Domestic Executive

Domestic Executive Moves on

2008-06-26T10:12:00.004+12:00

You've done me proud Blogger and got me hooked. But it's time to say farewell and move on.

Readers please continue to the new Domestic Executive homestead.

Icy blast heralds winter!

2008-06-25T21:06:00.003+12:00

Brr it's been cold and wet today. Nothing new you may be thinking but with snow across the South Island and even on our own Rimutaka Hill I think it's safe to declare winter has arrived.

Tornados were threatened which worried me today as I walked to the Westpac Stadium today to for a Catapult gig espousing the value of values. The walkway to the Stadium is one of the most exposed in Wellington where being blown off your feet (literally) can be your fate if you're unlucky to be caught by a strong gust of wind. I clung to the railings at one point until the wind died down and then tried to walk away looking cool and calm. You never know who might have been watching me struggle in the wind and drizzle.

By the time I got home this afternoon it was full pelt rain and certainly not dog walking weather. It's the chickens I felt most sorry for huddled in their chicken house squat on their roosting rail looking out at the cold and wind. Chickens don't like the damp, a bit like basset hounds and Domestic Executive's really!.

Forecast is to improve whic will mean I can put off any longer some of those outdoor chores I've been avoiding with the icy blast.

When did my boys grow up?

2008-06-24T21:24:00.004+12:00

Today is Fortnum and Mason's 9 month birthday. It's hard to believe that they've been part of our household for over 6 months now. I can hardly remember what life was like before the bassets came along.

A quick review of the basset pics shows just how much they've grow from those cute bundles of mischief into the lolloping hounds who lounge around the house creating havoc and upset.

It's fair to say it's been a learning curve, some of which I'd rather consign to my memory banks not to be resurrected again.

One thing is for sure, they've gone through beds like children go through shoes. Just when you think they've got the size to fit they wake up the next morning and don't fit any more. They started on a small cushion that fitted them both then progressed gradually to their enormous size day bed that they love to curl up in. That's of course when their not blowing hot air onto my ankles under desk in Domestic Executive HQ.

As they've grown they've kept their cheeky faces but their habits get more disgusting all the time. Can't wait till they start slobbering as mature boys. It's bad enough at the moment when they've had a quick drink and then want to share the excess by shaking their heads.

Still every day they make my heart melt in some way. Today it was Fortnum bounding across the grass at Tunnel Gulley when we were out for their walk. Also when Mason stuck out his lizard like basset tongue to since he'd obviously decided it was time my face needed another wash. Oh gross. I know where he puts that tongue!!

I wish they hadn't grown up so much it would be so handy just to scoop them up like we could when they first arrive. I'm afraid I'm not that strong to lift dead weights of over 30kg - regardless of the waratah bashing training done this weekend!

Tale of two slippers (part two)

2008-06-23T16:32:00.002+12:00

After the arm aching efforts in the garden I was pleased to have some comfort on my feet this weekend. On Saturday my lovely slippers finally arrived from their long journey from the USA.

Regular bloggers will recall how the Tale of Two Slippers started. New readers can catch up here.

It's fair to say that online shopping in the US and shipping to NZ was a bit of an experiment to see if the system worked. I'm pleased to say it does but takes rather longer than you might imagine and doesn't necessarily save you hoards of money.

Fortuantly the slippers themselves were a bargain and it was free shipping in the US. When you add the shipping costs they came out about the same cost if I'd had someone buy them for me in the UK and post them out. At least this way it saved my family and friends from slipper shopping.

Now I have my new Acorns I'm seriously thinking of starting NZ import. I can't believe there aren't kiwis out there who'd like a lovely pair of stylish feet warmers for these winter days and nights.

Fortnum and Mason think that they are really cool. Well actually nice and soft and warm. Idea for them to rest their heads on under the DE desk and snooze a litte. Since Fortnum dribbled on one when sleeping I'm keeping the bassets off my cosy slippers in future!

Would I do it again? Where slippers are concerned, oh yes indeedee! A girl must have her creature comforts! And, I'm sure for those other specialist items you either can't get or are so expensive here in New Zealand.

A bright spot amongst the graft and pain

2008-06-22T20:09:00.001+12:00

This dinky flower on our Leptosermum Huia was the one bright spot in the garden this weekend. Apart from this is was simply hard graft, rain and lots of pain.

We managed to get the final tree holes dug and planted. Then came the tricky bit to put in the stakes to keep them protected from the Wellington winds. The landscapers recommended Y Shaped Steel Fence Posts, commonly known as Waratahs and we have two for every tree to keep it safe and sound.

Waratahs

Sinking waratahs into the ground is best done with a special Waratah driver. This is a metal gizmo that weighs about 10 kg.

Picture this. 40 trees, two stakes and for every stake is takes around 20 bashes with the 10 kg driver. I don't want to split hairs on the amount of metal I lugged around let's just say my arms were levitating at the end as the muscle memory kicked in and thought that's what my arms were suposed to carry on doing.

Rain stopped play (I mean work) on occasions which made the job harder and more miserable than it might otherwise had been. Looking on the brightside. The trees are in and well watered. Now all I need is some arm rest for the remainder of the week.

All hands and paws for tree planting!

2008-06-21T18:36:00.006+12:00

Although a little earlier than I was expecting our second delivery of trees came on Friday. It's been all hands and paws on deck for tree planting as these trees came bare root so there was no time to waste before getting them into the ground.

Given there was 40 to plant I brought in the lovely John from the landscaping firm to dig the holes and help with the planting and staking. He did a sterling job and got us ready for what turned out to be a late in the day delivery.

You just can't do justice photographing the trees as they are simply sticks in the ground. You'll just have to take my word that it's starting to transform the place and give much needed structure to the landscape around the house. I can't wait till spring when they start to come into life. Then I'll be able to share the tree vistas.

Anyway, here's some photoblogging to show our efforts of the last couple of days.

MT taking five after digging holes and planting

Note the difference in pose - me getting stuck in!

Some of the smaller trees lined up for planting in the new area cleared after the gorse harvest

People say that they start to look like their dogs - can you see the resemblance?

Talking about the bassets, you might be wondering what they've been contributing to the horticultural endevours.......

"So what's this hole, can we put our bones in here?"

"Do you mean this hole I'm stuck in?"

"Hmm, much safer just sniffing the breeze"

"You talking to us? We're not doing anything, honest!"

"Nah, I think this hole is better for the bones. He seems better at digging them than her. Closer to the house too!"

We have planted all the trees but they need staking to be protected from the Wellington winds heading our way. Staking trees, that's a whole different story. Tune in bloggers for the next installment!

All for this!

2008-06-20T18:47:00.003+12:00

Today was quite a big day - our residency approval in principle came through. All we need now is a new stamp in our passports and pay our migrant levy and we are home and dry.

We're celebrating with fush n chups and champagne. Hmm.. what a combination!

I took this picture from one of the walks with the dogs this week. It's Kaitoke looking towards the Rimutakas. Not a bad view and probably sums up for me what coming to New Zealand is all about. Being able to walk my bassets in the middle of the day in the middle of nowhere.

It's not everyone's cuppa but you need a compelling reason to live 12,000 miles away from family and friends and this is it for me.

Clear and crisp and freezing

2008-06-19T08:27:00.005+12:00

A freezing blast has hit Kaitoke. It was -1 degrees on the car temperature this morning.

The irony is that whilst we're freezing here the ski fields of New Zealand are closed because the weather is not cold enough. Apparently that's set to change this weekend with snow in the high mountains so that the ski season can get underway.

For us living in the hills we need sunshine and nice soft ground. We've got more trees arriving tomorrow and the last thing we need is more freezing temperatures.

Doing my chores this morning was a little more fun than normal with all the frost to admire and see how the chickens and bassets behave in these less hospitable conditions.

As I write this blog the sun is out and the frost is melting from the roof. So good job I've got some photoblogging to remind me of this morning's adventures.

Frost on the lawn

Frost on my majority planting - thistles!

Frost on my Cordyline Australis

Frost on my kiwi hedge and soon to be salad and herb bed

Layered landscapes from frosty grass to native bush

"Morning George!" says Fortnum

Hot breakfast on a cold morning (last night's shepherds pie!)

George - tall and proud

George leading his ladies to the outside world of free ranging

Mason drinking the frost from the fence!

2008-06-18T19:24:00.004+12:00

It's been an Executive Day today and theme today has been "stress". I'm relieved to tell you this has been other people's not mine - although it was a bit of a stretch getting back in time to get the bassets from their pet angel!

I've got a "hotspot" about stress. This is coaching jargon for a subject matter that you have deep experience of and you can be prone to not being objective about. Stress is one of those things that I have to take care that I maintain a healthy objectivity about for my coaching clients since occupational stress is something I know a bit about.

That awful knot in your neck that won't go away. The annoying boss that says - let's look at your priorities or what else can I do to help. That screaming feeling in your head that shouts Ahhhhhhhhh! And then you feel better, for about five seconds.

Some people say that stress is a modern phenomena and in the old days people just got on with things and didn't get stressed. I'm not sure about that. I reckon that there are higher expectations upon people to do more and more and more and this brings with it pressure to achieve and perform that didn't exist previously. Or maybe we just expect more of ourselves than we used.

I want to know what happened to the society of leisure that was predicted in the 1980's that led me to take my undergraduate degree in leisure studies (aka a degree in throwing, running and catching). Back then we were suposed to start to have more free time and start enjoying life more. That certainly wouldn't have been a stressful life!

Now I am a Domestic Executive I count my blessings each day. Yes I too have pressure to meet my own expectations (and those others I share a home with) but it's nothing like having to deal with the consequences of other people's actions day in and day out, feeling the pressure build and have no way out.

My secret for dealing with stress is quite simple - come home to two basset hounds who wag their tails and smile their basset smile to show they are pleased to see you. Regardless of what may have been happening before you see this it melts away in moments and you can see that life can be sweet. I wonder whether I should be taking Fortnum and Mason to my coaching sessions as my secret weapon against stress?

Memories of a sunny day

2008-06-17T20:11:00.006+12:00

Seems that MT brought the rotten weather with him back from Auckland yesterday and spoilt my day. It's been raining and blowing a southerly gale. Definitely fire lighting weather again.

Still I won't be put off by a bit of cold wind I've got my memories of a sunny day from yesterday when the bassets were our having a wonderfully playful walk.

The simple pleasures of Domestic Executive life, sunny skies and playful bassets. Who needs the rat race?

Hey, chase me......

So you want a go?

Not quite, you're pointing the wrong way

That's it, we can do it together!

A beautiful day for a walk

2008-06-16T20:23:00.004+12:00

Today was a beautiful day. Bright sunshine, almost clear blue skies and a light breeze. Just the day for taking Fortnum and Mason for a walk.

As I strolled along there was plenty of time to admire the views. You've got to understand the bassets need to take time with their sniffing you know. I still have to pinch myself sometimes that we live in the place we do. It's stunning in its vastness and the almost pre-historic vegetation makes it all the more wonderful. Not to mention that all this is right over my garden fence.

Shame MT was up in Dorkland in the cold, mist and rain!

Typical NZ fern trees

View down to Tunnel Gully

The boys dragging their paws to make the most of the day

Intensive sniffing at play

On the run to catch me up!

Aha, caught you!

Is is much further home, we're a bit tired and hot!

Home sweet home - just another five minutes walk away

Ouch - that hurts!

2008-06-15T07:19:00.003+12:00

By the time I settled to watch the rugby last night my aches and pains from the gorse harvesting were already setting in. My pain was only made worse watching England battle against the all blacks.

Despite the score 37-20 to the ABs, England put up a pretty good fight and had some moments of brilliance. Especially Ojo with his two sprint tries. Strettle also nearly made a try that had he succeeded I reckon would have made it a whole different game.

The thing with the ABs is that you can't let a chink in your game appear as they are then like an unstoppable steam train. As you might imagine the media here are really playing up the result. Here's some photoblogging with kiwi captions.

CHARGE: A rare England attack (Domestic "sporting" Executive says: this is a little harsh it's not like England didn't win any points!)

TAKE THAT: Rodney So'oialo hits hard in defence

(Domestic "sporting" Executive says: ouch I bet that hurt!)

THE NONU EXPRESS: Ma'a Nonu leaves the England defence at sixes and sevens

(Domestic "sporting" Executive says: fair point!)

TIPPING POINT: Conrad Smith scores the All Blacks' first try
(Domestic "sporting" Executive says: this was a pretty cool try and definitely the point at which England started to feel the pain!)

Mammoth gorse harvest

2008-06-14T18:17:00.006+12:00

The bassets and I have had a very productive afternoon. Exhausting but very satisfying and we had glorious weather to brighten our day.

After a couple of wet weekends it was important to restart the gorse harvest. We've got trees to put in but can't do so until some of the gorse is cleared. So the boys and I set to and we cleared about 20 m of gorse and as if by miracle we finally find the boundary to the land at the bottom of the garden.

