What's brown and looks like a stick? A stick.

 Okay, a little later this morning the All Blacks will be playing Ireland. 

Ireland are ranked number one in the world at the moment and the All Blacks are ranked at number three. It should be quite a tight match, though most commentators are ranking Ireland as the favourites. I'd certainly like to see the All Blacks win but, hey, it's only a game. 

You'll have noticed that this is the third post that has started with a humerous little joke. I think that Roberto and Pete really enjoy them. Peter's posting has been a bit sparse lately. Robert's has been pretty regular. He should be congratulated for this, but he must be careful to proofread. Actually, if you read comments (and quite a few posts) on Facebook, you'll find that the grammar is shocking. Shoddy grammar can make you look a bit thick, so it's worth taking the time to check it. Don't be in such a hurry.

I'm off to a jam this afternoon. It's at a friend's place in Wainuiomata. I'll take my double bass and my violin. My practice has been a bit down lately because I've been doing quite a bit of babysitting. Though, I did give the violin a good workout yesterday. Babysitting is fun, but very tiring. Harrison is just over 19 months old. He is strong and tireless. Except for his midday sleep, he goes flat out all day. I'm back changing nappies again, but it feels like I never stopped. It's like when you pick up the violin after not practising for a day - it doesn't take long to get back in form.

Harrison has moved from Upper Hutt to Lower Hutt - he took his parents with him. This means that he is just a fifteen minute drive away, which is great. It's tough being a parent of a little one these days. The rents are high which means that both parents have to work, which means that there is childcare to pay for too. This is where grandparents can help out. Harrison has a little brother on the way, so soon there will be two of them. Harrison will no doubt teach his little brother all of his tricks. 

It's getting closer to All Blacks time. I know my Irish friend Aidan will be getting very excited, as will Peter. For Roberto the game will cut into rosary time. He'll have a hard decision to make there. Peter will have to watch the game in the kitchen. I bet that, if Beauden Barret was at home, he wouldn't have to do that. It's a shame that Beaudy won't be playing today. Let's just hope that Damian McKenzie has a good game and sets up his backs well.

Well, that's it for this morning. I'll do a few decades of the rosary* and then get dressed. Time for me to get ready for the game, and the jam.

Ciao tutti.

* No, I won't!