Family day
We had a great day with Judith, Don and Peter, Anna, Scott and Mckaia. Sun, water, food, trees to climb, salads - a Kiwi summer day!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Boxing Day
Xmas day was spent with various other family branches and Boxing Day saw a gathering at our place. The weather was fine enough that we did sit outside for some of the BBQ before very heavy rain. The raincleared enough for some outdoor activites including flying Josh's radio controlled plane, briefly. He is going to need a good supply of propellers.
Xmas day was spent with various other family branches and Boxing Day saw a gathering at our place. The weather was fine enough that we did sit outside for some of the BBQ before very heavy rain. The raincleared enough for some outdoor activites including flying Josh's radio controlled plane, briefly. He is going to need a good supply of propellers.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve 07
As well as the usual Christmas preparations and ensuring everything was sorted at the cafe for the two day break, this Christmas eve was even more exciting. By mid-day no-one wanted to go too far from home..... then they arrived. It was delightful to see the two boys hug and Christopher and Madeline play together and of course to welcome the newest family member to New Zealand (even if she is here on a visitor's permit being a Canadian). We now look forward to a family event on Boxing Day.
As well as the usual Christmas preparations and ensuring everything was sorted at the cafe for the two day break, this Christmas eve was even more exciting. By mid-day no-one wanted to go too far from home..... then they arrived. It was delightful to see the two boys hug and Christopher and Madeline play together and of course to welcome the newest family member to New Zealand (even if she is here on a visitor's permit being a Canadian). We now look forward to a family event on Boxing Day.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tree removal
A large Banksia on the north west corner of Ruth and Pierre's was starting to block the whol
e front of the property. So although it was a good climbing tree - but we were concerned about the concrete under it - it was decided it had to go. It has opened the front up really well and it will be interesting to see if Charles' room is warmer in the winter.
e front of the property. So although it was a good climbing tree - but we were concerned about the concrete under it - it was decided it had to go. It has opened the front up really well and it will be interesting to see if Charles' room is warmer in the winter.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Walk in Forest Park
On 11 November we - Murray , Pierre, Charles, Christopher , Lucy and I went into the Orongorongos. We took lunch. Christopher enjoyed the ride in the back pack and playing at the river. It was alongish walk for Charles, especially as his good walking boots are just too small. However we made it both ways and he quickly recovered once we were home again.
While we heard some birds in the park we have had two pigeons in the neighbourhood lately.
On 11 November we - Murray , Pierre, Charles, Christopher , Lucy and I went into the Orongorongos. We took lunch. Christopher enjoyed the ride in the back pack and playing at the river. It was alongish walk for Charles, especially as his good walking boots are just too small. However we made it both ways and he quickly recovered once we were home again.
While we heard some birds in the park we have had two pigeons in the neighbourhood lately.
5 November
While the celebration of Guy Fawkes in NZ may be puzzling ( I did read a justification of the importance of democracy but I think that pass most people by) the fireworks were fun and probably this will be the last time that home fireworks are allowed. And as we had a rogue firework that exploded behind us I think I support the banning of fireworks except in public displays. It was a school night and so we couldn't go to the big display in Wellington though we could hear it and watched it on the computer. The kids had fun with the sparklers.
While the celebration of Guy Fawkes in NZ may be puzzling ( I did read a justification of the importance of democracy but I think that pass most people by) the fireworks were fun and probably this will be the last time that home fireworks are allowed. And as we had a rogue firework that exploded behind us I think I support the banning of fireworks except in public displays. It was a school night and so we couldn't go to the big display in Wellington though we could hear it and watched it on the computer. The kids had fun with the sparklers.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Cultural Day
The Suzuki Music group that Charles' music teacher is part of, had a concert at the University School of Music on Sunday. It was great fun - relaxed and kids all did well. Charles played "Lightly Row" and "Cuckoo". Christopher was fascinated with the grand piano . Food and drink made a popular end.
We then went to the Wellesley Gala for lunch and a look around. After this Christopher, Charles and I went to the Circus Proms with the Wellington Vector Orchestra 
"Roll up Roll up! Come to the Circus! The Vector Wellington Orchestra is joined by Wellington's circus troupes to present a concert for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular aerial performers, sensational stilt dancers, jugglers, tumblers, unicyclists and, of course, everyone's favourites - the clowns! All the fun, excitement and wonder of the circus accompanied by the Orchestra playing such favourites as Swan Lake, Baby Elephant Walk and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."
It was great fun and as Christopher commented "lovely Music"
The Suzuki Music group that Charles' music teacher is part of, had a concert at the University School of Music on Sunday. It was great fun - relaxed and kids all did well. Charles played "Lightly Row" and "Cuckoo". Christopher was fascinated with the grand piano . Food and drink made a popular end.