The only problem with gorse harvesting is what to do with the gorse harvested. Although my friend Gill mentioned that she knew someone who made wine from gorse, I'm not sure that this is a good idea since our gorse has been exterminated with industrial strength killer spray.

I've created a massive pile to be burned tomorrow. I think if we set light to it as it is we'd probably take the rest of the bush with it so there'll need to be some careful planning and fire building skills.

It's fair to say that my hands, arms, legs and back ache after all the physical exertion but I'm so pleased to have made it to the bottom of the garden at last. If those living in the northern hemisphere get woken by a bright light in the middle of the night, don't worry it's just us burning our gorse!

Fortnum admiring the growing gorse mountain

Rubbish picture (sorry, it was getting dark) but if you squint you can see the bottom of the garden.

Yes there are still plenty of gorse stumps we've got to deal with!

My basset boys on guard protecting the gorse mountain

Domestic Executive neat stacking of the gorse!

Honest, this isn't a line of gorse bushes. My gorse mountain in all it's glory!

Tomorrow when I crawl out of bed complaining of the muscle ache I shall think of my father-in-law who started this whole gorse thing off in the first place. After his marathon spraying efforts during his holiday with us earlier in the year it would be rude not to follow through and clear the dead gorse. I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end. Won't it?

Scaffolding down at last

2008-06-13T17:28:00.004+12:00

The scaffolding has finally come down on the neigbours new house. There's been plenty of activity recently so it looks like the final push towards completion.

My heart goes out to Mike and Andrea whose budget ran dry so they are having to do the painting themselves. I've seen them most days this week and I think they are heartly sick of it already and they haven't even finished doing the priming coat. I think it's going to be a real marathon effort for them.

Although I've offerred them the use of our kettle and bathroom so they can avoid the builders portaloo I found myself drawing the line at actually offering to paint for them. The last time I wielded a paintbrush I ended up with RSI so I don't want to fall into that trap again. Mental note to use this excuse for not painting the fence or the chicken house too!

It's strange seeing lights on in the house. If I stretch my neck a lift myself out of my domestic executive HQ chair I can just about see them peaking over the hill. Nice to know that we'll have people close to hand.

As if talking the neighbours wasn't enough of a reminder of our own building experience I was contacted this week by our builders. Not chasing their final final payment (that's a whole different story) but asking me to do some work for them. Not building you'll be pleased to know but helping them get their marketing right. Apparently, I am perfect for their target market "a middle aged woman with money to spend".

Hmm, not sure about the middle aged or the money to spend but at least it might yield some regular work I can do from home. A domestic executive's preferred way of working!

Bassets brave the river - not!

2008-06-12T09:18:00.003+12:00

Our bassets are not the bravest of creatures. Mason has a particularly endearing quality that when he sees something he doesn't like or not sure of he'll jump back on all four paws and hide, either behind us or behind Fortnum.

It was an adventure to see how they coped with one of the walks at the Kaitoke Regional Park that has two bridges to cross and a river to explore.

Much to my amazement that walked the bridges without any hestitation. They were very interested in what was going on under where they were walking. When it came to investigating the river itself there was a bit more reluctance and not much paw wetting going on!

I wonder how they are going to cope when we go on a beach holiday next month!

It work's!

2008-06-11T18:54:00.001+12:00

Today was a ceremonial milestone for MT. The Telecom Chief Executive had a photocall to prove to the world that the new network is working

"loud and clear!"

It will be good when the darn thing is up and running proper as it will then mean MT can then relax a little more. Aside from building new networks there are other things to be doing at DE hq. Painting the new fence for instance.

Talking of paint, I had to take out a second mortgage today to pay for the fence paint. I paid $100 for 4 litres which seemed really extreme. This is one of many things that the size and remoteness of New Zealand increases the costs of things that you otherwise take for granted. Cheese is the other thing that I find expensive which is surprising for a country with an economy driven by the dairy industry.

Turn lights off, we've had a drought

2008-06-10T20:07:00.006+12:00

Whilst there is much debate whether we do in fact have a problem it seems word has got out that New Zealand may be moving towards black out as the low rainfall impacts on our ability to generate power. Reported in the Guardian today:

New Zealanders are to be urged to wash dishes by hand and turn off some of their household lights as the country teeters on the brink of a power crisis caused by drought.
After two years of dry weather the low level of water in lakes that drive New Zealand's hydroelectric power plants is causing concern. The energy minister, David Parker, yesterday denied claims that the country was facing rolling power cuts, but said that unless there was significant rainfall soon households would be asked to cut electricity consumption by up to 15% during the peak early evening time.
Hydroelectric stations usually produce about 75% of New Zealand's electricity but lack of rainfall has reduced that output in recent weeks to only 50%. Coal, diesel and gas-fired power plants are trying to make up the shortfall, but more strain is expected to be put on the national grid with the arrival of winter in the southern hemisphere.
Backed by the government, the electricity industry is to launch a power-saving campaign on television.
"I think the advice will be that, while it's not an emergency, it is time for people to be turning off lights in rooms they are not using, certainly not leaving the computer on all night or the heated towel rail on for 24 hours a day," Helen Clark, New Zealand's prime minister, said in a radio interview.

The irony is that we should not be wasting energy full stop. For one thing it's horrendously expensive and it's not good for the planet. This is another example of the all pure, clean and green NZers not walking the talk.

You'll be pleased to know our towel rails are on timers and I am becoming increasingly obessed about leaving lights on unnecessarily. I guess our real luxury is having the computer downloading (but not all night I hasten to add) but this is just the alternative to us watching hours of TV. Although we're not squeaky clean when it comes to power saving I can sleep easy that we're doing out bit!

Walkies... rain or shine

2008-06-09T20:24:00.004+12:00

It's fair to say we've had quite a lot of rain this weekend. Whilst all I wanted to do was hunker down in front of the fire it was only fair that the bassets got their daily walk.

Dressed for the weather in waterproofs and wellies I was certainly enthusiastic for the adventure. Somehow Fortnum and Mason weren't quite as ethusiastic.

At first it was hard to get them off the veranda and then up the drive. They did eventually get the message that walkies were taken rain or shine and we enjoyed a fantastic walk. I was totally overheating as 10 minutes after leaving the rain stopped and the sun came out. You just can't win!

How do you like my outfit boys?

Great start - walking to heel

5 seconds later!

A basset walk out on their walk! We did eventually make it up the drive and along the Rimutaka Trail

Since it was raining we had a cupboard clear out. Here's a selection of the boys toys destroyed and put away for mending. Yeah right!

In the land of Geeks

2008-06-08T19:51:00.004+12:00

It seems that I have reached the point in my blogging life where I’d like my blog to look better, have more features and go faster. The common wisdom on these matters is that you need to go it alone and build your own.

As if I haven’t had enough of building things I've taken the plunge and got myself a new virtual Domestic Executive HQ. Let's just say it's going to take time and given I'm in Geek territory and it's all news to me I'm sure there'll be lots of experimentation before I get it right.

I'll tell you where to find me in at my new web-place when I'm not going to embarress myself!

Normal blogging resumes tomorrow.

Rugby in the rain

2008-06-07T22:43:00.001+12:00

We were treated to an evening at the Cake Tin tonight to watch the All Blacks play Ireland. This was the first match for the ABs since losing out at the World Cup so was important for them to win.

Let's just say it was less than ideal conditions. It was one of those dark, wet and stormy Wellington nights when people should be sat in front of the fire indoors keeping dry and wet. Thousands didn't and sat through 80 minutes of rugby which given the conditions was not the most exciting to watch.

Ireland got off to a fantastic start against the might ABs and for much of the game they were neck a neck. The All Blacks did however break through a couple of times giving them the win they were looking for.

I found myself rooting for the Irish to make up the numbers. Whilst there was a contingent of Irish enjoying the night out it was a thoroughly kiwi crowd willing their home team.

You'll be pleased to know that MT and I were insconced in the warm in the corporate hospitality area. It was definitely the best place to watch the rugby and the poor sods sitting outside getting wetter and wetter and wetter by the minute. The mad dash to the car park after was the extent of my exposure to the elements but I was relieved to be home in the warm and see the waggy tails of Fortnum and Mason who as kiwi dogs would have been rooting for the All Blacks I am sure!

The headlines on the match summed up the game quite well.
"Dealing with rust in wet conditions is never easy and the All Blacks found that out as they creaked and groaned against the grit of the Irish and a decent old Wellington storm before spluttering to a much-needed 21-11 victory."

Chickens take fright

2008-06-06T19:01:00.004+12:00

A terrible thing happened this evening. The Wellington wind blew the chicken house door shut prematurely stopping our chooks from returning home to roost at dusk.

By the time I got home (a little after dusk) they were huddled in the corner of the pen seeking refuge from the wind. Or I thought. As I cajoled them back into the chicken house I was alarmed to only be able to count three instead of four feathered friends.

Not wishing to panic I headed off to the free range area to see if the missing chook was sheltering in the bush. Put no.

Still not wishing to panic I thought it was time for a bigger search party and headed of to get the assistance of MT. Just in the nick of time the missing chook clucked at me from where she was hiding - on top of the chicken house roof, or more precisely on top of the chook pen fence is next to the roof where she was comfortably roosting (well apart from a gusty wind).

In definite need of assistance for a rescue I had to fetch the step ladder and torch. Fortuantly the chook was either scared witless or simply a placid hen since she hardly flinched when I dragged her off her roof top roost and put her back with the George and the other ladies in their home.

Since it was getting pretty dark I can't tell you which of our fine hens had decided to roost high. I'm just glad that we found her and she was returned to her rightful place. You can be sure that the door hook will be sorted tomorrow to cope with the winter winds.

I'm afraid it was not a moment for photoblogging so you'll have to make do with a picture to capture the sense of the moment!

Basset blogging: the simple pleasure of a walk

2008-06-05T19:06:00.006+12:00

Our basset hounds enjoy the simple pleasures in life. To run and play in the sun is their favourite.

Today was a fine day so I escaped my DE duties and took the bassets down to Tunnel Gully for their daily walkies. They love it there - large open green space for them to romp on with the added bonus of a bush walk that is smelling heaven.

Here's some photo blogging of our adventures.

First you need to sniff every blade grass

Then you have to admire the view - Mason looking very intensely

Since we have all the time in the world, no sense in rushing. Fortnum stutting his stuff!

We can take five too! Mason doing his best regal basset impression.

There's also time for a fight!

And, time to make mischief "I told you she wouldn't like it if we went this way!"

The walking track goes up this bush - all those places to sniff!

Two tired bassets ready for a rest!

Let's make that a snooze!

Domestic Executive Wardrobe

2008-06-04T17:53:00.003+12:00

Becoming a domestic executive has been a reality I've dreamed about for a very long time. It was the house in the country, the bassets, chickens, home grown veg and some useful paid work to keep me in the domestic executive lifestyle.

What I didn't contemplate too hard in this scenario was what a Domestic Executive wardrobe would consist of. Clearly I don't need my executive suits (well only occasionally) and stuff to wear around home needed to be practical and basset proof. So what does the well dressed domestic executive wear?

Well to be honest whatever I've been wearing lately I do a pretty good impression of a bag lady that carries her chattels in a supermarket trolley. It's not that I don't have nice stuff to wear it's just that it's about 3 sizes too big. Over time this has got me more depressed than the time when my clothes got too small for me.

At first I thought this was OK because I was just at home with the dogs and the chickens but just lately I've realised that this physical appearance was starting to bug me, in short I just didn't feel good. Since I'm no longer the "big bird" MT so affectionately calls me I thought it was time to take things in hand and transform my DE wardrobe.

So armed with my trusty friend to steer me through the Wellington shopping experience we prioritised the domestic look today. After a few false starts I'm now re-equipped with new jeans, tees and woolies to last me for some time to come.

I think I must be getting old though, I just don't have the patience for shopping any more. When I saw something I liked, it fitted and wasn't going to break the bank, I had these urges to buy it in all available colours.

Anyway, don't tell MT, it's one of those shopping trips when you need to bring things out over time and when asked "is that new?" you can mutter "oh no, something I've had for a while" which will of course be true (well almost!).

I won't trouble you with a picture of me modeling my new look. Let's just say I'm a mousy brown version of this girl and dazzling the bassets and the chickens with my new look!

Yeah right!

Guestphotoblogging: just how a garden should be!

2008-06-03T18:32:00.002+12:00

I'm always looking for inspiration for our garden. Looking at other people's gardening success makes it a whole heap easier to keep the vision for our own garden and landscaping alive.

It was after reading about the gardens at the Chateau de Villandry in Monty Don's new book that inspired me to establish my own box hedging which the nice people at Kiwi Hedge dutifully supplied. Whilst the small plants will take some growing and trimming to reach the Villandry standards it's nice to dream!

My parents garden been an inspiration for years. In their last house they developed an amazing garden from a sadly neglected patch of land that was as good as some of the National Trust gardens we used to visit. Their current place is smaller but nevertheless the garden reaches standards of excellence I can only dream about.

