Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Dear All,
Well after several attempts at trying to blog I have finally manaaged to remember how to sign in. It is so long ago that I posted that I do not really know what news is current and what is so yesterday! Anyway I figure that hopefully some material will be of interest to someone out there in the mysterious Blogland. All is well here in Spur Rd. We have had a crazy mix of weather in the last week but I guess that is par for the course at this time of the year. Ash and I both have very full diaries filled with all sorts of events between now and Christmas. Every day more events seem to be added..so much so that there is a long string of days when there is at least one extra thing on every night. We have 2 full Xmas Dinners on the 9th and 11th, plus a double 21st, and all the Craighead events of the last week. Next week I go to Hamner Springs for a week with the entire 4th form, 3 parents and 6 staff. Hopefully it will be ok.
Ash is busy at TDC and also has quite a few committments with his Presidency role so lots on in the next wee while. Ash is looking good though and he does a fine job looking after our garden and lawns. We purchased about 6 new white poenies last wekend at the rose show. We hope they flourish as well as the coloured ones we planted the first season here. The roses are beautiful this week..a joy to behold.
I was appointed Guidance counsellor/careers advisor at school starting in 2008. I am very excited about a change in direction. I will have 2 teaching classes, a full theory paper to do by distance education, and the job. As soon as I was appointed I was given the opportunity to attend a 3 day Intensive Therapy Training [solution focused] in Auckland. It meant I had a chance to catch up with Jeff and Kate, David and Mary. It was neat to see them all. They are all busy in their respective jobs. Congratulations to Mary on her admission the the Bar.
We are looking forward to catching up with the family on the 16th at Jenni and Pete's.
Ash and I are flying to Auckland on Sat 22nd Dec for 5 days. Should be fun. I have been up there twice without him so I will be able to show him around . We will be home at New Year and Ash will go back to work for 2 weeks before we head off for our camping adventure. All seems so far away at this point. I am trying to find out about study leave etc at present.
Must go as I have a pile of things to do by the end of tomorrow. Most of this afternoon was spent at a meeting on the new "Te Kete" project..so much more to learn. Cheers to everyone. Results are out. I hope they were all favourable.
Love Barbara and Ash.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Bull Story
Hey Everyone in blogger land, I have had the best year ever, with formals 21st and leavers stupid things for school. Leavers dinner was in November and held at the limes room at the town hall in chch, some of the photos are alrite and yah.
This photo to the left here is of me and kate, we are in the same Geography and Toursim class.
Folios are stupid, Tracey a word of advice Don't do all three or even two. i did two and thay were hell to finish.
But with my only Exam tomorow which is Geography, thats gunna be easy. Good luck to Tracey and everyone who is doing exams this year, hope u all pass.
Does anyone reconise this man? Me and George call him DAD, Some call Him Chris and the rest of you may call him Uncle Chris, this is what he looked like on the 1st of November to support Movember.
Although he didnt warn mum or me or anyone, except for all the guys and gals at James Bull locksmiths, mum went ape when she saw this man walk in the door, but now it has grown backand he looks normal again.
Well hope to see all of you guys over the festive season or even hear from you.
Merry Christmas and A happy New Year and Happy Birthday adn Anniversy.
From Brigette Bull
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Hey Blogosphere, Jeff is here...
I have decided to update y'all with one of my sporadic blog posts. I haven't got heaps of news but i guess that's not really the point. The last weekend gone we went to "We Will Rock You" which was excellent and a "p" party in hamilton which was good also. We tried to picnic in the rain sunday but alas.
Earlier in the week davie and I caught up with jen and pet(aunty/uncle) which was nice. Few beers and some nice italian food on the viaduct.Previous to that we caught up to matt(cousin), went to a "round the world" party, spent labour weekend at waiheke and visited hamilton a fair bit. So lots of little stuff on at the moment you could say...
Work is alright. My days are spent computing away feverishly which can be tiring but is enjoyable for the moment. It's all supply network modelling at the moment. i.e what if we increase production at x, do we need to ship more at y or change this or do that or whatever. Fonterra seems to be waiting for the big capital structure announcement on the 15th of november so we'll see what happens. You never know...
Flat is still holding together. We have decided to stretch out our tenancy til mid-november with kate staying here too. It'll be good to save the odd dollar to spend in far off places. Speaking of which, it is pretty certain we are going to honeymoon in Africa. Exciting stuff. We are planning a tour from joburg up through to nairobi and visiting 5-6 countries on the way.
Kate is well. She is in hamilton at the moment. She has been there ~8 weeks and has 3 more weeks there before starting work at starship hospital here in auckland. She is completing her diploma in obstetrics and gynae and still deciding if this is what she wants to do. Mum is up at the weekend and so i'll take her down or get kate to come up and we'll all have a bit of a catch up.. (future mother in law - daughter in law sort of thing)
Wedding plans are good. The invites have been ordered and should be here next week. The photographer etc are all booked and so now we just have to deal with a few details (shall we say).
...jeff
I have decided to update y'all with one of my sporadic blog posts. I haven't got heaps of news but i guess that's not really the point. The last weekend gone we went to "We Will Rock You" which was excellent and a "p" party in hamilton which was good also. We tried to picnic in the rain sunday but alas.
Earlier in the week davie and I caught up with jen and pet(aunty/uncle) which was nice. Few beers and some nice italian food on the viaduct.Previous to that we caught up to matt(cousin), went to a "round the world" party, spent labour weekend at waiheke and visited hamilton a fair bit. So lots of little stuff on at the moment you could say...
Work is alright. My days are spent computing away feverishly which can be tiring but is enjoyable for the moment. It's all supply network modelling at the moment. i.e what if we increase production at x, do we need to ship more at y or change this or do that or whatever. Fonterra seems to be waiting for the big capital structure announcement on the 15th of november so we'll see what happens. You never know...
Flat is still holding together. We have decided to stretch out our tenancy til mid-november with kate staying here too. It'll be good to save the odd dollar to spend in far off places. Speaking of which, it is pretty certain we are going to honeymoon in Africa. Exciting stuff. We are planning a tour from joburg up through to nairobi and visiting 5-6 countries on the way.
Kate is well. She is in hamilton at the moment. She has been there ~8 weeks and has 3 more weeks there before starting work at starship hospital here in auckland. She is completing her diploma in obstetrics and gynae and still deciding if this is what she wants to do. Mum is up at the weekend and so i'll take her down or get kate to come up and we'll all have a bit of a catch up.. (future mother in law - daughter in law sort of thing)
Wedding plans are good. The invites have been ordered and should be here next week. The photographer etc are all booked and so now we just have to deal with a few details (shall we say).
...jeff
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go.........
Hi all...if there are any bloggers out there that is!!!!
Suddenly the holidays have come to an end......they seem to have been a bit of a whirlwind really.
We went to Christchurch to celebrate Jayne's 21st on 29 September, lots of fun an a good chance to catch up with lots of friends and family and to meet many of Jayne's friends. Opps, the photo didn't rotate as I thought it would....just turn your head a little and that should work!
This one is of the three girls near the end, before they went clubbing and Jayne hit her head on a staircase banister and went to hospital on the insistence of the bouncer....quite a cut and a very sore head for a couple of days.
We enjoyed catching up with Kate and Chris and George and Bridget...their home was very handy for us to change and make a a base....thanks to them and thanks also to Ashley for making the trip up to Christchurch, nice to see you! We had a really enjoyable evening in Hanmer on the Sunday evening before travelling home in the heavy rain on Monday.
Coming home was very sad as the day before we went to Christchurch a wee 6 year old girl form our school was killed in a car accident, her funeral was on Tuesday...it was called a Service of Love and was incredibly sad and beautiful all rolled into one. Tomorrow we have counsellors at school for staff and children, am hoping that the day will go smoothly.
I was supposed to be in Auckland for a conference Tuesday until Friday but ended going up Wednesday and back Friday, all was all very rushed and I felt quite washed out....apologies for no phone calls Jeff and David but our sessions went til 5.30 each day and the we had a dinner Thursday evening and flew out at 4 on Friday, it was hectic, lots of good information and some great speakers...the Minister was there and we all felt proud to have our school mentioned in his speech!!
Tracey and Tim are ready for school tomorrow, not overly excited but keen to get back into routine. They coped well while I was away and Willie was at work.
Willie has started doing Wednesday and Thursday nights in the apples, that should last until Xmas, they are bagging cool store fruit for the local market.
Hope this finds all well, those returning to school have a busy and enjoyable term!
Love to all
Janice
Sunday, September 16, 2007
San Antonio
The Alamo in downtown San Antonio.---A very special place to the Texans where independence from the Mexicans was fought out in the 1860's---and failed. David Crockett was killed in the battle of the Alamo along with 177 others who were holed up inside the shrine.
The San Antonio River Walk--very pleasant dining experience by the canal/waterway near the City Centre.
Hi Everone.
As you can see I have returned from a week away visiting San Antonio, Texas. I attended the American Public Works Association Congress in the HUGE convention centre. There were 5000 registrations, with 10 concurrent streams of education sessions as well as a huge exhibition in the main hall. There were 3 ballrooms which could seat 1000 for dinner.
I found the whole experience quite educational and informative and next time would like to spend a bit more time on the ground,....after 24 hours travel getting there.
Barbara has held the household together very well while I was away, and it is hard to believe how much the daffodils, tulips, and camelias have all burst into flower in the last 8 days. The lawn needs another cut---it is also in excellent shape.
It was good to catch up with Tim and Willie when they were down three weeks ago, and will see quite a few of you at Jaynes 21st in 2 weeks time. Barbara cannot attend as she is going to Sydney via Auckland---to catch up on Wedding Plans and to have a break away after a long exhausting Term 3.
When I went through Auckland I caught up with Jeff and Kate, who went to great efforts to get out to the Airport to share a coffee/coke.
We have now booked our flights to Sydney for next March. Everything seems on track at this stage---I have even got myself a new suit already hanging in the wardrobe.
Well done to Mum and Dad on the bowling club Life Membership..... a nice surprise indeed.
Take care everyone, and we will catch up with most of you over the next few weeks.
Kind Regards, Ashley and Barbara.
Life membership and other bits
Hi All
The blog hasn't seen much of us here in Nelson for a while........nothing too much out of the ordinary has been happening !
When the phone rang at 10.40 last evening I lept up to answer it thinking that something has probably happened to someone somewhere, but no, it was just dad!! He and Mum have been busy for months organising the Rapaura Bowls Club 50th birthday and they had just got home from the dinner. At the dinner Mum was awarded a life membership of the club. it took them both completely by surprise, especially as they are both committee members and no one had told them anything! Then dad was recognised for his 25years as Club Captain..another surprise and he was presented with a wallet. They were both chuffed!
Willie and Tim really enjoyed their trip to Timaru a month back to the U15 rugby tournament. They enjoyed catching up with some of you. Since then, rugby has pretty much dominated the television viewing in our house. Another good win by the All Blacks last night keeps our virtual rugby scores correct!
We did enjoy having Jayne and Amy home for a we ek in their holidays, great to see them both and to have dinner cooked each night ...great!
