Hi all,

F**k what a weekend!!!
I had a blinder, with fun being my middle name and social lubricator my weekend occupation, I lived up to all expectations and more.

Friday night we all went to God's Kitchen and partied well into the wee hours, I was my usual lovely self and had an absolute blast. The only downer of the night was my useless Telecom phone, was down ALL night, So I couldn't send any love to the world (I think they deserve a letter), and really felt the urge to do so. Other than that slight blemish we had a lot of fun, the music was good, a little slow at times, but if you wanted it faster you could always go into the Hard House room (so no complaints).

So we pulled the pin about 5.30 and were all tucked up in bed about 6am. The morning was pretty quiet until, I had to find the energy and go to my sisters B'day party in Ham's. A couple of Red Bulls for the drive and I made it there safe and sound, just in time to have a quick spa bath and get dressed to go to the party.

The party was good, we held the pool table most of the night, and as I still had a little friend in my pocket I took a 1/2 and spent a bit of time feelin the love with the ol' family, until I thought it was time to PARTY. So I said my goodbye's and went to a dance club and charged until it shut at 3am. (and once again my stupid Telecom phone would not work - so once again NO LOVE could be sent - Grrr) As I left I met up with one of my old school mates who invited me back to his place for a spa, which was soooo relaxin I almost fell asleep. Then I crashed out for about 5 hours.

Sunday was spent visiting and inviting ppl to the party on Sat, watched the Warriors (who were extremely flat) had a great feed, got a solid 10 hours sleep and drove back to Auckland this morning.

So as I said it was pretty full on, had heaps of fun, caught up with heaps of mates, got mangled and partied. Am now lookin forward to another great party this weekend.

Lots of love to you all, as I could not send it on Fri or Sat nights.

Later
Mike

Dear All,

I have now been formally presented with the Book of Hot Auckland Lurve, which frankly is quite spectacular. I feel tremendously honoured to have such a great bunch of friends, not to mention a spectacular girlfriend who put this together. I shall hug you all individually when I see you soon.

On a separate note, went out with Fish last night and met up with Ross and Amanda and got very drunk, and spent a spectacular amount of money in a swanky London bar.

Hugs and smooches and stuff like that.

Pete

"Share the love".
"Always a pleasure never a chore"
"Out with hate in with love"
"A fish in the bush is worth two in a parked car".

Stu, stop sending secret messages of adoration to Pete, you know he's mine.

Shit it did !!
So Kat, did "the HOLDING YOU close to me... and FALLING for each other" message ever get viewed by someone? You know the one, where you asked us all to contribute something? Don't wanna reveal all incase I've been a muppet and put my foot in it.

will this work? It's all Chinese to me. Or is it Greek?

pour chat,
I know you are trying to contact me, but for some reason the msg's are bouncing back. Looks like mine arnt getting through to you either. Don't worry, the messages are being passed on, and in responce...
always a pleasure, never a chore.
I'll see you when you get back to the Land of the Long White Cloud
merci, mon petite amie.
Adam

Hi all,

I am bored at work and have run out of ppl to annoy here, so it will be you for the moment.

We are gearing up for another great weekend, Dance Party on Fri (God's Kitchen) with some quality Dooff Dooff music. (Trance and Hard House - Super sweet) And as we have a good crew going it should be a great night. I dunno what everyone else is doing on Sat night as I have to go to Ham's for my sister's 30th B'day (I think I will need some help to make it through the night, after what will be a very long Friday night). So you will all have to try and survive without me - I know it will be hard but I'm sure you will survive, you will have to hold back all your love and praise until next weekend.

We are also starting to finalize the preparation for the combined B'day party at the mighty Whitford Residence on the 4th. It will once again be a great night with more quality Dooff Dooff music, and many ppl will be partying with me until the wee hours in a slightly altered state of mind. We will be supplying music, beer and as always great company. If you are lucky we might even put on some food, but we'll see how we go.

Everyone is invited even those in other parts of the world. You know we are worth it and all.

And as a matter of interest to those who care, I have almost finished 'The Book' well all the important chapters anyway. So yes 'Dr love' will soon grace these pages with a few tips for you all.

