…and the Order of the Pheonix to be precise. I’ve already seen half of this movie. I fell asleep halfway through. Not because it was boring, but because I was tired. I was watching it on the very Last Lan Chile flight I took. I don’t expect I’ll be flying Lan Chile again because they’re now so darned expensive. Shame, because they are such a good carrier. But, I don’t really miss them that much.
I now fly Aerolíneas Argentinas when next it’s time to meet my love. The two things I really like about Aerolíneas is that the flight times are so much better than Lan Chile for flying to Rio and also that there is just a little more seat space. Lan Chile is so cramped. It’s hard to sleep when your legs are wrapped around your ears. Then you have to contend with the interminable seven hour wait at Santiago Airport until the flight for Rio arrives. It didn’t used to be like that. There used to be only a wait of one and a half hours. Much better. With Aerolíneas I only have a two hour wait at Buenos Aires.
Anyway, I digress. Ana’s started reading the Harry Potter series. I used to read a lot of fantasy, but not any more. The Harry Potter movies (you Americans call them films don’t you?), however, are a class act. I’ve enjoyed watching them all and I can’t wait to get back into watching the fifth in the series. I hope it’s good.
By the way. I’ve been using a “cheap as” (Kiwi slang I believe) portable speaker and I’d like to say just how good it is. I use it because I’m addicted to Podcasts and Audio Books. But, I don’t think it’s a good idea to listen all the time to headphones. I tend to use only the in ear headphones (earbuds) and even though I always try my best to keep the volume down as much as possible, I still think long hours of listening even at very very low volumes, are not good for my hearing.
So, I bought this (Click on each image for a larger picture):
Here’s a look inside:
It was cheap. Nine Bucks! That’s around US$5. It runs on two AA batteries and gives around 7 hours of play. That’s not quite true as I find I get at least 30-40 hours. I try to switch it off when I’m not using it to save on batteries, but more often than not, I forget. So, if I was actually religious about turning it off when I’m not using it, I would probably at least treble the battery life of this device.
Now it is only mono and although tonally it’s pretty good, it’s not designed for high fidelity music, but I don’t care. I’m mostly listening to conversations so it suits me fine. I’m going to get another one in case I ever lose this one. It pumps out quite a lot of sound as well and doesn’t really distort too badly when it is pumping out those sounds. It uses flat speaker technology so it’s almost impossible to damage it. Also, you can put your MP3 player (It fits my Radio Your Way LX no probs!) inside, zip it up, and just let it play. I don’t do that though as I’m always rewinding.
Just to finish off. Some more details and some specs:
* Speaker built-into the case – no need for headphones
* Protects your audio player and accessories
* Integrated amplifier for more powerful sound
* Gold plated plug ensures superior connection
* Up to 7 hours playback on 2xAA batteries
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Impedance: 4 Ohm
* Frequency Response: ~275Hz – 200KHz
* Power Output: 3 Watt
* Power Requirements: 2x 1.5V AA Batteries (Not Included)
* Connections: L-shape 3.5mm Jack (with 7″ cable)
* Dimensions: 135x135x50 mm (WxHxD)
* Weight: 200g
Now for Harry…
PS. Baby. I’m missing you so very much. I can’t wait until we’re together again.
Dear readers,
I must confess that, although I LOVE our Blog, I feel so lazy when it comes to write a post. [Cam here: I'm worse.] But in my defence, I have to say I dont have much time to write. Every work day my husband wakes me up my 7 AM and I leave home around my 9:30AM – 10 AM to work, and be back from work around 7:30PM. So I talk to my husband, have dinner, shower and its pretty much bed time. This is a pity becaude this Blog is great and I do believe that one day it will be FAMOUS! 
[Cam: Yes. We need more people reading our blog. We'd love to have have your comments, just login.]
I started reading!! Yesterday I read all “Lucy Sullivan is getting married” (Marian Keyes) book! This is a victory to me! This is great! And I´ve just started reading “The undomestic goddess” (Sophie Kinsella). This is making me feel so good. I enjoyed Marian Keyes´s book and there is a chance I will read it again. I found out about Sohpie kinsella by chance at Borders (Queen St.) because of the title “Shopaholic” got my attention… I discovered that reading will help me cope with the depression that stings me painfully all the time for being distant from my beloved husband. Nothing like keeping the mind occupied. And time does run fast this way. I promissed myself I will continue this task and plan to start reading all Harry Potter´s starting this week. I am going to keep on reading BIG TIME. My husband brought me two boxes of nice tea (Ginseng and Hops) wich makes a very nice combination with the books.
