Segueway (sic) into Xmas

As the western world aproaches Xmas we have come over all binary; 'Going away for Xmas?', 'Done your Xmas shopping yet'?', 'Ham or turkey?', Beach or home?', 'Love it or hate it?', 'Saving or spending?', to list just a few inanities. Then there are internet jokes, shopping guides, late nights at the mall, mad displays in the supermarkets, fake felt antlers, Xmas earrings and all that bloody goodwill.

There are also people who will miss out on all of this because they are blind, deaf, oblivious, depressed, broke, cracked but not yet broken or just plain resistant.

Well, best wishes for whatever makes you happy that doesn't involve hurting anyone or running up an enormous credit card debt. May you have time to enjoy the little things like raindrops on roses and a few of your favourite relatives and friends who keep you cheery.

I will resume in the New Year to rant about the impending Thugby World Cup in Auckland and about politics generally.

Here's a quick hit of Crown Lynn to see the New Year in.

Well helllllooooooooooooooo

Yep, back again after a short reprise/ trip back/ deja vu to Renovationland where happy times were spent sleeping in the lounge to avoid the polyurethane fumes from the newly done floors in another part of the house. When will it end you ask? Quite soon I think and my fingers are crossed just to make sure.

Garden is ahumming with tomato plants in and basil seeds planted. Labour day has been sunny and a quick culturetrip was had to the Walters Art Prize finalists at the New Art Gallery. I'm not picking the winner, although Lisa Reihana is a popular choice among the viewers.

Looking to survive the New Austerity? Watch this space to enjoy tips to survive - nay enjoy - the Credit Crunch.

Tip 1 Flirt with thrift, trying saying 'Hmmm, maybe later'
Tip 2 Embrace kerbside recycling - put stuff out and make someone else happy!

Don't forget to vote and for goodness sake think about it. Who wants three years of Mr Ambiguity and don't give me that 'time for a change' rap? It ain't beach cricket, it's your services and infrastructure.

Anorak moment - who said the title statement in which TV series? Character or actor required and bonus points for the situation.

Been a long time, been a long time

...since I put anything up here and today is the day to start the trip back from Renovationland which has been dusty, dirty and weird but with some surprises.

Oh yeah, like what?

• The generosity of others - an apartment to live in while the worst of it was happening and other offers. Thanks guys!
  
• The old zen of becoming increasingly aware of not needing so much, not so much space, not so many things and not so many clothes, although I don't know how long that might last.
  

Of course it isn't finished yet but it is getting much closer. We live mainly in one room and picnic in the front room at an outdoor setting for two. All the essential working parts of the house; bathroom, toilet, kitchen and laundry are all fine. Pictures soon, yes really.

For a bit of fun we went out to Sal Rose for their Italian Long Table Dinner last night and feasted on fabulous food, met some wonderful people and were amazed by the opera singing waitstaff. A great night out in Mt Albert, highly recommended.