Inbar & Aviv wanted to help so Shoshannah got them weeding in the vege garden after breakfast.

Azzan has been keeping himself busy writing.

He has books and books and books of notes and lists.

 

All the foliage out front has just done a massive growth spurt recently.

I have been suggesting that the trees out front get cut back for a while now.

Tim pruned back a heap of trees around the clothes line blocking his view of the bay towards Waterfall Bay.

I spent most of the morning at my art desk making some backgrounds and drawing some Whimsey characters.

Fun

Also watching 'Castle' at the moment.

Have hired the first 2 series from the video store so have limited time to get them back.

He is very amusing!

 

Ross & Andrea arrived around 3pm.

Ross got straight onto business with Tim.

I was busy making Tiramisu so just listened in as I worked.

Cat was just finishing up the alterations with some tidying up of the smaller details.

Inbar & Shoshannah painted the end of the bench and Aviv oiled the rest of the wood.

 

And this the reason for the sink on both sides of the bench!

Makes washing dishes and meal preparation so much quicker and efficient.

We had 14 around the table for dinner and it all worked well.

The plates all in their new homes.

And on the other side the pots and bowls in their new homes.

 

I am very happy with the finished results of a couple of weeks of chaos in the kitchen!

Thanks to Cat for taking on the challenge and thanks to Bri and the others for all their help too.

It is already proving to be far more efficient and pleasant to work in the 'new' kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cat taught Azzan how to use the sander.

Shoshannah was set to painting the backs & insides of the shelves while Cat was finishing off the shelving

 

My art corner - all tidy and ready for action!

I had fun doing the first lesson of my Lifebook 2013.

It is great to have paint under my nails again.

 

 

Shoshannah had a great harvest from her garden.

This bouquet of carrots plus a bowl of butter beans.

 

Bri helped Anson & Graham put some ropes up some trees ready for felling.

Mahalia walked back from Waterfall Bay and did Graham's housework and then went to see Olly before coming home.

Inbar & Aviv from Israel arrived in for a few days.

We had a roast of mutton for dinner.

Nice change from fish!

 

After dinner the children were just heading off to bed when Brianna began letting off the last of her fireworks.

Of course they all had to come out to watch.

Fireworks are just way too much fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were expecting a bit of a wind storm but this morning was flat calm.

There was quite an armada of boats moored up across in Homestead Bay.

I got busy in the kitchen early.

It just gets too hot later on to even contemplate cooking.

I made two huge fish pies and a large chocolate cake for dinner tonight.

Also got some fish chowder on for lunch.

Azzan peeled all the potatoes for me to mash for the top of the pies.

He was being very careful to take out the eyes and not too much flesh!

Once the others got up there was a hive of activity here again this morning.

Cat was working on the plumbing.

First she had to waterproof the insides of the holes cut for the sinks.

Shoshannah was busy sanding up shelving timber

Cat siliconing up the pipes for each sink.

Then Nick helped her get them fitted in while Mahalia vacuumed up the sawdust and Bri glued down some vinyl floor patches.

Azzan & I made ourselves stirfried chicken and vege noodles for our late breakfast.

It was delicious.

Shoshannah made biscuits - Bri & Cat helped eat them - before they were cooked!!

Only seven made it to the oven

Look who I found in my study with Tim!!

 

Sebastian buzzed over in the dinghy to do some mussel work with Tim.

Anson arrived in the back door.

Wothcha doin' bro?

Going out to do lift some subbies.

Want a hand?

That would be great, then Poppo wont have to come out and stuff up his back.

I'm just going to go cut up a tree that's fallen on my track then I can come out on the boat.

I'll come help you cut it up and then we can do the mussels.

So off they went.

I was feeling so blessed to hear this brotherly conversation sharing their work programmes.

 

When they got back from cutting up the tree Tim had a drum of fuel to unload on the breakwater.

 

Seb & Anson heading out to get the '88 South' in.

Azzan was swimming

and tried to keep up with his big bros as they zoomed off.

He actually made pretty good progress!

 

Marah's younger sister Ella is visiting from Taiwan at present.

She was given the mussel farming experience this morning.

Getting some mussel floats from along the beach.

Azzan is a real wee fish.

Bri reckons he is growing gills!!

I had to practically drag him ashore.

He was all set to swim along to the boat.

I had to talk hard to stop him from trying.

He could probably do it but I didn't want him to try without some back up support and I had to head up to the house.

This stump makes such a cool natural garden.

There is a young pohutakawa tree growing in it.

The wind began building soon after they went.

A yacht came in and was trying to anchor up.

I soon realised it was our friends Rick & Suzie.

I ran down to the shore to try and tell them to hop on one of our moorings.

They came ashore and had a cuppa with Tim & I.

Suzie bought cake

It was after 1pm by this time and I was hungry so cake was good!