Well got to go - duty calls

Mike

Dear oh dear - the blog is in danger of being dominated by non-resident Bamber/Halston/Chamberlainites! How odd.

'Boro Sue survived Reading - somehow - and left this afternoon vowing to see everyone as soon as conveniently possible. This was after interrogating my Dad to see if there was any oil & gas in her back yard...it's a long story.

Not much else to say at this point. Life continues...

Quick hi from call box in Edinburgh. Hung over post wedding. Hope you all had a good time in taupo..co.uk Anygoss? Hugs

Hellooooo my beauties, i trust you are all pining in my absence and that the 'Taupo III' rumour of you having fun without me is entirely untrue. Halston Posse - thank you all so much for the flowers, love and cyber hugs, mum and i are very grateful. The wonderful Mr Baldwin has been taking very good care of me and survived a Friday night in our local with no less than three of my ex-boyfriends with his dignity and humour intact!

Annie - loved the golfball msg - all of you phone everyone you care about in the world and share the love - this is an order...


still no idea when i'll return or when funeral will be but nae fear, i'll be back....

love katfish xxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Fish is under my close supervision and is close to being hugged into submission. Things are ok up here in (no longer sunny at all) Bangor, and we are going out on the piss tonight for the first time in a while. I am heading north for wedding partay tomorrow and Fish is then coming down to London on Monday to be introduced to the greater Baldwin clan and the swedish ambassador and ferrero rocher. Thank you for all being wonderful, and we both miss you terribly, but shall hopefully return to you all not too distantly.

Mucho hugs.

Pete

Dammit, I'm bored. Not having a job is great...when you've got money. As it is, I feel confined to the house, and there's only so much web-surfing a man can do!

For those who remember her, northern Sue is coming down at the weekend - I'll take great pleasure in showing all those random photos of the parties and the rest of it to her.

Miss y'all. Take care, keep smiling,

Matt

Dearest Katfish...
Kat, we are all thinking of you and your family, not forgetting Peter, at this difficult time. We so want to be there for you and help take the pain away. And as Jamie rightly reminded us, we will be there in the coming months and years, when ever you feel blue, we're there to put that wicked grin back on your chops!

Well its p***ing down here, and is due to for the forseeable with gale force winds, so your not missing much in the weather department!

I had this wee tale forwarded to me today, I thought it poignant.
You are my golf balls!


A

When things in your life seem almost to much to handle, when 24 hours in a
> >day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar........and the beer.
> >A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front
>of
> >him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty
> >mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the
> >students if the jar were full. They agreed that it was.
> >So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
> >jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
> >between the golf balls.
> >He then asked the students again if the jar were full. They agreed it was.
> >The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
> >course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar
> >were full. The students responded with an unanimous yes.
> >The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and
>poured
> >the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space
> >between the sand.
> >The students laughed.
> >"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
> >recognize that this jar represents your life.
> >The golf balls are the important things-your family, your children, your
> >health, your friends, your favorite passions-things that if everything else
>
> >were lost, and only they remained, your life would still be full.
> >The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house,
>your
> >car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff.
> >If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room
>for
> >the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all
>your
> >time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things
>
> >that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to
>
> >your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner.
> >Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the
> >disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter.
>
> >Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
> >One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.
>
> >The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no
>
> >matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
> >beers."

*** Fank You ***
Thanks everyone for making it look like I've got friends. I forgot to take any pictures to prove that people came around the house whilst I was living in Auckland, even if it was just to have a portion of dumplin'.
I had a great weekend, yet again, and now I really Really REALLY don't want to work!
There is a lot planned for the the next month. Damn, you're good.

*** Losers ***
Pete, Matt and Stu, you are all losers!
Also, your numbers, at the casino, didn't win either!

Dammit, you're making me jealous!!

Drat & double drat! Well, the motherland is dull. Extremely dull. Dissaffected already, v.distressing, but was out last night taking in the sights - y'know, 2 gangs of blokes beating the shit out of each other, police all over the shop, and just general grimness. Not the best, don'tchaknow...

Still, gorgeous weather, considering going out for a spot of sunbathing. In the meanwhile it appears I shall be instaled fairly smartly in a job - what it may be, I have no idea, but I have various recruitment agents chasing me for my CV and interviews...which is nice!

