Hi all dont know if anyone reads this anymore. we had a lovely Christmas with G and G here and of course grandmas awesome plum duff(eat your heart out guys).
Matt has been down a week and spent heaps of time with mates,games,video footage,guitar hero and singstar(with me ,pat and vic - so much fun and no calories)
Have been real busy tidying up my old rental house. have painted entire inside,some out,new curtains all through plus created more space in the tiddly room.
Needs carpet and vinyl but may have to wait as holidays are beckoning.
we head off on 2nd to kaiteriteri for a few days ( will catch Vic at nelson Jazz fest) the off to Moepapu bay in the sounds for 7 night on the waterfront(all 5 of us) will get a nite or two at woodend as well.
steves neice Jess had a baby on the 22nd so looking forward to getting out to Oxford to see them too.(maybe a Jo seagar lunch as well)
Just got the invitation .Very interesting news about Africa. WOW
checked out the registry all looks very tasteful but whats with the dartboard???
Love to all wherever you all are Chris
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
16th in timmos
Hi all just wondering about present giving ,havent bought a thing yet.
Will buy for mum and dad.
Will we buy for all?? Whether there or not???
Comments please.
love chris
Will buy for mum and dad.
Will we buy for all?? Whether there or not???
Comments please.
love chris
Thursday, November 29, 2007
To everything there is a season..
Dear All,
Well after several attempts at trying to blog I have finally manaaged to remember how to sign in. It is so long ago that I posted that I do not really know what news is current and what is so yesterday! Anyway I figure that hopefully some material will be of interest to someone out there in the mysterious Blogland.
All is well here in Spur Rd. We have had a crazy mix of weather in the last week but I guess that is par for the course at this time of the year. Ash and I both have very full diaries filled with all sorts of events between now and Christmas. Every day more events seem to be added..so much so that there is a long string of days when there is at least one extra thing on every night. We have 2 full Xmas Dinners on the 9th and 11th, plus a double 21st, and all the Craighead events of the last week. Next week I go to Hamner Springs for a week with the entire 4th form, 3 parents and 6 staff. Hopefully it will be ok.
Ash is busy at TDC and also has quite a few committments with his Presidency role so lots on in the next wee while. Ash is looking good though and he does a fine job looking after our garden and lawns. We purchased about 6 new white poenies last wekend at the rose show. We hope they flourish as well as the coloured ones we planted the first season here. The roses are beautiful this week..a joy to behold.
I was appointed Guidance counsellor/careers advisor at school starting in 2008. I am very excited about a change in direction. I will have 2 teaching classes, a full theory paper to do by distance education, and the job. As soon as I was appointed I was given the opportunity to attend a 3 day Intensive Therapy Training [solution focused] in Auckland. It meant I had a chance to catch up with Jeff and Kate, David and Mary. It was neat to see them all. They are all busy in their respective jobs. Congratulations to Mary on her admission the the Bar.
We are looking forward to catching up with the family on the 16th at Jenni and Pete's. Chris I sent you an email the other day but it bounced back.
I assume we will swap gifts on the 16th at O'C's for those of us who are there!! We will raise our glasses and give a toast to all of you still working and busy so far away. Ash and I are flying to Auckland on Sat 22nd Dec for 5 days. Should be fun. I have been up there twice without him so I will be able to show him around . We will be home at New Year and Ash will go back to work for 2 weeks before we head off for our camping adventure. All seems so far away at this point. I am trying to find out about study leave etc at present.
We saw Mum and Dad recently. They both looked good. Mum seems to have managed the eye operation quite ok. Now for the other one. Well must go as I have a pile of things to do by the end of tomorrow. Most of this afternoon was spent at a meeting on the new "Te Kete" project..so much more to learn. Cheers to everyone. Results are out. I hope they were all favourable. Love Barbara and Ash.
Well after several attempts at trying to blog I have finally manaaged to remember how to sign in. It is so long ago that I posted that I do not really know what news is current and what is so yesterday! Anyway I figure that hopefully some material will be of interest to someone out there in the mysterious Blogland.
All is well here in Spur Rd. We have had a crazy mix of weather in the last week but I guess that is par for the course at this time of the year. Ash and I both have very full diaries filled with all sorts of events between now and Christmas. Every day more events seem to be added..so much so that there is a long string of days when there is at least one extra thing on every night. We have 2 full Xmas Dinners on the 9th and 11th, plus a double 21st, and all the Craighead events of the last week. Next week I go to Hamner Springs for a week with the entire 4th form, 3 parents and 6 staff. Hopefully it will be ok.
Ash is busy at TDC and also has quite a few committments with his Presidency role so lots on in the next wee while. Ash is looking good though and he does a fine job looking after our garden and lawns. We purchased about 6 new white poenies last wekend at the rose show. We hope they flourish as well as the coloured ones we planted the first season here. The roses are beautiful this week..a joy to behold.
I was appointed Guidance counsellor/careers advisor at school starting in 2008. I am very excited about a change in direction. I will have 2 teaching classes, a full theory paper to do by distance education, and the job. As soon as I was appointed I was given the opportunity to attend a 3 day Intensive Therapy Training [solution focused] in Auckland. It meant I had a chance to catch up with Jeff and Kate, David and Mary. It was neat to see them all. They are all busy in their respective jobs. Congratulations to Mary on her admission the the Bar.
We are looking forward to catching up with the family on the 16th at Jenni and Pete's. Chris I sent you an email the other day but it bounced back.
I assume we will swap gifts on the 16th at O'C's for those of us who are there!! We will raise our glasses and give a toast to all of you still working and busy so far away. Ash and I are flying to Auckland on Sat 22nd Dec for 5 days. Should be fun. I have been up there twice without him so I will be able to show him around . We will be home at New Year and Ash will go back to work for 2 weeks before we head off for our camping adventure. All seems so far away at this point. I am trying to find out about study leave etc at present.
We saw Mum and Dad recently. They both looked good. Mum seems to have managed the eye operation quite ok. Now for the other one. Well must go as I have a pile of things to do by the end of tomorrow. Most of this afternoon was spent at a meeting on the new "Te Kete" project..so much more to learn. Cheers to everyone. Results are out. I hope they were all favourable. Love Barbara and Ash.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Putting the "Mechanic" in Mechanical Engineer
Hi all,
Its been a rather busy couple of weeks since the last post. I realised just before Patrick headed up a couple of weekends ago that my clutch in my car was slipping. So after he returned to Christchurch after our weekend of checking out the sights and sounds of Tokoroa, I decided to swap the burnt out clutch for a brand new one by myself in an attempt to sae $300. I am happy to say that the car is now back in one piece and still works, despite having almost all of the parts under the bonnet removed. A mid progress photo is included:
Sadly, I found out today that my CV seals are also shot and they would have been easy to replace at the time.....by its no biggy for now, so I'll leave it for the new year. I also headed to Auckland last Wednesday to see the legendary punk band "Bad Religion" play live. They've been around for 27 years and have released 14 albums, so they had a lot of experience and were very entertaining. Stayed on Dave and Jeff's lounge floor that night before heading up to Northland for 3 nights. Got up to Cape Rienga and back. I have also included a photo of the lighthouse at Cape Rienga by sunset:
I sadly won't be down in the South Island on the 16th December for the gathering Jenn, but I will be down the week after for a few weeks, so if anyone makes it up to Christchurch or if we end up heading down at all, it would be great to see who's around.
Have a good weekend all.
Matt
Its been a rather busy couple of weeks since the last post. I realised just before Patrick headed up a couple of weekends ago that my clutch in my car was slipping. So after he returned to Christchurch after our weekend of checking out the sights and sounds of Tokoroa, I decided to swap the burnt out clutch for a brand new one by myself in an attempt to sae $300. I am happy to say that the car is now back in one piece and still works, despite having almost all of the parts under the bonnet removed. A mid progress photo is included:
Sadly, I found out today that my CV seals are also shot and they would have been easy to replace at the time.....by its no biggy for now, so I'll leave it for the new year. I also headed to Auckland last Wednesday to see the legendary punk band "Bad Religion" play live. They've been around for 27 years and have released 14 albums, so they had a lot of experience and were very entertaining. Stayed on Dave and Jeff's lounge floor that night before heading up to Northland for 3 nights. Got up to Cape Rienga and back. I have also included a photo of the lighthouse at Cape Rienga by sunset:
I sadly won't be down in the South Island on the 16th December for the gathering Jenn, but I will be down the week after for a few weeks, so if anyone makes it up to Christchurch or if we end up heading down at all, it would be great to see who's around.
Have a good weekend all.
Matt
Sunday, November 18, 2007
steamin along
Whew I thought the blog had died. Life is steaming along here. Managed to get out a frock and front up to cup day massively entertaining day out. Also saw crowded house with supergroove(awesome).
froze our way through Southern Amp but saw some good ol nz acts Atlas,Veils,opshop,Black Seeds,Shihad and of course 4manbob.
Went to Full Monty(stage show) was fun matts mate luke was musical director, and half the band were familiar.
on thurs nite went to brilliant show by the jazz school,cabaret style with tutors and pupils all kind of styles.
work is frantic and life is flying by. I went to training course for ushers at the court theatre. Hopefully will start in next few weeks. then i will have to go to most of the shows there.
Great to hear the cataract op went well for you mum. will look forward to catching up on 16th.
Congrats on job cam . cheers chris
froze our way through Southern Amp but saw some good ol nz acts Atlas,Veils,opshop,Black Seeds,Shihad and of course 4manbob.
Went to Full Monty(stage show) was fun matts mate luke was musical director, and half the band were familiar.
on thurs nite went to brilliant show by the jazz school,cabaret style with tutors and pupils all kind of styles.
work is frantic and life is flying by. I went to training course for ushers at the court theatre. Hopefully will start in next few weeks. then i will have to go to most of the shows there.
Great to hear the cataract op went well for you mum. will look forward to catching up on 16th.
Congrats on job cam . cheers chris
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
hey. just thought id add a quick post. this time next week my degree will be finished, i had a three hour theory exam today, which wasnt fun in the slightest haha, so now im just working towards my practical exam next tues night. not a whole lot more to say, played at southern amp on sat night (kind of like chchs answer to big day out but nowhere near as big) that was quite fun but the singers car got broken into that night and heaps of stuff got stolen, nothing of mine but everyone else in the band got stuff stolen, so that sucks. hope everyones doing good?
sweet, have a nice day
victoria
sweet, have a nice day
victoria
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Jingle Bells
Hi everyone, from Jen,
Yarghh sorry so long without posting,but like Jeff and Dave and especially Matt,we have been scooting around and have managed to catch up with many of the W.offspring which has been great.
It has been really good to see Jeff Dave Matt Hannah Cam Emma and hear everyones news,lots of interesting plans for the near,( and not so near),future.Wow Jeff and Kate your honeymoon is going to be an amazing experience.Al Dente was a good choice Dave,lovely meal and company, hopefully the waitess has got over Petes enquiry about the pinot.
Pete and I have had the first whole weekend at home by ourselves for ages,as the winter is a busy time and then there is the catching up on everything postskiseason.
It was good to hear about Chris's wonderful trip away,and congrats to Barb on the new job,it will be an exciting new challenge.
Cams 3 month contract at Clicksuite is up soon and he has been offered a permanent position which is great.Nick is feverishly finishing his year,and due home at the end of this coming week.
Liv has finished and is happily installed in Wanaka,we will catch up with her in 2 weeks.
Mum,(GMa), has the first of her cataract ops tomorrow morning,it should really improve her vision, although she said it hasnt been a problem,so she will have some downtime coming up while she convalesces.
Now back to my title,anyone in Timmos on December 16th is invited to ours for a wee xmas get together, we would love to see anyone who is able to come.We are doing this early as Barbs and Ash are off to Auck, and we are thinking of having Xmas day in Wanaka with Liv,Cam and Emma will be down as well.
Take care all,
ps I agree with Matt, we will rock you was great!
Yarghh sorry so long without posting,but like Jeff and Dave and especially Matt,we have been scooting around and have managed to catch up with many of the W.offspring which has been great.
It has been really good to see Jeff Dave Matt Hannah Cam Emma and hear everyones news,lots of interesting plans for the near,( and not so near),future.Wow Jeff and Kate your honeymoon is going to be an amazing experience.Al Dente was a good choice Dave,lovely meal and company, hopefully the waitess has got over Petes enquiry about the pinot.
Pete and I have had the first whole weekend at home by ourselves for ages,as the winter is a busy time and then there is the catching up on everything postskiseason.
It was good to hear about Chris's wonderful trip away,and congrats to Barb on the new job,it will be an exciting new challenge.
Cams 3 month contract at Clicksuite is up soon and he has been offered a permanent position which is great.Nick is feverishly finishing his year,and due home at the end of this coming week.
Liv has finished and is happily installed in Wanaka,we will catch up with her in 2 weeks.
Mum,(GMa), has the first of her cataract ops tomorrow morning,it should really improve her vision, although she said it hasnt been a problem,so she will have some downtime coming up while she convalesces.
Now back to my title,anyone in Timmos on December 16th is invited to ours for a wee xmas get together, we would love to see anyone who is able to come.We are doing this early as Barbs and Ash are off to Auck, and we are thinking of having Xmas day in Wanaka with Liv,Cam and Emma will be down as well.
Take care all,
ps I agree with Matt, we will rock you was great!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Early November
Hey Blogosphere, Jeff is here...
I, like matt, have decided to update y'all with a sporadic blog post. I haven't got heaps of news but i guess that's not really the point. The last weekend gone we went to "We Will Rock You" which was excellent and a p party in hamilton which was good also. We tried to picnic in the rain sunday but alas. Earlier in the weekend davie and I caught up with jen and pete which was nice. Few beers and some nice italian food on the viaduct.
Previous to that we caught up to matt, went to a "round the world" party, spent labour weekend at waiheke and visited hamilton a fair bit. So lots of little stuff on at the moment you could say...
Work is alright. My days are spent computing away feverishly which can be tiring but is enjoyable for the moment. Fonterra seems to be waiting for the big capital structure announcemnet on the 15th of november so we'll see what happens.
Flat is still holding together. We have decided to stretch out our tenancy til mid-november with kate staying here too. It'll be good to save the odd dollar to spend in far off places. Speaking of which, it is pretty certain we are going to honeymoon in Africa. Exciting stuff. We are planning a tour from joburg up through to nairobi and visiting 5-6 countries on the way.
Wedding plans are good. The invites have been ordered and should be here next week. The photographer etc are all booked and so now we just have to deal with a few details (shall we say).
Post some more news Fenj, Ash, Barb, Olivia...
jeff
I, like matt, have decided to update y'all with a sporadic blog post. I haven't got heaps of news but i guess that's not really the point. The last weekend gone we went to "We Will Rock You" which was excellent and a p party in hamilton which was good also. We tried to picnic in the rain sunday but alas. Earlier in the weekend davie and I caught up with jen and pete which was nice. Few beers and some nice italian food on the viaduct.
Previous to that we caught up to matt, went to a "round the world" party, spent labour weekend at waiheke and visited hamilton a fair bit. So lots of little stuff on at the moment you could say...
Work is alright. My days are spent computing away feverishly which can be tiring but is enjoyable for the moment. Fonterra seems to be waiting for the big capital structure announcemnet on the 15th of november so we'll see what happens.
