Full Tilt Boogie

Most people think this is a reference to the 1997 Quentin Tarantino movie of the same name. Not so! It's all about Janis - Joplin that is - who spent the summer of 1970 touring with the Full Tilt Boogie Band. We are into Summer in New Zealand as you can see from the photo of our beautiful Pohutukawa trees in full bloom. And, like Janis, we are ramped up full tilt with cruise ships, punters and shoppers.

As expected, Prince's Wharf is going non-stop. Tyler and his latenight crew are really adding an 8th day to our week, with Saturday latenight sales totalling up another day's worth of revenue. They have been going since September non-stop, and even though the wear and tear are beginning to show, they amp it up every weekend for yet another party. I know he will be so happy when Ashley gets back after the 1st of the year.

We didn't know what to expect at Newmarket, but have been very happy with our increased shopper traffic. We are in the middle of the high fashion district, and the last-minute shoppers are discovering us and our vast array of Mexican beers. Manager Davey has found us some "piccolos" which are individual servings of champagne - a favourite among the well-heeled Newmarket shoppers. We have a regular crew of school boys who hang out and play cards in the afternoon - which prompted our cook Butters to come up with the idea of "High School Happy Hour." That will probably include mince (ground beef) tacos since that's what they all ask for.

Conor is head honcho for the new digital menu board install at PW. We had hoped to have it done before Christmas, but it's pretty tough to get anyone to work right now. It's their Christmas and summertime all rolled into the next 3 months. Kids are out of school and most people don't go back to work until January 15. So, he's working on putting together our big media launch - back of busses and radio - which will begin Jan 28. Jen's here for Christmas and touching up our training videos, and generally keeping Conor out of trouble.

Mike's little sister Emily joined us in November and is keeping busy hopping back and forth between PW and Newmarket. We love having her smiling face and awesome barista skills! With Jen, Emily and the boys, we will have a full house for Christmas Day. Our meat man dropped of some fowl thing with feet and head and eyes all intact, but JB promises me he can make it into Christmas dinner!

Christmas in New Zealand 

Wannabe Gestapo Took My Air and Water!

Well I started this blog story on the airplane as we were headed towards Southern Cal. for Thanksgiving (I’m a little pissed because the friendly Federal Homeland Security Nazi took my sealed water bottle), I tried to finish the story on the plane ride back to Auckland, tired and torn between the US and NZ, but now the jet-lag seems to be gone, the vacation is over and life is back to normal, I can finish.

While spending 6 days in Bend, I found out that a lot more people are reading our blog than I ever expected, so I decided I’d write more than once a year. This my recollection of the trip back home.

We stopped off in Hawaii for the first four days in order to break up the journey from way down under. It proved to be a great idea, good on you CB. Getting to Hawaii only took 8 hours and the flight wasn’t very full, so I had some room to move. Since Hawaii is always 82, warm and relaxing, we caught up on some sleep, saw a hooker detained by a local officials, had a drink at Buzz’s Steakhouse, dinner at Alan Wong’s, shopped at Nordstrom’s Rack, swam in warm water and generally did nothing.

Once we transitioned back into the US (God, everything is SO MUCH bigger here), got use to our drab looking money and all that change (NZ has eliminated the penny and the nickel from circulation), we headed to Bend. Our plane was held up in SF for 2 extra hours and sad to say we didn’t know one person that was on the flight. Times have changed; we used to know at least half of the flight. David and Paula Day we flying back from New York City, so they waited around, stuffed (US meaning) us in their car and we all drove home to BT, talking non-stop.

After getting a good nights sleep (thanks to John & Kitten turning on the heat in our house), in our really big bed, it was off to Broken Top (that’s our unofficial office in Bend because they have a local phone and internet access) and later driving around Bend to see all changes that have happened in the last 2 years. Andy is the new GM, yea to the powers that be for hiring him because he carries the soul of Broken Top. If he survives the transition, I believe the club will survive.

