Moan, Moan, Moan - 2012

[Lesley Cox]

I'm sure the Christchurch alpine people will welcome Kathryn warmly. She sounds like an asset to any community and yes, the couple will certainly love the South Island mountains and wildlife. I'm less likely to meet them but all the same send warm greetings to them, as they arrive in this rather nasty spring. There is a thriving alpine (mountaineering) club in Canterbury and also opportunities for tramping, riding and just about every kind of outdoor activity. I hope they'll be happy in New Zealand.

[Anthony Darby]

I'm sure they will find it an adventure. My experience of the South Island is restricted to the photos of tramps on the Forum, picture books and Lord of the Rings. We have yet to venture south of Taupo, and as yet the job situation is not secure. I got a phone call at 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday: "just checking you are attending interview at 3.15?" "What interview?" "Did you not get the email we sent on 1^st of October?" "No!" "Can you still come for the interview?" "Yes." Teaching job, 50 applicants, their computer is playing up, so it doesn't flag up when an email doesn't arrive at its destination. I checked, no email had arrived. I didn't get the job because, they said, "another applicant has more experience with NCEA". Mmm. Don't need an interview to assess that piece of information! I suppose they couldn't exactly say "you didn't interview well" could they? Enjoyed the interview, which lasted only half an hour, and they couldn't fault my enthusiasm. It's a good school to work in, as I am teaching there part time until November. Introduced the Scottish physics teacher to "Glasgow Physics" (see YouTube). At least Vivienne's contract has been extended for another year.

[Lesley Cox]

That's all very well Anthony but how dare you suggest that the Forum is peopled by South Island tramps. We certainly have a few tramps down here but keep them strictly out of the public view. Are you prepared to name them? Susan M? Dave T? Doug L? ME!!!? We are all civilized and respectable people I promise you. ( )

[Anthony Darby]

  Two years ago Lesley that was the only meaning I knew for the word 'tramp', until I came here.

[Anthony Darby]

I buy books from Amazon.com and noticed the new Amazon Kindle Fire 8.9" HD 4G. Just thought I'd check to see if it will be available (as of 20th Nov in USA) to New Zealand customers! Fat chance. It doesn't even exist on the Amazon.co.uk web site. 

Just found this: http://www.valuebasket.co.nz/en_NZ/Amazon-Kindle/cat/view/54

[Anthony Darby]

Our local town centre now has its Christmas decorations up.

[David Nicholson]

Apparently Santa's coming to a local (garden!!!) centre next week which happens to be a half-term week

[Anthony Darby]

Should have had a clause in his contract about working so early!

[Paul T]

Anthony!!

[annew]

There were Christmas carols playing in the 'garden' centre I visited last week.

[ronm]

Should have had a clause in his contract about working so early!

He must be mad!

[David Nicholson]

There were Christmas carols playing in the 'garden' centre I visited last week.

Who ever was responsible should have been hung, drawn and quartered before breakfast, and in public

[ronm]

Its only a bit of fun ... because we all know there ain't no ...

[Michael J Campbell]

 

[Lesley Cox]

Our local town centre now has its Christmas decorations up.

Positively indecent not to have waited until November.