Tracey is in the middle of mid - year exams. Getting an excellence in her speech last week took her completely by surprise. She has been studying and will be glad when the end iof term is here!
Plans for Jayne's 21st seem under control. the cake is made and partially iced. Hopefully we will catch up with some of you then.
Our holiday plans will see us in Christchurch for a weekend and then I have four days in Auckland, then home for a couple of weeks and back to Christchurch for a couple of days.
Trust all is well
Love to all
Janice
The blog hasn't seen much of us here in Nelson for a while........nothing too much out of the ordinary has been happening !
When the phone rang at 10.40 last evening I lept up to answer it thinking that something has probably happened to someone somewhere, but no, it was just dad!! He and Mum have been busy for months organising the Rapaura Bowls Club 50th birthday and they had just got home from the dinner. At the dinner Mum was awarded a life membership of the club. it took them both completely by surprise, especially as they are both committee members and no one had told them anything! Then dad was recognised for his 25years as Club Captain..another surprise and he was presented with a wallet. They were both chuffed!
Willie and Tim really enjoyed their trip to Timaru a month back to the U15 rugby tournament. They enjoyed catching up with some of you. Since then, rugby has pretty much dominated the television viewing in our house. Another good win by the All Blacks last night keeps our virtual rugby scores correct!
We did enjoy having Jayne and Amy home for a we ek in their holidays, great to see them both and to have dinner cooked each night ...great!
Tracey is in the middle of mid - year exams. Getting an excellence in her speech last week took her completely by surprise. She has been studying and will be glad when the end iof term is here!
Plans for Jayne's 21st seem under control. the cake is made and partially iced. Hopefully we will catch up with some of you then.
Our holiday plans will see us in Christchurch for a weekend and then I have four days in Auckland, then home for a couple of weeks and back to Christchurch for a couple of days.
Trust all is well
Love to all
Janice
Saturday, September 15, 2007
My Turn
Good morning,
Thought I would catch up, while Chris is watching South Africa and England in the rugby and cleaning his shoes for band. Provincal contest this weekend. It rained last evening but not this morning, so marching is on! Another lovely sunny day.
We are all well here. Hard to believe that another school term is almost over. It has gone really fast. The days are getting longer. I have to now wear sunglasses to work at 6.45am. The sunrises have been really spectacular lately.
How's the flat hunting going Jeff and Dave?
The gardens around the city are lovely. Nice,bright and cheery.
Not alot happening here. Take care everyone.
Bye for now. Love to all
Kate and Co
Thought I would catch up, while Chris is watching South Africa and England in the rugby and cleaning his shoes for band. Provincal contest this weekend. It rained last evening but not this morning, so marching is on! Another lovely sunny day.
We are all well here. Hard to believe that another school term is almost over. It has gone really fast. The days are getting longer. I have to now wear sunglasses to work at 6.45am. The sunrises have been really spectacular lately.
How's the flat hunting going Jeff and Dave?
The gardens around the city are lovely. Nice,bright and cheery.
Not alot happening here. Take care everyone.
Bye for now. Love to all
Kate and Co
Friday, September 7, 2007
Working Boy
Thomas at the local A&P show back in June.Now he is into Motor cross, Go-cart and paddock racing.
Christina is on crutches again. Again it's the knee and she is due at the othopaedic surgeon on the 21st of September. School seems to agree with her. She is of to a 18th birthday party for some soccer girls on saturday.
Richard is out and about with his mates. He is of to the dentist in Germany tomorrow. 1/3 of the price than in Denmark. Will do our shopping at the same time.
Brian is at a stamp swap tonight. Gives him a rest from gardening. Just about done for this time. Wood chips all in and the 50 cubic meter of dirt too.
if anyone needs a job we have plenty going here in Denmark. Unemplyment is now to under 90.000. At the moment we are importing from Russia, Poland and the Baltic countries. A lot of germans are up here too.
Brian has been asked if he knew anyone who would be able to do his job while on sickleave.
Winter is upon us. Lousy summer. Rain rain and more rain. Temps at the moment down to 2 degrees in the night.
Even had a mild frost in the last days of august.
So time to put the woolies on and get the long johns out.
Take care
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Timmers
Hi Everyone---- A warm day here today----a good day to give the weeds a fright and to get the lawns cut.
We went to Chch yesterday to look at wedding outfits---some interesting items around. Saw Chris and Steve and got home just in time tio see Canterbury take the Ranfurly Shield off Waikato.
I am off to San Antonio on Friday night to the American Public Works Congress for 5 days. Return on Sat 15th.
We have booked air tickets for Xmas to go to Auckland---up on the 22nd and back on the 27th. All for $440 return for two ex Chch.
A big week coming up.
Cheers, Ash and Barbara.
We went to Chch yesterday to look at wedding outfits---some interesting items around. Saw Chris and Steve and got home just in time tio see Canterbury take the Ranfurly Shield off Waikato.
I am off to San Antonio on Friday night to the American Public Works Congress for 5 days. Return on Sat 15th.
We have booked air tickets for Xmas to go to Auckland---up on the 22nd and back on the 27th. All for $440 return for two ex Chch.
A big week coming up.
Cheers, Ash and Barbara.
Daffodils
Hello from The Garden City. Another beautiful warm spring day. The garden is dry. The daffodils in the Botanic Gardens and around Christchurch hospital are in full bloom and look great. The Garden City name is appropriate at the moment.
We are all well here. I have settled into working again. It's strange after not working for awhile.
Chris, George and Brigette are great. The provincial band contest is in a couple of weeks so Chris has just left for marching practice. He does wish for rain!
Happy fathers day to all Dads. Take care and enjoy the sunshine.
Kate and co
We are all well here. I have settled into working again. It's strange after not working for awhile.
Chris, George and Brigette are great. The provincial band contest is in a couple of weeks so Chris has just left for marching practice. He does wish for rain!
Happy fathers day to all Dads. Take care and enjoy the sunshine.
Kate and co
Monday, August 27, 2007
Well that was good
Hey Everybody.
I haven't posted much recently. I guess I have been a little slack. Ah apologise for dat.
Righto. What has been going on? not much in my neck of the world. Had a largish weekend including a trip to whakatane for a party which was fun. Hmm. Bourne ultimatum on sunday night too. Oh, and we saw Ian McKellan as King Lear on tuesday. Awesomenessness.
Hi to everyone. Work is currently good and I am feeling the burn of a proper job with pressure etc for the first time in a long time. I am sure Grandpopstar would approve! I make loud and obvious comments about wanting to do projects overseas so hopefully that will pan out at some stage.
Am off to sudnee on friday. I have a wedding to attend which should be fun. A good chance to scope out weddings too. I think I have been booked into an extensive schedule of meeting photographers and the like which is nice.
Honeymoon plans are afoot.
Living with dave and co is nice. Kate gets back next week and is moving to...hamilton! yep 3 months as an obstetrics/gynae there (lots of babies in hamtown) Should be alright for her career although it would be nice to have her closer. too bad - there will be enough time for that i'm sure!!
anyways, harriet (new flatmate) has made cake. better go and eat.
jeff.
I haven't posted much recently. I guess I have been a little slack. Ah apologise for dat.
Righto. What has been going on? not much in my neck of the world. Had a largish weekend including a trip to whakatane for a party which was fun. Hmm. Bourne ultimatum on sunday night too. Oh, and we saw Ian McKellan as King Lear on tuesday. Awesomenessness.
Hi to everyone. Work is currently good and I am feeling the burn of a proper job with pressure etc for the first time in a long time. I am sure Grandpopstar would approve! I make loud and obvious comments about wanting to do projects overseas so hopefully that will pan out at some stage.
Am off to sudnee on friday. I have a wedding to attend which should be fun. A good chance to scope out weddings too. I think I have been booked into an extensive schedule of meeting photographers and the like which is nice.
Honeymoon plans are afoot.
Living with dave and co is nice. Kate gets back next week and is moving to...hamilton! yep 3 months as an obstetrics/gynae there (lots of babies in hamtown) Should be alright for her career although it would be nice to have her closer. too bad - there will be enough time for that i'm sure!!
anyways, harriet (new flatmate) has made cake. better go and eat.
jeff.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Minister Visits brightwater School
Today we hosted the Minister for an hour, following the official opening of the LOOP here in Nelson.Steve Maharey appeared interested in the kids and what they were doing,he certainly was an easy guest to entertain! The reason for his visit was to see how the LOOP impacted on student learning so we had a great time blogging and podcasting with him and sharing work done earlier in the year from class blogsites.
All in all an interesting morning!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Hey!
39 days and counting. The dreaded written notice turned up in the mailbox yesterday - meaning we have 6 weeks to vacate the flat. The landlady is selling up. Great. More flat-hunting and sorting out flatmates etc. always a pleasure, never a chore... We've scaled down the options to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car park, spacious, modern, comfortable manor for less than $500 a week. Anyone know of such a worthy abode? I doubt it somehow...
Other than that, not too much happening i must say.
:)
Dave
39 days and counting. The dreaded written notice turned up in the mailbox yesterday - meaning we have 6 weeks to vacate the flat. The landlady is selling up. Great. More flat-hunting and sorting out flatmates etc. always a pleasure, never a chore... We've scaled down the options to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car park, spacious, modern, comfortable manor for less than $500 a week. Anyone know of such a worthy abode? I doubt it somehow...
Other than that, not too much happening i must say.
:)
Dave
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear ye
Nothing else to do?
Watch Campbell Live 7pm Thursday or Friday this week and there you will see ME!
It should be an interesting article on The LOOP which is a local initiative using high speed fibre optic cable to bring super fast Internet connection to our schools....The LOOP has just won the NZ Computerworld Excellence Awards in Education!
Happy viewing should you have the time and inclination!!
Janice
Watch Campbell Live 7pm Thursday or Friday this week and there you will see ME!
It should be an interesting article on The LOOP which is a local initiative using high speed fibre optic cable to bring super fast Internet connection to our schools....The LOOP has just won the NZ Computerworld Excellence Awards in Education!
Happy viewing should you have the time and inclination!!
Janice
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Dancing the night away!
Today's the day, tonight's the night and now Tracey is safely off to the ball....unlike Cinderella she did have clothes to wear, the right shoes on and when the clock strikes 12 it will be off to the after ball!
Tracey and Locky all set to go! Note the tie....after trying to find someone to make one.....apparently they are really tricky...we found this perfect match at the local menswear store...actually you can't tell in this photo!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Brians birthday
Brians birthday was a real success. The day started for Christina and me at 5.00 am when we put the flags up and went for our early morning swimm. Later we had a full family breakfast and spende the rest of the day relaxing before the big party in the evening.
At 5.30 pm Brian was picked up by an original 64 (64½) Ford Mustang. It was my gift to Brian as he loves that type of car. He went for a joy ride and arrived 45 minutes later at the hall.
All the guests had already arrived and applauded when he arrived.
Everyone got a welcome drink made of kiwi apperativ and mineral water. The menu was quich with carrotts and leeks and ham on lettuce leaves. They had been made by Christina and Emina (Elses daughter) the day before. Main course was five different meats straight from the grill. Leg of lamb, Chicken breats, spareribs, beef and sausages. 12 different salats, flúte, potatoes in rosemarin, creamed potatoes and two different dressings.