Everything in Bend has changed. Cindy and I agreed it felt like there were more changes in the last 2 years than in the last 35 years. Most of the changes have made the city look better, the turn-circles are working (I never thought they would work and then I moved to a country that uses them everywhere), the parkway works for now (I was against putting it through the middle of town, I still thinks it’s butt ugly and should have been put out East), there are plenty of options for food, beverage and shopping, and it still is a casual unpretentious town, but growing really fast.

I got to play golf at the new Fazio course at Pronghorn, Unbelievable, Perfect, Really playable and a Joy. The company wasn’t bad either. John Aspell had to leave after 9 to attend a wedding (Kitten made him) and Pink and the “Dude” and I played 21 holes before it got dark. Our lovely wives joined use for dinner at Pronghorn (thanks Pink) as we reminisced about how things used to be. I also got to play the Bend CC with Jim Schell, losing the front by 5/3 and winning the back by 5/3. All that work and no blood and we managed to lose John and Gino before we even started, but that’s another story.

I also got to visit with my attorney (law suit - thanks Julie), my accountant (taxes - thanks Dan) and my realtor (leasing or selling “Old Mexicali” - thanks Chef). Carla is still alive and well, Susan still gives a great hair cut and Dr. Boni was nowhere to be seen. I finally got in a visit with Geno, before leaving. I got to have lunch with my motorcycle buddies and told them I’d ride with them for a few days when they are on their January NZ ride.

Kitten and John threw a great coming home party, it was good to see everyone, we had a wonderful dinner at BT, saw Marty and Peggy at Guiseppe’s and around every corner was an old employee of mine saying hi.

After a quick 5 days in Bend we arrived in LA, picked up a rental car, immediately drove to the first In & Out Burger we could find (God they are good) and proceeded down the 405/5 at 85 mph. After living in NZ, seeing that many headlights in my rear view mirror was a trip. We had a very cool ocean view condo in Carlsbad and the weather was wonderful. Cindy’s family all showed up, my great brother-in-laws were all along for the ride, and we had a great time.

Thanksgiving was shared by about 20 family members and 4 young Marines from Camp Pendleton. Dinner with these fine young men reminded me that our politicians only ask young men to go to war, because old guys know its all bullshit and they wouldn’t go. It was great to be around such strong representatives of our country. Peace be with you.

We played our usual Friday after Thanksgiving golf match and the un-audited results put me in last place. It took a concerted effort to eat all the food and drink all the beer before hading to the Palm Desert. The family did a good job.

Saturday we packed up and headed for Milo and Marianne’s. They made their guest house available, they took us golfing, they feed us, we got to visit with more of CB’s family, shop in more stores and enjoy the true essence of gated communities. Auntie Lois took the family out to dinner, I took Milo for six bucks on his new golf course, Marianne and I reflected on our long, long friendship and we just enjoyed our last few days in America with friends and family.
Going through security at LAX was a joke! A bunch of “wannabe Gestapo”, George Bush “Patriot Act hugging”, “be afraid, I’ve got your back”, I couldn’t get a real job bureaucrat; took my motorcycle flat-tire compressed air canister as hazardous material. This is a 2 inch canister of compressed air. Boy, do I feel safer but $20 poorer. The crap we put up with to travel these days is all a smoke-screen to make us feel secure, while not providing real security, costing a ton and invading our personal freedoms.

We’re back in Auckland, our home these days, and reflecting on the trip. I miss my friends, three weeks was not enough time, I really miss my friends, our Bend home is really us, Bend is bigger than I like but BT is like ‘old Bend”, the experience in NZ is the greatest thing I’ve ever been involved in, through thick and thin our family sticks together, Titirangi is one of the great golf courses in the world, In & Out Burgers are the best burgers in the world, the golf courses I got to play on vacation were perfect, life is really different after living in another country for a while, our Auckland house is so, so cool, I got lucky the day I joined CB’s family, Mexicali Fresh is in the right place at the right time, Tyler and Conor are the right guys for the right job, 3 more years and CB and I are back to what we do best; travel, life is good and I really miss my friends back in the USA.

