Month: September 2012

  • Wednesday 19th September

     

     

     

    I didn't get a lot of sleep during the night so we feeling rather blurry eyed when I woke.

    I was up and dressed and out the door before the others woke.

    I had a 9am counseling session - had just enough time to grab a frappaccino first.

    I seriously needed the caffeine fix!

    That went well.

    From there I headed off to the library, then picked up the kids iMac which was getting fixed.

    And from there I zoomed out to Richmond to see Ross.

    We had lots of business to discuss.

    He was busy with a friend so I dropped the my laptop and phone so he could start working on them.

    I dashed out to CRT and picked up the tailing gear Tim needed.

    Then into Richmond to find some food.

    While I was standing in the midst of the food court feeling somewhat bewildered with the choices - or lack of, cuz the place I wanted to get food from had closed down sad - I spotted my sister and her husband so I went over and had a chat.

    They were getting Chinese so I decided it looked okay and got some for myself.

    Ross had jokingly said he wanted a panini and black cherry cheesecake.

    When I found both at Muffin Break I thought I would fix him proper and got him both.

    The cheesecake looked so darn good that I got a piece for me too.

    When I got back to the house Ross's eyes popped open in total delight when he saw all the food.

    We sat and ate and talked.

    The Black Cherry cheesecake was absolutely delicious.

    But I was overfull for the rest of the  day!!

    I had to leave at 2pm to get to my next appointment.

    Ross & I hadn't finished all we needed to do so made time for a phone catch up and next time I am in town.

    I zoomed into the city and arrived at Nelson Beauty 5mins late for my appointment, but it was all cool.

    Amanda gave me a delicious back and facial massage.

    Exactly what the body required.

    In fact I think it was so relaxing I went to sleep.

     

    From there I met up with Rossi & Doug at Starbucks.

    We had a lovely time chatting, she let me put all her photos from the previous week onto my laptop.

    Then our new wwoofer, Jacob from Canada, arrived to meet me.

    Tim had organised for him to drive home with me so we said goodbye to Rossi & Doug and then went to get groceries.

    I called in to pick up some stuff from Seb and then headed for home.

    The only downside to having a passenger was I couldn't listen to my new Neil Diamond cd whatevah

    I had to be polite and talk when I really didn't feel like it winky

     

    We arrived home at about 9pm.

    Had a chat to Graham as we came down the hill.

    Shanni & Tim helped unload the Terrano and then once Jacob had eaten dinner and they had all gone off to bed I fell into the spa.

    The one best thing about coming home is the spa.

    Of course I come home for Tim and the kids too, but the next best thing is the spa.

    Did I mention the spa - such a wonderful thing after long days of driving.

    I love my spa laughing

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tuesday 18th September

     

     

     

     

    Jesika didn't want to have to get moving too early so we agreed that I would pick them up around 10-10:30am.

    I was able to pack my gear and have a bit of a relaxing chat with Vonnie before heading off.

    I got there just after 10:30am.

    On the way I mentally changed the proceedings of the day.We were planning to go into the city and have brunch at the BoatShed Cafe but as it was such a glorious day I thought I would take them on a tiki tour out to Sumner.

    It was only 15 mins away from Bri's.

    We loaded up their gear and headed off.

    The roads were very interesting.

    It was like driving on a roller coaster.

    Jesika asked if the roads were always like this?

    No - just since the quake bummed

    From Melbourne she had only seen media footage so was dumbstruck to see these houses hanging over the cliff tops.

    I had been intent on looking for the container artwork that I hadn't looked up.

    Jesika got out of the car to take photos while I pulled over as far as I could to the left.

    The road is very narrow here with all the containers blocking the cliffs.

    It is so cool though that they are making the best of the situation and decorating them with art works.

    This painting is one of Bethany Wenborn's - Phoebe's sister, who's art works are selling so well these days,

    We had a bit of a drive around Sumner and then pulled over at the beach.