Dessert was layer cake with cake cream and rasberries, marcipan and cream with coffee and tea. On the side was biscuits and sweets.Drinks was white wine, redwine, mineralwater, juice (apple and orange), beer and lemonade.
Supper was bradrolls with different meats and cheeses.
A great evening with lots of entertainment.
The kids and I had prepared a sketch (play) with all the imbarrising things Brian has done over the last 50 years. It has been taped on video and can be viewed shortly at Grandma and Granddads house.
Else made a speech. And our neighbour Karen Magrethe had made a song and Brian got dressed up and spoon fed. Very much enjoyed my the people present. The party went until the small ours of the morning and we have had a lot of possitiv feed back from our friends and family.
Brian would like to thank you all for the lovely presents and the thoughts on the day.
Our next event will be the silver wedding anniversary on the 9th of July 2009. So if anyone is interested in joining a Harpers party do come over and we will show you how danes celebrate.
Cheers Hella and Brian and kids
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Enter the Dragon...
Nice photos mum and dad - thought I'd better add one too...
This photo was taken at the KensingtonSwan ball on Saturday. The Theme was 'Enter the Dragon' (after the Bruce Lee movie). At first we thought it was an awful theme and had no idea what to wear, but then we got into it, and I ended up coming away with the best dressed prize ($500 voucher at WorkingStyle). So all good there!
Hope everyone's week is going well! Yesterday was a bad day for all up here, for so any reasons! The worst of which, was that the Landlady rang to say she is putting the flat on the market. One day after Harriet moved in. classic. So now we have to decide whether we wont to stay here and put up with open homes (and the ultra high cleanliness standard needed), o find a new place and go through the rigmarole of moving and setting things up again. greeeeeat.
Other than that, all is good.
Have a great day y'all.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Me Again
It's raining and colder so winter is around for a while longer. Great photos. Everyone looks well and happy.
A great win for Canterbury rugby last night. I had a really quiet weekend, George and brigette working last night, Chris in Rotorua and lots of patchwork achieved with some favourite CD's playing. Chris arrived home after an extremely rough plane trip. Quite green around the edges.
Have a great wekk.
Love to all
Kathleen
A great win for Canterbury rugby last night. I had a really quiet weekend, George and brigette working last night, Chris in Rotorua and lots of patchwork achieved with some favourite CD's playing. Chris arrived home after an extremely rough plane trip. Quite green around the edges.
Have a great wekk.
Love to all
Kathleen
Nelson News
Hi All
Great photos Ashely and Barbara! You all look so relaxed!!
This weekend has been busy here also, the weather lousy, maybe we will get a few fine days ahead. The garden has missed some attention this weekend, Willie had all of the Saturday sports fixtures to organise taxi services to and from while I spent the day assisting a local school interview applicants for their principal position....very interesting indeed!!
Today has been some what relaxing due to the wet weather! Tim had rugby trials this morning, Traceywork this afternoon and now I have just returned from a delightful dinner with a dozen teachers from all over the UK who are in Nelson for a week to look at creative teaching. We are hosting them Tuesday and Thursday! Tracey had work all afternoon and prior to that we managed to find some shoes foo the ball in a couple of weeks time.....it certainly is countdown time....
I am off to Hastings Tuesday afternoon, back Thursday for an ICT mini conference....could be good despite the dull looking agenda! It will be a good little break if nothing else and always good to catch up with other sin a similar situation!
Hope this finds all well and rested for the week ahead!
Warm wishes
Janice
Great photos Ashely and Barbara! You all look so relaxed!!
This weekend has been busy here also, the weather lousy, maybe we will get a few fine days ahead. The garden has missed some attention this weekend, Willie had all of the Saturday sports fixtures to organise taxi services to and from while I spent the day assisting a local school interview applicants for their principal position....very interesting indeed!!
Today has been some what relaxing due to the wet weather! Tim had rugby trials this morning, Traceywork this afternoon and now I have just returned from a delightful dinner with a dozen teachers from all over the UK who are in Nelson for a week to look at creative teaching. We are hosting them Tuesday and Thursday! Tracey had work all afternoon and prior to that we managed to find some shoes foo the ball in a couple of weeks time.....it certainly is countdown time....
I am off to Hastings Tuesday afternoon, back Thursday for an ICT mini conference....could be good despite the dull looking agenda! It will be a good little break if nothing else and always good to catch up with other sin a similar situation!
Hope this finds all well and rested for the week ahead!
Warm wishes
Janice
Trip Photo's
Hi All, Here are some Trip Photos
Barbara at Gallipoli
Ashley trying out a camel ride at Euphesus
Euphesus Ruins---300,000 people once lived here.
A Crusader at Heart---in Rhodes, Greek Island in the Mediterranean
Church on Santorini
Hella and Brians House
Harbour Scene in Copenhagen.
Cheers, Ashh and Barbara
Barbara at Gallipoli
Ashley trying out a camel ride at Euphesus
Euphesus Ruins---300,000 people once lived here.
A Crusader at Heart---in Rhodes, Greek Island in the Mediterranean
Church on Santorini
Hella and Brians House
Harbour Scene in Copenhagen.
Cheers, Ashh and BarbaraPhotos
Hi All,
Hi All, A selection of photos for you all. They show The Denmark Harpers arriving at the Restaurant for Birthday Dinner, Two of the Dinner Table, Brians vegie garden, and Pastry Shopping for lunch.
Brian is 50 on the 1st of August
Hi Everyone.
Happy 50th Birthday Brian.
We do hope that your party went well and that all the arrangements turned out as you expected. No doubt you have opened the pressie we left for you and also the envelope from Mum and Dad.
We are both well. We managed to get some Roses pruned testerday and again this morning. Barbara is a dab hand at cutting things back, identifying items for transplanting etc
The weather is real cold at the moment---feels like it is snowing no too far from here. There is a little bit of drizzle outside---hopefully we get some more to help the garden get ready for spring
We both have a busy week ahead---Quadrangular tournament at Craighead on Monday/Tuesday and I have to go to Chch on Thursday.
Barbara has put a roast of lamb in the oven---it smells delicious, especially with roast veg and mint sauce---Must go, the lamb is ready
Cheers, Ashh.
Happy 50th Birthday Brian.
We do hope that your party went well and that all the arrangements turned out as you expected. No doubt you have opened the pressie we left for you and also the envelope from Mum and Dad.
We are both well. We managed to get some Roses pruned testerday and again this morning. Barbara is a dab hand at cutting things back, identifying items for transplanting etc
The weather is real cold at the moment---feels like it is snowing no too far from here. There is a little bit of drizzle outside---hopefully we get some more to help the garden get ready for spring
We both have a busy week ahead---Quadrangular tournament at Craighead on Monday/Tuesday and I have to go to Chch on Thursday.
Barbara has put a roast of lamb in the oven---it smells delicious, especially with roast veg and mint sauce---Must go, the lamb is ready
Cheers, Ashh.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sunny and warm.
Hello from Christchurch.
Can you believe these lovely (19 degrees) days in late July. I thought it was winter............................It's so nice.I finally managed to finish pruning the roses.
We are all well here now. George and Brigette both had time off work and school last week with the flu. Quite miserable.
We had a great time in Auckland in early July for band contest. The band came 4th over all.
Nice to see you David and Jeff. Organic Pizza, good wine and good company make a good time.
Chris is off to Rotorua to a Locksmith conference for the weekend. Last weekend Garry and Chris enjoyed The Bledisloe Rugby match. They were shouted a trip.
Congratulations Jayne. A great achievement.
Nice to talk on tuesday Ashley. Glad you had a lovely day. Brian, Happy 50th. Celebrate well.
Will sign off and get motivated. Planning to do lots of Patchwork this weekend.
Take Care and Lots of love to everyone.
Kate
Can you believe these lovely (19 degrees) days in late July. I thought it was winter............................It's so nice.I finally managed to finish pruning the roses.
We are all well here now. George and Brigette both had time off work and school last week with the flu. Quite miserable.
We had a great time in Auckland in early July for band contest. The band came 4th over all.
Nice to see you David and Jeff. Organic Pizza, good wine and good company make a good time.
Chris is off to Rotorua to a Locksmith conference for the weekend. Last weekend Garry and Chris enjoyed The Bledisloe Rugby match. They were shouted a trip.
Congratulations Jayne. A great achievement.
Nice to talk on tuesday Ashley. Glad you had a lovely day. Brian, Happy 50th. Celebrate well.
Will sign off and get motivated. Planning to do lots of Patchwork this weekend.
Take Care and Lots of love to everyone.
Kate
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY
Hi Ashley
Hope that you are enjoying your birthday.
Cheers
Janice
Hope that you are enjoying your birthday.
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us all here in Nelson
Cheers
Janice
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tim to Timaru
Hi all
Great to see some fellow bloggers out there!! Great to catch up on news.
We have had mum and dad here yesterday afternoon and they went home this morning.
My day started not so well with a break in at school discovered by a teacher first thing. Into the library after breaking a window and stole one laptop, could have done lots more damage but it seems school in this area are a target for people wanting laptops. Just a real nuisance but the fingerprints guy did get some good prints so we will see what happens!
This beautiful kitten arrived home with Tracey and all of her friends on Friday night. After advertising on the radio and reading the paper no one seemed to want it. The girls spoilt it and you can see that it now has a beautiful purple collar! It spent all weekend with us and we were VERY tempted to become it's foster caregivers but one Tracey's friends convinced her family that they did need it....whew, a bit lucky for us, although it was totally adorable!! it's been named possum and it now has its' own beebo site!
Tim is off to the Secondary Schools Under 15 rugby tournament from 26 - 30 August in Timaru....this means a few extra practices and at lunchtimes they have been learning the haka!
This Sunday he has a trial for the Nelson Bays Under 15 rugby team...that will be interesting!
We are in ball dress mode at present as Tracey has her boyfriend Locky's school ball in three weeks....the material has been selected, the pattern sorted, tomorrow night they are off to hire the suit ans we get to make a matching tie!!
Today has been absolutely freezing, the wind was straight off Mt Arthur and it blew all day.....the chill factor was huge and I was on duty at lunchtime!! Brrrrr!
Love to all from us in Nelson
Janice
Great to see some fellow bloggers out there!! Great to catch up on news.
We have had mum and dad here yesterday afternoon and they went home this morning.
My day started not so well with a break in at school discovered by a teacher first thing. Into the library after breaking a window and stole one laptop, could have done lots more damage but it seems school in this area are a target for people wanting laptops. Just a real nuisance but the fingerprints guy did get some good prints so we will see what happens!
This beautiful kitten arrived home with Tracey and all of her friends on Friday night. After advertising on the radio and reading the paper no one seemed to want it. The girls spoilt it and you can see that it now has a beautiful purple collar! It spent all weekend with us and we were VERY tempted to become it's foster caregivers but one Tracey's friends convinced her family that they did need it....whew, a bit lucky for us, although it was totally adorable!! it's been named possum and it now has its' own beebo site!
