Weekend report:  Started on Friday night with an excellent meal at a Japanese restaurant down the street.  Visited with Marilyn Aday, an American nephrologist that moved here after 3 tours with Global Medical.  On Saturday, Jennifer and Murray came for dinner.  Preparing the meal with our limited kitchen equipment was challenging (could have used a food processor or blender, and had to buy a larger pyrex dish), but the vegetarian meal was a success.  Deb, thanks for the butternut squash lasagna idea.  Tried peanut butter balls for dessert.                               

Today I drove to Wanganui to check out a "Champ" NZKC obedience dog show.  I put in the above pictures to illustrate that I never tire of seeing the sheep and cows and pastures and green rolling hills along the road between towns.  At the dog show, it was interesting to watch the events.  I won't begin to list the differences in classes, scoring, etc., but check out the pictures (2 are video) to see the scent articles, a little novice heeling, and the stays, as well as a few rally obstacles.  What I observed was that although it was an important show, with people from other cities camped in their RVs, and experienced judges, etc; the atmosphere was what we have at a fun match.  There was much less stress, anxiety and tension in the air (and not just because I wasn't showing).  Just like at my office, things are done in a more pleasant and relaxed way.  What I don't miss here is stress and anxiety; no worries. Cut and paste  https://picasaweb.google.com/115133267095590644390/ObedienceShow?authuser=0&feat=directlink  for just a little of the dog show.

Planning to go back to go back next weekend to take the Paddle Steamer on the Whanganui River (river in the picture on left).  Look carefully at the above 2 pictures to see a little of Mount Ruapehu in the background.  Ended the weekend with the dogs having a swim at Bledisloe Park.