I have had my identity stolen over the last few days. Fortunately the UK credit card company picked up the rogue transactions and contacted me.
One of the online UK companies I purchased something from several years ago must have had their database hacked into and credit card numbers stolen. There had been 3 transactions on my account, all invalid but amounting to over 1000 pounds.
It's a scary world out there....
The credit card company cancelled the 3 transactions and the card. I have been very lucky!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday 25th January - waking to a nightmare
I have my clock radio set to turn on with the Radio New Zealand National news service each morning. It is the Radio Ulster or Radio 4 type news for NZ and is probably the best service here.
This morning I woke to hear a female northern irelander accent trying to justify the removal of a statue in Limavady. For about 90 seconds, I thought I was listening to Radio Ulster and then I woke up and realised where I was...
The woman, a little irelander ( Sinn Fein ) councillor from Limavady was trying to argue her case with an NZ interviewer and not being very successful. Apart from the broad accent, the argument was not very good. She could not convince the interviewer how a 14 year old boy who left Limavady could be threatening to the people there today.
Later at work, my boss asked me about the story.... he had heard the interview too. He could not understand half the interview due to the broad accent and wanted to know how a 14 year old boy could be so senior in the Orange Order and what was dangerous about a grand master....
Little do the little irelanders realise what they are doing... I am sure visits from New Zealanders to Limavady or Northern Ireland are not being encouraged by such a public row...
This week started with New Zealand burying their most famous citizen, Sir Edmund Hillary. It ended with little irelanders villifying another of their famous citizens on national radio....
.... well done Sinn Fein
This morning I woke to hear a female northern irelander accent trying to justify the removal of a statue in Limavady. For about 90 seconds, I thought I was listening to Radio Ulster and then I woke up and realised where I was...
The woman, a little irelander ( Sinn Fein ) councillor from Limavady was trying to argue her case with an NZ interviewer and not being very successful. Apart from the broad accent, the argument was not very good. She could not convince the interviewer how a 14 year old boy who left Limavady could be threatening to the people there today.
Later at work, my boss asked me about the story.... he had heard the interview too. He could not understand half the interview due to the broad accent and wanted to know how a 14 year old boy could be so senior in the Orange Order and what was dangerous about a grand master....
Little do the little irelanders realise what they are doing... I am sure visits from New Zealanders to Limavady or Northern Ireland are not being encouraged by such a public row...
This week started with New Zealand burying their most famous citizen, Sir Edmund Hillary. It ended with little irelanders villifying another of their famous citizens on national radio....
.... well done Sinn Fein
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday 24th January - goldfinch nest
I forgot to tell you about the goldfinch nest...
We have 2 almond trees in our garden. They had lovely pink blossom in the early springtime in September when we moved in to our house. They are now loaded with almonds which are ripening. I am looking forward to harvesting them!!!
Anyway a few weeks ago, I noticed there was a nest in each tree and a goldfinch was sitting on one nest. It has since disappeared so its brood must have moved on.
To those ornithologists out there, we have lots of 'British' (in the geographic non political sense) birds in New Zealand. We have chaffinches, goldfinches, sparrows, yellowhammers, warblers, thrushes, kingfishers, blackbirds and swallows. Yes swallows... I have not figured out where they go in the winter... there is not much need for them to migrate as our winter days are usually warmer than northern irelander summer days!
We have loads of nests in the shrubs and trees in our garden.
By the way Anne you are very welcome anytime in Hawkes Bay. We are not that far away!
We have 2 almond trees in our garden. They had lovely pink blossom in the early springtime in September when we moved in to our house. They are now loaded with almonds which are ripening. I am looking forward to harvesting them!!!
Anyway a few weeks ago, I noticed there was a nest in each tree and a goldfinch was sitting on one nest. It has since disappeared so its brood must have moved on.
To those ornithologists out there, we have lots of 'British' (in the geographic non political sense) birds in New Zealand. We have chaffinches, goldfinches, sparrows, yellowhammers, warblers, thrushes, kingfishers, blackbirds and swallows. Yes swallows... I have not figured out where they go in the winter... there is not much need for them to migrate as our winter days are usually warmer than northern irelander summer days!
We have loads of nests in the shrubs and trees in our garden.
By the way Anne you are very welcome anytime in Hawkes Bay. We are not that far away!
Thursday 24th January - BBC news
One of my readers asked today if I followed the BBC news. I read it every day among other world news web-sites. Sometimes I watch BBC World News on Sky to get a fix of good news reporting.
I see in the news that Ian Junior is now on a rural planning review committee in the Assembly... how ironic!!!! Putting the fox in with the chickens!!!!
In the New Zealand Herald today (and on their website) is an article on the antics in Limavady. We now live in a global village and the news travels fast. Removing a statue of William Massey (former prime minister of New Zealand) will not change (little) mind-sets.... but it might annoy some New Zealanders! I am sure they would be happy to have the statue.