Tim is off to the Secondary Schools Under 15 rugby tournament from 26 - 30 August in Timaru....this means a few extra practices and at lunchtimes they have been learning the haka!
This Sunday he has a trial for the Nelson Bays Under 15 rugby team...that will be interesting!
We are in ball dress mode at present as Tracey has her boyfriend Locky's school ball in three weeks....the material has been selected, the pattern sorted, tomorrow night they are off to hire the suit ans we get to make a matching tie!!
Today has been absolutely freezing, the wind was straight off Mt Arthur and it blew all day.....the chill factor was huge and I was on duty at lunchtime!! Brrrrr!
Love to all from us in Nelson
Janice
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Skiing
Hey Team
Jeff here. Sorry I haven't been posting. Little to say (for a change!) I guess. Um, well, it's sunday night. Am quite tired after a big weekend on the snow.
We drove down on friday night leaving at 4:30 and getting in just before 11. We then skied fairly hard out on saturday and enjoyed checking out the new 6 seater at Turoa. Leather seats would you believe. Me and a mate (who also can't ski good) decided to check out a run we had seen the groomers making earlier in the day. Unfortunately they hadn't finished making the run yet and so we found ourselves in a wee bit of a pickle. Needless to say we survived to tell the tale with only the odd bruise and scratch on our skis. Overnight there was 25 cm of powder on turoa but unfortunately blizzard conditions killed off our chances so we boosted home instead. Awesome.
Work is picking up at the moment after a few quiet weeks which is good. I am doing quite a large project surrounding our imports business which should keep me busy for a bit.
Kate is doing well in aussie. Highlights involve working many night shifts, going to byron bay and performing a nose-lego extraction.
Dave's flat is going well. We've managed to scare off one flatmate and get a new ginger one. This is obviously going to improve the ginger to non-giner ratio in my favour.
Out for dinner on friday, no plans for the rest of the week and then maybe skiing again the weekend after.
Party on.
Jeff
PS BSc - awesome.
PSS wedding - all going to plan i guess. Kate says the darling harbour reception venue looks very slick so that is good. choyce
PSSS - be my facebook friend.
Jeff here. Sorry I haven't been posting. Little to say (for a change!) I guess. Um, well, it's sunday night. Am quite tired after a big weekend on the snow.
We drove down on friday night leaving at 4:30 and getting in just before 11. We then skied fairly hard out on saturday and enjoyed checking out the new 6 seater at Turoa. Leather seats would you believe. Me and a mate (who also can't ski good) decided to check out a run we had seen the groomers making earlier in the day. Unfortunately they hadn't finished making the run yet and so we found ourselves in a wee bit of a pickle. Needless to say we survived to tell the tale with only the odd bruise and scratch on our skis. Overnight there was 25 cm of powder on turoa but unfortunately blizzard conditions killed off our chances so we boosted home instead. Awesome.
Work is picking up at the moment after a few quiet weeks which is good. I am doing quite a large project surrounding our imports business which should keep me busy for a bit.
Kate is doing well in aussie. Highlights involve working many night shifts, going to byron bay and performing a nose-lego extraction.
Dave's flat is going well. We've managed to scare off one flatmate and get a new ginger one. This is obviously going to improve the ginger to non-giner ratio in my favour.
Out for dinner on friday, no plans for the rest of the week and then maybe skiing again the weekend after.
Party on.
Jeff
PS BSc - awesome.
PSS wedding - all going to plan i guess. Kate says the darling harbour reception venue looks very slick so that is good. choyce
PSSS - be my facebook friend.
Home again..frosty days are here again!
Dear all,
Well we are safely back in Timaru and have actually been home a week lastnight. It seems hard to believe really. The biggest adjustment was to the climatic conditions. Life without frosts would be nice.
We both had a fair bit of 'jet lag' but I guess it is just a good thing to blame when motivation tends to wane. Sadly, when we got home we were made aware that a close friend of the family was very ill. David knew her very well and so as her health deteriorated David decided to visit Timaru.. unfortunately Ann passed away before he could see her. He delivered a lovely eulogy for her at her funeral.This sad time, combined with a course in Christchurch and a 2 day PD appraisal process on Thursday and Friday made it a very long and tiring week. The bonus was having David home but the circumstances were very sad.Last night we began to relax and felt that gradually things were returning to normal.
We enjoyed the rugby and I watched the netball which was exciting.
We really did enjoy our trip. It was nice seeing Brian and Healla and family again. Ash has his birthday on Tuesday and Brian has his big 50 celebrations next weekend.On our last night in Denmark we went to Tivoli gardens..an old-fashioned and beautiful amusement park. We listened to some fantastic music while there. We are now trying to find the time to double check all our photos. It seems that we do not have our first few days..Dubai and Istanbul which is very sad. I guess one just has to hold the memories of the sand in our heads.
Today was to be ghastly according to the weather forecasters but it turned out very beautiful..sunny and clear so it was good to open up the house and let the warmth of the sun in. Ash took David to the Chch plane very early this am and was back by lunchtime.Yesterday we went to Waimate for a late morning tea and lunch. Both mum and dad looked really good. Fit and healthy. Mum seems to have really enjoyed her trip away.
Lovely to hear form Matt. Congratulations to Jayne on gaining her Bsc..a big achievement and one to be very proud of. I hope Olivia that you are feeling better now. Hi to everyone else..would love to read your news as you post it. I trust everyone is well and happy. I know my wee dogs are very happy to have us home. They love to sit in front of the fire or on day like today they 'sunbathe'. Time to go.
Love Barbara and Ash
Well we are safely back in Timaru and have actually been home a week lastnight. It seems hard to believe really. The biggest adjustment was to the climatic conditions. Life without frosts would be nice.
We both had a fair bit of 'jet lag' but I guess it is just a good thing to blame when motivation tends to wane. Sadly, when we got home we were made aware that a close friend of the family was very ill. David knew her very well and so as her health deteriorated David decided to visit Timaru.. unfortunately Ann passed away before he could see her. He delivered a lovely eulogy for her at her funeral.This sad time, combined with a course in Christchurch and a 2 day PD appraisal process on Thursday and Friday made it a very long and tiring week. The bonus was having David home but the circumstances were very sad.Last night we began to relax and felt that gradually things were returning to normal.
We enjoyed the rugby and I watched the netball which was exciting.
We really did enjoy our trip. It was nice seeing Brian and Healla and family again. Ash has his birthday on Tuesday and Brian has his big 50 celebrations next weekend.On our last night in Denmark we went to Tivoli gardens..an old-fashioned and beautiful amusement park. We listened to some fantastic music while there. We are now trying to find the time to double check all our photos. It seems that we do not have our first few days..Dubai and Istanbul which is very sad. I guess one just has to hold the memories of the sand in our heads.
Today was to be ghastly according to the weather forecasters but it turned out very beautiful..sunny and clear so it was good to open up the house and let the warmth of the sun in. Ash took David to the Chch plane very early this am and was back by lunchtime.Yesterday we went to Waimate for a late morning tea and lunch. Both mum and dad looked really good. Fit and healthy. Mum seems to have really enjoyed her trip away.
Lovely to hear form Matt. Congratulations to Jayne on gaining her Bsc..a big achievement and one to be very proud of. I hope Olivia that you are feeling better now. Hi to everyone else..would love to read your news as you post it. I trust everyone is well and happy. I know my wee dogs are very happy to have us home. They love to sit in front of the fire or on day like today they 'sunbathe'. Time to go.
Love Barbara and Ash
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Jayne who has now finished her BSc.! Lots of celebrating is in order!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Last Post
So where are the posts disappearing too???
The photo post has gone.........
The Alzheimer's post is gone..............
The Loch Ness post has gone............
the trip recount from a and b has gone.............
Do we have an editor amidst our ranks?
The photo post has gone.........
The Alzheimer's post is gone..............
The Loch Ness post has gone............
the trip recount from a and b has gone.............
Do we have an editor amidst our ranks?
WELCOME HOME
Welcome Home Ashley and Barbara.......heating will certainly be a priority, tonight is again forecast for heavy frosts and outside it feels icy already! Guess the dogs will be delighted to see you!
A quiet Nelson day here, shopping day for Tracey and me as it is ball dress time....the mission has had it's highs and lows! A beautiful gown discovered, stunning in fact.....along with the price tag so the mission to fins a similar pattern was succesful to day so it will out with the sewing machine and by August 11 a new creation will be ready to wear!
Holidays end tomorrow :-(
Love to all
Janice
A quiet Nelson day here, shopping day for Tracey and me as it is ball dress time....the mission has had it's highs and lows! A beautiful gown discovered, stunning in fact.....along with the price tag so the mission to fins a similar pattern was succesful to day so it will out with the sewing machine and by August 11 a new creation will be ready to wear!
Holidays end tomorrow :-(
Love to all
Janice
Second Singapore Sling
Hope this one lasts longer... actually tried the beverage on the flight last night. Quite nice really.
We are waiting to board our last flight. It will be nice to get home now as it seems we have been in airports a while. Tivoli Gardens proved to be a real hit on the last night in Copenhagen despite drizzly weather. Today we are filling in time ready to go home.
Last blog for a while I suspect as there will be a lot to do once we hit Spur Road..I guess heating will be a priority.
Hope everyone is happy and well.
Love Barb and Ash
We are waiting to board our last flight. It will be nice to get home now as it seems we have been in airports a while. Tivoli Gardens proved to be a real hit on the last night in Copenhagen despite drizzly weather. Today we are filling in time ready to go home.
Last blog for a while I suspect as there will be a lot to do once we hit Spur Road..I guess heating will be a priority.
Hope everyone is happy and well.
Love Barb and Ash
Monday, July 9, 2007
Chilly Nelson
Hello from a very chilly Nelson where frost covers everything out there! A minus 5 frost, cloud cover and I am guessing a very chilly day ahead! Quite a huge contrast to Ashley and Barbara at present! Maybe our plans for a BBQ lunch at Rabbit Island will go on hold!
We have Philip and Sue and Matt from Rotorua here with us.....there arrived to rain in Thursday but the rest of the days have been clear and beautiful, we have enjoyed getting out and about with them.
Jayne and Amy are home and return to Chch ( a minus 7 frost this morning!! ) this week, Amy Wednesday and Jayne Thursday. Amy is heading back with her friend Beth and Jayne is driving herself ....yes, a car purchase has been made! Amy is off to Dunedin for the weekend. They are both waiting for exam results!
Willie and Philip and Sue have left to walk to the Centre of NZ...am sure they will find it a very chilly experience on a morning like this but they are well clothed with beanies, gloves and jackets! Perhaps I should have taken a photo!
Love to all
Janice
We have Philip and Sue and Matt from Rotorua here with us.....there arrived to rain in Thursday but the rest of the days have been clear and beautiful, we have enjoyed getting out and about with them.
Jayne and Amy are home and return to Chch ( a minus 7 frost this morning!! ) this week, Amy Wednesday and Jayne Thursday. Amy is heading back with her friend Beth and Jayne is driving herself ....yes, a car purchase has been made! Amy is off to Dunedin for the weekend. They are both waiting for exam results!
