Merry Christmas!

Wow, I just noticed that it's been since the end of October. Sorry to all of our loyal blog followers. Around mid-November we were awarded "Best Mexican" in the NZ Herald's annual survey, and we have been trying to keep the lid on it ever since. As I told my family, I feel like we are sitting on top of a volcano!

We just completed the most hectic (and profitable) week of our entire restaurant careers . . . including the heady days of Mexicali Rose. We hosted 5 giant Christmas parties with 80 - 200 people. All parties were complete with Salsa DJ and amazing Salsa Dancers - some of them having just returned from competing in the world championships in South America. JB and I managed to tend bar for the last and biggest event for Southern Hospitality, our major restaurant equipment supplier. It was a hoot, we haven't run out of beer since the Lions Tour in July 05.

We have had lots of visitors. Howard and Nancy Friedman, our friends from the old Bend days. They brought the most recent issue of Bend Living - amazing that even though we've been gone nearly 3 years we still know most everyone in the issue! Following the Friedmans came Andrew Boone and his new bride, then Larry and Cindy Murphy from the old Stereo Planet days. On Boxing Day (December 26) Cathie Gerlicher from my days at OrCom (Oregon Computer) - can it really have been 23 years ago? Say it isn't so!

In the lull between now and the New Year we are planning for our maiden voyage as caterer at the Big Day Out. We are planning on 2000 burritos and 2000 frozen margaritas for a crowd of 44,000, although the organizers can't believe that we can do that much. Excuuuuse me! That's the difference between Americans and Kiwis - we go big or go home. I can tell you what, we're not going home.

There's so much more to tell, but I will catch up after the first of the year. Happy Christmas to all!

Conor Wins Flybuys!

Now he's got 500 miles, and it only takes 50,000 to fly to the States!

It's a Black Day in NZ

When we first arrived in NZ I posted something about Rugby being akin to religion in NZ. Well, it's very apparent now in light of our quarterfinal loss in the Rugby World Cup.

Here's an article from this morning's Dominion Post:

The All Blacks' ignominious defeat by the French has plunged New Zealand into mourning because our national psyche has been wounded, mental health experts say.

Wellington psychotherapist Gordon Hewitt said the extreme reaction was symptomatic of tribal behaviour.

"Most people I have talked to have been shocked by how much they have been affected by it when they didn't know they cared that much ... A big loss even affects the sharemarket, apparently."

The rugby team was a surrogate tribe, he said.

"Throughout human history, belonging to a group was very important for survival, and now it's almost like we are in danger because the French have beaten us."

Rugby was more than the national game, it was almost the national religion - hence the eagerness of politicians to cash in on the feelgood factor by planting themselves in the front row.

"It's supposed to be the thing at which New Zealanders are the best in the world. We are pretty invisible the rest of the time."

Mr Hewitt's advice to New Zealanders in Mental Health Awareness Week is to "look after themselves and get it in perspective".

Psychologist Marc Wilson said shattered fans could ease their anguish by sticking with the World Cup till the bitter end.

"If I was giving a prescription I would say, convince yourself we should have won if it wasn't for the referee cheating, and at least a southern hemisphere team is going to win," the Victoria University psychology school deputy head said.

"Put everything behind the South Africans." .

Pained supporters should spare some thought for the All Blacks, who would be hurting more.

Having the hopes of a nation on their shoulders, and knowing past sides had failed to bring home the cup would have played on the minds of the All Blacks, he said.

"They aren't just the All Blacks - they are playing for us."

Meanwhile, he urged people to remind themselves "there are a hell of a lot of good things out there".

"Spend time with your kids, take your son out, toss the ball around in the park. That's the most important thing. This is not the end of the world."

Tyler & Ashley

Overdue Update

Wow, it's been so long since I've updated I don't know where to begin. We just celebrated one year of operations at Newmarket (can you believe it!) and things there are ticking along nicely. Prince's Wharf has, over the past several months, become the hottest night spot on the waterfront, which has brought us to the attention of the local constables. Seems the combination of our mostly-Islander partygoers and hip-hop music doesn't sit well with the Auckland City Council's vision of the waterfront. We just had another sit-down with the liquor dick and gang specialist and have come to some understanding of their objections. Problem is, we are operating under the letter of the law. It's the unwritten stuff we haven't yet divined. So, to make a long story short, it's been a hassle. We envisioned a latenight El Squid Row kind of place, casual, fun and loud. That's not what they see, even though there are other restaurants doing the exact same thing (except head-banging techno instead of hip-hop). They've said to us it's the music, but even though JB and I can't stand that music, we won't support having to change it just because they don't like it. We remember the days when rock & roll was considered the spawn of the devil and people burned Beatle records. Conor is changing it up this weekend with a world beat DJ and more reggae, and we will see if that unknots their knickers.

