 20 feet high, it towered over everything. So, this week we're celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas. It's all a bit much!
We're in Wellington today; it's a beautiful day, sunny but windy. Out itinerary is a bit odd. We didn't arrive in Tauranga until 2pm, in Napier at 3, and Wellington at 10am. We're used to arriving about 7am and leaving about 5, and we're not sure why this ship is different. In any case, it doesn't bother us. We haven't been ashore yet and probably won't be in Dunedin either.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Wednesday, November 27th....
Day 5 and we woke more relaxed than we've been for ages. Marilyn had ordered breakfast through room service so we took it slowly. It's now 11 o'clock and I'm having coffee in the Promenade cafe while Marilyn is catching up on her sleep. My job is to wake her at 12 for lunch, in between peeling grapes and buying her champagne.
We're in Tauranga and there's almost no one left on board. Even those who don't pay for shore excursions have walked down the gangway for a wander in town. It's nice not to have to deal with the inevitable crowds that come with over 3000 passengers. And some of the passengers are so big. It's unfair to criticise but the cause of slimness is not helped by the offerings in the buffet. Yesterday, among all the healthier options, you could still get hamburgers, ribs, fried chicken and pizza, the four American food groups.
The food, of course is fantastic. Of course, you can overeat if you want to but if you have discipline or a dedicated wife, you can eat very well. And we do.
This promenade on the ship is a very nice feature. It puts all the shops together to maximise the selling potential but also has good cafes, a pub, music and so on. I've attached a few photos of this area.
We're in Tauranga and there's almost no one left on board. Even those who don't pay for shore excursions have walked down the gangway for a wander in town. It's nice not to have to deal with the inevitable crowds that come with over 3000 passengers. And some of the passengers are so big. It's unfair to criticise but the cause of slimness is not helped by the offerings in the buffet. Yesterday, among all the healthier options, you could still get hamburgers, ribs, fried chicken and pizza, the four American food groups.
The food, of course is fantastic. Of course, you can overeat if you want to but if you have discipline or a dedicated wife, you can eat very well. And we do.
This promenade on the ship is a very nice feature. It puts all the shops together to maximise the selling potential but also has good cafes, a pub, music and so on. I've attached a few photos of this area.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, November 26th ....
Fun can be found in observing one's fellow-man and delight abounds in analysing him.. That's a pseudo-quote; I just made it up but it does sum up one of the joys of cruising. Humanity is a motley collection of individuals and cruising seems to release some inhibitions and many people show their true colours.
One of the people in this afternoon's quiz was certainly one of those. The quizmaster warned us that some of the questions could be tricky. 'My maiden name's Trickey,' this woman called out, 'and my initial is 'B'. I couldn't wait to get married and I chose a man called Earley. '
"You must have a hundred stories about that,' said the quizmaster. 'Oh, don't start her,' said her husband.
Later in the quiz, we were asked, 'How many bones in the human vertebra?' The answer is 26 but Mrs B Earley informed us loudly that she has an extra one, and so do all her sons. 'Does anyone else want to share secrets about their bodies?' asked the QM.
It's 3pm and we've just arrived in Auckland. It's a bit overcast but we might go off for a stroll. We sail at 10pm but we'll come back quickly to enjoy the ship when there are only a few other passengers.
One of the people in this afternoon's quiz was certainly one of those. The quizmaster warned us that some of the questions could be tricky. 'My maiden name's Trickey,' this woman called out, 'and my initial is 'B'. I couldn't wait to get married and I chose a man called Earley. '
"You must have a hundred stories about that,' said the quizmaster. 'Oh, don't start her,' said her husband.
Later in the quiz, we were asked, 'How many bones in the human vertebra?' The answer is 26 but Mrs B Earley informed us loudly that she has an extra one, and so do all her sons. 'Does anyone else want to share secrets about their bodies?' asked the QM.
It's 3pm and we've just arrived in Auckland. It's a bit overcast but we might go off for a stroll. We sail at 10pm but we'll come back quickly to enjoy the ship when there are only a few other passengers.