Willie and Philip and Sue have left to walk to the Centre of NZ...am sure they will find it a very chilly experience on a morning like this but they are well clothed with beanies, gloves and jackets! Perhaps I should have taken a photo!
Love to all
Janice
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Plebs
Hi to All,We are both very very well and extremely happy with our trip. Since last weeks blog we have been in the Greek Islands of Rhodes, Santorini and the party place, Mykonos. The hotel in Mykonos was incredible----on the beach, with wonderful views and it had just been refurbished, in a grand style.
We made the fast ferry trip to Athens yesterday, and visited the PLAKA last evening, did a "noddy train" dusk tour and then walked til we dropped.Today, off to the Acropilis---but a 48 hour strike killed that idea. Did the Zeus Temple etc but the real reason to visit Athens just fell off the radar----bugger. More Plaka this afternoon----great pedestrianised streets everywhere---markets and hawkers and great shopping oppurtunities. Sad to be leaving Greece.
Off to Denmark tomorrow----really looking forward to catching up with everyone there. The planes, ferries and transfers have all worked so far, so by this time tomorrow we should be at Brian and Hellas.Saw some new friends today in the street---we toured Turkey with them, and on Thursday they had one of their suitcases stolen from the ferry turnstiles---all their medication, jewellery purchases, and travel documents--- chaos for them, hopefully that can be avoided in the next week.
Time to run, a meal on the kerbside watching the Athenians go by beckons.
Love Barbara and Ash.
We made the fast ferry trip to Athens yesterday, and visited the PLAKA last evening, did a "noddy train" dusk tour and then walked til we dropped.Today, off to the Acropilis---but a 48 hour strike killed that idea. Did the Zeus Temple etc but the real reason to visit Athens just fell off the radar----bugger. More Plaka this afternoon----great pedestrianised streets everywhere---markets and hawkers and great shopping oppurtunities. Sad to be leaving Greece.
Off to Denmark tomorrow----really looking forward to catching up with everyone there. The planes, ferries and transfers have all worked so far, so by this time tomorrow we should be at Brian and Hellas.Saw some new friends today in the street---we toured Turkey with them, and on Thursday they had one of their suitcases stolen from the ferry turnstiles---all their medication, jewellery purchases, and travel documents--- chaos for them, hopefully that can be avoided in the next week.
Time to run, a meal on the kerbside watching the Athenians go by beckons.
Love Barbara and Ash.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Rhodes Scholars
Hi Everyone, We are loving our expedition. The whole package has been going wonderfully well. A mini heat wave in Turkey, and now Greece takes a bit of getting used too, but we are managing well----just need to keep the liquid balance going. The old town of Rhodes got a detailed examination today----incredible to learn and saee so much all in one place---particularly the Crusaders. Off to Lindos tomorrow.
At long last Ash is starting to see that history has a great deal to offer...the layers of civilisation is incredible and the extent to which remains are being constantly uncovered is very interesting. Itis very beautiful here..I did not think there could anything more beautiful than Ephesus but now I am not sure. We have found ice-creams to be an important part of the diet...our tour has included many buffets so we have had a wonderful chance to try all the Turkish and Greek cuisine..clothes seem smaller! The heat is unbelievable..feet struggle the most but face wipes and an occasional swim and beer make it tolerable. Many fires aroune Athens. Turkey was incredibly hot..broke records for heat at this time of the year. We are so happy. Thinking of you all. Love Barb and Ash
Thanks to the emailers with their news. Cheers, Ash and Barb.
At long last Ash is starting to see that history has a great deal to offer...the layers of civilisation is incredible and the extent to which remains are being constantly uncovered is very interesting. Itis very beautiful here..I did not think there could anything more beautiful than Ephesus but now I am not sure. We have found ice-creams to be an important part of the diet...our tour has included many buffets so we have had a wonderful chance to try all the Turkish and Greek cuisine..clothes seem smaller! The heat is unbelievable..feet struggle the most but face wipes and an occasional swim and beer make it tolerable. Many fires aroune Athens. Turkey was incredibly hot..broke records for heat at this time of the year. We are so happy. Thinking of you all. Love Barb and Ash
Thanks to the emailers with their news. Cheers, Ash and Barb.
Turkey and Greece.
Hi Everyone.
We are well---even with the extreme temperatures---47 degrees seems to be the average. Really critical to keep the fluid balance up.
The civilisation layers are amazing
We are well---even with the extreme temperatures---47 degrees seems to be the average. Really critical to keep the fluid balance up.
The civilisation layers are amazing
Monday, June 25, 2007
Hey All
Jeff here but i have kate at my side (how cute eeewwww)
Anyways she is rather sunburnt and i am rather jealous. She has heard about and laughed about the family blog and now i am introducing her to it. Kate, can we get a quote? "no, you can't have a quote" she says. Why not? "Jeff! delete it..." So anyways, she isn't corporating but luckily i can fabricate in her place. There are some delightful photos on our computer - all 589 of them! wow. Cool. Her trip sounds cool though. Intrepid journeys are the way to go.
Kate fell in love with Saigon as the best city in asia. Crowded but unlike many other cities it was also reasonably clean. She also enjoyed siam reap, bangkok and ??
Righto. I am taking off on annual leave this week to hang with her. I think we are going to head to Mt Ruapehu but maybe stop off at Taupo on the way? Haven't decided yet so the next step after i post this is wotif.
Take care eveyone. Dave is also well. He is sitting opposite me!
Jeff
Nearly there!
Hi all
Sorry about my absence on the blog. You haven't been missing out on much. I have an organic chemistry exam tomorrow and a physics exam on friday, and had a computer science exam last thursday. So I live at the library, a lot warmer than at my flat though!
We haven't been able to use the pot belly at our house cause there is something wrong with the chimney.. but 5 min ago the chimney man turned up, so that is very excting, we might light it tonight... Although getting the wood in is a boys job I feel.
Apart from that not much else is going on, I went to a cool new bar on Friday with a friend to catch up. Twas called the 'Fish and Chip Bar' quite funky and they even serve fish and chips wrapped up in newspaper.
I go home on Sunday with a friend, should be nice, taking Amy back with us too, happy family time. Am looking to buy a car when I am home, have looked down here but not too much round... Anyone know of a car I may want to buy? Manual, not too old, around 2-3 grand? Let me know... Oh and also not white preferably.
My hands get cold when I am typing so that can be it.
~ Jayne
Sorry about my absence on the blog. You haven't been missing out on much. I have an organic chemistry exam tomorrow and a physics exam on friday, and had a computer science exam last thursday. So I live at the library, a lot warmer than at my flat though!
We haven't been able to use the pot belly at our house cause there is something wrong with the chimney.. but 5 min ago the chimney man turned up, so that is very excting, we might light it tonight... Although getting the wood in is a boys job I feel.
Apart from that not much else is going on, I went to a cool new bar on Friday with a friend to catch up. Twas called the 'Fish and Chip Bar' quite funky and they even serve fish and chips wrapped up in newspaper.
I go home on Sunday with a friend, should be nice, taking Amy back with us too, happy family time. Am looking to buy a car when I am home, have looked down here but not too much round... Anyone know of a car I may want to buy? Manual, not too old, around 2-3 grand? Let me know... Oh and also not white preferably.
My hands get cold when I am typing so that can be it.
~ Jayne
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Kates Home
Hi Everyone
Just a quick message that I am home again. Surgery went well. The surgeon was impressed by the size of the stone. Chris compared it to a small avacado stone. I'm just pleased it's all over.
Cold here today again and not much better tomorrow going by the weather forecast.
A busy weekend watching lots of sport. GO NEW ZEALAND.
Will sign off and go to bed.
Love to all
Kate
Just a quick message that I am home again. Surgery went well. The surgeon was impressed by the size of the stone. Chris compared it to a small avacado stone. I'm just pleased it's all over.
Cold here today again and not much better tomorrow going by the weather forecast.
A busy weekend watching lots of sport. GO NEW ZEALAND.
Will sign off and go to bed.
Love to all
Kate
Monday, June 18, 2007
Baumt de baumt baumt
Hey Team
Tis the jeffster. I blog because I want to participate in this wee social experiment. Unfrotunately though I have little new materiaal to add.. Am living with Dave. That is nice. We cook together, we public transport together. It's very cheesy. Convenient though. My cooking is better than daves too which is a bonus.
Work is nice. We have a latte shop downstairs and the sushi available in the near vicinity is excellent. Green tea keeps the umvelt in order.
Righto, keep well everee-one.
Jeff
Tis the jeffster. I blog because I want to participate in this wee social experiment. Unfrotunately though I have little new materiaal to add.. Am living with Dave. That is nice. We cook together, we public transport together. It's very cheesy. Convenient though. My cooking is better than daves too which is a bonus.
Work is nice. We have a latte shop downstairs and the sushi available in the near vicinity is excellent. Green tea keeps the umvelt in order.
Righto, keep well everee-one.
Jeff
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Great to catch up !
How good to catch up on all the Christchurch news this weekend!
Am most glorious day here in Nelson, no wind, no clouds and....no kids at home!! Ooppps, the last part wasn't meant to sound like the great part......but it was very quiet!! Time outside on the deck, reading, chatting, having coffee from 9.30 until about 2....it was just a glorious day, sun has gone now, it's chilly, but the roast is on and dinner will not be 'til about 7.45 as Tim has basketball practice from 6 til then.
Tracey is out at Rabbit Island jet skiing.....no doubt she will be freezing cold by now!! Tim has been out at friends farm for the weekend.
Are we going to see some formal photos posted on the blog???? You've seen Tim at rugby, well i sorted put the batteries and here is Tracey at netball! She has just shot a goal, she has GA on her bib...her team won on Saturday!
Good Luck to Ashley and Barbara, am sure they will have a great time!
Good Luck to Kathleen who goes under the surgeon's knife on Tuesday, we will all be thinking of you! Am sure the family will rally round with lots of jobs being done for you!
I will be in Auckland later in the year Jeff and Davey, so will also look forward to catching up....am there with 9 of us from several schools in our area from 2 - 5 October...ages away!
We are looking forward to Amy coming home on Tuesday.....the naked bus.com seems like a cheap journey, hope is goes well Amy!!
Holidays for those of us working hard ion the filed of education in two weeks. Jayne and Amy will be home at various times and we are also looking forward to having Willie's brother Phillip and His wife Sue from Rotorua staying from 6 -10th and also Matt, our nephew, who is being well looked after by Jayne and Amz in Christchurch will be here at some stage. with is parents i think!
Am enjoying a wee glass of Merlot while dinner is cooking....am meant to be creating some graphs showing trends and patterns in student learning so best I get back to it!
Love to all
Janice
A Cool Sunday Afternoon
Hi Everyone
This is my first time blogging on Family Happenings 4. It took me a long time to get past the resident censor here. i have it bookmarked now.
It has been a cool and wettish weekend here, and one of the few weekends that haven't been covered up with things to do for band. We are pracitising for National competitions that are going to be held on the north shore 4th to 8th of July.
