Conference week

The conference went really well. We had a lot of interest in our stand and our workshop was well attended. The Thursday event where we spent time with Joseph was also good - encouraging. Friday and Saturday Joseph and I visited two confluences 38S 175 E and 36S 174E. We saw some interesting parts of New Zealand as well. On Saturday we had time to stop in at the Matakohe Museum for a short visit. After calling in to see Stephanie, Mike and Baby Riley again I dropped Joseph at the airport and set off for the drive south. It was a lovely afternoon and clear evening so I drove all the way to Palmerston North. Today I returned to Wellington via Dannevirke and Masterton - not exactly a direct route but I was able to see Aunty Ruth and Uncle Des and Aunty June and Mary.

Local travel

This week I am at the Social Sciences conference in Auckland. I decided to drive up. On Friday after school, finishing all those last minute tasks that had to be and hoping I had left the cafe tasks covered I drove up to Palmerston North where I stayed the night. On the Saturday I drove to Auckland. it was a very pleasant journey - spring is pretty time and having not driven to Auckland for many years I was able to view the trip in the light of recent trips to USA and Europe - NZ is a very pretty if empty country. From Otaki to Tokaroa I saw very little traffic even though it is school holidays and I was traveling during the day. Photos later.

Grand-parenting

One of the joys is watching gifts being opened. Christopher celebrated his second birthday in July and Charles like Liam has now reacher 6 and is "as clever as clever." Christopher enjoyed his new car - he had enjoyed it at the shop but of course didn't realise it came home to be hidden away till the day. Charles on the other hand did remember the buying and putting away of his present so I was reminded to get it and (shades of his mother!) to wrap it in birthday paper.