    It was beautiful there so J&E went for a wander while I hopped online to suss out a cafe.

    I found one just around the corner with good reviews so we cruised around and parked up.

    It was Joe's Garage.

    It was a very good choice.

    Evan was starving hungry and therefore grumpy so he made up his mind & ordered very quickly.

    Whereas Jesika & I couldn't decide.

    Jesika was not feeling great and so we told the waitress we'd decide later.

    In the meantime we both ordered a 'Killer Smoothie'.

    And it was just that - a total killer.

    It was fantastic!
    I want that recipe!!
     
    It was made with honey, yoghurt and black plums.

     

    Evan was a very happy chappie when he got his breakfast - 'the local'.

    Nothing like food to change the temperament of a bloke winky

    And despite Jesika not being at all hungry it didn't take long for her to plead for 'just that little bit there'

    She and I then both ordered a 'easy tiger' - spicy chicken salads.

    They were delicious.

    I loved the smoothie so much I ordered a second one so I could savour the flavour for  a while longer.

    We sat and talked wedding plans and Jesika wrote out their guest list.

    Then it was time to leave.

    We drove over more roller coaster roads until we got to Marshlands Road.

    I wanted to check out the vege shop as it usually has really good deals.

    While I picked up some fruit and veges Jesika had a catch up with an old friend on my phone.

    Then it was off to the airport.

    I dropped them off at 2pm as their flight was 4pm.

    Big hugs goodbye - it had been a great couple of weeks, but now time for us all to get back to our real lives.

    As I had quite a way to drive I didn't wait with them.

    I headed off down Harewood Road, stopping off to pick up some stuff from a friend and then whizzed into Northlands to get a frappaccino from Gloria Jeans and a rice ball from the sushi shop.

    I was now armed with food and drink and ready to hit the tarseal northwards.

    I left at 2:30pm.

    Did some calculations as to which route to take and decided on the coast.

    It was actually slightly shorter as I was heading to Seb & Phoebe's and they live on the north side of Nelson.

    Plus there would be more traffic and better cell cover if I did have any problems - see Vonnie, I was listening to you hon!!

     

    I had a good drive up.

    Was really tired but not sleepy.

    The Kaikoura Coast is a favourite drive for me, the weather is always changing and hence the colours of the sea and sky and mountains are never the same.

    So beautiful.

     

    I stopped at Kaikoura and had a wander round Dick Smith & Postie for 20-30mins just to stretch my legs.

    I had a consuming desire to listen to Neil Diamond so when I got to Blenheim I went for a leg stretch around The Warehouse and found "Hot August Night".

    It was one of the records I biffed out back in our extreme fundamental days whatevah

    With that in the cd player blaring at top volume for the rest of the trip I managed to make Nelson safely.

    I was very grateful that Phoebe had some dinner for me.

    I had been hungry but didn't want to take the time to stop as I just wanted to get there!

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Monday 17th September

    It was Tim's birthday but I missed talking to him cuz he spent all day out on the 'Tardis' putting out spat.

    Great way to spend your birthday but knowing Tim he would've been loving it.

    He's happy when hes busy and working.

    I left a message on the phone which in some ways was better cuz he could listen to it over and over winky

    Shanni cooked up a birthday dinner for him.

    She took this photo of us both a couple of weeks ago - I thought it a really nice birthday one.

    Happy Birthday Timmy.

    heartheartheart Love you immensely and intensely and forever heartheartheart

     

     

     Sasha had to get back for work on Tuesday so with the help of our friend Roger we had managed to organise a ride to Nelson for her in a bread truck.

    So I was up early to get over to pick up J,E& S at 9am.

    We delivered her safely to the truck by 9:15am and saw her off on her way home.

    We had some time up our sleeve so went to find an art shop on the corner of Ferry Rd & Fitzgerald Ave I had seen whilst driving a few days ago.

    I had a good browse around The Art Shed and bought some supplies for myself and the children.

    Then we headed a few doors up the avenue to 48 on Fitz.