Jeff and Dave we would love to catch up with you when we are there. Kate, Brigette and Chris are in Auckland from 3rd July , until 8th. We are there without band on tuesday night. We will even have transport of our own.
Jeff it's great you are logistics, we are having major problems getting our percussion gear to Auckland. It used to be that percussion for a brass Band consisted of a bass drum and side drum (bring back the good old days) - now we have 4 tympany drum, vibes, marimbas, concet bass drum ... just kidding.
Ash and Barb have a great holiday. It certainly will be warmer in Turkey than here. Denmark will be changeable - could be like winter or summer.
Congratulations on the appointment Ash , Brian Smith from MWH told me the other day at band , but i was able to tell him that I'd already found out on the blog.
Jayne has just started a job - we saw her last weekend. She was sheltering from the cold.
It was Brigettes' formal last week , Kate and Chris were permitted to go to pre dinner drinks with her. (Unlike George, where he made me drop him off 300m from the destination in case somebody saw me! ) . I was even allowed to take photos with some of her friends in them.
We met parents that we hadn't seen since primary school, and a parent whose husband worked for James Bull before the 17 yo daughter was born.
Brigette is away working this afternoon. Kate has just dropped here off at Hoyts Riccarton.
George is doing downhill biking with one of his friends.
Kate is watching friend green tomatoes, and I'm meant to be organising a Locksmiths meeting in Rotorua in July.
Kate is having a gall stone and gall bladder out on Tuesday, and then is off to see Ron and Fay the following week. Chris saw some grab a seats on Air New Zealand for $39.00 each way.
Chris
This is my first time blogging on Family Happenings 4. It took me a long time to get past the resident censor here. i have it bookmarked now.
It has been a cool and wettish weekend here, and one of the few weekends that haven't been covered up with things to do for band. We are pracitising for National competitions that are going to be held on the north shore 4th to 8th of July.
Jeff and Dave we would love to catch up with you when we are there. Kate, Brigette and Chris are in Auckland from 3rd July , until 8th. We are there without band on tuesday night. We will even have transport of our own.
Jeff it's great you are logistics, we are having major problems getting our percussion gear to Auckland. It used to be that percussion for a brass Band consisted of a bass drum and side drum (bring back the good old days) - now we have 4 tympany drum, vibes, marimbas, concet bass drum ... just kidding.
Ash and Barb have a great holiday. It certainly will be warmer in Turkey than here. Denmark will be changeable - could be like winter or summer.
Congratulations on the appointment Ash , Brian Smith from MWH told me the other day at band , but i was able to tell him that I'd already found out on the blog.
Jayne has just started a job - we saw her last weekend. She was sheltering from the cold.
It was Brigettes' formal last week , Kate and Chris were permitted to go to pre dinner drinks with her. (Unlike George, where he made me drop him off 300m from the destination in case somebody saw me! ) . I was even allowed to take photos with some of her friends in them.
We met parents that we hadn't seen since primary school, and a parent whose husband worked for James Bull before the 17 yo daughter was born.
Brigette is away working this afternoon. Kate has just dropped here off at Hoyts Riccarton.
George is doing downhill biking with one of his friends.
Kate is watching friend green tomatoes, and I'm meant to be organising a Locksmiths meeting in Rotorua in July.
Kate is having a gall stone and gall bladder out on Tuesday, and then is off to see Ron and Fay the following week. Chris saw some grab a seats on Air New Zealand for $39.00 each way.
Chris
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Mum!? What are you doing to the poor cat? I guess he'll just have to wait until Jayne and I get home to get properly taken care of!
Christchurch is going well, its mighty cold though, but just a couple of days until I go home for a week or so then back down here for netball and then back up again for another week and a half. I have my one (and only!) exam on Monday so am busily preparing for that which should be fun times... hmmm. But there is only one which makes life a touch eaiser (there are some advantages to doing a law degree with full year papers!) Other than that things are ticking along.
I'm very jealous of Ash and Barbara off on their exciting trip... I just keep promising myself it will happen one day... but have a great time and keep us posted!
Anyway, things to learn...
Take care everyone,
Amy
Christchurch is going well, its mighty cold though, but just a couple of days until I go home for a week or so then back down here for netball and then back up again for another week and a half. I have my one (and only!) exam on Monday so am busily preparing for that which should be fun times... hmmm. But there is only one which makes life a touch eaiser (there are some advantages to doing a law degree with full year papers!) Other than that things are ticking along.
I'm very jealous of Ash and Barbara off on their exciting trip... I just keep promising myself it will happen one day... but have a great time and keep us posted!
Anyway, things to learn...
Take care everyone,
Amy
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Pets of the world united in pain!
Poor Toddy and we can add poor Hokey Pokey to the list. Thanks to the two pure white cats that have moved in across the road we have one wounded cat to contend with...and we are trying to be the vets....so far successfully!! Hokey Pokes has had a huge wound under his left ear and when I carefully trimmed the fur from around it last week before applying a general...for humans ...antibiotic cream, he moved his head quickly and I nicked his ear with the scissors!! It did bleed for a bit, I was a bit concerned and I certainly wasn't his best friend for a day or so!! Just yesterday when we were feeling pleased with out vet skills he has yet another wound, quite minor by comparison so here's hoping the salt water bathing, antibiotic cream and TLC work!
A glorious day here today...... little time to enjoy it but it certainly is good to get out and soak up the sunshine!
Warmest wishes
Janice
A glorious day here today...... little time to enjoy it but it certainly is good to get out and soak up the sunshine!
Warmest wishes
Janice
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
in the wars...
Poor old Toddy - I told him to floss after finishing off my cups of milo, all that sugar and chocolate cant have been good for his teeth.
hope your'e well on the way to improvement now mum! you'll need your energy for all that galavanting around europe you young gadabout you.
I went to the Dunkley's great craft show (or something-a-rather) on Sunday. I was just meandering around the fudge and rubber stamp stalls when Lo! and Behold! if i didn't run into the Waffle Hut! It'd travelled all the way from sunny Timaru on its nationwide craft-show tour. The supreme waffle extraordinaire was delighted to learn that I used to gorge myself on his tasty waffles in the summer sun in the mighty Caroline Bay Carnival.
ok ok so i have no interesting stories!
back to work
dave
hope your'e well on the way to improvement now mum! you'll need your energy for all that galavanting around europe you young gadabout you.
I went to the Dunkley's great craft show (or something-a-rather) on Sunday. I was just meandering around the fudge and rubber stamp stalls when Lo! and Behold! if i didn't run into the Waffle Hut! It'd travelled all the way from sunny Timaru on its nationwide craft-show tour. The supreme waffle extraordinaire was delighted to learn that I used to gorge myself on his tasty waffles in the summer sun in the mighty Caroline Bay Carnival.
ok ok so i have no interesting stories!
back to work
dave
Monday, June 11, 2007
Timaru Today
Hi Everyone,
We hope you are all well, and that all the travelling is going great. Jean should be in Scotland today, and John is probably in North Canterbury.
We are really looking fwd to our trip, with only 7 sleeps to go. Most jobs seem to have been done----only need to collect tickets, buy some more money, take dogs to the kennels, and get on the plane.
I returned from Invercargill last night to find Barbara most unwell with Sinus troubles, and she has been in bed all day today. Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in tonight.
Toddy has had a tooth root abscess and has had 2 teeth removed today.
Ashley is well!!!!.
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
We hope you are all well, and that all the travelling is going great. Jean should be in Scotland today, and John is probably in North Canterbury.
We are really looking fwd to our trip, with only 7 sleeps to go. Most jobs seem to have been done----only need to collect tickets, buy some more money, take dogs to the kennels, and get on the plane.
I returned from Invercargill last night to find Barbara most unwell with Sinus troubles, and she has been in bed all day today. Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in tonight.
Toddy has had a tooth root abscess and has had 2 teeth removed today.
Ashley is well!!!!.
Cheers, Ashley and Barbara.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
.....reporting in from Nelson........
Like the rest of the South Island we have spent the day indoors, wrapped in winter woollies! The sun managed to slink out from behind the cloud cover for a whole hour, no where near long enough to warm us up. Yesterday was pretty much the same and we all ventured out for various sports matches,,,,Brrrrr, the wind whistled everywhere, even the players looked cold at times! Here is Tim's rugby game....he's the one at the back of the lineout with his hands on his hips, Tracey's netball photo is meant to be here to but a flat battery ended that photo shoot!! Better luck next weekend!
Congratulations Ashley on being elected President of the National Executive of Local Government Engineers, no doubt that will entail some extra travel and meetings during the year ahead. Well done, am sure you will enjoy the role!
As I type away here Willie is winging his way back to Nelson from Whangarei, where he has had the weekend with is family celebrating his dad's 85th birthday...a real milestone considering his poor health over the last few years.
Good luck Ashley and Barbara for your exciting adventure next week........ sounds like you are in for a wonderful time and certainly the temperatures will be vastly different!
We had a quiet Queen's Birthday weekend but did get a few things done around the house and garden ready for the winter. My freesias are up and the daffodils are poking their heads through the soil. The cammelias are looking great at present. Mum and Dad were here for the weekend as they were playing bowls.
We had an enjoyable few hours at the Founders Book Fair on Sunday morning. It ewas wet and cold and a good place to be. It is an annual event with a huge hall absolutely filled with tables and tables of books. The fair runs for two weeks...a book lovers delight! We found a few goodies in amongst the wide variety for sale.
Amy is home next week after her only exam on Monday. She's found an extremely cheap bus fare...$1 Chch to Nelson on "The Naked Bus.com" Seven hours to get here but at a $1 and travelling with a friend it won't be all bad! She returns the same way 10 days later!
Warm wishes to all
Janice
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Back online...
Hello!
Sorry I've been slack on the blogs of late, email access has been a prob with my former flatties taking our connection with them. But, never fear I have the dial-up working and my ancient laptop on (you know it’s old when the spell-checker doesn't recognise 'internet' and 'e-mail').
Speaking of the former flatties, the couple we were living with moved out a couple of weeks back. Jeff will be taking their place in the flat soon for a couple of months until he gets settled in his new job and they (Jeff and Kate) decide what they wish to do re travel, accomodation, etc.
Have been catching up with Jeff a bit of late, he's been waiting for his stuff to arrive in AKL from Palmy for a couple of weeks now and is getting sick of the lonely apartment as you can imagine. Hopefully his stuff will arrive on Sat so he can move in.
I spent Queen's Birthday weekend at Kuaotunu Beach (North of Whitianga) with 12 mates from Knox. It really was heavenly. We even had amazing weather. I fully recommend to anyone wishing to get away to book a bach online, so easy and relatively cheap. We got a bach that sleeps upto 18 for $180 per night. Perfect.
Mary's high on life at the mo, she was working out at East Tamaki (miles away from Central Akl) for her first rotation at Lion Nathan, but as of couple of weeks ago has started at the Newmarket site (stone's throw away from home) in the innovation team. She's lovin the new role, marketing and designing new bevvies, etc. On her first week they sent her to a 3 day conference (pub crawl), think she's only just starting to recover. She's also started her legal profs course (online) for which she has her first assessment on Saturday. haha I say.