Thanks to the Day’s, Aspell’s, Fain’s, the Dude, Dana, Bill, Joy, Jill, Debbie, Terry, all my brother-in law’s, Gerry and Scott (thanks bro’s), the Marianne and Milo, Auntie Lois, Mark and Kay and most of all, TK and CJK for giving us the confidence to go away and thanks to everyone for your support .in the crazy venture.

We hope you all come down soon and visit. The next few months could be interesting and I’ll try and keep you up to date with my prospective of the journey.
JB

Poem to Our Marines

This is the poem Dad read at our Thanksgiving celebration

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Mexicali Summer Kickoff Party

Get your dancing shoes on and join us for the First Annual Summer Kickoff Party at Mexicali Fresh Prince's Wharf.

Get Out and Vote!

Hayden as Uncle Sam urges you to get out and vote - aided by his sidekick Dwight as Little Red Riding Hood. Once again our staff took to Halloween like ducks to water, even though it's not a huge holiday in NZ. We also hosted a very fun event on Halloween Eve for the American Club in Newmarket.

JB and I are preparing for our first joint trip to the States this weekend. We will break up the trip with 4 days in Honolulu, then on to Bend for a week, then to Carlsbad for Thanksgiving and a quick side trip to Palm Springs to visit with the snowbird friends we will miss in Oregon. We are so ready for a break, and I'm sure our wonderful crew will do quite well without us. Janet is well ensconced as keeper of the corporate purse strings, and Tyler and Conor have things under control.

While this will be the first election I have missed since I was able to vote (McGovern 1972) I am hopeful that the result is clear and decisive, and there are no recriminations over voting irregularities. Whatever your preference, please make your voice heard! The USA (or America as it is known to the rest of the world) is still the gold standard to which everyone aspires. When you vote, you are helping to set the path for the future of planet Earth.

From the Supreme Commander

I just wanted to catch up with everyone. What’s the problem man, I’ve only been absent for a year or so? After reading another wonderful blog entry my wife wrote, I realized that she’s always taking the photos, but she’s never in the picture.

We got together 24 years ago, we’ve lived together for 23 years, been married 20 years, tomorrow, and we’ve been in business together about two years. Who would believe that? We’ve seen our kids grow, move away and now we’re getting to be a small part of their success. How great is life?

You all know that whoever could put up with me all these years should be at the head of the line for Sainthood. TK, CJK and I realize the only reason we’re all together is because of “Miss Smarty”. Yea, I know restaurants, Tyler could charm the balls off Tiger Woods, Conor is magician in design, but Cindy ties the bows, herds the sheep and keeps EVERYONE on task. What we are trying to achieve requires all our skills and everyone has given 2000%, but thank God for CB.

You all know CB, you all know me. You all have wondered how we got along; you know we fight, we love, we grow, we explore, we have stupid ideas and do wild things. (Always have) Doing this project was never an issue. We did our homework, we all agreed on what we could do it and “with enough ignorance and confidence, success is guaranteed” (Mark Twain). If you ever doubted it, don’t. With CB on our team, no Kiwi has the kryptonite to stop us.

The future is looking pretty good right now. We are leaning towards franchising; using our organizational skills (CB), our systems (JB), franchisee development and recruitment (TK), marketing (CJK) and OPM (other’s peoples money). Franchising in NZ is considerably different than the US and a hell of a lot easier. With this concept, with our documentation, with NO competition and our desire to do it right, we should do well down here.

I miss everyone, I miss Bob and I miss what George Bush has taken away from all of us. See you all soon. I love you Cindy, thank you for 20 years.

Farewell Bobby

We lost our dear friend Bob Lindgren last month. He touched our family in so many ways, it seems inconceivable that we won't see him again when we got back to Bend in November. Bob's wife Lisa is one of my best friends, and a charter member of the GS club. JB and Bob spent many a wonderful day on the course at Bend G&CC and Broken Top. Tyler and Conor honed their slam dunk skills on Bob's new sport court on Rimrock Road, with Reggie cheering them on. Bob did Lasik and RK surgeries on me and JB, and lifted my eyelids when I was but 35. We will always remember our good times, and be thankful for the times we spent together.