    Corrinne & Alvin met us there for brunch.

    We had a wonderful time of fun & frivolity.

    When Corrinne is involved there is not too much seriousness in any conversation so there was lots of noise and laughter.

    All too soon though Corrinne had to go home and get her assignment finished and Alvin had to get to work.

    We had a midday appointment in Rangiora so we quickly took some family pix before we left.

    Me with my very favoritist cousins pleased

     

    We made it to Rangiora in time and Jesika spent an hour or so chatting with Lizzie and getting more details and measurements etc sorted for her wedding dress.

    Evan & I hung out with Nicola and various family members who breezed through.

    It was great to catch up with so many.

    Evan helped to entertain wee Oscar while Lizzie was busy with Jesika.

    Nicola was baby sitting young Jasper so we caught up very briefly with Madi as she breezed through to get him for his Plunket check after she had finished school, John arrived home from school and hung out with his young nephews and niece.

    It is so cool to see the closeness of the generations within a large family.

    Lydia came in several times with wee Franklyn and Ruth brought 2 of her boys to visit too.

    Sara called by to see Jesika with her Eppi, Charlie & Jack.

    They have been good friends for the past 20 years but have not seen a lot of each other as their worlds have not collided often.

    Sara & Lydia are both due in a few weeks so that will increase Nicola & Dave's grandchildren to the grand total of 10.

    Eppi is resigned to having another brother but is quietly hoping and desperately praying for a sister as she is the only girl so far in this generation of children.

     

     We left later int he arvo and headed to the Post Office.

    Evan wanted to send some gifts to his children back in South Africa and I figured it would be easier here than trying to locate a PO in the city.

    But most of Rangiora had the same idea.

    The queue was half way out the shop!!

    We eventually got everything done.

    But during the time we were in there the weather had changed dramatically and very savagely.

    It was now very very wet, cold, windy and horrid.

    I made dash for the Terrano and swung by to pick up J&E.

    We had a fairly intense time getting back to the city as I had to really concentrate hard with window wipers going at full speed to keep up with the torrential rain.

    Found our way to Les & Christine's and dashed indoors.

    Had a lovely time visiting with them.

    Christine was proudly sporting the pretty scarf Cat & I had chosen for her birthday.

    It really does suit her.

     

    Evan had announced he wanted to take me out for dinner so while they were all chatting I hopped online to try and suss out a restaurant close by and on route to Bri & Nick's as I didn't want to be driving all over town.

    The rain had eased considerably by 6pm so we left and headed around the corner to Speight's Ale House.

    But the place was full and a table would not be available for half an hour.

    So we asked for some suggestions from the maitre d' as to where else to go.

    He directed us to Victoria St or Papanui Rod.

    Spagalimis was our first choice so we headed there.

    It was also packed.

    What on earth was going on?
    Monday night and everywhere was packed!!

    I guess since the earthquakes there is now limited choices of functioning eateries in the city bummed

    We were seated at the bar but a couch table soon was free so we ordered our pizzas.

    We got a half Cranberry & Chicken and Broccoli & Blue Cheese and also a large Lime Chicken.

    They were to-die-for delicious.

     

    There was some discussion as to whether Spag's was better than Pizza Religion or not.

    Results were 2-1

    Sorry Jesika - Spag's wins hand down this time winky

     

    I was really tired so we headed off back to Bri & Nick's.

    Despite it only being just 9pm they had all gone to bed so I missed saying goodbye to them.

    I will be back soon so will have to do some double hugging then smooch

     

    I drove across the city and got myself into bed.

    It was a good day - lots accomplished, wonderful socialisation, without too much stress.

     

     

     

     

  • Sunday 16th September

    I was awake early enough to visit with Alvin before he headed off to work.

    He makes sure he is very visible & warm  happy

     

     

     I headed into the cbd to meet up with the kids later in the morning.

    It was a glorious Spring day.

    Blue skies, sunshine and a light cool breeze.