By the way I live round the corner from the Parliament Buildings in Wellington during the week and there is a statue of another famous Northern Irelander NZ prime minister ( John Ballance from Glenavy) in the grounds... I do not think it bothered the Irish President when she visited the NZ Parliament last year!
Ballance has roads, streets and places named after him. Massey has a university which carries his name.
When will those little irelanders learn to respect and admire the achievements of their fellow countrymen????????????
I see in the news that Ian Junior is now on a rural planning review committee in the Assembly... how ironic!!!! Putting the fox in with the chickens!!!!
In the New Zealand Herald today (and on their website) is an article on the antics in Limavady. We now live in a global village and the news travels fast. Removing a statue of William Massey (former prime minister of New Zealand) will not change (little) mind-sets.... but it might annoy some New Zealanders! I am sure they would be happy to have the statue.
By the way I live round the corner from the Parliament Buildings in Wellington during the week and there is a statue of another famous Northern Irelander NZ prime minister ( John Ballance from Glenavy) in the grounds... I do not think it bothered the Irish President when she visited the NZ Parliament last year!
Ballance has roads, streets and places named after him. Massey has a university which carries his name.
When will those little irelanders learn to respect and admire the achievements of their fellow countrymen????????????
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday 22nd January - world finance in turmoil
The amazing losses by banks around the world but particularly in America are hard to credit. How do Americans claim to be world leaders when so much money is squandered and lost...
One of my most enduring memories of the USA in 2006 was how many beggars there were in New York and San Francisco. They were on all the streets and there were certainly more per footpath metre than I have seen in any European city! I have never seen a beggar approach a 13-year old boy before and ask for money... a bad experience for J in NY and SF!!!!
George Bush has presided over Katrina and the impoverishing of America... he will certainly be remembered!
One of my most enduring memories of the USA in 2006 was how many beggars there were in New York and San Francisco. They were on all the streets and there were certainly more per footpath metre than I have seen in any European city! I have never seen a beggar approach a 13-year old boy before and ask for money... a bad experience for J in NY and SF!!!!
George Bush has presided over Katrina and the impoverishing of America... he will certainly be remembered!
18th January - the Causeway
There is still a lot of fuss about the Causeway.... and the saga about the big irish giant and his son goes on!
I remember hearing the early morning news about the Causeway visitor centre fire and councillor Christopher McCaughan stating that Moyle Council would rebuild.
I remember too the early morning news on a 12th July as the Paisleys (Ian senior and Ian junior) spoke on the phone as they drove to Ballymoney and the site of the fire which killed the Quinn boys. That was the fault of the Drumcree dispute... Ian junior always turned up at North Antrim tragedies in those days.... it was him cynically just getting into the news and making himself known in North Antrim...
I remember too a Stephen Nolan TV programme on the police and speed cameras. Ian junior took part in that programme and the long-haired Ian criticised the police for catching speeding drivers. I especially remember that programme as Stephen Nolan called me personally on the morning he was to broadcast and asked me if I would take part and talk about the death of my mother-in-law as the result of a road accident. I declined as at that time the case could have gone to trial. I was very angry with the irresponsible attitude of Ian junior in that programme. My view is that the speed limits on all Northern Ireland roads should be 10pmh lower than currently. The NZ speed limit maximum is 100kph... that is 60mph. Drivers are prosecuted if they exceed the limit by 10kph. If outside a school the driver is caught exceeding the limit by 3kph he/she will be prosecuted. Northern Irelander police need to be more strict! Which political party is brave enough to propose reducing the limits by 10mph?
The Causeway development was just the latest phase in a developer trying to take advantage of poor planning processes to make more money for himself rather than considering the environment.
Ian junior spoke this week on the Stephen Nolan show about mistakes he may have made...
Ian junior is an opportunist politician and should be outed by all parties including Alliance.
I remember hearing the early morning news about the Causeway visitor centre fire and councillor Christopher McCaughan stating that Moyle Council would rebuild.
I remember too the early morning news on a 12th July as the Paisleys (Ian senior and Ian junior) spoke on the phone as they drove to Ballymoney and the site of the fire which killed the Quinn boys. That was the fault of the Drumcree dispute... Ian junior always turned up at North Antrim tragedies in those days.... it was him cynically just getting into the news and making himself known in North Antrim...