This week marks 2 years since we all made the trip to Aotearoa to do the research for our impending adventure. It seems like a lifetime and a nanosecond all at once. What we didn't know then! I remember dropping the boys off at the airport on November 3 and turning on the radio to check the election results. Gobsmacked we were when we heard that Bush & Co. had won. JB had just crossed the US on his motorcycle trip and was certain that middle America had seen the light. I was ever the optimist and believed that the progressive movement would make their voices heard. Maybe next time, if people can tear themselves away from their prurient obsessions and focus on civil liberties.

What do I miss after nearly 2 years of self-imposed exile in an island nation in the South Pacific? Costco and Target, of course. Real broadband and ketchup. Dryer sheets. Tylenol PM (although you can buy codeine without a prescription). Jon Stewart. My friends. My sisters. And I'd give anything for an In-n-Out burger.

What's better? LAMB! Juicy, succulent and very cheap. Kumara and spring onions (puts our green onions to shame). The view from our beach house. All Blacks rugby. A truly egalitarian society. The continued success of Maoridom and its lessons for the rest of the world. Bro Town and Outrageous Fortune. Seeing my husband succeed again as only he can, and watching my boys come into their own using the skills they didn't really know they had.

For me, I am in awe of what we have accomplished in such a short time. We had so many strikes against us: starting a new business in an industry where 97% fail in the first year, in a country where quesadilla and tomatillo was not part of the lexicon, and as a family business no less. Oh My!

As JB and I approach our 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow, we contemplated a quick trip to Aussie for some golf in the "lucky land." However, we decided we could not ever find a nicer place to spend some quality time than right here, watching the ferries go by, looking out at the Southern Cross, and lifting a glass to our friend Bob.

New Camera at Last!

After much careful consideration, Conor and I have settled on a new camera. Canon PowerShot - can't read the instructions because they are in Japanese, but the photos are awesome. See new album on the right called Newmarket Spring 06.

Maria Juanita Mexicali 

Preopening Album

Check out the preopening album for Newmarket - we have managed to scrounge these images off of our tired camera. This should give you an idea of how cool it looks. Stay tuned for images of the 30-foot virgin.

Newmarket is Open!

Let's see, what day is this? It's been such a whirlwind the last few days none of us knows! We finally got open at 5pm on Saturday - even though the plumbers were still setting the drains for the salsa bar and the Pepsi guy hadn't hooked up the water or the CO2. The doors opened, the customers flooded in, and we've been rocking ever since. Our digital camera is broken so I have to find time to get another one so I can post photos.

This is by far the most amazing restaurant we have ever opened. We have taken bits from all of the others, and Conor has added his design talents to produce something that we can truly say is "vintage urban industrial LA." We did have a minor point of contention on the graffiti art - I said no virgins or crucifixes - and we got a virgin. Not just a small virgin either, but one about 30 feet tall. Tyler assures me she's not a virgin, but the overtones are there nonetheless. JB and I have realized we are well and truly into middle age because we just don't get it. But our target market loves the art, loves the music (argh and we've already blown a speaker), loves the food. Even our American ex-pat friends agree this is very cholo. I keep expecting Cheech to roar up in a low rider and do a few bounces out in front.

Now, the bills. Photos to come, as soon as I can get to the store.

Cheers!

Keri's NZ Adventures

I have posted a photo album of Keri's adventures in NZ. The pictures are just awesome! She says she could have stayed in Raglan forever in the little tran cars.

Sunday Before Opening

I have posted a photo album on the right to show progress over the past week. We are ready to get the equipment & signage delivered and installed on Monday, food & bev, point of sale and digital menu board on Tuesday and furniture & smallwares on Wednesday. Employees are hired and training at Prince's Wharf, and what a great crew AGAIN! We will be ready for our "friends and family" night on Wednesday. Just wish we had more family here to share it with.