    We met in the Cashel St Container Mall and wandered about.

    Had to take this pic especially for my sweet niece Ruby winky

     

    Bri, Nick & Shasha had souvalaki's for lunch.

    Jesika, Evan & I found food at Hummingbird that appealed so we ate there.

    I spotted Shand's Emporium as we walked across the carpark.

    It is so sad to see it standing there so lonely with all the large buildings surrounding it already demolished.

    But it is also great to know that it is being saved.

    It is the oldest commercial building in Christchurch and it was built by Tim's great, great grandfather.

     

    Then we had time to go for a power walk.

    Followed Bri & Nick along the river, evading the blockades to get to where we wanted to go.

    Nothing is straightforward in Chch anymore.

    We walked up Gloucester St and saw what was left of the Farmer's Department Store

    And this one in the next street over - not too sure what building it is, but it is soon to be was bummed

    So much emptiness and yet still more to come.

    The Isaac Royal Theatre - looks like they are trying to save this building.

    And the Cathedral - looking very sad.

    We had to go so left Bri, Nick & Sasha to walk around the other side of the blackades to where they had left their car and we went back along the river to where I had parked.

    The reason I so love walking along the river is that in amongst all the destruction there is still so much beauty.

    We zipped out to the airport and met up with Jesika's godparents, Pam & Paul, at Cafe Raeward.

    It was a great cafe - must reference it for another time,

    They had driven up from Dunedin and were on their way back home so were glad of a lunch break and chance to catch up with Jesika and meet Evan.

     

    They had to carry on so we said our goodbyes and then cruised off down Harewood Rd.

    I asked Jesika what she wanted to do.

    When she realised Louisa lived just around the corner she was happy to pop in for a visit.

    We had a lovely time with Louisa and the 3 children.

    She told us about this memorial so we went to see it.

    It is on the ground where this church once stood.

    Jesika was bridesmaid for her friend Ruthie many years back & had remembered vividly walking the aisle there so had been asking about the church.

    From there I took them for a drive around Avonside so they could see for themselves the damage caused by the earthquake.

    Jesika had not been back to Christchurch since the February quake so was very moved by it all.

    This is the twisted broken bridge that speaks volumes to me whenever I see it.

    The power of nature!

    It was a beautiful calm evening and the reflections of the sunset were beautiful.

     

    They had seen enough so I took them back to Bri & Nicks.

    I drove to Vonnie's via Starbucks - picked up a snack for my dinner.

     

     

     

  • Saturday 15th September

     

     

     

    I didn't have too much scheduled for the day so was able to shower and get ready in relative leisure.

    Just had to be at The Colombo by 10am.

    Bri & Nick took Jesika, Evan & Sasha for a drive over to Banks Peninsula & Akaroa for the day.

    It was a lovely day for a drive before the weather packed in.

     

    I met up with Janet at The Colombo and spent a lovely time enjoying brunch and a chat with her.

    We had time to browse the shops before I had to go retrieve my car from the carpark before it got towed winky

    They seem to be happier to tow down here in Christchurch than just issue infringement tickets like they do in Nelson.

    Of course we had to spend quite a bit of time in Annah Stretton - being that it is my absolutest favouritest shop.

    I was far too tired to actually try any clothes on but I did have time to do lots of exclaiming and drooling pleased

    In the window across the mall they had these dresses on display.

    I adored the one on the left and asked to see it.

    She replied most matter of factly. 'Oh that's a Kiri Nathan, it's $2,200.'

    I just laughed - very sadly of course! bummed

    I said goodbye to Janet, until next time and then I headed across town to find Roger.

    I took a different route because I had been told the CBD had been opened up more.

    It was the weirdest thing.

    I knew where I was going but I couldn't identify where I was.

    So much has gone.

    I was driving down one street wondering where I was and then I all of a sudden caught sight of New Regent St and thought oh my goodness!

    Then I came across other buildings I could identify despite their destruction.

    It was really eerie.

