Xmas Day

I walked down to Number 18 to see what Santa had brought. Then we all went back to number 10 for breakfast. Josh and Merewyn joined us for breakfast. Then it was time to open the presents.

Ruth , Pierre and the boys then rode (Pierre took the car) to Pop and JJ for Xmas dinner. Those of use remaining cooked dinner -butterflied lamb roasted on the BBQ with salads and new potatoes freshly dug from the garden. Desert followed - peaches cooked on the BBQ with egg custard and pavlova. The weather has improved as the day has gone on - fine and sunny now. Just wished the Canadian family a happy Christmas eve - as our Christmas day moved into Christmas evening.

Term 4


Is (was) a very short and very busy term. However we did do a few other things. I visited Judith who has been making great progress. She is just back in Palmerston Hospital for Christmas after more surgery. It seems to be really successful so that is good news. She will be in hospital for a few weeks until she can put weight on her left leg again.

Charles had a music recital at the university and and end of year concert. He took part in an 8 week golf academy which was fun. Christopher is growing up really fast and he involves any willing person in really interesting imaginative games. He has an excellent vocabulary and makes amazingly sophisticated connections (I know Grandmas!!)

Murray and I went over to Masterton for a day to inspect a forest that Murray has an investment in. We had lunch by chance with some people who live around the corner. We drove home via Gladstone and Martinborough. There were scarecrows in Gladstone and we took photos of those at the school with some of their creators. There were scarecrows in Moores Valley during November as well and Charles and I enjoyed a drive down to look at them.

The Geography Teachers Association had an year of year field trip to South Wairarapa. It was an interesting day and good to catch up with other geography teachers.

The last few weeks have been mad with end of year functions, finishing the school year, organising for 2009 and marking NCEA. Nearly finished - just my final report to submit.

Christopher and I watched the Xmas Parade leave from the end of Burden Ave. Charles was at cricket - a game they won - but was back in time to see the parade reach Queen Street.

The last two days have been beautifully fine. On Tuesday we biked to the playground at Parkway. Yesterday we took Tiaan as well and biked up to the swimming hole at the beginning on the track at the end of Hine Road. The water was cold but we had fun.

Now we have completed the Christmas wrapping and hopefully all is prepared for tomorrow. Have a happy and safe Christmas.

Holidays

The holidays were very welcome after a very busy term. The first week we went to see the tulips in the Botanical Gardens. At first it threatened to rain as it did on out last venture to the gardens in summer. However it was only a light passing shower. We did the usually play ground and cable car as well. On Wednesday we went to see the Argentian tall ship - it was not open on Wednesdays!! so we went to the Museum of City and Sea instead. Charles, Christopher and I went down to the river, played with a kite and in the river. We biked to the Strand play ground. While Ruth and Charles were out Christopher and I had another kite flying venture on the river bank. It was initially much more successful and then so successful that the string broke and the kite flew away over the river.

Other activites including gardening and various house chores. We stacked wood, I continued my sorting out of cupboards and general tidy up. One day Charles , Christopher and I crawled under the bouse so that the TIVO cable no longer coils its way along the passage and through the kitchen to the lounge. Murray managed to lose his phone out of his pocket when he was under the house drilling a hole. We found it today (a week later after our trip south- fortunately the battery was not flat and we were able to locate the sound.)

We went to Palmerston North to see the folks in the seond week. It was an interesting trip as we had to divert because of flood water on the Opiki Road. We were also held up for a while at Ohau for road works.

On quite a few days indoor activites were the order of the day - especially Tuesday and Wednesday on the second week. Fortunately the weather cleared before the annual Level 3 Geography trip to Kaikoura. Other than rain on the first night after our arrival the weather was perfect. We self-drove in a rental van which made everything very easy - though we walked around Kaikoura and hired bikes for the girls to go out the the seal colony.

And now it is back to school for term 4 - another very short term.