Flat is still holding together. We have decided to stretch out our tenancy til mid-november with kate staying here too. It'll be good to save the odd dollar to spend in far off places. Speaking of which, it is pretty certain we are going to honeymoon in Africa. Exciting stuff. We are planning a tour from joburg up through to nairobi and visiting 5-6 countries on the way.
Wedding plans are good. The invites have been ordered and should be here next week. The photographer etc are all booked and so now we just have to deal with a few details (shall we say).
Post some more news Fenj, Ash, Barb, Olivia...
jeff
Monday, November 5, 2007
Break the Silence
Hi Guys,
Well, there has been very little reporting on here in recent times, so I thought I'd give a bi o an update. In the last 3 weeks I have managed to visit NZ's 3 main centres and actually caught up with a lot of you on my travels. I went to Wellington on Labour weekend and caught up with Cameron and Emma, then the next week went to Auckland to watch "We Will Rock You" (brilliant by the way, i recommend it to everyone) and caught up with Dave and Jeff and even saw Jenn and Pete at Sylvia park. And weekend just been I was in Chch to watch Crowded House and catch up with my family. So yeah, apart from that, jsut working and that. It would be great to hear what people are doing, even if it's just a couple of lines.
Keep it real!
Matt
Well, there has been very little reporting on here in recent times, so I thought I'd give a bi o an update. In the last 3 weeks I have managed to visit NZ's 3 main centres and actually caught up with a lot of you on my travels. I went to Wellington on Labour weekend and caught up with Cameron and Emma, then the next week went to Auckland to watch "We Will Rock You" (brilliant by the way, i recommend it to everyone) and caught up with Dave and Jeff and even saw Jenn and Pete at Sylvia park. And weekend just been I was in Chch to watch Crowded House and catch up with my family. So yeah, apart from that, jsut working and that. It would be great to hear what people are doing, even if it's just a couple of lines.
Keep it real!
Matt
Thursday, October 18, 2007
back to reality
Hi all here I am back from exotic climes. Hope you all got some news from me. Bought heaps of stuff and had some wonderful times. The Indonesian people so friendly and calm.
photos are of me hanging out with the natives at safari park and slumming at a parlour.
Cheers Chris
Sunday, October 7, 2007
long time no type
hey guys, victoria here. sorry about my slackness with the blog. its been a really busy year. tomorrow i start my last ever (assuming i pass everything) term at jazz school. for those of you that dont know, im third year performance major on double bass. its been going pretty good so far, getting good marks for everything. got heaps of assignments and a few exams coming up, my final assessment is nov20 and after that hour long performance il be all done... not sure what im doing next year yet, whether il stay in chch or go with one of my more exciting (sounding at least) options of moving overseas. been doing a bit of playing with my bands recently. got back this morning from methven, we played at the rock's world record attempt most people in a snowboard race thing at mt hutt and the after party that night. haha.. even though i realised that playing on mt hutt would be cold i kinda didnt make the connection that even though we were playing on the balcony of the building that wed be walking through snow heaps to unload and load all the gear... good thing i dont have waterproof shoes, needless to say i have a killer cold today. but last weekend was cool, my swing/covers band thing played at a 20s gangster themed dinner theatre/ball thing in queenstown. the photo was taken that weekend by the photographer.. hence the posing with the actors' guns. im off to nelson on fri and playing at a fundraiser for canteen on sunday cos the trumpet player for my band (who should be in the photo but couldnt make it last weekend) is organising it, she has leukemia but is doing real well now. also church is going real well, so between that, jazz school and bands i pretty much fill up all my time. sweet.. so in the future il try and post more often, and less when i do post haha. hope youre all doing well. whats everyone up to?
The Email mum (Chris) sent but some people never recevied
hi to all of you.
this message got bumped so will try again
Hey well after 11 hrs flight we are at singers airport ready to head off to
jakarta. apparently 32 degrees but cant get outside.
Had a singapore sling on the plane rather yummy but will be so much nicer at
raffles,
saw hairspray on the plane and another lame new release called knocked up
wouldnt reccommend it.
please forward any of my news to vic and pat. have to dash love mum
wel have now had a full day in jakarta very hot and steamy and just wonderful
amzing trees, buildings everyone so friendly. just watching the old ladies
sweeping the street is amazing.
we went to the school where the twins work absolutely incredible new complex
with a performance theatre that would rival anything in chch. a half size
olympic pool with swimming pro tutors massive sports arena ans so on someone
donated $us60 million to build it has 320 pupils .
we then went to the club to swim and loll about had drinks brought to us by
the pool so beautiful. last night into town for a bit of shopping and a
great meal just driving around is fascinating. there are so many people
doing very small jobs directing traffic , security, maids drivers nannies.
we are off soon to a beauty parlour for massage pedicure manicure wow.
loving the fruit.
hope all well love mum please post some on blog if anyone can bye xxx
this message got bumped so will try again
Hey well after 11 hrs flight we are at singers airport ready to head off to
jakarta. apparently 32 degrees but cant get outside.
Had a singapore sling on the plane rather yummy but will be so much nicer at
raffles,
saw hairspray on the plane and another lame new release called knocked up
wouldnt reccommend it.
please forward any of my news to vic and pat. have to dash love mum
wel have now had a full day in jakarta very hot and steamy and just wonderful
amzing trees, buildings everyone so friendly. just watching the old ladies
sweeping the street is amazing.
we went to the school where the twins work absolutely incredible new complex
with a performance theatre that would rival anything in chch. a half size
olympic pool with swimming pro tutors massive sports arena ans so on someone
donated $us60 million to build it has 320 pupils .
we then went to the club to swim and loll about had drinks brought to us by
the pool so beautiful. last night into town for a bit of shopping and a
great meal just driving around is fascinating. there are so many people
doing very small jobs directing traffic , security, maids drivers nannies.
we are off soon to a beauty parlour for massage pedicure manicure wow.
loving the fruit.
hope all well love mum please post some on blog if anyone can bye xxx
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
23 - 32 DEGREES
Hi all only 2 more sleeps. Great temps in Indonesia at present. A big thanks to Jen for lovely gift love the notepad. Thanks also to Matt for the book and CD we are listening to it now.
Here is a photo of Pat 3 hrs after his operation. He came home today a bit tired and cranky. A big thanks to grandma for the choc.
My thoughts are with you Liv hope you are bearing up okay.
I bought a new laptop is very nice and great to be wireless. I have yet to work out how to turn on spell check. We enjoyed having mum and dad here for his birthday weekend. If I dont get round to phoning hope all great and will catch up when I get back. Am picking up Nan,Jo & Cathy tommorrow from airport. bye love Chris.
Monday, September 24, 2007
mysterious
Hey Everybody.
Jeff here. Um. What have I been doing? well. dunno. Harje. Fenj. Whoa. Enough of that.
Had a weekend up the snow (as matt aluded to). It was pretty cool actually. We got reasonable weather on the friday (annual leave day) and awful weather on saturday. Me and Kate being the hardy souls we are braved it out though and battled through a full day on teh snow. We discovered the jumbo t bar up the top of turoa which had awesome snow and "popped that like it was hot." The technique is slowly improving and once i get my skis a tad closer together we'll be sorted. Kate though is a picture of perfection.
Um, we are in constant flux flatting wise. It seems 90% likely we are out of this place around the 23rd of november. This is convenient for me in that kate is finishing in hamilton that week. I guess we'll find a place? stay tuned. Oh yeah, fyi, kate is working in hamilton o'n'g for the next 10 weeks. SHe is quite enjoying herself and playing indoor soccer with some mates of mine. all good.
Wedding plans are coming along fine. Mum is heading over this weekend for a dose of wedding planner courtesy of kate's mum. That should be good i hope. I like hats.
Work is going well. I am into modelling at the moment. Unfortunately there isn;t much catwalk action. It's more "network optimisation" which is dry sounding but kind of interesting. I hope my projects gain approval in the short term so i can develop a bit of a reputation in teh longer term.
What else? honeymoon planning is underway although we haven't confirmed anything. We are on a savings drive with this in mind (maybe starting next month?)
take care. dave is soft and in bed already otherwise i would get a comment from him.
toodles.
jeff
Jeff here. Um. What have I been doing? well. dunno. Harje. Fenj. Whoa. Enough of that.
Had a weekend up the snow (as matt aluded to). It was pretty cool actually. We got reasonable weather on the friday (annual leave day) and awful weather on saturday. Me and Kate being the hardy souls we are braved it out though and battled through a full day on teh snow. We discovered the jumbo t bar up the top of turoa which had awesome snow and "popped that like it was hot." The technique is slowly improving and once i get my skis a tad closer together we'll be sorted. Kate though is a picture of perfection.
Um, we are in constant flux flatting wise. It seems 90% likely we are out of this place around the 23rd of november. This is convenient for me in that kate is finishing in hamilton that week. I guess we'll find a place? stay tuned. Oh yeah, fyi, kate is working in hamilton o'n'g for the next 10 weeks. SHe is quite enjoying herself and playing indoor soccer with some mates of mine. all good.
Wedding plans are coming along fine. Mum is heading over this weekend for a dose of wedding planner courtesy of kate's mum. That should be good i hope. I like hats.
Work is going well. I am into modelling at the moment. Unfortunately there isn;t much catwalk action. It's more "network optimisation" which is dry sounding but kind of interesting. I hope my projects gain approval in the short term so i can develop a bit of a reputation in teh longer term.
What else? honeymoon planning is underway although we haven't confirmed anything. We are on a savings drive with this in mind (maybe starting next month?)
take care. dave is soft and in bed already otherwise i would get a comment from him.
toodles.
jeff
Saturday, September 22, 2007
September Shut etc
Hi everyone.
Aweosme photos Ash! Looks like a pretty cool trip. My post is no where near as cool as Ash's was!
Well, got through the September shut and have finally left a decent tag on the site (see photo below) It was a very full on week or so working 12 hour days everyday for 8 days in a row and then continuing on the rest of the working week as normal. Have been looking forward to a weekend/day off for a while now and enjoying it. Was hoping to get up skiing this weekend, but weather isn't too flash and I had no one to go with (although I do believe Jeff is up there for a work trip). So I decided to give my newly painted bike a blast on the local mountain biking tracks. I don't know why I didn't try it earlier...it was awesome! It starts off seeming like hard work, but all it takes is one moment where you think you're off and then get through it and you get a rush and that's it. You catch the bug. Not a relaxing thing to do by any stretch, but a good way to get you motivated for the day.
Well, that's all for now. I hope everyone is well. It would be great to hear what's going on, especially when I have little contact with most of you.
Take care, Matt
Aweosme photos Ash! Looks like a pretty cool trip. My post is no where near as cool as Ash's was!
Well, got through the September shut and have finally left a decent tag on the site (see photo below) It was a very full on week or so working 12 hour days everyday for 8 days in a row and then continuing on the rest of the working week as normal. Have been looking forward to a weekend/day off for a while now and enjoying it. Was hoping to get up skiing this weekend, but weather isn't too flash and I had no one to go with (although I do believe Jeff is up there for a work trip). So I decided to give my newly painted bike a blast on the local mountain biking tracks. I don't know why I didn't try it earlier...it was awesome! It starts off seeming like hard work, but all it takes is one moment where you think you're off and then get through it and you get a rush and that's it. You catch the bug. Not a relaxing thing to do by any stretch, but a good way to get you motivated for the day.
Well, that's all for now. I hope everyone is well. It would be great to hear what's going on, especially when I have little contact with most of you.
Take care, Matt
Sunday, September 16, 2007
San Antonio
Hi Everyone. The top photo is The Alamo in downtown San Antonio. This is were the battle of the Alamo was fought in the 1840's where the Texans were seeking independence from Mexico---most unsuccessfully--David Crockett and 177 co-defenders were defeated and all killed here---now they are heroes.
The second photo is the San Antonio River walk in the downtown area. The "River" side has been progressively developed to create a total dining opportunity/experience for locals and visitors alike. The dining ambience was great, and there is also a measure of flood control included in the design.
As you can see I have returned from a week away visiting San Antonio, Texas. I attended the American Public Works Association Congress in the HUGE convention centre. There were 5000 registrations, with 10 concurrent streams of education sessions as well as an amazing exhibition in the main hall. There were also 3 ballrooms which could seat 1000 for dinner.
I found the whole experience quite educational and informative and next time would like to spend a bit more time on the ground,....after 24 hours of travel getting there.
Barbara has held the household together very well while I was away, and it is hard to believe how much the daffodils, tulips, and camelias have all burst into flower in the last 8 days. The lawn needs another cut---it is also in excellent shape.
Barbara is going to Sydney via Auckland in about 10 days time---to catch up on Wedding Plans and to have a break away after a long exhausting Term 3. She is currently very busy marking exams and writing reports.
When I went through Auckland I caught up with Jeff and Kate, who went to great efforts to get out to the Airport to share a coffee/coke.
We have now booked our flights to Sydney for next March. Everything seems on track at this stage---I have even got myself a new suit already hanging in the wardrobe.
Take care everyone, and Kind Regards, Ashley and Barbara.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Kinleith CARnage
Hi all,
Well, survived the Undie 500 with a total of zero arrests. Hmmm, looking like it may not be an official event for much longer after the riots. You may all be pleased to know that I had nothing to do with that behaviour! Unfortunately my camera got run over in Oamaru, so my photos are history, however I managed to get one off a mate to show you what our car looked like:
We got a lot of support from people on the way down and particularly in Dunedin. Managed to anger a couple.....but why would you be trying to sleep on the Saturday night of the Undie 500 anyway? You should expect yelling and tinny MIDI music blasting out the top of a packed Honda City!
Had wicked weather and got to a couple of beaches (really annoyed that I couldn't take any photos!)
We have the September shut beginning at work on Monday, so it's going to be very busy for the week and a half or so, but looking forward to putting some projects into action and also looking forward to the summer that will be prominent afterwards!
I'll be taking some photos again (with my new camera) so hopefully will post some more up again soon.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the snow season before it packs its bags! I have been twice so far, hope to get up tomorrow and plan to get another 3 or 4 days in after the shut.
Take care
Matt
Well, survived the Undie 500 with a total of zero arrests. Hmmm, looking like it may not be an official event for much longer after the riots. You may all be pleased to know that I had nothing to do with that behaviour! Unfortunately my camera got run over in Oamaru, so my photos are history, however I managed to get one off a mate to show you what our car looked like:
We got a lot of support from people on the way down and particularly in Dunedin. Managed to anger a couple.....but why would you be trying to sleep on the Saturday night of the Undie 500 anyway? You should expect yelling and tinny MIDI music blasting out the top of a packed Honda City!
Had wicked weather and got to a couple of beaches (really annoyed that I couldn't take any photos!)
We have the September shut beginning at work on Monday, so it's going to be very busy for the week and a half or so, but looking forward to putting some projects into action and also looking forward to the summer that will be prominent afterwards!
I'll be taking some photos again (with my new camera) so hopefully will post some more up again soon.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the snow season before it packs its bags! I have been twice so far, hope to get up tomorrow and plan to get another 3 or 4 days in after the shut.
Take care
Matt
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Timmers
Hi all, A few spare moments for the blog update.