Described as in the National Garden Scheme guide as a garden for plantaholics. It's 1/3-acre garden packed with a wide range of interesting plants, colour themed borders, large covered shade area, and water feature. Many pots with tender plants. Here's a glimpse of it through guest photoblogging courtesy of my Dad.

Our garden at domestic executive HQ has been designed to be a little lower maintenance than the traditional English garden that my parents specialise in. I simply don't have the patience or talent that they do but it doesn't stop me enjoying what they achieve!

Domestic Executive Hands

2008-06-02T14:53:00.005+12:00

One of the down sides of being a Domestic Executive is that it plays havoc with your hands. Despite intensive treatments - Burt's Bees Intensive Cream (thanks Tara), Vaseline Intensive Care Cream (thanks Boots!) and Nivea cream - I've still got hands like sandpaper.

I know you're suposed to wear rubber gloves for housework, and I do, but it's just not practical all the time and they are not that comfortable. Combine housework with handwashing after dogs, chickens, gardening and DIY and it makes for a constant battering to my poor mitts.

When you add a bit of gorse harvesting to the mix it's fair to say that handshaking a domestic executive is not a pleasant thing (for the clients that is!).

With sore hands and pesistent rain I'm staying indoors for some gentle domestic executive duties today. The gorse, fencing, compost boxes and shovelling the top soil is just going to have to wait for another day.

It's a marathon not a sprint

2008-06-01T19:28:00.004+12:00

For one that's completed the Great North Run I know what it's like to run a half marathon. Today we were gorse harvesting again and fueled with enthusiasm and a glass of barley lemon I was determined to set to and create enough of a view that you'd notice what gorse we'd removed.

MT thought I was being too enthusiastic and suggested that gorse harvesting was more of a marathon than a sprint. On one hand that put things into perspective but it was an equally demoralising thing to think that I've got to go through the pain of the Great North Run, not once but twice. I know my mate Ron wouldn't mind but I'm just not as fit as I used to be.

Still we did make some progress - although these pictures just don't do it justice. Just take my word for it. We are clearing the gorse and revealing - wait for it - more gorse! Yes, behind the first line is more, and more, and more.

This really isn't a marathon. It's an iron man/woman triatholon event. Just wish me luck!

Yes, those are gorse bush/tree stumps!

Look what we found hiding behind our dead gorse bushes - a live one!

Protection from Wellington winds

2008-05-31T18:58:00.005+12:00

Tree planting has included special bracing to protect our trees from the Wellington winds. Although technically we don't get the Wellington winds when they do come it can be very gusty and unforgiving. I had to tie up the trees to the fence when they were delivered to make sure that they didn't get blown over.

Anyway I thought I do some photoblogging to show the new arrivals settling into their new spots. It's fair to say that this blog entry will mean more to those people who have actually visited our place but I do hope all my blog readers will enjoy the views though!

Note basset boys on the sniff!

Opphs, need to take the instruction labels off these!

If you're wondering what the snake thing is across the picture it's our new drainage pipe.
George and the girls are enjoying their new tree view!

Bassets have domestic fears

2008-05-30T19:21:00.004+12:00

Friday's are always busy days for a Domestic Executive. Getting ready for the weekend requires lots of elbow grease and careful bargaining for the weekend shop.

Today was no exception but I slacked off big time in the middle of the day to catch up with my friend who's just returned from a big trip to the UK. I could bore you all with the gossip and humorous stories but I won't.

Instead I'm hope you'll smile at my beloved bassets who hate Friday's or indeed any other day when the hoover (or in our case a Dyson) is wheeled out to suck up debris. Let's just say that they hate the domestic machinery with a passion. You might say they were scared.

Suffice to say that it takes quite a lot of belly rubbing to reinstate good relations with Fortnum and Mason after the mean, noisy rolling thing is put away in the cupboard.

"If we hide behind this milk carton and bone do you think it will get us?"

"Well the milk carton is no use it's coming our way. Let's hide behind our furry bone instead"

Trees give garden shape

2008-05-29T18:14:00.004+12:00

It's been a busy day for moving trees - well landscapers moving trees. I've taken a more executive role highlighting the tree planting plan in lots of different colours. There is method in my madness.

After a minor hiccup of placement because the new picket fence is not on the plan the boys started to motor along and get the large trees into place. They'll be back tomorrow to complete the job and we'll be left with a number of the smaller trees to plant up ourselves.

Although it's hard to tell from the pics putting the trees in place do really give some shape to the garden and will look great when they grow some leaves back in the spring. Now the tree is in the roundabout we'll have to start thinking about the under tree planting so that it doesn't look quite so lonely!

As you can imagine Fortnum and Mason are loving having the landscaping boys back on site. It was a bit of a shock for them to see how much they've grown (that's the dogs not the landscapers). There was some mutual admiration and much belly rubbing (again, it's the dogs getting the belly rubs not the landscapers) during the coffee and lunch breaks.

Another small step for our small piece of paradise.

Doing chickens is all the rave

2008-05-28T20:30:00.002+12:00

It seems that chickens are all the rave with poms here in NZ. Here's some pics of my friend's chooks and their feline admirers. These belong to Nicole who arrived in NZ shortly after us and after cruising NZ for a while stayed in Whangarai where she found love (for a while at least). Now she's just loving her chooks and cats. Seems that it's been raining as much up north with the associated mud baths we're experiencing, although perhaps not on the same scale!

Judging by the length of the grass Nicole you need to get a couple of sheep as well!

Mud, glorious mud!

2008-05-27T07:47:00.005+12:00

It was all go yesterday at Domestic Executive HQ. Diggers and lorries and men wielding rakes and nosiy machinery. To make sure that all the activity went swimmingly it rained for most of the day!

Still, we now have a completed drive, top soil reinstated along the drive and the top paddock all of which are primed ready now for more thistles to start growing at a rate of knots. The landscapers come later this week to start planting trees and finally we'll be complete with phase one of our landscaping plans.

It's amazing how a bit of gravel and mud can tidy a place up. Well until the bassets start playing in the new soft to play in areas. Deep joy!

Eagle eyed bloggers will notice the basset play pen is gone in readiness for trees!

Guess where these guys have been?

The sun down the valley!

Gorse harvest

2008-05-26T07:56:00.003+12:00

Flushed with the success of last week's thistle harvest, this weekend's gardening adventure was to start on the gorse harvest. The key dilemma was however, simply where to start!

To test the tools and my stamina we started with a few small bushes which gave a real sense of achievement - a quick win. I then had to move on to something larger that certainly wasn't going to be a pushover.

My trusty tree lopper did it's best to break through gorse branches and my arms and legs did their best to hold out. After an hour of systemmatically trimming from top to the bottom we finally revealed a large gorse stump.

You just have to take my word for it that the five bushes we harvested and burned in the two hours of work has made a huge difference to the small patch of land. Only another two hundred or so to go. I think little and often is the key.

This bush was about 4 feet high to start with

Fully trimmed gorse - now just need to dig out the stump

MT looking very pleased with my handiwork

Pyromania rocks!

Tada! Can you tell the difference?

New hill billy house

2008-05-25T17:04:00.004+12:00

Yesterday was a special day for our chickens - George, Charlotte, Anne and Bess (named after king and queens) - their exchanged their hill billy shack for a hill billy house.

It arrived on the back of Al's truck designed and prefabricated for swift installation in wind and rain. It was truly unpleasant weather to work in but before too long our chook house was built off the pen complete with easy access to the nesting boxes for egg collection.

Throughout the entired process the chickens were totally unconcerned and made themselves at home in their new pad pretty quickly. The only down side of the whole adventure was that we turned what was a mud patch into a real mud bath. We also had to do some emergency drain building as the rain water natural course was bringing streams of water into the chicken pen and house.

This morning George was yelling good and loud to be let out and the girls followed him quickly flying off their roosting perch into the pen for a good peck at the grass and waddle in the mud.

Al's been a true wonder providing us with the chickens and designing us a magnificent house for them to live in. I'm slightly worried though he has ambitions for pheasants and quails to be kept in the bush. The way the water is flowing at the moment I think we have a better chance of building a pond in which to keep some ducks!

Holy moley - that's house prices for you

2008-05-24T08:08:00.006+12:00

It must have been sixth sense, whilst cruising the internet I decided to have a peak at what's happening in the UK village we lived in. Imagine my surprise to find that "our" house was up for sale.

On closer inspection it seems that there is daylight robbery going on. We loved the house and the location but it seems that the price has shot up by about 42% in 2 years. I am reliably informed that's just inflation and how things are in the UK. I don't believe it!

It was very strange to see the house which has hardly changed at all. New flooring in the hallway and new paint job on the front door. Otherwise it looks pretty much as we left it, except of course there is different furniture in.

Described by the real estate agents as "outstanding" with "flexible accommodation". The house "boasts" and is "immaculate". I guess you need lots of superlatives to justify asking such a high price.

More muck and raking

2008-05-23T07:42:00.003+12:00

We're living on a building site again. In fact, as I write this blog there is an enormous truck delivering metal (that's road gravel) moving past my window.

After months of waiting the ground works people have returned to finish of the drive and spread the top soil back on the land around the house. It's typical, it's also raining too so it will be a case of raking mud and moving it around. Hmm, just think of the mess that the bassets will make in that.

Despite the impending mess it's an important part of the building and landscaping jigsaw that's finally coming together. Hopefully the southerly that's going to blow through today (that will bring the temperatures down by at least 5 degrees) will dry things out and we can prepare for tree planting next week.

It's been a long time since Fortnum and Mason have seen a digger so they spent a fair amount of time last night barking at the stationery machinery parked by the barn. They weren't at least as worried as my neighbours girlfriend who thought we were putting up more buildings.

In the couple of hours work they've done the area behind the barn has been flattened to the same level and created a much more useable area. Keeping the bassets off the newly turned soil is going to be a battle I'm just not going to try and win. I'll just have to get reaquainted with my trusty mop and bucket every day to wipe their muddy paw marks away.

More expert fencing

2008-05-22T07:47:00.004+12:00

I sometimes wish that Bassets came with a full instruction manual. When I got my new power saw this week it came with full instructions on how it operates and what to look out for in terms of health and safety and when things go wrong. We got no such thing when Fortnum and Mason arrived but a cheery wave and smile from Nikki the breeder "call us if you have any questions, I'm sure you'll work it all out.....!"

Although we have worked it out it tends to be after much trial and error. There is one area I am still failing in terms of basset training - keeping them out of the flower beds. Loyal bloggers will know we installed some basset fencing which also doubles up as rabbit protection. At the time I was concerned about how high this fencing needs to be. I have come to learn it's not the height that matters but rather the strength of the materials and it's capability to withstand over 30kg of basset moving slowly in order to exhert maximum damage. Let's just say our early fencing was a little on the light side and Fortnum and Mason smile every time they push it over with their paw and step onto it in order to enter the forbidden garden zone.

I tried yelling at them to get out. Deaf ears. I've occasionally sprayed them with water from a hose. What's a little water when there's fun to be had. I've tried begging and pleading and they just look at me as if to say "get off your knees you're embarressing yourself".

So, more drastic action was needed. New basset fencing.

According to my Domestic Executive DIY manual careful planning is the key to success. I have therefore set up some prototype fencing this time to test it against Basset attack. This time we've gone from sticks and wire to posts and mesh. To be precise 50mmx50mm posts with plastic guttering protector stapled to the posts.

I think it's fair to say the posts are a hit. Much more solid, quite architectural in fact. The mesh did however fail at it's first Fortnum test. It isn't that easy to see and he simply walked through it breaking it off without much effort at all. Mason crawled under it - although he jumped the gun on the testing period as I'd intended to put two layers to cover the whole of the post area.

This early testing has proven that we need more robust fencing materials - probably metal mesh that won't break so easily. I rather fancy putting a mini picket fence but pickets only come at 900mm height which would mean a huge amount of wastage. A simple rail system is a possibility but that requires quite a lot of joinery effort and lots of painting.

I'm back at the Domestic Executive DIY design board on this one but rest assured I'll keep you posted on what we decide. In the meantime Fortnum has learned that dumping toys, bones and shoes into the flower bed off the veranda is a good place to hide them and gains a huge amount of attention from me as I leap in to fetch them out. Great game of owner fetch eh!

Domestic Executive DIY

2008-05-21T17:44:00.005+12:00

After much procrastination and trepidation I finally bit the bullet and turned Domestic Executive to Domestic Executive DIYer on some of my household building jobs. I've spent hours chatting up those lovely folks that work in the DIY stores and finaly bought my wood and my new toy, a circular saw. Just like the one in the picture.

First job off the blocks was to lie the basset barn pen to protect the building paper that lines the walls and helps keep damp and condensation out. A perfect thing for bassets to chew. It took me three goes to buy the plywood needed for the lining since different suppliers had different sizes , none of which would fit in the car. Finally I persuade Mike at Placemakers to cut the large sheets in half so I could get them home. Mental note, must add installing tow bar to my list of things to master.