Monday, November 25th .....
It's my father's birthday today; if he had lived, he would have been 95. And I think he would have loved this ship and felt right at home. It's extraordinary that, among the handful of passengers we've spoken to, two couples were from Scotland. Last night, a young man wore a kilt for formal night. They're everywhere.
We had a quiet day today: we spent an hour or so at the Art auction but didn't do much else. What a load of rubbish was offered as fine art - several paintings featured olives washing cars and so on, like a bunch of alien M & Ms. Who would want it? One patron with too much money and too little taste bought a metal creation showing a naked female (back view) clearly born with no shoulder blades. Over $8000 to buy it and $295 dollars to ship it home.
At 5 o'clock, we were invited to the frequent floaters reception at Studio B. On Royal Caribbean, it's called the Crown and Anchor Society. We were amazed that Studio B is an ice rink, with bleacher seats. We envisaged the captain coming out on skates to greet us but, instead, we were treated to an ice show. Very good skaters from places like Slovenia, France and Germany did lifts and jumps and so on. Great stuff. From tomorrow, we can hire skates and set out on the ice ourselves. Or not!
We, again, went to the evening show, this time called Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme. Some good stuff but mostly the songs were belted out, which brought some to their feet but left us cold. Last night spoiled us; any show will pale by comparison (or is 'pall by comparison? Who cares? The Grammar Ninja is on holiday)
We had a quiet day today: we spent an hour or so at the Art auction but didn't do much else. What a load of rubbish was offered as fine art - several paintings featured olives washing cars and so on, like a bunch of alien M & Ms. Who would want it? One patron with too much money and too little taste bought a metal creation showing a naked female (back view) clearly born with no shoulder blades. Over $8000 to buy it and $295 dollars to ship it home.
At 5 o'clock, we were invited to the frequent floaters reception at Studio B. On Royal Caribbean, it's called the Crown and Anchor Society. We were amazed that Studio B is an ice rink, with bleacher seats. We envisaged the captain coming out on skates to greet us but, instead, we were treated to an ice show. Very good skaters from places like Slovenia, France and Germany did lifts and jumps and so on. Great stuff. From tomorrow, we can hire skates and set out on the ice ourselves. Or not!
We, again, went to the evening show, this time called Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme. Some good stuff but mostly the songs were belted out, which brought some to their feet but left us cold. Last night spoiled us; any show will pale by comparison (or is 'pall by comparison? Who cares? The Grammar Ninja is on holiday)
Monday, November 25th ....
It's Day 3 and we're well into the Cruise. After a very stressful beginning to our holiday it's great to feel so relaxed. We had booked to fly to Sydney on the 9.25am flight from Launceston, arrive in Sydney by 11, short train trip the Quay and book in by lunchtime for a 7pm departure. I just ignored the gentle whispers from Marilyn that she would rather travel the night before and stay overnight in Sydney. What could go wrong?
It was the 6am text from Jetstar which set the cat among the pigeons. Your flight has been delayed until 1.10pm, arriving in Sydney about 3pm. All of a sudden, we were cutting it fine. I rang Jetstar, spoke to a nice girl in Manila who booked us on a flight at 11.20. This wasn't on the schedule but she assured me it was genuine and that was that. Not good enough, said Marilyn, we need to go the airport, now.
As you can imagine, the airport was packed with delayed passengers trying to get organised, but we did manage to discover we were still booked on the 1.10, which was now 1.50 and could even be later. The 11.20 is only going to Melbourne, anyway. Blood pressure is rising. Marilyn is saying: We should have .... Doesn't help.
However, here we are. Everything was all right in the end; there was an earlier flight and we were in our cabin by 4.30. The ship didn't leave until nearly 9 so we had nothing to worry about.
The ship is spectacular. I was ready not to like it - too big, too brash, too American but my fears were unjustified. The indoor promenade is wonderful, the atmosphere is great and all is good. We are booked in to the Carmen dining room which is the bottom level of a three-tier dining complex. The food is great, drinks not too expensive and plenty of things to do.