OK i'm starvin.
See you in the soup, when the peas grow :)
Dave
Sorry I've been slack on the blogs of late, email access has been a prob with my former flatties taking our connection with them. But, never fear I have the dial-up working and my ancient laptop on (you know it’s old when the spell-checker doesn't recognise 'internet' and 'e-mail').
Speaking of the former flatties, the couple we were living with moved out a couple of weeks back. Jeff will be taking their place in the flat soon for a couple of months until he gets settled in his new job and they (Jeff and Kate) decide what they wish to do re travel, accomodation, etc.
Have been catching up with Jeff a bit of late, he's been waiting for his stuff to arrive in AKL from Palmy for a couple of weeks now and is getting sick of the lonely apartment as you can imagine. Hopefully his stuff will arrive on Sat so he can move in.
I spent Queen's Birthday weekend at Kuaotunu Beach (North of Whitianga) with 12 mates from Knox. It really was heavenly. We even had amazing weather. I fully recommend to anyone wishing to get away to book a bach online, so easy and relatively cheap. We got a bach that sleeps upto 18 for $180 per night. Perfect.
Mary's high on life at the mo, she was working out at East Tamaki (miles away from Central Akl) for her first rotation at Lion Nathan, but as of couple of weeks ago has started at the Newmarket site (stone's throw away from home) in the innovation team. She's lovin the new role, marketing and designing new bevvies, etc. On her first week they sent her to a 3 day conference (pub crawl), think she's only just starting to recover. She's also started her legal profs course (online) for which she has her first assessment on Saturday. haha I say.
OK i'm starvin.
See you in the soup, when the peas grow :)
Dave
Monday, June 4, 2007
And may all the world sing....
Hi there! It is a stunning day here again today. The weather has been magnificent over the last fortnight..down to a cotton shirt during the day. First real frost [and a good one ] this morning but this is a small price to pay compared with the beautiful sunrises and the snow on the mountains gleaming in our view. Saturday was damp and awful but surprisingly the perfect 'winter' weather has returned.
The silly thing is that we have both had a nasty cold and flu so maybe it is the cold that kills the bugs. Ashley has the garden looking great for this time of the year. He light-prunned the roses a few weeks ago and they have rewarded us with another round of beautiful flowers and even more growth. We are hoping the grass stops growing soon so that we do not have to get it mowed before we leave. [we do remember a similar warm spell last year that came to an abrupt end with a dramatic snowfall!]
Ash leaves for Invercargill tomorrow night as he has a big executive meeting just after lunch on Wednesday. He will be elected President of the National Executive of Local Government Engineers so he will have a big few days until he returns home on Sunday night. Sadly I cannot go with him as I have already taken some leave for the trip away. Our Principal is still on sick leave with a brain tumour and so the staff is taking the strain. On Wednesday Night I have PTA interviews officially from 7-9 but mine start at 6.30-9.30 and then a waitng list...due to 3 senior English classes. I have already had many interviews last Friday.
Ash and i went to Waimate on Saturday afternoon so that I could deliver some pre-made food for dad [casseroles, mince, scones etc] and to check mum and her bags. She was highly organised and had made very good decisions about her gear. She travels to ChCh today and flies out to Singapore tomorrow. She and 2 other women are joining a bus tour to go around the British Isles; they have about a week or so in London and then join a second tour down the Continent as far as Italy, France, Austria , Switzerland etc. it is quite a plucky move considering she has only been as far as Australia previously. Dad is planning a mini trip to see his brother and sister in between his community committments.
We are looking forward to seeing the next week thru as hassle-free as possible. I hope Ash manages to get South and back without encountering nasty weather.
We are both getting very excited about our trip. We have been reading up on Istanbul..we have booked an extra 2 days there as the culture sounds amazing. We hope to stand at the point where Asia mets Europe and spend time visiting the amazing mosques, harem, bazaar, palaces etc. It will be a culture shock for us. It seems we have to get Hep A vaccinations this week and take heed of the travel advisary! I am more concerned about the possibilty of an earthquake or heatstroke.!!
It will be lovely to see Brian and Hella and family. Hopefully we can celebrate his 50th birtday a little earlier. It is a long way from Athens to Bilund but will be good to see everyone again and the dear wee village they live in.
Thankyou for the freesias. They have been planted and yesterday we discovered more bulbs in our shed so I guess they will go in this pm. It is a big bucketfull from all the pots we had when we shifted...they certainly have multiplied.
Hopefully everyone has had a good Queens Birthday. Jeff in a flat yet? David..did you get to the Coast? Kathleen..when is surgery? Kate is currently in Veitnam/Cambodia.
Time for lunch!! Hope to hear from you soon. Barbara and Ashley xxx
The silly thing is that we have both had a nasty cold and flu so maybe it is the cold that kills the bugs. Ashley has the garden looking great for this time of the year. He light-prunned the roses a few weeks ago and they have rewarded us with another round of beautiful flowers and even more growth. We are hoping the grass stops growing soon so that we do not have to get it mowed before we leave. [we do remember a similar warm spell last year that came to an abrupt end with a dramatic snowfall!]
Ash leaves for Invercargill tomorrow night as he has a big executive meeting just after lunch on Wednesday. He will be elected President of the National Executive of Local Government Engineers so he will have a big few days until he returns home on Sunday night. Sadly I cannot go with him as I have already taken some leave for the trip away. Our Principal is still on sick leave with a brain tumour and so the staff is taking the strain. On Wednesday Night I have PTA interviews officially from 7-9 but mine start at 6.30-9.30 and then a waitng list...due to 3 senior English classes. I have already had many interviews last Friday.
Ash and i went to Waimate on Saturday afternoon so that I could deliver some pre-made food for dad [casseroles, mince, scones etc] and to check mum and her bags. She was highly organised and had made very good decisions about her gear. She travels to ChCh today and flies out to Singapore tomorrow. She and 2 other women are joining a bus tour to go around the British Isles; they have about a week or so in London and then join a second tour down the Continent as far as Italy, France, Austria , Switzerland etc. it is quite a plucky move considering she has only been as far as Australia previously. Dad is planning a mini trip to see his brother and sister in between his community committments.
We are looking forward to seeing the next week thru as hassle-free as possible. I hope Ash manages to get South and back without encountering nasty weather.
We are both getting very excited about our trip. We have been reading up on Istanbul..we have booked an extra 2 days there as the culture sounds amazing. We hope to stand at the point where Asia mets Europe and spend time visiting the amazing mosques, harem, bazaar, palaces etc. It will be a culture shock for us. It seems we have to get Hep A vaccinations this week and take heed of the travel advisary! I am more concerned about the possibilty of an earthquake or heatstroke.!!
It will be lovely to see Brian and Hella and family. Hopefully we can celebrate his 50th birtday a little earlier. It is a long way from Athens to Bilund but will be good to see everyone again and the dear wee village they live in.
Thankyou for the freesias. They have been planted and yesterday we discovered more bulbs in our shed so I guess they will go in this pm. It is a big bucketfull from all the pots we had when we shifted...they certainly have multiplied.
Hopefully everyone has had a good Queens Birthday. Jeff in a flat yet? David..did you get to the Coast? Kathleen..when is surgery? Kate is currently in Veitnam/Cambodia.
Time for lunch!! Hope to hear from you soon. Barbara and Ashley xxx
Monday, May 28, 2007
auckland now from jeff.
Hey Everyone
Jeff here! Sorry I haven’t been blogging but I haven’t really had time or the internet access to do so. I find myself having to skip my lunch hour to blog away. I changed to time on the blog to NZ standard time. I hope this keeps Ash happy. Also, FYI, anyone can read the blog quite happily. Hence why it’s called a blog. The website is http://familyhappenings4.blogspot.com/ and so you only need to log in to change it. Also instead of adding posts you can edit posts too. Thus Ashley could go back and delete his or we can edit out spelling mistakes. Finally, I wouldn’t want to comment on too many employment situations to the world!!
Um, yeah, so I am in Auckland. It was sad leaving Palmy and an almighty effort but least that is sorted now. In the next week I am indeed moving into a flat on Dave’s street. This should be good hopefully and will keep me out of trouble while Kate is overseas.
Work is cool. I work in shipping and logistics now. Obviously this is a topic I know lots about so feel free to hit me with your questions. Did you all see Marge in the news? I met her last year. What a nice cow!!
Will update more fully in due course. Hope everyone is alright…
Jeff
Jeff here! Sorry I haven’t been blogging but I haven’t really had time or the internet access to do so. I find myself having to skip my lunch hour to blog away. I changed to time on the blog to NZ standard time. I hope this keeps Ash happy. Also, FYI, anyone can read the blog quite happily. Hence why it’s called a blog. The website is http://familyhappenings4.blogspot.com/ and so you only need to log in to change it. Also instead of adding posts you can edit posts too. Thus Ashley could go back and delete his or we can edit out spelling mistakes. Finally, I wouldn’t want to comment on too many employment situations to the world!!
Um, yeah, so I am in Auckland. It was sad leaving Palmy and an almighty effort but least that is sorted now. In the next week I am indeed moving into a flat on Dave’s street. This should be good hopefully and will keep me out of trouble while Kate is overseas.
Work is cool. I work in shipping and logistics now. Obviously this is a topic I know lots about so feel free to hit me with your questions. Did you all see Marge in the news? I met her last year. What a nice cow!!
Will update more fully in due course. Hope everyone is alright…
Jeff
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The time!
Following Ashley's comment...........This website allows you to convert time to NZ time...perhaps someone could do this!!
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
Reporting from Wint Nelson!
Hi All
Wild and windy Nelson all day today, fine and warm also! A little different to the storm of Wednesday night which opened up over Stoke, closing schools and roads for the day. We just got the tail end of it, the rain was very welcome, not so much the wind tho.
Like the red and black Ashley, very parochial indeed! My purple has no significance! Wonder where the other family members are!!
Planted some more freesias here as well and a few polyanthus out the front. The new planting around the goldfish pond under the stairs is doing really well!
School is busy, our 2nd new caretaker for this term starts next week, he won't need to be much better to be more honest than the last!!
Tim and I joined our school to be the noise crew for the Giants versus the Saints basketball game on Friday night. Giants won by two in the last 30 seconds of the game. They were indeed lucky as the Saints showed much better form and their goals went in! It was noisy, our kids did well and they also won the match with another school at half time!
If you are looking at Aquatic Centres our new one in Richmond is very popular....maybe you could bring your team up this way Ash!! They do very good promotional stuff around the schools and have popular sessions for teenagers on Friday nights as well as running successful Flippa Ball programmes for kids after school during the week. They also do holiday programmes. I guess the day to day running is not what you are looking at at present but the one here has won awards for meeting the public needs. Lisa Stove....you know my friend Gail, her sister is the programme manager here and has given the centre a great profile.
Am busy reading CV's at present as I am the Principal Adviser for the local Catholic School who are appointing anew principal....a bit of a learning curve with all the Catholic bits and pieces but apart from that it is a very interesting process! Am also running some special principal meetings as part of my work at MOE so all in all not much spare time these days!!