An experience

This weekend we have finished up and cleared out the cafe. For the past 3 years we have been the co-owners of the Blue Lily cafe. over that time we have also catered at the Wainuiomata Golf Club and done various other bits of catering. For someone who doesn't really like cooking it means I have overcome this fear - I still don't like general cooking but know I can cook for numbers. I have gained food safety unit standards so I can even cook safely. I have learnt about the liquor laws and a lot about employing staff. While there have been issues with staff we have also had some great people working for us so there is a mixture of relief and sadness in closing. On the other hand there are many things I will not miss but I think the cafe will be missed by many in the Village. It will be interesting to see what we do and talk about with the cafe!! Now we just have the garage sale and tip trip!

Melbourne

For the last 6 or 7 years I have been lucky enough to go the the Geography teachers of Victoria annual conference. The conference is Sunday Monday but I flew over on Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon I revisited places I went to when I was 16. I went to Melbourne in 1963 to attend Girls Brigade leadership training course. One of the day trips we did was to travel on Puffing Billy from Belgrave to its then end point and then we walked to Emerald Lake. This time I was able to go by train the whole way. In fact the train goes on further but I would have needed to get an earlier train to do the extra distance. The weather was fine just getting a little cool towards the end of the day.

The rest of the Canada trip

Somehow I haven't got back to my blog lately.
On Monday 14 I bikes down to the coast and along Dallas Road, up Foul Bay road and on to Carnarvon park where is there is nice water park. I met everyone else here and had lunch before I continued biking. On my way back I visited Craigdarroch Castle. Amazing woodwork and obvious cost a lot - but then men died in the coal mines to earn the money that built it.
On Tuesday I also got out on a bike ride. This time I went downtown after meeting everyone at a children's bookshop! I rode through town to the Galloping Goose Cycle way. I road only a short section but it meant I saw some of the Gorge area.

On Wednesday after we got pack up after Ruth and the boys went to Imax in the morning. We left about 3pm and had tea in Nanaimo before driving on the Sproat Lake Camp site - called Lakeshore. We were as far from the view of the lake as possible. However it was a good base for the outings we had each day.

Thursday 17 was Christopher's birthday and the highlight of the day ( and the trip -other than being with Madeline) was going on the train from Port Alberni to McLean Mill National Historic Site. Because the camp site was less than attractive we cook and ate our meal in a park by a very pleasant stream. A highlight for the two older boys - playing Huckleberry Finn type games in the stream.

The following day we drove to Tofino - rather chilly at first and we had to buy some sweater. However it warmed up by lunch and we had a great day including tea on Long Beach. The trip the following day down forestry roads towards Bamfield turned out to be an adventure. before that though we stopped and saw the Martin Mars flying boats. We then had a really interesting drive down the Alberni Inlet, seeing a log collecting area on the inlet and having lunch in the forest while Murray and Richard removed a small log from the road. Unfortunately Christine and Richards car has a very vulnerable sump - and we hit a rock. We had a long slow tow back - bu we saw a bear. At lunch time the boys especially Charles had collected lots of wood and so we had a good fire and cook marshmallows in the evening.

The camp site itself was not that great but the swimming area on the lake was great for the kids and each morning the children and I had a swim and play - and especially on the last day while the other adults packed up.

The trip was coming to an end. On Monday we did some jobs to help Christine and Richard. Madeline and I went out for a tea party and we later went a played in Beacon Hill Park.

All good things must end and son on 22nd we caught the float plane to Vancouver to begin the long haul home. All went smoothly - the most hassle was in Auckland and the most interesting landing was - yes... Wellington "smack in the teeth of a southerly gale."

