In the Hot Seat in Taupo

Just have to share this.....lol  My dad is in his 80's but he is the most amazing man.  He left his local Probus as there were too many fuddy-duddies (his words!! lol) and they wouldn't let women in, so he resigned.  He's active in so many things and has taken Senior Net Classes, still does Coastguard duty on a regular basis and radio duty when they do the horse endurance races and bike races around Taupo.  He is also a technojunkie.....if it's on the market, he's got it! lol  Have spent the last two days scanning the old slides from year dot on to his computer - not that he can't do it himself but offered to do it as a holiday project!! Arrrgh can see why he didn't do it himself - my back was hunched over last night as I hit the sack and still struggled to get up this morning.

Yesterday though as we were travelling into the central business district...I noticed my nether regions getting quite hot.  I reflected and thought to myself there is NO way I am emanating that much heat....and I looked sideways at my dad....and said... quietly - Dad you don't have a seat warmer do you...rofl  and YES he does....and he had mine on HOT!!  Holy guacamole....I know what it's like to be in the hot seat with my dad now!!

TGIF

OK folks....some more things to add to the to DO list!  Remember the next Business workshop for Carterton Businesses is next Wednesday 6th July at 5.30pm for a 6pm start and will finish at 7pm.  Julie Kidd will be there to facilitate so this will be a GREAT workshop and well worth attending.

Tomorrow I am going to see my life coach as it's great to have somewhere to go to sort out where and how you are going to prioritise the things in your life....you get to drive the session while somebody makes it all about YOU!! lol  Good stuff for anyone....my life coach is Sue if you want to talk to her at Zest Life Coaching and I've got her contact number if you feel it might be just what you need.

And we are WORLD famous in the Wairarapa to the point where there was a fabulous article recently in the Herald Tuesday June 28th all about US.  It talks about our Daffodil Carnival in September and that the fun kicks off on Saturday 10th September with "Rugby, Hangi, Haka"at Carterton Rugby Club in Belvedere Road.  This takes plave on the same day as Wairarapa Bush's Heartland Championship match against Poverty Bay at the club grounds.  The day will include cultural displays, stalls and entry to the Heartland Championship game and if you are visiting that day you can participate in a game of rugby, learn a haka, share a hangi and enjoy the hospitality of local iwi Ngati Kahungunu.

Sunday of course sees our Daffodil Carnival with the steam train coming up from Wellington again and with more than 100 craft and produce stalls in the main streets of the town as well as a shuttle bus to pick daffodils at Middlerun farm east of Carterton it will be a great day.  

We do Grape Picking here too!!!

VOLUNTEERS PICK FOR PAULOWNIA

Volunteers from the Carterton Information Centre got into the spirit of the season by grape picking at Paulownia Wines. Vaughan and Christine Paul help out at fundraising events for the Carterton Information Centre and WaiArt, so this was an ideal opportunity to return the favour and raise some additional funds for our respective causes whilst having a bit of fun and fellowship.

Vaughan and Christine made a generous donation to our respective causes in addition to a delicious curry lunch served on the Estate as a thank you.

Picking was new to all the volunteers, but the learning curve wasn’t too steep. The picking was done over 5 days and we all became quite proficient even though there were a few snips of the skin instead of the vine.

Vaughan expects the new vintages of Paulownia Pinot Noir and Rose to be extra good thanks to the help of the volunteers. The volunteers can’t wait to sample the new vintages!

The Carterton Information Centre is funded by the Carterton District Council, but needs to raise funds to keep their one paid employee on full hours. There are about 30 volunteers who work 3-hour shifts at the Centre. The Info Centre will be moving into the new Carterton Community Centre when it opens September 2011.

Have a look a these gorgeous faces....by copying and pasting the link below

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=223069507704394&set=pu.117810098230336&type=1&theater

Over the hump....almost

Wow, ok, quiz night is over (amazing sculpture by Niko Thomsen was won by Hugh Gaywood awwww say all the other folks! lol)  and it was a stunning night - even our mayor and his lady was there!! What a lot of you might not know is that Niko's other half - Vicki Pollock does the most 'out of the world' massage.  Vicki has been massaging for many, many years and has all her professional qualifications as well as belonging to a professional body but honestly her massage is more than that.  I have had many massages over the years : all sorts too Swedish Remedial, deep tissue, aromatherapy etc...but this is a BLISS experience with all the results of a fantastic outcome.  Hope to get Vicki on air soon to talk about the whole thing so will let you guys know when.

