10-19-07 -- Hello from Black Forest Sheep Station, New Zealand

    Today we were helicoptering all over the south island of New Zealand. We stopped off at this 42,000-acre remote sheep station at the foot of the Mt. Cook glacier.  This 93-year old man named Donald Burnett lives there. He is known throughout the world for his merino sheep and the superfine wool they produce. He's been the guru to many top Italian and French designers who "flock" to see him at his amazing house facing the lakes and the glaciers in the middle of nowhere.
     So we were talking today and he has all these work plans for the future, although he laments the passing of many of his friends.  I asked him to give me his biggest secret to success and advice for the world?  And he said..... "Don't drink."
     I didn't get the impression he had a drinking problem, he just has chosen not to drink. Kind of like me.
     It was wonderful to hear it. We are traveling all over, having a wonderful time, and everyone is drinking.
     Today we helicoptered to a grassy area on a glacier just under Mt. Cook. They broke out the champagne and everyone took a glass. All week, people roll their eyes when I say I don't drink.  One woman finally asked me why today I never have a good answer.  So what?
     We helicoptered over to where they filmed "Lord of the Rings" afterwards. It's so beautiful here I want to come live here!