Anyway, my husband came to Rio for a ten days honeymoon. It was GREAT as usual. It was just so great being close to him again. Every time is wonderful. He arrived on a Thursday evening.
Next day we went to a city near Rio called Buzios and we were expecting something like Paraty but it was rainy and cold so the only thing we could do was walking around on Saturday, feeling cold and spending money eating at local restaurants. 
The hotel (www.solardopeixevivo.com.br) wasnt what we expected. There was quite a lot of dust on the floor so before going to bed we had to wash our feet. The shower was OK, but once the hot water disappeared and Cam had to finish his shower under cold water. Breakfast wasnt bad, but for the price we paid (R$ 315,00 for two nights) iwe were expecting a “delux” meal… ( and because of the cold weather, I think we deserved a cooked warm breakfast). At the hotel there was a tiny portuguese guy who didnt give us much assistance. He didnt seem to be expecting any guests (although the hotel was booked much in advance and I called them to comfirm if everything was OK……). 
I have to say, Samantha, the hotel cat, was the better hostess we had. She was the only one trying to welcome us. 
On the first evening, we were hungry and, even if it was raining SO MUCH, we needed to eat. We ended up having dinner at the little restaurant at the hotel where we eat two small meals, two desserts and two glasses of wine. We were charged R$ 146,00 and we had to pay cash because the visa machine wasnt working. [Cam: Great décor but way too expensive. We got shafted that night], 
The portuguese guy should really have told us that just next door we would be able to eat good food for a MUCH better affordable price….. On the way back to Rio (at the bus) we felt relief!
[Cam: One thing you forgot to mention my love were the mosquitoes. So many! What was funny though, was that although they keep you and I awake all night each night, they only bit you. It's such a shame the hotel didn't seem to give a hoot for their guests. Especially because of the atrocious weather we experienced while there. They didn't bother asking us if there was anything we needed, or even offer the temporary use of an umbrella. They just seem to be relying on past nostalgia. The rain on the way into Buzios was so bad that the metal stormwater covers had been popped open by the strength of the water. The streets were flooded.
I have to laugh about my hair in these photos. Was it bed head? Or, was it that I forgot to brush my hair after the shower? Thanks for telling me baby 
Even though the weather was so bad, it stopped raining when we needed it to, which was while we walked around the town. It really is a lovely place and I'm glad we went there. It was too touristy for me. Too slick. I preferred Paraty. Even with all the tourists there, it had LIFE. Buzios is dead in comparison]
I only worked part time (from 8AM – 12PM) while Cam was here and we had the opportunity to watch Narnia, Indiana Jones and Sex & the City, wich was quite good since we dont go much to movie theaters. Also, Cam did a wonderful job here on my PC and laptop. I am so happy!
Last Saturday we had this great wedding to go.
The party was amazing!! 
(although we both agree that OUR wedding was better!!!
[Cam: This was a pretty impressive wedding though. Sixteen best men and sixteen bridesmaids. The church was filled with flowers. They had placed six trees in the church by the alter, the trees bare, but onto each branch had been stuck dozens of white roses. A white carpet going up the steps of the church to the alter. There must have been 250 guests at least. And then the reception! How many people my love? Five hundred? More? It was held at the National Art Gallery. Waiters in white suits and gloves constantly bringing us a selection of drinks from Champagne to Water. It's a shame we didn't take our camera as I wanted to take photos of the food. They had three buffet tables spread throughout the venue initially with a selection of cheeses and pates. Later these changed to a more substantive meal choice. They also has three Sushi tables complete with two Geisha's in full regalia at each table. The Sushi was the best I've ever had.
Last but not least were the desert tables. One table had an incredible selection of the most delicate hand crafted sweets. Tiny white roses, little tiny glasses with tiny spoons tied to the sides and the glasses filled with passionfruit brulle. TIny teddy bear grooms and brides. So many shapes and tastes. Last were the Chocolate fountains, light and dark, with the giant piles of strawberry's and grapes.
They also gave out white jandals to the ladies who were getting tired of walking around in their high heels.
But, I do agree with you my love. Our wedding was better. For all that food, ours was nicer. We've got some photos we should post some time.]