I have had my gluten free bacon and egg pie from the Good Food Cafe today, my morning caffeine intake from Bambinos and am trying to stop myself digging into the last chocolate caramel slice sitting beside me.

Vicki one of my ardent gardening volunteers sent me some awesome magazine coverage of Richmond Garden right here in Carterton.  Transit Coachlines do a special garden tour which includes a visit to this amazing garden and it is the ONLY way you can get to see it now.  Vicki sent me some great pics....so will try and attach these for you all to have a quick peek.

Cheryl Jaggard

Have found the cutest little website on facebook letting you look for your perfect dog!!  It's call doggelganger - and so funny had to use it straight away.  Thanks Jeremy.  Am away on a social media course tomorrow morning so trying to clear my head so I can absorb heaps tomorrow.  Hoping to launch our rugby ball competition next week on 1st July so do watch out for lots of rugby balls appearing around Carterton.  The Solstice Fair is on this weekend up at the Clareville showgrounds so I hope this one is as good as past ones.  Remember Open Day for everyone on Saturday to have a look through the new event centre in Carterton, I believe they have now extended the hours too so you can rock up anytime between 10am and before 2pm.  It really is going to be FANTASTIC so sure hope you check it out as it belongs to all of us.

Ok, as you can all probably tell - Carterton is the heART of the Wairarapa and just to let you all know in case you weren't aware...the outdoor art is all for sale!

Tuesday - the Queen after her birthday

Where did my weekend go?? I honestly don't know - I DO know that I attended the Wai Art opening and of course the art is world class - we are so lucky to have such awesome artists throughout New Zealand. Wish more artists had sent their pieces in but what is there certainly takes up the space and is just gorgeous.

Ahh ok....wine on the top of the tv next to the computer now while I type - I am sure I will find some more inspiration now! The Certificate of Small Business Management was great tonight - we combined classes and had a couple of speakers - Stella from Lennox Design and Vanya from Hope & Glory. Both of them are vibrant, articulate, gorgeous women and I sure got a heap from it. Honestly, this is one of the best courses I have ever done and I've done a few in my time (the oldtimer chuckled in his beard! lol)

Had a fabulous time visiting the amazing Rhondda Greig and her lovely man, Hugo Manson today. Breakfast tea and homemade slice and lots of great conversation - and hopefully reprinting of her gorgeous books Matarawa Cats and Noa's Calf!! Keep watching this space.

Ok, maybe I have said enough for today - will get back online tomorrow and disclose even more....remember the mayoral business forum is on tomorrow - should be a good event.

The Day Before the Wai Arts Opening

Oh wow, I can't wait to go to this tomorrow night - just $10 for your ticket and lovely wine while you peruse the art from Paulownia Wines.

I will mention this on air tomorrow 92.7FM at 0930am - Remember if you can't get this on your radio - they stream live on http://www.arrowfm.co.nz/

Alison and I had Gluten Free cheesecake today....(far out....it was GORGEOUS) and it filled me up...didn't anymore for lunch!! lol I am such a cheap person to take out.

Attending the Charles Rooking Carter Awards at the Memorial Club tonight at 5.30pm (the old RSA) and as Sally and I nominated Jane Giles - we are expecting her to be presented with this award for her fabulous contribution to our community. Go JANE!!

Other than that - I am busy trying to keep my head above water as I have got so many projects on the go that I forget which one I am supposed to be dealing with on a daily basis...and they ALL need work!! lol Keep your eyes open for:

Rhondda Greigs books being reprinted......Matarawa Cats and Noa's Calf along with a new book possibly...I'll keep you posted on this.

A new poster for Carterton - depicting all the wonderful tourist attractions and activities around us

and.......something to keep the artists and children happy to promote the Rugby World cup...so watch this space!!