My cousin's daughter, Keri, has been visiting the past two weeks. We haven't been able to spend much time with her, but she's quite the fearless adventurer. She rented a car and toured the north of the north surf spots, hitting Lang's Beach and Shipwreck Bay. Then back to Auckland for a brief respite before she took off again for world-famous surfing at Raglan and then over to the Coromandel. We are expecting her back in this afternoon, then we will hit Mexicali for the farewell meal. I don't envy her flight tomorrow with all of the commotion going on. Air New Zealand is taking all of the expected precautions for flights to the US. However, if you choose to go to Tonga or Australia, you can take your shampoo with you!

8 Days and Counting!

An old one from the archives courtesy of Grandma. Both Tony and Tyler are a little older! 

Stranger in a Strange Land

It comes as no surprise to any of you that I have never supported the Bush cabal and their hubristic invasion of Iraq. I join many of us in the expat community in denouncing most American foreign policy whenever the topic arises. After all, the US has severed relations with New Zealand because this country has declared itself a nuclear-free zone, yet condemns Iran for continuing to develop it's nuclear program (or is that nuke-yoo-lar?) Go figure.

However, something happened the other day that really shook me to the core. There was another demonstration down Queen Street over the Israel-Lebanon situation. The crowd of 300 (that's pretty big by NZ standards) marched from Aotea Square to the American consulate. All in all, a pretty peaceful but powerful statement. Then someone climbed the building and brought down the American flag to set it on fire. I can't describe the emotions - I felt so personally wounded by the idea that all our country stands for could be dismissed and diminished by such an act, with a crowd cheering in approval. People in other parts of the world savor the American dream, but they judge us by the actions of a few people. It's one thing to see the American flag burned by American students in the US (something I remember from the Vietnam era), but it's quite another thing to see it happen in another country. Here's the story:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3741353a10,00.html

The Times They Are a Changing

Yes, we are still alive and well here in Kiwi-land. Things have been so hectic that I haven't had a spare minute to update this blog. JB and I are taking a little down time today to play golf - first time in months. Between the weather, the new project, and fine-tuning our operations we are all in hyper-drive 24/7.

After 25 years, we have sold the Mexicali Rose property at the corner of 3rd & Franklin to a couple from Hawaii. They will be opening a Hawaiian plate lunch restaurant similar to one they had in Kailua-Kona for several years. Their new life in Oregon was marred by tragedy last week when a family member drowned while they were rafting on the Deschutes in downtown Bend. Our hearts go out to them.

Conor has been in the States for the past couple of weeks on a much-needed holiday. He spent a wonderful 4th of July weekend with his University of Oregon mates and is now in Bend enjoying the good life at Casa de Buell. He'll be returning on Wednesday in time to supervise the final signage and design details for Newmarket.

Ashley left at the beginning of July to take her dream job - head coach for her high school volleyball team. She will be returning after the season is over. We all wish her well and are so proud of her for taking this big step. Before she left, she and Tyler took JB and me to their favorite restaurant in Auckland - Gina's. Wow. A restaurant full of Italians and wonderful food. They were insane with the World Cup. Our waiter was on the news three nights running waving the Italian flag and screaming Viva Italia in his very expressive style.

Tyler has carefully filled two of our key positions for expansion - another Kitchen Manager and another Duty Manager. Both are excellent choices and will help us hit the ground running in mid-August. Once Conor returns, it's Tyler's time to take a break. He plans to fly to Queenstown and do a little skiing, then go on to Christchurch to visit childhood friend Brett Miller who is living there with his Kiwi wife. His plans are pretty fluid right now, but will include some backpacking and exploring as he makes his was back up to the North Island and Auckland.

We are having some setbacks with our fitout as the Auckland City Council has been holding Westfield's feet to the fire over a flood plain issue. The street in front of our building has been torn up for a week so our workers are not able to access the site with equipment and materials. We should still be on track for a mid-August opening, but it has caused considerable stress for JB and Brett (our contractor, the amazing Kiwi Rennaissance Man).

It's tough to get good photos inside the new store since we still just have big spotlights and the place is so big, but I have posted a few so you can get a sense of our progress.