I remember too a Stephen Nolan TV programme on the police and speed cameras. Ian junior took part in that programme and the long-haired Ian criticised the police for catching speeding drivers. I especially remember that programme as Stephen Nolan called me personally on the morning he was to broadcast and asked me if I would take part and talk about the death of my mother-in-law as the result of a road accident. I declined as at that time the case could have gone to trial. I was very angry with the irresponsible attitude of Ian junior in that programme. My view is that the speed limits on all Northern Ireland roads should be 10pmh lower than currently. The NZ speed limit maximum is 100kph... that is 60mph. Drivers are prosecuted if they exceed the limit by 10kph. If outside a school the driver is caught exceeding the limit by 3kph he/she will be prosecuted. Northern Irelander police need to be more strict! Which political party is brave enough to propose reducing the limits by 10mph?
The Causeway development was just the latest phase in a developer trying to take advantage of poor planning processes to make more money for himself rather than considering the environment.
Ian junior spoke this week on the Stephen Nolan show about mistakes he may have made...
Ian junior is an opportunist politician and should be outed by all parties including Alliance.
11th to 14th January - Jim & Jean over
Jim and Jean came over on Friday evening. We went to explore Napier on Saturday morning and in the afternoon went up to Puketitiri and Balls Clearing. Balls Clearing is a 36 hectare reserve which is one of the few areas of untouched native forest which was never felled. It is full of tall native trees and lots of native birds. Jim certainly enjoyed the forest!
On Sunday we went over to see Norman Lowe (from Strangford) and his NZ wife Lynette. Norman migrated to NZ in 1973 and is a far out cousin. He is farming 300 hectares at Kereru in inner Hawkes Bay rearing beef cattle.
One of his daughters (with her Chilean husband) has developed a vineyard over at Crownthorpe and is selling her wines as far away as the UK. Check out the Monawai label.
On Sunday we went over to see Norman Lowe (from Strangford) and his NZ wife Lynette. Norman migrated to NZ in 1973 and is a far out cousin. He is farming 300 hectares at Kereru in inner Hawkes Bay rearing beef cattle.
One of his daughters (with her Chilean husband) has developed a vineyard over at Crownthorpe and is selling her wines as far away as the UK. Check out the Monawai label.
Saturday 5th January - home again
The tomatoes survived the weeks holiday. I think there was more rain in Hawkes Bay than where we were.
The birds are appreciating the tomatoes so I will have to put up a net for them!
The birds are appreciating the tomatoes so I will have to put up a net for them!
Friday 4th January - Nelson to Picton
We stopped last night in Nelson before driving this morning along the Queen Charlotte Drive to Picton... to be recommended when you are not in a hurry. We had plenty of time in Picton before catching the 6 pm ferry to Wellington for an overnight stop in my apartment.
Saturday 5th drive home to Napier.
Saturday 5th drive home to Napier.
Thursday 3rd January - golf in the heat
J and I played golf this morning at Motueka. It was the hottest day yet... it was 39 degrees in the car when we returned... too hot for golf I think!!!!
Wednesday 2nd January - Motueka
We travelled over last night from Takaka and stayed in Motueka.
Today we took sea taxi up Abel Tasman Park and stopped at various bays... next time I am going to walk the pathway along the shore!
Met up with one of my colleagues from work this evening. He lives in Motueka and flies to Wellington from Nelson each week.
Today we took sea taxi up Abel Tasman Park and stopped at various bays... next time I am going to walk the pathway along the shore!
Met up with one of my colleagues from work this evening. He lives in Motueka and flies to Wellington from Nelson each week.
Tuesday 1st January - kayaking in Abel Tasman
Abel-Tasman Park is between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay and is one of the most popular parks in New Zealand.
J & I went sea-kayaking this morning along part of the park. The water is normally very clear and you can see to the sea bed... it was choppy today though and I for one was glad to bring the kayaks back to shore!!!
Next time we will go out on a calmer day!! Me anyway!
J & I went sea-kayaking this morning along part of the park. The water is normally very clear and you can see to the sea bed... it was choppy today though and I for one was glad to bring the kayaks back to shore!!!
Next time we will go out on a calmer day!! Me anyway!
Monday 31st December - Farewell Spit
We set out at 5.30am to join bus trip from Collingwood to Farewell Spit. This 35 mile long sand spit at the most northerly end of the south island and was named by Captain Cook as he left New Zealand to go to Australia. The bus took us along the spit to the end where a lighthouse sits. There is an amazing wealth of bird-life along the spit. Plenty of seals too.
In the afternoon we went to a fish farm near Takaka and caught 4 salmon...
After that early start we were tired tonight!
In the afternoon we went to a fish farm near Takaka and caught 4 salmon...
After that early start we were tired tonight!
Sunday 30th December - Takaka
We went over Takaka hill today to stop for 2 nights in Takaka in Golden Bay. It is beautiful countryside too but greener with lots of dairy cows mainly jerseys and guernseys in the paddocks.
I have learned since that my grandparents visited Golden Bay in the early 1960's as they toured the South Island. They apparently liked this part of the country.