We have had a wonderful weekend---Chch yesterday looking in the shops and then caught up with Chris and Steve. Got home just in time to see Canterbury completely waste Waikato to win the Ranfurly Shield.
Today I caught up with the garden---weeds and lawns got a work over. The weather has been great and the camelias are starting to flower---as are some of the fruit trees.
Off to San Antonio on Friday night--going to the American Public Works Congress for 5 days. Returning on Sat 15th.
Jeff---did you see any of the APEC security while you were in Sydney??
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
We have had a wonderful weekend---Chch yesterday looking in the shops and then caught up with Chris and Steve. Got home just in time to see Canterbury completely waste Waikato to win the Ranfurly Shield.
Today I caught up with the garden---weeds and lawns got a work over. The weather has been great and the camelias are starting to flower---as are some of the fruit trees.
Off to San Antonio on Friday night--going to the American Public Works Congress for 5 days. Returning on Sat 15th.
Jeff---did you see any of the APEC security while you were in Sydney??
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Who would go to Indonesia
Hello to all. Congrats Cam hope job going well.
Good luck for the flat hunting what a hassle you've only been there a few months.
We went to our third funeral in 5 weeks, boy does it get you soul searching.
On sat we went to see mum & dad in their savage club concert. was neat to see them and we enjoyed most of it.
Steve was down with another nasty flu last week(3 days in bed) still not up to speed .
we had hoped to get to wellington to see bryan Ferry and Joan Armatrading but only restricted view tickets left so have flagged the idea for now.
only 6 weeks to my trip went on a wee inspiration gathering jaunt to nelson to meet up with my fellow travelers.(so much fun) have requested a travel diary from Matt for my birthday so will attempt to fill it in well. Have googled all the places we are planning to see in Bali and booked a hotel in Singapore. Also suffering the dreaded kg dropping exercise. Have cleaned out my wardrobe and found stuff I had forgotten about.
I have booked an apartment in Sydney for friday,sat &sun nights so have made a start. Have ordered an entertainment book for mum & dad so they can get cheaper accommodation too.
Vic is very busy with more assessments next weekend amazing to think assuming goes well ,she will finish in 2-3 mths.
Soccer finished on Saturday so which is a shame we have really enjoyed the season.
Cheers to all Chris.
Good luck for the flat hunting what a hassle you've only been there a few months.
We went to our third funeral in 5 weeks, boy does it get you soul searching.
On sat we went to see mum & dad in their savage club concert. was neat to see them and we enjoyed most of it.
Steve was down with another nasty flu last week(3 days in bed) still not up to speed .
we had hoped to get to wellington to see bryan Ferry and Joan Armatrading but only restricted view tickets left so have flagged the idea for now.
only 6 weeks to my trip went on a wee inspiration gathering jaunt to nelson to meet up with my fellow travelers.(so much fun) have requested a travel diary from Matt for my birthday so will attempt to fill it in well. Have googled all the places we are planning to see in Bali and booked a hotel in Singapore. Also suffering the dreaded kg dropping exercise. Have cleaned out my wardrobe and found stuff I had forgotten about.
I have booked an apartment in Sydney for friday,sat &sun nights so have made a start. Have ordered an entertainment book for mum & dad so they can get cheaper accommodation too.
Vic is very busy with more assessments next weekend amazing to think assuming goes well ,she will finish in 2-3 mths.
Soccer finished on Saturday so which is a shame we have really enjoyed the season.
Cheers to all Chris.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Update From Mid North Island
Hello all,
Man, this blog is sure slowing down. Well, I have managed to get up the Ruapehu slopes twice to date and had some really fun times skiing the Whakapapa trails. Would really have liked to have gotten up a bit more, but the weather has really been letting us down. Excellent during the week and then shutting down for the weekend. May look at a mid week excursion in the near future.
This weekend is looking good, however I am venturing South to take part in the Undie 500 again. My mates have been putting together a Kiwibank car for us to venture down in. So for those of you down South, if you are in one of the centres that the undie gets to, feel free to give me a call/text on 027 281 6476. I am really looking forward to it, as it'the first time I'm going to catch up with my mate Richard since I shifted up to Tokoroa. Shaping up to be a really good one. I will get some photos to put up on this board for next time.
Hope every on is well and may hear from some of you!
Matt
Man, this blog is sure slowing down. Well, I have managed to get up the Ruapehu slopes twice to date and had some really fun times skiing the Whakapapa trails. Would really have liked to have gotten up a bit more, but the weather has really been letting us down. Excellent during the week and then shutting down for the weekend. May look at a mid week excursion in the near future.
This weekend is looking good, however I am venturing South to take part in the Undie 500 again. My mates have been putting together a Kiwibank car for us to venture down in. So for those of you down South, if you are in one of the centres that the undie gets to, feel free to give me a call/text on 027 281 6476. I am really looking forward to it, as it'the first time I'm going to catch up with my mate Richard since I shifted up to Tokoroa. Shaping up to be a really good one. I will get some photos to put up on this board for next time.
Hope every on is well and may hear from some of you!
Matt
Sunday, August 19, 2007
6 weeks' notice
Hey!
39 days and counting. The dreaded written notice turned up in the mailbox yesterday - meaning we have 6 weeks to vacate the flat. Great. More flat-hunting and sorting out flatmates etc. always a pleasure, never a chore... We've scaled down the options to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car park, spacious, modern, comfortable manor for less than $500 a week. Anyone know of such a worthy abode?
Nice work Cam, glad to hear of your employment success! We'll have to catch up next time you're up here... Ran into Morry the other day who said he'd seen you up this way... hmmm?
Jen I'm loving the random lyrical titles. Always intriguing... I too feel inspired to travel, maybe i'll stray from the beaten path to work this week...
Live - Hope that pesky family file's going well... Hope Jeff's file helps, found it at home when I was down...
Other than that, not a lot happening.... Going to the orthodontist tomorrow for my overbite... should be great times, I'll keep you posted on the diagnosis...
Dave
39 days and counting. The dreaded written notice turned up in the mailbox yesterday - meaning we have 6 weeks to vacate the flat. Great. More flat-hunting and sorting out flatmates etc. always a pleasure, never a chore... We've scaled down the options to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car park, spacious, modern, comfortable manor for less than $500 a week. Anyone know of such a worthy abode?
Nice work Cam, glad to hear of your employment success! We'll have to catch up next time you're up here... Ran into Morry the other day who said he'd seen you up this way... hmmm?
Jen I'm loving the random lyrical titles. Always intriguing... I too feel inspired to travel, maybe i'll stray from the beaten path to work this week...
Live - Hope that pesky family file's going well... Hope Jeff's file helps, found it at home when I was down...
Other than that, not a lot happening.... Going to the orthodontist tomorrow for my overbite... should be great times, I'll keep you posted on the diagnosis...
Dave
Monday, August 13, 2007
ride a white swan
Hi all,
new(old cd),bought it (best of Mark Bolan) in chch on thursday.
We had a weekend at home this weekend,have been on the road most travelled,ie over the Lindus, quite a bit lately.Still looking out to see if any of you ski bunnies are coming down our way.
Pete tells me TC has 65cms of new snow.
Nick has been a frequent visitor,which has been good,Liv may come over in her midsemester break with a few friends.
Cam hasnt been down to Wanaka as yet since May.
Great news-Cam has got a graduate graphic design job with Clicksuit, 3 month contract at first, he is really looking forward to starting in a week or two.
Emma has now got a fulltime position as policy analyst with the Min of Ed which is also great news.
I am feeling very inspired by Barb and Ash's fantastic trip,and Gmas,maybe next year,sort of significantish bday and all that.
Chris,hope you had an awesome time in nelson,it was longish day in chch,too may temptations.
Dave and Mary great outfits!!!And what a prize!!have you redeemed it yet?
Dave,I was so sorry to hear that Ann had passed away,she will be dearly missed.
What has happened with your flat,are you and Jeff out flathunting?
How are things in Tokoroa Matt? the job sounds really good,hope everything else is good with you,have you managed to get skiing very often?
Well better carry on,Pete said come down if you like knee deep powder,we will be in Wanaka from the 18th to the 27th August.
Take care all,
Jen
new(old cd),bought it (best of Mark Bolan) in chch on thursday.
We had a weekend at home this weekend,have been on the road most travelled,ie over the Lindus, quite a bit lately.Still looking out to see if any of you ski bunnies are coming down our way.
Pete tells me TC has 65cms of new snow.
Nick has been a frequent visitor,which has been good,Liv may come over in her midsemester break with a few friends.
Cam hasnt been down to Wanaka as yet since May.
Great news-Cam has got a graduate graphic design job with Clicksuit, 3 month contract at first, he is really looking forward to starting in a week or two.
Emma has now got a fulltime position as policy analyst with the Min of Ed which is also great news.
I am feeling very inspired by Barb and Ash's fantastic trip,and Gmas,maybe next year,sort of significantish bday and all that.
Chris,hope you had an awesome time in nelson,it was longish day in chch,too may temptations.
Dave and Mary great outfits!!!And what a prize!!have you redeemed it yet?
Dave,I was so sorry to hear that Ann had passed away,she will be dearly missed.
What has happened with your flat,are you and Jeff out flathunting?
How are things in Tokoroa Matt? the job sounds really good,hope everything else is good with you,have you managed to get skiing very often?
Well better carry on,Pete said come down if you like knee deep powder,we will be in Wanaka from the 18th to the 27th August.
Take care all,
Jen
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Tena koutou
Bonjour ma famille!
Decided i would try to add a lil culture into my blog since evry1 else seems to be broadening thier cultural horizons. Sorry I haven't been on here for ages, have just spent the last wee while tryin to catch up on all the going ons. Good to hear everyone is back safe and sound fom their jouneys and that you had a good time. Some great photo's emerging, good to see Barb and Ash in some different soundings (my fav was Ash on the camel hahaha) and dave thats a great one of u and Mary. You inspired me to put one on, I know its a bit wierd just having a photo of myself...
Not a heck of a lot has changed down here, its cold, I'm busy at uni and at church. Just sorted out my flaymates for next year and might have a flat lined up, will be fantastic to get out of the communial living situation (has been great, but am starting to get pretty sick of it). I'm busy with school attempting not to get any futher behind with work. I had another op on my back, about 3weeks ago, for those of you that don't know yet. It was exactly the same as the last one, thus have been going through the recouperating process once again. Very deja vudu. I dyed my hair a red/brunette colour - thats probly the most exciting news I have thus far.
Well must go, hope evryone is well and happy,
Peace out
love Live
Ps. Barb, Ash, Dave and Jeff, thanx sooo much for the parcel. Barb I feel so spoilt, that frame is beautiful. Jeff thanks for lending me your file, I'm very excited about starting it (sarcasam). And also thanx for the card and chocolate (Confession: I ended up eating most of the chocolate before it got to Rebecca. oops).
Fenj
Hi again all .The time just shooting around Seemed to be on go slow when 1st home .Tempo picked up again Savage Club Seniornet spossed to be doing a card and calander class I use Home publishing but 1st two ladies have'got it installed
Then there are about 4 versions then Publisher which I use a lot (Lions bulletin am ed again this year and like an idiot I got rid of all my ideas from when I was ed 2003 some of the graphics would have been handy) Trying to get my photoes into order Tried to copy to CD kept telling me already had a copy did I want to overwrite (no) to my surprise they did copy to CD I then found out using my card writer was able to bring them up onto screen off the flash cards Will edit them print a few to show or just to remember by.Lovely photos Barb.
Great to see dave when he was down sad occasion golly we seem to be at a funeral most weeks
Age and the cold .
Started looking at accom at Darling Harbor We have modified the camper as the bed took the entire floor so when you got up in morning had to slide outside and dash to the awning on back to wash and dress
We now have Twin beds so room to move on floor inside Just fairly minuscule will try to get away even overnight soon
Then there are about 4 versions then Publisher which I use a lot (Lions bulletin am ed again this year and like an idiot I got rid of all my ideas from when I was ed 2003 some of the graphics would have been handy) Trying to get my photoes into order Tried to copy to CD kept telling me already had a copy did I want to overwrite (no) to my surprise they did copy to CD I then found out using my card writer was able to bring them up onto screen off the flash cards Will edit them print a few to show or just to remember by.Lovely photos Barb.
Great to see dave when he was down sad occasion golly we seem to be at a funeral most weeks
Age and the cold .
Started looking at accom at Darling Harbor We have modified the camper as the bed took the entire floor so when you got up in morning had to slide outside and dash to the awning on back to wash and dress
We now have Twin beds so room to move on floor inside Just fairly minuscule will try to get away even overnight soon
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Enter the Dragon...
Nice photos mum and dad - thought I'd better add one too...
This photo was taken at the KensingtonSwan ball on Saturday. The Theme was 'Enter the Dragon' (after the Bruce Lee movie). At first we thought it was an awful theme and had no idea what to wear, but then we got into it, and I ended up coming away with the best dressed prize ($500 voucher at WorkingStyle). So all good there!
Hope everyone's week is going well! Yesterday was a bad day for all up here, for so any reasons! The worst of which, was that the Landlady rang to say she is putting the flat on the market. One day after Harriet moved in. classic. So now we have to decide whether we wont to stay here and put up with open homes (and the ultra high cleanliness standard needed), o find a new place and go through the rigmarole of moving and setting things up again. greeeeeat.
Other than that, all is good.
Have a great day y'all.
This photo was taken at the KensingtonSwan ball on Saturday. The Theme was 'Enter the Dragon' (after the Bruce Lee movie). At first we thought it was an awful theme and had no idea what to wear, but then we got into it, and I ended up coming away with the best dressed prize ($500 voucher at WorkingStyle). So all good there!
Hope everyone's week is going well! Yesterday was a bad day for all up here, for so any reasons! The worst of which, was that the Landlady rang to say she is putting the flat on the market. One day after Harriet moved in. classic. So now we have to decide whether we wont to stay here and put up with open homes (and the ultra high cleanliness standard needed), o find a new place and go through the rigmarole of moving and setting things up again. greeeeeat.
Other than that, all is good.
Have a great day y'all.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
TRIP PHOTOS
Hi All, Here are some trip Photos......Euphesus in Turkey....ruins from a City of 300,000 people.
Santorini Church
Hella and Brian Harpers House in Denmark.
Copenhagen Harbour Scene.
Ashley in the homeland of the Crusader in Rhodes in the Centre of the Mediterraen.
Ashley trying to get a ride on a Camel at Euphesus.
And Barbara at Gallipoli.
Cheers, Barbara and Ashley.
Santorini Church
Hella and Brian Harpers House in Denmark.
Copenhagen Harbour Scene.
Ashley in the homeland of the Crusader in Rhodes in the Centre of the Mediterraen.
Ashley trying to get a ride on a Camel at Euphesus.
And Barbara at Gallipoli.
Cheers, Barbara and Ashley.
Its Cold Today
Hi Everyone,
It is really cold here at the moment, and it is trying to rain.
We got some rose pruning done yesterday, and also this morning. Barbara is a dab hand at cutting things back, identifying plants for transplanting and finding gaps for new plants.
Jen has been here for a couple of hours talking about our trip, looking at photos etc. Really good to see her for the first time in a couple of months. She says that Olivia is recuperating well.
An intense week beckons for both of us this week. Barbara has a quadrangular tpurnament at Craighead, and I have to go to Chch on Thursday.
