Vote Baby Vote - Deee Lite

It's only a couple of days to go until the General Election in New Zealand... and I can't wait! Firstly because I love the fact that we live in a democratic country and I am able to vote. Secondly I'll just be glad when it's all over. It's been a shorter than normal campaign period due to the timing of the Rugby World Cup but in reality it's seemed like one of the longest... ever... and I blame the media and their reporting of the campaign. I have been really embarrassed at the poor standard of journalism which has seen real issues pushed to the background while the tea cup saga has gained all the attention. When you talk about self importance politicians usually tend to come to mind but these days I think the title clearly goes to TV journalists.

Right that's my grump over! For anyone who still has not enrolled to vote, tomorrow is the last day to register. So get in there and make your vote count. For those of you who are still uncertain about the policies of the various parties and how they might affect you I have a solution...

ELECTION FARM

Can you tell that New Zealand is still very much an agricultural nation?!? Some whizz kids have come up with this interactive site which gives you an overview of the political parties and their policies using a farm environment. I've already decided who I am voting for in my electorate and which party will get my party vote but I did have fun playing around on Election Farm. Check it out for yourselves.

In another sign of tough economic times I was saddened to read this week that the woollen mill in Milton (just outside Dunedin) is about to close and make all their staff redundant. The Mill has seen many incarnations of ownership over the years but has always played an important part in the history of the New Zealand fibre industry. Here is the news article I saw earlier this week...

WOOLEN MILL IN MILTON TO CLOSE...

I'm hoping that somehow there may be a solution worked out and perhaps new owners might be able to keep the mill going.

In terms of knitting this week... I finished the Santa Sack jock strap! I'm quite pleased with just how good it turned out. Bi-tone honeycomb certainly is my signature stitch! this little beauty will find it's way into the mail to Canada this weekend. On a side note... Ian likes it so much that he has even requested one for Christmas. Hmmm...

Ready for some flowers now???

It's springtime so we've had some peonies on display in the dining room and I thought they were too beautiful not to share them with you. (Yes that is my laundry in the background, I'm no domestic goddess!)

Comments

[Nigel]

Love the peonies. It's wonderful to read about spring coming when we are concerned about winter in our part of the world.

We were already in Mexico when our municipal elections were held. I felt a little guilty that we weren't there to vote. The good news is that the group I would have voted for did get in and the person who I felt was damaging the electoral process with her invective against the present mayor was defeated soundly.

[anne marie in philly]

PEONIES! I needs some color right now; here it is brown and brown.

at least the santa sack is going to canada and not to me; I would have no use for it.

we still have a year to go before our election and I am already disgusted with the candidates AND the media.

[WS]

The mill closure is very, very sad. Hopefully, as you say, there will be new people who will open it again.

Love the peonies. They are my favourite flower. Thanks for sharing them!

[Cath]

I am now going to be looking at people and wondering if they are wearing the honeycomb jock strap under their business attire! Wishing you hadn't said it was coming to Canada! (oh please tell me it is going to Halifax or Quebec City)

[Linda Shields]

Miss reading your blog . . . . . I know 'life happens' and that is more important than posting. Just sending you positive and caring thoughts. Hope all is well. Salam wa sa'aadah Linda Shields (a faithful reader currently living in Kuwait.)