Tally ho, chocks away, and beware those bandits at 4 o'clock - they're just determined to ruin afternoon tea...

ROAD TRIP, PARTY ON!

OK, get your diaries out chaps (those of you who haven't abandoned us for the mother land!)

27th Sep - Stu, Kat and possible Ged back - Party on in Auckland.... Will Pete make a special guest appearance? God Kitchen weekend, its gonna be messy... ;) Bring it on!

4th Oct - Mike and Jamies Birthday Party, at the Whitford residence.

11th Oct or 18th Oct - GAME FISHING in the BAY OF ISLANDS! Thinking of chartering a boat and going after some Marlin, reel 'em in! Those who don't lust after blood can potter around the lovely Russell and watch the amazing surfing dog! (Jamies birthday on 12th)

26th Oo! Oo! Annie in Oz the droole over the England rugby team as they demolish Samoa!

31st HALLOWEEN PARTY, the Halston residence, Spooky! Fancy dress naturally! or should that be Super Naturally!

Not for getting our Goulash and Casino night tomorrow, all good!

Please let me know whos up for fishing / BOI as will start looking for boat and batch!

A : )

*** Game on ***
11 and 13 eh? well, we'll have five cents on each I think, heck, what the hay, gimme ten cents to win ... ON EACH me babbers.

Hmm...I'll go with 11.

Remember, greed is good.

I'm now worried - this 'apple juice' of my uncle's is a bit potent - I think you'd like it, Adam - well nice.

Not much else to say, 'cept I should have a mobile phone this weekend & will pass on the number accordingly to Ms. Fish & associated others.

My number is, and has always been, 13. Given that that's my birth date. Go forth and multiply your chips...

I am very busy at work thank you, I have to monitor blog, email, find recipes for goulash etc.
Starting reading book, bit strange at first, but now I'm getting used to the characters it starting to really appeal.

Pete & Matt, I'm going to put a chip on a four way bet on the roulette table inspired by each of you, choose a number [we are going Saturday, so you better let me know by then] and the first spin will be using your numbers. If it wins I’ll put it towards a round of drinks for those that come along.

Adam

Whichever of us was labouring under the illusion that Adam was busy at work was clearly cruelly deceived...

Have you looked at the Calvin and Hobbes book yet Adam?

P

*** Money Money Money ***
Say good bye to your hard-earned cash, cause this weekends suggested event is a trip to the Casino [with a trip to the top of the Sky-Tower by night].
The afternoon is planned like this.
12pm Start getting ready
1:30pm still sat chatting, not started yet, must start now
2pm really must start getting ready
2:13pm shout abuse at whoever is in the bathroom
2:15pm pace up and down kitchen
2:18pm shout more abuse at bathroom
2:36pm 'queue jumping' curse and threaten horrible things to flat mate as he/she slips into bathroom
3:10pm finished getting ready, head count, one missing, where's Jo?
3:20pm wait for Jo to go into bathroom
3:42pm wait for Jo to come out of bathroom
3:59pm all start to wander towards the front door
4:07pm all wander back again
4:12pm all wander to front door again, some even manage to get in a car and start it
4:17pm finally get in car and head towards Carlton Gore
4:28pm arrive at Carlton Gore
4:29pm shower Adam with praise for delicious gourmet wafts of heaven coming from kitchen
4:33pm where’s Jo?
4:38pm after much debate, realise Jo was left at service station
4:39pm Fetch Jo
4:40pm drinks finally served
4:50pm shower Adam with praise for being Adam
5:00pm Dinner is served
5:05pm, 5:06pm, 5:08pm, 5:12pm, 5:18pm Shower Adam with praise for nutritious gastronomic taste sensation, like a duff duff party on your tongue.
5:20pm Jo arrives just in time to wash up, she’s more than welcome to help herself to leftovers
5:20pm to 7:03pm Take the piss out of Jo, reminisce about other times Jo has gone missing, shower Adam with more praise, drink.
7:04pm start talking about going to the Casino
8:06pm summarise Casino options
8:26pm order taxi’s and leave
8:30 onwards – go up tower, loose money.