    I finally made it to St Albans and went in to Les & Christine's to see if Roger was there yet.

    He wasn't but Louisa, Catherine, Charlotte, Olivia, Tracey and all their children were.

    It was fantastic to catch up with them all en masse like that.

    Roger finally arrived and I gave him the bin of mussels to share out with his sisters-in-law.

    It was great to see Christine looking so well.

    She has just come off her crutches after her hip replacement op.

    All the little granddaughters were being gathered to have fittings for their dresses for Olivia's wedding.

    When they disappeared for that I took my leave and headed back over to see Vonnie.

    We sat and chatted for several hours.

    Then I chucked on some gladwrags and set out westwards on an adventure.

    I had to find Coopers Creek Hall which I knew was somewhere over past Oxford.

    It was an hours drive away and I had never been there before so I followed my iPhone maps and eventually found the place.

    We were celebrating Amber's 21st birthday.

    She is the second daughter of my very very special friend Emma.

    It was so cool to be able to get to the celebrations.

    I met some wonderful folk there.

    Talked horses, and more horses, and vintage cars and heaps of other topics.

    Wayne & Emma helped Amber light her candles.

    It was a lovey night.

    It was all too soon midnight and I had to wend my way back around the dark country roads and find my way home again.

    Managed it with not too much difficultly.

    Thanks iPhone maps pleased

    I fell into bed at 1am.

     

    Found out the next morning that I had just missed a horrendous accident as I came down Shand's Road.

    Two men had been hit by a car racer and one had died, only an hour before I came through.

    So sad.

    There are never any heroes in a situation like this.

    I just wish the young lads could think of consequences before they go thrill seeking.

     

     

     

     

  • Friday 14th September

     

     

     

    We were all packed up and out the door at 6am.

    We had a long day ahead and I wanted to make a good head start.
    Jesika introduced Evan to the delicious Rai Valley steak & cheese pies.

    Then we carried on to Blenheim.

    Stopped at the river bank so Jesika could visit her Grandma's memorial seat.

    She hadn't been back since they were both installed so she was really wanting to visit them both.

    We dropped Sasha off at the library and then drove up to Dry Hills Estate which was originally my grandparents farm.

    We parked up and walked up the hill to the other seat.

    It was a chilly brisk wind but the day was clear and views glorious.

    We then headed back to town to meet up with Jess & Paul.

    Evan & Jesika spent an hour or so discussing wedding photos with them.

    It was all sorted and everyone was happy so we headed off to find Sasha and then drove south to Ward.

    Had a most enjoyable lunch with Jan & Talbot.

    We had to keep moving so were soon back int he Terrano and driving downt he Kaioura coast.

    I stopped at Ohau Point and sent them off up the creek to see the baby seals in the waterfall pool.

    I had a much needed shut eye while they did that.

    Then it was on to Kaikoura.

    The fresh snow made the mountains look very grand.

    I drove up to the lookout above the town.

    It really was beautiful there.

     

    Then we made a beeline to Woodend.

    I managed to drive to Greta and then had to get Jesika to take the wheel as I was getting to sleepy.

    We arrived there about 6.

    Jesika and Lizzie chatted and discussed wants and desires for the wedding dress.

    Evan baby sat wee Oscar while Lizzie designed.

    It was after 8pm when we finally left.

    We were all really tired and hungry.

    So glad to arrive at Bri & Nick's half an hour later and find Nick cooking up a storm on the bbq.

    I shared dinner with them and then drove across the city to Halswell and spent the night with Vonnie & Alvin.

    They had already gone to bed so I willingly did the same.

    It had been a very long day but we had accomplished heaps.

    All good!

     

     

     

     

  • Thursday 13th September - Jesika & Evan's engagement part 2

     

     

     

    There was yet more to the engagement celebrations.

    Sasha & David bought two Protea plants to present to the happy couple.

    Evan is from South Africa and knowing Jesika wanted to have Proteas at her wedding next year Sasha thought these would hopefully provide some blooms plus be a momento of the occasion.