So armed with my wood, my new saw, my cordless drill driver I was set to go. The bassets were interested only as long as it took for the sawing to start. Much too noisy for their long ears (and mine too but I was wearing ear muffs - or safety ear protectors is the builders term I think).

It's fair to say it wasn't a completely perfect job but pretty good for my first effort. I think the bassets were impressed with their new look pen but you never can tell.

BEFORE!

Fortnum and Mason helping with the measuring!

AFTER!

I know she said we could put up our posters to brighten it up but I was rather hoping for something like they do on Changing Rooms , that programme we like on the Lifestyle Channel"

Bloggers with a keen eye will notice the pile of wood behind the basset pen gate. My next project, my compost bin for the garden. I downloaded the recipe (I mean construction plan) from the internet. It's going to be a New Zealand Box - I thought it only right and proper since we're in kiwi land. Look out for more Domestic Executive DIY adventures!

Black caps and other kiwi campaigns

2008-05-20T08:16:00.002+12:00

Seems that the black caps are off to a reasonable start in their campaign of Cricket in England. It's good to see the kiwi spirit of endeavour continues.

Back here at home the news is riddled with conspiracy and intrigue with three investigations being launched into the immigration service here. The head of the service resigned last week after allegations of corruption in the pacific division - also that she didn't have a PhD from LSE after all. I hope our residency application isn't sitting in her in-tray.

Electioneering is also winding up ahead of the budget this Thursday. Much speculation about whether there will be some tax cuts to sweeten the bitter pill being taken by kiwis with inflationary pressures hitting home. The price of everything seems to be going up - especially food, fuel and energy bills.

Let's just hope that the Black Caps can start winning and cheers us all up!

Not quite the barmy army!

Thistle harvest, basset style

2008-05-19T07:39:00.007+12:00

As I was saying yesterday, Fortnum and Mason didn't exactly bound up the drive with enthusiasm to help with the Thistle Harvest. They were stitting rather comfortably in the sun on the veranda but eventually curiosity got the better of them and they did make it to the Thistle Patch.

This basset photo blogging captures two dogs making their contribution to a hard day's work. Yeah, right!

"Think it would be more comfy on the veranda"....."Yeah, I know but we have to show willing for a while then we can toddle off back for a snooze"

"Hey, look this looks fun - hanging on the side of the hill grabbing brown prickly stuff!"
"Yeah, whatever, I've got some tasty grass to chew on"

"You off, to help?"

Nah, I think I'll stay up here. The view's pretty good, the grass is comfy and the sun is shining!"

Do I look handsome enough for a picture?

"Hey, long grass down here - you can hide from the two legged ones"

"Do I look at handsome as Mason?"

"Help, I am helping.... get this prickly thing off my lying down place"

Thistle harvest

2008-05-18T19:01:00.004+12:00

This coming week the grounds work people are returning to finish the drive and spread the mountain of topsoil along the drive and in the top paddock. I figured it was time we harvested the thistles that have been growing beautifully all summer on our soil mound.

I've heard all the stories about thistles - one year seeded and seven years regrowth. I am resigned to the fact that I'm going to be harvesting thistles for years to come. Nevertheless, in an effort to reduce the amount of seeds spread around in the soil and buried in newly turned soil we harvest the mound today.

What I thought was a job that would take an hour or so, turned in to much longer. Let's just say we needed radox in the bath tonight to ease our aching legs and arms. Here's some photoblogging to show our efforts.

Thistle field on one side of the earth mound - multiple this by six and you'll get an idea of the size of the harvest

Same side, satisfyingly harvested (well almost!)

Any excuse to be a pyromaniac!

So where were the basset boys you might wonder whilst we were hard at work. Let's just say they weren't bounding up the hill to help!

Tale of two slippers

2008-05-17T08:06:00.005+12:00

As the floors get colder this Domestic Executive needs her slippers to keep her tootsies warm and toastie. My preferred slipper is an Acorn Moc, just like the one in the picture. Now Acorn slippers are not just any slipper but famous because they've been worn by astronauts in space and also Tenzing Norgay has worn them on Everest. Acorn has a mission to creat Comfort on Earth. It's true these slippers are the most comfortable I've ever worn.

I am wearing my second pair bought just before I left the UK. As you can imagine that after all this time they are starting to look to retirement to the home for worn out comfy slippers. Simple I thought just go and buy a new pair. Yeah, right!

My normal supplier of Acorn slippers is a small shop in Oxford covered market. Now clearly a trip back for slippers is not feasible (although an attractive prospect if I could pick up some gob burner and oxford blue cheese and perhaps a steak and blue cheese pasty too). In this age of global shopping I though bound to be able to get them on-line. Yeah, right!

Seems that UK on-line retailers don't stock my beloved Acorns so I turned to suppliers in the US who unsurprisingly seem to shut their borders to sending things overseas to New Zealand. After getting thoroughly depressed at the thought of never replacing my Acorns I came upon a new idea www.buyusa.co.nz. This is a mail forwarding company that allows you to set up a mail box in the US - Idaho in fact. They will then receive any goods you've purchased and forward them to you in New Zealand. For a fee of course.

It all sounds slightly dodgy but it's a bone fide system. There are other companies that use a similar mail forwarding approach - www.accessusa.com is another. So I've registered, got my mail box and ordered my slippers. I know that they've been shipped from the supplier just now waiting for their delivery and onward forwarding.

If this actually works I'll be the proud owner of a new pair of slippers in time for full blown winter. It also opens up all sorts of retail opportunities on-line previously prevented. As long as we can get around the second barrier of US e-retailing in that lots of companies won't accept a non US addressed credit card. Can you believe it, they won't take my money! Still, you can use paypal or just shop with sensible retailers.

I'll keep you posted about the tale of my two slippers. I know you're dying to know the end of this story!

The hill billies are settling in nicely!

2008-05-16T07:00:00.000+12:00

Our hill billy chickens are settling in well. It's only been a few days but each day they seem to get braver and make themselves more at home.

Yesterday I caught them preening themselves in the corner making a nice hollow in which to wallow. George our rooster continues to make light work of the feeder and has started to make his traditional morning calls!

Fortunately the bassets have also made friends. After the initial barking and then woofing (more like a rasperry than a bark) it's now just hard stares and the occasional squeak. They love to sit and watch and get overly excited when the chooks come to the fence. I'm sure that before long they'll be bedding down together as best of friends. Or maybe not, given that Fortnum and Mason's breakfast comprises three lovely chicken necks!

The ground is sprouting again

2008-05-15T15:51:00.002+12:00

Yesterday the ground started sprouting pink wooden pegs. Or rather they were being bashed in the ground by our landscape designer Jamie. He came up to set out the spots for the trees to be planted.

At first I thought this was a job that we could do ourselves but when I started to try and work it our for myself I realised that without the requisite starting point and accurate measurements the trees would be planted in an approximation of the design. So what, you might think. True enough on six acres it wouldn't matter that much if they were a few metres out.

The truth of it is that with six acres you can get things more than a few metres out and since we spent so much time and money getting the landscape design done it seemed a small price to pay to put the design on the ground.

It’s amazing how a few pink wooden pegs can give structure to a landscape. Can you imagine what’s going to happen when the actual trees are planted in the ground?

When I taking the photos for the blog this morning – a morning for a smurf hat I might add – I noticed the mist lingering over the trees. It was cold, a bit damp but quite an inspiring start to the day.

Book blogging

2008-05-14T18:39:00.001+12:00

With all the excitement of chickens, bassets, mice (the headcount is now 6), hedges and other miscellaneous country life I thought it was time to prove that I'm not completely oblivious of things outside of my patch of land.

When I'm not blogging I love to read. I go in fits and starts though with me going for weeks without reading and then I become a total book worm becoming totally engrossed. I set myself a goal this year that I was going to read more and my birthday package from Amazon this year brought me 4 novels (all highly recommended by Richard and Judy) and 2 gardening books.

Eagled eyed bloggers will see I've jumped on the bandwagon and added an Amazon feature to my blog. This will allow you to link immediately to the site and if you buy I'll get a cut that will keep the Bassets in the style they've become accustomed to.

I've just finished the first of the novels and if you fancy giving it a go don't forget to link from my blog!

The book was A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, of Kite Runner Fame. It's set in Afgahanistan in the last 30 years - from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban era and beyond. It's the tale of two women whose lives become interwined and the struggles they face. I found the story enchanting and shocking in equal measure. Definitely worth a read - it gives you insight to the lives of Afghan women and made me grateful that I'm not one.

If anyone else has read this book I'd be keen to see what you think.

The other book by bedside is Monty Don's Around the World in 80 Gardens. True inspiration for those creating a garden of their own!

The hill billies have arrived!

2008-05-13T17:58:00.004+12:00

Our new residents have arrived. Four Barred Plymouth Rock chickens - one rooster and three hens. They arrived when I was out at work in town so it was quite a shock to see them huddling in their hill billy shack.

I was quick to get them fed and watered (Fortnum and Mason are loaning one of their bowls) and they seemed relieved to have some refreshment to overcome the shock of moving from the suburbs to the country.

Although I was keeping my distance they seemed OK in their new home. The bassets are less pleased though barking at the furry things on their land.

For the next week or so we'll keep them in their pen so that they can get aclimatised and understand that it's their home. The permanent house will be coming in the next week and Al assures me in the meantime that they'll be fine camping out.

As it went dark this evening they'd found their roosting spot and were huddling together to keep warm. MT will not be able to see them for a while as it's pretty dark when he leaves and pitch black when he's back. We'll save the naming until the weekend.

Well, most of the naming anyway. We've decided on names of royalty and since we've only got one boy it has to be George (named after my favourite King, George III). Watch this space for the naming ceremony for the hens.

Our hill billies - A little shy but not frightened

Food, let me at it......

Blimey, there's more!

Bottoms up Hill Billies

George is taking no prisoners on his way around the feeder

Gardening for style

2008-05-12T18:37:00.003+12:00

Great excitement this weekend - we've planted our hedge that will in time grow to be a stylish surround for our herb and salad bed.

Our hedge arrived by courier in two banana boxes - 120 Buxus sempervirens (English Box). The aim is to make an ornamental design which will not only look good but keep out the pooches from our lettuces and parsley. We've got a while to wait though, they are only about 3" tall at the moment.

As you can imagine Fortnum and Mason took great interest in the planting and had to be banished to the barn out of harms way. Mason thought it was great fun to put his nose down every hole dug for a plant to go in!

It didn't take long to do the planting - mainly because I have my own mathematician to work out the spacing. We were left with a few extra plants which I've potted on and will be grown for specimen topiary for the veranda.

The most exciting thing about the gardening this weekend was that I could wear my birthday present - a stylish pair of Hunter wellies. I've never been outdoorsy enough to warrant anything so flash in the past but now I'm Domestic Executive I thought it only right to have the right foot attire. As you can see from the pictures I'm wasting no time in getting them worn in!

Box in a box!

Ready for action!

I fear my hedge is bushier than my lawn!

Hedge laid for future delight.

Oh yes, protective barrier to be installed at earliest opportunity. In meantime Fortnum and Mason will be supervised and under strict control in this vicinity!

The land and house that never was

2008-05-11T08:41:00.002+12:00

Loyal blogger readers will remember that our house building dreams haven't entirely run a smooth course. For new readers, here's the crux of our story.

Anyway, we were out yesterday with the bassets walking the Rimutaka Incline Trail which is a recreational path that follows the line of the old Rimutaka Train Line. Lo and behold as we doodled along and opening in the hedge gave us full sight of the land we were going to buy but never did.

Little did we know at the time that there was a perfect viewing point straight onto the land (and possibly our bathroom) had we proceeded with our intended plans. It was interesting to see how the land has developed.

Funny how life turns out - although this is still a beautiful spot I reckon we did get some luck with the land we now have and the home we've built.

Access road to flat land (plot 7, we were going to buy)

The bridge that has been the cause of much environmental strife

Dead ahead is the building platform that never was with the paddocks on the low lying area

Basset tug of war

2008-05-10T07:54:00.000+12:00

Although Fortnum and Mason are best of friends when it comes to toys and cuddles there is always a contest or maybe a fight.

On our basset walk this week there was no exception as Mason picked up a nice bit of bark to chew and carry as he wandered along the Rimutaka Incline path. Not to be outdone Fortnum went in to claim possession. After much pulling and tugging brawn over brains won!

I'm sure Mason will extract his revenge - he usually does somehow.

How can I stop feeling like a murderer?

2008-05-09T07:05:00.000+12:00

You'll remember we've been having a few mouse problems. I followed the advice available from friends and the internet and my mouse catching tally has increased to 4.

You'd think I'd be pleased. But every time I pick up a shut mouse trap with a little nose or tail sticking out I feel terrible.

It also turns out that the nasty smell in Domestic Executive HQ was not some naughty puppy but a mouse that decided to die behind my pencil drawer.