'Tardis' appeared soon after, ploughing it's way through the very chopy seas.

And then Gill & Richard appeared at the door.

They were due in last night but because of a major stuff up with their camper van they were put nearly a day behind schedule.

Cat & Bri were working on the electrics at this stage so the power was off so no cups of tea for a while.

Suzie & Rick headed off.

Then Tim took Gill & Richard off in the boat to show them the workings of the mussel barge.

Mahalia went too in the hopes that her friend Shania just might be on board.

Disappointingly she wasn't.

The afternoon just disappeared.

Mahalia was feeling a bit sad so Seb invited her to go home with him.

She was very happy to so grabbed her things and headed to Waterfall Bay in the dinghy.

 

We chatted with Gill & Richard for while.

Then Gill ran to the top of the hill to get Richard's fishing rod.

Tim took him out to catch some fish before dinner.

It was very windy but they managed to catch a few.

Shoshannah went and stabbed her leg with a nail while she was in the garden so we had to do some doctoring.

It was quite sore but thankfully bled well.

She elevated and iced it for a while and then I put a arum lily leaf on just in case there was any greeblies in there.

Tonight I put a steri-strip on to hold it together and covered it with a wad of gauze to soak up the blood as it was still bleeding a bit - I think her play fighting with Anson actually provoked more bleeding.

I think she will live.

 

 

We all ate before they got back because it was 8pm and we were all hungry.

Anson, Marah & Ella came for dinner too so we had a full and noisy table.

Tim steamed up some mussels for Richard - he was happy

Of course the evening couldn't finish without some sibling bantering.

Marah, Anson & Ella.

Isn't that baby bump cute??

Anson is pretty excited

We had to say goodbye to Gill & Richard.

I sent him off with his chocolate cake cuz Anson was waiting to take them up the hill to their van.

They have an early drive to Nelson in the morning.

It was a flying visit this time but no doubt they will be back again in a year or so.

 

And there ends a very busy day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a leisurely start to the day.

I've been cutting up the large sheets of hot pressed paper into 12" x 9" ready to begin my art course.

I should have started it already but I just have had too much happening and am still trying to sort out the mess n my art corner.

I cannot work in a mess.

Once I have gotten it sorted then I will be away.

Graham came around and we spent time in fellowship.

David & Sasha arrived back in their boat mid afternoon.

They packed up all their gear and then went for a swim and had a last coffee before hitting the road back home.

The rest of the crew arrived back on 'Vision' soon after.

They unpacked and then went swimming with my three.

It was a calm and very hot day.

I was so incredibly hot that I ventured down to the wharf thinking I might just go for a swim.

But it was way too cold for me.

I got in as far as my knees and decided that as I couldn't feel my feet it was time to get out!!

If I had been able to 'fall' in off a kayak then I would've been fine, but just going in like that I couldn't do!

Our stingrays were cruising around.

Azzan was swimming with them and one of them just lay quietly feeding while he was stroking it's back.

So cool!

They cruise about reasonably quickly - always on the move so it is hard to get a decent photo.

But I managed to catch three together in this one.

Two were cruising in the shallows and another larger one was coming in from the wharf.

Then they had a wee pow wow together

before the big fella took off again, leaving just two to play.

Grandstand view.

Cat & Tim catching up on the past few days

Bri & Abby cooked dinner.

They stuffed a large moki that they had brought home with them.

After dinner Cat got Azzan to help sort some screws.

And Mahalia showed Tim her drawings of crazy critters!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday was yet another gloriously hot calm day.

Tim spent time cleaning the verandah.

Over the years the cracks have gotten clogged with small stones and now with sawdust.

I went for a wander.

My favourite wee shed, from the back this time.

The children were holed up in Shoshannah's bedroom watching a dvd.

Good recovery occupation after a hot, busy day out on the boat.

"Tardis' came in to pick up Seb to help do some mussel work.

Alan & Eare left - their holiday is over.

Now they have a boat of their own they spend more time maintaining it than out fishing!

 

Azzan loves to make his room look good.

Flowers and hanging pictures

 

All the tools having a rest for a few days.

I thought it appropriate that they are being stashed in the 'school' corner as I consider this all as an important part of the children's education

 

It was peacefully nice to be just the 5 of us for the day.

We enjoyed roast chicken for dinner.

 

 

This is our makeshift kitchen area.

 

Fridge top for the dirty dishes.

 

Washing tub for the cleaning process.

 

Washing machine top for the clean dishes.

 

And the freezer top behind for a spare bench area!

Works well, but I am glad it won't be for much longer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got up around 5am and began sorting out my art stuff.

I need to get it done so I can begin the art course I have signed up for.

Tim had gotten home late so he slept in a while.