    Then it was deciding where to plant them.

    I found a suitable gap where another shrub had died so Jesika planted one there.

    Sasha & David getting in on the mushy act that seemed to be the theme of the day winky

    The second Protea was planted down the bottom of the garden.

    I'm hoping it will do well there and get big enough to fill the gap when I cut down the old shrubs behind it.

    Tim had to take Seb to meet his work boat so Jesika & Evan hopped on board and went for an evening cruise.

    Dolphins were having a play in the dusk.

    Nathan had to get back to work so Phoebe drove him out.

    The evening was spent having a birthday dinner with Shanni and sharing lots of cuddles as it was the last time the kids would see Jesika for quite a few months,

    We got ourselves as packed as we could and then all fell into bed later than we should've as we had an early morning and a long drive ahead.

     

     

     

  • Thursday 13th September - Shoshannah's 15th Birthday

     

     

     

    Thursday 13th was also a very special day for our other precious daughter.

    heart Happy 15th Birthday Shoshannah heart

     

    When we came back from up the hill David surreptitiously unloaded her birthday surprise and left it at the back door.

    I had bought it a few months ago but left it safely stored in the shop so she wouldn't get wind of it.

    Phoebe blind folded her and I brought it in.

    When I took off her blindfold, she couldn't believe her eyes.

    I don't think any of us have seen her speechless before laughing

    She just didn't know what to say and kept on giggling.

    I think she was rather surprised and very happy with her new mountain bike.

    She took it for a ride down the hall

    She has never had a new bike.

    She has been making do with 2nd hand ones and has learnt a lot of cycle mechanics over the years whilst having to fix and borrow parts form one to another to get one that actually works enough to ride.

    She kept on telling me about all the interesting new things on her new bike.

    She kept repeating, 'It must be new cuz.....'

    And I would reply, 'Of course its new. It just came out of the shop last night!'

    And a few minutes later she was back repeating it over and over laughing

     

     

    When I was cooking the day before I kept asking her what she wanted me to make.

    'What sort of cake do you want?'

    'Cornflakes,'

    'What do you want for breakfast?'

    'Cornflakes,'

    'What do you want for dinner?'

    'Cornflakes,'

     

    So I made nachoes for dinner.

    That was close to cornflakes.

    And when Sasha heard about it she got stuck in and quickly made a very large Afghan biscuit/cake.

    That went down very well with Shanni happy

    I had also bought a frame for her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh certificate so presented that to her.

    She was delighted with it.

     

    Happy Birthday Darling Girl.

    You are gorgeous and we are blessed by you xxxxx

     

     

     

  • Thursday 13th September - Jesika & Evan's engagement

     

     

     

    heart Jesika & Evan are officially engaged heart

    She wanted to celebrate the occasion at home up on the hills.

    Despite now being a Melbourne girl, she really carries home in her heart.

    So we conspired and put on a family engagement party/celebration for them both.

    David brought Nathan down the night before after work.

    The most bestest part of it all was a very specially invited guest.

    Alan has been a part of my life since my parents brought me to the area as a babe.

    He and Peggy played a major part in my life and in the lives of my family.

     

    Jesika really wanted him to come and celebrate with her as she hadn't seen him in so long.

    So we arranged for Rossi to bring him on a mystery tour.

    She often does housework for him and was a very willing & able accomplice winky

     

    We began the celebrations with a photo shoot at the top of Crighton Hill - over looking the farm, the bay and the Cook Strait.

    It was a glorious day but chilly so Jesika got all wrapped up in preparation for the ride to the top.

    One quick photo of me and my girl as we left the house.

    I rode on the back of the farm truck with Mahalia.

    It was fun to snuggle up with her and Skip, despite some of the seating Tim had supplied being rather wet whatevah

    We stopped to pick up Graham.

    He has just arrived back from his trip over to Cambodia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

    The Nelson Ranges were covered in fresh snow.