All this reminds me of the mice we used to have living in our house in the UK. They used to run in the roof space over the ceiling in our bedroom stopping only to climb up and down the roof joists. It was quite comical when I think about it now but those nocturnal gymnastics didn't seem so funny at the time. Those playful mice were also responsible for chewing through our house wiring which resulted in a lot of hassle and expense to fix the damage from their chewing.

I really do feel bad but can't find any of those humane mouse traps that we could release back into the field. But even if we could I realise that we're putting at risk our highly sensitive indoor wiring that has become a lifeline to the rest of the world though the internet.

So what can I do to feel less like a murderer? All suggestions gratefully received.

Dew sniffers

2008-05-08T08:33:00.001+12:00

At last the freezing temperatures have gone away. For how long I don't know but it's an all round relief in Domestic Executive HQ.

There is nothing our basset hounds like more is to sniff the morning dew. It was frozen for them yesterday but this morning we were back with plenty for them to enjoy. It is a bit chilly hanging around waiting for them to complete their investigations but they are hounds and their trade mark is sniffing. It wouldn't be fair to deny them their fun.

I still think that the "lawn" is a huge disappointment to Fortnum and Mason. Without a full stretch of grass to sniff, lick and usually eat it can be hard work differentiating from the dirt.

Here's some basset blogging to show our dew sniffers at work!

Where has the autumn gone?

2008-05-07T11:59:00.003+12:00

I know that my blog readers believe all I say but today I felt it was important to supplement with some evidence just incase there was any chance of confusion, doubt or ambiguity.

It is officially cold!

Minus one when I got up this morning at 6am, two degrees colder than when I went to bed. This is the solar thermometer showing the roof temperature. It was not an altogether pleasant experience.

We've still not got the programming right (or perhaps I should really say, he hasn't got it quite right) so it was a very swift dressing experience into layers and my trusty "smurf" hat which the bassets bought me for my birthday. Glamourous it may not be but warm and cosy it is.

The boys weren't lingering with their morning business heading back to bed at the earlist opportunity. We also had to defrost the car to do the commuter run. I lit the wonderful wood burner to make sure that the poor heat pump had some help.

But can you believe it ..... the sun is out and it's almost like a summer's day. I say "almost" because there is still a chill in the air but the temperature on the roof has climbed to a balmy 63 degrees! Honest - the camera battery is on recharge so you'll have to take my word for it.

I was talking to someone yesterday who was desparate it has turned cold. He reckons we've slipped from summer to winter and skipped autumn altogether. Hope not. Still need to get my trees in the ground. Oh the pressures of country living for this domestic executive!

The hill billies are moving in

2008-05-06T21:03:00.002+12:00

Our beekeeper friend Al came at the weekend to start the transition of the chickens to their new home here in Kaitoke. We're still waiting for their spanking new chicken house to arrive so Al offered to provide a temporary one for us.

You'll see from the photos that this is very temporary. It looks a little like the hill billies are moving in. I'd like to reassure you that our chucks have the finest wooden pallets, insulation and a water tight roof for over their heads. I'm a little worried that the front might be a bit drafty but hopefully it won't be for long.

All I need now is their food, feeder and water trough and we'll see the hill billies arrive on the back of Al's truck!

Morning tea mania

2008-05-05T07:34:00.002+12:00

I've blogged before about the rituals of morning tea here in New Zealand. A very civilised way of getting together with people to spoil your appetite for lunch or your diet.

MT's turn has come around again. He was in charge of savouries last time and baked two very nice quiches which went down a storm. This time he's on sweet duty so last night was a baking frenzy to provide for the office table.

I admit I knocked up a couple of old favourites. Nigella's Guiness and Chocolate cake and a batch of Pear and Ginger Muffins.

It was really country experience. Dogs flat out on their cushion drying off from their Sunday bath with the Archers Omnibus Edition on the radio. I was more Jill Archer than Nigella I think although she was baking scones for the Church AGM!

MT was packed off with his goodies in one piece so it will be interesting to see if they make it all the way to town without them being bashed, broken or more likely eaten on the way!

Basset blogging: this is more like it

2008-05-04T08:44:00.004+12:00

Yesterday it was definitely chilly enough for the man of the house to turn cave man and light his beloved fire. It made the house warm and toasty and gave us free piping hot water for a bath.

We decided it was time to test our theory that a basset likes nothing better than to lie in front of a fire blocking out all the heat. However, the fire is in a no basset zone so the deal was that they could come into the living room if they sat on their cushion and didn't move. As a precautionary measure they had collar and lead on in case immediate owner control was required.

Just like little angels they flopped onto their big cushion and made themselves comfy in front of the roaring log fire. It wasn't long before there was deep and rhythmic breathing with the odd snort and snore (and that was just from me!).

They proved that they could be trusted under strict conditions. It doesn't mean that they'll be free ranging in the carpeted area of the house where some of the best furniture resides!

They loved it and it was fun to see them having such a good time. In fact it was quite a struggle to get them up and back into their chilly bedroom. Wonder why?

Our first snow

2008-05-03T07:32:00.003+12:00

As I pottered into town yesterday enjoying the sunshine the weather reports on the radio were warning snow down to 200m in some parts of New Zealand.

Imagine my delight when MT said we've got snow this morning. Yes, we do indeed. Our surrounding hill tops are covered with light covering of snow. With the wind chill temperatures freezing this morning it's not hard to see why.

Our location means we can also just see the Rimutakas too and they've got snow too. This photoblogging doesn't really do it justice, I think it might soon be time to upgrade the camera with our mounting number of "hotpoints" collected on one of the many loyalty cards we have.

View down to Tunnel Gulley

It's not quite a ski field but it's our first snow!

A glimpse of the snow clad Rimutaka peaking over the neighbours paddock

2008-05-02T18:07:00.005+12:00

They say you can't beat Wellington on a good day! Today I was reminded of that.

It was a bit dark, dank and dreary up in Kaitoke so I set off in the rain for appointments in town. As I travelled down the Hutt Valley and into town it was like someone had opened the curtains to see the view.

It was sunny, bright and although a little bit breezy it was almost perfect weather for Autumn. Having left home a bit wet and grumpy I was immediately cheered up and by the time I arrived in the 13 floor offices of my clients my disposition matched the weather!

As you emerge along the motorway through lower hutt Wellington is revealed in all it's glory. It's a fantastic sight and something I don't think I'll ever tire of. Today was a day when it gave me goosebumps. To see things crystal clear - the water, the city and the surrounding hills. Why on earth would you want to live anywhere else?

Water shortages, what?

2008-05-01T07:44:00.003+12:00

It's still raining another day later and the bassets and I are thoroughly fed up. After spending yesterday rescuing trees and plodging through the mud in wellies I yearn for the summer sun to return.

I know that the farmers need the moisture and we need the rain for the tank but things are starting to get out of hand with enough rain I think in the last 36 hours to make up for what we've been missing.

Ever wondered what an empty water reservoir looks like in drought. Here's some photoblogging so you can see.

The Stuart Macaskill lakes serving the Wellington mains water system just down the hill from where we live.

Yup, it's empty!

Phew, it's got a neighbour that's full and getting fuller by the minute.

The connurbation the lakes serve - Hutt Valley towards Wellington

Our very own stream and drive reservoir!

Deliverance of weather

2008-04-30T19:35:00.001+12:00

The severe weather we were expecting arrived last night. According to the newspapers it wasn't as bad as people feared but it sounded like rain of biblical proportions on the roof.

Still at least our water tank will be full which is always a comforting thought.

The lashing wind and rain has caused havoc with my new trees. I've had an almost wholesale collapse of trees already delivered so it was a challenge putting them all upright again this morning. Not sure my garden twine is up to the job of keeping some of the bigger trees secure in high winds. Mental note to get some proper rope to lash them together.

Talking of trees - we had another delivery today but this time smaller species and more native to New Zealand. Given the high winds and rain that seem to be with us at the moment it was tricky finding a spot to store these plants. Although you might think with 6 acres that won't be a problem but it is when the excavators are due on site soon to finish the top soil spreading and finish the drive.

In the end I thought the safest, if not the most sheltered, would be to lash the plants together to the house in the existing flower borders. Not the most attractive I know but at least it's a practical short term home. Hope they don't get too used to their surroundings as they'll soon have to be shifted elsewhere and survive wind and rain lashing on their own!

A quick round up for new readers

2008-04-29T07:33:00.004+12:00

For new and returning visitors to Domestic Executive, here's a quick link round up for you to enjoy.

We've been living in New Zealand now for over two years. Don't ask me where the time has gone as it hardly seems like yesterday since I was loading my chattels into a container in Oxfordshire. The goal for moving 12,000 miles away from family and friends was to find some peace and quiet in the country and cut loose from the corporate life. I've certainly done that and now the hard bit comes to enjoying what we've got. Even in New Zealand it's easy to get into the work rhythm when being a Domestic Executive requires new habits and passions that revolve more around the demands of nature than shareholders or stakeholders. I ponder on life as a Domestic Executive from time to time - click here to read Domestic Executive Musings.

Our house is a fulfilment of a long held dream to have a house with a Walton's porch and turrets. The build process last year was a roller coaster ride of highs and lows. It's only with the benefit of hindsight that I can now see how lucky we were to get our build completed in the time we did and with relatively little problem. Our neighbours have suffered much more. Doug, our country living hunter next door, has had a lengthy delay with his architectural plans after his architect became seriously ill. He missed the opportunity to build last year (he's building his own place) so will have to wait till the end of next year now to start his own build. His parents (neighbours closest to the main road), bought Doug's house and have rennovated it with the idea of making some extra money - they've now been hit with the propertly slump and it's still on the market after a couple of months of showing. Mike and Andrea (our neighbours on the hill) are due to get handover on their place at the end of June. It's been a painful process of mishaps and mistakes with the biggest one being a budget blow out that has meant that they've got to finish the house by decorating it themselves. Today we've got the painters and builders back to complete the work they they should have done within 2 weeks of moving in - since it's six months now it only goes to prove that builders have their own time zone where 1 week=1 month. You can see our housebuilding adventures through my houseblogging reports.

Part of the Domestic Executive picture has always been to have two basset hounds to love. Fortnum and Mason have certainly brought bundles of activity to our lives and I can't imagine life without them now. If I'd known what I was letting myself in for when we brought them home I am sure I wouldn't have done it but am pleased I did. They are unruly, boisterous boys with limited hearing capability for basic commands. They eat, sleep and hoon around living a life of pure pleasure and fun. They are a constant worry and expense but they are now part of our family and give me hours of entertainment and unconditional love that is hard to adore. You can read about our Basset Boys in my bassetblogging posts.

When you have 6 acres of land and grand plans for growing and a menagerie of animals there is always something to do. There's no Ground Force transformation taking place here just backbreaking digging, weeding, strimming and mowing that seems to have a marginal effect. We have at least established a garden around the house and immediate plans for a second go at growing a lawn and planting trees before the winter sets in. My winter project is going to be planning in detail my kitchen garden. I'm getting inspiration at the moment from Geoff Hamilton through some vintage episodes of his on DVD. Geoff makes it all look so easy so as long as I stick to his advice and that of Alan and Monty I'm sure that it will all come right in the end. The biggest drawback at the moment is my lack of carpentry skills to do some basic chores such as built my compost, border protection from basset fencing and a chicken house. Still you've got to start somewhere so my goal this week is to get the necessary ingredients (I mean materials) and follow my plans. After all how difficult can it be to build a box to put garden rubbish in? You can follow our gardening and country living exploits.

Being a Domestic Executive has opened up a new interest for me - blogging. I've loved writing my daily snippets and enjoyed the feedback from people. Another winter project is brewing of the publishing kind. I won't say more about it now but hopefully Domestic Executive fans will enjoy a new look and approach to blogging by Spring. Also, inspired by reading other people's blogs I've got a new blogging idea developing that I'm hoping will bring inspiration, insight and laughter to a new cyberspace audience. Mum's the word at the moment but don't be surprised if I tap your shoulder by email to be part of my new blogging venture.

In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my Domestic Executive adventures!

Drought to floods

2008-04-28T20:11:00.003+12:00

New Zealand has weather warnings today that we're about to be deluged with rain with a threat of tornadoes. Just as well we managed to get the rain collection from the barn roof connected to the main water tank today. This means we'll now be able to maximise the rain amount of we collect.

We were planning to install another tank to avoid the water shortage possibilities next year but the costs were much higher than we imagined so we'll see how we go with just one tank but more water collection when it does rain.

High excitement too that we've had another tap installed outside by the barn. This will come in handy for watering the trees and save on the feet when refreshing the basset water bowl. It's a great sense of satisfaction when I tick things off my list. After a slow and frustrating few weeks it's good to be making progress at last.

If we do get the projected rainfall this week there's a danger that parts of New Zealand that were suffering the most with droughts will be dealing with floods which I am sure bring their own brand of difficulties for those in weather dependent industries like farming. I'll keep you posted.