A roast of lamb is in the oven and the roast vegetables have just gone in----smells delicious.
Cheers, Ashh.
It is really cold here at the moment, and it is trying to rain.
We got some rose pruning done yesterday, and also this morning. Barbara is a dab hand at cutting things back, identifying plants for transplanting and finding gaps for new plants.
Jen has been here for a couple of hours talking about our trip, looking at photos etc. Really good to see her for the first time in a couple of months. She says that Olivia is recuperating well.
An intense week beckons for both of us this week. Barbara has a quadrangular tpurnament at Craighead, and I have to go to Chch on Thursday.
A roast of lamb is in the oven and the roast vegetables have just gone in----smells delicious.
Cheers, Ashh.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Hi all Chris back again.
Thanks for post Barb have been going to ring but wanted to give you a chance to settle in first good to get a bit of an update.
The weather has been trying but apparently Twizel takes the prize no sun for 2 weeks ,fogs and hoar frosts yuk!
Real sad about Marks mother.
Last mon I spent a few hours researching Sydney for March. Found an apartment in Darling Harbour which could fit the bill for us. The flights are a bit nutty (eg I found a good time for leaving sydney but goes via brisbane) Am after economical (ish) direct flights that leave in afternoon. Maybe too early for deals yet.
Anyway has made it all a bit more exciting.
Went to my friends 50th on sat had Chocolate Martinis sounded awful but was real yum. Great food but with the sport on all night no music. The netball was good though.
Glad to hear you are into skiing Jeff hopefully your cuz will get onto it soon.
Went to the movie Paris J'Taime very odd but rather cool apparently a must see for all you who have holidayed there.
Went to see pats surgeon last week, was interesting, he is a facial plastic surgeon so went into depth about the procedure and how he intends to achieve good results. will probably come up in october which isnt bad timing as soccer finished and water skiing not started.
His soccer was great on sat they lost 8-6 high entertainment game looked like mud wrestlers at the end.
then went to see Steves sister and ran into her mates just back from their trip mostly small villages more communist bloc countries Poland,Austria , Croatia etc sounds great.
Better go prise the girl out of bed for our bi-weekly exercise class.
bye
Thanks for post Barb have been going to ring but wanted to give you a chance to settle in first good to get a bit of an update.
The weather has been trying but apparently Twizel takes the prize no sun for 2 weeks ,fogs and hoar frosts yuk!
Real sad about Marks mother.
Last mon I spent a few hours researching Sydney for March. Found an apartment in Darling Harbour which could fit the bill for us. The flights are a bit nutty (eg I found a good time for leaving sydney but goes via brisbane) Am after economical (ish) direct flights that leave in afternoon. Maybe too early for deals yet.
Anyway has made it all a bit more exciting.
Went to my friends 50th on sat had Chocolate Martinis sounded awful but was real yum. Great food but with the sport on all night no music. The netball was good though.
Glad to hear you are into skiing Jeff hopefully your cuz will get onto it soon.
Went to the movie Paris J'Taime very odd but rather cool apparently a must see for all you who have holidayed there.
Went to see pats surgeon last week, was interesting, he is a facial plastic surgeon so went into depth about the procedure and how he intends to achieve good results. will probably come up in october which isnt bad timing as soccer finished and water skiing not started.
His soccer was great on sat they lost 8-6 high entertainment game looked like mud wrestlers at the end.
then went to see Steves sister and ran into her mates just back from their trip mostly small villages more communist bloc countries Poland,Austria , Croatia etc sounds great.
Better go prise the girl out of bed for our bi-weekly exercise class.
bye
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Skiing
Hey Team
Jeff here. Sorry I haven't been posting. Little to say (for a change!) I guess.
Um, well, it's sunday night. Am quite tired after a big weekend on the snow.We drove down on friday night leaving at 4:30 and getting into ohakune just before 11. We then skied fairly hard out on saturday and enjoyed checking out the new 6 seater at Turoa. Leather seats would you believe. Me and a mate (who also can't ski good) decided to check out a run we had seen the groomers making earlier in the day. Unfortunately they hadn't finished making the run yet and so we found ourselves in a wee bit of a pickle. Needless to say we survived to tell the tale with only the odd bruise and scratch on our skis. Overnight there was 25 cm of powder on turoa but unfortunately blizzard conditions killed off our chances so we boosted home instead. So yeah, by a big weekend i mean one day skiing but hey, exaggeration is the art of telling a good story.
Work is picking up at the moment after a few quiet weeks which is good. I am doing quite a large project surrounding our imports business which should keep me busy for a bit.
Kate is doing well in aussie. Highlights involve working many night shifts, going to byron bay and performing a nose-lego extraction.
Dave's flat is going well. We've managed to scare off one flatmate and get a new ginger one. This is obviously going to improve the ginger to non-giner ratio in my favour.
Out for dinner on friday, no plans for the rest of the week and then maybe skiing again the weekend after. Am off to sudney for some one elses wedding at start of led zepptember. I will be taking notes!!
Party on.
Jeff
PS Matt buddy - north island ski access roads are very easy to drive up and sealed. 2wd is all good 80% of the time. We should organise a weekend up there. I'll pick you up on the way through!
PSS wedding - all going to plan i guess. Kate says the darling harbour reception venue looks very slick so that is good. choyce
PSSS - be my facebook friend. I'll be yours.
Jeff here. Sorry I haven't been posting. Little to say (for a change!) I guess.
Um, well, it's sunday night. Am quite tired after a big weekend on the snow.We drove down on friday night leaving at 4:30 and getting into ohakune just before 11. We then skied fairly hard out on saturday and enjoyed checking out the new 6 seater at Turoa. Leather seats would you believe. Me and a mate (who also can't ski good) decided to check out a run we had seen the groomers making earlier in the day. Unfortunately they hadn't finished making the run yet and so we found ourselves in a wee bit of a pickle. Needless to say we survived to tell the tale with only the odd bruise and scratch on our skis. Overnight there was 25 cm of powder on turoa but unfortunately blizzard conditions killed off our chances so we boosted home instead. So yeah, by a big weekend i mean one day skiing but hey, exaggeration is the art of telling a good story.
Work is picking up at the moment after a few quiet weeks which is good. I am doing quite a large project surrounding our imports business which should keep me busy for a bit.
Kate is doing well in aussie. Highlights involve working many night shifts, going to byron bay and performing a nose-lego extraction.
Dave's flat is going well. We've managed to scare off one flatmate and get a new ginger one. This is obviously going to improve the ginger to non-giner ratio in my favour.
Out for dinner on friday, no plans for the rest of the week and then maybe skiing again the weekend after. Am off to sudney for some one elses wedding at start of led zepptember. I will be taking notes!!
Party on.
Jeff
PS Matt buddy - north island ski access roads are very easy to drive up and sealed. 2wd is all good 80% of the time. We should organise a weekend up there. I'll pick you up on the way through!
PSS wedding - all going to plan i guess. Kate says the darling harbour reception venue looks very slick so that is good. choyce
PSSS - be my facebook friend. I'll be yours.
Home again..frosty days are here again!
Dear all,
Well we are safely back in Timaru and have actually been home a week lastnight. It seems hard to believe really. The biggest adjustment was to the climatic conditions. Life without frosts would be nice.
We both had a fair bit of 'jet lag' but I guess it is just a good thing to blame when motivation tends to wane. Sadly, when we got home we were made aware that a close friend of the family was very ill. David knew her very well and so as her health deteriorated David decided to visit Timaru.. unfortunately Ann passed away before he could see her. He delivered a lovely eulogy for her at her funeral.
This sad time, combined with a course in Christchurch and a 2 day PD appraisal process on Thursday and Friday made it a very long and tiring week. The bonus was having David home but the circumstances were very sad.
Last night we began to relax and felt that gradually things were returning to normal. We enjoyed the rugby and I watched the netball which was exciting.
We really did enjoy our trip. It was nice seeing Brian and Healla and family again. Ash has his birthday on Tuesday and Brian has his big 50 celebrations next weekend.
On our last night in Denmark we went to Tivoli gardens..an old-fashioned and beautiful amusement park. We listened to some fantastic music while there. We are now trying to find the time to double check all our photos. It seems that we do not have our first few days..Dubai and Istanbul which is very sad. I guess one just has to hold the memories of the sand in our heads.
Today was to be ghastly according to the weather forecasters but it turned out very beautiful..sunny and clear so it was good to open up the house and let the warmth of the sun in. Ash took David to the Chch plane very early this am and was back by lunchtime.
Yesterday we went to Waimate for a late morning tea and lunch. Both mum and dad looked really good. Fit and healthy. Mum seems to have really enjoyed her trip away.
Lovely to hear form Matt. Congratulations to Jayne on gaining her Bsc..a big achievement and one to be very proud of. I hope Olivia that you are feeling better now. Hi to everyone else..would love to read your news as you post it. I trust everyone is well and happy. I know my wee dogs are very happy to have us home. They love to sit in front of the fire or on day like today they 'sunbathe'. Time to go. Love Barbara and Ash
Well we are safely back in Timaru and have actually been home a week lastnight. It seems hard to believe really. The biggest adjustment was to the climatic conditions. Life without frosts would be nice.
We both had a fair bit of 'jet lag' but I guess it is just a good thing to blame when motivation tends to wane. Sadly, when we got home we were made aware that a close friend of the family was very ill. David knew her very well and so as her health deteriorated David decided to visit Timaru.. unfortunately Ann passed away before he could see her. He delivered a lovely eulogy for her at her funeral.
This sad time, combined with a course in Christchurch and a 2 day PD appraisal process on Thursday and Friday made it a very long and tiring week. The bonus was having David home but the circumstances were very sad.
Last night we began to relax and felt that gradually things were returning to normal. We enjoyed the rugby and I watched the netball which was exciting.
We really did enjoy our trip. It was nice seeing Brian and Healla and family again. Ash has his birthday on Tuesday and Brian has his big 50 celebrations next weekend.
On our last night in Denmark we went to Tivoli gardens..an old-fashioned and beautiful amusement park. We listened to some fantastic music while there. We are now trying to find the time to double check all our photos. It seems that we do not have our first few days..Dubai and Istanbul which is very sad. I guess one just has to hold the memories of the sand in our heads.
Today was to be ghastly according to the weather forecasters but it turned out very beautiful..sunny and clear so it was good to open up the house and let the warmth of the sun in. Ash took David to the Chch plane very early this am and was back by lunchtime.
Yesterday we went to Waimate for a late morning tea and lunch. Both mum and dad looked really good. Fit and healthy. Mum seems to have really enjoyed her trip away.
Lovely to hear form Matt. Congratulations to Jayne on gaining her Bsc..a big achievement and one to be very proud of. I hope Olivia that you are feeling better now. Hi to everyone else..would love to read your news as you post it. I trust everyone is well and happy. I know my wee dogs are very happy to have us home. They love to sit in front of the fire or on day like today they 'sunbathe'. Time to go. Love Barbara and Ash
Saturday, July 21, 2007
South Waikato Update
Hello everyone again. It's been a while since I've been on here and a lot has happened in the last wee while.
Last week Hannah came up for a week to hang out in Tokoroa with me. She had some homework etc to work on during the day while I was at the mill and she was also CV dropping in some of the local businesses looking for work for the Christmas break. All going well she'll be a South Waikato resident for a couple or three months in the summer, which will be great. On the Wednesday, she managed a site tour in the afternoon before we headed off to Raglan for 3 nights. The weather really played the part by being very sunny and very clear skies. We managed to visit the local cafes and went on a couple of the walks around the area. The beaches are awesome there. Well renowned for the surfing too. Also had a look around Hamilton and went for a walk through some of the themed gardens
there. Here is a photo of us in the "Italian" themed garden. Very nice thing to do on a nice day.
Really looking forward to some skiing soon. I am a bit wary that my car probably wouldn't make it up to the slopes, so I a currently waiting on some work collegues to take their 4WD up so I can tag along. Might need to look into a bus or something if I don't get any luck soon.
Well, sounds like there were great trips all around. I am getting inspired by all the travelling. Am hoping to head Europe way after a few years at the mill. Sounds like you had a very full on trip Grandma! Will be great to catch up with you some time to see some photos or atleast hear some stories. And sounds like your trip Barb and Ash was awesome! The cultural differences are starting to interest me also, so it's great to hear where you can go to get a taste!
Work is fine, projects coming along nicely.
Take care everybody.
Matt
Last week Hannah came up for a week to hang out in Tokoroa with me. She had some homework etc to work on during the day while I was at the mill and she was also CV dropping in some of the local businesses looking for work for the Christmas break. All going well she'll be a South Waikato resident for a couple or three months in the summer, which will be great. On the Wednesday, she managed a site tour in the afternoon before we headed off to Raglan for 3 nights. The weather really played the part by being very sunny and very clear skies. We managed to visit the local cafes and went on a couple of the walks around the area. The beaches are awesome there. Well renowned for the surfing too. Also had a look around Hamilton and went for a walk through some of the themed gardens
there. Here is a photo of us in the "Italian" themed garden. Very nice thing to do on a nice day.Really looking forward to some skiing soon. I am a bit wary that my car probably wouldn't make it up to the slopes, so I a currently waiting on some work collegues to take their 4WD up so I can tag along. Might need to look into a bus or something if I don't get any luck soon.
Well, sounds like there were great trips all around. I am getting inspired by all the travelling. Am hoping to head Europe way after a few years at the mill. Sounds like you had a very full on trip Grandma! Will be great to catch up with you some time to see some photos or atleast hear some stories. And sounds like your trip Barb and Ash was awesome! The cultural differences are starting to interest me also, so it's great to hear where you can go to get a taste!
Work is fine, projects coming along nicely.
Take care everybody.
Matt
Friday, July 13, 2007
Second Singapore Sling
Hope this one lasts longer..actually tried the beverage on the flight last night. Quite nice really.
We are waiting to board our last flight. It will be nice to get home now as it seems we have been in airports a while. Tivoli Gardens proved to be a real hit on the last night in Cop despite drizzly weather.
Today we are filling in time ready to go home.
Last blog for a while I suspect as there will be a lot to do once we hit Spur Road..I guess heating will be a priority. Hope everyone is well. Love Barb amd Ash
We are waiting to board our last flight. It will be nice to get home now as it seems we have been in airports a while. Tivoli Gardens proved to be a real hit on the last night in Cop despite drizzly weather.
Today we are filling in time ready to go home.
Last blog for a while I suspect as there will be a lot to do once we hit Spur Road..I guess heating will be a priority. Hope everyone is well. Love Barb amd Ash
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Untitled1
Wow! is all I can say!
Sounds like you had an awesome time over there - so many landmarks, so little time. Can't wait to get a face-to-face debrief, or some photos to appear on the blog (or indeed to go back). Will be good to share some memories. Tell us, what was your favourite place, and why?
Not a lot of news from up here. Work's been great of late as I've managed to almost avoid it completely by attending random courses. Last week it was a negotiation workshop, this week it was a plain english seminar and a 2 day article writing round-table. The best part is definitely the catering. Mmmmmm....catering.
I'm currently organising the IP team's retreat this year. We're off to Waiheke for a weekend to discuss IP stuff... Kinda fun deciding where we're staying, which vineyards were visiting, etc.
