Author: telboy2

Black Caps v Aussies

Day 4 of the First Test match. This was the first visit to NZ by the Australians for I think 6 years.

Day 1 looked promising but the kiwis let is go in the first session of day 2 with letting the last wicket make 100+ runs. New Zealand had a big target to score in the second innings. Day 4 started with 3 wickets down.

It was a continuous flow of wickets as 7 fell with 5 minutes still before lunch. A disappointing performance certainly. But not a surprise. Nathan Lyons took 10 in the match.

Maybe another time.

Twenty-20

Off to the Cake Tin on Wednesday evening to watch the Blackcaps play Australia. If memory is correct the first time they have visited in 6 years. For all the talk of a sell-out crowd I think there was closer to 20,000 there. This strikes me as very disappointing when people are not interested for a game against quality opposition.

An the experience…..Not again. I am not really fan of the format but with the annoying music – in between every delivery, and the juvenile encouragement to the crowd to shout and interviews with fans, I will not be back. Watching on tv will do. I will happily just go to the Basin Reserve.

Next up Day 4of the test match at the Basin. More my thing.

Round the Bays

A fine performance by Shaz in the 10km event. A beautiful day and thankfully not too hot.

I was watching as the injury to my glutes during training meant I could hardly walk let alone run.

Christmas reading

A great history book that describes the ‘birth’ of East Germany, its difficulties from the outset and its development.

It presents well how it differed from the west from the outset with a different social mix, Protestants against mainly Catholics, the ethnic germans who were displaced to Germany after WW2 from other eastern countries and the lack of natural resources for industry.

The east developed its own politics clearly, with positives within its society along with the well known political suppression and Stasi surveillance. The Wall went up as a economic necessity for the east, but despite the rhetoric, was accepted as needed by the western powers too.

Another factor is the clear arrogance of the west, with its own imperfections, but unwillingness to accept positives existed in the east. There was a take over rather unification.

It is a good accompaniment to ‘Siblings’ the novel of east german origin and the political history book about Albania.

Greytown

Mum, Dad and JQ arrived yesterday to the house we have been fortunate to use before.

The weather is currently fine, hot with only a little wind. A long run was had this morning before it came too hot. All three of us went out run on the old railway path.

I am pleased with my efforts- though the last 1 Km was hard. I think progressing well enough for the ‘Round the Bays’.

As, as the photo above shows we have been temporarily re-united with our Canada inspired chairs. Lovely.

Vincent

We have just finished house sitting in Hataitai at D&M. Lovely to be somewhere comfortable-Sofas, TV and homeliness.

Plus ‘cat sitting’. A nice fellah though with a moulting long hair issue. And not so nice when he brought the dead bird into the lounge.

Bees are struggling

Brentford are struggling. On a losing steak and not playing well. Yesterday was a bad draw against Wolves in the FA Cup 3rd round. 80 minutes v 10 men!

The above headline I think is chasing optimism. We shall see. Toney is back next game- and given the injury problems have hit the front men then maybe he will be the rescue act.