Here's a satellite image taken last night shows the thunderstorm in the Tasman Sea heading towards New Zealand. Looks grim.

Basset blogging: in the wars again

2008-04-27T20:02:00.000+12:00

Fortnum's been overdoing it and ended up back at the vets. Probably too much hooning around but he's now confined to gentle play and lots of rest in his crate. We're not sure whether it's an injury or whether he's got growing pains but nevertheless rest is the only way for him to get it better.

As you can imagine this has not gone down well. It's confusing for him and for Mason who is almost as much affected since he's lost his playmate and keeps getting told off for simply having a good time.

We were due to go to a basset walk today – the first we were to attend – but only managed the meet and greet before seeing a baggle of bassets head off down the path. Fortnum and Mason did enjoy seeing other dogs and were a bit disappointed to be left behind. Next time they'll get their chance.

Here's a couple of pictures of their latest antics.

Basset on camera attack!

Basset invasion of Domestic Executive HQ

Autumnal colour at last!

2008-04-25T17:12:00.003+12:00

It was another mini milestone this week with the arrival of some autumnal colour at last. This was in the shape of our first delivery of trees - 42 in all - about 50% of the first tranch of planting to be done.

It was quite a sight to see the HGV delivery them without a hitch. This was because the fencer and I have been in dialogue as to whether the gateway he's just built would be wide enough for trucks, diggers and the like. We now know that it is!

The delay in getting the ground works men back to finish the drive and spread the top soil means we'll be tending our trees in their pots for a while yet. To give them the best chance of surviving our winds we've lined them up and secured them to the fence and barn.

It's exciting to see the next part of the landscape plan coming to life. Now we just need some fine weather in about two weeks so we get the drive finished and the top soil spread ready for our tree planting extravaganza.

The kiwi bug

2008-04-25T14:28:00.003+12:00

There are thousands of Brits here in NZ adopting life kiwi style. Many are avid bloggers so there are plenty of sites to choose from. Here's one I found recently which really chimed with my thinking Brit in the Boonies. Check out the archives on the right to find the rest of the articles that follow.

Just for Ruth: a chicken coup to go with the book

2008-04-25T08:33:00.003+12:00

When I was a kid I always used to be slightly embarressed that my father was capable of over engineering most things. For example, we couldn't just have a rubbish bin - it had to be a grit bin which was one of the products that we manufactured in the family firm. There was a long list of other DIY projects that were highly specified and in the event more than fit for purpose.

Still it was a wonder to have a DIY Dad who can turn his hand to most things and has served me well in my home improvements over the years. In the true tradition of my father I think we've now got an over engineered chicken run. It will however last for a long time and there's no skimping on the space or the appearance. Look and and see!

Now the coup is ready I'd better get on with the next bit of my country life dream. One of my favourite leaving presents from my dear friend Ruth in the UK was a book about keeping chickens. This has been my inspiration for some time and now we have a home in which to put the chickens it's time I started learning what I'm suposed to do with these feathered things.

Next step is to get a house for nesting and some chooks and we'll soon be scrambling our own eggs for breakfast - how amazing is that!

Birthday excitement

2008-04-24T08:13:00.002+12:00

It's going to be a lazy today in honour of my birthday. It will be minimal chores and hopefully time doing things that I wouldn't normally do.

Although our morning routine didn't change that much I did manage to open my pressies before having to get the boys up for their ablusions and breakfast. It was a bit of a struggle though as they were rather enjoying playing with the paper from the present they'd bought me - a striking possum beanie hat and pair of gloves.

It's never easy basset photoblogging but here's my best efforts!

Opphs, not quick enough to get both in shot!

Hmm, at least two boys in shot although Mason was heading for closer look at the camera!

Residential definition

2008-04-23T07:56:00.007+12:00

It's been months since I started my search for a fencer and after a couple of false starts with two people I finally found a fencing contractor that would come to take our hard earned cash.

Hugh and his mate finally turned up a week late but in a few short hours they've reinstated the deer fencing from the side of the house up the drive, put in the posts for the new gate and created a door through the fence to the soon to be chicken run.

It's amazing how a bit of fencing can give such definition to an area. It is of course not just aesthetic benefit when complete the house area will be secure for Bassets to roam a little more at their will.

They've loved having the fencers on site. New feet to get under, smells to sniff and something other than me to stare at from the veranda. Little do they know that it's these entertainers that are to contain their wanderings which I am sure they won't like at all!

More work to be done but here's some interim photoblogging for you to enjoy!

Bassetblogging: a new indoor arena

2008-04-22T17:20:00.003+12:00

It's been a long time in coming but we've finally sorted out an indoor play arena for our pampered pooches to enjoy when the rain comes down.

After much headscratching and design work by our respective father's I decided to take an easy construction route to partioning off part of our barn for Fortnum and Mason to play in. We made use of two old gates - one we had and one I scrounged off my neighbour Jim.

We've now got a solid and secure area for the boys to go instead of them getting cramp from sitting in their dog house when it rains.

They had their first outing in their today and suffice to say they are not really that keen. There was lots of new smells and although they could see out and I left the barn doors open for them they were decidedly not sure about being caged in.

I'm sure they'll get used to it and in time will come to appreciate the enormous effort and thought gone into getting them somewhere new to potter around. Admittedly it looks a bit sparten at the moment - a couple of mats and a bit of carpet but I'm sure when they put up their posters, bring out their soft toys and let their bones lying around it will be just like things are in the family room in the house!

"Really not sure about the view from here"

"Let's see if I lie down I might see an escape route?"

"Perhaps if we spread out it won't seem so empty?"

Morning chills

2008-04-21T07:50:00.003+12:00

We've been getting lots of dew for weeks but gradually it's been getting chillier and chillier overnight and it's only a matter of time before we a ground frost to contend with.

With the dip in temperature and torrential rain this weekend we've been making use of our central heating and also got the wood burner on the go. The beauty of burning the wood is that as well as heating the house we are also heating the water and have had lashings of boiling water as a free bi-product. It's this winter water heating feature that when combined with the solar for the sunny days it makes you feel much better about how you're using the planet's resources.

The mornings are full of mist and mellow light. It's quite something to see the changing weather as I do the commuter run or simply pottering around outside with the dogs.

They were dead pleased it was 2 degrees on the roof today as this set the tone for whether I'd make them go out in the pen or whether they were allowed back in the house for their post breakfast snooze. As you might imagined our spoiled bassets are now snoozing in their duvet beds in the utlity rooom!

Basset blogging: breakout again!

2008-04-19T21:05:00.000+12:00

The danger of running a puppy bootcamp is that you need a totally secure and contained area in which to keep the puppies when one is on the parade ground going through their paces.

Our puppy pen has served us well over the last four months with only one breach of security when Fortnum realised that if he pushed hard enough at the bottom of the gate he'd be able to get out!

Now we tied the bottom of the gate together making the pen secure again. Or so we thought.

Today I was up at the top of the drive trying to persuade Mason to walk nicely by me. I was still in sight of the pen when all of a sudden Fortnum's barking stopped. Always a suspicious sign. And lo and behold when I looked there was Fortnum bounding up the drive with his ears flapping and a smile to die for.

I knew as soon as I saw him that his breakout capabilities were again brute force but this time simply jumping, leaning and putting as much weight on the gate panel had led to it splitting to a low enough level for him to leap over the top to freedom.

Fortuantly we have some matching coloured rope - bright orange - and with some weaving I've managed to not just repair the rip but also strengthen the panel such that it will take quite a bit more jumping and leaning to break through the nylon rope.

Who knows how long it will be before he finds another way to breakout. Hopefully the fencer will turn up as promised tomorrow and we'll get their pen in the barn sorted out so that they will be more secure with steel gates to keep them penned in.

With the breakout adventure and two lots of visitors today they had a ball. Even if they did scare the children and drag MT's friend along when we took a stroll around the land. The only bonus was that they settled down early at my feet under my desk and had to be put to bed in a sleepy haze. If only they could be that cute all of the time!

Baking mania

2008-04-18T20:34:00.002+12:00

This weekend we're having a social fest - we've got two sets of friends visiting. Not only is this momentus because this indicates we have a kiwi social life but it marks another moment of baking mania to provide for our guests.

So tonight I've been baking and preparing for tomorrow's brunch that will follow a walk with my girl friends and afternoon tea for a friend of MT's. I'm relying on Nigella to see me through so fingers crossed the catering will be stressfree.

It was a real joy to be pottering in the kitchen with a podcast playing on our magic radio and a glass of wine on hand to add to the evening pleasure. For such a long time I'd be imagining me baking in my big kitchen designed to please me and there I was actually doing it. How cool is that!

Now to complete the evening, I'm going to settle into the last episode of Cranford to see if anyone else is going to die or whether there might at last be a happy ending!

Nocturnal residents

2008-04-17T19:42:00.000+12:00

For the last two nights I've had to swerve in the lane driving up to the house. This was to avoid squashing one of our country residents - a hedgehog. Fortunately it moves pretty quickly across the road so doesn't cause delay but it's still a worry to know that one day it might not be so lucky.

It's nice to know we've got new neighbours but not sure what Fortnum and Mason would make of this spiky little creature. Might be nice to coax him or her down to our land and make them an official part of the Treanor menagerie.

You can read all about hedgehogs and their habits here.

Away from almost running over a hedgehog it's been a busy week with work in town in the afternoons and preparation in the mornings to be done. Not to mention the usual round of domestic routines. I am at least getting into more of a rhythm although I don't think it's a routine that the puppies like much - early lunches and late dinners. I'm meeting with a Pet Angel soon as I there are a few full day gigs coming up which mean that I'll need to have someone to come and make lunch for the boys and make sure that they aren't fighting too much.

It's clear that if you leave them for too long on their own they start to turn feral and ignor you completely which isn't a good thing. So, it's back to puppy boot camp from tomorrow as I've got a home day planned and then we can continue to ramp up the training over the weekend.

Personal reflection - is it all it's cracked up to be?

2008-04-15T19:52:00.001+12:00

I'm half way through my first major coaching assigment, coaching to members of a senior board on the results of their 360 degree appraisal. Its been a real eye opener to see how people have approached the session - body language has been fun to see how it evolves and what happens when I start asking them questions which challenge their thinking.

It's quite something to be independent and feeding back evidence from others. I've certainly go no agenda other than making sure that the message is heard. Some of the messages being sent are hard for some people to hear. This is made worse when they act like they are hard of hearing and I keep having to repeat the message in an an ever more persistent way until they finally get it!

There is no doubt that personal reflection is tough to do when you're being forced through an organisational process. As one of my clients pointed out "All this personal reflection is not all it's cracked up to be. I'm quite happy the way I am, it's other people need to change and get used to it!" Let's just say there was no way that person was leaving the session early for good behaviour!

I've no time for personal reflection this week - I'm motoring on Domestic Executive adrenalin fitting in all the chores, work and home cooking to put me to bed in a state of readiness for sleep!

Basset blogging: it's a hard life being a dog

2008-04-14T08:08:00.003+12:00

Given their behaviour recently basset blogging has been in abeyance for a while. This blog is dedicated to Leonardo, a declared basset blogging fan!

Fortnum and Mason are continuing to thrive. They are growing daily and their antics never cease to amuse (well apart from then they chew furniture). They are much easier to live with as they can settle down sometimes and allow you some peace and quiet to get on with things.

They are still on their gourmet diet - cereal and milk for breakfast with homecooked lunch and dinners. It's been a battle to get them to eat commercial food but slowly they are eating it when it's mixed in with their tastier home made meals. We've cut out the snacks morning and afternoon although they are still partial to a bone to chew. It will be a relief when it can just be biscuits in the morning and a meal at night - it will reduce the amount of floor cleaning needed (they smear everything on the floor) and mean that the our lives won't require us to be on hand for midday feeding.

It's hard to believe that our little cute bundles of fluff are growing into such big dogs. They are definitely two people lifting material now to get them in the bath or the car. However, when they bed down at the end of the day (around 7.30-8pm) they are as cute as puppies - until Fortnum starts to snore!

Bassets bounding up basset alley

It's hard work all this running around!

"If I stick out my tongue do you think I'll look cuter?"

Basset bone heaven

Oooh, those legs are going to hurt

2008-04-13T20:57:00.001+12:00

With two beautiful sunny days we set to again this weekend to see if we could reveal more of our land. The main challenge was to clear the area where the fencers are coming to build the chicken run but MT couldn't help himself to test out his mower again.

The Bassets were not best pleased to be losing yet another basset alley - a long grass area where they can run and play without being seen (or so they think, their white tipped tails are a bit of a giveaway!).

Slowly but surely we're starting to reveal more of the land but its a small dimple in the overall area. Still you've got to start somewhere and if we keep plugging away we'll get there in the end.

The conclusion after two days of strimming and mowing is that those legs are going to hurt in the morning!

Crop circles do you think?