Dave
PS I love your unique style of blogging Grandma, sounds as though you spent a little too much time visiting the House of P.
PPS Join Facebook. It's fun I promise.
Sounds like you had an awesome time over there - so many landmarks, so little time. Can't wait to get a face-to-face debrief, or some photos to appear on the blog (or indeed to go back). Will be good to share some memories. Tell us, what was your favourite place, and why?
Not a lot of news from up here. Work's been great of late as I've managed to almost avoid it completely by attending random courses. Last week it was a negotiation workshop, this week it was a plain english seminar and a 2 day article writing round-table. The best part is definitely the catering. Mmmmmm....catering.
I'm currently organising the IP team's retreat this year. We're off to Waiheke for a weekend to discuss IP stuff... Kinda fun deciding where we're staying, which vineyards were visiting, etc.
Dave
PS I love your unique style of blogging Grandma, sounds as though you spent a little too much time visiting the House of P.
PPS Join Facebook. It's fun I promise.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Home Again
Hi all sorry so slack with Emails had a few goes First a real mess next one took off into space somewhere Then Think I may have managed I reasonable effort
Our trip was great We got on really well
Lots of laughs didn,t get lost so much as misplaced now and then
What a lot going on in the family Welcome back Kate Happy Birthday Nick Liv hope you are OK again do take care a friend of G/D has had something similar keeps re-ocurring, Barb you didn,t get away to a very good start hope your flight home more pleasurable .The weather was pretty good most of time V/hot Vatican, in the square Paris beside the E/tower Singapore on way home Ex /Hot Went to Zoo there
In London got a bus ticket most days ,we did a large amount of walking as well,Went to Buck House but I think Lizzie must have been busy didn,t invite us in, House of P Big Ben St Pauls Westminster Abbey ..Bussed out to Wimbleton too tight to get a ticket to the lesser games altho prob OK But they got rained out that day as it turnd out
Next day decided to got to Flower Show at Hampstead Heath after about 45 mins bus ride nobody seemed to know any thing about it Then some one told us it was at Richmond so got on a train and headed to Hampton Court Not there either so ended up somehow at Kew Gardens instead. Barb only English TV most times a little ribbon along bottom of screen we did see NZ second win held up bus few mins as it was to go at finish time
But in London after the attack the news was full all day every day about it I rang dad as I thought it would be much the same here Just make people uneasy And you can't do a thing about it. Life just has to go on and seemingly it did
Every where accom and food V good Guides V/G every where so big and WOW, Super ,Gosh
Wellpast bed time on a go slow at present 11.15pm Lovely to have Dad Chris Ed and Donald at air port had a great long chat at Robert Harris Hornby must have been there 1 1/2 -2 hrs
Kove to all Mum Grandma
Hi all sorry so slack with Emails had a few goes First a real mess next one took off into space somewhere Then Think I may have managed I reasonable effort
Our trip was great We got on really well
Lots of laughs didn,t get lost so much as misplaced now and then
What a lot going on in the family Welcome back Kate Happy Birthday Nick Liv hope you are OK again do take care a friend of G/D has had something similar keeps re-ocurring, Barb you didn,t get away to a very good start hope your flight home more pleasurable .The weather was pretty good most of time V/hot Vatican, in the square Paris beside the E/tower Singapore on way home Ex /Hot Went to Zoo there
In London got a bus ticket most days ,we did a large amount of walking as well,Went to Buck House but I think Lizzie must have been busy didn,t invite us in, House of P Big Ben St Pauls Westminster Abbey ..Bussed out to Wimbleton too tight to get a ticket to the lesser games altho prob OK But they got rained out that day as it turnd out
Next day decided to got to Flower Show at Hampstead Heath after about 45 mins bus ride nobody seemed to know any thing about it Then some one told us it was at Richmond so got on a train and headed to Hampton Court Not there either so ended up somehow at Kew Gardens instead. Barb only English TV most times a little ribbon along bottom of screen we did see NZ second win held up bus few mins as it was to go at finish time
But in London after the attack the news was full all day every day about it I rang dad as I thought it would be much the same here Just make people uneasy And you can't do a thing about it. Life just has to go on and seemingly it did
Every where accom and food V good Guides V/G every where so big and WOW, Super ,Gosh
Wellpast bed time on a go slow at present 11.15pm Lovely to have Dad Chris Ed and Donald at air port had a great long chat at Robert Harris Hornby must have been there 1 1/2 -2 hrs
Kove to all Mum Grandma
Monday, July 9, 2007
Hello all from frosty CHCH. Great to hear news superb effort especially from Harpers (wow you guys are so good at writing)
We had Gdad here for 2 nights managed to get him out on the town to hear Graham Wardrop.
We picked up Gma this morning shes looking good despite very little sleep.
We went to Hornby for coffee and Edna and I managed to catch up on plenty of highlights from the trip.
We have just found out we are being sued for wrongful dismissal what a pain (should have been a lawyer)
Hope everyone happy and enjoying hols(where applicable) Chris
We had Gdad here for 2 nights managed to get him out on the town to hear Graham Wardrop.
We picked up Gma this morning shes looking good despite very little sleep.
We went to Hornby for coffee and Edna and I managed to catch up on plenty of highlights from the trip.
We have just found out we are being sued for wrongful dismissal what a pain (should have been a lawyer)
Hope everyone happy and enjoying hols(where applicable) Chris
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Athens
Hi to All,
We are both very very well and extremely happy with our trip. Since last weeks blog we have been in the Greek Islands of Rhodes, Santorini and the party place, Mykonos. The hotel in Mykonos was incredible----on the beach, with wonderful views and it had just been refurbished, in a grand style.
We made the fast ferry trip to Athens yesterday, and visited the PLAKA last evening, did a "noddy train" dusk tour and then walked til we dropped.
Today, off to the Acropilis---but a 48 hour strike killed that idea. Did the Zeus Temple etc but the real reason to visit Athens just fell off the radar----bugger. More Plaka this afternoon----great pedestrianised streets everywhere---markets and hawkers and great shopping oppurtunities. Sad to be leaving Greece.
Off to Denmark tomorrow----really looking forward to catching up with everyone there. The planes, ferries and transfers have all worked so far, so by this time tomorrow we should be at Brian and Hellas.
Saw some new friends today in the street---we toured Turkey with them, and on Thursday they had one of their suitcases stolen from the ferry turnstiles---all their medication, jewellery purchases, and travel documents--- chaos for them, hopefully that can be avoided in the next week.
Time to run, a meal on the kerbside watching the Athenians go by beckons.
Love Barbara and Ash.
We are both very very well and extremely happy with our trip. Since last weeks blog we have been in the Greek Islands of Rhodes, Santorini and the party place, Mykonos. The hotel in Mykonos was incredible----on the beach, with wonderful views and it had just been refurbished, in a grand style.
We made the fast ferry trip to Athens yesterday, and visited the PLAKA last evening, did a "noddy train" dusk tour and then walked til we dropped.
Today, off to the Acropilis---but a 48 hour strike killed that idea. Did the Zeus Temple etc but the real reason to visit Athens just fell off the radar----bugger. More Plaka this afternoon----great pedestrianised streets everywhere---markets and hawkers and great shopping oppurtunities. Sad to be leaving Greece.
Off to Denmark tomorrow----really looking forward to catching up with everyone there. The planes, ferries and transfers have all worked so far, so by this time tomorrow we should be at Brian and Hellas.
Saw some new friends today in the street---we toured Turkey with them, and on Thursday they had one of their suitcases stolen from the ferry turnstiles---all their medication, jewellery purchases, and travel documents--- chaos for them, hopefully that can be avoided in the next week.
Time to run, a meal on the kerbside watching the Athenians go by beckons.
Love Barbara and Ash.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A variety of subjects
Hey'all
Jeff here. First of all, isn't sunny pms a bit of a contradiction of terms jenny? Hi to everyone, comments aboute everything listed, hope everyone is okay.
What is this about waimaitaitai? i had no idea. That would have been cool. Oh well. Too late now for flights.
Me and Kate took last week off for some skiing. It was good fun. Not a lot of snow but enough for 3 days of loving. We bought ourselves helmets in the off season and they are the best things ever. Wicked.
I went to transformers tonight that was wicked too. Imagine if i was 15, it would be even better. Mixing the straignt forwardness of spiderman with the special effects of T3.
Am addicted to facebook. I've formed an Aunty Helen Appreciation Society. (Pm, not pms).
Righto.
Jeff
Jeff here. First of all, isn't sunny pms a bit of a contradiction of terms jenny? Hi to everyone, comments aboute everything listed, hope everyone is okay.
What is this about waimaitaitai? i had no idea. That would have been cool. Oh well. Too late now for flights.
Me and Kate took last week off for some skiing. It was good fun. Not a lot of snow but enough for 3 days of loving. We bought ourselves helmets in the off season and they are the best things ever. Wicked.
I went to transformers tonight that was wicked too. Imagine if i was 15, it would be even better. Mixing the straignt forwardness of spiderman with the special effects of T3.
Am addicted to facebook. I've formed an Aunty Helen Appreciation Society. (Pm, not pms).
Righto.
Jeff
Dont you go out in the rain
hi,
hope everyone keeping dry and warm,unlike here where the rain has barely stopped since the end of last month,yarghh,roll on a couple of nice frosts and sunny pms.
The OCs have just recovered from a rather busy little time of late,Nicks 21st went really well,great group of people,Nick had a band (some of his mates) they performed well and had all the outside group dancing,preventing any episodes of hypothermia.Cam and Emma came down,and Chris, Steve and Pat, so it was a good catchup.
Like the photos of your death by chocy type cafe stop with Dave,Mary,and Jeff, Matt,it looks like a good place to rest and revive.
Also happy to hear that your jobs are going well and you are enjoying your respective new surroundings.
Great to hear about Barb and Ashs fantastic trip,they sound as tthough they are making the very most of their time away.Less from GMa, but finding internet facilities close to where you are staying is sometimes difficult and will hear all about it when she gets back.
I see the Cup and Saucer has been rebranded as Nosh(bringing city food to the highway) we will have to call in for a coffee.
Also on the nostalgia front Jeff and Dave,you probably are aware that Waimataitai are having 125th year Jubilee,registering at clairereid@actrix.co.nz,17th to 19th Aug.
Liv is now away after her 3 week stay at home,she had a friend staying,and they left on tuesday to do a roadtrip to Nelson to stay with another friend.They plan to return to Dunedin via Wanaka,possibly with a few others ,Pete Nick Mini and I are heading down tomorrow, if we can get over the Lindis,it is closed at the mo due to snow.We are there for about 10 days and will try and get down a bit over the next couple of months,so if anyone has a spare weekend or whatever and would like to come down it would be great to see you.
Better go,this is turning into a maxiblog,hope to catchup with Gdad today,quite a task,he has turned into a social butterfly since Mum has been away,but good that he is well and happy,
take care all,
Jen and Pete
hope everyone keeping dry and warm,unlike here where the rain has barely stopped since the end of last month,yarghh,roll on a couple of nice frosts and sunny pms.
The OCs have just recovered from a rather busy little time of late,Nicks 21st went really well,great group of people,Nick had a band (some of his mates) they performed well and had all the outside group dancing,preventing any episodes of hypothermia.Cam and Emma came down,and Chris, Steve and Pat, so it was a good catchup.
Like the photos of your death by chocy type cafe stop with Dave,Mary,and Jeff, Matt,it looks like a good place to rest and revive.
Also happy to hear that your jobs are going well and you are enjoying your respective new surroundings.
Great to hear about Barb and Ashs fantastic trip,they sound as tthough they are making the very most of their time away.Less from GMa, but finding internet facilities close to where you are staying is sometimes difficult and will hear all about it when she gets back.
I see the Cup and Saucer has been rebranded as Nosh(bringing city food to the highway) we will have to call in for a coffee.
Also on the nostalgia front Jeff and Dave,you probably are aware that Waimataitai are having 125th year Jubilee,registering at clairereid@actrix.co.nz,17th to 19th Aug.
Liv is now away after her 3 week stay at home,she had a friend staying,and they left on tuesday to do a roadtrip to Nelson to stay with another friend.They plan to return to Dunedin via Wanaka,possibly with a few others ,Pete Nick Mini and I are heading down tomorrow, if we can get over the Lindis,it is closed at the mo due to snow.We are there for about 10 days and will try and get down a bit over the next couple of months,so if anyone has a spare weekend or whatever and would like to come down it would be great to see you.
Better go,this is turning into a maxiblog,hope to catchup with Gdad today,quite a task,he has turned into a social butterfly since Mum has been away,but good that he is well and happy,
take care all,
Jen and Pete
Saturday, June 30, 2007
The Ferrit Winter Sale is Coming to an End
Buon Giorno!
Not a lot happening up this way i must say... Jeff took the week off work to tour around the North Island with Kate, and to hit a few slopes along the way. lucky for some!
Have a combined 24th birthday for a couple of Knox friends to go to tonight, always fun to catch up... especially at a classy (cough) BYO.
Ciao
Dave
PS And yes, (contrary to common belief) that foxy minx isn't Helen of Troy, but the pulchritudinous Mary.
Not a lot happening up this way i must say... Jeff took the week off work to tour around the North Island with Kate, and to hit a few slopes along the way. lucky for some!
Have a combined 24th birthday for a couple of Knox friends to go to tonight, always fun to catch up... especially at a classy (cough) BYO.
Ciao
Dave
PS And yes, (contrary to common belief) that foxy minx isn't Helen of Troy, but the pulchritudinous Mary.
Rhodes--The Place To Be.
Hi Everyone, We are loving our expedition. The whole package has been going wonderfully well. A mini heat wave in Turkey, and now Greece takes a bit of getting used too, but we are managing well----just need to keep the liquid balance going. The old town of Rhodes got a detailed examination today----incredible to learn and saee so much all in one place---particularly the Crusaders. Off to Lindos tomorrow.
At long last Ash is starting to see that history has a great deal to offer...the layers of civilisation is incredible and the extent to which remains are being constantly uncovered is very interesting. Itis very beautiful here..I did not think there could anything more beautiful than Ephesus but now I am not sure. We have found ice-creams to be an important part of the diet...our tour has included many buffets so we have had a wonderful chance to try all the Turkish and Greek cuisine..clothes seem smaller! The heat is unbelievable..feet struggle the most but face wipes and an occasional swim and beer make it tolerable. Many fires aroune Athens. Turkey was incredibly hot..broke records for heat at this time of the year. We are so happy. Thinking of you all. Love Barb and Ash
Thanks to the emailers with their news. Cheers, Ash and Barb.
At long last Ash is starting to see that history has a great deal to offer...the layers of civilisation is incredible and the extent to which remains are being constantly uncovered is very interesting. Itis very beautiful here..I did not think there could anything more beautiful than Ephesus but now I am not sure. We have found ice-creams to be an important part of the diet...our tour has included many buffets so we have had a wonderful chance to try all the Turkish and Greek cuisine..clothes seem smaller! The heat is unbelievable..feet struggle the most but face wipes and an occasional swim and beer make it tolerable. Many fires aroune Athens. Turkey was incredibly hot..broke records for heat at this time of the year. We are so happy. Thinking of you all. Love Barb and Ash
Thanks to the emailers with their news. Cheers, Ash and Barb.