But the BIGGEST NEWS is that Tyler and Ashley are engaged! He flew to Albuquerque and popped the question. We are all so excited. Plans are for an August 2008 wedding in Sonoma. He's still in the States, due back soon, and Ashley is in her second year of coaching high school volleyball in Albuquerque. When the season is over, she'll be back with us and let the planning begin!

Bula!

We had a great time in Fiji (see photo album). It was our second trip, first time to the Outrigger on the Lagoon. Great place, great weather, nice to have a week off!

Team NZ has won the Louis Vuitton Cup to earn the right to challenge Allenghi for the America's Cup in Valencia next month. Our "Nueva Zelanda" t-shirts have been very popular for Kiwis travelling to Spain to cheer the team on. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the boys to bring the cup back.

It's winter and time for everyone to begin taking vacations, so Tyler and Conor are making plans to head back to the USA. Conor in July, Tyler in August. They want to overlap for a few days to have some time with their dad in LA.

June 16 is the date set for a big shindig at the Wharf with Mountain View alum Renee Intelkofer and her TV show "Project My World." The boys plan on showing off the best of Auckland nightlife for the cameras as only they can do it.

Stay tuned!

Mother's Day 2007

I spent a wonderful Mother's Day with my favorite kids! Ashley, Conor, Tyler and I took in a movie and a few beers at the pub. JB was on a golf trip and missed the festivities this time around, but we are off to Fiji on Tuesday with Malcolm and Janet for some R&R. The boys are quite fine taking care of the biz. Besides, it's time to give them some space. I am making plans for the annual BSR (Butt Sister Reunion to the uninitiated) at the end of June with a few days in Napa Valley, a trip to Mariposa with Dad to get the history of our family in the Yosemite area, and then to Sister Jill's in Carmel for a golf tourney over the 4th of July. Lots of travel planned! Meantime, Ashley's sisters are coming to New Zealand. They will be going to Queenstown for a sisterly adventure, and we will be hosting them for a BBQ at Casa de Buell when they return.

Cinco de Mayo

Our 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo was a huge success! It just proves the old adage that the 3rd time is a charm. After trying to get the party going over the past two years, we finally hit paydirt with a huge Cinco de Mayo celebration at Prince's Wharf. We had an all day and all night event complete with Mariachis, reggae, pinatas - the whole enchilada. Check out the pics.

The Hat and Scarf Extravaganza

Today several of us in the American Women's Club honored our dear friend Nancy with hats and scarves as she embarks upon her upcoming chemo journey. We all posed with the finery we brought, then cheered her on as she modeled her "new" hair. Kudos to Karen for once again providing a very special luncheon, complete with placeholders, delectable nibbles and 24 matching plates! Click on the link above to see the entire album.

Suzanne's Photo Album

Click on the link above and view Suzanne's great photos of her trip to NZ.

March Photo Album

Summer Pizza in Mission Bay

Still Crazy

In the Northern Hemisphere the saying "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb" refers to the weather, for us it has a new meaning: sales. We have emerged from our second summer at Prince's Wharf exhausted but quite happy with our progress and results. At the other end of the spectrum, Newmarket puttered along during the summer months and is now beating PW in daily sales as the everyone comes back to work and shop. It's the yin-yang we were looking for. Both boys have done an excellent job dealing with their respective challenges over the past three months and both are looking forward to vacation time in the next few months.

Dwight, who has been with us for almost two years now, took time off from Newmarket to return to his home country of Zimbabwe during March. He was there as the entire country descended into chaos under the Mugabe regime. He says that the towns and cities are calm, but activity in the countryside is quite scary. We are very glad he's back safe and sound. We all missed him - especially Conor who had to pick up the slack!

It was great to visit with Suzanne, Emily's and Mike's mom (and frequent poster on this blog) who visited during March. She and Em traveled the North and South Islands and had a fabulous time. Em will carry on with her travels next month as she and new friend Erin take off to Tonga for a week of exploration and beach-sitting.

