Kiwi Cutting Edge.

I worked today and Spook took the kids up to Cardrona. It was fairly quiet and great conditions. The ice had disappeared under a layer of fresh snow, and it was warm. Spook took a photo of the machine that makes the half pipe. It is Kiwi designed and built and is the only one in the world. The competitors at last weeks Burton Snowboard open, declared it to be the best half-pipe on the planet. That included the opinion of American, Sean White who is allegedly the best snowboarder on the planet. He is othewise known as The Flying Tomato, on account of his flaming red hair. There were some awesome stunts being performed today. Winter Games NZ are on this week. It is the biggest snowsport event outside the Winter Olympics, featuring more than 800 of the globes elite athletes competing in 26 disciplines. Skiers, snowboarders, curlers, skaters and ice hockey players amongst others. The Games will allow all athletes - whether able-bodied or have a disability - to compete together, in alpine skiing and cross-country events. If I get a chance later in the week, I hope to go up and have a look.

Spook will not be going as he is now on for 12 days to cover for Murray's holiday. Just as well it's pretty up there. He wont be able to come to Lake Ohau with us next weekend, even though it should have been his weekend off. Meg, Finn and I will go up with Anne and John to help them celebrate her other son Elliot's 14th birthday. It is up in The Mckenzie High Country, where she has use of a house for the weekend. Meg has still to secure the day off, and will possibly be sorry if she gets it, as there will be 6 boys on the trip - and there is nothing she finds more annoying these days than boys. We will hire ski's and possibly ski for the two days, or do some walking. It will be good to squeeze an extra adventure in.

grateful for:

28.5hrs of cleaning that will pay for my ski hire and passes at Lake Ohau. It is more cleaning than is healthy for any individual, but good to have the hours - it will fade away pretty fast now.

my Ozzie colleague Sarsha, for working so hard and never ever complaining.

A quiet night in with The Munro's.