Friday, June 29, 2007
hi from chch
Hello all still no more news from ye ole matriarch on the continent.
I have no idea whether they went to any shows in westend.
Next weekend Dad is coming up to stay before picking up the globetrotters on Monday morning , I will pop out to the airport to try to gleam a few details.
Well Jen & I were looking at Matts photo and are curious as to whether the young lady beside Dave is Mary. (having never met)
Welcome home Kate hope Veitnam was a wonderful experience for you.
Great to catch up with Cam & Emma, Nick & Liz & Liv at the weekend the Party went well ,hope you had a great time Nick.
Roll on spring! Chris
I have no idea whether they went to any shows in westend.
Next weekend Dad is coming up to stay before picking up the globetrotters on Monday morning , I will pop out to the airport to try to gleam a few details.
Well Jen & I were looking at Matts photo and are curious as to whether the young lady beside Dave is Mary. (having never met)
Welcome home Kate hope Veitnam was a wonderful experience for you.
Great to catch up with Cam & Emma, Nick & Liz & Liv at the weekend the Party went well ,hope you had a great time Nick.
Roll on spring! Chris
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Hello family
Hi all,
Sorry I havn't blogged for a while. I've been really busy lying around watchin movies. Not alot of news to tell on my part, I've rarely left the house for the last few weeks. All is well with my wound, I've healed up fantastically and am no longer in any pain. Nicks 21st was good, I'm headin up to ChCh this w/e to visit a friend. Got one week of holidays left and suprise suprise, i've left all my law work to do in the last week. The most exciting thing i'm doing at the mo is singing in my church band, but it'll be the last time this w/e because I'll be back in Dunedin next w/e. So all round a pretty non-exciting blog posting, I'm sure i'll have some more exciting news when I get back into the exciting world uni.hmmm.
Any hoo
love you all,
Live
Sorry I havn't blogged for a while. I've been really busy lying around watchin movies. Not alot of news to tell on my part, I've rarely left the house for the last few weeks. All is well with my wound, I've healed up fantastically and am no longer in any pain. Nicks 21st was good, I'm headin up to ChCh this w/e to visit a friend. Got one week of holidays left and suprise suprise, i've left all my law work to do in the last week. The most exciting thing i'm doing at the mo is singing in my church band, but it'll be the last time this w/e because I'll be back in Dunedin next w/e. So all round a pretty non-exciting blog posting, I'm sure i'll have some more exciting news when I get back into the exciting world uni.hmmm.
Any hoo
love you all,
Live
Monday, June 25, 2007
Waikato Times
Hi All,
Managed to get my coloured text back! Well, its been a while since I posted. As mentioned in Dave's post a while back, I met up with him and Jeff in Auckland. Meet at the chocolate botique to have a "denso" ie melted chocolate. Dave was not satisfied enough with this and decided to follow up with a caramel slice!! Indulgence of epic proportions. Included is evidence of Dave enjoying hi choco treat and his caramel slice (be it a tad over exposed)
So, great to catch up. Weekend after I was in Hamilton to go to Fieldays (Largest agricultural show of it's type in the Southern Hemisphere). I also saw Ocean's 13 and broke my car...high voltage coil. But, $260 later and I was back on the road the next day!
Weekend just been I headed up to Tauranga to visit an old Uni friend who has just taken a job with Fletcher construction. Headed into town on Saturday night to watch the tri nations match.
All that aside, work has been good. Getting busier and more involved all the time, so those are all good things.
Great to hear about everyone else's overseas travel and the likes. Nick, I was talking to mum who said very complimentary things about your 21st. Wish I could have been there! Hope you had a good one. Well done on your last assesment mark Victoria, sounds like you are doing wicked!
Thats enough for now, will post again when I have more things to talk about.
Matt
P.S. That last photo definately did not highlight how rediculous Dave's caramel slice was....
(Behind the glass)
Managed to get my coloured text back! Well, its been a while since I posted. As mentioned in Dave's post a while back, I met up with him and Jeff in Auckland. Meet at the chocolate botique to have a "denso" ie melted chocolate. Dave was not satisfied enough with this and decided to follow up with a caramel slice!! Indulgence of epic proportions. Included is evidence of Dave enjoying hi choco treat and his caramel slice (be it a tad over exposed)
So, great to catch up. Weekend after I was in Hamilton to go to Fieldays (Largest agricultural show of it's type in the Southern Hemisphere). I also saw Ocean's 13 and broke my car...high voltage coil. But, $260 later and I was back on the road the next day!Weekend just been I headed up to Tauranga to visit an old Uni friend who has just taken a job with Fletcher construction. Headed into town on Saturday night to watch the tri nations match.
All that aside, work has been good. Getting busier and more involved all the time, so those are all good things.
Great to hear about everyone else's overseas travel and the likes. Nick, I was talking to mum who said very complimentary things about your 21st. Wish I could have been there! Hope you had a good one. Well done on your last assesment mark Victoria, sounds like you are doing wicked!
Thats enough for now, will post again when I have more things to talk about.
Matt
P.S. That last photo definately did not highlight how rediculous Dave's caramel slice was....
(Behind the glass)
Kate is back
Hey All
Jeff here but i have kate at my side (how cute eeewwww) Anyways she is rather sunburnt and i am rather jealous. She has heard about and laughed about the family blog and now i am introducing her to it.
Kate, can we get a quote? "no, you can't have a quote" she says. Why not? "Jeff! delete it..." So anyways, she isn't corporating but luckily i can fabricate in her place. There are some delightful photos on our computer - all 589 of them! wow. Cool. Her trip sounds cool though. Intrepid journeys are the way to go. Kate fell in love with Saigon as the best city in asia. Crowded but unlike many other cities it was also reasonably clean. She also enjoyed siam reap, bangkok and ??
Righto. I am taking off on annual leave this week to hang with her. I think we are going to head to Mt Ruapehu but maybe stop off at Taupo on the way? Haven't decided yet so the next step after i post this is wotif.
Take care eveyone. Dave is also well. He is sitting opposite me!
Jeff
Jeff here but i have kate at my side (how cute eeewwww) Anyways she is rather sunburnt and i am rather jealous. She has heard about and laughed about the family blog and now i am introducing her to it.
Kate, can we get a quote? "no, you can't have a quote" she says. Why not? "Jeff! delete it..." So anyways, she isn't corporating but luckily i can fabricate in her place. There are some delightful photos on our computer - all 589 of them! wow. Cool. Her trip sounds cool though. Intrepid journeys are the way to go. Kate fell in love with Saigon as the best city in asia. Crowded but unlike many other cities it was also reasonably clean. She also enjoyed siam reap, bangkok and ??
Righto. I am taking off on annual leave this week to hang with her. I think we are going to head to Mt Ruapehu but maybe stop off at Taupo on the way? Haven't decided yet so the next step after i post this is wotif.
Take care eveyone. Dave is also well. He is sitting opposite me!
Jeff
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Is that a dorklander whingeing about cold
My my I am sure the cuzzie bros in dunnos,timos,tokos waimos and (from block-o-ice- feet) chchos feel real sorry for you guys in auckland.
Glad to ear job is good. Are you going to be skiing this year??? chris
Glad to ear job is good. Are you going to be skiing this year??? chris
Monday, June 18, 2007
Shirley is back!!
Hey Team
Jeff here. I haven't extruded anything onto this blog in the recent past. A lot of my news is Dave's news and thus i have been loathed to pollute the airways with any further ramblings.
Yeah, so basically,, the story is that I am living at Daves flat. Its a little cold, a little damp and under equipped but i's also great. i am quite enjoying the locale, close to the city and shops but yet quiet and remote as well. Unusually we live next to a prison.
Work is also going well. I work on a range of commercial projects in the world of shipping, warehousing, trucking and logistics planning.
Not much else to tell. It's rather cold here and the public transport is rather novel.
See, told ya I didnt have any news. Kate gets home next week. That's exciting.
Jeff
Jeff here. I haven't extruded anything onto this blog in the recent past. A lot of my news is Dave's news and thus i have been loathed to pollute the airways with any further ramblings.
Yeah, so basically,, the story is that I am living at Daves flat. Its a little cold, a little damp and under equipped but i's also great. i am quite enjoying the locale, close to the city and shops but yet quiet and remote as well. Unusually we live next to a prison.
Work is also going well. I work on a range of commercial projects in the world of shipping, warehousing, trucking and logistics planning.
Not much else to tell. It's rather cold here and the public transport is rather novel.
See, told ya I didnt have any news. Kate gets home next week. That's exciting.
Jeff
hello everyone got a message from mum so have attached.
As you have heard ats nose isnt broken but the middle bit(sputem??) has been bulged and displaced making breathing difficult and making it look broken. So we have to meet the ENT specialist again in a month to see about surgery to sort it out.
I have a busy week with tennis,our 27th wedding anniversary, school production(Wizard of Oz) scout do(big costume party) and NICKS 21st. shall be great fun.
talked to barb & ash just now they are about to board.
good luck for exams assignments nick, victoria is in thick of them this week .
glad to hear liv getting better looking forward to seeing all o'cs this week plus emma.
Hope kate doing well in veitnam.
I must get up to auckland. Would like to go to "We Will Rock you"
love chris
from mum
Hi all Tried last night the set up here different
Having a great time
\wonderful driver and tour leader she swats up stuff tso as we have an insight into the history of where we are going
Weather pretty good
On our way to London Seems we are from one feed to another
Good travelling companions
LOVE TO ALL JEAN ANNETTE ETHEL
As you have heard ats nose isnt broken but the middle bit(sputem??) has been bulged and displaced making breathing difficult and making it look broken. So we have to meet the ENT specialist again in a month to see about surgery to sort it out.
I have a busy week with tennis,our 27th wedding anniversary, school production(Wizard of Oz) scout do(big costume party) and NICKS 21st. shall be great fun.
talked to barb & ash just now they are about to board.
good luck for exams assignments nick, victoria is in thick of them this week .
glad to hear liv getting better looking forward to seeing all o'cs this week plus emma.
Hope kate doing well in veitnam.
I must get up to auckland. Would like to go to "We Will Rock you"
love chris
from mum
Hi all Tried last night the set up here different
Having a great time
\wonderful driver and tour leader she swats up stuff tso as we have an insight into the history of where we are going
Weather pretty good
On our way to London Seems we are from one feed to another
Good travelling companions
LOVE TO ALL JEAN ANNETTE ETHEL
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Pat talking
Hey everyone its Pat here... uhhhh just saying thanks for the birthday pressies... all nice with great cards... oh i went to the doctor again about my nose and he said it wasnt broken so yeah thats nice to hear even if he might turn out to be wrong...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Hanging In
Dear All,
The od non-fancy, practical and quick update! Ash and I are frantically trying to get everything completed so that we can get away. Nothing new!! No matter how carefully one plans the best laid plands of mice and men oft go astray..according to Robbie Burns and echoed by John Steinbeck.
Anyway we are thinking of everyone and in case time runs out we just want to say goodbye! The reality of the trip has not really hit although the travel notes make for some serious reading. Time to pack a headscarf and long -sleeved shirt.
I have had terrible trouble with ears and sinus and so can only keep my fingers crossed that the antibiotics will work. Fourth doctor's visit today..was to be for vac for hep A and Hep B but the nurse hesitated and called my doctor in..we all agreed that due to the incident at the weekend that it would not be sensible to load the system any further. I feel happier as a result. Srilll low on energy but probably due to trying to do 2 weeks work in one this week.
glad to here Olivia is getting well. I have been thinking of you a lot. dad sounded great when I was taling to him. Hopefully Patrick is over the worst of his ordeal. Auckland sounds great..it is lovely that the boys managed to catch up with Matt. Amazing to think they live so close at present. We recieved a lovely postcard from Kate. She sounds very happy in her travels around Cambodia.
Toddy seems to be recovering from his surgery so hopefully all will be well soon...I have the guilts about putting them in the kennels now that it has turned frosty. Thank goodness for dog coats and heated kennels.
Have not heard from mum for a few days so sent her an email. She should be in Scotland at present. Her first news indicates a happy trip so far. Hopefully that is still the case. I cannot believe how far North they travel.
Today I have managed to get internals completed for monologues, despite horror issues with swapping of tapes and lack of a power cable for video camera. It has taken tonight to fix it all up. Everything has to be perfectly sequenced and cross-referenced for moderation..takes hours.
Glad to here Melbourne went well. I love that city. I would dearly love to take my form 7 classs to Miss saigon as it fits in with the themes of "A Quiet American".
Anyway too much rambling and still much to do before bedtime. The last few nights I have been up in the night working but need to stop that now hopefully. I always wake about 1 am and
feel ready for work..easier to do for a couple of hours than worry. Time for a break and to be honest I will not miss the frosts we have had the last few days. Ash seems permanently attached to his office desk at present..also trying to catch up.
Congratulations on 25 years marriage to O'C ..a big personal milestone. No doubt you will celebrate it in suitable style. Happy Birthday especially to Nick. Have a great party. We will think of you as we visit Troy that day.
Bye for now, Barbara and Ashley.
The od non-fancy, practical and quick update! Ash and I are frantically trying to get everything completed so that we can get away. Nothing new!! No matter how carefully one plans the best laid plands of mice and men oft go astray..according to Robbie Burns and echoed by John Steinbeck.
Anyway we are thinking of everyone and in case time runs out we just want to say goodbye! The reality of the trip has not really hit although the travel notes make for some serious reading. Time to pack a headscarf and long -sleeved shirt.
I have had terrible trouble with ears and sinus and so can only keep my fingers crossed that the antibiotics will work. Fourth doctor's visit today..was to be for vac for hep A and Hep B but the nurse hesitated and called my doctor in..we all agreed that due to the incident at the weekend that it would not be sensible to load the system any further. I feel happier as a result. Srilll low on energy but probably due to trying to do 2 weeks work in one this week.
glad to here Olivia is getting well. I have been thinking of you a lot. dad sounded great when I was taling to him. Hopefully Patrick is over the worst of his ordeal. Auckland sounds great..it is lovely that the boys managed to catch up with Matt. Amazing to think they live so close at present. We recieved a lovely postcard from Kate. She sounds very happy in her travels around Cambodia.
Toddy seems to be recovering from his surgery so hopefully all will be well soon...I have the guilts about putting them in the kennels now that it has turned frosty. Thank goodness for dog coats and heated kennels.
Have not heard from mum for a few days so sent her an email. She should be in Scotland at present. Her first news indicates a happy trip so far. Hopefully that is still the case. I cannot believe how far North they travel.
Today I have managed to get internals completed for monologues, despite horror issues with swapping of tapes and lack of a power cable for video camera. It has taken tonight to fix it all up. Everything has to be perfectly sequenced and cross-referenced for moderation..takes hours.
Glad to here Melbourne went well. I love that city. I would dearly love to take my form 7 classs to Miss saigon as it fits in with the themes of "A Quiet American".
Anyway too much rambling and still much to do before bedtime. The last few nights I have been up in the night working but need to stop that now hopefully. I always wake about 1 am and
feel ready for work..easier to do for a couple of hours than worry. Time for a break and to be honest I will not miss the frosts we have had the last few days. Ash seems permanently attached to his office desk at present..also trying to catch up.
