a new year derby

Happy New Year and hello 2012!

The wishes are a little belated, but then that's the beach for you.

Waipatiki time is not known for being fast.

And that makes it all the more idyllic.

Although I could do with a little less rain, it doesn't dampen the holiday mode too much.

And the image above?

Well our little beach community does love a little sporting get together.

Over the years there have been a few. 

The golf tournament - no previous experience necessary, in fact no golf course necessary. Just tee off over the river, onto the farmers land, past the odd bull or sheep, and into the cardboard box.

The annual cricket match - again no experience necessary, but this one does get very competitive.

And this year - the trolley derby!

No experience necessary, but one did require a trolley cart.

Making a trolley is not exactly Brunnel's forte, but Eva was quite determined to race.

Murray-do (that's what we call my Dad) to the rescue.

Meet No.368 - "Old Drawers".

Guess what she's made from?

Yes, that, and the wheels off my dear-long-since-departed grandmother's golf trundler.

Despite little Eva and cousin Emma's loving (and might I say, stylish) paint job, state of the art probably isn't quite the term for No.368.

The competition was serious!

And the rain departed for just long enough for everyone to come out in force.

The girls looked just a tad worried before they set off. 

But the sheepskin pillow made "Old Drawers" very plush indeed, the golf trundler wheels hung in there, and they both made it safely to the finish line, even if it wasn't the fastest time of the day!

The excitement over, while I think some of the Dad's are already plotting their entry 

for next year, it's back to the books and magazines for me. 

I think I'm better at plotting my next interior move!

And though the internet is non-existent out at the beach, I'll be driving over the hill, searching for those magic bars, so that I can visit you all as soon as possible.

Amanda xx