If you want to skip the food at Carlton Gore, fine, fuck you, I’ve never liked YOU anyway, you can go directly to the casino, and let’s hope you loose your wife AND both kids on poker.

I’m thinking about doing a traditional Czech Goulash with dumplings and bread (with Veggie-terrible option for all the pumpkin lovers). Bring along your own grog, Pils beer would be a great thing to bring along if you like it.

If too many people want to come along we will change the home cooked food option to a take-away option.

Puh-lease let me know if you are interested in the food option, so I can plan.
If you can’t make it at all, don’t miss out on the ‘showering Adam with praise’ this can be done by email, phone or fax at any time, or by writing a cheque, postal order or direct debit.

Always a pleasure, and very rarely… no, never a chore

Hallo All!

Well another one of the Auckland Massive has returned to the fold (sniff!). I shall miss you dearly Matt, who's gonna hug me now?

As I am sure most of you know Immigration don't love me enough to give me work permit, so I am bringing in the big guns....

I just want to say that the last six months with you guys has been priceless, so whats a couple of quid to keep the good times going and living the dream : )

Thanks for all you love and support and knowing when to leave me to sulk in my room!

A

Our Jamie has a dodgy grin,
Could it be that he's living in sin?
I would've thought not,
Seeing as his nether regions had rot,
But it would appear that he's actually scored a win!

I t'ank you!

Well folks, I'm back in the UK. Of course, my body clock is completely f*cked at the mo, but a serious session last night made sure I was awake to the early hours, and all should be well for a hefty job-searching Monday. Great.

Very touched by the send-off - was great that y'all could be there - even if Kat was more stressed about the whole thing than I was! Got many things to do here, but hopefully in the not-too-distant future I'll be hooking up with the errant Swede and ensuring his downfall. Much the same as back in NZ, just got slightly further to go to reach him.

Well, I'm off to get some sleep, and I'll speak to y'all soon.

Take care, keep smiling, huge hugs,

Matt

Ok the plan 4 tonight,

Once we have made sure Matt has left the country, (we do love you Matt - honest)
everyone is invited to come for a wee excersion to the country,
The entertainment for the evening shall be the Southpark Movie (as a disturbing amount of you have not seen it)
followed by star gazing (weather permitting) with your new maps of the sky.
Drinking shall take place before, during and after all such activities.
Other than that the only other entertainment shall be the usual whitty banter, with the conversation probably ending up in the gutter.

Oh well, shame you all had such a shit time, but then it was only to be expected in the circumstances.
Dearest Schmanny, thank you for the phone call, twas lovely to talk to a few of you. I was a little pissed at that point, my apologies if I was incoherent.
Im not even sure if it was before or after the stripper. As I write, you're probably all getting up after Matts do and feeling shit. No sympathies, drinking without me indeed...

I'm now back in London after the Swedish adventure and burning at high speed down the Autobahn (bottled it after hitting 200K) and counting down the days until Matt gets back (oh yes, and Ms Fish).
Oh yeh, saw a bottle of new Vanilia Absolut the other day. Must try some...

Miss you all. Now Bugger off.

Pete

*** Non-Geeks ***
Listen up, there are two stages to a Blog, posting and publishing.
Posting saves it to the blog. Once things are posted only those people who sign in can read them.
Then you can publish, this publishes to a proper web page which means you can bookmark the page and quickly look at the latest blogs without having to log on:
http://freezin.blogspot.com/
Puh-lease make sure you post and then publish, then we can all see it.

MY ARSE HURTS!
(No Hamish jokes please!)
Bloody horses, can't trust 'em!
It would appear I can't ride 'em either!
Bugger!

Great spot Vix, thanking you very much!
I'd love to go back...
Hell! I'd love a batch in little bay - shall we?!

Beautiful piece Mike, you really are a Hippy at Heart!

Matt - good effort, you Shag Meister you!
Looking forward to getting you s***faced tonight,
we're gonna miss you honey : (

Adam, when's the photo evening? What you gonna cook?
The secrets out now...!

Hils sends hugs and kisses - and a big STEAMROLLER!
Her mobile # is +16 0 4818 DIVE! (+16 0 4818 3483)
She's back in Vancouver now, hanging out with Trish!