Congratulations on 25 years marriage to O'C ..a big personal milestone. No doubt you will celebrate it in suitable style. Happy Birthday especially to Nick. Have a great party. We will think of you as we visit Troy that day.
Bye for now, Barbara and Ashley.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
song played on a silent saxophone
Hi everyone,
Pete and I enjoyed Miss Saigon,but rather distracted by the ailing daughter back home,(my favourite song is actually Kims nightmare I think).
We had a little retail therapy,had some walks and saw some interesting art,a highlight was a kareoke bar at the amazing Crown Casino complex,we didnt know who was the most amusing the performers or the small audience.
We retrieved Liv on wed a week ago,she needed the tues after Queens Bday to work out what to do re exams etc.She is home now and recovering more quickly than anticipated which is great.I hope Barbs and Pat are also improving in a similar style.
We went to wellington on Sat,for the test,this seemed to entail much sitting around in cafes and one great restaurant on the waterfront called St Johns,the old St Johns ambulance premises.We spent sunday with Cam and Emma which is a great excuse for headng to wellington,they are looking happy,Emma has a job as a policy analyst for the Education dept and Cam is busy with his web design and art.
This is a big week coming up for many,Barb and Ashs incredible sounding trip,Mums continuing one,and the OCs have one 25th wedding aniv,one post50 birthday(not mine)
and Nicks 21st,oh and midweek I am having a debrief cocktail party for our Art show group,eeks all in 4days!!take care everyone,cheers Jen Pete Liv
Pete and I enjoyed Miss Saigon,but rather distracted by the ailing daughter back home,(my favourite song is actually Kims nightmare I think).
We had a little retail therapy,had some walks and saw some interesting art,a highlight was a kareoke bar at the amazing Crown Casino complex,we didnt know who was the most amusing the performers or the small audience.
We retrieved Liv on wed a week ago,she needed the tues after Queens Bday to work out what to do re exams etc.She is home now and recovering more quickly than anticipated which is great.I hope Barbs and Pat are also improving in a similar style.
We went to wellington on Sat,for the test,this seemed to entail much sitting around in cafes and one great restaurant on the waterfront called St Johns,the old St Johns ambulance premises.We spent sunday with Cam and Emma which is a great excuse for headng to wellington,they are looking happy,Emma has a job as a policy analyst for the Education dept and Cam is busy with his web design and art.
This is a big week coming up for many,Barb and Ashs incredible sounding trip,Mums continuing one,and the OCs have one 25th wedding aniv,one post50 birthday(not mine)
and Nicks 21st,oh and midweek I am having a debrief cocktail party for our Art show group,eeks all in 4days!!take care everyone,cheers Jen Pete Liv
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Welsford to Waimate....
My what a busy week... so busy in fact that i'm able to while away the hour and bloggity blog blog blog.
Me, Mary and Jeffy managed to catch up with young Matty Matt Matt twice over the last few days. The first time was in Parnell at the Chocolate Boutique - where you order a hot choc and you get a slurry of rich heart-attack-in-a-glass-72%-cocoa-mass-goodness. mmmmmmmmmm........mass.
The second time was at Wagamama's in Newmarket. Wagamama's, for those of you who dont know, is quite a famous international brand of Westernised Japanesesque restaurants. Some people rave about them, I detest them. I'm sorry, but soy beans that are so stringy that you cant chew them is such a poor excuse for an entree... Jeff seems to love the place, apparently i'm just ignorant, and that one goes there for the procedure of dining, and not for the food itself...
And conjealed wasabi and chocolate butter icing on plastic chocolate cake? seriously... needless to say my microwavable TV dinners are much tastier and i dare say nutritious - $4 for 'fresh' lasagne in only 7 minutes. i'm all class.
Jeff's well and truly moved in now, it's so nice having some furniture again... we catch the train together every morning. awwww.
Well, had best get back to it.
Davo
PS Hope you're getting better now barbs!
Me, Mary and Jeffy managed to catch up with young Matty Matt Matt twice over the last few days. The first time was in Parnell at the Chocolate Boutique - where you order a hot choc and you get a slurry of rich heart-attack-in-a-glass-72%-cocoa-mass-goodness. mmmmmmmmmm........mass.
The second time was at Wagamama's in Newmarket. Wagamama's, for those of you who dont know, is quite a famous international brand of Westernised Japanesesque restaurants. Some people rave about them, I detest them. I'm sorry, but soy beans that are so stringy that you cant chew them is such a poor excuse for an entree... Jeff seems to love the place, apparently i'm just ignorant, and that one goes there for the procedure of dining, and not for the food itself...
And conjealed wasabi and chocolate butter icing on plastic chocolate cake? seriously... needless to say my microwavable TV dinners are much tastier and i dare say nutritious - $4 for 'fresh' lasagne in only 7 minutes. i'm all class.
Jeff's well and truly moved in now, it's so nice having some furniture again... we catch the train together every morning. awwww.
Well, had best get back to it.
Davo
PS Hope you're getting better now barbs!
Monday, June 11, 2007
barb hope all improving
Hi all hope barb is getting on top of that infection and over the reaction.
Great to see mum is using blog I will copy any news you post on this mum and zap out to your email tree friends.
Dad has been with Keith and now at Dons.
He arrives here tomorrow will be great to see him. I will take wed off work to spend some time with him.
Will also take pat to hospital for nose resetting on wed(booked out today)
Pat got to have his party yesterday 6 of them went Paintballing and had a ball(pity you missed it Matt).
Matt is in auckland now. bye now Chris
Great to see mum is using blog I will copy any news you post on this mum and zap out to your email tree friends.
Dad has been with Keith and now at Dons.
He arrives here tomorrow will be great to see him. I will take wed off work to spend some time with him.
Will also take pat to hospital for nose resetting on wed(booked out today)
Pat got to have his party yesterday 6 of them went Paintballing and had a ball(pity you missed it Matt).
Matt is in auckland now. bye now Chris
Timaru Today
Hi Everyone,
We hope you are all well, and that all the travelling is going great. Jean should be in Scotland today, and John is probably in North Canterbury.
We are really looking fwd to our trip, with only 7 sleeps to go. Most jobs seem to have been done----only need to collect tickets, buy some more money, take dogs to the kennels, and get on the plane.
I returned from Invercargill last night to find Barbara most unwell with Sinus troubles, and she has been in bed all day today. Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in tonight.
Toddy has had a tooth root abscess and has had 2 teeth removed today.
Ashley is well!!!!.
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
We hope you are all well, and that all the travelling is going great. Jean should be in Scotland today, and John is probably in North Canterbury.
We are really looking fwd to our trip, with only 7 sleeps to go. Most jobs seem to have been done----only need to collect tickets, buy some more money, take dogs to the kennels, and get on the plane.
I returned from Invercargill last night to find Barbara most unwell with Sinus troubles, and she has been in bed all day today. Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in tonight.
Toddy has had a tooth root abscess and has had 2 teeth removed today.
Ashley is well!!!!.
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Travelling well
Hi there. It sounds as if mum is really on track and has become the real tourist. Great to hear from you. I hope you are really enjoying that beautiful countryside. it is great to hear that you only have a small tour. It makes such a difference.
Yes! we are looking forward to our trip. Ash has been away since Tuesday night but well be home tonight {Sunday] Very cold and snowing down where he is. Not too bad here.
I have continued to have an interesting time with the ear infection and sinus. it was particularly bad when I had 3 hours of non-stop interviews on Wed. I finally went back to the doctor on Friday night and was prescribed a different antibiotic.[it is essential to get rid of the proble before flying]
Anyway late yesterday I began to feel very strange and also itchy. I just thought it was something I had eaten. However by 1am when I woke i found my mouth and lips badly swollen and lots of other scratchy things all over my body. I stayed up most of the night trying to work out what to do.
This am i went back again to yet another doctor. I have had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics so had to have prednosine and antihistamine and a new antibiotic to try and improve thins. The 4 week bug!! Missed no school but fairly low on energy at present.
The dogs have been good company but I see Toddy has a sore on hime and will need to go to the doctor. My visit alone today was $140! Ruby $130 Toddy???/
Just hope Ash is ok. He seems to sound cheerful enough. Thankfully I am well organised and have most of my planning and packing done.
Hope Olivia is back home and well; assume dad is travelling, Patrick is ok and generally all is well. Jeff have you got a home yet? Love Mum and Barb
Yes! we are looking forward to our trip. Ash has been away since Tuesday night but well be home tonight {Sunday] Very cold and snowing down where he is. Not too bad here.
I have continued to have an interesting time with the ear infection and sinus. it was particularly bad when I had 3 hours of non-stop interviews on Wed. I finally went back to the doctor on Friday night and was prescribed a different antibiotic.[it is essential to get rid of the proble before flying]
Anyway late yesterday I began to feel very strange and also itchy. I just thought it was something I had eaten. However by 1am when I woke i found my mouth and lips badly swollen and lots of other scratchy things all over my body. I stayed up most of the night trying to work out what to do.
This am i went back again to yet another doctor. I have had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics so had to have prednosine and antihistamine and a new antibiotic to try and improve thins. The 4 week bug!! Missed no school but fairly low on energy at present.
The dogs have been good company but I see Toddy has a sore on hime and will need to go to the doctor. My visit alone today was $140! Ruby $130 Toddy???/
Just hope Ash is ok. He seems to sound cheerful enough. Thankfully I am well organised and have most of my planning and packing done.
Hope Olivia is back home and well; assume dad is travelling, Patrick is ok and generally all is well. Jeff have you got a home yet? Love Mum and Barb
fenj
Hi here we are again
started bus trip today call 5.45 bags out 6.15 breakfast 6.30 away 7.30
only 16 people on tour went to Stafforshire lovely thatcheh cottages
on to Leeds what a beautiful cathedrel Presbitarin lovely buildings
barb and ash you will be getting excited
John hope you are OK looking after your self
Annette and Ethel fit and well me also Done a lot of walking
was,t sure if this got posted lastnight as it ran out of money
Love to all Jean and from us all here
started bus trip today call 5.45 bags out 6.15 breakfast 6.30 away 7.30
only 16 people on tour went to Stafforshire lovely thatcheh cottages
on to Leeds what a beautiful cathedrel Presbitarin lovely buildings
barb and ash you will be getting excited
John hope you are OK looking after your self
Annette and Ethel fit and well me also Done a lot of walking
was,t sure if this got posted lastnight as it ran out of money
Love to all Jean and from us all here
Saturday, June 9, 2007
well, guess i should put another post up, not all that much to say though really. ive had a few exams already but got more and my practical assessment coming up in the next few weeks. hahahaha, the gig in palmerston north was terrible, the woman who was meant to be promoting it was too busy organising her wedding in europe so noone knew anything about it. it was also at a bar thats just changed hands and isnt really up and running yet. was quite fun though, and probably a good first gig back for our trumpet player whos had a few months off with leukemia, and the people that were there were actually quite into it. i also got up and played a few songs with a solo artist called lindon puffin, that was fun too. wellington was interesting too.. stayed on the floor in a flat of some old friends of our sax player. got to catch up with a few people from high school and jazz school though so that was cool. we had a swing ball in chch last friday night that was really fun and went well, so that was cool. il have to find a photo of the band and put it up on here sometime, the guys all wear zoot suits. the rock/originals part of the band is just writing and hopefully will be recording sometime soon, we have some gigs coming up next month. well.. so much for not saying much.. il try have something interesting to put up next time. oh yeah, nick, u can go to www.myspace.com/4manbob and on there is a link for sideshow, they havent been updated in ages though. sweet. everyone have a nice day
Fenj on the move
HI all
arrived safely in LOndon we were exhausted after the flight from Singapore 12 hrs but as we couldn,t sleep the night before
Distance to air port etc were up about 24 hrs
FIGHTS GREAT WELL LOOKED AFTER
WENT ON TRIP TO AROUND TOWN NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SHOP but the idea was 4 us to go back again
went to Santosa Joan Dennison lovey spot Cable car underwater MYLION there big new attraction and amarvellous music and night show at the beach
caught the round town bus
arrived safely in LOndon we were exhausted after the flight from Singapore 12 hrs but as we couldn,t sleep the night before
Distance to air port etc were up about 24 hrs
FIGHTS GREAT WELL LOOKED AFTER
WENT ON TRIP TO AROUND TOWN NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SHOP but the idea was 4 us to go back again
went to Santosa Joan Dennison lovey spot Cable car underwater MYLION there big new attraction and amarvellous music and night show at the beach
caught the round town bus
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Today, Tomorrow, Tokoroa
Hello all,
Firstly, wow Liv!! Sorry to hear about your medical encounter! The weirdest thing about it is, it is a rather uncommon occurence, yet a friend of mine got the same thing within the last year also! Rather bizarre, but I wish all the best for your recovery!
Managed to get down to Christchurch in the long weekend to catch up with the family and Patrick's nose. Very unlucky! But was great to see everyone. Watched Hannah's musical with mum and Victoria which was very good. It is called "On this Island" and was based around a group of Jamaican styled characters. All upbeat music and a mere 1 hr 15 so very full on.
I am heading up to Auckland this weekend as I have a course there on Monday and Tuesday to learn how to use AutoCAD. With any luck I'll get to catch up with Dave and/or Jeff (and I'll need it on account of the last time I mentioned it to Dave was well over a month ago!).
That's all for now, hope everyone is well. Excellent to see that Grandma is off on her big trip, great to hear about Jenn and Pete's and looking forward to hearing about Barb and Ash's adventures also. Get well soon Liv and Pat!
Matty Matt Matt
P.S. Dave, I believe the coloured text feature has been erradicated as I haven't been able to colour my posts either
Firstly, wow Liv!! Sorry to hear about your medical encounter! The weirdest thing about it is, it is a rather uncommon occurence, yet a friend of mine got the same thing within the last year also! Rather bizarre, but I wish all the best for your recovery!
Managed to get down to Christchurch in the long weekend to catch up with the family and Patrick's nose. Very unlucky! But was great to see everyone. Watched Hannah's musical with mum and Victoria which was very good. It is called "On this Island" and was based around a group of Jamaican styled characters. All upbeat music and a mere 1 hr 15 so very full on.
I am heading up to Auckland this weekend as I have a course there on Monday and Tuesday to learn how to use AutoCAD. With any luck I'll get to catch up with Dave and/or Jeff (and I'll need it on account of the last time I mentioned it to Dave was well over a month ago!).
That's all for now, hope everyone is well. Excellent to see that Grandma is off on her big trip, great to hear about Jenn and Pete's and looking forward to hearing about Barb and Ash's adventures also. Get well soon Liv and Pat!
Matty Matt Matt
P.S. Dave, I believe the coloured text feature has been erradicated as I haven't been able to colour my posts either
Back on-line..
Hello!
Seems everyone has been in the wars of late, and, if going on recent performance, it seems I must be next (working on the youngest in each family theme)... cant wait, as I dare say 3 days off work would be worth a broken bone or two... although definitely not over my birthday!
I for one wouluf definitely like to be on G/ma's email tree, hopefully she'll blog once of twice as well. I've been slack on the blogs of late, email access has been a prob with my former flatties taking our connection with them. But, never fear I have the dial-up working and my ancient laptop on (you know its old when the spell-checker doesn't recognise 'internet' and 'e-mail').