Last night, we saw one of the best shows we've ever seen. The Boys in the Band sing songs from the Four Seasons, Beatles, Bee Gees and any other boy groups you can imagine. It is fantastic, reminiscent of The Jersey Boys show, with the extra benefit of the other groups. I particularly loved the tight choreography, very stylised and slick.
After that, we ended up in the Schooner Bar and listened to a pianist, Katia, until the early hours. I thought she was Russian but she was as Australian as you or me, or maybe even more than me. She took requests and played Khe San and It's a Long Way to the Top with no trouble. I requested Piano Man and something from Adele. Wow! Her versions were unbelievable. She played Skyfall brilliantly and had to play it again, so many people enjoyed it. She's already getting a regular following and we certainly intend to spend our evenings in that bar.
It's raining outside but we are reclining in comfort, enjoying the lack of responsibility. Life is good.
It was the 6am text from Jetstar which set the cat among the pigeons. Your flight has been delayed until 1.10pm, arriving in Sydney about 3pm. All of a sudden, we were cutting it fine. I rang Jetstar, spoke to a nice girl in Manila who booked us on a flight at 11.20. This wasn't on the schedule but she assured me it was genuine and that was that. Not good enough, said Marilyn, we need to go the airport, now.
As you can imagine, the airport was packed with delayed passengers trying to get organised, but we did manage to discover we were still booked on the 1.10, which was now 1.50 and could even be later. The 11.20 is only going to Melbourne, anyway. Blood pressure is rising. Marilyn is saying: We should have .... Doesn't help.
However, here we are. Everything was all right in the end; there was an earlier flight and we were in our cabin by 4.30. The ship didn't leave until nearly 9 so we had nothing to worry about.
The ship is spectacular. I was ready not to like it - too big, too brash, too American but my fears were unjustified. The indoor promenade is wonderful, the atmosphere is great and all is good. We are booked in to the Carmen dining room which is the bottom level of a three-tier dining complex. The food is great, drinks not too expensive and plenty of things to do.
Last night, we saw one of the best shows we've ever seen. The Boys in the Band sing songs from the Four Seasons, Beatles, Bee Gees and any other boy groups you can imagine. It is fantastic, reminiscent of The Jersey Boys show, with the extra benefit of the other groups. I particularly loved the tight choreography, very stylised and slick.
After that, we ended up in the Schooner Bar and listened to a pianist, Katia, until the early hours. I thought she was Russian but she was as Australian as you or me, or maybe even more than me. She took requests and played Khe San and It's a Long Way to the Top with no trouble. I requested Piano Man and something from Adele. Wow! Her versions were unbelievable. She played Skyfall brilliantly and had to play it again, so many people enjoyed it. She's already getting a regular following and we certainly intend to spend our evenings in that bar.
It's raining outside but we are reclining in comfort, enjoying the lack of responsibility. Life is good.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Tuesday, November 19th ....
It was Probus this morning, with the guest speaker talking about growing up on a snake farm in Africa. It was interesting and he talked about snakes he had met and the time the Royal Family had visited the farm. At the end of the talk, he invited questions and the hands shot up. That's good, I thought, they must have enjoyed it and wanted to know more.
Not so! Everybody just wanted to tell their own snake story. I imagine nobody listened to the tale and were just waiting their turn to take the floor. Even the fellow in front of me, who snoozed through the whole thing had his hand up. 'That'll be you in a few years time,' said my darling wife.
The meetings are a delight because the old fellows seem to save up their comments and jokes until the meeting and can't wait to get them out. The fellow who slept was bursting to tell an off-colour joke and was surprised when the ladies sat po-faced and didn't laugh.
The attached picture is my official photo in the 10000 Tasmanians project. The Japanese photographer taking the shots is making an archive of what Tasmanians look like today and, in 100 years time, people will look at it in wonder. I know when I look at photographs of my ancestors, they are a different race.