 

Then once he and the others got up there was movement towards the idea of a picnic at D'Urville.

Cat & her crew were getting organised to go out to D'Urville for a few days camping so they were busy cleaning up and getting food ready.

Sasha & I made a large pot of seafood chowder which I then put most of in the freezer as no one was going to be around to eat it!

I was really feeling torn as to go or not.

I wasn't feeling terribly positive about life and part of me just wanted the world to go away and let me crawl into my dark hole, and the other half of me wanted to go cuz I knew Tim & the kids like me to come and.

But Tim was not being decisive as to who was going and where we would go which wasn't helping.

I said I wouldn't go as it was getting close to midday and it was also very hot.

I don't do well in heat!.

I sat & cried for a moment and Shoshannah asked me if I was okay.

For once I was able to be honest and say no I wasn't and she gave me a cuddle for a while - sweet girl.

Then Tim called up Waterfall and invited anyone who wanted to come.

Nicky & Dave wanted to so I decided I would go.

We chucked a bit of food in the chilly bin, grabbed jackets and cameras etc

Charmagne & Josh got back from their walk just in time and hopped on board too.

Anson shot up to Waterfall to get Nicky, Dave, Bethany, John & Max.

Then we were off.

Mahalia & Azzan had the best seat

It was a glorious day.

Bethany, Max & Graham enjoying the sunshine.

We passed Cat and crew on the 'Vision', towing David's boat and Cat's dinghy.

Dave & Tim chatting while Mahalia steers.

Charmagne & Josh enjoying being out in the Cook Strait.

The Sparrow's were already well ensconced on the beach - been there for hours they said.

Azzan prepared to swim to shore - he got sick of waiting!

Lines over to catch lunch.

Charmagne was pulling them up thick and fast!!

Graham filleted

and Shoshannah fried.

We had a very delicious lunch of fried fresh blue cod and sausages on bread.

Once we had eaten our fill Cat arrived out to ferry us to shore.

It took several loads to get us all there.

It was 4pm and still very hot

so most of us waded the lagoon, through the bush and walked up to the waterfall.

Dave spent his time with the young boys catching white bait and cockabullies

We scrambled up the river.

It is all rocky & slippery, with trees fallen from storms.

Not really a walk in the park, but heaps more fun.

Nicky was up ahead of us.

I was walking in jandals so was very glad that Tim had his gumboots on and was able to give me a supporting hand so I didn't slip.

The water from the falls is ice cold!

We scrambled back down again and found Azzan 'diving' in the shallows.

He seemed to be enjoying having the waves toss him about.

Then he, Sam, William & Josie swam to and fro our boat and the shore.

Our Armarda!

The sun began disappearing from the beach around 6pm

so we loaded back on to the boat and headed for home.

Stopped to visit the seals on West Entry and then dropped off some passengers at Waterfall Bay.

Had a chat with Phoebe and picked up our mailbag.

Azzan was happily entertaining Josh & Charmange while they waited for the rest of us to stop talking!

Then it was time to say goodnight and go home to our beds.

 

It was about 9pm.

Most were not hungry.

Mahalia cooked herself a quick feed.

Tim heated up some seafood chowder and I heated a frozen meal.

Then we all hit our pillows.

It was a good day.

Lots of Vitamin D absorbed

So batteries were recharged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A savage storm pounded the house during the night.

I was very glad not to be out a boat and was feeling for those that were.

This morning we woke and the skies were clearing and the bay was calm.

I went out for a wander to see if there was any damage.

Found the trampoline tipped over but Tim informed me that he had done it last night to ensure it didn't fly away again.

Last time it took out the power cable between the house and workshop.

The fruit trees had a hammering and there are plums and pears strewn on the track.

The chooks are having a delicious meal of them.

Thankfully there is still a good crop left on the trees.

Tim & David went out in the boat for a short time and got Alan's mooring sorted.

When he left he asked me to see if  could get him into a dentist.

I guess his toothache is getting major - he's been downplaying it for a few days now!

I managed to get him into an emergency dentist at 2pm so he came left at 11am to get there in time.

 

There was lots of boating and fishing and zipping out to see dolphins throughout the day.

Liza & Tracey came around with the children to visit.

Azzan had a lovely time with them all.

I decided it was time to get some of my art stuff sorted.

I managed to get one of the large sheets of hot pressed paper cut down to 12"x9" sizes.

Still have several more to cut up.

Was really weary soon after lunch so I went and lay down for a while.

.

 

It was a hive of industry in the kitchen again.

After having a couple of quieter days it felt like things were really happening!

Cat got Shoshannah painting the back of the cupboard.

It is now all fresh and white.

Bri & Abby used some vinyl from inside the new bench to patch the pieces missing.

This flooring has been down for nearly 30 years - it has done exceptionally well.

