Sunday River Lunch & Walk...

Although it may be close to Christmas and the winter season is upon us, sometimes we do get some real cracker days.



In fact the weather has been so good recently that yesterday we enjoyed an outdoor river front Pub lunch with a friend of mine, Richard.

We meet at a Hammersmith pub called ‘The Dove’ http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=175 for a great sunny lunch by the river edge.

After a few hours of chatting and eating, we decided a walk along the Thames between the two bridges, Hammersmith & Putney Bridge, was in order.

Although the walking path was a bit wet and muddy, it was nice watching the rowers and ducks pass us by up stream.

A perfect end to a glorious winter Sunday.

Congratulations to Grigoria!

Today Grigoria’s career took a positive step forward when her first working paper; “Financial Infrastructure and Corporate Goverence” was released.

As you’d expect these papers are highly regarded amongst her profession, an achievement we are very proud of.

Happy Birthday Janine!

Happy Birthday! I won't mention your age, but 31 is a good one!

We hope that Paul and little Jamie treat you well and give you all the love you deserve.

Have a nice one with your young family.

Love Blair & Grigoria

Dad's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.....

Congratulations Dad on your “Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge” time of 6hrs 13mins!

It is certainly something to be proud of. http://www.cyclechallenge.org.nz/

I know you’ve put in considerable training over the winter months and we can see that it has paid off with that time.

Just in case you didn’t notice Dad here are some snaps, which were taken on the course;
http://www.supersportimages.com/products/showbib.php?xs=297&s1=2224

Walk in Hyde Park: Autum

Following the New Zealand Memorial site and despite the late afternoon chilly conditions we decided to take in a walk home via Hyde Park.

Now it is getting pretty cold it was nice to be out walking along the leaf covered paths and seeing other like minder people enjoying the day including the resident Serpentine Lake ducks!

A short walk further we passed a couple who I spotted as being the American Actor Matt Damon with his family (who I believe is in town filming Bourne Identity 3), Grigoria didn’t quiet believe me but then as she said she wasn’t looking….I’m 100% certain it was him!

Oh it’s a busy life celebrity spotting…….

New Zealand War Memorial: London

Following the opening ceremony some weeks ago, I’d been naging Grigoria to go and have a closer look.

Today the weather was nice enough for us to get down to Hyde Park Corner where is sits, on a grassy mould opposite the Australian memorial.

In essense the “Southern Stand” memorial consisits of 16 cast molten bronze scultures (varying in height) set out in formation to commemorate the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the shared sacrifice during times of war.

It is a symbol both of our common heritage, and of New Zealand's distinct national identity.

With a numeral of national icons (rugby ball, maori canoe) and scritps cast into it, I think it really stamps a place or mark on this symbolic area of Hyde Park corner.


With past Anzac Day cermemorations happening at the Australian site, next year this spot will be the place for New Zealanders to come; very touching.