Not so! Everybody just wanted to tell their own snake story. I imagine nobody listened to the tale and were just waiting their turn to take the floor. Even the fellow in front of me, who snoozed through the whole thing had his hand up. 'That'll be you in a few years time,' said my darling wife.
The meetings are a delight because the old fellows seem to save up their comments and jokes until the meeting and can't wait to get them out. The fellow who slept was bursting to tell an off-colour joke and was surprised when the ladies sat po-faced and didn't laugh.
The attached picture is my official photo in the 10000 Tasmanians project. The Japanese photographer taking the shots is making an archive of what Tasmanians look like today and, in 100 years time, people will look at it in wonder. I know when I look at photographs of my ancestors, they are a different race.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Monday, November 18th ....
We've felt a bit flat after the Craft Fair and need a shake before we start the busy winemaking season . Anyway, that's our excuse for booking a cruise. It's the Voyager of the Seas, leaving Sydney on Saturday next, 23rd November. We're not sure what cabin we will end up in but she'll be right.
What an extraordinary ship it is. When she was built, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. The heart of the ship is an indoor promenade or mall with shops, cafes and even a pub, The Pig and Whistle. There will be over 3000 passengers. Can't wait!
We arrive back on December 7th and expect that Jamie and Pamela will have already made the Elderflower Wine. The flowers are starting to appear around town and should be at their best in about two weeks. We only have a dozen or so bottles left from last season so the new vintage will be welcome.
What an extraordinary ship it is. When she was built, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. The heart of the ship is an indoor promenade or mall with shops, cafes and even a pub, The Pig and Whistle. There will be over 3000 passengers. Can't wait!
We arrive back on December 7th and expect that Jamie and Pamela will have already made the Elderflower Wine. The flowers are starting to appear around town and should be at their best in about two weeks. We only have a dozen or so bottles left from last season so the new vintage will be welcome.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday, November 15th ....
I've just been watching a repeat of a Spicks and Specks episode from 2007, where they finished with a clip of the Finnish Men's Shouting Choir. What a fantastic clip! It started with a man in a suit marching across the ice towards a huge ice-breaker. Another twenty or so other men joined him, lined up and waited for him to begin conducting.
It was almost musical but the close-ups were wonderful. Unshaven faces with odd hairstyles and yellow teeth were not particularly pretty and the effort of shouting made them even uglier. Maybe we should have a shouting choir in Tasmania. All we need is a frozen sea and an ice-breaker.
It was almost musical but the close-ups were wonderful. Unshaven faces with odd hairstyles and yellow teeth were not particularly pretty and the effort of shouting made them even uglier. Maybe we should have a shouting choir in Tasmania. All we need is a frozen sea and an ice-breaker.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wednesday, November 13th ....
At our meeting last night, we had a short debrief of the Craft Fair. We ran out of time and several members feel they were short-changed so we'll have to set more time aside later. Every year we have this process and every year we hear the same comments. However, there are always some important issues among the dross, so it's a worthwhile exercise.
There are always some funny stories, too and this year was no exception. Like, the one about the duck, followed by a string of ducklings, which tried to cross the road at the peak of traffic congestion. Tim, the lollipop man, stopped all traffic and ushered the ducks safely across, even helping the ducklings traverse the high kerb on the other side.
One of the best stories is about the local radio which we play over the PA system. For some reason, the programs arranged for Sunday afternoon and Monday morning were totally inappropriate. I know that some people might like nostalgic replays of old British comedy songs, but not at the Craft Fair. The icing on the cake was when the RSL Pipe Band were preparing for their performance and Andy Stewart bellowed over the PA, 'Donald, Where's your Troosers?'
You couldn't script it.
There are always some funny stories, too and this year was no exception. Like, the one about the duck, followed by a string of ducklings, which tried to cross the road at the peak of traffic congestion. Tim, the lollipop man, stopped all traffic and ushered the ducks safely across, even helping the ducklings traverse the high kerb on the other side.