    Mt Tapuaenuku stood out so clearly with a heavy coating of snow.

    It is the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps, and we can see it from many places in Marlborough.

    It is our mountain winky

    The others followed in several 4WD's.

    That was as far as they could go safely.

    Only the old farm truck can navigate further.

    I decided to walk the last part of the hill with Evan.

    We were welcomed and watched!

    Mahalia took her harp up and serenaded us as we arrived happy

    It was beautiful to hear.

    Such a gorgeous day and Jesika complimented the scenery in her beautiful blue dress.

    I took lots of photos.

    This is just a small number.

    It was a very happy time as we enjoyed the views,

    the obvious affection & happiness

    Congratulations Jesika & Evan xxxx

    A suit really doesn't cut the mustard on the farm Ev!

    You're allowed to look pretty this once.

    But, next time it will be mandatory gumboots and Swannie!!

     

     

    We had also taken a wee surprise up the hill for the happy couple.

    Some bottles of Boysencider, Feijoa & Cider and Sparkling Grape juice.

    And, a family get-together tradition - light a fire and toast marshmellows.

    Evan enjoying the marshmellows in bulk!!

    Jesika was glad of some jackets and wraps after the photos as the wind was cool.

    Cuddles with younger sisters are a major must at any time heart

    Evan, Alan & Jesika.

    It was lovely to listen to Alan regaling us with tales of our historical family links.

    My mother's mother was bridesmaid at his mother's wedding!!

    He, Peggy and my mother & aunt went to school together.

    Peggy was our District Nurse for years.

    My parents brought me down to visit Peggy & Alan when I was barely a year old when the road first opened to French Pass.

    Little did they dream I would eventually marry a local lad and live down here!

     

     

     

    When Mahalia wasn't playing the harp the wind did.

    It was so beautiful to listen to.

    It was as if God was speaking through the wind - singing his approval happy

    It was all too soon time to head back home for lunch.

    Most of the troops walked up the hill and over the top to the vehicles waiting below.

    We doused the fire and hopped on board the truck.

    Rossi & I sat and chatted in the sun on the way home.

    We don't get to enjoy each others company much so it was a lovely time.

    Tim & Alan talked all the way home.
    I think Alan really, really enjoyed his adventure.

    Being a retired farmer it was great for him to have the opportunity to get out of his wee house and spend time on the farm and chat with Tim.

    When we got home we put out all the food Phoebe & I had prepared the previous day.

    Nathan, Graham & David cooked up a storm on the bbq.

    We had venison steak, paua patties and sausages.

    And for dessert

    Evan's favourite - cheesecakes made by Phoebe.

    Black Forest and a very delicious frozen Honey with Toffeed Almonds.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Wednesday 12th September - part 2

     

     

     

    After lunch Tim took Evan for a tiki tour of the farm.

    Jesika, Sasha & Mahalia rode on the back of the truck.

    I had suggested Evan get his life insurance up to date before they left but apparently he took it all very calmly.

    Unlike the girls standing on the back who could actually see a lot more!

    It was a glorious afternoon for sightseeing.

    They drove right to the top of Crighton Hill - the highest point on our farm.

    The view to the South East

    Mt Taranaki to the North was very clear.

    Seeing it like this usually means there will be a storm within 3 days.

    Walking down the fence line towards Clay Point.

    Top of D'Urville Island, Stephens Island and the Rangitoto Islands in the distance

    The Chetwode Islands beyond Sasha.

    This wee lamb would not stop following them.

    Mahalia had quite a job to keep it from running under the truck.

    A farm track!
    Now, maybe you can understand why I don't go out on the farm much stunned

     Negotiating a slip

    The end of Clay Point

    Heading home - around above the Bluff Block

     

    Stopping off at Te Kopi to check on Olly.

    He enjoys the porridge and bread Mahalia saves for him

    And then it was back home.

    In time for Evan to go hunting with Sebastian.

    They never caught anything but Evan got to experience yet another important part of our family activities happy