Tracey and Tim are good, both lost their games yesterday but played really well...... Tracey is a great goal shoot and flies through the air when they put her at centre! Tim almost scored yesterday but go penalised for holding the ball up....could see the goal line but couldn't get the ball to it and couldn't pass it either!
Willie thinks this is the last week of night time apples......... this new shed works til 11.30 and they are often running late so he is never home before midnight! He is off to Whangarei the weekend after QB to celebrate his dad's 85th birthday.
That's about us here in windy Neslson
Love to all
Janice
Wild and windy Nelson all day today, fine and warm also! A little different to the storm of Wednesday night which opened up over Stoke, closing schools and roads for the day. We just got the tail end of it, the rain was very welcome, not so much the wind tho.
Like the red and black Ashley, very parochial indeed! My purple has no significance! Wonder where the other family members are!!
Planted some more freesias here as well and a few polyanthus out the front. The new planting around the goldfish pond under the stairs is doing really well!
School is busy, our 2nd new caretaker for this term starts next week, he won't need to be much better to be more honest than the last!!
Tim and I joined our school to be the noise crew for the Giants versus the Saints basketball game on Friday night. Giants won by two in the last 30 seconds of the game. They were indeed lucky as the Saints showed much better form and their goals went in! It was noisy, our kids did well and they also won the match with another school at half time!
If you are looking at Aquatic Centres our new one in Richmond is very popular....maybe you could bring your team up this way Ash!! They do very good promotional stuff around the schools and have popular sessions for teenagers on Friday nights as well as running successful Flippa Ball programmes for kids after school during the week. They also do holiday programmes. I guess the day to day running is not what you are looking at at present but the one here has won awards for meeting the public needs. Lisa Stove....you know my friend Gail, her sister is the programme manager here and has given the centre a great profile.
Am busy reading CV's at present as I am the Principal Adviser for the local Catholic School who are appointing anew principal....a bit of a learning curve with all the Catholic bits and pieces but apart from that it is a very interesting process! Am also running some special principal meetings as part of my work at MOE so all in all not much spare time these days!!
Tracey and Tim are good, both lost their games yesterday but played really well...... Tracey is a great goal shoot and flies through the air when they put her at centre! Tim almost scored yesterday but go penalised for holding the ball up....could see the goal line but couldn't get the ball to it and couldn't pass it either!
Willie thinks this is the last week of night time apples......... this new shed works til 11.30 and they are often running late so he is never home before midnight! He is off to Whangarei the weekend after QB to celebrate his dad's 85th birthday.
That's about us here in windy Neslson
Love to all
Janice
Timing
The post timing seems to be the time of starting the typing, in Google time --California maybe?. Can we change it to local time?.Ashh.
Timing of Posts
Hi, Does anyone understand the timing put on each post??. I have just put o post on, and the time shows as 6.21pm Saturday. This is 19 hours and 20 minutes behind our time?.Ashh.
Sunshine in Timaru
Hi Everyone,
The weather is great, lots of sunshine and no frosts yet. The grass in the paddock is still growing and we now have 45 of our neighbours sheep grazing it for a few weeks. The sheep are mainly black and are very friendly.
Barbara and I both had awful head colds last weekend and last week. We spent most of last weekend in bed sleeping it off. I am now well again, but Barbara has been to the After Hours doctor this morning and has a sinus infection, and an inner ear infection----a 10 day course of antibiotics has been prescribed as a remedy. Hopefully in a few days she will be bettter.
Tomorrow, the Chief Exec and I are taking the Mayor and Councillors to Oamaru, Dunedin and on Tuesday to Alexandria. We are looking at Aquatic Centres so that we can consider all the types of facilities that should be included in our new complex, that I am responsible for, and which is to be opened in 4 years time.
Janice, the freesias arrive mid week and are about to be planted, along with another bag of daffodils----hopefully the forecast rain will allow them to get a great start to life.
Cheers, and good gardening to you all. Ashh.
The weather is great, lots of sunshine and no frosts yet. The grass in the paddock is still growing and we now have 45 of our neighbours sheep grazing it for a few weeks. The sheep are mainly black and are very friendly.
Barbara and I both had awful head colds last weekend and last week. We spent most of last weekend in bed sleeping it off. I am now well again, but Barbara has been to the After Hours doctor this morning and has a sinus infection, and an inner ear infection----a 10 day course of antibiotics has been prescribed as a remedy. Hopefully in a few days she will be bettter.
Tomorrow, the Chief Exec and I are taking the Mayor and Councillors to Oamaru, Dunedin and on Tuesday to Alexandria. We are looking at Aquatic Centres so that we can consider all the types of facilities that should be included in our new complex, that I am responsible for, and which is to be opened in 4 years time.
Janice, the freesias arrive mid week and are about to be planted, along with another bag of daffodils----hopefully the forecast rain will allow them to get a great start to life.
Cheers, and good gardening to you all. Ashh.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
We are back one
We are back on board. Three computers in the house and only the one not connected to the net working. LOL
Saturday night here. Richard, Line (his girlfriend) and Thomas are in front of the tv. Some car stuff on at the moment. Christina is in Branderup at her grandmothers. She had a soccer came today wish they lost. Not many wins as they have moved up to the a higher league.
She has finished written exams. History, biology, danish and maths. She was unlucky and drew history rather than German. She still has one written exame in french.
On the 8th of june she finishes school and has then only oral exams left. the 29th of june is her last schol day in Toftlund. she starts on the 19th of august in Højer boarding school.
Richard is happy at his productions school. He has chosen the metal line of schooling. He is really happy about getting paid for going to school. $562 a fortnight. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee paid for. after the summer holidays he is going to get his drivers license. He can get this while going to school and at a third of the price. $2150 for a danish driverslicence.
Thomas has just finishe three days work at the local motorbike shop. Eights class kids have to get out of the school so the nineths class can have their exams in peace.
He is of to the local A&P show on the 1st of june.
Brian and I are of to CPH for a week end away.
Got hold of Mum and Dad last week. They seem ok and happy.
Sounds as if you all are well and busy as we are here.
Brian has spend two days putting some concrete out the back. Not amused when "Bamse" and "Granddad"(family dog and cat) left their prints.
If anyone is interested I have a used three week holiday for sale.
I an on my last leg of my holiday and start again on wednesday. Yak
No holiday before the 6th of july again.
And then again in august when Brian turns the big 50.
Have got the food ordered. Quich for starters and then 5 different grill meats with 12 different salats and a big birthday cake.
Enough for all 80 invited guests. Again if anyone is over here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well take care and keep blogging.
Saturday night here. Richard, Line (his girlfriend) and Thomas are in front of the tv. Some car stuff on at the moment. Christina is in Branderup at her grandmothers. She had a soccer came today wish they lost. Not many wins as they have moved up to the a higher league.
She has finished written exams. History, biology, danish and maths. She was unlucky and drew history rather than German. She still has one written exame in french.
On the 8th of june she finishes school and has then only oral exams left. the 29th of june is her last schol day in Toftlund. she starts on the 19th of august in Højer boarding school.
Richard is happy at his productions school. He has chosen the metal line of schooling. He is really happy about getting paid for going to school. $562 a fortnight. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee paid for. after the summer holidays he is going to get his drivers license. He can get this while going to school and at a third of the price. $2150 for a danish driverslicence.
Thomas has just finishe three days work at the local motorbike shop. Eights class kids have to get out of the school so the nineths class can have their exams in peace.
He is of to the local A&P show on the 1st of june.
Brian and I are of to CPH for a week end away.
Got hold of Mum and Dad last week. They seem ok and happy.
Sounds as if you all are well and busy as we are here.
Brian has spend two days putting some concrete out the back. Not amused when "Bamse" and "Granddad"(family dog and cat) left their prints.
If anyone is interested I have a used three week holiday for sale.
I an on my last leg of my holiday and start again on wednesday. Yak
No holiday before the 6th of july again.
And then again in august when Brian turns the big 50.
Have got the food ordered. Quich for starters and then 5 different grill meats with 12 different salats and a big birthday cake.
Enough for all 80 invited guests. Again if anyone is over here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well take care and keep blogging.
Friday, May 18, 2007
We love blogging................
I've managed to catch up on all the blogs. What an interesting bunch we are! Its great reading. Another lovely day here. Hard to believe winter is just around the corner.
Chris, Brigette and I are in Auckland on July 3 and leave evening of the 8th. Band contest is on the North Shore. Love to catch up with anyone who is around.
Have a great day and enjoy the weekend. Take Care.
Kathleen.
PS: My nearest mate on my Virtual Super 14 mates list is 10 points behind and Chris is still last!
Chris, Brigette and I are in Auckland on July 3 and leave evening of the 8th. Band contest is on the North Shore. Love to catch up with anyone who is around.
Have a great day and enjoy the weekend. Take Care.
Kathleen.
PS: My nearest mate on my Virtual Super 14 mates list is 10 points behind and Chris is still last!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
news views and spelling cues
Hello there from warm, windy paradise! Nice to see another family member on the blog... glad to see the instructions worked well for you Kathleen!
Nice to know where the spellchecker is on the blog...thanks to the helpful hint, my guess is that it was Dave who passed on the tip......
An eventful week where our school caretaker resigned.......he was highly upset when he was found to be leaving the premises for an hour daily and charging the time he had away to us........ lucky he resigned before he was sent on his merry way....and then he told me he had been doing it since he started 3 weeks ago....so docked pay and off he goes!! Here's hoping the next one will at least be honest!!
Willie is now at another pack house for three weeks as the first pack house apple season has finished for night staff. The new premises are in stoke, five minutes away , very handy....they don't finish until at least 11.30 so we hardly get to see him! :-(
Tim has his school cross country tomorrow, Saturday rugby has started....a stomach covered in sprig marks was the result of last weeks game...this mother doesn't like that too much! Basket ball starts on Wednesday and that has much less physical contact, yet is quite aggressive....am not sure which is worse!
Talking of rugby....who shall I support in the final? You will have noticed my 0 points after last weeks pics! Hmmmmmm.....
Nice to catch up
LOLJanice
Nice to know where the spellchecker is on the blog...thanks to the helpful hint, my guess is that it was Dave who passed on the tip......
An eventful week where our school caretaker resigned.......he was highly upset when he was found to be leaving the premises for an hour daily and charging the time he had away to us........ lucky he resigned before he was sent on his merry way....and then he told me he had been doing it since he started 3 weeks ago....so docked pay and off he goes!! Here's hoping the next one will at least be honest!!
Willie is now at another pack house for three weeks as the first pack house apple season has finished for night staff. The new premises are in stoke, five minutes away , very handy....they don't finish until at least 11.30 so we hardly get to see him! :-(
Tim has his school cross country tomorrow, Saturday rugby has started....a stomach covered in sprig marks was the result of last weeks game...this mother doesn't like that too much! Basket ball starts on Wednesday and that has much less physical contact, yet is quite aggressive....am not sure which is worse!
Talking of rugby....who shall I support in the final? You will have noticed my 0 points after last weeks pics! Hmmmmmm.....
Nice to catch up
LOLJanice
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