One of the best stories is about the local radio which we play over the PA system. For some reason, the programs arranged for Sunday afternoon and Monday morning were totally inappropriate. I know that some people might like nostalgic replays of old British comedy songs, but not at the Craft Fair. The icing on the cake was when the RSL Pipe Band were preparing for their performance and Andy Stewart bellowed over the PA, 'Donald, Where's your Troosers?'
You couldn't script it.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Saturday, November 9th ....
On the Saturday of the Craft Fair, we had the Awards Presentation. It started at 6.30 and one of the late-comers mentioned that the police were setting up an RBT at the corner of the street leading up to the venue. What a cheek! Clearly, we were being targeted because the set-up would not have caught anyone else.
I did tell everyone at the start of the evening but they all forgot and there were one or two a bit unsure of whether they might be in trouble. One of the judges was particularly worried so I suggested Marilyn walk her up to the next street, and I would drive her car around to pick her up. (It's called 'compounding a felony'). All went well, I was duly breath-tested, allowed to drive on and delivered the car to her.
Marilyn and I walked back to our car and joined the back of the line waiting to be tested. 'What if he recognises you?' said Marilyn. 'Don't worry, I'll put on my glasses', I said. (Works for Clark Kent!). We drove up, rolled down the window. 'Good evening, sir. Just blow in here. Hang on, you were here a few minutes ago.'
It's a bugger being recognisable.
To make matters worse, we were heading out to the Raspberry Farm for dinner. On the way back, the RBT station had been moved to the top roundabout in Deloraine, and we all got caught again. Luckily, we had Martin driving and he hasn't had a drink in 20 years. It's a shame, though, that the police obviously knew our plans and set out deliberately to catch a rogue Rotarian or two.
I did tell everyone at the start of the evening but they all forgot and there were one or two a bit unsure of whether they might be in trouble. One of the judges was particularly worried so I suggested Marilyn walk her up to the next street, and I would drive her car around to pick her up. (It's called 'compounding a felony'). All went well, I was duly breath-tested, allowed to drive on and delivered the car to her.
Marilyn and I walked back to our car and joined the back of the line waiting to be tested. 'What if he recognises you?' said Marilyn. 'Don't worry, I'll put on my glasses', I said. (Works for Clark Kent!). We drove up, rolled down the window. 'Good evening, sir. Just blow in here. Hang on, you were here a few minutes ago.'
It's a bugger being recognisable.
To make matters worse, we were heading out to the Raspberry Farm for dinner. On the way back, the RBT station had been moved to the top roundabout in Deloraine, and we all got caught again. Luckily, we had Martin driving and he hasn't had a drink in 20 years. It's a shame, though, that the police obviously knew our plans and set out deliberately to catch a rogue Rotarian or two.
Friday, November 8th ....
Instead of stories about the Fair, let me tell you about a special fund-raising event at Rotary. It was called Pasta, Plonk and Poetry. I wrote a poem for the occasion but the plaudits went to our Rotary District Governor and his wife who narrated The Ballad of Barry and Freda, first performed by Victoria Wood on her Christmas Show in 2009. Here's a little bit. If you don't know it, you'll find it on YouTube.
Freda and Barry sat one night.
The sky was clear.
The stars were bright.
The wind was soft.
The moon was up.
Freda drained her cocoa cup.
She licked her lips.
She felt sublime.
She switched off Gardeners' Question Time.
Barry cringed in fear and dread
As Freda grabbed his tie, and said:
Let's do it!
Let's do it,
Do it while the mood is right!
I'm feeling
Appealing
I've really got an appetite.
I'm on fire
With desire.
I could handle half the tenors in a male voice choir.
Let's do it!
Let's do it tonight!
But he said:
I can't do it.
I can't do it.
I don't believe in too much sex.
This fashion
For passion
Turns us into nervous wrecks.
No derision!
My decision
I'd rather watch The Spinners on the television.
I can't do it.
I can't do it tonight.
.... And so on.
Freda and Barry sat one night.
The sky was clear.
The stars were bright.
The wind was soft.
The moon was up.
Freda drained her cocoa cup.
She licked her lips.
She felt sublime.