My beloved Cameron made me feel like the MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN in the Universe: he sent me lovely roses (as you can see, pictures below) for brazilian valentine´s day and our 2 years and 5 months married anniversary.
Thank you, my darling.
This means the world to me.
I love you.
[Cam: My love. You ARE the most important woman in the universe! You are the love of my life. If only I could give you roses every day.]
I’m addicted to a device called the Radio Your Way LX. It’s made by Pogo and is an MP3 player with a built in AM/FM Radio and speakers. It’s the AM radio that I really love about this device and of course it’s ability toplay MP3′s. I hardly use the speakers as they’re not very powerful, so instead I use ear buds. If it was possible, I would have the LX welded to my side and the earbuds grafted to my ears. This model is now discontinued, but a replacement will be coming out sometime this year. Apple got upset with them because they thought it looked too much like the iPod. Bad Apple, Bad!
Anyway. I recently ordered some accessories from the makers of this device. However, they wanted a WOPPING US$50 for delivery. I asked on a forum, that I frequent for the RYW LX, if anyone would be happy for me to send the items I needed to them, and then, have them forward these items to me. Thankfully I received a positive response from one of the regulars to this forum; Big Ed!
I liaised with Ed and he allowed me to forward the items to his place. He even sent me the items for FREE at a personal cost to him of US$7.50 not to mention the time he took going to his local post office and packaging etc. How nice is that? It’s a darned sight less than the US$50 Pogo wanted though and I’m really grateful to Ed.
He also sent me a picture:
Someone had stolen his garbage can and his beer. He got them back!
Don’t mess with Big Ed!
Ed is from Texas and he has a heart of gold. He seems like a really nice man from the little correspondence I’ve had with him. I hope we get to keep in touch.
It was hard enough seeing Ana go, but today I also saw off friends who have had a fleeting visit to New Zealand. David, Merry & Josephine:
Thankfully Ana had a chance to meet my good friends for the second time.Her first occasion was in the UK just after we got married.
Now I know I’ll be seeing Ana shortly, but I found today hard because of David’s parents. They’re in their 80′s and unable to travel themselves now. I don’t know when David will see his parents again. It was heavy on everyone’s mind.
Safe journey Dave, Merry & Jo. Here’s hoping you all come back soon. The picture is of David’s father Peter watching the plane depart.
Sadly the love of my life has has to go back to Rio. Ana left on Sunday. We’ve had a wonderful time together once again and thankfully the weather was great while she was here. As soon as I walked out of Auckland Airport the heavens opened up. Quite appropriate considering how I felt; driving home alone.
I’ll be counting every day until Ana and I meet again. I’m missing you so much my love.
This photo was taken at the summit of an extinct volcano called Rangitoto. It last erupted somewhere around three hundred years ago. The island is a short 20minute ferry ride from Auckland central. You can go out there for the day. It’s quite a hard walk to the summit if you take the direct route, or you can take a ride on a cart pulled by a tractor. Well worth the one hour hike to the top, especially on such a beautiful day.
trimming the trees in the parents driveway.
It was a blaaardy hot day today. But, the drive needed doing. The parents were very pleased. Mum gave me a little hand, but she had to shoot off into town for a hairdressing appointment. I was really pleased with what I did. The folks are getting too old for this type of thing. I got a little burnt. My arms are sore. I forgot to put on some suntan lotion of course. I was pretty tired after doing all this and I didn’t look forward to taking it off of the Ute (Pick-up for you Yanks). Reason being, because I also had a full trailer to empty as well.
Much to my surprise, when I got to the rubbish tip, a guy running the grader dragged the organic rubbish off of both the trailer and the Ute. It would have taken me ages. Putting the plant rubbish on the Ute and trailer is the easy part. Getting it off sucks.
I was so pleased I didn’t have to do that. Big ups to the rubbish tip guy (Wish I had the foresight to take a photo).
Actually, what’s interesting to me is that although Rio is generally so much hotter, I can walk around all day and not get sunburnt. New Zealand definitely has stronger UV rays. Slip, slop, slap people. Slip on a T-shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat.
Happy Birthday Baby!!!!! Happy Birthday Sweety!!!
I wish I could be there with you to celebrate this very special day. Have an absolutely wonderful birthday my love.
PS: Now, this is me, Ana. I just wanted to say that the little girl above was born to love this little boy here
.