Chicken run alley

Site of future kitchen garden

The sun dipping down behind the trees at the end of a long hot day

Domestic Executive tensions

2008-04-11T08:16:00.004+12:00

Being a Domestic Executive is not always as simple as people might think. The dream was an idyllic lifestyle pottering around at home, doing a few chores and fitting in a spot of paid work occasionally.

Seems that the pressures to complete both Domestic and the Executive are not that dissimilar from how it's been in my past employed life. There is always more to do than there is time to do it.

Having struggled a bit in the last three weeks to get on top of my massive to do list I've decided I need a new way of tackling things. As you might expect from a list obesssive the key thing is to find a new way of organising the list to make it seem more achievable and enable you to tick more things off.

Has it worked? Partly. I've actually got through more of the list this week so it feels like more progress but it doesn't get away from the fact that the days still pass in a flash and the list gets added to each night making the list the same length as the day before.

So the plan from now is to actually get the chores done as early in the day before I sit down to work through the office work. If I don't it can be lunch time and the day is running out.

I'm also trying out a new routine for catering. Taking a leaf from Nigella's express cooking techniques I'm trying to get ahead of the arrangements so that it doesn't seem like such a rush in the evenings to feed and walk dogs, do commuter run and get a fantastic supper on the table that would be worthy of a TV series.

So bloggers it's a poor excuse for getting behind with my blog posts this week but blogging comes after washing, cleaning, office work but before ironing!

PS - I start the new blogging routine next week!

Sleeping with a rodent

2008-04-10T19:35:00.001+12:00

Mus musculus - House Mouse

Bloggers will remember that we discovered we had a mouse a few weeks ago and I invested in some mouse traps to try and catch them. Seems it didn't work.

At around 3am this morning we were woken by our Mus Musculus who was playing in the curtains in our bedroom. We opened the door to the veranda letting in an arctic blast and then tried to get the mouse to come out and be chase out the door. All that I managed was to get him to peak boo out of the curtain stick his tongue out and say na, na, na, na na... catch me if you can!

MT thought it then rushed off (Did you know that mice can run up to 8 miles an hour? True - check it out here) under the door to the hall so I gave up being a mouse hunter in the wee hours of the morning.

Intent on finding the little rodent tonight I went to fish out the mousetrap from under the cooker and lo and behold what was there? Yes, you guessed it a not so alive mouse.

Whether this is THE mouse that kept us awake I'm not sure but I'm not taking any chances. The mousetrap will stay in the hall for a few nights yet. Hopefully if there is another it will fancy a snack of peanut butter and we'll be able to sleep in peace.

A man and his mower

2008-04-09T07:52:00.001+12:00

Last weekend MT set to with his new lawnmower bought in the sale. It's not quite the ride on mower he dreams about but with a lawn that's refusing to grow and thistles growing on most of the land we figured it was too soon to be investing the amount of $s it would be at this stage. I think he's more inclined to get a quad bike and trailer instead so we can go off roading in the forestry!

Still, what little grass we have in the lawn felt so much better after it had the snip. Glowing in the success of that he thought a little trim elsewhere was in order. Complete with Bassets in tow he set off to mow his pasture. Fortnum and Mason were not too sure about the red, noisy moving thing (all the things that send them scuttling) but they braved it to get a bit closer to the action.

As for MT, he got a good garden workout pushing the mower through the long grass up and down the hill. Good job that the mower is designed for tough stuff as it needs to be.

Although it's only a small dent in the land it does make it much nicer to take the dogs down the garden for a potter. I'm not sure that the bassets agree as they like nothing better than running through the long grass.

This weekend we've got to get the strimmer and bush cutter in action to clear the area where the chicken pen is being built next week.

Slow progress for Mike and Andrea

2008-04-08T08:43:00.002+12:00

It's hard to see from the outside the progress inside on Mike and Andrea's place. There aren't many white vans visiting that often so you have to wonder how much progress is being made.

From the outside some stone cladding has gone on but the main render seems conspicuous by it's absence. Having spied through the windows it seems that first fix, insulation and gib boarding is in progress but it seems a long way from becoming a habitable dwelling.

They are due to get handover at the end of May so it will be interesting to see if the white vans start multiplying soon.

View from the Pylon Loop Track

Rambling the pylon way

2008-04-07T08:28:00.000+12:00

When we were building the house we'd often scoot up to site have a snout around and then head off for a walk on one of the trails close by. Since we've actually moved here we haven't been out walking so decided yesterday that today was the day that we were getting back into the habit.

For a change we decided to cross the state highway and take one of the Kaitoke Regional Park trails on the other side of the road. There was a choice of two - the Pylon Loop Track and Kaitoke Hill Track. We decided that the Pylon Loop sounded intriguing so set off up hill into the forestry.

After an indyllic start through the forestry we finally found the pylons across the valley that make the track name so appropriate. We headed off towards the water treatment plant in hope of spying the water resevoirs but instead found ourselves back on the Kaitoke Hill Track that was a painful reminder of the fact that what goes up must come down!

It wasn't what I'd call the most attractive of walks but it was a good way to stretch the legs and work up a sweat. Not sure that the Bassets will relish it as a walk when they're old enough to go out even though they have four paw drive to make it easier for them.

No it's not a hobbit hole but the underpass off the Kaitoke Loop under the state highway.

A bit of a more artistic pylon view

Looking down to Te Marua towards Upper Hutt

Turning the clocks back

2008-04-06T08:07:00.005+12:00

We've been up real early this morning. The clocks went back so it was an hour earlier than our body clocks were telling us. Mental note for those of you in the northern hemisphere, this means we're now 11 hours ahead of the UK.

Still getting up early means there is more time to look at the view. Well you could if you could see it!

The mists are forming in the valley at this time of year and they create some spectacular sights as they move from thick pea soup, can't see a thing but a blanket of white to some fantastic formations as they rise and clear.

Photoblogging weather is never easy and it doesn't really give you a full sensory feeling of the damp in the air. Still, thought it was worth sharing with dedicated Domestic Executive bloggers.

Dog house blues

2008-04-05T18:33:00.001+13:00

Our butter wouldn't melt in their mouths puppies are well and truly in the dog house. No joke.

They disgraced themselves by chewing up the new veranda furniture that MT had slaved over making over the Christmas break. Although a bit of sanding, filling and repainting will repair the majority there is no getting away from the fact that there is a bit missing from one of the chairs.

To say that they were not very popular today is an understatement so they've been banished back to their playpen and dog house and their free ranging days are over.

The chewing extravaganza followed an evening of bad behaviour when MT was in charge and I was out living it up with some friends in town. They ran away up the drive and didn't want to come back and then proceeded to fight and chew their leads making it impossible to walk them with any semblance of control. All in all it sounded awful.

If there is any admonishment it has to be mine for leaving them unsupervised to chew on the furniture. I can tell you it's a tight squeeze for three in our little dog house and with the damp and wet it's not pleasant putting up with the doggy smell.

It's not that they haven't played today - they've run riot across the lawn, bounded up and down the newly mown area in the lower area of the garden and investigated the barn during a clearing out operation. It's just that they've not been able to run around the flower beds, hoon around the house and play tag up and down the veranda. It's just not the usual level of independence they've enjoyed in recent weeks.

Whilst we can "blame" Fortnum and Mason the truth is their behaviour is the outcome of that of they carers. Their training regime has been reduced when the visitors were here and since I've been trying to catch up with all my chores they've not had the investment that they need to turn them into disciplined and well behaved pooches.

So our basset cherubs are back in intensive puppy school and banished from the house and veranda until they can behave. They were a little confused about being kept under so much control today and Fortnum was particularly sulky when he went to bed.

Pity he has no idea what awaits in the Basset Bootcamp tomorrow!

Perhaps we need some Poles?

2008-04-04T16:30:00.001+13:00

It's been one of those frustrating weeks where I spend ages chasing up people who we'd like to pay them to do work for us. Nothing earth shattering just fencers, landscapers and the like. It seems that here in New Zealand there is simply too much work for people of this kind and nailing them down firstly to a price and then a time is proving as difficult as it used to be in the UK to get a plumber or builder, before the Polish immigrants arrived.

I'm being to experience the butt end of the kiwi skills shortage and I can tell you it's frustrating in the extreme. I also feel like I've turned into a bit of a stalker ringing to get hold of people and decided that it's not worth leaving messages as they never return the calls.

I'm going to have to tackle this another way next week if I'm going to have any hope of getting the drive finished, trees order, fencing constructed and keep my sanity. I though that moving to live in the country was going to take away the executive stress. I'm beginning to see that it's not quite as stress free as I'd imagined

Still it's the weekend and hopefully the rain will hold off long enough for us to get the new lawn mover into action.

Snogging for work

2008-04-03T19:51:00.001+13:00

Talking to a colleague about the best techniques for winning business we strayed into the merits of snogging for business. Now before you start thinking this is a way of spicing up my blog, I'm talking about metaphorical snogging not the physical type.

It's true to need to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. I've done a bit of that recently by labouring over the dreaded RFP - request for proposals in English - favoured by public bodies that have to be seen to be fair and accountable. These RFPs take an age to read (just imagine the level of Government gobbledegook there is) and when you think you've understood what they want you start to interpret it and put together the world's most fantastic solution to their problem that they are bound to leap at buying from you. Yeah right!

Let's just say you need to be selective about responding to RFPs. They so rarely deliver the rewards that the glitz of their paperwork suggests. Even when you might win the business those curly clauses in the contract always provide for them to back track and scale down the project till profitibility starts to seem away.

I'm pleased to say that I kissed a prince this week. It was a word of mouth referral to the company for leadership coaching for the top tier of a major professional services firm. How cool is that! And not an RFP in sight. Just simple clear request - one page proposal - a quick smackaroo on the cheek - and we're in business.

If only winning business was that simple all the time!

Fruit's of Bob's labour

2008-04-02T12:42:00.001+13:00

My father in law was a determined gorse exterminator when staying with us. He'd dress up in long trousers and long sleeved shirt despite the hot weather and complete with baseball cap, gloves and mask he'd head of to the bottom of the garden with his spraying backpack on. A while later he'd trog back up the hill, refill the sprayer and set off again. He'd repeat this operation many times in his determination to attack our pesky gorse.

It has to be said that this was no round up he was using. It was the real farmers assault bio-weapon which turned the gorse a little queasy within a few days but after a couple of months it's turning from green to brown in a much more determined way. It's such a relief to know that all his hard labour is paying off - it could be a few more months before the plants start to rot away and then we'll have to start spraying the second row of gorse.

Gorse is a real bio-pest in New Zealand brought in by the British colonials to make hedges. Now we're over run with the nasty, prickly, invasive weed. We need to clear the gorse to be able to reclaim some of our land, in particular to allow the development of our kitchen garden which should enable us to start to grown our own food and live a more self-sufficient life.

Here are some pictures to show the demise of the gorse in action!

Excavating and organising paper

2008-04-01T19:59:00.000+13:00

At the passing of another tax year I thought I'd get ahead of the game and start to work out my GST return (kiwi equivalent of VAT). It didn't take me long to realise that my neglect of business practices this year is going to make this a painful process.

After several hours of excavating my office I did find my well filed (yeah, right) receipts and copy invoices which gave me the excuse of spending time creating the filing system for last year. However satisfying it felt to finally get the FY 2007 in order before I realised that if I was going to be truly efficient it for FY 2008 I should really be thinking about. Cue another couple of hours getting ready for this year.

Let's just say that Domestic Executive enterprises for 2007 are not going to be record breaking but it's hardly surprising given that the emphasise for the year was on domesticity. Need to set myself some clearer financial goals but before that I need to get better at keeping the Domestic Executive Business house in order!

British Summer Time

2008-03-31T07:51:00.000+13:00

The clocks changed in the UK on Saturday night which heralds the start of British Summer. Let's hope it's better than the last.

For bloggers in the UK you're now 12 hours behind us in New Zealand so when you see the sun rising think of us looking at the moon. The night sky here continues to be drammatic with the limited light polution over Kaitoke giving us some magnificent sights.

As British Summer arrives here in New Zealand we're definitely into Autumn and the rainy season is starting much to the relief of water planners and people living on tank water. It actually took two days of persistent drizzle and showers to fill up the tanks.

Much has been written in the papers in recent days of the prolonged sunshine and lack of rain. Even Wellingtonians have a hose pipe ban and looking at the water resevoirs just down from our house the collection still isn't going well enough to meet Wellington's needs. Mental note to photoblog and show you what I mean.

Anyway, friends and family remember the time difference change - at least it's easy to think 12 hours difference. But don't get used to it, we move to Daylight Saving next weekend and it will be all change again.

A bit of a refresh

2008-03-30T18:42:00.004+13:00

I thought it was time to spruce up the blog and since it's been raining for most of today, here's the fruits of my labours. Hope you like it. Still lots of tidying up to be done or I may even do a complete revamp but just like the house and land it's a long term project that can't be rushed.