June Album Posted

I never realized how many people read this blog until now. It's been a couple of months since I posted a photo album, and I have had lots of people ask when the next one is coming. Well, here it is - a few images from April and May, then Tyler's 30th Birthday. We are beginning construction in Newmarket today, so I will post progress pics over the next 6 weeks. Brrr, it's cold here. Global warming, bah!

My uh Space

Well, it was bound to happen. Technology has finally passed me by. When Newsweek does a story on MySpace and Rupert Murdoch buys it, you know it's finally gone mainstream. The problem is I - as a here-to-fore early adopter - don't quite get it. Conor has linked us up and is making good use of this as a social networking tool. We have three bands who have put us on their albums and he has linked to their music space. Cousins and college friends use it to stay connected or to reconnect. Meanwhile, I still rely on this lil ole blog. Connect, investigate and enjoy. If you are under 30 you probably already have a MySpace account. If you're an old bag like me you just might want to check it out. www.myspace.com/mexicalifresh

Birthday Boys

June is always an exciting month for us with both JB and Tyler celebrating birthdays. JB's was the prelude to the "Big One" so we played it safe this year with a quiet dinner at home and some good fun with the boys and Ashley. Since this is his last year in the 50s, JB's saving up his energy for the big blowout in 2007.

Tyler's, however, was another story. It was the big THREE-OH so Ashley organized a surprise party at the restaurant on Saturday night. JB and I made it for the first half-hour, but it was well past our bedtime by the time the party started rolling. I do believe there was very little beer in the reach-in and no tequila on the shelves by the time they were done celebrating. Conor and the "Goof Troop" were working that night, so they joined in the festivities. By about 3am Conor was picking up the pieces with the Goof Troop attempting to help but causing more harm than good. Poor guy had to open the next morning - ah, the things you will do for your bro. Once everyone ponies up with the photos I will put them together into an album and publish for you all to see.

We take possession of our new store in Newmarket on Thursday. All of the plans are drawn, contractors arranged, furniture chosen, designs sussed, and we are ready to rock. There is quite a buzz surrounding the Nuffield Street project in Auckland and it's starting to get exciting.

Last Monday the lights went out in Aotearoa (that's Maori for NZ and pronounced "ay-oh-tay-ah-row-ah) and we didn't get the restaurant open until 2pm. I was attending a training seminar to become an assessor for the national hospitality industry (more on that in another post) and it took us 2 hours for a trip that normally takes 20 minutes. All of the traffic lights were out! Seems there is one and only one power line into Auckland. There has been much hand-wringing and finger-pointing about who's to blame, and fears that we will be perceived as a 3rd World country if we cannot provide redundency for our power supplies. Hmmm, ya think? BTW, we now have extra flashlights in the restaurant.

Fashionista at the AWC

Reaching New Heights

Even though the summer tourist season is officially over, we continue to reach new heights at Mexicali Fresh. We now have one year's worth of info on our point-of-sale system, and regularly see "daily doubles" (sales doubled over same day last year). Our management staff has expanded to include Dwight and Nicky, who are preparing to move into Duty Manager positions when Newmarket opens in just 90 days. Everyone is taking their vacation time (except JB and me) over the next two months so that they are all fresh and rested for the grand opening in mid-August.

We have engaged the services of an architect to help us through the consent process with Auckland City Council. I met Deborah at the American Women's Club. She and her husband Robert have been here for 20 years, he's been a practicing architect. It so great to find someone who speaks the same language. Right, you say, don't they speak English in NZ? Well, yes. But it's still not the same language in so many ways. It's such a load off JB's brain to have someone take care of the details, and Conor is working with their designer to suss out the interior details. It's so great to have them in place when we take on our next project.

A fellow we got to know on our trip to Rarotonga in February has just made international news by being the first double-amputee to scale Mt. Everest. What an amazing triumph!

Keith Richards is lodged up the road from us in Remuera after recovering from brain surgery. He and his wife and kids had lunch in our little town of St. Heliers, but I missed the big event! St. Heliers is just down the hill from us . . . think Del Mar in 1960. I love this place and regularly visit the butcher and green-grocer after my walks on the beach.