She switched off Gardeners' Question Time.
Barry cringed in fear and dread
As Freda grabbed his tie, and said:
Let's do it!
Let's do it,
Do it while the mood is right!
I'm feeling
Appealing
I've really got an appetite.
I'm on fire
With desire.
I could handle half the tenors in a male voice choir.
Let's do it!
Let's do it tonight!
But he said:
I can't do it.
I can't do it.
I don't believe in too much sex.
This fashion
For passion
Turns us into nervous wrecks.
No derision!
My decision
I'd rather watch The Spinners on the television.
I can't do it.
I can't do it tonight.
.... And so on.
Friday, November 8th ....
I thought I might relate a few anecdotes about the Fair but they would have little interest for anyone but Rotarians so I won't bother. At our final-night dinner, we had lots of stories and much laughter but you would need to have been there to enjoy it.
Jamie organised a stall for Tasmanian Specialty Wines and made a few dollars. Madi and Josh helped out as well. The icing on the cake was an order for about 150 bottles of wine to put in Christmas Hampers. At last, there's money coming in.
Our friends Sue and Martin arrived for a visit the night before the Fair started. I dragged them along to a couple of evening functions so we could spend some time with them and that was great. I think Martin particularly enjoyed meeting the Premier; he certainly spent some time talking to her. They've gone off for a couple of days and we expect them back about Monday, when we can give them our full attention.
Last year, I celebrated the end of the Craft Fair by buying myself an iPad. This year, I bought a new e-reader. Marilyn has taken to borrowing my old one, leaving me to read on the iPad. This is great, of course, but I found that the battery was running out at the wrong moment so I've invested in a proper reader. JB HiFi were selling the Sony Mk 2 for $99 and I can't resist a bargain. It's a more elegant machine than the Mk 1 so I'm happy with it.
Jamie organised a stall for Tasmanian Specialty Wines and made a few dollars. Madi and Josh helped out as well. The icing on the cake was an order for about 150 bottles of wine to put in Christmas Hampers. At last, there's money coming in.
Our friends Sue and Martin arrived for a visit the night before the Fair started. I dragged them along to a couple of evening functions so we could spend some time with them and that was great. I think Martin particularly enjoyed meeting the Premier; he certainly spent some time talking to her. They've gone off for a couple of days and we expect them back about Monday, when we can give them our full attention.
Last year, I celebrated the end of the Craft Fair by buying myself an iPad. This year, I bought a new e-reader. Marilyn has taken to borrowing my old one, leaving me to read on the iPad. This is great, of course, but I found that the battery was running out at the wrong moment so I've invested in a proper reader. JB HiFi were selling the Sony Mk 2 for $99 and I can't resist a bargain. It's a more elegant machine than the Mk 1 so I'm happy with it.
Friday, November 8th
The past three weeks have been a blur, with the Craft Fair becoming an all-consuming monster. There's a lot that can only be done in the last few days so I didn't have much time to keep the blog up to date, what with painting and building stalls and answering interminable phone calls.
But we've survived and can now focus on getting our lives back into a more normal routine.
The Fair becomes more and more complicated. This year, we added regular Facebook and Twitter updates to the normal demands and seemed to deal with about twice the normal requests for media interviews. On Monday, I was relieving the regular parking Marshall when WIN TV turned up for some comments. I duly complied, with one eye watching to see what mess the drivers were making in trying to find a spot for their vehicle. Oh, the price of fame!
Anyway, the Fair was a great success and I can hand over the reins to my successor on a good note.
But we've survived and can now focus on getting our lives back into a more normal routine.
The Fair becomes more and more complicated. This year, we added regular Facebook and Twitter updates to the normal demands and seemed to deal with about twice the normal requests for media interviews. On Monday, I was relieving the regular parking Marshall when WIN TV turned up for some comments. I duly complied, with one eye watching to see what mess the drivers were making in trying to find a spot for their vehicle. Oh, the price of fame!
Anyway, the Fair was a great success and I can hand over the reins to my successor on a good note.
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