It's been one of those rainy rainy days that on one hand you're pleased about because the water tank will fill up and a good watering of the new plants will work wonders. In the other hand with two puppies lounging around the house getting crankier and crankier you sort of wish it would stop raining so that they'll go out to play.

The forecast for the rest of the week isn't much better which I should complain about but I have so much planned outdoors this week I hope that the weather predictions are wrong and the sun will put in an appearance. I know that the farmers in New Zealand wouldn't agree since they are desperate to break the long summer dry spell.

Did I tell you I'm on the web elsewhere? At last we've posted the Catapult Coaching brochure so if you'd like to snigger at my picture you can check it out. I can't say business is booming as a result of this new marketing opportunity but I've certainly been busy in the last week. I've coached out first cohort of Catapult Leaders for this year which was fun and rewarding to see how people are getting on since they finished the programme.

A bit like the rain, I don't think the scheduling for my work at home is quite right. It wasn't as balanced as I'd hope between executive and domestic stuff so there's going quite a lot of catching up to be done this coming week.

One of the world's more picturesque eateries

2008-03-29T08:56:00.000+13:00

Lauded by the upmarket food and travel magazines Craggy Range has been our regular Easter treat since arriving in New Zealand. So last week it wasn't cheese batches for lunch but rather a long leisurely stroll through the Craggy Range menu.

Somehow the food tastes better when you have a fantastic view to admire at the same time and the sun is shining. Luckily for us we got both and had some nice things to eat too.

The winery is located looking at the Te Mata Peak. A stunning mountain surrounded in Maori Folklore. The story goes....

Centuries ago the people living in pa (fortified villages) on the Heretaunga Plains were under constant threat of war from the coastal tribes of Waimarama.

At a gathering in Pakipaki (5km south of Hastings) to discuss the problem, the solution came when a wise old woman (kuia) sought permission to speak in the marae. "He ai na te wahine, ka horahia te po, " she said. (The ways of a woman can sometimes overcome the effects of darkness).
Hinerakau, the beautiful daughter of a Pakipaki chief, was to be the focal point of a plan. She would get the leader of the Waimarama tribes, a giant named Te Mata, to fall in love with her, turning his thoughts from war into peace. The plan succeeded, but she too fell in love.

The people of Heretaunga, however, had not forgotten the past and with revenge the motive, demanded that Hinerakau make Te Mata prove his devotion by accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks.
The last was to bite his way through the hills between the coast and the plains so that people could come and go with greater ease.

Te Mata died proving his love and today his half-accomplished work can be seen in the hills in what is known as The Gap or Pari Karangaranga (echoing cliffs).

His body forms Te Mata Peak, the legend says. At sunset one can often see, in the mists which stretch from the crown of Kahuraanake, the beautiful blue cloak with which the grieving Hinerakau covered the body of her husband before leaping to her own death from the precipice on the Waimarama side of the peak. The gully at the base of the cliff was formed when her body struck the earth.

Pity my photography skills just can't do it justice!

So here's some professional ones....

Views from Te Mata to Hawkes Bay Coast

Pooches on parole

2008-03-28T17:34:00.002+13:00

It's been a risky strategy but Fortnum and Mason have been allowed to try out Domestic Executive HQ this week. This is all part of their growing independence away from their play pen and crates. Whilst you can't leave them unsupervised they are getting better as just being around the house.

They've been really good bedding down whilst I've been coaching by phone. Only one or two minor altercations with things on the floor but overall I have to praise their obedience and ability to just hang out and sleep. If only Fortnum didn't snore so loudly!

Here's some pics of the sleeping babes during today's working session. Cute eh!

Ocean beach - will this soon be a memory?

2008-03-28T13:14:00.007+13:00

One thing New Zealand isn't short of is beautiful places. The natural beauty of the country is really what makes this such a special place - they don't call it God's own country for no reason!

On Monday we finished our break in Hawkes Bay with a stroll on Ocean Beach, an olympic effort throw of stone from where we were staying. It's a beautiful sandy beach that has great surf breakers and miles of unspoilt views.

Before you get too carried away in the idyllic view - there are plans afoot to change all of that. They want to build 1,000 -yes no joke - by this beach which currently has a few baches. One one hand you think well why not build a community in such a beautiful spot - there's certainly enough space and there loads of other deserted beaches elsewhere. As you might imagine the local community have different views and there's a massive campaign to save Ocean Beach.

You can follow the story if you're interested. If not, simply enjoy the view!

So what do you say - should they develop Ocean Beach?

Moonstruck

2008-03-27T13:04:00.001+13:00

I've jabbered on a bit about the nights drawing in and getting darker. The plus side is that you can see the stars earlier and there is more time to be moonstruck. There have been some awesome sunsets recently and full moons to keep us entertained. Here's one we captured on camera from our cottage at Cape South, Hawkes Bay.

Being away from the urban areas is something I've come to really love - no light polution to spoil the view. The downside of course is that there are plenty of dark spots for boogey men to hide in as I found out to my peril when walking the dogs the other day in the dark.

You'd think that with two strapping dogs I'd be well protected. You need to see Fortnum and Mason in action to realise that they are not guard dogs and Mason does a wonderful four legged bounce backwards at anything he doesn't like. Including bushes that sway in the wind after dark!

Thank goodness for daylight saving. If they hadn't changed the rules we'd have been in early darkness by now.

More luck this time

2008-03-26T08:09:00.007+13:00

I don't want to tempt fate as there is still one more day to run at the test match for England and the Black Caps up in Napier but we did enjoy our trip to the match on Sunday.

It was a bit of a worry though as we turned on the radio on Saturday morning only to hear that England were 18 for 3. Crikey, it was going to be a torturous weekend. As you might imagine seeking someone to blame for the Brit's performance I was called a bad jinx. Last time I went to a cricket match it was in Melbourne to watch England play Australia in the ashes. And we all know what happened there.

The sun didn't shine on us in Napier but we did at least watch the final overs of England's first innings and then see the Black Caps bowled out in less than one day!

Fingers crossed we get the right result and the boys don't let themselves down.

Batting for England

Interesting notice for lunch break

Doh, I think that they meant this lot who were closer to the pitch! It was a wonderful sight to see kids playing cricket and an inspection of the pitch by fans.

More lunch time entertainment - Ian Botham, Mike Atherton and David (hmm, still looking good!) Gower broadcasting for Sky

Afternoon tea entertainment - NZTV and the Dilmah Team sponsored guest spot where every guest get's their Dilmah goodiebox!

Yah, back on the field again - our boys from blighty

Basset Blogging: back home with family

2008-03-25T08:29:00.005+13:00

Since we didn't think that Fortnum and Mason would be able to stand a day at the cricket we packed them off to their basset family for the Easter break. They were very excited when they arrived to be back in familiar territory happily climbing into their kennels when we arrived.

When we went to pick them up they were sitting happily with their brother and sister peering through the gate waiting for us. They were definitely pleased to see us, jumping up and squeeking loudly with Mason trying to get through the gate and not being held back by the fact he was simply to big to squeeze through the gap!

Here's a few pics of their basset family. You have to understand that Basset photography is a complete profession in its own right but hopefully you'll get a sense of their whanau at least.

From left to right: Bonnie, Clyde, Mason and Fortnum

Hot boys!

Four of the five adult bassets at Courtside Kennels

Abbie (mum) and Berkley (uncle) - can you see the family resemblance?

Easter break

2008-03-24T20:59:00.000+13:00

Ophs, sorry bloggers, forgot to tell you I was taking a break. You guessed it, to Hawkes Bay. We returned to Cape South where we've been going every Easter since we came to NZ to live. Once again it didn't disappoint.

We dined at Craggy Range Winery (reported as one of the world's best dining spots), went to the cricket, watched the sea at Ocean Beach and generally chilled out in one of the most idyllic places you can find.

Lots to blog about so hold onto your hats!

Guestblogging: Sarah's reflections of NZ

2008-03-24T20:02:00.001+13:00

Guest blogger: Sarah

Our intrepid traveller tramping the Milford Track

The reward at journey's end

I’ve just returned home to cold, snowy Yorkshire after a fantastic three week trip to New Zealand. Julie and I met in 2005 when she joined NHS Direct as my boss and I’m lucky to have had her as a friend ever since. When she emigrated two years ago, I promised that I would be out to visit when they’d built their dream house in the country. Having followed Julie’s New Zealand adventures, like many of you, via her blog, it was great to finally see her again in person, meet Martin, Fortnum and Mason for the first time, and to stay in their beautiful new home.

It will come as no surprise that the Treanors made me feel so welcome, took me to some lovely places in Wellington and the surrounding area, including Martinborough (home to a number of small wineries – hic!) and Cape Palliser (where I was thrilled to see a fur seal colony). It was equally as nice just sitting on the veranda in the sunshine drinking tea, catching up on our news and playing with the bassets.

Fortnum and Mason are even more adorable in the flesh than in the photos on Julie’s blog. They love to lick your toes if you’re wearing sandals, jump up with their muddy paws when you’ve just put a clean pair of trousers on, and steal your knickers or socks when you’re trying to put them in the washing machine!

I thought it would even be stretching Julie and Martin’s generous hospitality if I stayed with them for the whole three weeks, so I visited Auckland, Queenstown (a particular favourite for me) and Christchurch. I also completed the 33.5 mile Milford Track, which is described as one of the greatest walks in the world, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. I did the ‘softies’ version of the trek, opting for the more luxurious lodges complete with beds, duvets, hot showers, flushing loos, and a 3 course dinner and breakfast cooked for you, rather than the more ‘hearty’ independent version where you stay in huts, with bare bunks, basic cooking equipment and only a cold water tap for washing.

It was hard saying goodbye to Julie after having such a wonderful time, but I hope to be back to see her and Martin in the not too distant future. I’ve certainly fallen in love with New Zealand and can see why they have decided to make it their home. And I promise, the 27 hour flight to get there is a breeze!

Cruising the coast

2008-03-18T20:35:00.000+13:00

It was a beautiful day today - sun shining with temperatures in the high twenties. A perfect day for cruising what can otherwise be a bleak coastline of the South Wairarapa.

It's been a while since I visited Cape Palliser as the last time we were there it rained, my back was really hurting and on driving home we found out from our prospective neighbours in Gilbert Road that the minx of a developer was hatching a plot which meant we would never be able to get the piece of land we were due to buy. All round it wasn't the best of days.

The fine weather and different circumstances made the trip today a real pleasure. We had to go hunting for seals as Sarah, my staying from the UK hadn't seen seals so far on her trip. I'm pleased to say that neither the sun, sea or seals let me down and they put on a real show for Sarah as you can see from this photoblogging.

I know, not sea or seals but the rural icon of NZ taking a stroll down the coast road when my in-laws were visiting and makes this photoblog complete.

Extremes of NZ

2008-03-16T09:37:00.003+13:00

Seems one of my heroes, Ben Fogle of Castaway fame, has been to NZ and didn't stop for tea. Still seems like he had a good time. You can read all about it!

If you're wondering, no I haven't done the extreme route but my in-laws have done the Shotover!

Sleeping with your best friend

2008-03-16T09:26:00.004+13:00

Although our boys love to play and have occasional fights they are devoted to each other. In their early days they were inseparable and when they were apart they were very upset.

As they've got older they've realised that separation is not usually permenant and are more independent of each other. Their bedroom is now divided into two so that at night they sleep in separate beds but given the choice and certainly during the day they are happiest when they can sleep together.

And when I say sleep together, I mean really together. Here's some pics to show them close up and happily dreaming yesterday!

Phew too hot Fortnum, I need my space......

A basset's favourite place out of the sun on the cool tiles

Ssh, don't mention the cricket

2008-03-15T18:13:00.002+13:00

Reading this blog you wouldn't know that the England cricket team are here on their NZ cricket tour. It's not something that get's talked about much in our house but rather much desparate staring at the TV screen in disbelief.

So far it's not been a great tour. The one day games have been pitiful and they lost the first test hands down. But, things have been looking up and they've been playing at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. MT went this morning and joined the serious cricket watchers in the shade of the stand.

MT's view of the match

The Basin was packed with 8,000 capacity crowd. Lots and lots of Brits frying in the NZ sun. They always say you can't beat Wellington on a good day - today is a good day and the cricket has been going pretty well for England.

I won't say any more about the score at this point for fear of tempting fate but suffice to say that the headlines in the paper reads "Black Caps face massive task" ..... and there is lots of pics of the Barmy Army on tour!

The party is over

2008-03-14T08:28:00.002+13:00

They say all good things come to an end. In the case of New Zealand legislation has just been passed to make "party pills" a class C drug (same as Cannabis) and in a fortnight's time you'll no longer be able to wander along Courtney Place and pop in to the local party pill store.

For those of you that don't know what party pills are you can check it out!

For a control freak like me drugs have never been my thing so I've missed out on the party pills scene. Perhaps I should throw caution to the wind and stock up while I still can legally.

Well, maybe not. After all, I have responsibilities now - to set a good example for Fortnum or Mason!