Weekend in Victoria

Saturday

A different configuration of children were unwell, so I went out alone. Walked around downtown seeing the sights including China town and Market Square. I then asked where the transit buses left from and caught a bus to Butchart Gardens. About a half hour ride - rolling country with a good view of the Olympic Mountains including Mt Baker. Enjoyed the walk around the garden though it was very hot. It was interesting to see how an old quarry had formed the centre of the garden. I then took a boat ride in Todd Inlet and Brentwood Bay - restful and cooler. Managed to just miss a bus - they of course were coming on the hour. Back to town had a look at a book sale but resisted any temptation.

Sunday.

Got the troops organised and went down to the harbour to see the Victoria Harbour ferries do their ballet to the Blue Danube.. We then took an outer harbour cruise.

We walked back home and then Ruth took Christopher for a walk ( sleep) and did some shopping. Richard, Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went to Mt Douglas. Drove up and boys and I went to the very top because Madeline was asleep. We then played on the play ground and went down to the sea.

Victoria - First 2 days. (Thursday and Friday)

On Wednesday evening after tea Richard took the boys to fly the kite down at the coast ( at the end of the street) Could see the Olympus Mountains USA. Christine, Ruth, Madeline, Christopher and Izabel arrived and we go everyone to bed. Thursday we set to with washing and sorting. Charles made a zip-line withe K'nex (there was a zip-line on Grouse Mountain) and Liam, Charles and I set up a line outside and got it going. The day then went down hill with Liam and then Christopher throwing up. Ruth and Christine and Izabel went to the supermarket leaving me to cope! Christopher was OK at this point. He and then Madeline went to sleep and Liam also slept. Charles was really good and entertained himself with activities. After tea Charles, Madeline and I went for a walk to Beacon Hill Park. Played on the playground and trees and then walked to the Look-out Point.

On Friday eveyone seemed much better and after the chores Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went back to the Park and went to the petting farm. Children enjoyed stroking the goats - lots of small ones. We then went to the water play area. Christine, Ruth and Madeline, Christopher and Izabel came with lunch and a change of clothes. We then went for a walk along the water front. Saw some of the land marks - totem poles, Legislative Building, seaplanes taking off, little harbour ferries, house boats at Fisherman's Wharf - saw two seals. Walked back. After tea Ruth, Liam, Charles, Madeline and Christopher and I went down to the water front and had a ride on a horse and carriage.

Vancouver

We were delighted to fly away from the cold wet of Wellington. I hope I left most things organised for next term -otherwise that it is on a list! We all coped well on the long flights and with the stop over in San Francisco. I had novice elderly travellors- tip make sure you know your name before travelling, don't hassle you neighbour about how to use the inflight! Arrived at Great Western Capilano Inn at about 11pm. Christine had arrived a little before us - all children asleep and we got Charles and Christopher settled and oursleves.

Monday-Capilano Suspension Bridge

After breakfast we initially set off to walk but on realising we were going the wrong way we divided up and Christine ferried us up to the Bridge entrance. It was lunch by now so after refuelling the troops we crossed the bridge - a long way down! The tree walk was really good and the children enjoyed answering questions for an eco badge aand collecting stamps for a certificate.

We put our morning walk to good use and returned to a Greek Tavena for a meal - thought of Angela and Abby in Greece.

Tuesday - Stanley Park

A great day for the children. A train ride and play ground - Christopher's favourites. Then an amazing aquarium- maybe the adult's favourite but enjoyed by all. We then took the free park shuttle and road to the totems. I feel sure Mum and Dad visited this park. I must check out the photos when I get home. We re-caught the shuttle and got off near the fish and chip concession and the water play feature. After food the children had a great time playing in the water. Christine went for the car and took me and the children back and then went for Ruth.

Wednesday- Grouse Mountain

We followed the ferrying method and got the whole team up to the gondola ride to Grouse Mountain. Great views as we went up. Once at the top after refuelling everyone - with a great view over Vancouver. We walked up a track - the kids enjoyed playing in old snow. The highlight was a lumber jack display - very well done -humorous as well as a good display of skills. The grizzly bears were awake (they had been asleep earlier) - OK at a distance but I am sure they are more impressive to see in a more natural habitat - though they had a large area up on the mountain. Took the gondola down. Liam, Charles and I caught a taxi to the seaplane terminal. The others went to the ferry terminal and took a boat. The seaplane was great with great views. and a thrill for the boys.

