The end is nigh - end of July that is

AJ's birthday on the 31st and we will all be going out for a meal. She is getting old!!! (35)

Had the BNZ around yesterday and told them I would be managing our investments ourselves from now on. They have been an unmitigated disaster getting returns of about 1 1/2 %pa for the last 11 years. My own has been about 5% plus. They expect the NZ dollar to fall so I will not look at the US funds they hold until we return from our holiday. Probably will turn out not to be the right decision. Just listening to the Radio NZ 9 to Noon programme and the guy from AXA (when pushed) said he expected a Balanced Fund to produce 7-8% over 10 years (ha ha) but made no real response when it was pointed out the Consumer average was 3.66%.

More Money = Sonny Bill Williams trying to dump his contract and go to Rugby from League for more $$. Rugby should say (if they had any guts) that they wouldn't look at him as he is under contract. Where these guys get their advice from is unbelievable.

Weather is bad up North and getting a bit worse down our way. For once the 'soft' Northeners have to put up with some inconvenience. In the South it would be just another day at work.

As for the All Blacks 19 and Oz 34 - who should we look at. My belief no matter what the outcome next Saturday is the NZRU Board that reappointed Henry. The selections defeat me. Kaino plays on the side - so he goes to 8, Rodney plays at 8 so he goes on the side. Luaki had a bad Super 14 but he gets in (although looks as if finally he is now out), Mils now to wing - do they have a clue. However, I would hope a turnround this week. We shall see.