We then went to the Wellesley Gala for lunch and a look around. After this Christopher, Charles and I went to the Circus Proms with the Wellington Vector Orchestra 
"Roll up Roll up! Come to the Circus! The Vector Wellington Orchestra is joined by Wellington's circus troupes to present a concert for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular aerial performers, sensational stilt dancers, jugglers, tumblers, unicyclists and, of course, everyone's favourites - the clowns! All the fun, excitement and wonder of the circus accompanied by the Orchestra playing such favourites as Swan Lake, Baby Elephant Walk and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."
It was great fun and as Christopher commented "lovely Music"
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wrights Hill
On Labour Day Charles, Christopher Murray and I went to see the Wright's Hill Fortress. They were having an open Day so we were able to walk through the tunnels and see how the defences would have operated if they had been needed during World War 2. Unfortunately I left the camera behind. Christopher particularly like a small tiger moth pedal car and Charles enjoyed the firing of blank ammunition with various firearms.
On Labour Day Charles, Christopher Murray and I went to see the Wright's Hill Fortress. They were having an open Day so we were able to walk through the tunnels and see how the defences would have operated if they had been needed during World War 2. Unfortunately I left the camera behind. Christopher particularly like a small tiger moth pedal car and Charles enjoyed the firing of blank ammunition with various firearms.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The advantages of imagination
We have been planning a trip to Somes Island for some time and had a booking for last night. However the weather was awful, strong northerlies and heavy rain, so we decided that promised a little too much adventure. Instead we 
settled for virtual islands in the lounge with Charles sleeping in my tent. Please note the brown rug is actually rocks and the green dressing gown is clearly grass - with a ferry (red boat) pulled well up due to the bad weather. I slept on Motopuka Island (usually known as the couch ). We were warm and snug as the wind howled around and rain beat on the roof. We have only postponed the actual trip and will try again in December. The weather was lovely this morning but the wind has now come up again.
settled for virtual islands in the lounge with Charles sleeping in my tent. Please note the brown rug is actually rocks and the green dressing gown is clearly grass - with a ferry (red boat) pulled well up due to the bad weather. I slept on Motopuka Island (usually known as the couch ). We were warm and snug as the wind howled around and rain beat on the roof. We have only postponed the actual trip and will try again in December. The weather was lovely this morning but the wind has now come up again.Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Not Oobleck- Popcorn!
It has been really cold today with a southerly bringing cold hail showers and strong winds. Christopher's comment was that it was popcorn. We have decided an indoor island trip may be more prudent than our planned trip to Somes Island tomorrow- we will postpone this until summer and hope for finer weather
Sunday, September 30, 2007
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 an
d 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 M
atakohe 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.
d 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 M
atakohe 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.Tuesday, September 25, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Weekend to Melbourne
After the big trip it has been back into school. Murray and I have managed a couple of Sunday walks, otherwise it has been school and cafe. However I did go to Melbourne for the Geography Teachers of Victoria Conference. It is the 5th year I have been and one of the best. Lots of good ideas some of which I have already put into practise. My hosts Rob and Elise took me into the Guggenheim Exhibition that is currently on the the National Gallery of Victoria. While interesting I think I enjoyed and got more from the exhibition of Australian art - including aboriginal art. We had a pleasant walk along the Yarra before return to Warrandyte. The conference was on Sunday and Monday. I arrived home after mid-night and then went to school on Tuesday. Fortunately not a heavy day and we had no extra evening events, unlike the week before.
After the big trip it has been back into school. Murray and I have managed a couple of Sunday walks, otherwise it has been school and cafe. However I did go to Melbourne for the Geography Teachers of Victoria Conference. It is the 5th year I have been and one of the best. Lots of good ideas some of which I have already put into practise. My hosts Rob and Elise took me into the Guggenheim Exhibition that is currently on the the National Gallery of Victoria. While interesting I think I enjoyed and got more from the exhibition of Australian art - including aboriginal art. We had a pleasant walk along the Yarra before return to Warrandyte. The conference was on Sunday and Monday. I arrived home after mid-night and then went to school on Tuesday. Fortunately not a heavy day and we had no extra evening events, unlike the week before.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Jet lag
We arrived back in New Zealand safely. I had to ensure we left various students at places along the way - with a responsible adult - it was a bit like 10 in the bed..... I started with 33 at Brussels, left with 30 to go to Heathrow (and aren't I glad we left before all the flooding that has occurred this week). I left 2 in HongKong so went on to Auckland with 28 where I left one and so returned 27 to their families in Wellington.
It was back to school the next day at 8 am. I give full marks to the PD speaker who kept my attention - amazing as I usually drift off when not jet lagged!
