One evening in Queenstown we went in search of the New Zealand substitute for Red Bull, since Jill can only function at about half capacity without it.
This is what we found........

Uh.....okey-dokey then.
Now, we did of course realise that this was not *actual* cocaine...doh!...we just thought it was strange that a company would think this was a good marketing strategy!
And then we read the label on the back.......


Do they really need to explain that??? "Idiot" is being kind I'd say!

In any case we bought it as Jill was in dire need of a pick-me-up....and it is FOUL! It tastes like utter piss!
So, my recommendation? Don't try it...no matter what you think it contains!

I want to fly like an eagle....

Here's a clip from a fabulous BBC show, 'Animal Camera', showing the bird's-eye-view of a Golden Eagle soaring over the stunning mountains of Argyle in west Scotland. Can't wait to get over there and watch some of these programmes in their entirety...or hopefully, maybe they'll sart airing them on BBC America!
Watching the bit where the Gosshawk is flying through the forest brought back memories of the simulated 'shuttle' ride at the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas many years ago. Lucky it's a very short clip...and I haven't eaten lunch yet!
In any case, this is a must watch....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lswBDZuL-8w

To puppy or not to puppy????....

...OK, so that's not the question really.....WHAT puppy is the question.

I've been asking and begging, begging and asking, but have realised that I won't be getting a Macy II or a Sierra............so I've resumed my search on this side of the world.........

This is what I have always wanted....

...but they need more than I can provide. Weimaraners need space. I have none. I could give all the love, attention and exercise but they need so much more. Boo for me :-(

So....my second choice, a Westie (West Highland Terrier). Aaaaaawwwww! Such an amazing dog. Period. And perfect for me. They need a good amount of regular exercise....great. But they don't need wide open spaces like the Weimies do. There's plenty puppies available. Do I bite the bullet?????????And then there's this little guy...this photo was sent to me with a 'happy new year' message from my friend, who knows I'm thinking about puppying-up. Does this mean I should be going for a dachshund? Or is this a MinPin???? Who cares....the cuteness sells!

Oh dear. Decisions, decisions, decisions.........

Doesn't the cuteness about kill ya?!

Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life I was loved by you
- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Happy holidays!!!

Wishing the blogging world a fantastic holiday season and a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2010!!!

I've been so busy recently that I've hardly had time to check emails let alone surf my favourite websites.
But last night something pretty wonderful happened which I wanted to share because I'm just so proud I could burst!!
My brother has not had a haircut in 20 years. He has had dreadlocks that went all the way down to his bum! From time to time over the years he has talked about cutting them off but he finally made the decision a couple of months ago to do it and raise some money for charity. We set the night for 6th November and arranged to do it in one of the local pubs, then we set about spreading the word.
He chose two charities to split the proceeds between. One is an organisation that provides at-home palliative care for dying cancer patients and support for their families, and the other is the local school for children with disabilities and special needs, which is severely under-funded by Government.
Over the intervening months we have slowly been raising money. We didn't really know what to expect. Friends and family were very keen but it has been hard economic times for everyone. We were pleased when we reached $400 and thrilled when we reached $4,000.
Last night about 200 people gathered in the pub and I was stunned to learn that the total funds raised was at $18,000!!!
We had a blast....auctioning each dreadlock to be cut off and different parts of his beard to be shaved...lots of jokes and funny stories! AND.....by the end of the night we had raised over $40,000!!!! AND we still have some donations to come in as a lot of my brother's freind's employers pledged to match employees contributions!
It was a hard thing for my brother to do. He is known by everyone as Dready so he has felt a little as though he was going to lose his identity a bit. And he was very nervous as we began last night! But I am proud beyond measure, of him, and of such supportive friends, and such a generous community here. We began this thinking that if he could just raise a couple thousand dollars it would be something, it would be a couple of thousand more than the charities had before. What happened though is that he will be able to give each of these charities a considerable amount of money by anyone's standards! Money that they can DO something with to REALLY make a difference.
I am SOOOOO proud of my brother! <3
Here's a link to the video......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeqD1pdVIj0&feature=player_embedded
Since he is refusing the new nickname 'Dimples' he will still be known as Dready!

Alba Gu Brath!!!!!

Some good news out of Afghanistan for a wee change.
I grew up listening to The Band of the Black Watch Brigade as my Father would play his records (uh, yes, vinyl LPs!) every Sunday morning after church and the house would fill with the thrilling sound of bagpipes and drums and battle marches while we cooked brunch.
So proud that my countrymen are more than pulling their weight over there and I hope they ALL get home safe and sound ....
Helmand Blog - Afghanistan: Scots soldiers smash Taliban bomb-makers' stronghold