Long silence
and no photos -seem to be have used Ruth's camera. My last post was at Easter. The last 12 weeks have been stressful -though gradually feeling better as Judith makes good progress. There have been some downs and she has just heard that she will need surgery on both hips sooner rather than one hip replacement later. She has had to cope with cryptosporidium as well but currently is gaining strength with gym and swimming and is able to go out with a wheelchair. I have enjoyed a couple of outings. We had a nice lunch on a lovely mild late autumn day at the Ashurst Domain and then on 26 June we had lunch in town and look at some clothing shops before visiting Anna at there new house. I am going up every third Saturday -though Ruth and the Boys and I are planning to go this Sunday before we go to Canada.


The weekly work routine continues. I have been busy at school with exams and reports as well as the usual preparation and teaching. Currently both my geography classes are using GIS so we are having a lot of fun. it is working well and the students clearly understand the geographic pattens and relationships.

On Tuesday Charles catches the bus back to Chilton after school and then we go to music. he played at his school assembly last week, his year group were in charge of the programme. Apparently he played well. He has a recital with the Suzuki group this weekend. on Wednesday's I get home in time to look after Christopher while Charles has soccer practise. We have been going to the super market to do the cafe shopping and ride on the rides - a helicopter and pat the postman. Thursday I pick Charles up from gymnastics and then its Friday and I manage a school badminton team. This is not a hard task but I like to support them and it avoids any problems.

We managed to get the garden at Ruth's under control before winter and recent weekends we have been raking leaves - "blown off by the wind and rain" as Christopher pointed out. We have started the pruning just 3 tree left. We will ensure everything that needs to be is securely covered against frost before we leave. I don't think the garden will be Pierre's top priority especially once Murray is away as well and Pierre is it for the cafe as well.

Most weekends we have had a walk ( mostly up the Wainuiomata river) or a bike ride. In the school holidays we did a number of outing. I ventured to Lollipops with the boys - Ruth was at the cafe. We went bowling at Strike - Christopher beat me! We managed a fine day to go to the zoo. It was a day were zoo card members could go early. It was a good time to see the animals.

Another day when Ruth was doing a shift at the cafe I took the boys swimming - we all returned safely with all our gear - I almost lost a shoe. We had a great game of mini-golf at a Pirate Mini-golf centre. Christopher only lost two balls that we couldn't rescue. He preferred to see them in the water. We came home over Hayward's and had a picnic lunch at Dry Creek. The weather was very nice though it had been raining earlier in the week and so the stream was too high for us to ford.


Recently Christopher and I have been watching the phases of the moon - someone - a space person took a piece away! it has bee to wet to watch the waxing of the full moon.


The cafe continues about the same as last year - maybe a little up but then costs are up with increased in fuel and dairy products. Getting the roster sorted for July has been a challenge but I hope I have someone in every space!

Ruth had a stamping party last week which was fun. Different and relaxing even though it was a school night and there was a serious accident which made the demonstrator an hour late. Along with Charles doing some class work on family traditions I feel spurred on to continue sorting out the family tree stuff. This is involving sorting out storage and organising the space a bit better. I think I might invest in some decent shelving as a starting point - then I can see what I am trying to do.

I will see if I can get some photos from Ruth.

Easter

The boys had a lovely time looking for Easter eggs (mostly silver wrapped spring bulbs) but some chocolate ones too. Good to focus on hope and new beginnings after the stress of Judith's major surgery.

River trip

We were fortunate with the weather for our annual Level 3 Geography Hutt river field trip. Ruth and Christopher came on the trip this year. The river was very low with the low dry summer this year.

