I dragged Derek (work colleague and friend) out for what he calls a ‘Tiki-tour’ which is basically a ‘let’s drive round with a rough idea of destination’ with every intention of getting lost (lol) not quite but I think that’s a close approximation.

Anyways, he took me on some high, windy and sometimes scary single lane roads at the top of the Belmont hills; I’m assured the views are rather spectacular, but since I was tunnel visioned onto the road, I’m not sure. Also Derek let me in on the secret, or rather little known …er… fact that as well as a road over the hill to Wainuiomata (the valley next to where I live) there is in fact a tunnel through. Well, lets just say, he has still to show me some solid evidence of it’s existence….honestly!! It was like I had stepped into a low buget remake of the X-Files….”but…but…it is here!! You just can’t quite see it….”, um ok Derek - if you say so??

In other knews?? In about 20mins a girl called Rachael will become a year older, and that all important step closer to retirement!! Lucky so and so! She only broke the knews of her birthday to me less than 3 hours ago, but ‘apparently’ it’s no big deal.

I guess that started me thinking. how many of you out there even bother with your birthdays any more, or is Rachael in the minority for not being overly bothered? Personally - I would be bothored for my birthday simply because it’s a great excuse for a PARTY?! But then again, I could just be old fashioned =p

As a heads up of the coming months, I have been given some good ideas via Derek for some nice Tramps in the summer months, all of which are on my doorstep. One including ‘Butterfly Creek’ which really fascinates me, especially for the chance to see one of their ‘fabled’ larger than life dragonflies and perhaps capture a cool photo of one or two? Oh well…laters all…

….I’ve literally walked back through the door from a long - if somewhat arduous day in London, meeting went swimmingly; although I didn’t manage to escape without the odd action with my name against it - hey ho….once that was done, I had “fun” connecting my laptop onto the network to pass the time of the rest of the day, whilst I waited for my return journey.

Speaking of which, I must say I am less than impressed.  “Ok” it’s not a “Full” First-Class ticket, but it is still a First-Class ticket, and “ok” so the drinks were flowing and I was offered refreshements on more than one occasion in passing….but you’d think for my trouble of getting a First-Class ticket I would see at least “one” celebrity travelling right??  WRONG… nada… no-one, I had virtually the whole carriage to myself from Euston to Crewe!  I think there were two other businessmen in there tops!  Bah!? I feel so cheated

In other news, I’m gonna have a nice chilled glass of wine then I’m off to bed.  Night folks!

The week hasn’t even begun and yet I feel exhausted at the prospect of it.  I am back down in London again tomorrow, and frankly considering getting a flat there at the rate of visits recently

Then I am off on another course (unfortunatley useless) in Nottingham, at the end of the week.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s all techy stuff like, but covers a platform which I am never likley to get involved with…hey ho….that’s sensible use of resources for you.

I now need to sort out what I am going to be wearing tomorrow, and go and collect my train tickets (pre-booked of course!!)