I have learned since that my grandparents visited Golden Bay in the early 1960's as they toured the South Island. They apparently liked this part of the country.
Saturday 26th December - Nelson
First impressions of Nelson are that it is a bit like Portstewart...
it has lovely sandy beaches facing North...
the sun sets over the westerly hills each evening...
there are lots of holiday homes and apartments facing the sea...
there are expensive restaurants along the seaward side of the road...
differences:
Nelson is the sunniest place in New Zealand with over 2400 hours each year!
There is no Morellis... it is needed with all that sunshine....
J and I went out to Happy Valley today and went on a quad trip for 4 hours up the mountains. At the end we were allowed to race the quads around a track and J hit 60km/hr... I think it has awakened a desire for speed... I hope not... He wants to buy a quad now for our section... hopefully he will be satisfied with the ride-on mower for a few more years!
it has lovely sandy beaches facing North...
the sun sets over the westerly hills each evening...
there are lots of holiday homes and apartments facing the sea...
there are expensive restaurants along the seaward side of the road...
differences:
Nelson is the sunniest place in New Zealand with over 2400 hours each year!
There is no Morellis... it is needed with all that sunshine....
J and I went out to Happy Valley today and went on a quad trip for 4 hours up the mountains. At the end we were allowed to race the quads around a track and J hit 60km/hr... I think it has awakened a desire for speed... I hope not... He wants to buy a quad now for our section... hopefully he will be satisfied with the ride-on mower for a few more years!
Friday 28th December - golf in Nelson
J and I went out early to play golf on one of the local courses. It was called Greenacres which is a bit familiar to those living in Ballyrobert!
A special event was the hedgehog which trundled across the 5th fairway as we were teeing off. That has never happened before!
A special event was the hedgehog which trundled across the 5th fairway as we were teeing off. That has never happened before!
Thursday 27th December - Havelock and Nelson
We left Blenheim early to travel to Nelson where we are stopping for a few nights. We broke our journey in Havelock where Ernest Rutherford spent his early years.
Stopped too just before Nelson at a place called Happy Valley. The landowner has set up a flying fox between 2 hills. The cable is 1.6km long and we went down it at top speed. We hit 95.3km/hr on the way down. Recommended!!!!
Stopped too just before Nelson at a place called Happy Valley. The landowner has set up a flying fox between 2 hills. The cable is 1.6km long and we went down it at top speed. We hit 95.3km/hr on the way down. Recommended!!!!
26th December - on holiday
We left early this morning to set out on our holiday to the South Island. We are driving to Wellington to catch the 3pm ferry over to Picton and stay the night in Blenheim.
Stopped in Carterton to break our journey. A man in the restaurant heard our accents and asked us where we were from. He was born in Glengormley but had migrated with his parents when he was 11 to NZ.... another northern irelander!
The weather in Wellington was grey... they had had a hail shower in Picton in the morning... not typical summer weather but it all made for a choppy crossing on the ferry!
Blenheim was dry... in fact very dry with the hills looking browner than Hawkes Bay!!!! They are having the drought this year!
Stopped in Carterton to break our journey. A man in the restaurant heard our accents and asked us where we were from. He was born in Glengormley but had migrated with his parents when he was 11 to NZ.... another northern irelander!
The weather in Wellington was grey... they had had a hail shower in Picton in the morning... not typical summer weather but it all made for a choppy crossing on the ferry!
Blenheim was dry... in fact very dry with the hills looking browner than Hawkes Bay!!!! They are having the drought this year!
25th December - Christmas in the sun
Christmas Day is lovely with all day sun. It is our 3rd Chrismas in New Zealand and first in our own home. It is nice to be home at Christmas again....
Saturday 22 December -golf at Christmas
J & I went up today to Puketitiri. It is about 30 minutes inland from where we live up in the Kawekas. They have a 9-hole golf course in the village. It is grazed by sheep!
Probably one of the more isolated golf courses around.
The primary school in Puketitiri has just closed this month as it only has 5 students. A typical trend in the world as people move toward towns and cities.
Probably one of the more isolated golf courses around.
The primary school in Puketitiri has just closed this month as it only has 5 students. A typical trend in the world as people move toward towns and cities.
Thursday 20th December - earthquake 6.8
An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the scale hit Gisborne at 9pm this evening. It was felt all over New Zealand...
R & J were in the car in Napier at the time. They were stopped at traffic lights and felt the car rocking from side to side.
The people of Gisborne were lucky. Most of the buildings damaged were in the shopping area of town. It it had happened during the day many people would have been injured.
R & J were in the car in Napier at the time. They were stopped at traffic lights and felt the car rocking from side to side.
The people of Gisborne were lucky. Most of the buildings damaged were in the shopping area of town. It it had happened during the day many people would have been injured.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)