The American Women's Club just had it's 64th Birthday Luncheon at the Tamaki Yacht Club, and I was in the fashion show. What a hoot! As soon as I get the pictures from our "official" photographer, I will post them for all to see. Ashley has asked me to be the model for her first hair colouring training session. Hmm, maybe a new career in the offing?

As they say here, toodle pip until next time.

Tsunami Warning . . . Not!

All of us learned of the impending tsunami from the earthquake in Tonga today by calls and text messages from those abroad. The New Zealand Civil Defence (yes, that's how they spell it) has egg of their face because they didn't forewarn the populace until the threat had been deemed non-existent. There's a flurry of blame and finger-pointing going on here in the South Pacific, but we are all alive and well. Tyler was prepared to wear his swim trunks to work this morning, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

The real tsunami is the government announcement that they have required Telecom NZ to unbundle their local loop. I like to think it's because of the well-reasoned flood of emails to the Communications Minister I have let fly over the past year, but I think it's because they have finally figured out that NZ's ranking at the bottom of the OEDC is due to the restrictive monopoly held by Telecom, something we in the US figured out in . . . oh, say 1990. Let's hope our broadband uptake can match Mexico's in the next few months.

Easter Weekend

It's Easter Weekend and the whole country is shut down for four days. We are open today (Good Friday), tomorrow and Sunday, but closed on Monday. That''s when all of us are packing up the cars and heading up to Waipu for a picnic and outing at Lang's Beach (same place we went with Dad and Joy). The girls want to do an Easter Egg hunt. It's so rare that everyone is off at the same time - will be fun!

Jen, Ashley and I went to see the musical Dirty Dancing last night and loved it. Jen's stay is winding down, and we have almost all of the videos finished. They look great. Ashley is still waiting for her "Partner Visa" so she can start working. She's got some nice offers and wants to take job at a very hip and swanky spa/salon as a trainee. Can you just see JB going in there to get his hair cut?

We have decided to be a sponsor for one of our newer employees, Jhon, from Peru. He's amazing in the kitchen and a real go-getter. Even Bel (the little Braziallian Nazi) and JB (the jaded American) love him, so he's got that going for him (which is nice). Tyler is working with immigration to get all Jhon's papers in order so he can stay here. We now have Tiffany from mainland China and Wilson from Taiwan on board, so our world map of employees is ever-expanding. The Chinese are a hoot, since nobody can pronounce their given names, they choose a new name when they come here. Often they choose rock-star names, but Wilson loved the movie "Castaway." Go figure.

We had another celebrity sighting the other day. Just Nicki and Conor were on during the lull (4pm) and a couple came up to order veggie burritos. Conor thought the guy looked familiar, like the guy in Van Wilder. Nicki was sure the girl was famous too. Conor had his UofO shirt on and the guy was talking to him about having family in Eugene. After they sat down, Conor and Nicki went into the office and Googled Ryan Reynolds, sure enough he's married to Alanis Morisette. That's who they were - just travelling through. So now we have quite a collection, including John Legend, Black-Eyed Peas, POD, John Cleese, Bill Clinton, Alanis Morisette and Ryan Reynolds. Let's see, the Stones are in concert in a few weeks. Wonder if Mick and the boys will drop by?

Jen creating our video training 

New Conquests

We have lots of news to report this month. JB and CB have both mastered the test and are proud holders of NZ Driver’s Licenses. Where else in the world would one question relate to the proper maneuvering of a vehicle when faced with a herd of sheep on the road? I kid you not!

Conor has successfully completed his residency requirements and is the first of our group to legitimately claim the title of “Kiwi.” Ashley is in the process of getting her “partner” Work Visa and is experiencing all of the endless hassles of x-rays, medical certificates and documentation required.

The Newmarket project is moving along nicely. JB and Conor are delicately navigating the resource consent waters on their own. Meanwhile, Jen, Conor and I have embarked upon our video training project with awesome results so far. We had to halt the taping while waiting for a jet-propulsion ferry to pass, but that’s life on the banks of the Hauraki Gulf. Tyler has masterfully replaced Judy and has hired several new Kitchen Hands from the ranks of Uni students.