I am betting that anything we replace it with will not last anywhere near that distance

 

Anson & Marah came around to crutch some sheep.

While they were up for a cuppa later on we were talking baby stuff and the subject turned to future education and I was declaring my retirement from teaching when this person arrived -

'Hullo. I am Uncle A+.

I have come to tutor your child.

I will teach on Fridays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.'

By the time I am 15 he/she will be ready to study English, Mathematics etc......'

 

 

Marah helped Cat cut some timber.

 

Leann doing some more sanding.

Dave came over to help do some plumbing.

He knows never to come up here on holiday and leave his tools at home

Bri painting some of the internal cupboard dividing boards.

Shelves under construction.

I borrowed some of Mahalia's nail polish cuz I got bored with my few colours.

She has nearly 100!
So she decided Sasha needed a colourful manicure too.

Thankfully Sasha is long suffering

 

 

This is our makeshift washing up area - making use of the tops of the washing machine, fridge and freezers.

We have a great system going now!!

Cat doing a final sweep before telling us all to leave for the night so she can put on another coat of polyurethene.

The shelves are all done at one end.

They look fantastic!

The pots, pans and bowls etc will go on this side of the bench.

And from the other side.

This side faces the table and will contain all the plates.

 

Now I am off to bed.

Tim shouldn't be too far from getting home.

He had done all the shopping and was leaving Nelson at 7pm.

He is not used to doing the groceries so it took him a while to get around the supermarket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wasn't feeling great when I got up.

I had a soak in the spa for a few minutes to try and loosen up but it didn't help much.

Neck & shoulders were really aching and consequently my head was too.

My disposition wasn't wonderful but it took a major tumble when I discovered my stash of fresh apricots & cherries had been devoured by some unknown person or persons

I survive my most of my days by beginning them with a large bowl of fresh fruit salad mixed with LSA and chia seeds.

If I don't get that fix then my day really doesn't begin well.

Tim disappeared and came back with a bowl of fresh plums off our tree.

He had gone up specially to get them for me.

Isn't he just the sweetest man - love him to bits

 

It was a windy day, so great to get washing dry.

I got a load through and then a few of the others soon filled up the clothesline.

It is somewhat satisfying to see clean clothes flapping away on a sunny breezy day.

 

I spent the morning making dinner.

Sasha helped prepare the veges before she and David went out kayaking.

I made a huge pot of tomato & vegetable sauce with venison mince.

We ate it with spaghetti & cheese.

I also made a huge dish of chocolate fudge pudding.

All very easy, delicious and filling - great to feed the troops.

Plus there is plenty left over to feed them tomorrow

 

I headed off to bed after lunch for a sleep.

I was so tired - I went out like a light and slept for a couple of hours.

Woke up feeling loads better.

 

Tracey came around for a visit.

We had a lovely chat over a cuppa.

Liza has twisted her ankle while running so is lying low while it mends.

 

The day got increasingly stormier.

The news was telling of flooding down south and Westland, excessively strong winds across the country and stranding of tourists on the Milford Track.

Azzan stayed quiet for the day.

I think he overdid things the night before.

He is improving but still needs to rest.

 

I managed to get the crew in for dinner much earlier tonight.

We were mostly all seated around 6:30pm - miracles can happen!!

 

After dinner the girls did some more to the kitchen.

Leann was sanding & resining.

Here she is looking like a praying mantis

and Minnie Mouse

The benches are coming along nicely.

The main bench has it's first coat of Maxiproof.

This one has had a second coat and is looking great.

Don't you just love the end slabs??

I love this one below that Graham & David found - so cool!

 

The polyurethane absolutely stunk the place out so it was good they applied it before going to bed so we could all vacate the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome 2013

 

 

I remember back when I was in school and we would try and work out how old we would be in the year 2000.

It seemed so far away.

Almost unreachable.

Now we are beginning 2013 and I am wondering where all those years have gone too?

 

 

It was a reasonably quiet day around here.

Not a lot happened.

 

Heather & David headed off to carry on their adventures.

Halina & Geoff left as work was calling them back to reality, they took Katherine out with them.

Her visit seemed somewhat short but there is a maybe that she might be able to come back later in the month.

 

Shoshannah cleaned up her room and had a sleep.

It's quite tiring having friends to stay

 

We have been eating well over the past week but it has felt sorta like we have just been grazing on easy to prepare food.

It has felt somewhat like camping.

We are using the washhouse sink to do the dishes in and the washing machine and freezer tops as benches.

The pots and pans etc are spread everywhere.

 

Dinner was really late again.

I think it was after 8pm when we finally all sat down.

 

Tim had roasted up some mutton chops in the woodstove oven.

 

Azzan did roastie potatoes.

 

I made a stirfry and cheesy corn.

It was actually good to sit down to a proper meal for a change.