Speaking of the former flatties, the couple we were living with moved out a couple of weeks back. Jeff will be taking their place in the flat soon for a couple of months until he gets settled in his new job and they (Jeff and Kate) decide what they wish to do re travel, accomodation, etc.
Have been catching up with Jeff a bit of late, he's been waiting for his stuff to arrive in AKL from Palmy for a couple of weeks now and is getting sick of the lonely apartment as you can imagine. Hopefully his stuff will arrive on Sat so he can move in.
I spent Queen's Birthday weekend at Kuaotunu Beach (North of Whitianga) with 12 mates from Knox. It really was heavenly. We even had amazing weather. I fully recommend to anyone wishing to get away to book a bach online, so easy and relatively cheap. We got a bach that sleeps upto 18 for $180 per night. Perfect.
Very envious of you Jenni and Pete - Jazz in Broadbeach - where the only thing to complain about is too much jazz. sigh...
Mary's high on life, she was working out at East Tamaki (miles away from Central Akl) for her first rotation at Lion Nathan, but as of couple of weeks ago has started at the Newmarket site (stone's throw away from home) in the innovation team. She's lovin the new role, marketing and designing new bevvies, etc. On her first week they sent her to a 3 day conference (pub crawl), think she's only just starting to recover. She's also started her legal profs course (online) for which she has her first assessment on Saturday. haha I say.
OK i'm starvin.
See you in the soup, when the peas grow :)
Dave
PS Please imagine this post is in my signature blue colour, seems my browser wont load editing functions...
Seems everyone has been in the wars of late, and, if going on recent performance, it seems I must be next (working on the youngest in each family theme)... cant wait, as I dare say 3 days off work would be worth a broken bone or two... although definitely not over my birthday!
I for one wouluf definitely like to be on G/ma's email tree, hopefully she'll blog once of twice as well. I've been slack on the blogs of late, email access has been a prob with my former flatties taking our connection with them. But, never fear I have the dial-up working and my ancient laptop on (you know its old when the spell-checker doesn't recognise 'internet' and 'e-mail').
Speaking of the former flatties, the couple we were living with moved out a couple of weeks back. Jeff will be taking their place in the flat soon for a couple of months until he gets settled in his new job and they (Jeff and Kate) decide what they wish to do re travel, accomodation, etc.
Have been catching up with Jeff a bit of late, he's been waiting for his stuff to arrive in AKL from Palmy for a couple of weeks now and is getting sick of the lonely apartment as you can imagine. Hopefully his stuff will arrive on Sat so he can move in.
I spent Queen's Birthday weekend at Kuaotunu Beach (North of Whitianga) with 12 mates from Knox. It really was heavenly. We even had amazing weather. I fully recommend to anyone wishing to get away to book a bach online, so easy and relatively cheap. We got a bach that sleeps upto 18 for $180 per night. Perfect.
Very envious of you Jenni and Pete - Jazz in Broadbeach - where the only thing to complain about is too much jazz. sigh...
Mary's high on life, she was working out at East Tamaki (miles away from Central Akl) for her first rotation at Lion Nathan, but as of couple of weeks ago has started at the Newmarket site (stone's throw away from home) in the innovation team. She's lovin the new role, marketing and designing new bevvies, etc. On her first week they sent her to a 3 day conference (pub crawl), think she's only just starting to recover. She's also started her legal profs course (online) for which she has her first assessment on Saturday. haha I say.
OK i'm starvin.
See you in the soup, when the peas grow :)
Dave
PS Please imagine this post is in my signature blue colour, seems my browser wont load editing functions...
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
pats nose
Hi all man Livvies back sounds rather awful hope not so painfull now.
We have got Pat with a broken nose.
Last week at school he was punched by a thug for questioning why an apple was herled at him.
Has been pretty sore and miserable and come out with some beaut black eyes.
Had 3 days off school and missed soccer.
Next week he goes to hospital to get it set under a local and hopefully can avoid having to have it reset under GA.
Said thug is suspended and with a bit of luck may disappear. I find it disturbing that a third former could do so much damage with one punch.
Unfortunately wasnt up to celebrating his birthday so maybe this weekend,
I have set up mums email tree so if anyone wants to get forwards of messages from europe just email me on tuite@slingshot.co.nz cheers Chris
We have got Pat with a broken nose.
Last week at school he was punched by a thug for questioning why an apple was herled at him.
Has been pretty sore and miserable and come out with some beaut black eyes.
Had 3 days off school and missed soccer.
Next week he goes to hospital to get it set under a local and hopefully can avoid having to have it reset under GA.
Said thug is suspended and with a bit of luck may disappear. I find it disturbing that a third former could do so much damage with one punch.
Unfortunately wasnt up to celebrating his birthday so maybe this weekend,
I have set up mums email tree so if anyone wants to get forwards of messages from europe just email me on tuite@slingshot.co.nz cheers Chris
Monday, June 4, 2007
And may all the world sing......
Hi there! It is a stunning day here again today. The weather has been magnificent over the last fortnight..down to a cotton shirt during the day. First real frost [and a good one ] this morning but this is a small price to pay compared with the beautiful sunrises and the snow on the mountains gleaming in our view. Saturday was damp and awful but surprisingly the perfect 'winter' weather has returned.
The silly thing is that we have both had a nasty cold and flu so maybe it is the cold that kills the bugs. Ashley has the garden looking great for this time of the year. He light-prunned the roses a few weeks ago and they have rewarded us with another round of beautiful flowers and even more growth. We are hoping the grass stops growing soon so that we do not have to get it mowed before we leave. [we do remember a similar warm spell last year that came to an abrupt end with a dramatic snowfall!]
Ash leaves for Invercargill tomorrow night as he has a big executive meeting just after lunch on Wednesday. He will be elected President of the National Executive of Local Government Engineers so he will have a big few days until he returns home on Sunday night. Sadly I cannot go with him as I have already taken some leave for the trip away. Our Principal is still on sick leave with a brain tumour and so the staff is taking the strain. On Wednesday Night I have PTA interviews officially from 7-9 but mine start at 6.30-9.30 and then a waitng list...due to 3 senior English classes. I have already had many interviews last Friday.
Ash and i went to Waimate on Saturday afternoon so that I could deliver some pre-made food for dad [casseroles, mince, scones etc] and to check mum and her bags. She was highly organised and had made very good decisions about her gear. She travels to ChCh today and flies out to Singapore tomorrow. She and 2 other women are joining a bus tour to go around the British Isles; they have about a week or so in London and then join a second tour down the Continent as far as Italy, France, Austria , Switzerland etc. it is quite a plucky move considering she has only been as far as Australia previously. Dad is planning a mini trip to see his brother and sister and Chris and Steve in between his community committments. We hope to catch him on the Sat before we leave.
We are looking forward to seeing the next week thru as hassle-free as possible. I hope Ash manages to get South and back without encountering nasty weather.
We are both getting very excited about our trip. We have been reading up on Istanbul..we have booked an extra 2 days there as the culture sounds amazing. We hope to stand at the point where Asia mets Europe and spend time visiting the amazing mosques, harem, bazaar, palaces etc. It will be a culture shock for us. It seems we have to get Hep A vaccinations this week and take heed of the travel advisary! I am more concerned about the possibilty of an earthquake or heatstroke.!!
It will be lovely to see Brian and Hella and family. Hopefully we can celebrate his 50th birtday a little earlier. It is a long way from Athens to Bilund but will be good to see everyone again and the dear wee village they live in.
We planted more freesias and then yesterday we discovered more bulbs in our shed so I guess they will go in this pm. It is a big bucketfull from all the pots we had when we shifted...they certainly have multiplied.
Hopefully everyone has had a good Queens Birthday. Today is Kate's birthday so she will be celebrating it in Cambodia or possibly Vietnam. Patrick also has his birthday at this weekend. I have sent a card etc up. We were really concerned to hear about Olivia. We rang her on Sat pm and offered to go and get her to bring her home. Ash was talking to her and said she was back at Knox and being looked after by the students there. Olivia if you see this we wish you a quick and comfortable recovery...as I underastand it you will be home soon for a break and some TLC. Please contact us even now if we can help..we have tried to ring so now will text.
Chris..I hope you can get to see mum and friends. They will be all a little overwhemlmed as they prepare to leave.
Jeff and Dave..I will catch up soon. Especially Dave..time to hear from you..maybe tomorrow. Love Barbara and Ashx How was "Miss Saigon" worth seeing again??
Time for lunch!! Hope to hear from you soon. Barbara and Ashley xxx
Po
The silly thing is that we have both had a nasty cold and flu so maybe it is the cold that kills the bugs. Ashley has the garden looking great for this time of the year. He light-prunned the roses a few weeks ago and they have rewarded us with another round of beautiful flowers and even more growth. We are hoping the grass stops growing soon so that we do not have to get it mowed before we leave. [we do remember a similar warm spell last year that came to an abrupt end with a dramatic snowfall!]
Ash leaves for Invercargill tomorrow night as he has a big executive meeting just after lunch on Wednesday. He will be elected President of the National Executive of Local Government Engineers so he will have a big few days until he returns home on Sunday night. Sadly I cannot go with him as I have already taken some leave for the trip away. Our Principal is still on sick leave with a brain tumour and so the staff is taking the strain. On Wednesday Night I have PTA interviews officially from 7-9 but mine start at 6.30-9.30 and then a waitng list...due to 3 senior English classes. I have already had many interviews last Friday.
Ash and i went to Waimate on Saturday afternoon so that I could deliver some pre-made food for dad [casseroles, mince, scones etc] and to check mum and her bags. She was highly organised and had made very good decisions about her gear. She travels to ChCh today and flies out to Singapore tomorrow. She and 2 other women are joining a bus tour to go around the British Isles; they have about a week or so in London and then join a second tour down the Continent as far as Italy, France, Austria , Switzerland etc. it is quite a plucky move considering she has only been as far as Australia previously. Dad is planning a mini trip to see his brother and sister and Chris and Steve in between his community committments. We hope to catch him on the Sat before we leave.
We are looking forward to seeing the next week thru as hassle-free as possible. I hope Ash manages to get South and back without encountering nasty weather.
We are both getting very excited about our trip. We have been reading up on Istanbul..we have booked an extra 2 days there as the culture sounds amazing. We hope to stand at the point where Asia mets Europe and spend time visiting the amazing mosques, harem, bazaar, palaces etc. It will be a culture shock for us. It seems we have to get Hep A vaccinations this week and take heed of the travel advisary! I am more concerned about the possibilty of an earthquake or heatstroke.!!
It will be lovely to see Brian and Hella and family. Hopefully we can celebrate his 50th birtday a little earlier. It is a long way from Athens to Bilund but will be good to see everyone again and the dear wee village they live in.
We planted more freesias and then yesterday we discovered more bulbs in our shed so I guess they will go in this pm. It is a big bucketfull from all the pots we had when we shifted...they certainly have multiplied.
Hopefully everyone has had a good Queens Birthday. Today is Kate's birthday so she will be celebrating it in Cambodia or possibly Vietnam. Patrick also has his birthday at this weekend. I have sent a card etc up. We were really concerned to hear about Olivia. We rang her on Sat pm and offered to go and get her to bring her home. Ash was talking to her and said she was back at Knox and being looked after by the students there. Olivia if you see this we wish you a quick and comfortable recovery...as I underastand it you will be home soon for a break and some TLC. Please contact us even now if we can help..we have tried to ring so now will text.
Chris..I hope you can get to see mum and friends. They will be all a little overwhemlmed as they prepare to leave.
Jeff and Dave..I will catch up soon. Especially Dave..time to hear from you..maybe tomorrow. Love Barbara and Ashx How was "Miss Saigon" worth seeing again??
Time for lunch!! Hope to hear from you soon. Barbara and Ashley xxx
Po
Hi,
Firstly, sorry I haven't posted recently on how the tramp went. I've been waiting to get photos off other ppl, but haven't managed to, so here are a couple, they're not very good, but theres one of the amazing view when driving to Paradise (that's actually the name of the place). The other is of us getting ready for bed. We managed to sleep outside both nights which was amazing. So in total it was an awesome w/e, I absolutely loved it, although I did find it slightly challenging.
Now in order to update, I have just had surgery and am currently recouperating. I'll tell ya the story so that you can all stop worrying.It will be brief becz i'm having trouble with the kneeling and typing and the codine makes me feel a little woozie.So i've had this abcess for a wee while and should probably got it out a while ago, but didn't want to due to working in the holidays etc. It started to flare up a couple of weeks ago, so I went to the dr. to get some antibiotics and decided that i'd had enough of this thing so I also talked to the dr. about how to arrange for surgical removal. She looked at it and said that it was bordering acute and that I may need it out immediately otherwise she would right me a referal letter. I was booked in to go she her agiain the next day to make this decision (depending on if it got worse or not). Unfortunately later that night it got alot worse. I was taking voltarin but it did nothing, by the time morning came around I was in screaming agony. I managed to drag myself to the phone (I couldn't walk you see)and ring student health (why didn't i ring an ambulance?) At the time it seemed the sensible idea to go back to the dr so that she could access it. My friends took me to student healh where they carried me in and rushed me through to triage in screams and crys (to the horror of all the patients in the waiting room). My poor friend catrin was behind the curtain when the dr. looked at it and all she heard was..."now lets have a look" (shrill scream from me) "oh no, she needs to go to surgery straight away" haha poor girl she was terrified. I then got an ambulance to hospital. It was raining outside so the ambulance ppl covered me in a sheet so that i didn't get wet as they took me out on a strencher. (so the poor ppl in the waiting rm saw me being carried in, then medics racing in, then shortly after, wheeling me out under a sheet).So anyway thats pretty much the exciting part. I then went to ED where they doped me up on morphine, they told me i was a low priority case and that It may be days waiting in hosp. b4 I could get the operation, Then the surgeon came and looked at me and said that I would get in it the next 8 hrs. Horay, that was good news. So i got wheeled up to a ward. Put on a drip and starved until I could have the op (man I was hungry). luckily I didn't even have to wait that long. I had the op at 4, got out at 6 and it was all gone. The nurse in recovery told me that it was 4 times bigger than a usual 1 and thats y I was in so much pain. They let me out of hosp. the next day and I was at church that night(probably shouldn't have been, but I had to see all my friends who were frought from worry). So now I face the long recovery. They can't sew up the hole that they removed the abcess because it would be hollow underneath, so instead they pack it and dress it each day until the scar tissue fills the hole in itself. So I currently have a 4cm deep, 3cm wide hole in my back. Yay fun times. Am looking forward to going home coz then mum can change they dressings each day instd of a nurse coming up. Also, as much as my friends are all lookoing after me, I constantly have visitors, which mneans that I get hardly any sleep. Also no1 looks after you like your mum really ay.
So anyway there's a wee story for you all, sry it sounds a bit dramatised, believe it or not, that was the less gory, played down version.
But I'm happy and healthy now, so theres nothing to worry about.
I wish you all happy days, if ever you feel like the stresses of work or life are getting you down, count yourself lucky you don't have a gigantic hole in your back. :) thats sure to make you feel better,
So bye for now,
with love,
Live
haha ps sorry havent quite figured out how to do the photo thing and accidently put ther wrong picture, so sory about that. Don't know how to delete this pic of Matt (by the way he doesn't have any direct relevance)
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