I made it though the week. The fact that Murray has recovered the data from the dead disk and that a new computer has arrived removed one source of worry. One night when I thought it was day time I was able to talk though a topic I am teaching with Murray and so I felt much better about the classes for Level 2. The GIS at school has worked well so Level 1 Geography went really well. Philip's reliever is excellent and so after one sort out of the content to be covered I have not had anything extra on that front.
More interesting though it was Christopher's birthday on Tuesday. His second and the first time I have been home - I was away with USA visitors when he was born and last year was in the USA with Christine and Richard. Christopher was delighted with his present. We had the family meal yesterday which he also enjoyed until it got all too tiring.
The weather is appalling today and I should be doing a number of things other than bringing my blog up to date.
Reflecting on the Europe trip has been interesting. Some how all the things that could have gone wrong hit me more this week. I guess when you are in the midst of something you just cope - such as with lost passports, keeping track of people in crowds, the lack of street savy of some - it is afterwards the reaction comes. I particularly enjoyed the Czech Republic and would enjoy seeing more of the country. I also enjoyed (maybe the wrong word) the battlefield experiences in Belgium. It would be good to explore the wider country further. I am getting a lot of pleasure now reading the various booklets I bought so that I can put the whole experience into some sort of context.
We arrived back in New Zealand safely. I had to ensure we left various students at places along the way - with a responsible adult - it was a bit like 10 in the bed..... I started with 33 at Brussels, left with 30 to go to Heathrow (and aren't I glad we left before all the flooding that has occurred this week). I left 2 in HongKong so went on to Auckland with 28 where I left one and so returned 27 to their families in Wellington.
It was back to school the next day at 8 am. I give full marks to the PD speaker who kept my attention - amazing as I usually drift off when not jet lagged!
I made it though the week. The fact that Murray has recovered the data from the dead disk and that a new computer has arrived removed one source of worry. One night when I thought it was day time I was able to talk though a topic I am teaching with Murray and so I felt much better about the classes for Level 2. The GIS at school has worked well so Level 1 Geography went really well. Philip's reliever is excellent and so after one sort out of the content to be covered I have not had anything extra on that front.
More interesting though it was Christopher's birthday on Tuesday. His second and the first time I have been home - I was away with USA visitors when he was born and last year was in the USA with Christine and Richard. Christopher was delighted with his present. We had the family meal yesterday which he also enjoyed until it got all too tiring.
The weather is appalling today and I should be doing a number of things other than bringing my blog up to date.
Reflecting on the Europe trip has been interesting. Some how all the things that could have gone wrong hit me more this week. I guess when you are in the midst of something you just cope - such as with lost passports, keeping track of people in crowds, the lack of street savy of some - it is afterwards the reaction comes. I particularly enjoyed the Czech Republic and would enjoy seeing more of the country. I also enjoyed (maybe the wrong word) the battlefield experiences in Belgium. It would be good to explore the wider country further. I am getting a lot of pleasure now reading the various booklets I bought so that I can put the whole experience into some sort of context.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Belguim
The trip from London was straight forward once the passport issue was sorted and extras joined the trip.
I found the visits to the war graves very moving but from the point of view of the tremendous waste of life. More people need to refuse to fight - though the need for defence is still important given the realities of the real world.
The trip from London was straight forward once the passport issue was sorted and extras joined the trip.
I found the visits to the war graves very moving but from the point of view of the tremendous waste of life. More people need to refuse to fight - though the need for defence is still important given the realities of the real world.
Monday, July 09, 2007
London
I had fun yesterday taking a group around London on the underground. Made sure everyone was able to read the maps on the train - I am not sure I would let two of them off on their own. Not yet achieved on map reading! We saw the Tour de France flash by - more police cars and security that bikers. Then a good walk around the Tower of London - I would like to go again - in winter or at least the down season. We got there fairly early so it wasn't too bad and I saw a lot. We then did the shopping then for the rest of the group - Harrods, Piccadilly and Covent Garden. I now have a clear picture of Picadilly - my other memory was rushing though with Megan and Mike on the way to a meal in Soho - in the early evening - so getting dark. Safely back to Hammersmith with all the group.
Off to westminter Abbey and Belgium today.
I had fun yesterday taking a group around London on the underground. Made sure everyone was able to read the maps on the train - I am not sure I would let two of them off on their own. Not yet achieved on map reading! We saw the Tour de France flash by - more police cars and security that bikers. Then a good walk around the Tower of London - I would like to go again - in winter or at least the down season. We got there fairly early so it wasn't too bad and I saw a lot. We then did the shopping then for the rest of the group - Harrods, Piccadilly and Covent Garden. I now have a clear picture of Picadilly - my other memory was rushing though with Megan and Mike on the way to a meal in Soho - in the early evening - so getting dark. Safely back to Hammersmith with all the group.
Off to westminter Abbey and Belgium today.
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