It's All Good

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are enjoying an exciting time in NZ and at The Mariposa Corporation (aka Mexicali Fresh). First of all, it was announced today that NZ has been selected to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup! It's a huge coup for this tiny country who was up against South Africa and Japan. This is the world's third largest international sporting event after the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup. For little NZ, it will dwarf the Lions Tour and the America's Cup. Needless to say, the country is rapt, and as new Kiwis, so are we.

We have also signed a letter of intent for a new store in Newmarket. It's a new upscale urban renewal project in Auckland's high fashion shopping area. Westfield likes what we are doing and we both see a great fit for their newest developments. They are the second largest shopping center developer in the world. See photos in the Newmarket album.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we have finally found and purchased a Weber grill for our turkey. It took awhile, but we found what is called a "North American-style BBQ" here. The only problem is that they don't sell lighter fluid and the briquettes are $30 per bag. Jill, do still have any pull at Kingsford - we could sure use that about now! Judy has ordered our turkey for next week because you can't get anything over 3 kg (that's 6.6 lbs to you unmetricised heathens) and we will have an all American celebration. We will attempt to introduce the Stewart Family traditions like games and crafts to our Kiwi guests, but I really need my sisters here to create the buzz! Now all we need to do is time our meal with ESPN coverage of American football, and we've got it made.

The cruise ships have begun arriving and summer is in full swing. Tyler, Conor, Rachi, John and I wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Mexicali Fresh City League Basketball Team 

Happy Halloween!