We continue to be amazed at our good fortune (see Beach House album on the right) and the satisfaction of seeing our dream blossom into reality. With two stalks of bananas to eat, along with various and sundry passion fruit, apples, mandarins and lemons, we’d better get busy! Kia Ora until the next update.

Tyler and Ashley meet Bill Clinton
photo courtesy of the NZ Herald

JB and Malcolm at the Paeroa motorcycle street rally 

Woz

Woz and the 1st International Segway Trophy
If you don't know who Woz is, you've never taken one of my classes. Add this to the list of critical social icons we've introduced to our kids: Ben and Jerry, the introduction of Windows 95, the last Grateful Dead concert at Autzen Stadium, and meeting the genius behind Apple Computer. Woz is in town for the very first International Segway tournament - the American Aftershocks vs. the New Zealand Pole Blacks.

One Year On . . .

February 1 marked our one year annivarsary in New Zealand. It has gone by so fast, but we have accomplished so much! To celebrate the event, JB and I took a 6 day trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. We had a great time, caught up on sleep, read a few books, and thoroughly enjoyed the break.

Our good karma continues with our acquisition of our new house in Karaka Bay on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland. Bibi, a friend I met at the American Women's Club, called the other day to let us know that her husband Mark has been transferred by Microsoft to Sydney. They had to give up their gorgeous beach house and wanted to know if we were interested. Yes! So, on February 23 we will be leaving Freeman's Bay for our new digs. See the photo album Rarotonga for a wee peek at the spectacular views. Not only is the house just our style, the property is teeming with every type of fruit you can imagine: bananas, passion fruit, lemons, peaches, apples, mandarins, you name it. We also have a beach with a boathouse. Now all we need is a few sea kayaks.

Plans continue for the Newmarket project. We take possession in May and plan on opening in July. Conor and JB are diligently working on the plans with the developer, while Tyler and I will spend the next month fine tuning our training and documentation to enable us to expand. 2006 promises to be another very busy year!

Millie and the Donnells

Tom and Jan Donnell surprised us with a visit before boarding the Diamond Princess for a cruise to Australia. (See Diamond photo album). Right after they left I got a call from Millie McKenzie - another dear friend from ages ago in Bend and COCC. Millie and I are going to do up the town today!

Housekeeping

I have just posted a new photo album - Parent Trip. Our Web host space is getting pretty big, and Conor and I are working on our new Web site, so I am going to have to remove some of the old photo albums. You may see a few things being archived, but I will try to keep things that are critical to the history of our adventure.

Connections

Time to post a quick update on our latest adventures. My parents came to spend Christmas and New Year with us after a great trip to Aussie and the South Island. Now they have hit the road again for a train trip to Wellington, then a tour up the east coast of the North Island to the Bay of Plenty and back for a final swing into Auckland. I am so impressed with their energy and joie de vivre!

Last week we were surprised when our dear friends Peter and Gail from Vancouver BC showed up at the restaurant! They will be back in Auckland tomorrow to spend the night with us before we see them off to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. Our mutual friend Peter Archer (whom JB met in Portugal on Christmas Eve 1970) put them in touch with us at the last minute!

Tyler has returned from his Christmas trip to the States with his girlfriend Ashley, a new graduate of Sonoma State University. Way to go Ash! Conor's girfrield Jen will be joining us in February and will help us out with our training and "rush media" videos for this and the new store. Our little family of adventurers is growing by leaps and bounds, and we couldn't be happier!

Speaking of which, we are online for store #2 in Newmarket to be opening in August. Business is booming with cruise ships arriving one after the other allowing us to frequently hit new record sales marks. We get requests for franchises everyday, so we are diligently building our brand with solid operational procedures and training.

All of this work requires a little R&R, so JB and I are going to Rarotonga for a 5 day break the first week in February. Ahhh, nothing but the sun, beach, and a few good books. I'm ready!

Grandma and Conor - New Year's Day 2006