Thranduil

Thranduil The Woodland King

Gandalf at Hobbiton

November 2015.  I arrived at Hobbiton dressed as Gandalf.  These are just a few of my favorite pictures.

 Friends from Australia

 Here some tourists thought I was a part of Hobbiton, and wanted photos with me

 more tourists

Queenstowns Lake Wakitipu

Thranduil 2

Dreams

Isn't it wonderful to have a dream and work towards it? If everyone believes this and wishes for it themselves. Why do people tear our dreams down? It really bothers me, when someone has a snide comment or rolls there eyes towards what others say about their dreams or aspirations. If you think they will fail, fine, But KEEP it TO yourself!!! Especially if you care about that person! Now I know why so many families stand by the participants in American Idol, those who cant sing, because they just want to support their loved ones. Let Simon destroy their dreams. But when ones dreams are not hurting anyone, including the dreamer, leave them alone, let them fail on their own. We just want support. I'm a grown man, I don't need anyone telling me about failure or how life works, if you love me, smile and offer a suggestion. I don't want to hear negativity, or guess what.. You will be a roadblock, I walked over to get where I want to go !!!!

Hobbiton Re-built

The rebuilding of Hobbiton has begun, according to spies with The Red Carpet Tours. Vic, I know you are hiding under bushes. these pics are courtesy of The REd Carpet Tours and TheOneRing.net.

The Great Return

As you all know, I'm working toward my goal to become and extra in the Hobbit, which begins filming next year 2010. If I'm unable to take a year off of work and move there, then I'm going to go down at least a month and try to get into as many scenes as I can,. That's a given. BUT a few days ago, I signed the twins and I, up to a return to New Zealand !!!! December 2011. The Red Carpet tours ( the tour company we went on in 2006) is taking reservations, for their tour for December 2011, anticipating that like with the LOTR Premiers there will be an overwhelming response. They had over 160 people attending. They are giving everyone an option to reserve your seat, before then. After much mulling and pondering. I sent in my response. The Twins constantly talk of going back, and I knew we would someday, also, its 2 years away, exactly the same amount of time it took for me to raise the money last time,, Its Fate! Not to mention, the boys will be out of high school, 18 years old, and hopefully have jobs, so they can pay their own way. I do expect them to be attending College, but they should be on Christmas break then.. I wrote Vic and Raewyn James owners of Red Carpet Tours, explaining that IF I don't make it into the movie, then the next best thing would be to attend the premier. Tom is so excited he is already planning on a Tattoo!!! Stay tuned, this blog was created to document our trials and tribulations in getting there 2 years ago,, ( that long ago! wow!). I expect the boys to start writing for the blog again, Namarie Max

Queenstown Gardens Last Day

This was our Last Day in Queenstown. October 2006. A total day of relaxation, no stress. Tomorrow we will have to get on a plane for almost 24hrs. The Twins are here showing you what they did EVERWHERE! ALL THE TIME! Every time the bus stopped and there was water close by, They threw rocks. A boys favorite passtime.

The Rohirrim-Riders of Rohan

We are riding in a beautiful place called Glenorchy, south of Queenstown, South Island New Zealand. This Is Toms first time on a horse and he was really nervous. When we arrived I come to find out, we would by riding English, Then I became nervous! I figured the boys would chicken out when they realized there was nothing to hold on to. But they persevered, mostly because Raewyn told us that all the horses were in Two Towers/Return of the King. Of course Tom get the only horse that was actually in the movie. his horses name was Oscar. What an appropriate name. Timmy rode Ginger and I had Seth. Our guide was Per. He was fantastic, we all enjoyed him. At one point, while I was taking a picture, Tom's horse takes off down a hill, and spooks my horse, which also goes running after,, I have one hand on the reins and 1 hand on the camera. We managed to get control of our horses. Tom was OK, Thank God, he wasn't scared. Per was cracking up he said we looked like 2 American Cowboys. What a compliment! In this clip, Tom and I are waiting for Per to get Timmy. His horse was a little stubborn.