Feel the love!
A x

...Adam...wherrreee arrreee yyooouuu....we were all trying to track you down last night. Hoping to do a photo session at Al and Mikes tonight after Radio Lollipop.. Drop me a wee text hun.. xx (hope thats ok with Mike and Al !! :0) )

What a weekend...and strange, I actually felt quite refreshed on monday morning. A fine mixture of mud, horses, beach and booze and..of course good company. Good fresh air, sunshine and .....a very sore ass (from horse riding of course !!)
Where next....I will investigate. Or, I guess we could always torture ourselves and go back there again sometime...
Love ya , Vick xx

*** Real Blog ***
I'm not too sure what's happening here, but if you've got a moment have a look at 'slug's' blog. It's very funny.
http://menameaslug.blogspot.com/

I must concur it was a most exceptional weekend, great weather, great location, and great company (as always). The weekend had something for everyone, we drank, we smoked, we tramped, we slept on hillsides, we galivanted around the coast, we even lay beneth the stars.

The location was brilliant, we woke up on Saturday to a lovely late winter's morn, and found ourselves in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and native bush. On both days I set off with a car load of willing participants and we drove around the coast line taking in the magnificent scenary, scouting out a location for me to retire to. The views were spectacular, with crisp clear waters and not a ripple upon the ocean. Every house, hut, batch or Mansion was evaluated as to it's view, location, proximity to township (including growth potential of township) and most importantly size of balcony for drinking piss on (of paramount importance when comparing properties). Our task was so Strenuous as we stopped on a hillside to bask in the sun and absorb the view, for only a moment, we found ourselves lying fast asleep atop the hill, listening to the waves crash upon the rocks, cusioned in the long soft grass. (for those interested I will be retiring in either Little bay, Whangapoua, Matarangi or Opito Bay (the latter three not visited on our wee excursion.))

Others entertained themselves by falling off horses, testing 4x4's, smoking, tramping, drinking and of course relaxing - on this note I must admit this is the most awake I have been on a Monday in a conciderable period of time (I am unsure if this is a good thing as Mondays suck, but an experience none the less). I'll just have to get all sorts of fucked up this weekend so my Body doesn't get withdrawls.

Well as you are all probably aware I have started rambling (one of my many traits) so I will leave you all (some to relive the lovely memories of our journey and others to ponder what they missed.)

Well, it was indeed a great weekend. I am knackered, but thanks to the joys of not working, have had a fun time lying in - apart from Kat phoning me at 9:30am, of course. And another 3 calls for Lisa whilst she was asleep. And missing the chimney sweep whilst I was in the shower and she couldn't be arsed to get out of bed.

Well, it's all a bit manic. Plus points include no chafing or backache from horses (and falling off them), a possible sale of mobile phone, and discovery of several places to sell car. Minus points include sadness at leaving, dread at possible alcohol poisoning Wednesday & Thursday, and no luck so far in mattress selling. Oh well. Still, done good deed for day in helping some newly arrived backpackers orientate themselves. For those suspicious of my motives, they were not young, attractive females, but instead a 30something couple who I got chatting to 'cause the bloke had a London Irish rugby top on (that'll be my local rugby club back home, for the non-sporting amongst you).

For those who don't know, leaving do is Wednesday night - commences 8-8:30 at De Post, moving on at an unspecified time to the Dogs Bollix, and then around midnight going to a suficiently cheesy 80s night at St. James'. I hope this is enough variety to satisfy y'all, if not - too f*cking bad.

Dat's it, I'm off to get into salesman mode.

*** Great Weekend ***
The weatherman said strong winds, rain and even the chance of hail…
We had glorious sunshine served on a cloud-dappled blue platter followed by a generous sprinkling of stars and lashings of milky-way.
At one point we even seen THREE MOONS!
What a great weekend, YABBY!
I hope the horsey people aren’t too chaffed.
I have some good news and some bad news., The bad news is, as well as over 50 digital photographs I took 4 films of photo’s, which makes for a very LONG evening. The good news is, it may take a while for me to get around to having them developed , so you have some time to escape Auckland.
Thanks everybody, even Pete was there [via phone and very pissed, but he was there!]
Where next…?