I never thought it was possible for Tyler the Energizer Bunny to start running out of batteries, but he is showing the wear from four months of summer at PW. It's a little like being a bull rider in a rodeo. No matter how tired you are, you can't let go. Because of liquor laws we can't be open next Saturday night, and we will be closed Easter Sunday for our employee picnic, so he will get three days off for the first time since September. We are encouraging Ty and Ashley to take a week in April and go exploring in NZ to regain their sanity and see a little of the countryside.

Speaking of sanity, Conor is regaining his as he gets back to normal with Dwight's return. He just moved into a great new place about two blocks from the Newmarket store, and shares his digs with brother and sister act Brent and Erin Charleton. Both play pro basketball, and Erin is a parttime manager for us (and Em's travelling partner). Conor's on the Nuffield Street Marketing Committee and is working with Sam from the brew bar to turn Nuffield Street into a hot local night spot. He and Tyler have accomplished that with Latenights at the Wharf, and he's got some great ideas for Nuffield at Night.

We have been getting bits and pieces of March Madness - saw Oregon get beat on the way to the Final Four. The games are on at odd hours because they are competing with the Cricket World Cup, which is on all the time.

In the past month we have had an earthquake, disrupted phone/email service, and just yesterday the most massive monsoon I have ever experienced. This morning all is calm, I have all the windows and doors open, and it's back to paradise. As a season ticket holder for the Royal NZ Ballet, I got to see Tutus on Tour a couple of weeks ago. I've been playing golf twice a week for the past two months and really getting my game back, and doing staff training twice a week in Food Safety and Customer Service.

Mexicali sponsors the Harbour Heat of the National Basketball League, and they have given us the premier sponsor table right under the basket. The team owner says it's a strategic move. He
likes JB's running commentary to the refs (with his loud American accent), who stand just a few metres from us. Newmarket parttime manager Hayden and Erin's brother Brent both play for the Heat, so it's great to be part of the crowd. Last night was the first home game - we won!

We're looking forward to Fiji in May, and I'm planning on catching up with my sisters and dad at our BSR (Butt Sister Reunion) in Mariposa at the end of June.

The Bus, The bus, The B-U-S

New Coke Umbrellas & QEII

Two Years Now

The beginning of February marked two years since we embarked on our great Kiwi adventure. The date passed without much fanfare as we are all consumed with the our daily responsibilities. We have launched our first real advertising campaign with the backs of city buses and radio ads. Tyler and Conor did their "Cheech & Chong" impressions for the radio which had the sound guys on the floor. I've heard it since they were doing mini-videos with our new camcorder back in the living room on Rimrock Road, but it's pretty hysterical hearing it over the air. The bus backs are awesome - I will get a snapshot and post as soon as I can.

We had a Super Bowl party on Monday with several Americans and Canadians. Fried chicken, burgers, beer and a beautiful summer day at the beach house made for a little taste of home. I didn't have a favorite team since the Chargers were out of it, and we don't see any of the Super Bowl ads which made the viewing a little less interesting.

The day before we hosted a get-together with a group of Bendites who were wrapping up a long motorcycle trip up from the South Island. The group included Jim Donald, JB's partner on his ride across country in 2004, Mike and Jane Leitch, George Hanseth, and Jeff and Debbie Coker from Broken Top. The group had some harrowing experiences with some tragic consequences. Jeff broke his thumb and is waiting to get back to Bend for surgery. One of their group from Maryland had a horrific accident in Rotorua and lost his leg. Another hit a bridge abuttment head-on and ended up with a broken shoulder. They were all slightly shell-shocked after their adventures, but it was good to talk to them and provide a little down time and home cooking.

JB and I saw Crissy Hynde and the Pretenders last night. Wow, there's nothing like rock and roll. Crissy is 55 and still packs a punch with her unbelievable voice. It was a great performance!

Broken Top is in a state of upheaval with new owners taking over the club and the fate of our wonderful community in question. We sure had the best of all worlds there for awhile. It won't ever be the same again. It looks like we won't be able to get back to Bend for any length of time for the next 3 years, so we are planning to rent out our house. JB will need to go back to Bend in the next few weeks to take care of business on the Mexicali Rose property, so he will get all of our stuff packed up so we can rent out our house. I hate to do it, but I can't see the house just sitting there for 3 more years. Besides, it would be great to have some furniture here in New Zealand!