Back to school

The new school year has started - as one Year 7 said we have have had 3 lots of two days. Which is true for students. I have actually been there every day for the three weeks except for Waitangi Day.

On Waitangi day Ruth, Charles, Christopher and I went up to see the tram Museum at Mckays Crossing. We had a tram ride and then enjoyed out lunch on the beach - this was proably the highlight for Christopher. We then went into Raumati to see if their minature train was running but it wasn't so Charles enjoyed a play in the play ground while Christopher slept. When he woke Christopher thought we were still going to the trains - fortunately the train was running at Avalon park in Lower Hutt so we had out train ride and another playground play. A very enjoyable day - though very hot.

Yesterday Charles, Murray and I got tidied up after Charles had had cricket and went into Government House. We walked up with crowds of others, collected our paper bag lunch and drinks - a very nice lunch and found a spot on the hillside. Great to bump into Judith and Don. We enjoyed the pre concert music before the main concert - a Day in St Petersburg so excerpts of well known Russain composers. The cannons were the big highlight for Charles. he had look at them during the interval and then enjoyed the explosions during the 1812.
No photos as I foget my camera on both ocassions.

Merewyn and Josh's wedding

Had a great time camping at Rawene. Nor sure who won the 500 school. Boys played some great games in the bush by the camp site, including setting up a "crane". No-one fell out of tress!! We enjoyed swimming in the camp pool. On Friday half the party went to help with the wedding organisation while the rest entertained the younger members. We went swimming at Opononi and after lunch took the ferry across the harbour. Saturday was the big day and the organisation was timed closely to get everyone to the right place having had a sleep first if under 3 years. A misplaced key at the last minute didn't interfere as we got a lift with some others - and the bride was a little late so all were in the right place ready. The children were delightful and everyone else looked suitable for the occasion. Murray and I drove back to Auckland - met up with Chrisitne and Richard and collected car seats and saw them onto their plane before I ran over to catch mine. Murray had another day in Auckland before driving back down to Wellington.

Newest family member


Of course one of the highlights was getting to know Izabel

Holiday activities

Over January we enjoyed many activities with all the grand-children or various combinations.

One day we walked to the local park and had a picnic lunch - this trip turned out to be longer than I thought as my watch stopped.


We visited the Karori WildLife Sanctuary. We should have made this trip a little earlier so we could ride on the boat but it was still fun.


I spent 4 days on the south Wairarapa coast with a group of students from school who are working towards their Gold Young New Zealander challenge (formerly known as the Duke of Edinborough award). We were relatively lucky with the weather. We did have very striong winds on the first night and drizzling rain on the second day but we were able to meet all challengs and complete the planned activites. The last day was beautiful and the view from my tent door says it all. The night sky was marvellous. Unfortunately the next day was misty, windy and colder. Time to go home - and back to cellphone coverage!


The last outing we did before the family returned to Canada was to go into Wellington to an event in the Dell. Christine , Madeline and Izabel went in early and caught the first show before the rain set in in. Ruth, Charles, Christopher, Liam and I drove over to Waterloo and took the train into town and then walked along Lambton Quay to get the cable car. We joined the others as the rain bewcame established- so no dancing and picnic in the Dell. We picniced in the Hot House gardens by the Lady Norwood Roase Gardens. Wile the young ones and their Mum's returned home, Liam , Charles and I walked back throught the Botanical Gardens taking in the Tree House and the Cable Car Museum before riding down on the cable car. It was no longer raining, in fact it was quite pleasant. We then caught the ferry to to Day's Bay where we had an ice cream and palyed in the sand before catching a bus to Lower Hutt. We had to take a second bus back to the Waterloo train station to pick up the car. A fun trip - I still have a pocket full of shells collected at the beach.

Enjoying the best Swiss Chocolate

Vivianne, our Swis Host daughter is currently vising New zealand with her boyfriend Michel. They bought some Swiss chocolte - enjoyed by all, including the younger members who "found " it within reach!